JP4008828B2 - Contact displacement sensor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a contact-type displacement sensor that brings a contact into contact with an object to be detected and measures the amount of displacement of the object to be detected based on the amount of displacement of the contact.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a contact-type displacement sensor has been provided in which a contact is brought into contact with an object to be detected and the amount of displacement of the object to be detected is measured based on the amount of displacement of the contact (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-274501
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, this type of contact displacement sensor is configured to reciprocate between a position where the contact is in contact with the object to be detected and a position where it is away from the object, so that the mechanical life of the contact is presented. Therefore, the operator needs to periodically perform maintenance (repair or replacement) of the contactor and the drive mechanism for driving the contactor.
[0005]
However, since there is no means for notifying the operator of the number of displacements of the contact in the one described in Patent Document 1, the worker cannot know the number of displacements of the contact. For this reason, there is a problem that the operator cannot reliably perform maintenance of the contactor or the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when maintenance of the contactor or the drive mechanism is required.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to ensure that an operator performs maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism is required. It is an object of the present invention to provide a contact-type displacement sensor that can be used.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The contact-type displacement sensor according to claim 1 is:
  A contact configured to be able to contact the object to be detected and reciprocatingly displaced in a predetermined direction between contact and non-contact;
  Detecting means for detecting the displacement of the contact and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the detected displacement;
  A contact type displacement sensor comprising: a measuring unit that measures a displacement amount of the detection target object based on a detection signal output from the detecting unit;
  Counting means for counting the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detection means;
  Alarm means for outputting an alarm when the number of displacements counted by the counting means reaches a preset reference number;,
  The contact is configured with a plurality of detection patterns,
  The detection means is configured by a plurality of detection elements that are arranged so as to detect the plurality of detection patterns, and that output alternating signals having different phases according to the displacement of the contact,
  The counting means detects the phase difference of the AC signal output from each of the plurality of detection elements, and counts the number of displacements of the contact when the positive / negative inversion of the phase difference is detected.It has the characteristics in the structure.
[0008]
According to this, the counting means counts the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detection means, and the alarm means sets the number of displacements counted by the counting means to a preset reference number. Since it is configured to output an alarm when it reaches, the number of contact displacements can be determined by setting the number of times appropriate for maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism as the reference number in advance. When the number of times suitable for maintenance of the mechanism is reached, an alarm output can be performed.
[0009]
  As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the worker when the maintenance of the contactor or the drive mechanism is required, and the worker can contact the contactor or the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when the contactor or the drive mechanism needs to be maintained. Can be reliably maintained.Further, the number of displacements of the contact can be detected based on the phase difference of the AC signal.
[0010]
  The contact-type displacement sensor according to claim 2 is:
  The contact displacement sensor according to claim 1,
  The contact is configured to include a plurality of slits formed along the displacement direction of the contact as the plurality of detection patterns,
  The detection element is a light-projecting element that projects light, and a light-receiving element that is disposed to face the light-projecting element so as to sandwich the reciprocating position of the contactor and that receives light projected from the light-projecting element; It has the characteristics in the place comprised by.
[0011]
  According to this oneBy configuring the detection element with a light projecting element and a light receiving element, it is configured to optically detect the displacement of the contactor, so even if a metal is disposed around or a magnetic field is formed, Without being adversely affected by them, it is possible to appropriately measure the amount of displacement of the object to be detected, and to appropriately detect the number of displacements of the contact.
[0013]
  The contact displacement sensor according to claim 3 is:
  A contact configured to be able to contact the object to be detected and reciprocatingly displaced in a predetermined direction between contact and non-contact;
  Detecting means for detecting the displacement of the contact and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the detected displacement;
  A contact type displacement sensor comprising: a measuring unit that measures a displacement amount of the detection target object based on a detection signal output from the detecting unit;
  Counting means for counting the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detection means;
  Alarm means for outputting an alarm when the number of displacements counted by the counting means reaches a preset reference number;
  Non-volatile storage means;
  Control means for storing the number of displacements counted in the counting means in the storage means, and updating and storing the number of displacements stored in the storage means each time the counting means counts the number of displacements,
  The alarm means outputs an alarm when the number of displacements updated and stored in the storage means reaches a preset reference number,
  The contact is configured with a plurality of detection patterns,
  The detection means is configured by a plurality of detection elements that are arranged so as to detect the plurality of detection patterns, and that output alternating signals having different phases according to the displacement of the contact,
  The counting means is configured to detect the phase difference of the AC signal output from each of the plurality of detection elements and to count the number of displacements of the contact when the positive / negative inversion of the phase difference is detected. Has characteristics.
