Photoelectric sensor

Abstract

The invention provides a photoelectric sensor. A display lamp can be easily viewed from any direction. A photoelectric sensor (1) is provided with: a housing (10) having a first surface (for example, a top surface 15) and a second surface (for example, a bottom surface 16) on the opposite side from the first surface; and a first display lamp (31) and a second display lamp (32) capable of displaying information on the state of the photoelectric sensor (1) that overlaps each other. The first indicator light (31) is arranged on the first surface, the second indicator light (32) is arranged on the second surface, the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other, and the repeated information is the on-off state of the power supply and / or the detection state of the workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a photoelectric sensor. Background Art

[0002] A photoelectric sensor with an indicator light can light up the indicator light to inform the operator of information such as the on / off status of the power supply and the detection status of the workpiece. As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, such an indicator light is generally arranged on the top surface of the housing of the photoelectric sensor. Depending on the installation location, it is sometimes difficult to visually see the top surface of the housing. Patent Document 2 discloses the following invention of a photoelectric switch: an output unit action indicator light is arranged at a corner of the first housing where a relay cable extends, and a front surface action indicator light is also provided on the front surface of the first housing arranged between a light projection window of the light projection unit and a light receiving window of the light receiving unit, and the front surface action indicator light is lit or flashes synchronously with the output unit action indicator light.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-119335

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-168270 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] As in Patent Document 1, if the indicator light is located on the top surface of the housing, the indicator light cannot be visually seen from the bottom surface. In the invention described in Patent Document 2, although the range in which any indicator light can be visually seen is expanded by the output portion operating indicator light at the corner and the front surface operating indicator light at the front surface, any indicator light cannot be visually seen from the top surface of the first housing. In conventional photoelectric sensors, in order to visually see the indicator light, sometimes restrictions are imposed on the installation location and the installation direction. In addition, depending on the installation location, sometimes the indicator light cannot be visually seen.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric sensor whose display light is easily visible from any direction.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a first indicator light and a second indicator light capable of displaying information about the state of the photoelectric sensor that overlaps with each other. The first indicator light is provided on the first surface, and the second indicator light is provided on the second surface, the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other, and the overlapping information is the on / off state of the power supply and / or the detection state of the workpiece.

[0012] According to this mode, the first display light can be visually viewed from the first surface side of the housing, and the second display light can be visually viewed from the second surface side, so the display light can be easily visually viewed from any direction. If the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other, the second surface cannot be visually viewed from the first surface side, and the first surface cannot be visually viewed from the second surface side, but the first display light and the second display light can both display the same information that overlaps each other, especially the information of the on / off state of the power supply and / or the detection state of the workpiece, which is information that is desired to be displayed at all times, so the state of the photoelectric sensor can be reliably notified to the operator.

[0013] In the above aspect, the first surface may be a top surface on which a display is arranged, and the second surface may be a bottom surface.

[0014] In this method, the second surface cannot be viewed from the first surface side, and the first surface cannot be viewed from the second surface side. However, since the first and second display lights can both display the same information that overlaps each other, at least one of the display lights can be viewed regardless of the direction.

[0015] In the above aspect, the first indicator lamp may protrude from the first surface, and the second indicator lamp may protrude from the second surface.

[0016] According to this aspect, the first indicator light and the second indicator light protrude and are easily visible, so the state of the photoelectric sensor can be more reliably notified to the operator.

[0017] In the above method, it is also possible to further include: a display substrate, which is installed with a display; and a power substrate, which is connected to a power cable to supply power to the electronic components in the shell, the light source of the first display lamp is installed on the display substrate, and the light source of the second display lamp is installed on the power substrate.

[0018] According to this embodiment, although the second indicator lamp is provided in addition to the first indicator lamp, since the second indicator lamp is mounted on the existing power supply substrate, it is not necessary to prepare and add a substrate for the second indicator lamp. Compared with the case where the first indicator substrate is prepared for the first indicator lamp and the second indicator substrate is prepared for the second indicator lamp, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0019] In the above aspect, the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp may simultaneously display overlapping information.

[0020] According to this aspect, even in a direction where both the first indicator light and the second indicator light cannot be viewed simultaneously, the first indicator light and the second indicator light can both display the same information overlapping each other, so the operator can be reliably informed of the state of the photoelectric sensor.

[0021] In the above aspect, a mode can be selected to turn off only one of the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp. A mode can be selected to turn off only one of the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp with a specific wavelength.

