Multi-axis photoelectric sensor system

Abstract

To allow operation states of a plurality of multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors to be displayed even at a connecting portion of the plurality of multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors, and easily viewed even from a distant position.SOLUTION: A display device for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes a first connector portion for connecting to a first multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, a second connector portion for connecting to a second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, and a display portion that includes a light source, and changes the light emission state of the light source on the basis of a control signal input from at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion and corresponding to the operating state of at least one of the first multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor and the second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for displaying the operating state of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor used in a factory production line or the like, and a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in factory production lines, multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors known as safety light curtains are used to detect when a worker enters a hazardous area, such as around a processing machine, and stop the processing machine to avoid danger.

[0003] A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor has a transmitter equipped with a plurality of light-emitting elements and a receiver equipped with a plurality of light-receiving elements, which are arranged opposite to each other. During operation, a plurality of light-emitting elements of the transmitter emit light in multiple optical axes toward light-receiving elements of the receiver. Each optical axis is received by a corresponding light-receiving element, and whether or not the optical axis is blocked is determined based on the amount of received light.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes providing error indicator lights in the transmitter and receiver to notify of an abnormal state when an abnormality occurs in the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor. This multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor has a configuration in which a plurality of multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor units are connected in series, and an error indicator light is provided in each of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit of each multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5184027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the case of the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor of Patent Document 1, the error indicator lamp is provided on one side of the transmitter unit or the receiver unit, so it is hidden in a blind spot depending on the viewing direction. Even if it is visible, there is a problem that it is difficult to see from a distant location. Furthermore, although indicator lamps attached to the ends of the transmitters and receivers of a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor have been known in the past, when the transmitters and receivers are connected in series and arranged in a U-shape or L-shape, it is not possible to attach the indicator lamp to the connecting part, and it ends up being located at the end or back of the transmitter or receiver, which can make it difficult to see.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a display device for a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor system that can be attached to a connecting portion of a plurality of multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors and has excellent visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention provides a display device for a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor including: a first connector portion for connection to a first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor; a second connector portion for connection to a second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor; and a display portion having a light source and changing a light emission state of the light source based on a control signal that is input from at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion and that corresponds to an operation state of at least one of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor.

[0009] In this way, a display device can be placed at the connection part of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, which could not be placed in the past, and the state of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor can be easily confirmed, which improves the facility maintainability. The assembly may be performed by directly connecting to a connector provided on the multi-beam photoelectric sensor, or by connecting via a connecting cable.

[0010] The display unit may include a control circuit that switches the light emission state among a plurality of types in response to the control signal.

[0011] The types of light emission states of the light source may be illumination lights of different colors, lighting and blinking, etc. By switching the light emission state of the light source by the control circuit, it becomes easier to check the state of the multi-beam photoelectric sensor.

[0012] The connector may include a first wiring that connects the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

[0013] The first wiring reliably electrically connects the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor.

[0014] A second wiring may be provided that branches off from the first wiring and supplies power to the control circuit, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated power source for the light source.

[0015] At least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may have a third wiring for inputting the control signal to the control circuit. The control signal may be a control signal representing an operation check result or an abnormality detection result of the multi-beam photoelectric sensor. The control signal may be a digital signal. Using a digital signal makes control easier.

[0016] The first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor may each include a light-transmitter having a plurality of light-transmitting elements and a light-receiver having a plurality of light-receiving elements, and the display device may be attached to the light-receiver for use.

[0017] The first and second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors may each include a light projector / receiver having a plurality of light projecting elements and a plurality of corresponding light receiving elements, and a polarizer that reflects optical axes from the light projecting elements toward the corresponding light receiving elements, and the display device may be attached to the light projector / receiver for use.

