Photoelectric sensor

Abstract

To provide a photoelectric sensor that can simplify an assembling step of the photoelectric sensor.SOLUTION: A photoelectric sensor includes: a housing including a first exterior case and a second exterior case that are assembled together; a light projection unit that is held in an accommodation space defined between the first exterior case and the second exterior case and projects light to the outside; a light reception unit that is held in the accommodation space and receives light from the outside; and a display including a substrate held in the accommodation space and electrically connected to the light projection unit and the light reception unit, a display unit held in the accommodation space and displaying information, and a flexible wire electrically connected to the substrate. The first exterior case includes a window part for exposing the display unit of the display held in the accommodation space to the outside, and a first fixed part that presses the display held in the accommodation space toward the window part. The second exterior case includes a second fixed part that presses the display held in the accommodation space toward the window part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to photoelectric sensors. [Background technology]

[0002] A photoelectric switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a conventional photoelectric sensor. This photoelectric switch includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, a display unit attached to a first surface that is an outer surface of the housing, a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided on a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a reception unit provided on the first surface or the display unit and receiving operations, a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted via the reception unit and a signal value indicating the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit, a first substrate housed inside the housing and to which the display control unit is connected, and a signal cable connecting the first substrate and the display unit. The first surface has a hole-like or notch-like opening for passing the signal cable from the outside to the inside of the housing, and the signal cable is connected to the first substrate through the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-061886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Photoelectric sensors are required to be smaller and less expensive. Simplifying the assembly process of photoelectric sensors is also necessary to reduce costs. Patent Document 1 discloses a photoelectric switch as a photoelectric sensor, but does not consider simplifying the assembly process. For example, the photoelectric switch in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a display, but the display is installed outside the housing. Therefore, the signal cable of the display must be led into the housing through an opening on one side, making it difficult to simplify the assembly process, especially for automated assembly.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a photoelectric sensor that can simplify the assembly process of the photoelectric sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The photoelectric sensor disclosed herein comprises a housing having a first outer case and a second outer case that are assembled to each other; a light-emitting unit that is held in an accommodation space defined between the first outer case and the second outer case and that emits light to the outside; a light-receiving unit that is held in the accommodation space and that receives light from the outside; a substrate that is held in the accommodation space and that is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit; a display that is held in the accommodation space and that has a display unit that displays information; and flexible wiring that is electrically connected to the substrate; wherein the first outer case has a window that exposes the display unit of the display held in the accommodation space to the outside, and a first fixing part that presses the display held in the accommodation space toward the window; and the second outer case has a second fixing part that presses the display held in the accommodation space toward the window. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the assembly process of a photoelectric sensor can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Perspective view of fiber sensor [Figure 3] Perspective view of fiber holding components [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view of the fiber holding component including the fiber holding structure as seen from the light-projecting module side, and is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 2(B). [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiber holding component including a fiber holding structure, seen from the side of a hole into which a fiber is inserted. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first exterior case and its inner surface; [Figure 7]A plan view showing the first outer case and its inner surface. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of area C in Figure 6 [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a second exterior case and its inner surface. [Figure 10] A plan view showing the second outer case and its inner surface [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an assembly procedure of a fiber sensor, showing a first assembly step. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly procedure of the fiber sensor, showing a second assembly step. [Figure 11C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly procedure of the fiber sensor, showing a third assembly step. [Figure 11D] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly procedure of the fiber sensor, showing a fourth assembly step. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the fiber sensor seen from the display cover side [Figure 13] 12 along plane P1. [Figure 14] 12. A cross-sectional view taken along plane P2 of FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a perspective view including the cross section shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the elastic piece, including the cross-section shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] A perspective view of the fiber sensor with the first exterior case removed from the housing. [Figure 18] Perspective view of the fiber sensor seen from the rail stopper side DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] 1 is a perspective view of a fiber sensor 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fiber sensor 1 is an example of a photoelectric sensor that projects light to the outside and receives light from the outside.

[0011] Fiber sensor 1 has a thin, box-like shape and has holes 62, 70 on one side for inserting fibers. Fiber sensor 1 is configured such that fibers are connected to the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, respectively, and the tips of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are positioned so that they can detect a target object. In this example, light emitted from the light-emitting unit propagates through the fiber connected to hole 62 and is emitted from the other end of the fiber. The emitted light is reflected by the target object and propagates through the fiber connected to hole 70 to be incident on the light-receiving unit. The light incident on the photoelectric conversion element of the light-receiving unit is converted into an electrical signal and amplified by a light-receiving amplifier. For example, fiber sensor 1 compares this electrical signal with a predetermined threshold in a comparison circuit to determine the presence or absence of a target object, measures the amount of received light, and performs processing based on the amount of received light.

