Patent Description:
An area sensor is a sensor for sensing a specific area by using a plurality of light sources. The area sensor may be used in various applications, such as entrance, elevator, moving walk, escalator, and the like. That is, the area sensor may sense the presence of an individual or an object in a specific area and may be widely used in places requiring such function.

The sensor or the area sensor may be installed in various places. That is, the sensor or the area sensor may be installed indoors or outdoors. In the case where the sensor or the area sensor is installed outdoors (or installed even indoors), durability of the sensor may decrease or performance of the sensor may be degraded due to outside air with high humidity or water.

Recently, many studies are conducted to improve deterioration in performance or durability of the sensor due to external environments.

<CIT> discloses a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor that detects an object by light entrance/obstruction state of a plurality of optical axes provided between a projector and an optical receiver, which are disposed opposite each other. In the sensor, a string-like rubber is provided in the groove of the support of the frame body. A sealing agent is used as a bonding agent to couple the string-like rubber to the cap of the sensor.

Conventional sensors in the relevant technical field are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above and other problems. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensor capable of preventing deterioration in performance or durability of the sensor due to moisture.

It is yet another object of the present invention to improve a waterproof structure of a sensor.

It is still another object of the present invention to improve structural characteristics of a sensor while reducing production costs.

A sensor according to the present invention is set forth in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided in dependent claims. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by providing a sensor, including: an elongated and hollow housing having a first opening formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing, and a second opening formed at one end thereof; a cap closing the second opening; an elongated cover covering the first opening and having one end coupled to the cap; a first receiving groove formed on the housing at a position adjacent to the first opening and facing the cover; a second receiving groove formed on the cap at a position facing the cover; a front sealing member inserted into the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove, and coming into contact with the cover; a groove formed on the cap at a position adjacent to the second opening and facing one end of the housing; and a side sealing member inserted into the groove and coming into contact with the one end of the housing.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a direction from the cap toward the housing, an area of the front sealing member, disposed on the second receiving groove, may decrease toward the housing.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the front sealing member, disposed on the first receiving groove, may come into contact with at least two surfaces of the cover based on an edge of the cover facing the first receiving groove.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may further include: an insertion groove connecting the second receiving groove and the groove; and a connection part disposed in the insertion groove and connecting the front sealing member and the side sealing member.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may have a bottom facing the second opening of the housing, a side wall formed around the bottom, and a cable hole formed by passing through the bottom; and the side sealing member may have parts disposed in the groove, and a bridge connecting the parts across the bottom, wherein the bridge may be coupled to the bottom.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may further include: a cable inserted into the cable hole; a waterproof ring inserted into the cable hole and coming into contact with the cable hole; and a rubber coming into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the cable and inserted into the waterproof ring to be in tight contact with the waterproof ring.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof ring and the rubber may have inclined surfaces corresponding to each other.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may have a slot disposed adjacent to one end of the cover, wherein the one end of the cover may be inserted into the slot.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be attached to the front sealing member.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may further include a light emitting part or a light receiving part installed in the housing, wherein the cover may be formed as a light transmitting plate.

The sensor according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following effects.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, deterioration in performance or durability of the sensor due to moisture may be prevented.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a waterproof structure of the sensor may be improved.

Further, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, production costs of the sensor may be reduced while improving structural characteristics of the sensor.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples of a sensor according to embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Terms "module" and "unit" for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

It will be noted that a detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of the known arts can obscure the embodiments of the invention.

Further, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms "comprise", 'include", "have", etc. when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

A sensor <NUM> may be referred to as an area sensor <NUM>, considering that the sensor <NUM> senses a predetermined area.

Referring to <FIG>, the area sensor <NUM> may include an emitter 100E and a receiver 100R. The emitter 100E may face the receiver 100R. The emitter 100E may emit light. The emitter 100E may include a light emitting element. The emitter 100E may be referred to as a light emitting unit 100E or a light transmitter 100E. The emitter 100E may include a plurality of light emitting elements. The plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged in sequence or in series on one surface of the emitter 100E.

The receiver 100R may sense light. The receiver 100R may include a light receiving element. The receiver 100R may be referred to as a light receiving unit 100R or a light receiving device 100R. The receiver 100R may include a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements may be arranged in sequence or in series on one surface of the receiver 100R.

The light provided by the emitter 100E may be sensed by the receiver 100R. If an individual or an object is present between the emitter 100E and the receiver 100R, the light provided by the emitter 100E is partially blocked, such that the presence of an individual or an object in a sensed area may be sensed.

