Integrated proximity sensor with double detection probes
By designing a proximity sensor with dual detection probes, and utilizing an inductor coil and a photoelectric transmitter receiver, the problems of detection blind zone and sensing field attenuation in existing sensors are solved, enabling stable detection of metal objects at different distances.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGGUAN AOTONGMIC ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing proximity sensors suffer from detection blind spots and sensor field attenuation, making it impossible to reliably detect objects at different distances.
A proximity sensor with dual detection probes, including an inductor coil and a photoelectric transmitter receiver, is designed to detect metal objects at different distances, thereby reducing the detection blind zone.
It effectively reduces the detection blind zone, enhances the sensor's adaptability, and enables stable detection of metal objects at different distances.
Smart Images
Figure CN121956201A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a sensor, and more particularly to an integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes. Background Technology
[0002] A proximity sensor is an electronic device that can detect the presence or distance of an object without physical contact. It achieves non-contact detection by emitting electromagnetic fields, light beams, or sound waves and analyzing the interference or reflection signals of the target object on the energy field. It is widely used in industrial automation, consumer electronics, and other fields to achieve functions such as position detection, object counting, and collision avoidance.
[0003] There are various types of proximity sensors, among which inductive sensors and photoelectric sensors are the two most common. Inductive sensors utilize the principle of electromagnetic induction and can only detect metallic objects, often used for mechanical positioning or counting metal parts; photoelectric sensors, on the other hand, work by emitting and receiving light beams and can detect almost all opaque objects, making them suitable for applications such as conveyor belts and automatic doors.
[0004] In practical applications, different types of sensors have their own limitations, which may cause problems for users. For example, the sensing field of inductive sensors decays rapidly, and they usually cannot reliably sense objects at a distance. Conversely, although photoelectric sensors have a long detection range, they have an unavoidable "blind zone" or "minimum detection distance." When an object is close to or very close to the sensor lens, light cannot be effectively diffused and reflected, causing it to be unable to sense objects that are too close. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes to address the shortcomings of existing technologies.
[0006] An integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes includes a housing body, a cover mounted at one end of the housing body, a first detection head disposed within the cover, a circuit board mounted on the housing body and extending into the cover, and a second detection head mounted on the circuit board and extending into the first detection head. The first and second detection heads cooperate to detect metallic objects at different distances. The first detection head includes a positioning frame, a support frame mounted on the positioning frame, and an inductor coil wound on the support frame. The positioning frame includes a base and a positioning post. One end of the base has an inwardly extending assembly groove. The positioning post is vertically connected to the center of the bottom of the assembly groove. The positioning frame also has a light-transmitting hole that penetrates the positioning post and the base. The second detection head includes a transmitter and a receiver arranged side by side. The transmitter and receiver are located at one end near the circuit board, and the transmitter and receiver of the second detection head extend into the light-transmitting hole.
[0007] In one embodiment, the cover is further provided with a receiving groove and a light-shielding plate. The light-shielding plate is connected to the top wall of the receiving groove in a vertical direction. During assembly, the light-shielding plate extends into the light-transmitting hole, and the transmitter and receiver of the second detection head are respectively located on both sides of the light-shielding plate.
[0008] In one embodiment, the cover is further provided with two latches, which are connected to the side wall of the receiving groove and are arranged opposite to each other. The positioning frame is also provided with slots on both sides at opposite positions, and the latches on the cover are engaged with the slots on the positioning frame.
[0009] In one embodiment, the cover includes a first main body segment and a second main body segment connected to one end of the first main body segment. The outer diameter of the second main body segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the first main body segment, thereby forming a locking surface on the outer periphery at the connection between the first main body segment and the second main body segment. The shell body is provided with a hollow tubular structure and a receiving groove that runs through the front and back. During assembly, the second main body segment of the cover is embedded into the receiving groove of the shell body, and the limiting surface abuts against the opening of the receiving groove.
[0010] In one embodiment, the receiving groove extends inward from the end of the second body segment into the interior of the first body segment.
[0011] In one embodiment, the shell body is provided with a second guide strip on the receiving groove, and the outer side of the second body segment is provided with a positioning groove. The positioning groove extends from the end of the second body segment away from the first body segment to the locking surface, and the second guide strip of the shell body is locked into the positioning groove of the second body segment.
