Sensor and mounting structure

Abstract

Multiple mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the case. [Solution] The sensor comprises a case on which a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element are provided. The case has a hollow case body in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. A groove is formed on the upper surface of the case body that penetrates the case body along a first direction along any side of the case body. The groove has a first surface and a second surface of different heights, and the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to the upper surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor and an attachment structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a photo interrupter in which a groove that engages with a protrusion formed on a mounting plate so as to protrude in a direction along the mounting surface of the mounting plate to which the case is attached is formed on a wall constituting the outer shape of the case, and an engaging portion located inside the case from the outer wall surface of the wall in the thickness direction of the wall is formed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the case and the dimensions of the mounting plate to which the case is attached correspond one-to-one, and it is not possible to attach a plurality of types of mounting plates having various shapes, particularly different thicknesses, to one case.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a sensor and an attachment structure capable of attaching a plurality of types of mounting plates having different thicknesses to one case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the sensor according to the present invention comprises a case provided with, for example, a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, wherein the case has a hollow case body in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and a groove is formed on the upper surface of the case body that penetrates the case body along a first direction along any side of the case body, the groove has a first surface and a second surface of different heights, and the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to the upper surface.

[0007] According to the sensor of the present invention, a groove formed on the upper surface of the case body is provided with a first surface and a second surface of different heights. When the sensor is attached to a mounting plate, the back surface of the mounting plate comes into contact with either the first surface or the second surface. Therefore, multiple mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the case without increasing the size of the case.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the sensor according to the present invention comprises a case on which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided, wherein the case has a hollow case body in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the first and second sides of the case body, which are two parallel surfaces, are provided on the first and second sides adjacent to the top surface of the case body, and each of these sides is provided with a protrusion projecting in a first direction, wherein the protrusion has a third and fourth surface of different heights, and the third and fourth surfaces are substantially parallel to the top surface.

[0009] The first and second sides of the case body are two parallel surfaces, and each side adjacent to the top surface is provided with a projection that protrudes in a first direction. The projection has a third and a fourth surface of different heights, and the third and fourth surfaces may be substantially parallel to the top surface. When the sensor is attached to the mounting plate, the back surface of the mounting plate comes into contact with the third or fourth surface. Therefore, multiple types of mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to a single case without increasing the size of the case.

[0010] According to the sensor of the present invention, the protrusions provided on the first and second parallel surfaces of the case body have a third and a fourth surface with different heights. When the sensor is attached to a mounting plate, the back surface of the mounting plate comes into contact with the third or fourth surface. Therefore, multiple types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to a single case without increasing the size of the case.

[0011] The fourth surface is located outside the third surface and may be lower than the third surface. Alternatively, the fourth surface may be located outside the third surface and may be higher than the third surface.

[0012] The second surface is located outside the first surface and may be higher than the first surface.

[0013] The case has a first protrusion on its upper surface, in which the light-emitting element is housed, and a second protrusion on its upper surface, in which the light-receiving element is housed. The case has a U-shape when viewed from the front, with the first and second protrusions protruding from the case body, and the groove may be provided between the first and second protrusions, extending in the depth direction when viewed from the front. This allows multiple types of mounting plates to be attached to the case without increasing the size of the case.

[0014] The third and fourth sides of the case body that abut the upper surface are each provided with a pair of outwardly protruding snap members, and the snap members may be configured so that their tips are movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth sides. The steps formed in the groove create surfaces of different heights in the groove, and the mounting plate abuts against these surfaces, so that multiple types of mounting plates can be fixed with a single snap member.

[0015] The case has a first protrusion provided on the upper surface of the case body, in which the light-emitting element is housed, and a second protrusion provided on the upper surface of the case body, in which the light-receiving element is housed. The case has a U-shape when viewed from the front, with the first and second protrusions protruding from the case body, and the first surface may be a surface that is visible when viewed from the front. This allows for compatibility with multiple types of mounting plates without increasing the size of the case.

[0016] The third and fourth surfaces of the case body, which are perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, are each provided with a pair of snap members that protrude outward, and the tips of each snap member may be configured to move in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth surfaces. Since surfaces of different heights are formed on the first surface by the difference in height, and the mounting plate abuts against these surfaces, multiple types of mounting plates can be fixed with a single snap member.

[0017] To solve the above problems, the mounting structure according to the present invention is a mounting structure for mounting a sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, wherein a groove is formed on the upper surface of the case body that penetrates the case body along a first direction along any side of the case body, the groove has a first surface and a second surface of different heights, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to the upper surface, and the mounting plate has a hole and a rib provided inside the hole, wherein when the case body is inserted into the hole, the rib abuts against the first surface or the second surface.

[0018] To solve the above problems, the mounting structure according to the present invention is a mounting structure for mounting a sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, wherein the case body has two parallel surfaces, a first side and a second side, and the first and second side surfaces adjacent to the top surface of the case body are each provided with a protrusion projecting in a first direction, the protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, the third surface and the fourth surface are substantially parallel to the top surface, the fourth surface is provided outside the third surface and is lower than the third surface, the mounting plate has a hole, the hole has a notch, and when the case body is inserted into the hole, the mounting plate abuts against the third surface or the fourth surface near the notch.