Referring to <FIG>, the emitter 100E may include a housing 100E, a light emitting part 120E, and caps 130E and 140E. The housing 110E may be elongated and may have a receiving space formed therein. The light emitting part 120E may be formed on one surface of the housing 110E. The light emitting part 120E may be elongated on one surface or one side of the housing 100E along a longitudinal direction of the housing 110E. The caps 130E and 140E may be mounted on one end and/or an opposite end of the housing 110E. For example, the light emitting part 120E and the housing 110E may be coupled to each other by the caps 130E and 140E.

The emitter 100E may include a cable CA. The cable CA may be electrically connected to the light emitting part 120E. The cable CA may be connected to an external source on one side of the housing 110E or the cap 140E. The cable CA has one side electrically connected to the light emitting part 120E and an opposite side connected to a connector CN. Accordingly, the emitter 100E may receive power or a control signal from an external source.

The emitter 100E may include a bracket BKT. The bracket BKT may be mounted or coupled to one end or both ends of the emitter 100E. The bracket BKT may be used for installing or mounting the emitter 100E in predetermined equipment. The bracket BKT may be mounted on the emitter 100E by a coupling member f.

The receiver 100R may include a housing 110R, a light receiving part 120R, and caps 130R and 140R. The receiver 100R may include a cable CA and a bracket BKT. In describing the housing 110R, the caps 130R and 140R, the cable CA, and/or the bracket BKT, the description of that or those of the emitter 100E may be equally applied thereto. In <FIG>, the description of the light emitting part 120E may be equally applied to the description of the light receiving part 120R.

In the following description, the emitter 100E and the receiver 100R will be collectively referred to as the sensor <NUM>, without being distinguished from each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be elongated and hollow to provide a receiving space. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a long cylindrical shape or a square column shape. The housing <NUM> may have an opening 110P1 which is elongated on one surface thereof in a longitudinal direction. The opening 110P1 may be referred to as a first opening 110P1. The housing <NUM> may have an opening 110P2 or openings 110P2 on one end or both ends. The opening 110P2 or openings 110P2 may be referred to as a second opening 110P2 or second openings 110P2. The openings 110P2 may include an upper opening 110P2T and a lower opening 110P2B. The first opening 110P1 may communicate with the second opening 110P2.

The light emitting element and/or the light receiving element may be mounted in the receiving space of the housing <NUM>. A sensing module <NUM> may include the light emitting element and/or the light receiving element.

The cap <NUM> may close the upper opening 110P2T formed on an upper end of the housing <NUM>. Further, the cap <NUM> may close the lower opening 110P2B formed on a lower end of the housing <NUM>. The structure of both ends of the housing <NUM> may be the same.

A sealing member 160T may be disposed between the cap <NUM> and one end of the housing <NUM>. The sealing member 160T may be disposed around the upper opening 110P2T of the housing <NUM>. The sealing member 160T may be referred to as a first sealing member 160T. The first sealing member 160T may be referred to as an upper sealing member 160T.

The cover <NUM> may have a shape of an elongated flat plate and may cover the first opening 110P1 of the housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be referred to as a front cover <NUM> or a light transmitting cover <NUM>.

A sealing member <NUM> may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> may referred to as a second sealing member <NUM>. The second sealing member may be referred to as a front sealing member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the front sealing member <NUM> may be coated on grooves <NUM> and <NUM>, formed on a front surface of the housing <NUM>, and grooves <NUM> and <NUM> formed on a front surface of the caps <NUM> and <NUM>. The grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be collectively referred to as receiving grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may be referred to as first receiving grooves <NUM> and <NUM>, and the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may be referred to as second receiving grooves <NUM> and <NUM>.

The front sealing member <NUM> may have elasticity and/or adhesive strength. The coated front sealing member <NUM> may be cured after the lapse of a predetermined period of time. By coating the front sealing member <NUM>, a process time may be reduced.

The front sealing member <NUM> may include a first longitudinal portion 170L1, a second longitudinal portion 170L2, a first side portion 170S1, and a second side portion 170S2. The first longitudinal portion 170L1 and/or the second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be formed on the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the first side portion 170S1 and/or the second side portion 170S2 may be formed on the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> of the caps <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first side portion 170S1 and/or the second side portion 170S2 may have an overall triangular shape. A center width D2 may be greater than a side width D1. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent components from being separated due to contraction and/or expanding of the front sealing member <NUM>.

By increasing a contact area between the front sealing member <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, waterproofness of the sensor may be improved.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may include a bottom 110B and side walls 110S1 and 110S2. The bottom 110B may be an elongated plate. The side walls 110S1 and 110S2 may be disposed opposite each other and may be formed on both sides of the bottom 110B.