  According to this oneThe counting means counts the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detecting means, and the alarm means outputs an alarm output when the number of displacements counted by the counting means reaches a preset reference number. Since the number of times suitable for maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism is set as the reference number in advance, the number of times the contact is displaced performs maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism. Alarm output can be performed when the number of times suitable for the above is reached.
  As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the worker when the maintenance of the contactor or the drive mechanism is required, and the worker can contact the contactor or the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when the contactor or the drive mechanism needs to be maintained. Can be reliably maintained.
  Further, the control means stores the number of displacements counted by the counting means in the nonvolatile storage means, and updates and stores the number of displacements stored in the storage means every time the counting means counts the number of displacements. Since the means is configured to output an alarm when the number of displacements updated and stored in the storage means reaches a preset reference number, even if the sensor drive power supply is temporarily turned off, the displacement of the contactor The number of displacements of the contact can be held without initializing (resetting) the number of times.
  As a result, even if the drive power of the sensor is temporarily cut off, the worker is appropriately informed of the time when maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism is necessary in the same manner as described in claim 1 above. Thus, an operator can reliably perform maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism is required.
  Also,The number of contact displacements can be detected based on the phase difference of the AC signal.
[0014]
The contact displacement sensor according to claim 4 is:
In the contact type displacement sensor according to claim 3,
The contact is configured to include a plurality of slits formed along the displacement direction of the contact as the plurality of detection patterns,
The detection element is a light-projecting element that projects light, and a light-receiving element that is disposed to face the light-projecting element so as to sandwich the reciprocating position of the contactor and that receives light projected from the light-projecting element; It has the characteristics in the place comprised by.
[0015]
According to this apparatus, since the detecting element is configured by the light projecting element and the light receiving element, the displacement of the contact is optically detected, so that a metal is disposed around or a magnetic field is formed. Even if it is, the amount of displacement of the object to be detected can be appropriately measured without being adversely affected by them, and the number of displacements of the contact can be appropriately detected.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the sensor main body of the contact displacement sensor. A sensor main body (sensor head) 2 of the contact displacement sensor 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 3 and a contact 4 that reciprocates in the main body 3 in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. Yes. The contact 4 has a hemispherical tip 4a. In this case, the contact 4 may have a configuration in which a rubber bellows (not shown) is mounted at a predetermined position as necessary.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the contact 4 has a plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n (detection patterns referred to in the present invention) linearly at equal intervals along the displacement direction. A plurality of second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n (detection patterns referred to in the present invention) are linearly formed at equal intervals. The contactor 4 is also formed with one origin detection slit 7 below the plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n.
[0018]
In this case, each of the plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the plurality of second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n has a width between the slits and a width between adjacent slits ("d" in FIG. 3). Are formed identically. The plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the plurality of second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n are half the width of these slits and the width between adjacent slits ("d / 2 ").
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows the electrical configuration of the contact displacement sensor 1 as a functional block diagram. The contact-type displacement sensor 1 includes a CPU 8 (detection means, measurement means, counting means, control means in the present invention), a first displacement detection light projecting element 9, a second displacement detection light projection element 10, and origin detection. Light projecting element 11, first displacement detecting light receiving element 12, second displacement detecting light receiving element 13, origin detecting light receiving element 14, storage unit 15 (storage means in the present invention) and display unit 16 (book) Alarm means) in the invention. Each light projecting element 9-11 is comprised from LED (light emitting diode), for example, and each light receiving element 12-14 is comprised from PD (photodiode), for example.
[0020]
The CPU 8 is configured mainly with a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the contact displacement sensor 1 by executing a control program.