[0019] To solve the above problems, the mounting structure according to the present invention is a mounting structure for mounting a sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, wherein the case body has two parallel surfaces, a first side surface and a second side surface, and the first side surface and the second side surface adjacent to the top surface of the case body are each provided with a protrusion projecting in a first direction, the protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, the third surface and the fourth surface are substantially parallel to the top surface, the fourth surface is provided outside the third surface and is higher than the third surface, the mounting plate has a hole and a second protrusion formed in the hole, and when the case body is inserted into the hole, the second protrusion abuts against the third surface or the fourth surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, multiple types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to a single case. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view showing an example of the sensor 1. (A) is a view seen from the upper diagonal direction, and (B) is a view seen from the lower diagonal direction. [Figure 2] It is a six-view drawing showing an example of the sensor 1. (A) is a front view, (B) is a plan view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the sensor 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing the state where the mounting plate 101 is attached to the sensor 1. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing the state where the mounting plate 102 is attached to the sensor 1. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing the state where the mounting plate 103 is attached to the sensor 1. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an overview of the sensor 1A. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an overview of the sensor 1B. (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing an overview of the sensor 1C. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing an example of the sensor 1D. (A) is a view seen from the upper diagonal direction, and (B) is a view seen from the lower diagonal direction. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing an example of the sensor 2. (A) is a view seen from the upper diagonal direction, and (B) is a view seen from the lower diagonal direction. [Figure 12] It is a six-view drawing showing an example of the sensor 2. (A) is a front view, (B) is a plan view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view. [Figure 13] It is a front view of the sensor 2. [Figure 14]This diagram schematically shows the sensor 2 with the mounting plate 104 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 15] This diagram schematically shows the sensor 2 with the mounting plate 105 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 16] This diagram schematically shows the mounting plate 106 attached to the sensor 2, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 17] This diagram shows a schematic representation of sensor 2A, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 18] This diagram shows a schematic of sensor 2B, where (A) is an oblique view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing an example of sensor 3, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. [Figure 20] This is a six-view drawing showing an example of sensor 3, where (A) is the front view, (B) is the top view, (C) is the bottom view, (D) is the left side view, (E) is the right side view, and (F) is the rear view. [Figure 21] This is a front view of sensor 3. [Figure 22] The image shows the sensor 3 with the mounting plate 102 attached, with (A) being a perspective view, (B) being a plan view, and (C) being a front view. [Figure 23] The image shows the sensor 3 with the mounting plate 107 attached, with (A) being a perspective view, (B) being a plan view, and (C) being a front view. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing an example of sensor 4, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. [Figure 25] This is a six-view drawing showing an example of sensor 4, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view. [Figure 26]This is a front view of sensor 4. [Figure 27] The image shows the sensor 4 with the mounting plate 102 attached, with (A) being a perspective view, (B) being a plan view, and (C) being a front view. [Figure 28] The image shows the sensor 4 with the mounting plate 108 attached, with (A) being a perspective view, (B) a plan view, and (C) a front view. [Figure 29] This figure shows schematic diagrams of sensors 3A and 3B, each equipped with at least one of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description will use an example in which the sensor of the present invention is applied to a light-transmitting sensor. However, the sensor of the present invention is not limited to light-transmitting sensors; for example, it may also be applied to light-reflecting sensors.

[0023] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. Figure 2 is a six-view drawing showing an example of a sensor 1, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view.

[0024] In the following, when viewed from the front (see the white arrow in Figure 1(A)), the right direction is defined as the +x direction, the direction from the front to the back is defined as the +y direction, and the direction from bottom to top is defined as the +z direction.

[0025] Sensor 1 mainly comprises a case 10, a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10 mainly comprises a case body 11, protrusions 12 and 13, and snap members 21 and 22.

[0026] The case body 11 is made of resin (for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polyacetal (POM)). The case body 11 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The bottom surface 11b has a rectangular rib 11b-1 which is part of the sides 11c, 11d and sides 11e, 11f of the case body 11, and a plate-like portion 11b-2 which covers the inside of the rib 11b-1. A hole is provided in the plate-like portion 11b-2, through which the connector 23 is inserted.

[0027] The protrusions 12 and 13 are provided on the upper surface 11a of the case body 11, facing the bottom surface 11b. The protrusions 12 and 13 are provided projecting from the bottom surface to the upper surface (+z direction) of the case body 11. A light-emitting element (not shown) is provided inside the protrusion 12 (corresponding to the first protrusion of the present invention). A light-receiving element (not shown) is provided inside the protrusion 13 (corresponding to the second protrusion of the present invention).

[0028] The light-receiving element and light-emitting element are electrically connected to the connector 23 via a substrate (not shown). The substrate is located inside the case body 11.

[0029] The protrusions 12 and 13 are provided separated by a predetermined distance in the x-direction. Therefore, the case 10, i.e., the sensor 1, has a U-shape when viewed from the front (+x direction) or back (-x direction) (U-shape in front view). However, the position and shape of the protrusions 12 and 13 are not limited to this.

[0030] Slits (not shown) are provided in both the protrusion 12 and the protrusion 13. These two slits are formed to face each other. The light-emitting part of the light-emitting element is positioned toward the slit of the protrusion 12, and the light-receiving part of the light-receiving element is positioned toward the slit of the protrusion 13. These two slits are provided to improve the accuracy of object position detection. The slits may be hollow inside, or they may be filled with a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic (PMMA).

[0031] Light from the light-emitting element located within the protrusion 12 passes through the slit in the protrusion 12, the space between the protrusion 12 and the protrusion 13 (detection groove), and the slit in the protrusion 13, and is received by the light-receiving element. When an object passes through the detection groove, the light-receiving element stops receiving light, allowing the sensor 1 to detect that the object has moved through the detection groove.

[0032] A groove 14 is provided on the upper surface 11a. The groove 14 penetrates the case body 11 between the protrusions 12 and 13, along the y-direction (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention), which is the depth direction in a front view. In addition, snap members 21 and 22 are provided on the left and right side surfaces 11e (corresponding to the third side surface of the present invention) and side surface 11f (corresponding to the fourth side surface of the present invention).

[0033] The groove 14 and snap members 21 and 22 will be described below. Figure 3 is a front view of the sensor 1. The groove 14 has surfaces 14a and 14b aligned in the y direction and a surface 14c corresponding to the bottom surface. Surfaces 14a and 14b correspond to the sides of the groove 14, and surfaces 14a and 14b face each other. Surface 14c is provided between surfaces 14a and 14b.

[0034] Surfaces 14a and 14b are provided with a pair of steps 15a and 15b. In this embodiment, two sets of steps 15a and 15b are provided. As a result, a stepped protrusion is formed in the groove 14 that projects into the interior of the groove 14. For reference, Figure 3 shows the groove 14 without the steps 15a and 15b as a dotted line.

[0035] Due to the steps 15a and 15b, the groove 14 has three surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e with different heights (positions in the z direction). Surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e are approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a.