[0012] Coordinates including an X axis along the longitudinal side of the fiber sensor 1, a Y axis along the width direction of the fiber sensor 1, and a Z axis along the height direction of the fiber sensor 1 are defined and will be used in the following explanation.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the fiber sensor, with (A) showing a perspective view of the finished product and (B) showing an exploded perspective view. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fiber holding component. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fiber holding component seen from the light projection module side, and is an enlarged view of part B in (B) of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber holding component seen from the side of the hole into which the fiber is inserted.

[0014] 2(B), the fiber sensor 1 includes a main body 10 and a fiber holding component 50. The main body 10 is a part that mainly generates or processes electrical signals. The main body 10 includes a first exterior case 21, a second exterior case 22, an indicator 23, a display cover 24, an outer cover 25, a NET (Network) lens 26, a rail stopper 27, a display 28, a shield substrate 29, screws 30, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate 31, a pin header 32, and a resin cable 33.

[0015] In the main body 10, the indicator 23, rail stopper 27, display 28, shield substrate 29, screws 30, and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate 31 are assembled to the first outer case 21 in the Y-axis direction (negative Y-axis direction). Thereafter, the second outer case 22 is assembled to the first outer case 21. Therefore, since many of the components inside the main body 10 are assembled in one direction, the assembly process (assembly process) can be easily automated. During assembly, for example, at least one of the indicator 23, NET lens 26, rail stopper 27, display 28, and PCB substrate 31 may be assembled to the first outer case 21 by press-fitting.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3 and other figures, the fiber holding equipment 50 is an integrated module component. Fig. 4 is also an enlarged view of part B in (B) of Fig. 2. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the fiber holding equipment 50 includes a main block 51, a clamp member 52, a clamp lever 53, a light-emitting module 54, and a light-receiving module 55. However, the perspective view of Fig. 3 shows a state in which the clamp lever 53, the light-emitting module 54, and the light-receiving module 55 have been removed.

[0017] The main block 51 is a main component of the fiber holding component 50, and has an insertion hole 62A formed therein that forms part of the hole 62. It also includes a hole for incorporating the fiber holding component 50 into the first exterior case 21. The fiber holding component 50 is positioned by press-fitting this hole into a protrusion of the first exterior case 21. The clamp member 52 serves as a cover for one side of the fiber sensor 1 when attached to the main body 10. An insertion hole 62B that forms part of the hole 62 is formed therein in the clamp member 52, and when the main block 51 and the clamp member 52 are combined, the insertion hole 62A and the insertion hole 62B are connected to form the hole 62. As shown in FIG. 1 , the hole 62 is exposed from one side of the fiber sensor 1 formed by the clamp member 52. The main block 51 is made of, for example, a conductive resin.

[0018] The clamp lever 53 is provided at one end of the main block 51. The clamp lever 53 is an operating lever for locking the fiber after it has been inserted into the holes 62, 70. When the clamp lever 53 is in an open state (unlocked state), the fiber is inserted into the holes 62, 70. When the clamp lever 53 is in a closed state (locked state), the fiber is fixed by pressing friction and will not come out of the holes 62, 70.

[0019] The light-projecting module 54 functions as a light-projecting unit that projects light onto the fiber connected to the hole 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the light-projecting module 54 includes a lens 57 and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source. The lens 57 is provided in the approximate center of the light-projecting module 54 by molding light-transmitting resin 56. The LED is mounted on a substrate by soldering or the like, and is electrically connected to the light-projecting module 54 by a wire. The light-receiving module 55 functions as a light-receiving unit that receives light from a fiber connected to another hole 70 provided in the fiber holding component 50.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first outer case 21 and its inner surface. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the first outer case 21 and its inner surface. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area C in FIG. 6. The first outer case 21 is a component that constitutes part of the outer surface of the fiber sensor 1, and is a member molded from, for example, resin. The first outer case 21 is assembled to the second outer case 22 to form the housing 12 (see FIG. 11D). In the housing 12, an accommodation space is defined between the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 to accommodate various components of the fiber sensor 1 inside.