As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first displacement detecting light projecting element 9 and the first displacement detecting light receiving element 12 are formed as a first displacement detecting element formed on the contact 4. It arrange | positions facing so that the reciprocation position of slit 5a-5n may be pinched | interposed. The first displacement detection light projecting element 9 emits light for a predetermined time when a light projection drive signal is input from the CPU 8. The first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 receives the light reception signal when the light emitted from the first displacement detection light-projection element 9 is received through one of the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n. 1 to the comparator 17.
[0021]
When a light reception signal is input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12, the first comparator 17 compares the signal level of the input light reception signal with a threshold value, and the signal level of the light reception signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the signal level of the received light signal is less than the threshold value, a low level detection signal is output to the CPU 8. As a result, the CPU 8 detects that the detection signal input from the first comparator 17 is at a high level, whereby the light projected from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 is detected in the first displacement detection. It is detected that the first displacement detecting light receiving element 12 has received light through any one of the slits 5a to 5n.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, each of the second displacement detecting light projecting element 10 and the second displacement detecting light receiving element 13 includes the first displacement detecting light projecting element 9 and Adjacent to the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12, they are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the reciprocating positions of the second displacement detection slits 6 a to 6 n formed in the contact 4. The second displacement detecting light projecting element 10 projects light for a predetermined time when a light projecting drive signal is input from the CPU 8. When the light emitted from the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is received through one of the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n, the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 receives the light reception signal. 2 to the comparator 18.
[0023]
When a light reception signal is input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13, the second comparator 18 compares the signal level of the input light reception signal with a threshold value, and the signal level of the light reception signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value. When the signal level of the received light signal is less than the threshold value, a low level detection signal is output to the inverting circuit 19.
[0024]
The inverting circuit 19 inverts the polarity of the input detection signal and outputs it. That is, when a high level detection signal is input from the second comparator 18, it outputs a low level detection signal to the CPU 8. On the other hand, when a low level detection signal is input from the second comparator 18, a high level detection signal is output to the CPU 8. Thus, the CPU 8 detects that the detection signal input from the inverting circuit 19 is at a low level, so that the light projected from the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is the second displacement detection slit 6a. It is detected that the light is received by the second displacement detecting light receiving element 13 through any one of ˜6n.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 3C, the origin detecting light projecting element 11 and the origin detecting light receiving element 14 are respectively a first displacement detecting light projecting element 9 and a second displacement detecting light projecting element 10. And the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 so as to face each other so as to sandwich the reciprocating position of the origin detection slit 7 formed in the contact 4. Yes. The origin detection light projecting element 11 projects light for a predetermined time when a light projecting drive signal is input from the CPU 8. When the light projected from the origin detecting light projecting element 11 is received through the origin detecting slit 7, the origin detecting light receiving element 14 outputs a received light signal to the third comparator 20.
[0026]
When a light reception signal is input from the origin detection light receiving element 14, the third comparator 20 compares the signal level of the input light reception signal with a threshold value. If the signal level of the light reception signal is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the third comparator 20 A level detection signal is output to the CPU 8. On the other hand, if the signal level of the received light signal is less than the threshold value, a low level detection signal is output to the CPU 8. As a result, the CPU 8 detects that the detection signal input from the third comparator 20 is at a high level, so that the light projected from the origin detection light projecting element 11 detects the origin through the origin detection slit 7. It is detected that the light receiving element 14 has received light.
[0027]
By the way, in all of the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n, the light emitted from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 when the contactor 4 is located at the origin is the first displacement detection slit. It is formed at a position where it is not received by the light receiving element 12. Further, all of the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n are such that the light emitted from the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is the second displacement detection light when the contact 4 is located at the origin. It is formed at a position where it is not received by the light receiving element 13. That is, the CPU 8 determines that the light projected from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 or the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 or the second displacement detection light receiving element. By detecting that the light is received by 13, it is possible to detect that the contact 4 is displaced from the origin.
[0028]
The origin detecting slit 7 is formed at a position where the light emitted from the origin detecting light projecting element 11 is received by the origin detecting light receiving element 14 when the contact 4 is located at the origin. That is, the CPU 8 detects that the contact 4 is located at the origin by detecting that the light projected from the origin detection light projecting element 11 is received by the origin detection light receiving element 14. Is possible.