[0036] Surface 14d (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14c (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14c. The width W2 between the steps 15a, i.e., the width W2 between the outer edges of surface 14d, is greater than the width W1 between the steps 15b, i.e., the width W1 of surface 14c.

[0037] Surface 14e (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14d (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14d. The width W3 between surfaces 14a and 14b, i.e., the width W3 between the outer edges of surface 14e, is greater than the width W2.

[0038] In this invention, when A is higher than B, it means that the z-coordinate of A is greater than the z-coordinate of B, and when A is lower than B, it means that the z-coordinate of A is less than the z-coordinate of B. Furthermore, in this invention, when A is located outside of B, it means that A is located closer to the edge of the case body 11 than B, and when A is located inside of B, it means that A is located closer to the center of the case body 11 than B.

[0039] The snap members 21 and 22 are members that can be detachably engaged with the object to be engaged (mounting plates 101 to 103 (see Figures 4 to 6)), and are provided on the side surfaces of the case body 11 (here, the -x side surface 11e and the +x side surface 11f). The snap members 21 and 22 are a pair of outwardly projecting protrusions and are elastically deformable. Locking portions 21a and 22a are formed at the tips of the snap members 21 and 22, respectively. The locking portions 21a and 22a of the snap members 21 and 22 are movable in the x direction (corresponding to the second direction of the present invention). Note that the snap members 21 and 22 only need to have locking portions 21a and 22a movable in the x direction, and their shape is not limited to this. Also, the snap members 21 and 22 are not essential.

[0040] Figures 4-6 schematically show how mounting plates 101-103 of different shapes are attached to sensor 1. In Figures 4-6, (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Mounting plates 101-103 have different thicknesses. The thickness t1 of mounting plate 101, the thickness t2 of mounting plate 102, and the thickness t3 of mounting plate 103 are in the relationship t1 > t2 > t3.

[0041] Figure 4 shows the mounting plate 101 attached to the sensor 1. The mounting plate 101 has a hole 101a and a rib 101d. The width w1 of the rib 101d is less than or equal to the width W1 of the surface 14a (see Figure 3). The hole 101a is divided into hole 101b and hole 101c by the rib 101d. When the mounting plate 101 is attached to the sensor 1, the rib 101d abuts against the surface 14c (see Figure 3), the protrusion 12 is inserted into hole 101b, and the protrusion 13 is inserted into hole 101c. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into holes 101b and 101c respectively, the snap members 21 and 22 are deformed to engage the locking parts 21a and 22a with the recesses 101e of hole 101a, respectively.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the mounting plate 102 attached to the sensor 1. The mounting plate 102 has a hole 102a and a rib 102d. The width w2 of the rib 102d is less than or equal to the width W2 of the surface 14d (see Figure 3), and wider than the width w1 of the rib 101d (see Figure 4). The hole 102a is divided into hole 102b and hole 102c by the rib 102d. When the mounting plate 102 is attached to the sensor 1, the rib 102d abuts against the surface 14d (see Figure 3), the protrusion 12 is inserted into hole 102b, and the protrusion 13 is inserted into hole 102c. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into holes 102b and 102c respectively, the snap members 21 and 22 are deformed to engage the locking parts 21a and 22a with the recesses 102e of hole 102a, respectively.

[0043] Figure 6 shows the mounting plate 103 attached to the sensor 1. The mounting plate 103 has a hole 103a and a rib 103d. The width w3 of the rib 103d is less than or equal to the width W3 of the surface 14e (see Figure 3), and wider than the width w2 of the rib 102d (see Figure 4). The hole 103a is divided into hole 103b and hole 103c by the rib 103d. When the mounting plate 103 is attached to the sensor 1, the rib 103d comes into contact with the surface 14e (see Figure 3), the protrusion 12 is inserted into hole 103b, and the protrusion 13 is inserted into hole 103c. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into holes 103b and 103c respectively, the snap members 21 and 22 are deformed to engage the locking parts 21a and 22a with the recesses 103e of hole 103a, respectively.

[0044] According to this embodiment, by providing grooves 14 in the case 10 and forming surfaces 14c to 14d of different heights in the grooves 14, multiple mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses can be attached to the case 10.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the groove 14 is provided between the protrusions 12 and 13 (a previously unused area), multiple types of mounting plates 101 to 103 can be attached to the case 10 without increasing the size of the case 10.

[0046] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the steps 15a and 15b formed in the groove 14 give the groove 14 three surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e with different heights, and by bringing the mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses into contact with the surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e with different heights, the height of the upper surfaces of the mounting plates 101 to 103 can be made constant. As a result, the mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses can be held by a pair of snap members 21 and 22.

[0047] In this embodiment, the groove 14 has surfaces 14c to 14e of different heights by providing steps 15a and 15b, but the number of steps and surfaces is not limited to this. For example, the surface of the groove 14 may be only surface 14c, or only surfaces 14c and 14d, or only surfaces 14d and 14e.

[0048] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment> Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of sensor 1A, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Parts identical to those of sensor 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0049] Sensor 1A mainly comprises a case 10A and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10 mainly comprises a case body 11A, protrusions 12 and 13, and snap members 21 and 22.

[0050] A groove 14A is provided on the upper surface 11a of the case body 11A. The groove 14A is formed between the protrusions 12 and 13, extending over the entire y-direction (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention), which is the depth direction in a front view. The groove 14A has surfaces 14a and 14b along the y-direction, and a surface 14c corresponding to the bottom surface. A pair of steps 15c are provided on surfaces 14a and 14b. As a result, the groove 14A has two surfaces 14c and 14f with different heights (positions in the z-direction). Surfaces 14c and 14f are substantially parallel to the upper surface 11a. Surface 14f (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14c (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14d.

[0051] As a result, two types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 1A. For example, the mounting plate 101 can be attached to the sensor 1A by inserting the protrusion 12 into the hole 101b, inserting the protrusion 13 into the hole 101c, and bringing the rib 101d into contact with the surface 14c. Similarly, a mounting plate thinner than the mounting plate 101 can be attached to the sensor 1A by inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into the holes and bringing the rib of this mounting plate into contact with the surface 14f.