[0021] 2(B), a light-projecting module 54 that projects light to the outside, a light-receiving module 55 that receives light from the outside, and a PCB board 31 that is electrically connected to the light-projecting module 54 and the light-receiving module 55 are housed and held in the housing space. The PCB board 31 has electronic components mounted thereon, including a control circuit that processes signals from the light-projecting module 54 and the light-receiving module 55.

[0022] The display 28 is also accommodated and held in the accommodation space. The display 28 has a display unit 28a that displays various information, a back surface 28b opposite the display unit 28a, and a flexible wiring 28c that is electrically connected to the PCB substrate 31 (see FIG. 11A). A user can check the detection status and operate the fiber sensor 1 by checking messages, numerical values, etc. displayed on the display unit 28a. The display unit 28a displays information such as the amount of incident light, a threshold value to be compared with the amount of incident light (e.g., a threshold value for object detection), or the state of the sensor. The display unit 28a is a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like. The flexible wiring 28c is a flexible wiring that is led out from the back surface 28b.

[0023] To hold the display 28, the first exterior case 21 has a storage section 71 that stores the display, and a window section 72 that exposes the display section 28a of the display 28 stored in the storage section 71. The storage section 71 is formed to extend from the inner surface of the first exterior case 21 along the XZ plane in the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction of the fiber sensor 1.

[0024] Specifically, the storage section 71 includes a first wall section 74 and a second wall section 75 extending in the Y-axis direction. The first wall section 74 and the second wall section 75 are plate-shaped members made of resin and formed integrally with the first exterior case 21. The first wall section 74 and the second wall section 75 are arranged apart from each other and facing each other in the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction.

[0025] In addition, a window portion 72 is formed in the first wall portion 74. The window portion 72 is formed by cutting out a part of the first wall portion 74. As will be described later, the display 28 is disposed between the first wall portion 74 and the second wall portion 75, and the display portion 28a of the display 28 is exposed to the outside through the window portion 72.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 8, the first exterior case 21 has a press-fit rib 73. The press-fit rib 73 is a resin member formed integrally with the second wall portion 75. The press-fit rib 73 is a convex member that stands up from the surface of the second wall portion 75 facing the first wall portion 74 toward the first wall portion 74. As will be described later, when the display 28 is stored in the storage portion 71, the press-fit rib 73 abuts against the back surface 28b of the display 28 and functions as a first fixing portion that presses the display 28 toward the window portion 72.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the second outer case 22 and its inner surface. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the second outer case 22 and its inner surface. Like the first outer case 21, the second outer case 22 is a component that constitutes part of the outer surface of the fiber sensor 1, and is a member molded from, for example, resin.

[0028] The second outer case 22 has an elastic piece 81 that extends in the Y-axis direction from the inner surface along the XZ plane of the second outer case 22 and has elasticity. The elastic piece 81 is a resin member that is formed integrally with the second outer case 22 and has a predetermined elasticity. As will be described later, when the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled, the elastic piece 81 comes into contact with the back surface 28b of the display 28 housed in the housing section 71 of the first outer case 21, and functions as a second fixing section that presses and fixes the display 28 toward the window section 72.

[0029] 11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the assembly procedure of the fiber sensor 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram of a first assembly step. FIG. 11B is a diagram of a second assembly step. FIG. 11C is a diagram of a third assembly step. FIG. 11D is a diagram of a fourth assembly step. In other words, the assembly state of the fiber sensor 1 transitions in the order of FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C, and FIG. 11D.

[0030] 11A, components such as the PCB board 31 and the display 28 are assembled into the inner surface of the first outer case 21. At this time, the main components are carried along the Y-axis direction as indicated by the arrows and placed on the inner surface of the first outer case 21.

[0031] 11B, display 28 is carried along the Y-axis direction as indicated by the arrow, and is stored in storage section 71 of first exterior case 21. At this time, flexible wiring 28c of display 28 passes through notch 75a (see FIG. 6) provided in second wall section 75, and does not interfere with storage.

[0032] 11C , when display 28 is completely housed in storage section 71 of first exterior case 21, display section 28a of display 28 is exposed from window section 72 of storage section 71. Press-fit rib 73 abuts against back surface 28b of display 28, and flexible wiring 28c of display 28, which presses display 28 toward window section 72, passes through notch 75a of second wall section 75 and is connected to PCB board 31.