The side walls 110S1 and 110S2 may have loops 110R1 and 110R2 formed on an upper side thereof. The loops 110R1 and 110R2 may protrude inwardly of the housing <NUM> from the side walls 110S1 and 110S2.

The grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the loops 110R1 and 110R2 or may be formed in the loops 110R1 and 110R2 and the side walls 110S1 and 110S2. The groove <NUM> may be formed in the loop 110R1 and/or the side wall 110S1, and the groove <NUM> may be formed in the loop 110R2 and/or the side wall 110S2. The grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may have an overall L-shape. As a contact area between the front sealing members 170L1 and 170L2 and the cover <NUM> increases, the cover <NUM> may be firmly fixed, and waterproofness may be improved.

Dams 110R1S and 110R2S may protrude from the loops 110R1 and 110R2, so as to prevent overflow of the sealing member <NUM> to be coated. The dams 110R1S and 110R2S may be referred to as stepped portions 110R1S and 110R2S.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first longitudinal portion 170L1 may form most of a length of the second sealing member <NUM>. The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may correspond to a length of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may have a first horizontal portion 170L1H and a first vertical portion 170L1V. The second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be parallel to the first longitudinal portion 170L1. The second longitudinal portion 170L2 may have a second horizontal portion 170L2H and a second vertical portion 170L2V. The first side portion 170S1 may connect one end of the first longitudinal portion 170L1 and one end of the second longitudinal portion 170L2. The second side portion 170S2 may connect an opposite end of the first longitudinal portion 170L1 and an opposite end of the second longitudinal portion 170L2.

The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may be located in or attached to the groove <NUM> of the housing <NUM>; the second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be located in or attached to the groove <NUM> of the housing <NUM>; the first side portion 170S1 may be located in or attached to the groove <NUM> of the cap <NUM>; the second side portion 170S2 may be located in or attached to the groove <NUM> of the cap <NUM>. The second sealing member <NUM> may be symmetrical with respect to a center line CL in a length direction. The second sealing member <NUM> may be symmetrical with respect to a center line CS in a width direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may have an overall tub shape. The cap <NUM> may include a bottom 130B and a side wall <NUM>. A through-hole <NUM> may be formed in the bottom 130B. The side wall <NUM> may have an upper end surface 130SF which faces and comes into contact with one end surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the housing (see <FIG>). The groove <NUM> may be formed on the upper end surface 130SF of the side wall <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may have an overall C-shape. In this case, an open portion OL of the loop of the groove <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the cover <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the sensor.

The first sealing member 160T may have an overall C-shape corresponding to the groove <NUM>. The first sealing member 160T may be referred to as the side sealing member 160T. The first sealing member 160T may include a first part <NUM>, a second part <NUM>, a third part <NUM>, a fourth part <NUM>, a fifth part <NUM>, and a bridge <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the first part <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may be disposed opposite the second part <NUM>, and may be extended by being bent from the first part <NUM>. The fourth part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the second part <NUM>, and may be disposed opposite the first part <NUM>. The fifth part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the third part <NUM>, and may be disposed opposite the first part <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may connect the second part <NUM> and the third part <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may come into contact with the bottom 130B of the cap <NUM>. A bridge receiving portion 130LB may be recessed from the bottom 130B, and the bridge <NUM> may be placed in the bridge receiving portion 130LB. The bridge <NUM> may not only improve convenience in assembly, but also seals the through-hole <NUM> and the like formed on the cap <NUM>, thereby improving waterproofness of the sensor.

Referring to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may have an overall tub shape. The cap <NUM> may include a bottom 140E and a side wall <NUM>. A through-hole <NUM> may be formed in the bottom <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> may have an upper end surface 140SF which faces and comes into contact with one end surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). A groove <NUM> may be formed on the upper end surface 140SF of the side wall <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may have an overall C shape. In this case, an open portion OL of the loop of the groove <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the cover <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the sensor.

The cap <NUM> may have a cable hole <NUM>. The cable hole <NUM> may pass through the bottom 140B.

A third sealing member 180T may have an overall C shape corresponding to the groove <NUM>. The third sealing member 180T may be referred to as a side sealing member 180T. The third sealing member 180T may include a first part <NUM>, a second part <NUM>, a third part <NUM>, a fourth part <NUM>, a fifth part <NUM>, and a bridge <NUM>. The second part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the first part <NUM>. The third part <NUM> may be disposed opposite the second part <NUM>, and may be extended by being bent from the first part <NUM>. The fourth part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the second part <NUM>, and may be disposed opposite the first part <NUM>. The fifth part <NUM> may be extended by being bent from the third part <NUM>, and may be disposed opposite the first part <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may connect the second part <NUM> and the third part <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may come into contact with the bottom 140B of the cap <NUM>. A bridge receiving portion 140LB may be recessed from the bottom 140B, and the bridge <NUM> may be placed in the bridge receiving portion 140LB. The third sealing member 180T may have a cable hole <NUM>. The cable hole <NUM> may pass through the bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may improve convenience in assembly, as well as waterproofness of the sensor.

