Patent ID: 6730902
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: E05F,G01V

Abstract:
A light beam sensor which is an optical sensor equipped with an optical unit having an optical element,the light beam sensor comprising: an adjuster which is joined with the optical unit and whose outer circumferential surface is threaded to give a threaded portion, the adjuster being held to be rotatable around a central axis of the threaded portion and to be movable in a direction of changing a posture of the optical unit; and a restriction member which restricts movement of the adjuster by latching in a thread groove in the threaded portion, and which is capable of climbing over a thread ridge in the threaded portion when the adjuster receives an external force applied in a direction of allowing the restriction member to climb over the thread ridge, wherein the light beam sensor is capable of carrying out: a first adjustment operation for stepped adjustment of the posture of the optical unit, in which the adjuster is allowed to move in such a manner that the restriction member can climb over the thread ridge in the threaded portion; and a second adjustment operation for stepless adjustment of the posture of the optical unit, in which the adjuster is allowed to move in cooperation with its rotation around a central axis thereof, with the restriction member keeping a latched engagement with the thread groove in the threaded portion.