[0029]
When the contact 4 is displaced, the light emitted from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 is received by the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through any one of the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n. The level of the detection signal output from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 continuously changes depending on whether or not the detection signal has been changed, and the detection signal from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 becomes a pulse. Is output. Similarly, when the contact 4 is displaced, the light emitted from the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is transmitted through any one of the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n. The level of the detection signal output from the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 continuously changes depending on whether or not the light is received by the element 13, and the detection signal is pulsed from the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13. Is output in the form.
[0030]
Thus, the CPU 8 detects the amount of displacement of the contact 4 by counting the number of detection signal pulses input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13. It becomes possible to measure the amount of displacement of the object to be detected. Specifically, if the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n are formed at regular intervals of 1 micron, for example, by counting one pulse, A displacement amount of 1 micron can be detected. The detection signals output from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 correspond to the AC signal in the present invention.
[0031]
The storage unit 15 includes a nonvolatile memory, and updates and stores the number of displacements of the contact 4 every time the CPU 8 counts the number of displacements of the contact 4 as will be described in detail later. In this case, since the memory | storage part 15 has a non-volatile characteristic, even if the drive power supply of a sensor is cut | disconnected temporarily, it hold | maintains the frequency | count of a displacement of the contactor 4. FIG. The display part 16 is comprised, for example from the liquid crystal display, and displays the displacement amount of the to-be-detected target object which CPU8 measured.
[0032]
By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, the plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the plurality of second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n are half the width of the slit and the width between adjacent slits. In addition to detecting the displacement amount of the contact 4, the displacement direction of the contact 4 can also be detected.
[0033]
That is, in the configuration in which the plurality of first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n and the plurality of second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n are formed to be shifted from each other, the contact 4 is displaced from the bottom to the top. Then, first, the light projected from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 is received by the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n, and subsequently, Since the light projected from the second displacement detecting light projecting element 10 is received by the second displacement detecting light receiving element 13 through the second displacement detecting slits 6a to 6n, as shown in FIG. Further, after detecting a change in the rising edge of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 from the low level to the high level, the high level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 is detected. To low level By detecting the change in the fall, the contact 4 is made possible to detect that it has displaced from bottom to top.
[0034]
On the other hand, when the contact 4 is displaced from the top to the bottom, first, the light projected from the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 is secondly transmitted through the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n. Next, the light received by the first displacement detection light-receiving element 13, and subsequently the light projected from the first displacement detection light-projecting element 9 passes through the first displacement detection slits 5 a to 5 n. Since the light is received by the element 12, the first displacement detection light-receiving element is detected after detecting the falling change from the high level to the low level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13. By detecting a change in the rising edge of the detection signal input from 12 from the low level to the high level, it is possible to detect that the contact 4 has been displaced from the top to the bottom.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0036]
The CPU 8 performs a series of light projecting / receiving processes (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 8 outputs a light projection drive signal to the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 to project light from the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 (step S2). By outputting a light drive signal to the second displacement detecting light projecting element 10, light is emitted from the second displacement detecting light projecting element 10 (step S3), and from the first displacement detecting light receiving element 12. The level of the detection signal input through the first comparator 17 is determined (step S4), and the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is determined. (Step S5).
[0037]
Here, first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n on the optical axis (indicated by P in FIG. 8) formed by the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 and the first displacement detection light receiving element 12. And second displacement detection slits 6a to 6a on the optical axis (indicated by Q in FIG. 8) formed by the second displacement detection light projecting element 10 and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13. If the position relative to 6n is the positional relationship shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 8 indicates that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is high. In addition, it is detected that the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is high ("YES" in step S6). , See T1 in FIG. 4) Detects that the contact 4 is displaced from the origin, for counting the displacement amount (step S7). In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, the contact 4 is shown as being rotated 90 degrees in the horizontal direction.
[0038]
Next, the CPU 8 performs the above-described series of light projecting / receiving processes again (step S8). Here, the position of the optical axis formed by the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 and the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 with respect to the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n, and the second displacement detection. If the position of the optical axis formed by the light projecting element 10 and the second displacement detecting light receiving element 13 with respect to the second displacement detecting slits 6a to 6n is the positional relationship shown in FIG. The CPU 8 is configured such that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is high, and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 to the second comparator 18 and It is detected that the level of the detection signal input through the inverting circuit 19 is a low level (“YES” in step S9, see T2 in FIG. 4), and it is detected that the contactor 4 has subsequently been displaced. And Counting the position quantity again (step S10).