[0033] 11D, the second outer case 22 is carried along the Y-axis direction and assembled to the first outer case 21, completing the housing 12. At this time, the elastic piece 81 of the second outer case 22 abuts against the back surface 28b of the display 28, pressing the display 28 toward the window portion 72.

[0034] Furthermore, the display cover 24 is carried along the Z-axis direction as indicated by the arrow and attached to the housing 12, completing the fiber sensor 1. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the completed fiber sensor 1 as seen from the display cover 24 side.

[0035] In the fiber sensor 1 according to this embodiment, a first fixing portion, which is, for example, a press-fit rib 73, and a second fixing portion, which is, for example, an elastic piece 81, press the display portion 28a of the display 28 toward the window portion 72. This prevents foreign matter generated during an unexpected event, assembly process, or the like from entering the display portion 28a (display surface) of the fiber sensor 1, thereby preventing interference with the smooth display of information by the display portion 28a. Note that the first fixing portion may be a member other than the press-fit rib 73, but the press-fit rib 73 will be primarily exemplified. Also, the second fixing portion may be a member other than the elastic piece 81, but the elastic piece 81 will be primarily exemplified.

[0036] Furthermore, the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled, for example, along the Y-axis direction. The first wall 74 and the second wall 75 of the storage section 71 also extend in the Y-axis direction along which the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled, so the direction in which the display 28 is accommodated in the storage section 71 coincides with the direction in which the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled. Therefore, most of the assembly process of the fiber sensor 1 can be performed along the Y-axis direction, making it easy to automate the assembly process.

[0037] The first fixing portion may be configured by a press-fit rib 73 standing from the second wall portion 75 toward the display 28 (the rear surface 28b side). This allows the fiber sensor 1 to store the display 28 in the storage portion 71 and press the display 28 with a simple configuration.

[0038] The second fixing portion may be configured by an elastic piece 81 that extends in the Y-axis direction from the inner surface of the second exterior case 22. This elastic piece 81 abuts against the display 28 (rear surface 28b) at the position of the notch 75a provided in the second wall portion 75. As a result, the fiber sensor 1 presses the display 28 with the press-fit rib 73 and the elastic piece 81, and therefore the pressing can be performed more reliably.

[0039] The flexible wiring 28c of the display 28 may be connected to the PCB substrate 31 through the notch 75a. This allows the fiber sensor 1 to accommodate the display 28 in the accommodation section 61 and to connect the display 28 to the PCB substrate 31 at the same time.

[0040] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane P1 in Fig. 12. Plane P1 is a plane along the YZ plane, and corresponds to a partial cross section of the fiber sensor 1 at a position near the end of the display 28 in the X-axis direction. The press-fit rib 73 shown in Fig. 8 is disposed on the second wall portion 75 at a position corresponding to the end of the display 28 in the X-axis direction.

[0041] Another press-fit rib 73 is also arranged in region D of Fig. 6. That is, at least two press-fit ribs 73 are arranged on the second wall portion 75 at positions corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of the display 28 in the X-axis direction.

[0042] That is, at least two press-fit ribs 73 may be disposed on the second wall portion 75 at positions corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of the display 28. This allows the fiber sensor 1 to press the display 28 toward the window portion 72 more stably.

[0043] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane P2 in Fig. 12. Plane P2 is a plane along the YZ plane and parallel to plane P1, and corresponds to a partial cross-section of the fiber sensor 1 at a position near the center of the display 28 in the X-axis direction. Fig. 15 is a perspective view including the cross-section shown in Fig. 14. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the elastic piece 81 is arranged to abut against approximately the center of the back surface 28b of the display 28.

[0044] 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the elastic piece 81, including the cross section shown in FIG. 14. When the first exterior case 21 and the second exterior case 22 are assembled in FIG. 11D, the elastic piece 81 bends toward the opposite side of the display 28, as indicated by the dashed line, with the tip protrusion 81a abutting against the back surface 28b of the display 28. This bending generates a biasing force in the elastic piece 81 toward the display 28. Therefore, the elastic piece 81 presses the display 28 toward the window portion 72 while abutting against the back surface 28b of the display 28.

[0045] That is, the elastic piece 81 is disposed so as to abut against the approximate center of the back surface 28b of the display 28, and presses the approximate center of the display 28 toward the window portion 72. In this case, in the fiber sensor 1, the press-fit rib 73 presses the vicinity of both ends of the display 28 toward the window portion 72, and the elastic piece 81 presses the approximate center of the display 28 toward the window portion 72, so that the display 28 can be pressed toward the window portion 72 more stably.