[0052] <Modification 2 of the first embodiment> Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of sensor 1B, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Parts identical to those of sensor 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0053] Sensor 1B mainly comprises a case 10B and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10B mainly comprises a case body 11B, protrusions 12 and 13, and snap members 21 and 22.

[0054] A groove 14B is provided on the upper surface 11a of the case body 11B. The groove 14B is formed between the protrusions 12 and 13, extending along the entire y-direction (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention), which is the depth direction in a front view. The groove 14B has surfaces 14a and 14b along the y-direction, and a surface 14c corresponding to the bottom surface. Surfaces 14a and 14b are provided with three pairs of steps 15d, 15e, and 15f. As a result, the groove 14B has four surfaces 14c, 14g, 14h, and 14i with different heights (positions in the z-direction). Surfaces 14c, 14g, 14h, and 14i are substantially parallel to the upper surface 11a.

[0055] Surface 14g (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14c (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14c. Surface 14h (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14g (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14g. Surface 14i (corresponding to the second surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 14h (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 14h.

[0056] As a result, four types of mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 1B. For example, the mounting plate 101 can be attached to the sensor 1A by inserting the protrusion 12 into the hole 101b, inserting the protrusion 13 into the hole 101c, and bringing the rib 101d into contact with the surface 14c. Similarly, for mounting plates thinner than the mounting plate 101, the protrusions 12 and 13 can be inserted into the holes, and the rib of this mounting plate can be brought into contact with one of the surfaces 14g, 14h, or 14i to attach it to the sensor 1B.

[0057] In this embodiment and its modified form, the case body 11 is provided with protrusions 12 and 13, resulting in a U-shape when viewed from the front of the case 10. However, the shape of the case is not limited to this. For example, a sensor may have either a protrusion 12 or a protrusion 13, with a groove 14 formed adjacent to either the protrusion 12 or the protrusion 13. In this case, a sensor having a protrusion 12 and a sensor having a protrusion 13 can be used in combination.

[0058] <Modification 3 of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment and modifications 1 and 2, the sides 11c and 11d and the protrusions 12 and 13 are located on the same plane, but the shape and size of the protrusions 12 and 13 are not limited to this. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the sensor 1C according to the modification. Note that parts identical to those of sensor 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0059] Sensor 1C mainly comprises a case 10C and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10C mainly comprises a case body 11, protrusions 12A and 13A, and snap members 21B and 22B. The depth (width in the y-direction) of the protrusions 12A and 13A is smaller than the depth of the case body 11. A groove 14 is provided on the upper surface 11a between the protrusions 12A and 13A.

[0060] Snap members 21B and 22B have different shapes from snap members 21 and 22, but their functions are identical. That is, snap members 21B and 22B are elastic, and the locking portion at the tip is movable in the x-direction.

[0061] According to this modified example, by providing a groove 14 in the case 10C, multiple mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses can be attached to the case 10C.

[0062] <Modification 4 of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment and modifications 1 and 2, a connector 23 was provided on the bottom surface 11b, but the connector 23 is not essential. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the sensor 1D according to the modified example. Parts identical to those of sensor 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] Sensor 1D mainly comprises a case 10' and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10' mainly comprises a case body 11', protrusions 12 and 13, and snap members 21B and 22B.

[0064] The difference between case body 11' and case body 11 is that it lacks the plate-like portion 11b-2 and has a hole 11m; otherwise, they are identical. A protrusion provided on a substrate (not shown) or the like is inserted into the hole 11m.

[0065] The position, size, and shape of hole 11m are not limited to those shown. Furthermore, hole 11m is not required in case 10'. In addition, hole 11m may be provided in the case bodies 11, 11A, and 11B.

[0066] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a groove 14 is provided to allow multiple mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses to be attached to the case 10. However, the configuration for allowing multiple mounting plates of different thicknesses to be attached to the case is not limited to this.

[0067] The following describes a sensor 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0068] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a sensor 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. Figure 12 is a six-view drawing showing an example of a sensor 2, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view.

[0069] Sensor 2 mainly comprises a case 10D and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10D mainly comprises a case body 11C, protrusions 12B and 13B, and snap members 21A and 22A.

[0070] The case body 11C is made of resin (for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM)) and has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0071] The protrusions 12B and 13B are provided on the upper surface 11g of the case body 11C, which faces the bottom surface 11h. The protrusions 12B and 13B differ only in shape from the protrusions 12 and 13, and are otherwise identical, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0072] The protrusions 12B and 13B are provided separated in the x-direction by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the case 10D, i.e., the sensor 2, has a U-shape when viewed from the front. However, the position and shape of the protrusions 12B and 13B are not limited to this.

[0073] Snap members 21A and 22A are provided on the left and right sides 11k (corresponding to the third side of the present invention) and side 11l (corresponding to the fourth side of the present invention). The snap members 21A and 22A are members that can be detachably engaged with the object to be engaged (mounting plates 104 to 106 (see Figures 13 to 15)). The snap members 21A and 22A are a pair of outwardly protruding projections that are elastically deformable. Locking portions 21b and 22b are formed at the tips of the snap members 21A and 22A, respectively. The locking portions 21b and 22b of the snap members 21A and 22A are movable in the x direction (corresponding to the second direction of the present invention). Note that the snap members 21A and 22A only need to have locking portions 21b and 22b that are movable in the x direction, and their shape is not limited to this. Also, the snap members 21A and 22A are not essential.

[0074] On the sides 11i and 11j adjacent to the sides 11k, 11l, and top surface 11g of the case body 11C, protrusions 11n are provided. Each protrusion 11n has four surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16j of different heights, each formed by a pair of steps 15e, 15f, and 15g. The steps 15e, 15f, and 15g and the surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16j will be described below. Figure 13 is a front view of the sensor 2. The steps 15e, 15f, and 15g will be described below using the protrusion 11n provided on side 11i.

[0075] The step 15e is provided on the upper surface 11g. A surface 16j is formed between the steps 15e, and a pair of surfaces 16a are formed on both sides of the surface 16j. The surface 16j is the same surface as the upper surface 11g. However, the surface 16j may not be the same surface as the upper surface 11g.