[0039]
In this case, the CPU 8 detects the change in the rising edge of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 from the low level to the high level, and then detects the detection input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13. Since the change in the signal falling from the high level to the low level is detected, it is detected that the contact 4 is displaced from the bottom to the top.
[0040]
On the other hand, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is a low level, or receives the second displacement detection light reception. When it is detected that the level of the detection signal input from the element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is high (“NO” in step S9), the light projecting drive signal is converted into the origin detecting light projecting element. 11, the light is projected from the origin detecting light projecting element 11 (step S11), and the level of the detection signal input from the origin detecting light receiving element 14 through the third comparator 20 is determined (step S12). ).
[0041]
Here, when the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the origin detection light receiving element 14 through the third comparator 20 is high (“YES” in step S13), the contact 4 is the origin. It detects that it returned to (3), and performs the displacement count processing which counts the number of displacements (step S14).
[0042]
In other words, in the present embodiment, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the origin detection light receiving element 14 through the third comparator 20 is high, so that the first displacement detection light receiving element. 12 detects that the polarity of the phase difference between the detection signal output from 12 and the detection signal output from the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 is inverted, and detects that the contact 4 has returned to the origin.
[0043]
Now, when the CPU 8 shifts to the displacement count process, the CPU 8 measures the displacement amount of the detection target object based on the displacement amount counted so far (step S15), and determines the measured displacement amount of the detection object. It is displayed on the display unit 16 (step S16).
[0044]
Next, the CPU 8 resets (initializes) the displacement amount counted so far (step S17), reads out the number of displacements updated and stored in the storage unit 15 (step S18), and increments the number of displacements read out. ("1" is added) (step S19).
[0045]
Then, the CPU 8 compares the incremented number of displacements with a preset reference number (step S20). Here, the reference number can be arbitrarily set by the operator, and the operator can determine the performance of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism, the usage period of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism, and the type of the detection target object. In some cases, an appropriate number of times for maintenance of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism determined from various factors such as the installation environment of the contact type displacement sensor 1 may be set.
[0046]
Here, if the incremented number of times of displacement does not reach the reference number (“NO” in step S20), the CPU 8 updates and stores the incremented number of displacements in the storage unit 15 (step S21), as described above. Returning to step S1, the same processing is repeated.
[0047]
On the other hand, if the incremented number of displacements has reached the reference number (“YES” in step S20), the CPU 8 outputs a warning (step S22). Specifically, the CPU 8 causes the display unit 16 to display a display guidance, for example, “It is a contactor maintenance time. Please maintain the contactors”. Further, if the contact type displacement sensor 1 has a voice output function, the CPU 8 may output a voice guidance such as “It is a contactor maintenance time. Please maintain the contactors”.
[0048]
By displaying the display guidance in this way by the processing described above, the operator has confirmed that the number of displacements of the contact 4 has reached a number suitable for maintenance of the contact 4 and the drive mechanism. The operator can be urged to maintain the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism.
[0049]
By the way, after detecting that the contactor 4 is continuously displaced and counting the displacement amount again (step S10), the CPU 8 performs the same processing as the processing of the above-described steps S8 to S14 (step S10). Steps S23 to S29). In this case, the position of the optical axis formed by the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 and the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 with respect to the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n, and the second displacement. The position of the optical axis formed by the detection light projecting element 10 and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 with respect to the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n may be in the positional relationship shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is low, and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 to the second comparator 18. In addition, it is detected that the level of the detection signal input through the inverting circuit 19 is low ("YES" in step S24, see T3 in FIG. 4), and that the contactor 4 has been subsequently displaced. Out, and counts the amount of displacement again (step S25).
