Multi-optical axis sensor integrated sealing structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors require connections at multiple places for sealing, which complicates the sealing process and may lead to gaps and reduced sealing effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a configuration with first, second, and third sealing portions, where the second and third sealing portions are integrally molded, reducing the number of connection points and enhancing sealing by using tapered and polygonal shapes to ensure secure and waterproof sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sealing portions are used to seal gaps between frame body, cap, and light transmissive plate, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the number of connection points increases and the sealing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of connection points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sealing portions (first sealing portion between frame body and cap, second sealing portion between cap and light transmissive plate, and third sealing portion between frame body and light transmissive plate) into a single integrated sealing structure. This integration reduces the number of separate connection points from five to three, simplifying the sealing process while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage across all interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple sealing portions are connected at multiple places, then complete sealing coverage is achieved, but the sealing process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing coverageVSAvoidsealing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating multiple sealing portions into a unified structure, the patent reduces the number of assembly operations required. Instead of connecting five separate sealing portions at five different locations, the integrated design requires only three connection points, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity while ensuring complete sealing coverage across all interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional sealing portions are used with multiple connection points, then sealing is achieved, but gaps may occur and sealing effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing gap control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sealing structure eliminates gaps that may occur at multiple connection points by reducing the number of joints from five to three. Fewer connection points mean fewer potential sources of leakage and better control over sealing uniformity, thereby improving manufacturing precision and overall sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces the number of connection points for sealing, improves the sealing process, and enhances the sealing effectiveness by ensuring stable and waterproof connections between components.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmissive plate which closes the opening of the front surface of the body housing, and through which light of photoelectric elements is transmissible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a pair of first sealing portions which seal between the body housing and both side edges of the light transmissive plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

second sealing portions which seal between the caps and the side edges of the light transmissive plate, and between the caps and end portions of the light transmissive plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 4

third sealing portions which are integrally molded with the second sealing portions, respectively, so as to be connected with the second sealing portions, and which seal between the caps and the body housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3279914B1Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 PANASONIC INDUSTRIAL DEVICES SUNX CO LTD
  • EP3279914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3279914B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3279914B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes: a pair of body-side packings (61) which seal between a body housing (31) and both side edges of a light transmissive plate (81); first packings (72) which seal between caps (41) and the side edges of the light transmissive plate (81), and between the caps (41) and end portions of the light transmissive plate (81), and which are connected to the pair of body-side packings (61); and second packings (78) which are integrally molded with the first packings (72), respectively, and which seal between the caps (41) and the body housing (31).