[0018] The display unit, the first connector unit, and the second connector unit may be provided on a base member, and the base member may be provided with a light-transmitting cover that covers the display unit.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor system including: the display device according to the first aspect; and a plurality of multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors electrically connected in series via the display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a display device can be arranged at a connecting portion of a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, which could not be arranged conventionally, making it easier to check the state of the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, improving facility maintainability, and ultimately improving the availability rate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a display device applied to a connecting portion of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is a conceptual diagram of the display device, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the internal wiring structure of the display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a more specific top view of the display device of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is an external perspective view. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded side view of the display device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a control circuit diagram of the illumination light source. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing application examples of a display device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a top view of a modified example of the display device, FIG. 9B is an external perspective view, and FIG. 9C is a top view of another modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10A is a top view of another modified example of the display device, and FIG. 10B is an external perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] <Application example> First, an example of a situation in which the present invention is applied will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a display device adopted in a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the basic configuration of one multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, Fig. 3A is a diagram showing the conceptual configuration of the display device, and Fig. 3B is a diagram showing wiring.

[0023] 1 shows an example of a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor system in which a first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and a second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 are connected via a display device 100. The first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 are configured by transmitters 101B and 103B and receivers 101A and 103A, respectively. The display device 100 is applied to the connection portion of the receivers 101A and 103A. The connection portions on the transmitters 101B and 103B sides are connected by a connection cable 19.

[0024] 1, the display device 100 mainly comprises a first connector unit 11A, a second connector unit 12A, and a display unit 20. The first connector unit 11A, the second connector unit 12A, and the display unit 20 are provided in the device main body unit 10.

[0025] The first connector portion 11A is for connection to the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101, and the second connector portion 12A is for connection to the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103. In the illustrated example, an example is shown in which the first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A are connected to the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 via a connecting cable 19. The first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A may be directly connected to the connector portions of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 without using a connecting cable.

[0026] The display unit 20 has a light source (not shown), and is controlled so that the light emission state of the light source changes based on a control signal according to the operation state of at least one of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103, which is input from at least one of the first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of one multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor. Using the same reference numerals as those in the sensor, the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 101 has a light-emitter 101B and a light-receiver 101A arranged opposite each other. The light-emitter 101B has a light-emitting element 1a, and the light-emitting element 1a and a control board are housed in a housing 1b. Similarly, the light-receiver 101A has a light-receiving element 1c, and is housed together with the control board inside a housing 1d. Furthermore, connection cables 1e and 1f are drawn from the lower ends of the housings 1b and 1d, respectively. It is served.

[0028] A window portion for transmitting light is formed on the front surface of each of the housings 1b and 1d. The light-emitting element 1a and the light-receiving element 1c are arranged in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the housings 1b and 1d, with their light-emitting or light-receiving surfaces facing the window portion. The light-emitting element 1a and the light-receiving element 1c are arranged facing each other at a predetermined interval so that the light-emitting element 1a and the light-receiving element 1c face each other in a one-to-one relationship, thereby forming a detection area R between the two elements by multiple optical axes.

[0029] The cables 1e and 1f of the transmitter 101B and receiver 101A of the multi-beam photoelectric sensor 101 include a plurality of signal lines including a communication line. The cables 1e and 1f are branched by extension cords connected to the housings 1b and 1d, and the communication lines of both are connected via connecting cords and connectors. The cables 1e and 1g are detachably connected to a connector portion (not shown), and the connector The connector portion can be connected to the connecting cable 19 shown in FIG.

[0030] 3A shows a conceptual diagram of the configuration of display device 100. It does not show the actual shape and structure.

[0031] The display device 100 includes a first connector portion 11A, a second connector portion 12A, and a display portion 20. As described above, the connector portion 19A of the connecting cable 19 connected to the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 is connected to the first connector portion 11A, and the connector portion 19A of the connecting cable 19 connected to the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 is connected to the second connector portion 12A.

[0032] FIG. 3B shows the wiring configuration inside the device body 10 of the display device 100.