[0050]
Next, after detecting that the contactor 4 has been continuously displaced and counting the amount of displacement again, the CPU 8 performs the same processing as the above-described steps S8 to S14 (steps S30 to S14). S36). In this case, the position of the optical axis formed by the first displacement detection light projecting element 9 and the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 with respect to the first displacement detection slits 5a to 5n, and the second displacement. The position of the optical axis formed by the detection light projecting element 10 and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 with respect to the second displacement detection slits 6a to 6n may be in the positional relationship shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is low, and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 to the second comparator 18. In addition, it is detected that the level of the detection signal input through the inverting circuit 19 is high ("YES" in step S31, see T4 in FIG. 4), and the contactor 4 is subsequently displaced. The Out, and counts the amount of displacement again (step S32).
[0051]
Then, after detecting that the contact 4 has been continuously displaced and counting the displacement again, the CPU 8 performs the same processing as the above-described processing of steps S8 to S14 (step S37 to step S37). S43). In this case, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is high, and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 outputs the second value. It is detected that the level of the detection signal input through the comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is high ("YES" in step S38, see T5 in FIG. 4), and the contactor 4 continues. The displacement is detected and the displacement amount is counted again (step S39).
[0052]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the contact displacement sensor 1, the number of displacements of the contact 4 is counted, and when the counted number of displacements reaches a preset reference number, for example, “contact Since it is configured to output an alarm such as displaying the display guidance “Please maintain the contact. It is time to maintain the contact.” Therefore, the drive for driving the contact 4 and the contact 4 as a reference count in advance. By setting the number of times suitable for the maintenance of the mechanism, it is possible to appropriately notify the operator when the maintenance of the contact 4 or the drive mechanism is necessary, and the maintenance of the contact 4 or the drive mechanism. Thus, the operator can reliably perform maintenance of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when the need is satisfied.
[0053]
In this case, the counted number of displacements is stored in the non-volatile storage unit 15, and every time the number of displacements is counted, the number of displacements stored in the storage unit 15 is updated and stored, and the number of displacements updated and stored is stored. When the sensor reaches a preset reference number, an alarm output is performed. Therefore, even if the driving power of the sensor is temporarily turned off, the number of displacements of the contact 4 is not initialized, and the contact The number of displacements of 4 can be held.
[0054]
Further, in this case, since the displacement of the contact 4 is optically detected, even if a metal is disposed around or a magnetic field is formed, the detected object is not adversely affected by them. The amount of displacement of the object can be measured appropriately, and the number of displacements of the contact 4 can be detected appropriately.
[0055]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and different parts will be described. In the first embodiment described above, since the origin detection slit 7 is formed in the contact 4, it is determined whether or not the contact 4 has returned to the origin, thereby counting the number of displacements. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, the stroke number counting process for counting the number of strokes is performed by determining whether or not the level of the detection signal is inverted. It is configured to do.
[0056]
That is, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is high, and the second displacement detection light-receiving element 13 outputs the second comparator. After detecting that the level of the detection signal input through 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is high (step S53), the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is detected. When it is detected that the level is the low level and the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is a high level (in step S58, “ YES ”), the process proceeds to stroke count processing (step S59).
[0057]
In addition, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is a high level, and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 to the second comparator. After detecting that the level of the detection signal input through 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is low level (step S56), the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 Is at the high level and the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detecting light receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is detected to be at the high level (in step S63, “ YES ”), the process proceeds to stroke count processing (step S64).
[0058]
Further, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is a low level, and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 to the second comparator 18. After detecting that the level of the detection signal input through the inverting circuit 19 is low (step S61), the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is When it is detected that the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is the low level (“YES” in step S68). ), The process proceeds to the stroke count process (step S69).
[0059]
Further, the CPU 8 detects that the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is a low level, and the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 to the second comparator 18. After detecting that the level of the detection signal input through the inverting circuit 19 is high (step S66), the level of the detection signal input from the first displacement detection light-receiving element 12 through the first comparator 17 is detected. Is at the low level and the level of the detection signal input from the second displacement detection light receiving element 13 through the second comparator 18 and the inverting circuit 19 is detected to be at the low level ("YES" in step S73). ), The process proceeds to the stroke count processing (step S74).
[0060]
Then, when the CPU 8 shifts to the stroke number counting process, it compares the incremented stroke number with a preset first reference number (step S81), and the incremented stroke number reaches the first reference number. If so ("YES" in step S81), a first alarm output is performed (step S82). Next, the CPU 8 compares the incremented stroke count with a preset second reference count (step S83), and if the incremented stroke count reaches the second reference count (step S83). "YES"), the second alarm output is performed (step S84).