[0022] If the light of the display lamp is reflected by the wall, ceiling, etc. and enters the light receiving part as interference light, the photoelectric sensor may malfunction. According to these methods, since the first display lamp and the second display lamp can both display the same information that overlaps each other, it is possible to selectively turn off the display lamp arranged on the side that may become the interference light, or selectively turn off the light of a specific wavelength that causes the photoelectric sensor to malfunction. In this way, the malfunction of the photoelectric sensor can be prevented before it happens.

[0023] In the above aspect, a mode in which the first indicator lamp and / or the second indicator lamp are turned off may be selectable. A mode in which the first indicator lamp and / or the second indicator lamp are turned off to emit light of a specific wavelength may be selectable.

[0024] Since photoelectric sensors of the same model are sometimes arranged in multiple places, or the setting places are changed and reset, there is a demand to intentionally arrange the photoelectric sensor with a display light in a frame that cannot be visually confirmed from the outside. In the housing, both the first surface side and the second surface side may become interference light. According to these methods, in the case where both the first surface side and the second surface side may become interference light, both the first display light and the second display light can be extinguished, or both the first display light and the second display light can be selectively turned off to cause the photoelectric sensor to malfunction. In addition, in the case where only either the first surface side or the second surface side may become interference light, the display light configured on the side that may become interference light can be selectively extinguished, or the light of a specific wavelength that causes the photoelectric sensor to malfunction can be selectively turned off. Thus, the malfunction of the photoelectric sensor can be prevented in various situations.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoelectric sensor in which a display light is easily visible from any direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of a photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A front view of the light projecting part and the light receiving part of the photoelectric sensor shown.

[0029] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1A top view of the first indicator light of the photoelectric sensor shown.

[0030] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A bottom view of the second indicator light of the photoelectric sensor shown.

[0031] Figure 5 Observed from above Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the photoelectric sensor shown.

[0032] Figure 6 Observed from below Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the photoelectric sensor shown.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a first indicator lamp and a second indicator lamp that can display the same information overlapping each other.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp that can display the same information overlapping each other.

[0035] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a turn-off pattern in which only one of the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp is turned off.

[0036] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength shutoff mode in which only one of the first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp is shut off from light of a specific wavelength.

[0037] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a turn-off pattern for turning off the first indicator lamp and / or the second indicator lamp.

[0038] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength shutoff mode in which the first indicator lamp and / or the second indicator lamp shut off light of a specific wavelength.

[0039] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a modified example in which a wavelength off mode can be selected in a photoelectric sensor that does not include a second indicator lamp.

[0040] Description of symbols

[0041] 1: Photoelectric sensor; 2: Light-emitting part; 3: Light-receiving part; 9: Power cable; 10: Housing; 11: Front; 12: Back; 13: Left side; 14: Right side; 15: Top (an example of the first side); 16: Bottom (an example of the second side); 20: Display; 31: First display light; 31L: Power / communication display light; 31R: Action display light; 32: Second display light; 40: Operation button; 41: Tech button; 42: DOWN button; 43: UP button; 50: Trimmer; 62: Light-emitting and light-receiving board; 63: Main board; 65: Display board; 66: Power board; A, B, C: Light sources; X: Front-to-back direction of the sensor; Y: Left-to-right direction of the sensor; Z: Up-down direction of the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the parts marked with the same reference numerals have the same or similar structure. Below, each structure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, as an example of a photoelectric sensor 1, a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor is disclosed, which measures the distance based on the time until the light receiving part 3 receives the reflected light of the light projected by the light projecting part 2 at a fixed period. Compared with other types of photoelectric sensors, the TOF sensor has a larger light receiving part 3 and a larger housing 10 in the horizontal direction, so that the first display light 31 and the second display light 32 that are easy to visually see can be arranged on the housing 10. The photoelectric sensor 1 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and can also be a photoelectric sensor other than the TOF method.

[0043] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the photoelectric sensor 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 The front view of the light projecting part 2 and the light receiving part 3 of the photoelectric sensor 1 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the photoelectric sensor 1 includes: a housing 10, which is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped; and a light projecting unit 2, a light receiving unit 3, and a power cable 9 ( Figure 4 As shown), the display 20, the first display light (first indicator) 31, the second display light (second indicator) 32, the operation button 40, the trimmer 50, etc.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the housing 10 has a front surface 11, a back surface 12, a left side surface 13, a right side surface 14, a top surface 15, a bottom surface 16, etc. In the following description, the direction from the back surface 12 toward the front surface 11 is called the front, the direction from the front surface 11 toward the back surface 12 is called the back, the direction from the right side surface 14 toward the left side surface 13 is called the left, the direction from the left side surface 13 toward the right side surface 14 is called the right, the direction from the bottom surface 16 toward the top surface 15 is called the top, and the direction from the top surface 15 toward the bottom surface 16 is called the bottom. Figure 1 The X-axis direction represents the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction represents the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the up-down direction.