[0033] The device main body 10 is provided with a first wiring 13A connecting the first connector 11A and the second connector 12A, a second wiring 14A branching from the first wiring 13A to supply power to the display unit 20, and a third wiring 15A for inputting a control signal to the display unit 20.

[0034] The first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A are provided with two terminals 11v, 11g; 12v, 12g for power lines, two terminals 11s, 11s; 12s, 12s for signal lines of control signals for the display portion 20, and a plurality of terminals 11о, 11о for other signal lines necessary for control between the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103.

[0035] The first wiring 13A comprises two electric wires 13v, 13g which serve as power lines and electric wires 13o, 13o which are necessary for controlling the sensor, and these electric wires 13v, 13g; 13o, 13 connect the terminals 11v, 11g, 11o, 11o of the first connector part 11A to the terminals 12v, 12g, 12o, 12o of the second connector part 12A in an electrically conductive state.

[0036] The second wiring 14A branches off from two electric wires 13v and 13g that serve as power lines, and is connected to a substrate (not shown) of the display unit 20.

[0037] The third wiring 15A is connected to the terminals 11s, 11s for the control line of the first connector portion 11A and to a circuit board or the like on which the control circuit (not shown) of the display portion 20 is configured, and is not connected to the terminals 12s, 12s of the second connector portion 12A.

[0038] When a control signal corresponding to the operating state from the second multi-beam photoelectric sensor 103 is required, the terminals 12s, 12s of the second connector portion 12A and the display portion 20 can be connected with an electric wire. good.

[0039] The display device having such a structure performs two functions: a function as a connecting cable or connector that electrically connects one multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the other multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 in series, and a function that displays the operation state of one multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 or the other multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 (in the illustrated example, the operation state of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 is displayed). Therefore, the display device 100 can be placed at the connection part of the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors, which was not possible to place conventionally, and it becomes easier to check the state of the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensors, thereby enabling improvement in facility maintainability and, in turn, improvement in the availability rate.

[0040] <Display device configuration> The display device of the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, and Fig. 5. Fig. 4A is a top view schematically showing the appearance of the display device, Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the display device, and Fig. 5 is a schematic exploded side view of the display device.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4B, display device 100 has a base member 130 that constitutes the device body, and first connector portion 11A, second connector portion 12A, and display portion 20 are arranged on base member 130.

[0042] The base member 130 has a pedestal 132 on which the display unit 20 is placed, and legs 134 extending in the opposite direction to the display unit 20 from the surface of the pedestal 132 opposite to the display unit 20. If the display unit 20 side of the pedestal 132 is the upper direction and the leg 134 side is the lower direction, the pedestal 132 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. If the longitudinal direction of the pedestal 132 is the left-right direction and the short side direction of the pedestal 132 is the front-to-rear direction, the leg 134 has a length equal to that of the pedestal 132 in the front-to-rear direction and is a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is shorter in the left-to-right direction than the length of the pedestal 132, and rectangular parallelepiped spaces are formed on the left and right of the leg 134 by the left and right side surfaces of the leg 134 and the underside of the pedestal 132.

[0043] The display unit 20 houses a light source and a control board (not shown), but the exterior is covered by a light-transmitting cover member 140. The cover member 140 has a dome-like shape that rises upward, with flanges on both the front and back sides, and the four corners are fixed with fasteners such as screws (not shown).

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a schematic exploded view with the cover member 140 removed.

[0045] The display unit 20 is provided with a light source 21A and a control board 22A incorporating a control circuit that switches the light emission state of the light source 21A between multiple types according to the operation states of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors 101 and 103. The light source 21A is a light-emitting diode and is mounted on the control board 22A.

[0046] A control circuit for the light source 21A is incorporated into the upper surface side of the pedestal portion 132 of the base member 130. A space for wiring (not shown) is provided inside the base member 130, and as described above, the first wiring 13A, the second wiring 14A, and the third wiring 15A are incorporated therein.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a main circuit configuration of a multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system in which a first multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor and a second multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor are connected via a display device.