[0046] The press-fit rib 73 will be further described.

[0047] 6 and 8, the storage section 71 is defined between a first wall section 74 and a second wall section 75, and has a storage section opening 71a for inserting the display 28 along the Y-axis direction, and a storage section bottom surface 71b on the opposite side of the storage section opening 71a in the Y-axis direction and on which one side of the display 28 is placed. This allows the display 28 of the fiber sensor 1 to be smoothly inserted into the storage section 71 along the Y-axis direction.

[0048] Also, a recess 76 recessed in the Y-axis direction is formed on the storage section bottom surface 71b. The press-fit rib 73 is formed on the storage section bottom surface 71b at a position corresponding to the recess 76.

[0049] 11B, when display 28 is stored in storage section 71, back surface 28b of display 28 moves while abutting against press-fit rib 73, particularly ridge 73a of press-fit rib 73. Due to the sliding between display 28 and press-fit rib 73, press-fit rib 73 made of resin will wear away from ridge 73a, and it is expected that shavings will be generated as foreign matter.

[0050] In contrast, since the recesses 76 are formed in the storage section bottom surface 71b corresponding to the press-fit ribs 73, the fiber sensor 1 can collect, in the recesses 76, shavings generated from the press-fit ribs 73 when the display 28 is inserted. Therefore, the fiber sensor 1 can prevent shavings from entering the display surface, and can prevent shavings from interfering with the display of information by the display section 28a.

[0051] In particular, the area of ​​the recess 76 in a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, i.e., along the XZ plane, may be larger than the cross section of the press-fit rib 73 along the XZ plane. This allows the fiber sensor 1 to more reliably collect shavings generated from the press-fit rib 73 in the recess 76.

[0052] Furthermore, the press-fit rib 73 may be formed so as not to overlap the window portion 72 in the Y-axis direction, which makes it difficult for shavings generated by the press-fit rib 73 to get onto the display portion 28a.

[0053] The press-fit rib 73 may have a tapered surface 73b that is inclined from the storage section opening 71a toward the storage section bottom surface 71b in the direction from the second wall section 75 toward the first wall section 74. This allows, for example, a device or a worker assembling the fiber sensor 1 to smoothly insert the display 28 into the storage section 71 along the Y-axis direction.

[0054] Furthermore, recess 78 is formed with a volume that can accommodate shavings generated by shaving press-fit rib 73. For example, the volume of recess 78 may be the same as the volume of press-fit rib 73. By suitably accommodating shavings generated by shaving press-fit rib 73, it is possible to prevent shavings from remaining outside recess 78 when display unit 28a is stored in storage unit 71, which would cause display unit 28a to float up and result in assembly defects.

[0055] The fiber sensor 1 also includes a display cover 24 that covers at least an area of ​​the housing 12 that includes the window 72 (see FIG. 12). This prevents foreign matter from entering the housing 12 from the outside through the window 72. The display cover 24 may cover, for example, only the display surface of the display 28, or may cover the entire end face of the fiber sensor 1 on the display surface side, including the display 28.

[0056] 16, a polarizing film 28d having a polarizing effect may be attached to the display section 28a so as to cover at least the entire area of ​​the window section 72. This prevents the polarizing film 28d from forming a step on the surface of the display section 28a in a position visible from the outside, prevents deterioration of the appearance of the fiber sensor 1, and makes it difficult for shavings to progress onto the display surface. Note that the polarizing film 28d does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0057] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the fiber sensor 1 with the second exterior case 22 removed from the housing 12. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the fiber sensor 1 as seen from the rail stopper 27 side.

[0058] The rail stopper 27 is a fixing member for fixing the fiber sensor 1 to an external member such as a rail (not shown), and is made of, for example, resin. When the user presses the fiber sensor 1 toward the rail while placing the fixing surface 12a of the housing 12 against the rail extending in the Y-axis direction, the tip 27a of the rail stopper 27 deforms and catches on a flange or the like of the rail, allowing the fiber sensor 1 to be fixed to the rail.

[0059] The rail stopper 27 is assembled along the Y-axis direction, which is arranged along the Y-axis direction, similar to the display 28, etc. In other words, since the arrangement direction of the rail stopper 27 matches the direction in which the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled, most of the assembly process of the fiber sensor 1 can be performed along the Y-axis direction, and the assembly process can be easily automated.