[0061]
In this case, since the first reference number is smaller than the second reference number and the contact 4 requires a shorter period of maintenance than the drive mechanism, the first alarm output is output from the contact 4. The second alarm output is an alarm output for urging maintenance of the drive mechanism.
[0062]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the contact displacement sensor 1, the number of strokes of the contact 4 is counted, and when the counted number of strokes reaches a preset reference number, for example, “contact Since it is configured to output an alarm such as displaying the display guidance “Please maintain the contact. It is time to maintain the contact.” In the same manner as described in the first embodiment, the reference number of times is set in advance. By setting a suitable number of times for maintenance of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism, it is possible to appropriately notify the operator when the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism need to be maintained. 4 and an operator can perform maintenance of the contactor 4 and the drive mechanism reliably at an appropriate time when maintenance of the drive mechanism and the drive mechanism is required.
[0063]
In this case, the level of the detection signal is reversed instead of determining whether the contact 4 has returned to the origin and counting the number of displacements, as compared with that described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the origin detection slit 7, the origin detection light projecting element 11, and the origin detection light receiving element 14 can be dispensed with.
[0064]
(Other examples)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
The number of times of displacement is incremented every time the displacement of the contact is detected, and the reference number of times is not limited to a configuration in which an alarm is output when the incremented number of times of displacement reaches the reference number of times. The reference count may be decremented each time the signal is detected, and an alarm output may be performed when the decremented reference count reaches a predetermined count (for example, “0”).
[0065]
A configuration in which an inversion circuit between the second displacement detection light-receiving element and the CPU may be omitted, or an inversion circuit is added between the first displacement detection light-receiving element and the CPU. It may be.
The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the displacement detection slits are formed in two rows, the displacement detection slits are formed in three or more rows, three or more displacement detection light projecting elements are arranged, and three or more A configuration in which a light receiving element for displacement detection is arranged may be used.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 12, displacement detection slits 22 a to 22 n are formed in one row in the contact 21, and two optical axes (indicated by P ′ and Q ′ in FIG. 12) are shifted from each other. In this manner, the two displacement detecting light projecting elements 23 and 24 and the two displacement detecting light receiving elements 25 and 26 may be arranged. In this case, the width of the slit and the width between adjacent slits (indicated by “d ′” in FIG. 12) are wider than the width between the two optical axes (indicated by “a” in FIG. 12). Will be formed.
[0067]
By forming a slit in the contactor, not only the configuration for optically detecting the displacement of the contactor, but also by providing a magnetic pattern (N-pole and S-pole array pattern) on the contactor, the displacement of the contactor can be reduced. It may be configured to detect magnetically.
As shown in FIG. 13, when a spherical body 32 is provided at the tip of the contact 31 and the object to be detected is displaced, the contact 31 rotates in the directions B1 and B2 in FIG. Accordingly, the detection part 34 formed in a fan shape also rotates in the directions C1 and C2 in FIG. 13 with the shaft 33 as a rotation center, and circles of detection patterns 34a to 34e formed in an arc shape in the detection part 34 The configuration may be such that the amount of displacement of the object to be detected is measured by detecting arcuate rotation. In this case, the method for measuring the displacement amount of the detection target object may be an optical method or a magnetic method.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the object to be detected is displaced, the core 43 connected to the contact (not shown) in the iron core 42 around which the coils 41 a to 41 c are wound moves in the directions D1 and D2 in FIG. 14. The structure which detects the displacement of a contact by moving and measures the displacement amount of a to-be-detected target object may be sufficient. In this case, it is possible to detect the absolute position of the contact based on the signals output from the coils 41a to 41c.
The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the slit is directly formed in the contact, and a configuration in which the slit is formed in a spindle provided separately from the contact may be used.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the contact type displacement sensor of the present invention, the number of displacements of the contact is counted based on the detection signal output from the detection means, and the number of displacements counted by the count means is determined in advance. When the set reference number of times is reached, the alarm means outputs an alarm, so by setting the number of times appropriate for maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism as the reference number in advance, An alarm can be output when the number of displacements reaches a number suitable for maintenance of the contactor or the drive mechanism. As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the worker when the maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism is necessary, and the worker reliably performs the maintenance of the contactor and the drive mechanism at an appropriate time when the maintenance is required. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a sensor main body.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a positional relationship between a light projecting element, a light receiving element, and a contactor;
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing changes in the level of a detection signal.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart.