[0045] One of the features of the photoelectric sensor 1 of the present embodiment is that the housing 10 has a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides to each other, a first display lamp 31 is arranged on the first surface, and a second display lamp 32 is arranged on the second surface on the opposite side to the first surface. The first display lamp 31 arranged on the first surface and the second display lamp 32 arranged on the second surface are configured to display mutually overlapping information about the state of the photoelectric sensor 1.

[0046] In the example shown in the figure, the top surface 15 is the first surface, and the bottom surface 16 is the second surface. The combination of the first surface and the second surface is not limited to the example shown in the figure. Alternatively, the left side surface 13 is the first surface, and the right side surface 14 is the second surface. Alternatively, the front side 11 is the first surface, and the back side 12 is the second surface. In their combination, the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other. Although not shown in the figure, an inclined surface connecting the top surface 15 and the front side 11 can be formed as the first surface, and an inclined surface connecting the bottom surface 16 and the back side 12 can be formed as the second surface.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3 are arranged on the front side 11 of the housing 10. The light projecting unit 2 includes a light source such as a laser diode, and projects light to a workpiece, etc. The light receiving unit 3 includes a light receiving element such as a CMOS image sensor, and receives reflected light that is reflected and returned by the workpiece, etc. The substrate (the light projecting and receiving substrate 62, the main substrate 63, etc. described later) connected to the light projecting unit 2 and the light receiving unit 3 calculates the distance between the photoelectric sensor 1 and the workpiece, etc. by measuring the time until the light projected from the light projecting unit 2 is reflected back.

[0048] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a top view of the first indicator light 31 of the photoelectric sensor 1 shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, the first indicator light 31 is composed of a power supply / communication indicator light 31L that can indicate the on / off state of the power supply, an operation indicator light 31R that can indicate the detection state of the workpiece, and the like. Figure 3 As shown, on the top surface 15 of the housing 10 , in addition to the first display lamp 31 , a display 20 , a trimmer 50 , and the like are arranged.

[0049] The trimmer 50 can change the shape of the light spot irradiated by the light projected by the light projecting unit 2 according to the workpiece. In the example shown in the figure, the trimmer 50 is configured to be able to change the shape of the light spot by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise. In a workpiece without a recess or through hole, if the size of the light spot is small, it is difficult to malfunction due to interference, and the workpiece can be stably detected. On the other hand, in a workpiece with a recess or through hole, if the size of the light spot is enlarged, the workpiece can be stably detected even if the reflectivity of the light changes due to the recess.

[0050] The operation button 40 is used for teaching, etc., which automatically sets an appropriate determination threshold value in various usage environments. In the example shown in the figure, the operation button 40 is composed of a Tech button 41, a DOWN button 42, and an UP button 43. The Tech button 41 is used, for example, for teaching and function operation of the photoelectric sensor 1, and the DOWN button 42 and the UP button 43 are used, for example, for fine adjustment of the threshold value of the sensor and for the transfer of the menu.

[0051] The display 20 is an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like capable of displaying character strings. The display 20 displays information such as information related to the settings of the photoelectric sensor 1 changed by the operation button 40 and information such as the detection value related to the reflected light received by the light receiving unit 3 as character strings. These character strings may be one line or two or more lines. The display 20 may also display various icons in addition to the character strings.

[0052] The character string displayed on the display 20 may be, for example, the result of a button operation for switching the response time, such as "response 50ms", "response 10ms", or "response 1.5ms". For example, it may be an operation result for performing teaching, such as "PUSH TEACH", "Background Teach...", "Object Teach", "Success", "Teach Cancel", or "Teach Error". For example, it may be a key lock state, such as "LOCKED" or "UNLOCKED". For example, it may be a numerical value such as "500" representing the set value of the threshold. In the case where the photoelectric sensor 1 is a TOF sensor, it is possible to measure the distance to the object, and determine whether the object is detected based on the size relationship between the pre-set threshold and the measured value. The character string that can be displayed on the display 20 may also be associated with other functions. For example, it may be a detection value such as "150.0", "500", or the like after the distance to the object is digitized. The detection value may also be a numerical value only with units such as mm omitted.