[0060] As described above, in the fiber sensor 1 of this embodiment, the display 28 is disposed in the housing space within the housing 12, and there is no need to provide an opening for introducing the flexible wiring 28c of the display 28 from outside the housing 12, nor is there any need to pass the flexible wiring 28c through an opening. This simplifies the assembly process of the fiber sensor 1, and allows, for example, the assembly process to be automated. Furthermore, the display cover 24 only needs to be large enough to cover the display surface of the display 28, which allows the fiber sensor 1 to be miniaturized while reducing the likelihood of foreign matter adhering to the display surface.

[0061] The housing 12 has a split structure into which the first outer case 21 and the second outer case 22 are assembled, and has a build-up assembly structure in which various parts are assembled in one direction (for example, the negative Y-axis direction). This simplifies the assembly process of the fiber sensor 1, making it easier to automate and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, by integrating the press-fit rib 73 and elastic piece 81 into the outer case, the fiber sensor 1 does not require additional fixing parts, and the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, by press-fitting various components into the fiber sensor 1, the number of screws and adhesive fixations can be reduced, reducing the burden of managing the assembly process.

[0062] Although it is difficult to eliminate shavings generated from the press-fit ribs 73 when the display 28 is press-fit, the fiber sensor 1 can prevent shavings from entering the display portion of the display surface due to vibrations, etc. Therefore, the fiber sensor 1 can prevent workers from misreading the display surface due to poor visibility, and prevent a computer from erroneously recognizing information contained in an image of the display surface captured by a camera.

[0063] Furthermore, in the fiber sensor 1, the back surface 28b of the display 28 is pressed by the press-fit rib 73 and the elastic piece 81, so that the display portion 28a is tightly attached to the member (for example, the first wall portion 74) that constitutes the storage portion 71, and it is possible to prevent shavings from entering and adhering to the display surface of the display 28 stored in the storage portion 71. In other words, because shavings are unlikely to enter the space on the display surface, the display surface is easy to see, and the displayed information can be correctly recognized by the worker or the camera.

[0064] Furthermore, the fiber sensor 1 presses the rear surface 28b of the display 28 using the elastic piece 81 together with the press-fit rib 73, thereby increasing the pressing force on the rear surface 28b and reducing the size of the press-fit rib 73, for example, making it possible to shorten the length of the press-fit rib 73 along the Y-axis direction as much as possible. By making the size of the press-fit rib 73 as small as possible, the fiber sensor 1 can reduce shavings. By reducing shavings, the fiber sensor 1 can reduce the recess 76.

[0065] Furthermore, although there may be variation in the size of the display 28, the fiber sensor 1 can adhere the display unit 28a to the member constituting the storage section 71 (for example, the first wall section 74) by using the press-fit rib 73 and the elastic piece 81 regardless of the variation, thereby preventing the intrusion of shavings.

[0066] In this embodiment, the fiber sensor 1 is illustrated as an example of a photoelectric sensor, but the photoelectric sensor is not limited to this. The photoelectric sensor can be widely applied to other sensors that perform optical measurement or detection, such as a TOF (Time of Flight) sensor and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor.

[0067] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0068] <Outline of this embodiment> As a result, the present disclosure describes at least the following: Note that the components in parentheses are examples of components corresponding to the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to these.

[0069] (Item 1) a housing (housing 12) having a first outer case (first outer case 21) and a second outer case (second outer case 22) that are assembled together; a light-projecting unit (light-projecting module 54) that is held in an accommodation space defined between the first exterior case and the second exterior case and that projects light to the outside; a light receiving unit (light receiving module 55) that is held in the accommodation space and receives light from outside; a substrate (PCB substrate 31) held in the accommodation space and electrically connected to the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit; a display (display 28) that is held in the accommodation space and has a display unit (display unit 28a) that displays information, and a flexible wiring (flexible wiring 28c) that is electrically connected to the substrate; the first exterior case has a window portion (window portion 72) that exposes the display portion of the display held in the housing space to the outside, and a first fixing portion (press-fit rib 73) that presses the display held in the housing space toward the window portion, The second exterior case has a second fixing portion (elastic piece 81) that presses the display held in the housing space toward the window portion. Photoelectric sensor (fiber sensor 1).