6 is a view corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a positional relationship between an optical axis and a displacement detection slit.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification example
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another modification.
FIG. 14 shows another modification.
[Explanation of symbols]
In the drawings, 1 is a contact-type displacement sensor, 4 is a contact, 5a to 5n are first displacement detection slits (detection patterns, slits), and 6a to 6n are second displacement detection slits (detection patterns, slits). , 8 is a CPU (detecting means, measuring means, counting means, control means), 9 is a first displacement detecting light projecting element (light projecting element), and 10 is a second displacement detecting light projecting element (light projecting element). ), 11 is an origin detecting light projecting element (light projecting element), 12 is a first displacement detecting light receiving element (light receiving element), 13 is a second displacement detecting light receiving element (light receiving element), and 14 is origin detecting. Light receiving element (light receiving element), 15 storage unit (storage unit), 16 display unit (alarm unit), 21 contacts, 22a to 22n slits for detecting displacement (detection patterns, slits), 23, 24 Is a displacement detecting light projecting element (light projecting element), 25 and 26 are variable. Detecting light-receiving element (light receiving element), 31 is a contact.

Claims (4)

A contact configured to be able to contact the object to be detected and reciprocatingly displaced in a predetermined direction between contact and non-contact;
Detecting means for detecting the displacement of the contact and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the detected displacement;
A contact type displacement sensor comprising: a measuring unit that measures a displacement amount of the detection target object based on a detection signal output from the detecting unit;
Counting means for counting the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detection means;
Alarm means for outputting an alarm when the number of displacements counted by the counting means reaches a preset reference number ;
The contact is configured with a plurality of detection patterns,
The detection means is configured by a plurality of detection elements that are arranged so as to detect the plurality of detection patterns, and that output alternating signals having different phases according to the displacement of the contact,
The counting means detects a phase difference of an AC signal output from each of the plurality of detection elements, and counts the number of displacements of the contact when a positive / negative reversal of the phase difference is detected. Contact displacement sensor. The contact displacement sensor according to claim 1,
The contact is configured to include a plurality of slits formed along the displacement direction of the contact as the plurality of detection patterns,
The detection element is a light projecting element that projects light, and a light receiving element that is disposed to face the light projecting element so as to sandwich the reciprocating position of the contactor, and that receives the light projected from the light projecting element; contact displacement sensor, characterized in that it is constituted by. A contact configured to be able to contact the object to be detected and reciprocatingly displaced in a predetermined direction between contact and non-contact;
Detecting means for detecting the displacement of the contact and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the detected displacement;
A contact type displacement sensor comprising: a measuring unit that measures a displacement amount of the detection target object based on a detection signal output from the detecting unit;
Counting means for counting the number of displacements of the contact based on the detection signal output from the detection means;
Alarm means for outputting an alarm when the number of displacements counted by the counting means reaches a preset reference number;
Non-volatile storage means;
Control means for storing the number of displacements counted in the counting means in the storage means, and updating and storing the number of displacements stored in the storage means each time the counting means counts the number of displacements,
The alarm means outputs an alarm when the number of displacements updated and stored in the storage means reaches a preset reference number,
The contact is configured with a plurality of detection patterns,
The detection means is configured by a plurality of detection elements that are arranged so as to detect the plurality of detection patterns, and that output alternating signals having different phases according to the displacement of the contact,
The counting means detects a phase difference of an AC signal output from each of the plurality of detection elements, and counts the number of displacements of the contact when a positive / negative reversal of the phase difference is detected. Contact displacement sensor. In the contact type displacement sensor according to claim 3,
The contact is configured to include a plurality of slits formed along the displacement direction of the contact as the plurality of detection patterns,
The detection element is a light projecting element that projects light, and a light receiving element that is disposed to face the light projecting element so as to sandwich the reciprocating position of the contactor, and that receives the light projected from the light projecting element; A contact-type displacement sensor comprising:

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