[0053] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1The second display light 32 of the photoelectric sensor 1 shown in the figure is a bottom view. The second display light 32 is configured to display the same information as the first display light 31. The above-mentioned display 20 displays a character string that is difficult to see unless viewed at a close distance. In contrast, the first display light 31 and the second display light 32 inform the operator of information about the status of the photoelectric sensor 1 through a lighting mode and a light color that are easy to see even at a long distance. For such information, such as the on / off status of the power supply and / or the detection status of the workpiece, which can be displayed by both the first display light 31 and the second display light 32, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 This will be described in detail later.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first indicator lamp 31 protrudes upward from the top surface 15, and the second indicator lamp 32 protrudes downward from the bottom surface 16. Therefore, the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 are easily visible from the front, back, left, and right. If the width of the second indicator lamp 32 in the left-right direction Y is large, it is easy to see even from a long distance, so it is preferable that the width of the second indicator lamp 32 is larger than 1 / 2 of the width of the bottom surface 16.

[0055] When the top surface 15 is the first surface and the bottom surface 16 is the second surface, the front surface 11 can also be called the third surface, the left side surface 13 can be called the fourth surface, and the right side surface 14 can be called the fifth surface. The fourth surface and the fifth surface can also be parallel. Figure 1 In the example shown, a through hole is provided that passes through the left side 13 and the right side 14 from left to right. In such a mode, the photoelectric sensor 1 can be fixed to an L-shaped mounting component or the like by inserting a fastening screw through the through hole and clamping from left and right. The photoelectric sensor 1 may be fixed by providing a threaded hole that is screwed with a fastening screw in the left side 13 and / or the right side 14 instead of a through hole.

[0056] If the fourth and fifth surfaces are used as mounting surfaces for fixing the photoelectric sensor 1 to the mounting component, the stability of the fixed photoelectric sensor 1 is improved compared to the case where the first surface from which the first indicator light 31 protrudes and the second surface from which the second indicator light 32 protrudes are used as mounting surfaces. The photoelectric sensor 1 can be mounted from either the left or right side. In addition, no matter which side of the left or right side is used as the mounting surface, the first indicator light 31, the second indicator light 32 and the mounting component will not interfere. The first indicator light 31 and the second indicator light 32 can be visually viewed from all directions. In addition, if the third surface that emits and receives the measurement light is used as the mounting surface, there is a risk of affecting the measurement performance. If the fourth and fifth surfaces are used as mounting surfaces, such risks can be prevented in advance.

[0057] Figure 5 Observed from above Figure 1A perspective view of the internal structure of the photoelectric sensor 1 is shown. Figure 6 Observed from below Figure 1 The internal structure of the photoelectric sensor 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the photoelectric sensor 1 includes a substrate housed in a housing 10. In the example shown in the figure, the photoelectric sensor 1 includes a light emitting and receiving substrate 62, a main substrate 63, a display substrate 65, a power supply substrate 66, and the like.

[0058] Inside the housing 10, the light-emitting and receiving substrate 62 is arranged along the back surface 62, the main substrate 63 is arranged along the left side 13, the display substrate 65 is arranged along the top surface 15, and the power supply substrate 66 is arranged along the bottom surface 16. The light source such as the laser diode constituting the light-emitting unit 2 and the sensor such as the CMOS constituting the light-receiving unit 3 are mounted on the light-emitting and receiving substrate 62. The CPU for controlling various light sources and sensors is mounted on the main substrate 63. The display substrate 65 is mounted with the display 20, the operation button 40, the light sources A and B of the first display lamp 31, etc. The light source A lights up the power / communication display lamp 31L, and the light source B lights up the operation display lamp 31R. The power supply substrate 66 includes a power supply circuit (DC-DC converter, etc.) for supplying power to the electronic components in the housing 10. The power supply cable 9 is connected to the power supply substrate 66. The power supply cable 9 supplies power to the electronic components such as the laser diode, CMOS, CPU, etc. that are mounted on the substrates such as the light-emitting and receiving substrate 62, the main substrate 63, the display substrate 65, and the power supply substrate 66 and stored in the housing 10. In addition to the power cable 9 , the light source C of the second indicator lamp 32 is mounted on the power board 66 .

[0059] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the first display lamp and the second display lamp capable of displaying the same information overlapping each other. In the example shown in the figure, the number of light sources of the first display lamp 31 is equal to the number of the second light sources, that is, two each, and the first display lamp 31 and the second display lamp 32 are respectively provided with a power supply / communication display lamp and an operation display lamp.