[0012] In one embodiment, the shell body is provided with two first guide strips on the receiving groove. The first guide strips extend in the front-back direction. The inner side of the first guide strip is further provided with a guide groove. The extension direction of the guide groove is consistent with the extension direction of the first guide strip. During assembly, one end of the circuit board is inserted into the receiving groove of the shell body, and both sides of the circuit board are inserted into the guide grooves of the two first guide strips. The other end of the circuit board, the transmitter, and the receiver extend out from the slot of the receiving groove.
[0013] In one embodiment, the support frame includes two functional plates and a connecting column. The two functional plates are arranged opposite to each other, and the connecting column connects the two functional plates. The functional plates are also provided with sleeve holes that pass through the two functional plates and the connecting column. The inductor coil is wound on the connecting column between the two functional plates.
[0014] In one embodiment, the support frame is mounted on the positioning frame, which is mounted on the cover. During installation, the support frame is embedded into the assembly slot of the positioning frame, and the positioning pin of the positioning frame extends into the sleeve hole of the support frame.
[0015] In one embodiment, the circuit board is provided with an output circuit, an OR logic circuit, an inductor signal processing circuit, a photoelectric signal processing circuit, an oscillation circuit, and a photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit. The output terminal of the OR logic circuit is connected to the input terminal of the output circuit. The input and output terminals of the inductor signal processing circuit are respectively connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit and the input terminal of the OR logic circuit. The input and output terminals of the photoelectric signal processing circuit are respectively connected to the output terminal of the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit and the input terminal of the OR logic circuit. The inductor coil is connected to the oscillation circuit. The transmitter and receiver are both connected to the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes of the present invention are as follows: by setting a first detection head and a second detection head, the first detection head is equipped with an inductor coil, and the second detection head is equipped with a transmitter and a receiver. When working, the first detection head detects metal objects that are relatively close, and the second detection head detects metal objects that are relatively far away, thereby effectively reducing the detection blind zone, making it highly adaptable and of great significance for promotion. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes of the present invention; Figures 2, 3, and 4 are exploded views of the integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes of the present invention from different angles; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes of the present invention; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part A in circle A in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the circuit board in the present invention during operation. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0023] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0024] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6. The present invention provides an integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes, including a housing body 10, a cover 20 installed at one end of the housing body 10, a first detection head 50 disposed inside the cover 20, a circuit board 30 installed on the housing body 10 and extending into the cover 20, and a second detection head 40 installed on the circuit board 30 and extending into the first detection head 50. The first detection head 50 and the second detection head 40 cooperate with each other to detect metal objects 100 at different distances.
[0025] The shell body 10 is a hollow tubular structure with a through-hole 11. The shell body 10 has two first guide bars 12 and two second guide bars 13 on the through-hole 11. The first guide bars 12 and the second guide bars 13 extend in the front-back direction. The two first guide bars 12 are arranged opposite each other, and the two second guide bars 13 are also arranged opposite each other. The inner side of the first guide bar 12 is further provided with a guide groove 14. The extension direction of the guide groove 14 is the same as the extension direction of the first guide bar 12. The first guide bar 12 is located inside the through-hole 11, and the second guide bar 13 extends to the opening of the through-hole 11.
[0026] The cover 20 is made of a light-transmitting material. The cover 20 includes a first main body segment 21 and a second main body segment 22 connected to the middle of one end of the first main body segment 21. The outer diameter of the second main body segment 22 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first main body segment 21, thus forming a locking surface 23 on the outer periphery of the connection between the first and second main body segments 21. The cover 20 also has a receiving groove 26 extending inward from the end of the second main body segment 22 into the interior of the first main body segment 21. A positioning groove 221 is provided on the outer side of the second main body segment 22, extending from the end of the second main body segment 22 away from the first main body segment 21 to the locking surface 23. The cover 20 also has a light-blocking plate 25 and two locking protrusions 24. The two locking protrusions 24 are connected to the sidewall of the receiving groove 26 and are arranged opposite to each other. The light-blocking plate 25 is vertically connected to the top wall of the receiving groove 26.
[0027] The first detection head 50 includes a positioning frame 51, a support frame 52 mounted on the positioning frame 51, and an inductor coil 53 wound on the support frame 52. The positioning frame 51 includes a base 511 and a positioning post 512. One end of the base 511 is provided with an inwardly extending assembly groove 515. The positioning post 512 is connected vertically to the middle of the bottom of the assembly groove 515. The positioning frame 51 is also provided with a light-transmitting hole 513, which penetrates the positioning post 512 and the base 511. In addition, the positioning frame 51 is also provided with a bayonet 514 at opposite positions on both sides.