[0070] As a result, the photoelectric sensor has a display disposed in the housing space, eliminating the need for an opening for introducing the display's flexible wiring from outside the housing, and eliminating the need to pass the flexible wiring 28c through the opening. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor has a configuration that can simplify the assembly process, and for example, the assembly process can be automated. Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor has a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that press the display portion of the display toward the window portion, preventing foreign matter from entering the display surface and preventing interference with the smooth display of information by the display portion.

[0071] (Item 2) the first exterior case has a storage section (storage section 71) for storing the display, the first outer case and the second outer case are assembled along a first direction (Y-axis direction), The storage section has a first wall section (first wall section 74) extending in the first direction from the inner surface of the first outer case, and a second wall section (second wall section 75) disposed apart from the first wall section in a second direction different from the first direction and extending in the first direction from the inner surface of the first outer case, the display is disposed between the first wall and the second wall; the window portion is formed in the first wall portion, The first fixing portion is disposed on the second wall portion. Item 1. The photoelectric sensor according to item 1.

[0072] As a result, in the photoelectric sensor, the first wall and second wall of the storage section that stores the display also extend in the first direction in which the first and second outer cases are assembled, so the direction in which the display is stored in the storage section coincides with the direction in which the first and second outer cases are assembled. This allows most of the assembly process of the photoelectric sensor to be performed along the first direction, making it easy to automate the assembly process.

[0073] (Item 3) the first fixing portion is a press-fit rib standing from the second wall portion toward the display side; Item 2. The photoelectric sensor according to item 2.

[0074] This allows the photoelectric sensor to store the display in the storage section and press the display with a simple configuration.

[0075] (Item 4) the second fixing portion is an elastic piece that extends in the first direction from an inner surface of the second outer case and has elasticity, The elastic piece abuts against the display at the position of a notch (notch 75a) provided in the second wall portion. Item 4. The photoelectric sensor according to item 2 or 3.

[0076] As a result, the photoelectric sensor presses the display at the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, so that the pressing can be performed more reliably.

[0077] (Item 5) The flexible wiring of the display is connected to the substrate through the notch. Item 4. The photoelectric sensor according to item 4.

[0078] This allows the photoelectric sensor to be housed in the display housing and connected to the display substrate at the same time.

[0079] (Item 6) At least two press-fit ribs are arranged on the second wall portion at positions corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of the display, The elastic piece is disposed so as to abut against a substantially central portion of the display. Item 4. The photoelectric sensor according to item 4.

[0080] This allows the photoelectric sensor to press the display toward the window portion more stably.

[0081] (Item 7) the storage section has a storage section opening (storage section opening 71a) defined between the first wall section and the second wall section, for inserting the display along the first direction, and a storage section bottom surface (storage section bottom surface 71b) opposite the storage section opening in the first direction and on which one side of the display is placed; A recess (recess 76) recessed in the first direction is formed on the bottom surface of the storage section, The press-fit rib is formed on the bottom surface of the storage portion at a position corresponding to the recess. Item 3. The photoelectric sensor according to item 3.

[0082] This allows the photoelectric sensor to smoothly insert the display into the storage section along the first direction, and also allows shavings generated from the press-fit rib as the display is inserted to be collected in the recess. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor can prevent shavings from entering the display surface, and can prevent shavings from interfering with the display of information by the display section.

[0083] (Item 8) The area of ​​the recess along a plane perpendicular to the first direction is larger than the cross section of the press-fit rib along the plane. Item 8. The photoelectric sensor according to item 7.

[0084] This allows the photoelectric sensor to more reliably collect shavings generated from the press-fit rib in the recess.

[0085] (Item 9) The press-fit rib does not overlap with the window portion in the first direction. Item 8. The photoelectric sensor according to item 7.

[0086] This makes it difficult for chips generated from the press-fit rib to get onto the display section.

[0087] (Item 10) The press-fit rib has a tapered surface (tapered surface 73b) that slopes from the storage section opening toward the bottom surface of the storage section in a direction from the second wall section toward the first wall section. Item 8. The photoelectric sensor according to item 7.

[0088] This allows the photoelectric sensor to smoothly insert the display into the storage section along the first direction.

[0089] (Item 11) The display device further includes a cover (display cover 24) that covers at least an area of ​​the housing that includes the window portion. 11. The photoelectric sensor according to any one of items 1 to 10.

[0090] This makes it possible to reduce the size of the cover of the photoelectric sensor as much as possible, while preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the housing from the outside through the window portion.