[0076] The step 15f is provided on the surface 16a. By the step 15f, a pair of surfaces 16b are formed. The step 15g is provided on the surface 16b. By the step 15g, a pair of surfaces 16c are formed. Thus, three pairs of steps 15e, 15f, and 15g form three pairs of surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c and the surface 16j that are substantially parallel to the upper surface 11g.

[0077] The surface 16a (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is provided on both sides of the surface 16j (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is lower than the surface 16j. The width W4 between the steps 15e, that is, the width W4 of the surface 16j, is smaller than the width W5 between the steps 15f, that is, the width W5 between the outer ends of the surface 16a.

[0078] The surface 16b (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is provided outside the surface 16a (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is lower than the surface 16a. The width W5 is smaller than the width W6 between the steps 15g, that is, the width W6 between the outer ends of the surface 16b.

[0079] The surface 16c (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is provided outside the surface 16b (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is lower than the surface 16b. The width W6 is smaller than the width (the length in the x direction) of the case body 11C.

[0080] Figs. 14 to 16 are diagrams schematically showing a state where mounting plates 104 to 106 having different shapes are attached to the sensor 2. In Figs. 13 to 15, (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. The mounting plates 104 to 106 have different thicknesses. The thickness t4 of the mounting plate 104, the thickness t5 of the mounting plate 105, and the thickness t6 of the mounting plate 106 are in the relationship of t4 < t5 < t6.

[0081] Figure 14 shows the sensor 2 with the mounting plate 104 attached. The mounting plate 104 has a hole 104a. A notch 104d is formed in the hole 104a. The width w4 of the notch 104d is greater than or equal to the width W4 between the pair of steps 15e (see Figure 13). When the mounting plate 104 is attached to the sensor 2, the side surface of the notch 104d comes into contact with the side surface of the step 15e (see Figure 13) (the surface along the z direction, the same applies hereafter), and the back surface 104b of the mounting plate 104 comes into contact with the surface 16a in the vicinity of the notch 104d. At this time, the surface surface 104c of the mounting plate 104 is at approximately the same height as the top surface 11g. Furthermore, when inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the hole 104a, the snap members 21A and 22A are deformed to bring the locking portions 21b and 22b into contact with the surface 104c, respectively.

[0082] Figure 15 shows the mounting plate 105 attached to the sensor 2. The mounting plate 105 has a hole 105a. A notch 105d is formed in the hole 105a. The width w5 of the notch 105d is greater than or equal to the width W5 between a pair of steps 15f (see Figure 13). When the mounting plate 104 is attached to the sensor 2, the side surface of the notch 105d abuts against the side surface of the step 15f (see Figure 13), and the back surface 105b of the mounting plate 105 abuts against the surface 16b near the notch 105d. At this time, the surface surface 105c of the mounting plate 105 is at approximately the same height as the top surface 11g. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the hole 105a, the snap members 21A and 22A are deformed to bring the locking parts 21b and 22b into contact with the surface 104c, respectively.

[0083] Figure 16 shows the mounting plate 106 attached to the sensor 2. The mounting plate 106 has a hole 106a. A notch 106d is formed in the hole 106a. The width w6 of the notch 106d is greater than or equal to the width W6 between a pair of steps 15g (see Figure 13). When the mounting plate 106 is attached to the sensor 2, the side surface of the notch 106d abuts against the side surface of the step 15g (see Figure 13), and the back surface 106b of the mounting plate 106 abuts against the surface 16c near the notch 106d. At this time, the surface surface 106c of the mounting plate 106 is at approximately the same height as the top surface 11g. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the hole 106a, the snap members 21A and 22A are deformed to bring the locking parts 21b and 22b into contact with the surface 104c, respectively.

[0084] According to this embodiment, by providing multiple steps 15e to 15g on the case 10D and forming surfaces 16a to 16c of different heights, multiple mounting plates 104 to 106 of different thicknesses can be attached to the case 10D.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the steps 15e to 15g give the case body 11C three surfaces 16a to 16c of different heights, and by bringing the mounting plates 104 to 106 of different thicknesses into contact with the surfaces 16a to 16c of different heights, the height of the surfaces 104c to 106c of the mounting plates 104 to 106 can be made constant. As a result, a pair of snap members 21A and 22A can hold the mounting plates 104 to 105 of different thicknesses.

[0086] In this embodiment, there are three steps 15e to 15g and three surfaces 16a to 16c of different heights, but the number of steps and surfaces is not limited to these. At least two surfaces of different heights are required. For example, the protrusion 11n may have only surfaces 16j and 16a, or only surfaces 16a and 16c.

[0087] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of sensor 2A, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Parts identical to those of sensor 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] Sensor 2A mainly comprises a case 10E and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10E mainly comprises a case body 11D, protrusions 12B and 13B, and snap members 21A and 22A.

[0089] The sides 11i and 11j of the case body 11D are provided with protrusions 11p. The protrusions 11p have three surfaces 16d, 16e, and 16j with different heights (positions in the z direction) due to two pairs of steps 15d and 15e. Surfaces 16d and 16e are approximately parallel to the top surface 11g.

[0090] As a result, two types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 2A. For example, multiple types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 2A by inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with the surface 16d, or by inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with the surface 16e.

[0091] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of sensor 2B, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Parts identical to those of sensor 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0092] Sensor 2B mainly comprises a case 10F and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10F mainly comprises a case body 11E, protrusions 12 and 13, and snap members 21A and 22A.

[0093] The sides 11i and 11j of the case body 11E are provided with protrusions 11q. The protrusions 11q have five surfaces 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, and 16j with different heights (positions in the z direction) due to four pairs of steps 15f, 15g, 15h, and 15i. Surfaces 16f, 16g, 16h, and 16i are approximately parallel to the top surface 11g.

[0094] As a result, four types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 2B. For example, multiple types of mounting plates with different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 2B by inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with surface 16f, inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with surface 16g, inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with surface 16h, and inserting the protrusions 12B and 13B into the holes and bringing the bottom surface of the mounting plate into contact with surface 16i.