[0028] The support frame 52 includes two functional plates 521 and a connecting column 522. The two functional plates 521 are arranged opposite to each other. The connecting column 522 connects the two functional plates 521. The functional plates 521 are also provided with a sleeve hole 523, which passes through the two functional plates 521 and the connecting column 522. The inductor coil 53 is wound on the connecting column 522 between the two functional plates 521.
[0029] The second detection head 40 includes a transmitter 41 and a receiver 42 arranged side by side, with the transmitter 41 and receiver 42 positioned at one end near the circuit board 30.
[0030] During assembly, one end of the circuit board 30 is inserted into the receiving groove 11 of the shell body 10, and both sides of the circuit board 30 are inserted into the guide grooves 14 of the two first guide bars 12. The end of the circuit board 30 away from the transmitter 41 rests against the rear cover at the tail end of the shell body 10, and the other end of the circuit board 30, the transmitter 41, and the receiver 42 extend out from the slot of the receiving groove 11.
[0031] The support frame 52 is mounted on the positioning frame 51, which is mounted on the cover 20. During installation, the support frame 52 is embedded into the assembly slot 515 of the positioning frame 51, and the positioning post 512 of the positioning frame 51 extends into the sleeve hole 523 of the support frame 52. The assembled support frame 52, positioning frame 51, and inductor coil 53 are embedded into the receiving slot 26 of the cover 20. The locking protrusion 24 on the cover 20 is engaged with the locking slot 514 of the positioning frame 51, and the light-blocking plate 25 extends into the light-transmitting hole 513. Finally, the cover 20 is mounted on the shell body 10. During installation, the second main body section 22 of the cover 20 is embedded into the receiving slot 11 of the shell body 10, and the second guide strip 13 of the shell body 10 is engaged into the positioning slot 221 of the second main body section 22, with the limiting surface abutting against the opening of the receiving slot 11. The transmitter 41 and receiver 42 of the second detection head 40 extend into the light-transmitting hole 513 and are respectively located on both sides of the light-blocking plate 25. The two ends of the circuit board 30 abut against the back cover and the positioning frame 51 respectively.
[0032] By using the guide groove 14 of the first guide bar 12 to cooperate with the circuit board 30, the snap protrusion 24 on the cover 20 to cooperate with the snap 514 of the positioning frame 51, and the second guide bar 13 of the shell body 10 to cooperate with the positioning groove 221 of the second main body section 22, the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42 can be accurately inserted into both sides of the light shield 25 inside the light-transmitting hole 513. On the other hand, it can prevent the first detection head 50 and the circuit board 30 from shaking.
[0033] In use, the first detection head 50 and the second detection head 40 cooperate to detect metal objects 100 at different distances. The transmitter 41 emits light information that passes through the light-transmitting hole 513 and the cover 20. When the metal object 100 approaches, the light information emitted by the transmitter 41 is reflected by the metal object 100 and received by the receiver 42. When the metal object 100 approaches further, the light cannot be effectively dispersed and reflected, and at this time, the light information emitted by the transmitter 41 cannot be received by the receiver 42. However, the approaching metal object 100 will cause a change in the magnetic field of the inductor coil 53, which is detected by the first detection head 50.
[0034] Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, the circuit board includes an output circuit 31, an OR logic circuit 32, an inductor signal processing circuit 33, a photoelectric signal processing circuit 35, an oscillation circuit 34, and a photoelectric transmitter / receiver circuit 36. The output of the OR logic circuit 32 is connected to the input of the output circuit 31. The input and output of the inductor signal processing circuit 33 are respectively connected to the output of the oscillation circuit 34 and the input of the OR logic circuit 32. The input and output of the photoelectric signal processing circuit 35 are respectively connected to the output of the photoelectric transmitter / receiver circuit 36 and the input of the OR logic circuit 32. The inductor coil 53 is connected to the oscillation circuit 34. The transmitter 41 and receiver 42 are both connected to the photoelectric transmitter / receiver circuit 36. During operation, when the metal object 100 enters the detection range of the inductor coil 53, the oscillation circuit 31... When the output waveform of 4 changes, the inductor signal processing circuit 33 detects the change in the output waveform of the oscillation circuit 34 and makes a corresponding judgment, while feeding back to the OR logic circuit 32. When the metal sensor 100 enters the detection range of the transmitter 41 and the receiver 42, the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit 36 converts the information received by the receiver 42 into a photoelectric signal. When the photoelectric signal processing circuit 35 detects the change in the photoelectric signal, it makes a corresponding judgment and feeds back to the OR logic circuit 32. The OR logic circuit 32 makes a judgment based on the detection results of the inductor signal processing circuit 33 and the photoelectric signal processing circuit 35. When one of the circuits of the oscillation circuit 34 and the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit 36 detects the metal sensor 100, the OR logic circuit 32 gives the detection result "metal sensor 100 detected" to the output circuit 31.