[0060] The power / communication indicator lamps of the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 are configured to light up in green when the power of the photoelectric sensor 1 projecting light from the light projecting unit 2 is on, and to turn off when the power of the photoelectric sensor 1 not projecting light from the light projecting unit 2 is off. The power / communication indicator lamps may also be configured to flash depending on the communication status with an external device.

[0061] The operation indicator lights of the first indicator light 31 and the second indicator light 32 are configured, for example, to light up in orange when the light receiving unit 3 receives the light projected from the light projecting unit 2 and determines that the output is on when it is above the lower threshold, and to go out when the output is off otherwise. The operation indicator lights may also be configured to light up when the output is on when it is determined to be above the lower threshold and below the upper threshold, and to go out when the output is off otherwise. The first indicator light and the second indicator light may also display repeated information at the same time. The first indicator light and the second indicator light may also display repeated information with a time difference.

[0062] Alternatively, it can be defined that the output is on when the light receiving unit 3 receives the light projected from the light projecting unit 2, and it can be defined that the output is off when the light receiving unit 3 does not receive the light projected from the light projecting unit 2. In this case, it can also be configured to light up when the output is on, and extinguish when the output is off. It can also be configured to judge that a threshold value less than the lower limit is LOW for output on, that a threshold value above the lower limit and below the upper limit is PASS for output on, and that a threshold value exceeding the upper limit is HIGH for output on, and light up in colors corresponding to LOW judgment, PASS judgment, and HIGH judgment. It can also be configured to light up in colors corresponding to head failures and setting modes.

[0063] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the first display lamp and the second display lamp that can display the same information overlapping each other. In the example shown in the figure, the number of light sources of the first display lamp 31 is different from the number of the second light sources. The first display lamp 31 has Figure 7 The example shown has the same power / communication indicator lamp and operation indicator lamp, and the second indicator lamp 32 has both a power / communication indicator lamp and an operation indicator lamp.

[0064] The second display lamp 32 is lit in orange, for example, when the power of the photoelectric sensor 1 projecting light from the light projecting unit 2 is on and the light receiving unit 3 receives the light projected from the light projecting unit 2 and determines that the output is on or above the lower threshold. The second display lamp 32 is lit in green, when the power of the photoelectric sensor 1 projecting light from the light projecting unit 2 is on and the light receiving unit 3 receives the light projected from the light projecting unit 2 and determines that the output is off and below the lower threshold. The second display lamp 32 is off, when the power of the photoelectric sensor 1 not projecting light from the light projecting unit 2 is off.

[0065] like Figure 8 As shown, even if the number of light sources of the first display lamp 31 is different from the number of the second light sources, it is possible to Figure 7 In the example shown, the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 display the same information overlapping each other. The first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp may display the overlapping information at the same time. The first indicator lamp and the second indicator lamp may display the overlapping information with a time difference.

[0066] The photoelectric sensor 1 may be configured to select an off mode for turning off only one of the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32. The photoelectric sensor 1 may be configured to select a wavelength off mode for turning off only one of the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 at a specific wavelength. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a turn-off pattern in which only one of the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 is turned off. In the example shown in the figure, the first indicator lamp 31 is turned off. Although not shown in the figure, the second indicator lamp 32 may also be turned off.

[0067] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength shutoff mode in which only one of the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 is shut off from light of a specific wavelength. In the example shown in the figure, the second indicator lamp 32 is shut off from light of a specific wavelength. Although not shown in the figure, the first indicator lamp 31 may also be shut off from light of a specific wavelength.

[0068] The photoelectric sensor 1 may be configured to select an off mode for turning off the first indicator lamp 31 and / or the second indicator lamp 32. The photoelectric sensor 1 may be configured to select a wavelength off mode for turning off the first indicator lamp 31 and / or the second indicator lamp 32 to emit light of a specific wavelength. Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an example of a extinguishing pattern for extinguishing the first display lamp and / or the second display lamp, and is a diagram showing an example of a extinguishing pattern for extinguishing both the first display lamp 31 and the second display lamp 32. Fig. 9 Although not shown, only the second indicator lamp 32 may be turned off.

[0069] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength shutoff mode in which the first indicator lamp and / or the second indicator lamp are turned off to emit light of a specific wavelength, and 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength shutoff mode in which both the first indicator lamp 31 and the second indicator lamp 32 are turned off to emit light of a specific wavelength. Fig.10 Although not shown, only the first indicator lamp 31 may be turned off to emit light of a specific wavelength.