[0095] In this embodiment and its modifications, the cases 10D, 10E, and 10F were U-shaped in front view because the protrusions 12B and 13B were provided on the case bodies 11C, 11D, and 11E, but the shape of the cases is not limited to this. For example, only the protrusions 12B or 13B may be provided on the case bodies 11C, 11D, and 11E. Also, the shape and size of the protrusions 12B and 13B are not limited to this. Furthermore, holes 11m may be provided on the case bodies 11C, 11D, 11E, etc.

[0096] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a groove 14 is provided to allow multiple mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses to be attached to the case 10. However, the configuration for allowing multiple mounting plates of different thicknesses to be attached to the case is not limited to this.

[0097] The following describes a sensor 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0098] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing an example of sensor 3, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. Figure 20 is a six-view drawing showing an example of sensor 3, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view.

[0099] Sensor 3 mainly comprises a case 10G and a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10G mainly comprises a case body 11F, protrusions 12C and 13C, and snap members 21 and 22.

[0100] The case body 11F is made of resin (for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polyacetal (POM)) and has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0101] The protrusions 12C and 13C are provided on the upper surface 11o of the case body 11F, which faces the bottom surface 11h. In this embodiment, the upper surface 11o is a virtual surface and is shown by a dotted line. The protrusions 12B and 13B differ only in shape from the protrusions 12 and 13, and are otherwise identical, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The protrusions 12C and 13C are provided separated in the x direction by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the case 10G, i.e., the sensor 3, has a U-shape when viewed from the front. However, the position and shape of the protrusions 12C and 13C are not limited to this.

[0102] A groove 14C is provided on the upper surface 11o. The groove 14C penetrates the case body 11 between the protrusion 12C and the protrusion 13, along the y-direction (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention), which is the depth direction in a front view.

[0103] Figure 21 is a front view of sensor 3. Groove 14C differs from groove 14 in that it does not have surfaces 14a and 14b, and is in contact with protrusions 12C and 13C. Groove 14C has three surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e with different heights (positions in the z direction) due to a pair of steps 15a and 15b. Surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e are substantially parallel to the upper surface 11o. In this embodiment, surface 14e is part of the upper surface 11o (see Figure 19), but the position of the upper surface 11o is not limited to this (it may be at a higher position (+z side) or a lower position (-z side) than surface 14e).

[0104] The sides 11i and 11j are provided with protrusions 11r. The protrusions 11r are provided with four surfaces 16k, 16l, 16m, and 16n of different heights, which are formed by pairs of steps 15j, 15k, and 15l.

[0105] A surface 16k is provided approximately in the center of the protrusion 11r. A pair of steps 15j form a pair of surfaces 16l on both sides of surface 16k. A pair of steps 15k form a pair of surfaces 16m on the outside of surface 16l. A pair of steps 15l form a pair of surfaces 16n on the outside of surface 16m.

[0106] Surface 16l (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is provided on both sides of surface 16k (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 16k. The width W7 between the steps 15j, i.e., the width W7 of surface 16k, is smaller than the width W8 between the steps 15k, i.e., the width W5 between the outer edges of surface 16l.

[0107] Surface 16m (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 16l (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 16l. The width W8 is smaller than the width W9 between the steps 15l, i.e., the width W9 between the outer edges of surface 16m.

[0108] Surface 16n (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is located outside of surface 16m (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is higher than surface 16m. The width W9 is smaller than the width (length in the x-direction) of the case body 11F.

[0109] Figure 22 shows the sensor 3 with the mounting plate 102 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. The mounting plate 102 is made of metal (sheet metal). When the mounting plate 102 is attached to the sensor 3, the rib 102d abuts against the surface 14d (see Figure 21), the protrusion 12C is inserted into the hole 102b, and the protrusion 13C is inserted into the hole 102c.

[0110] Since sensor 3 has a groove 14C, similar to sensor 1, mounting plates 101 and 103 (all made of sheet metal) with different thicknesses than mounting plate 102 can be attached to sensor 3 in addition to mounting plate 102. Furthermore, since groove 14C has three surfaces 14c, 14d, and 14e with different heights, the height of the upper surfaces of mounting plates 101 to 103 can be kept constant, and a pair of snap members 21 and 22 can hold mounting plates 101 to 103 with different thicknesses.

[0111] Figure 23 shows the sensor 3 with the mounting plate 107 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. The mounting plate 107 is a resin plate. A hole 107a is formed in the mounting plate 107. A protrusion 107d is formed in the hole 107a. The width w8 of the protrusion 107d is less than or equal to the width W8 between a pair of steps 15k (see Figure 21, etc.). When the mounting plate 107 is attached to the sensor 3, the side surface of the protrusion 107d abuts against the side surface of the step 15k (the surface along the z direction), and the back surface 107b of the mounting plate 107 abuts against the surface 16l. Also, when inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into the hole 107a, the snap members 21 and 22 are deformed to bring the locking parts 21a and 22a into contact with the surface 107c, respectively.

[0112] Since the protrusion 11p is provided with four surfaces 16k, 16l, 16m, and 16n of different heights, it is possible to attach a resin mounting plate thicker than the mounting plate 107 or a thinner resin mounting plate to the sensor 3. In the case of a mounting plate thicker than the mounting plate 107, a protrusion is formed in the hole into which the sensor 3 is inserted, and the width of this protrusion is set to be less than or equal to the width W7 so that the back surface abuts against surface 16k.

[0113] If the mounting plate is one step thinner than the mounting plate 107, a protrusion is formed in the hole into which the sensor 3 is inserted, and the width of this protrusion is made to be less than or equal to the width W9 and greater than the width W8, so that the back surface comes into contact with the surface 16m. If the mounting plate is two steps thinner than the mounting plate 107, a protrusion is formed in the hole into which the sensor 3 is inserted, and the width of this protrusion is made greater than the width W9, so that the back surface comes into contact with the surface 16n.

[0114] Regardless of which mounting plate is attached to the sensor 3, the surface height of the mounting plate is the same as the surface 107c, and it can be fixed by the snap members 21 and 22.

[0115] According to this embodiment, since the case 10G has grooves 14C, metal mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 3. Also, since the case 10G has surfaces 16k to 16n, resin mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 3. Furthermore, by making the height of surfaces 16k to 16n less than or equal to the height of surface 14c, it is possible to accommodate resin mounting plates that are thicker than sheet metal mounting plates.