[0048] The first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 have the same basic circuit configuration, and in the following description, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will be comprehensively described.

[0049] In both the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103, the transmitters 101B, 103B include light-emitting elements 11 such as light-emitting diodes, and have drive circuits 12 that individually drive the light-emitting elements 11, an optical axis sequential selection circuit 13, a processing circuit 16, a communication circuit 17, a power supply circuit 18, etc. Each light-emitting element 11 is connected to the processing circuit 16 via the drive circuit 12 and the optical axis sequential selection circuit 13, respectively.

[0050] The optical axis sequential selection circuit 13 connects the drive circuits 12 of the light emitting elements 11 to the processing circuit 16 in order.

[0051] The photoreceivers 101A and 103A each have a photodetector 21 such as a photodiode, an amplifier circuit 22 and an analog switch 23 for each photodetector 21, an optical axis sequential selection circuit 24, a processing circuit 26, a communication circuit 27, a power supply circuit 28, and an output circuit 31. An amplifier circuit 201 and an A / D converter are also provided on a transmission line 29 from each analog switch 23 to the processing circuit 26.

[0052] The power supply circuits 18, 28 of the transmitters 101B, 103B and the receivers 101A, 103A are connected to a common external power supply (DC power supply) 15 via power supply lines 18a, 18b; 28a, 28b. The communication circuits 17, 27 are connected to each other via communication lines 17a, 17b; 27a, 27b. Two output lines 31a, 31b are drawn from the output circuit 31 of the receivers 101A, 103A to output detection signals. These output lines are connected, for example, to the power supply circuits of machines in the hazardous area.

[0053] Communication lines 27a and 27b from the communication circuit 27 of the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 connected above the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 are connected to the corresponding communication lines of the sensors via the display device 100. Similarly, power supply lines 28a and 28b from the power supply circuit 28 of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 are connected to the corresponding power supply lines of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 via the display device 100. In addition, output lines 31a and 31b from the output circuit 31 of the receiver 103A are connected to the output circuit 31 of the receiver 101A via the display device 100. 1. Similarly, other signal lines (not shown) are connected to each other via the display device 100.

[0054] Furthermore, a control signal for the display device 100 is output from the output circuit 31 of the optical receiver 101A of the first multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101, and output lines 31c and 31d of the control signal are connected to the display device 100 and connected to the control circuit 22B via the third wiring 15A.

[0055] Using the above communication, for example, the detection process is executed in the order of the first multi-beam-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multi-beam-axis photoelectric sensor 103. In the detection process of each sensor, a timing signal is transmitted at regular intervals from the processing circuits 26 of the receivers 101A and 103A to the processing circuit 16 of the corresponding transmitter 101B. The processing circuits 16 of the transmitters 101B and 103B output a lighting control signal while sequentially switching the selection of the optical axis of the optical axis sequential selection circuit 13 in response to the timing signal. In addition, the processing circuits 26 of the receivers 101A and 103A also switch the selection of the optical axis of the optical axis sequential selection circuit 24 in response to the output of the timing signal, and bring the analog switch 23 corresponding to the selected optical axis into a conductive state.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, an output signal from the output circuit 31 of the first multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 is input to the control circuit 22B of the display device 100 via output lines 31c and 31d, and lighting control of the light source 21A is performed.

[0057] <Lighting control of the illumination light source of the display device> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, lighting control of the light source of the display device will be described.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control of the light source 21A is determined based on the operating state of the first multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 101, that is, whether or not the selected optical axis is blocked.

[0059] In this example, two types of light sources, a red light emitting diode DA1 and a green light emitting diode DA2, are used as the light source 21A. When the optical axis is shielded, the red light emitting diode DA1 emits light and the green light emitting diode DA2 goes out. When the optical axis is received, the red light emitting diode DA1 goes out and the green light emitting diode DA2 goes out.