[0091] (Item 12) A polarizing film (polarizing film 28d) is attached to the display portion so as to be present over at least the entire area of ​​the window portion. 12. The photoelectric sensor according to any one of items 1 to 11.

[0092] This makes it possible to prevent the polarizing film from forming a step on the surface of the display unit at a position visible from the outside, thereby preventing deterioration of the appearance of the photoelectric sensor.

[0093] (Item 13) Further provided is a fixing member (rail stopper 27) for fixing the photoelectric sensor to an external member, The fixing member is arranged along the first direction. 11. The photoelectric sensor according to any one of items 2 to 10.

[0094] This allows the direction in which the fixing members are arranged to coincide with the direction in which the first and second outer cases are assembled, and therefore the majority of the assembly process for the photoelectric sensor can be performed along the first direction, making it easy to automate the assembly process. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present disclosure is useful for a photoelectric sensor or the like that can simplify the assembly process of the photoelectric sensor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Fiber sensor (an example of a photoelectric sensor) 10 Main Unit 12. Case 12a Fixed surface 21 First outer case 22 Second outer case 24 Display cover (example of cover) 27 Rail stopper (an example of a fixing component) 28 Display 28a Display section 28b Back 28c flexible wiring 28d polarized film 31 PCB board (example of board) 50 Fiber holding parts 51 Main Block 52 Clamping member 53 Clamp lever 54 Light-emitting module (example of light-emitting unit) 55 Light receiving module (example of light receiving unit) 71 Storage area 71a Storage compartment opening 71b Bottom of storage area 72 Window 73 Press-fit rib (an example of a first fixing portion) 73a Ridgeline 73b Tapered surface 74 1st wall section 75 Second wall 75a Notch 76 Recess 81 Elastic piece (an example of a second fixing portion)

Claims

1. a housing having a first outer case and a second outer case that are assembled together; a light projecting unit that is held in an accommodation space defined between the first outer case and the second outer case and projects light to the outside; a light receiving unit that is held in the accommodation space and receives light from outside; a substrate held in the accommodation space and electrically connected to the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit; a display that is held in the accommodation space and that displays information, and that has a flexible wiring that is electrically connected to the substrate; the first exterior case has a window portion that exposes the display portion of the display held in the housing space to the outside, and a first fixing portion that presses the display held in the housing space toward the window portion, the second exterior case has a second fixing portion that presses the display held in the housing space toward the window portion; Photoelectric sensor.

2. the first exterior case has a storage section that stores the display, the first outer case and the second outer case are assembled along a first direction, the storage section has a first wall portion extending in the first direction from an inner surface of the first outer case, and a second wall portion disposed apart from the first wall portion in a second direction different from the first direction and extending in the first direction from the inner surface of the first outer case, the display is disposed between the first wall and the second wall; the window portion is formed in the first wall portion, The first fixing portion is disposed on the second wall portion. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1 .

3. the first fixing portion is a press-fit rib standing from the second wall portion toward the display side; The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2 .

4. the second fixing portion is an elastic piece that extends in the first direction from an inner surface of the second outer case and has elasticity, the elastic piece abuts against the display at a position of a notch provided in the second wall portion; 4. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The flexible wiring of the display is connected to the substrate through the notch. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 4.

6. At least two press-fit ribs are arranged on the second wall portion at positions corresponding to the vicinity of both ends of the display, The elastic piece is disposed so as to abut against a substantially central portion of the display. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 4.

7. the storage section has a storage section opening defined between the first wall section and the second wall section, for inserting the display along the first direction, and a storage section bottom surface opposite the storage section opening in the first direction and on which one side of the display is placed; a recess recessed in the first direction is formed in a bottom surface of the storage section, The press-fit rib is formed on the bottom surface of the storage portion at a position corresponding to the recess. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 3 .

8. an area of ​​the recess along a plane perpendicular to the first direction is larger than a cross section of the press-fit rib along the plane; The photoelectric sensor according to claim 7.

9. The press-fit rib does not overlap the window portion in the first direction. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 7.

10. The press-fit rib has a tapered surface that is inclined from the storage portion opening toward the storage portion bottom surface in a direction from the second wall portion toward the first wall portion. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 7.

11. a cover that covers an area of ​​the housing including the window portion; 3. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A polarizing film is attached to the display portion so as to be present over at least the entire area of ​​the window portion.

3. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a fixing member for fixing the photoelectric sensor to an external member, The fixing member is arranged along the first direction. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2 .

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