[0116] Furthermore, by providing grooves 14C and surfaces 16k to 16n, mounting plates made of metal and resin of different thicknesses can be attached to the case 10G.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the thicknesses of surfaces 16k to 16n are different, even if mounting plates of different thicknesses are attached, the surface height of the mounting plates can be kept constant. This makes it possible to hold mounting plates of different thicknesses with a pair of snap members 21 and 22.

[0118] In this embodiment, the heights of surface 16n and surface 14c were the same, but the heights of surface 16n and surface 14c may be different. Also, the position and number of surfaces (here, surfaces 16k to 16n) provided on the protrusion 11s are not limited to this.

[0119] <Fourth Embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a groove 14 is provided to allow multiple mounting plates 101 to 103 of different thicknesses to be attached to the case 10. However, the configuration for allowing multiple mounting plates of different thicknesses to be attached to the case is not limited to this.

[0120] The following describes a sensor 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0121] Figure 24 is a perspective view showing an example of sensor 4, where (A) is a view from diagonally above and (B) is a view from diagonally below. Figure 25 is a six-view drawing showing an example of sensor 4, where (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view, (C) is a bottom view, (D) is a left side view, (E) is a right side view, and (F) is a rear view.

[0122] Sensor 4 mainly comprises a case 10H, a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element (not shown). Case 10H mainly comprises a case body 11G, protrusions 12C and 13C, and snap members 21 and 22.

[0123] The case body 11G is made of resin (for example, polycarbonate (PC) or polyacetal (POM)) and has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. A groove 14C is provided on the upper surface 11o of the case body 11G.

[0124] The sides 11i and 11j are provided with protrusions 11s. The protrusions 11s are provided with three surfaces 16o, 16p, and 16q of different heights, which are formed by a pair of steps 15m and 15n.

[0125] Figure 26 is a front view of the sensor 4. A surface 16o is provided approximately in the center of the protrusion 11p. A pair of steps 15m form a pair of surfaces 16p on both sides of surface 16o. The width W10 between the steps 15m, i.e., the width W10 of surface 16o, is smaller than the width W11 between the steps 15n, i.e., the width W11 between the outer edges of surface 16p. Also, a pair of steps 15n form a pair of surfaces 16q on the outside of surface 16p. The width W11 of these surfaces is smaller than the width of the case body 11G.

[0126] Surface 16p (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 16o (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is lower than surface 16o. Surface 16q (corresponding to the fourth surface of the present invention) is located outside surface 16p (corresponding to the third surface of the present invention) and is lower than surface 16p.

[0127] Figure 27 shows the sensor 4 with the mounting plate 102 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. Attaching the mounting plate 102 to the sensor 4 is the same as attaching it to the sensor 3. Also, because the sensor 4 has a groove 14C, in addition to the mounting plate 102, mounting plates 101 and 103 (all made of sheet metal) with different thicknesses from the mounting plate 102 can be attached to the sensor 4, similar to sensors 1 and 3.

[0128] Figure 28 shows the sensor 4 with the mounting plate 108 attached, where (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a plan view, and (C) is a front view. The mounting plate 108 is a resin plate. A hole 108a is formed in the mounting plate 108. A notch 108d is formed in the hole 108a. The width w10 of the notch 108d is greater than or equal to the width W10 between a pair of steps 15m (see Figure 26), and less than the width W11. When the mounting plate 108 is attached to the sensor 4, the side surface of the notch 108d abuts against the side surface of the step 15m (the surface along the z direction), and the back surface 108b of the mounting plate 108 abuts against the surface 16p in the vicinity of the notch 108d. Furthermore, when inserting the protrusions 12 and 13 into the hole 108a, the snap members 21 and 22 are deformed to bring the locking portions 21a and 22a into contact with the surface 108c, respectively.

[0129] Since the protrusion 11p is provided with three surfaces 16o, 16p, and 16q of different heights, a resin mounting plate thicker than the mounting plate 108 or a resin mounting plate thinner than the mounting plate 108 can be attached to the sensor 4. In the case of a mounting plate thicker than the mounting plate 108, a notch with a width of W11 or more and less than W11G is formed in the hole into which the sensor 4 is inserted, and the back surfaces on both sides of this notch are brought into contact with surface 16q. In the case of a mounting plate thinner than the mounting plate 108, no notch is formed in the hole into which the sensor 4 is inserted, and the back surface of the mounting plate is brought into contact with surface 16o. Regardless of which mounting plate is attached to the sensor 4, the height of the surface of the mounting plate is the same as the surface 108c.

[0130] According to this embodiment, since the case 10H has grooves 14C, metal mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 4. Also, since the case 10H has surfaces 16o to 16q, resin mounting plates of different thicknesses can be attached to the sensor 4.

[0131] Furthermore, by providing grooves 14C and surfaces 16o to 16q, mounting plates made of metal and resin of different thicknesses can be attached to the case 10H.

[0132] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the thicknesses of surfaces 16o to 16q are different, even if mounting plates of different thicknesses are attached, the surface height of the mounting plates can be kept constant. This makes it possible to hold mounting plates of different thicknesses with a pair of snap members 21 and 22.

[0133] In this embodiment, the height of surface 16o is lower than the height of surface 14c, but the heights of surface 16o and surface 14c may be the same. Also, the position and number of surfaces (in this case, surfaces 16o to 16q) provided on the protrusion 11p are not limited to this.

[0134] <Other variations> In the above embodiment, sensors 1 to 4 are equipped with a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element, but a sensor only needs to be provided with at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of sensors 3A and 3B, which are provided with at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

[0135] Sensor 3A mainly comprises a case 10I and a light-emitting element (not shown). Sensor 3B mainly comprises a case 10I and a light-receiving element (not shown). Case 10I mainly comprises a case body 11F, protrusions 12D and 13D, and snap members 21 and 22. In other words, case 10I is identical to case 10G except for the protrusions 12D and 13D.