[0035] The beneficial effects of the integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes of the present invention are as follows: by setting a first detection head 50 and a second detection head 40, the first detection head 50 is provided with an inductor coil 53, and the second detection head 40 is provided with a transmitter 41 and a receiver 42. When working, the first detection head 50 detects metal objects 100 at a relatively close distance, and the second detection head 40 detects metal objects 100 at a relatively far distance, thereby effectively reducing the detection blind zone, making it highly adaptable and of great significance for promotion.
[0036] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0037] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes, characterized in that, The device includes a main body, a cover mounted at one end of the main body, a first detection head disposed within the cover, a circuit board mounted on the main body and extending into the cover, and a second detection head mounted on the circuit board and extending into the first detection head. The first and second detection heads cooperate to detect metal objects at different distances. The first detection head includes a positioning frame, a support frame mounted on the positioning frame, and an inductor coil wound on the support frame. The positioning frame includes a base and a positioning post. One end of the base has an inwardly extending assembly groove. The positioning post is vertically connected to the center of the bottom of the assembly groove. The positioning frame also has a light-transmitting hole that penetrates the positioning post and the base. The second detection head includes a transmitter and a receiver arranged side by side. The transmitter and receiver are located at one end near the circuit board, and the transmitter and receiver of the second detection head extend into the light-transmitting hole.
2. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is also provided with a receiving groove and a light-shielding plate. The light-shielding plate is connected to the top wall of the receiving groove in a vertical direction. During assembly, the light-shielding plate extends into the light-transmitting hole, and the transmitter and receiver of the second detection head are respectively located on both sides of the light-shielding plate.
3. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover is also provided with two locking protrusions, which are connected to the side wall of the receiving groove and are arranged opposite to each other. The positioning frame is also provided with slots on both sides at opposite positions, and the locking protrusions on the cover are engaged with the slots of the positioning frame.
4. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover includes a first main body segment and a second main body segment connected to one end of the first main body segment. The outer diameter of the second main body segment is smaller than that of the first main body segment, thereby forming a locking surface on the outer periphery at the connection between the first and second main body segments. The shell body is a hollow tubular structure with a through-hole groove on the shell body. During assembly, the second main body segment of the cover is embedded into the groove of the shell body, and the locking surface abuts against the opening of the groove.
5. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving groove extends inward from the end of the second main body section into the interior of the first main body section.
6. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shell body has a second guide strip on the receiving groove, and the outer side of the second main body section has a positioning groove. The positioning groove extends from the end of the second main body section away from the first main body section to the locking surface. The second guide strip of the shell body is locked into the positioning groove of the second main body section.
7. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shell body has two first guide strips on the receiving groove. The first guide strips extend in the front-back direction. The inner side of the first guide strips is further provided with guide grooves. The extension direction of the guide grooves is consistent with the extension direction of the first guide strips. During assembly, one end of the circuit board is inserted into the receiving groove of the shell body, and both sides of the circuit board are inserted into the guide grooves of the two first guide strips. The other end of the circuit board, the transmitter, and the receiver extend out from the slot of the receiving groove.
8. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame includes two functional plates and a connecting column. The two functional plates are arranged opposite to each other. The connecting column connects the two functional plates. The functional plates are also provided with sleeve holes that pass through the two functional plates and the connecting column. The inductor coil is wound on the connecting column between the two functional plates.
9. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support frame is mounted on the positioning frame, and the positioning frame is mounted on the cover. During installation, the support frame is embedded into the assembly slot of the positioning frame, and the positioning pin of the positioning frame extends into the sleeve hole of the support frame.
10. The integrated proximity sensor with dual detection probes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is equipped with an output circuit, an OR logic circuit, an inductor signal processing circuit, a photoelectric signal processing circuit, an oscillation circuit, and a photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit. The output terminal of the OR logic circuit is connected to the input terminal of the output circuit. The input and output terminals of the inductor signal processing circuit are respectively connected to the output terminal of the oscillation circuit and the input terminal of the OR logic circuit. The input and output terminals of the photoelectric signal processing circuit are respectively connected to the output terminal of the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit and the input terminal of the OR logic circuit. The inductor coil is connected to the oscillation circuit. The transmitter and receiver are both connected to the photoelectric transmitting and receiving circuit.