Referring to <FIG>, the second sealing member <NUM> may be connected to the first sealing member 160T and/or the third sealing member 180T.

The connection part CN may connect the first longitudinal portion 170L1 of the second sealing member <NUM> and the fourth part <NUM> of the first sealing member 160T. The connection part CN may connect the second longitudinal portion 170L2 of the second sealing member <NUM> and the fifth part <NUM> of the first sealing member 160T.

The connection part CN may connect the first longitudinal portion 170L1 of the second sealing member <NUM> and the fifth part <NUM> of the third sealing member 180T. The connection part CN may connect the second longitudinal portion 170L2 of the second sealing member <NUM> and the fourth part <NUM> of the third sealing member 180T.

The connection parts CN may be formed in insertion grooves IH of the caps <NUM> and <NUM> during coating of the sealing members described above with reference to <FIG>. The first sealing member 160T, the second sealing member <NUM>, and the third sealing member 180T may be integrally formed in a one-time coating process.

The column <NUM> may be formed on an outer surface of the bridge <NUM>, and may be inserted into the through-hole <NUM> of the caps <NUM> and <NUM> to seal the through-hole <NUM>.

Accordingly, waterproof performance of the sensor may be further improved.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may be expanded or contracted depending on external environments (e.g., temperature change), in which the sensor is installed, and may be repeatedly expanded or contracted. Compared to the housing <NUM> and/or the cap <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may be further deformed depending on external environments.

The cap <NUM> may have a slot <NUM>. One end 150E1 of the cover <NUM> may be inserted into the slot <NUM>. In the case where the cover <NUM>, having a different thermal expansion coefficient from the housing <NUM> and/or the cap <NUM>, is relatively more deformed due to heat, waterproofness of the sensor may be reduced, but the sealing structure of the sensor described above has an advantage in that the waterproof performance of the sensor may be maintained constant at an initial set level.

Referring to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may have a slot <NUM>. An opposite end 150E2 of the cover <NUM> may be inserted into the slot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a rubber <NUM> may be inserted into or fixed to an outer circumference of the cable CA. The rubber <NUM>, having an inclined surface <NUM> in an insertion direction of the cable CA, may have an overall wedge shape. A waterproof ring <NUM> may be inserted into the cable hole <NUM>. The waterproof ring <NUM> may have an inner surface corresponding to the rubber <NUM>. In other words, the waterproof ring <NUM> has an inclined surface <NUM> in the insertion direction of the cable CA, such that when the rubber <NUM> is inserted, the waterproof ring <NUM> may be in tight contact with or pressed into the rubber <NUM>. While being in tight contact with an outer circumferential surface of the cable CA, the rubber <NUM> may come into tight contact with the waterproof ring <NUM>, and the waterproof ring <NUM> may come into tight contact with the cable hole <NUM>. Accordingly, waterproofness may be improved around the cable CA.

Some embodiments of the disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Some embodiments of the disclosure described above or other embodiments may be used jointly or combined with each other in configuration or function.

Claim 1:
A sensor comprising:
an elongated and hollow housing (<NUM>) having a first opening (110P1) formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing (<NUM>), and a second opening (110P2) formed at one end thereof;
a cap (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the second opening (110P2);
an elongated cover (<NUM>) covering the first opening (110P1) and having one end coupled to the cap (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first receiving groove (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed on the housing (<NUM>) at a position adjacent to the first opening (110P1) and facing the cover (<NUM>);
a second receiving groove (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed on the cap (<NUM>, <NUM>) at a position facing the cover (<NUM>);
a front sealing member (<NUM>) inserted into the first receiving groove (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second receiving groove (<NUM>, <NUM>), and coming into contact with the cover (<NUM>);
a groove (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed on the cap (<NUM>, <NUM>) at a position adjacent to the second opening (110P2) and facing one end of the housing (<NUM>); and
a side sealing member (160T, 180T) inserted into the groove (<NUM>, <NUM>) and coming into contact with the one end of the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the front sealing member (<NUM>) has:
a vertical portion (170L1V, 170L2V) coming into contact with a side surface of the cover (<NUM>); and
a horizontal portion (170L1H, 170L2H) extending from the vertical portion (170L1V, 170L2V) and coming into contact with an inner surface of the cover (<NUM>).