[0070] According to the photoelectric sensor 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the first display lamp 31 can be visually viewed from the first surface side such as the top surface 15 of the housing 10, and the second display lamp 32 can be visually viewed from the second surface side such as the bottom surface 16, so the display lamps can be easily visually viewed from any direction. Since both the first display lamp 31 and the second display lamp 32 can display the power on / off state or the detection state of the workpiece as information to be always displayed, the operator can be reliably informed of such information.

[0071] Although the second display light 32 is provided in addition to the first display light 31, the light source C of the second display light 32 is mounted on the power supply substrate 66. Since the substrate on which the light source C is mounted and the substrate on which the power supply circuit is mounted are common, there is no need to newly set up a substrate on which the light source C is mounted, and the increase in the number of components can be suppressed. Space saving and cost reduction can be achieved. Since both the first display light 31 and the second display light 32 can display the same information that overlaps each other, it is possible to selectively turn off the display light 31 or 32 arranged on the side that may become interference light, or selectively turn off the light of a specific wavelength that causes the photoelectric sensor 1 to malfunction. In the case where both the first surface side and the second surface side may become interference light, it is also possible to turn off both the first display light and the second display light, or selectively turn off the light of a specific wavelength that causes the photoelectric sensor to malfunction.

[0072] The embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The various elements and their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated contents and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the structures shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other.

[0073] For example, the photoelectric sensor 1 of this embodiment may also include a shielding film capable of shielding electromagnetic waves. In this case, the power substrate 66 may also be covered with the shielding film except for the area where the light source C of the second indicator lamp 32 is mounted. According to this mode, although the second indicator lamp 32 is provided in addition to the first indicator lamp 31, the influence of the electromagnetic waves generated by the second indicator lamp 32 can be minimized.

[0074] For example, the light-off mode and / or the wavelength shut-off mode of the present embodiment can also be applied to a conventional photoelectric sensor 1 that does not include the second indicator lamp 32 . Fig.13 The figure shows a modified example in which the extinguishing mode and the wavelength shut-off mode can be selected in the photoelectric sensor 1 without the second display light 32. According to these methods, the first display light 31 as the only display light can be extinguished, or the light of a specific wavelength that causes the photoelectric sensor 1 to malfunction can be selectively shut down for the first display light 31 as the only display light. If the light of the first display light 31 is reflected by the wall, ceiling, etc. and enters the light receiving part 3 as interference light, there is a risk of malfunction of the photoelectric sensor 1. This embodiment can prevent such malfunction before it happens. In addition, the method in which the display 20 is located on the top surface 15 as an example of the first surface has been described so far, but the configuration of the display 20 is not limited to this. For example, the display 20 can be configured on the back surface 12, the first display light 31 can be configured on the top surface 15, and the second display light 32 can be configured on the bottom surface 16, and the left side surface 13 and the right side surface 14 can be used as the installation surface.

[0075] [Supplementary note] A photoelectric sensor (1) comprises: a housing (10) having a first surface (15) and a second surface (16) opposite to the first surface (15); and a first indicator light (31) and a second indicator light (32), which are capable of displaying mutually overlapping information about the state of the photoelectric sensor (1), wherein the first indicator light (31) is arranged on the first surface (15) and the second indicator light (32) is arranged on the second surface (16), the first surface (15) and the second surface (16) are parallel to each other, and the overlapping information is the on / off state of a power supply and / or the detection state of a workpiece.

Claims

1. A photoelectric sensor comprising: A housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and The first display lamp and the second display lamp are capable of displaying mutually overlapping information about the state of the photoelectric sensor. The first indicator light is arranged on the first surface, and the second indicator light is arranged on the second surface. The first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other, The repeated information is the on / off state of the power supply and / or the detection state of the workpiece.

2. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface is a top surface on which a display is arranged, and the second surface is a bottom surface.

3. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The first indicator light protrudes from the first surface, and the second indicator light protrudes from the second surface.

4. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The photoelectric sensor also has: a display substrate on which a display is mounted; and a power supply substrate connected to a power cable to supply power to the electronic components in the housing; The light source of the first display lamp is mounted on the display substrate. The light source of the second indicator lamp is mounted on the power source substrate.

5. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The first display light and the second display light display the overlapping information simultaneously.

6. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The photoelectric sensor is configured to be able to select a mode for turning off the first indicator light and / or the second indicator light.

7. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The photoelectric sensor is configured to be able to select a mode in which the first indicator light and / or the second indicator light is turned off to emit light of a specific wavelength.

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