[0136] Sensor 3A has light-emitting elements (not shown) inside its protrusions 12D and 13D, and sensor 3B has light-receiving elements (not shown) inside its protrusions 12D and 13D. Protrusions 12D and 13D each have slits (not shown) on their tip surfaces (+z side surfaces). The light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are positioned facing the slits of protrusions 12D and 13D, respectively. These two slits are provided to improve the accuracy of object position detection. The slits may be hollow inside, or they may be filled with a light-transmitting resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic (PMMA). Alternatively, the entire tip surface of protrusions 12D and 13D may be formed of a light-transmitting resin.

[0137] Sensors 3A and 3B are positioned opposite each other. Light emitted from the light-emitting element of sensor 3A passes through the space between sensors 3A and 3B and is received by the light-receiving element of sensor 3B. When an object passes through the space between sensors 3A and 3B, the light-receiving element stops receiving light, allowing sensor 3B to detect that an object has moved between sensors 3A and 3B.

[0138] Note that the shape of the protrusions 12D and 13D is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in Figure 29. For example, the protrusions 12D and 13D may be cylindrical. Also, the height of the protrusions 12D and 13D is not limited to this.

[0139] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of this invention.

[0140] Furthermore, "approximately" is a concept that includes not only cases where things are strictly identical, but also errors or modifications that do not cause a loss of identity. For example, "approximately orthogonal" is a concept that is not limited to cases where things are strictly orthogonal, but also includes cases where they can be considered identical to orthogonal. Also, for example, when simply using terms such as orthogonal, parallel, or coincidence, it should include not only cases where things are strictly orthogonal, parallel, or coincidence, but also cases where things are approximately parallel, approximately orthogonal, or approximately coincidence.

[0141] Furthermore, "neighborhood" means a region that includes a certain range (which can be arbitrarily defined) near a reference point. For example, when we say "end neighborhood," it refers to a region that is near an edge, and it is a concept that indicates whether or not the edge is included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4: sensors 10, 10', 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I: Case 11, 11', 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G: Case body 11a, 11g, 11o: Top surface 11b, 11h: Bottom 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11k, 11l, 11i, 11j: Side 11n, 11p, 11r, 11s: convex part 11m: hole 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D: Convex part 14, 14A, 14B, 14C: groove 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, 14h, 14i: Surface 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, 15h, 15i, 15j, 15k, 15l, 15m, 15n: Step 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m, 16n, 16o, 16p, 16q: Surface 21, 21A, 22, 22A: Snap fasteners 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b: Locking part 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108: Mounting plate 101a, 101b, 101c, 102a, 102b, 102c, 103a, 103b, 103c, 104a, 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a: Hole 101, 101d, 102d, 103d: Rib 101e, 102e, 103e: Recessed 104b, 105b, 106b, 107b, 108b: Back side 104c, 105c, 106c, 107c, 108c: Surface 104d, 105d, 106d, 108d: Notches 107d: Convex part

Claims

1. The case comprises at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, The aforementioned case has a hollow case body in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, A groove is formed on the upper surface of the case body, extending through the case body in a first direction along any side of the case body. The groove has a first surface and a second surface of different heights, and the first and second surfaces are substantially parallel to the top surface. A sensor characterized by the following features.

2. The case comprises at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, The aforementioned case has a hollow case body in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The first and second sides of the case body are two parallel surfaces, and each of the first and second sides adjacent to the upper surface of the case body is provided with a protrusion projecting in the first direction. The aforementioned protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, and the third and fourth surfaces are substantially parallel to the upper surface. A sensor characterized by the following features.

3. The first and second sides of the case body, which are two parallel surfaces, are provided with protrusions projecting in the first direction, on the first and second sides adjacent to the upper surface. The aforementioned protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, and the third and fourth surfaces are substantially parallel to the upper surface. The sensor according to feature 1.

4. The fourth surface is located outside the third surface and is lower than the third surface. The sensor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

5. The fourth surface is located outside the third surface and is higher than the third surface. The sensor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

6. The second surface is located outside the first surface and is higher than the first surface. The sensor according to claim 1 or 3.

7. The case has a first protrusion provided on its upper surface, in which the light-emitting element is provided inside, and a second protrusion provided on its upper surface, in which the light-receiving element is provided inside. The case has a U-shape when viewed from the front, with the first and second protrusions protruding from the case body. The groove is provided between the first and second protrusions, extending in the depth direction when viewed from the front. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. On the third and fourth sides of the case body adjacent to the upper surface, a pair of outwardly protruding snap members are provided. The snap member is configured so that its tip is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth side surfaces. The sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A mounting structure for attaching a sensor to a mounting plate, the sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, A groove is formed on the upper surface of the case body, extending through the case body in a first direction along any side of the case body. The groove has a first surface and a second surface of different heights, and the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to the upper surface. The mounting plate has a hole and a rib provided inside the hole, When the case body is inserted into the hole, the rib comes into contact with the first or second surface. A mounting structure characterized by the following features.

10. A mounting structure for attaching a sensor to a mounting plate, the sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, The first and second sides of the case body are two parallel surfaces, and each of the first and second sides adjacent to the upper surface of the case body is provided with a protrusion projecting in the first direction. The aforementioned protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, and the third surface and the fourth surface are substantially parallel to the upper surface. The fourth surface is located outside the third surface and is lower than the third surface. The mounting plate has a hole, and the hole has a notch. When the case body is inserted into the hole, the mounting plate comes into contact with the third or fourth surface near the notch. A mounting structure characterized by the following features.

11. A mounting structure for attaching a sensor to a mounting plate, the sensor having a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow case body in which at least one of a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives light emitted from the light-emitting element is provided inside, The first and second sides of the case body are two parallel surfaces, and each of the first and second sides adjacent to the upper surface of the case body is provided with a protrusion projecting in the first direction. The aforementioned protrusion has a third surface and a fourth surface of different heights, and the third surface and the fourth surface are substantially parallel to the upper surface. The fourth surface is located outside the third surface and is higher than the third surface. The mounting plate has a hole and a second protrusion formed in the hole, When the case body is inserted into the hole, the second protrusion comes into contact with the third or fourth surface. A mounting structure characterized by the following features.

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