[0060] 7, the control circuit 22B uses transistors 104TR and 101TR as switching elements for the red light emitting diode DA1, and transistors 106TR and 105TR as switching elements for the green light emitting diode DA2.

[0061] Two types of control signals are input from terminals ECLP1 and ECLP2. When the optical axis is being received normally, a high level (H) signal is input from terminal ECLP1 and a low level (L) signal is input from terminal ECLP2. When the optical axis is blocked, a low level (L) signal is input from terminal ECLP1 and a high level (H) signal is input from terminal ECLP2.

[0062] <When the optical axis is receiving light normally> A high-level signal (H) is input from terminal ECLP1, the base of PNP transistor 104TR is H, transistor 104TR is off, NPN transistor 101TR is off, no current flows in the line of red (RED) light-emitting diode DA1, and red light-emitting diode DA1 does not light up.

[0063] Meanwhile, a low-level signal (L) is input from terminal ECLP2, the base of PNP transistor 106TR is H, transistor 106TR is turned on, and NPN transistor 105TR is turned on, causing current to flow through green light-emitting diode DA2, which lights up in green.

[0064] <When the optical axis is blocked> The input signal to terminal ECLP1 goes low, the base of PNP transistor 104TR goes low, transistor 104TR turns on, the base of transistor 101TR goes high, transistor 101TR turns on, current flows through red light emitting diode DA1, and it lights up red.

[0065] Furthermore, the input signal to the terminal ECLP2 becomes H, the base of the PNP transistor 106TR becomes L, the transistor 106TR is off, the NPN transistor 105TR is off, and no current flows through the green light emitting diode DA2, causing it to turn off.

[0066] Therefore, when the light is blocked, the red light is on and the green light is off, and when the light is not blocked, the red light is off and the green light is on.

[0067] In this example, the wavelength of the emitted light source is switched according to the output signal of the light-receiving element of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 to display the operating state, but the operating state of the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103 may be displayed according to the output signal of the light-receiving element of the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103.

[0068] Also, it is possible to read output signals from both the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 101 and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor 103. For example, it is possible to switch between three colors and display three patterns: when signals from both sensors are at high level (H, H), when one is at high level and the other is at low level (H, L; L, H), and when signals from both sensors are at low level.

[0069] The display unit 20 can be variously expressed by not only varying the wavelength (color) of light but also by varying the arrangement of light emitting elements, the amount of light, the light emission pattern, etc. Also, a lighting module may be used that is provided with multiple types of light sources (such as LEDs) such as red, blue, green, and infrared, and can irradiate light of wavelengths other than red, blue, green, and infrared (for example, white, purple, pink, etc.) by controlling the light emission of each light source.

[0070] <Display device application examples> Next, an application example of the display device of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0071] 8A shows three series-connected multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors 101, 103, and 105 arranged horizontally in a U-shape. The transmitters 101B, 103B, and 105B and the receivers 101A, 103A, and 105A of each of the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors 101, 103, and 105 face each other vertically, and the optical axes are formed along a vertical plane. A display device 100 is disposed at a connection portion between the upper-positioned optical receivers 101A, 103A, and 105A, in the illustrated example, the connection portion between the optical receivers 101A and 103A, and the adjacent optical receivers 101A and 103A are electrically connected via the display device 100.

[0072] Conventionally, a display device could not be attached to the connecting portion of such a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, but according to the present invention, the multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor is connected via the display device, and therefore, it has become possible to arrange the display device at the connecting portion.

[0073] 8B shows two multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors arranged horizontally in an L-shape. The light-emitters 101B, 103B and the light-receivers 101A, 103A of the respective multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors 101, 103 face each other vertically, and the optical axes are formed along a vertical plane. One point of the connecting portion is electrically connected via the display device 100.

[0074] In the case of arranging the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensors in a U-shape or an L-shape like this, the display device 100 is arranged at a corner, thereby improving visibility and making it easier to check the state of the multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor, thereby improving the maintainability of the equipment and, in turn, improving the operating rate.

[0075] <Modification> 9A to 9C, 10A, and 10B show modified examples of the arrangement of the first connector portion and the second connector portion of the display device 100. FIG.

[0076] The modified examples of Figures 9A and 9B are examples in which the first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A of the display device 100 are arranged at a position 90° clockwise from the reference line N, where the line drawn from the center of the cover to the first connector portion 11A is taken as the reference line N, as shown in Figure 9A.

[0077] 9C, the second connector portion 12A is positioned at an angle of 90° counterclockwise with respect to the reference line N, which is the opposite of FIG. 9A.

[0078] 10A and 10B show the first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 11B of the display device 100. 12A are provided in parallel in the same direction with a predetermined gap therebetween when viewed from above.

[0079] In this way, by providing the first connector portion 11A and the second connector portion 12A facing in various directions, it is possible to select the one that is most suitable for handling the connecting cable when arranging the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, thereby improving workability.

[0080] <Other> The above-described embodiments merely exemplify configuration examples of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept. For example, in the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor was configured with a light emitter and a light receiver. However, the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor may be configured with a light emitter / receiver including a light emitter element and a light receiver element, and a polarizer including a mirror, and the display device of the present invention may be applied to the connection portion of the light emitter / receiver element.

[0081] <Additional Notes> 1. A first connector portion (11A) for connecting to a first multi-beam photoelectric sensor (101); a second connector portion (12A) for connection to a second multi-beam photoelectric sensor (103); A display device (100) for a multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor including: a display unit (20) having a light source (21A), and changing a light emission state of the light source (21A) based on a control signal according to an operation state of at least one of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor (101) and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor (103), the control signal being input from at least one of the first connector portion (11A) and the second connector portion (12A). 2. A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system in which a plurality of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are electrically connected in series via a display device, a first connector portion (11A) for connection to a first multi-beam photoelectric sensor (101); a second connector portion (13A) for connection to a second multi-beam photoelectric sensor (103); a display unit (20) that changes a light emission state of the light source (21A) based on a control signal that is input from at least one of the first connector unit (11A) and the second connector unit (13A) and that corresponds to an operation state of at least one of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor (101) and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor (103). [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100:Display device 101: First multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 103: Second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 11A: First connector part 12A: Second connector part 13A: First wiring 14A: Second wiring 15A: Third wire 20: Display section 21A: Light source 22A: Control board

Claims

1. A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system comprising a first multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, a second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, and a display device, The display device includes: a first connector portion for connection to the first multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor; a second connector portion for connection to the second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor; a display unit having a light source, and changing a light emission state of the light source based on a control signal according to an operation state of at least one of the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor, the control signal being input from at least one of the first connector unit and the second connector unit, the first multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor are electrically connected in series via the display device; Multi-axis photoelectric sensor system.

2. The display unit has a control circuit that switches the light emission state to one of a plurality of types in response to the control signal. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 1 .

3. The display device includes a first wiring that connects the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 2 .

4. The display device includes a second wiring branching from the first wiring and supplying power to the control circuit. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 3 .

5. At least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is provided with a third wiring for inputting the control signal to the control circuit.

5. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The control signal for the light source is a digital signal. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 5 .

7. The first and second multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors each have a light-emitter having a plurality of light-emitter elements and a light-receiver having a plurality of light-receiving elements, and the display device is attached to the light-receiver for use. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. 7. The multi-optical-axis photoelectric sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the first multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor and the second multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor each include a light projector / receiver having a plurality of light projecting elements and a plurality of corresponding light receiving elements, and a polarizer that reflects optical axes from the light projecting elements toward the corresponding light receiving elements, and the display device is attached to the light projector / receiver for use.

9. The display unit, the first connector unit, and the second connector unit are provided on a base member, and the base member is provided with a light-transmitting cover that covers the display unit. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images