H01H35/00

Object detection device, object detection system, object detection method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program
11371835 · 2022-06-28 · ·

Provided is an object detection device capable of controlling to stop operation of a sensor that detects an object shape when operation of this sensor is not needed. An object detection device (1) includes a feature extraction unit (2) and a sensor activation unit (4). When an object passes an irradiation area of irradiation light from a first sensor configured to detect a feature of a part of a surface of an object by applying irradiation light, the feature extraction unit (2) extracts a feature of the object in the irradiation area. The sensor activation unit (4) activates a second sensor configured to detect an object shape when variation of the extracted feature falls below a predetermined first threshold.

STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING NEAR INFRARED SENSOR AND SENSOR COVER TO VEHICLE
20220137229 · 2022-05-05 ·

A first fastening portion is provided on a surface on the inner side of a sensor cover. A first support portion is provided around an opening of an exterior component. The first fastening portion is fastened to the first support portion, with the first fastening portion being allowed to be unfastened from the first support portion. The exterior component includes a tubular wall portion. The tubular wall portion includes an attaching hole. Part of the near-infrared sensor is arranged inside the tubular wall portion through an attaching hole of the tubular wall portion. The near-infrared sensor includes a second fastening portion. The exterior component includes a second support portion on or outside the tubular wall portion. The second fastening portion is fastened to the second support portion, with the second fastening portion being allowed to be unfastened from the second support portion.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY
20210367428 · 2021-11-25 ·

A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCY
20210367428 · 2021-11-25 ·

A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Multi optical axis sensor

The present invention maintains sealing of the housing over a long period of time. A multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor (100) includes a light projector (110) and a light receiver (120) whose external forms are each formed by a housing (1) including an outer case (10) constituted by a main body case (11) and a first cap member (12), a light-transmitting plate (15), a first pressing member (20A), second pressing members (20B), a first adhesive tape (17A), and second adhesive tapes (17B). The first cap member (12) has a supporting part (12a) provided on its inner side, and an elastic member (18) is provided between the second pressing member (20B) and a portion of the light-transmitting plate (15) supported by the supporting part (12a). The light-transmitting plate (15) is pressed toward the first cap member (12) via the elastic member (18).

PUSHBUTTON SWITCH, OPERATING UNIT, AND AMUSEMENT MACHINE
20230316849 · 2023-10-05 · ·

An amusement machine includes a button deck (10). The button deck (10) includes a transparent support plate (13) and a display (12) together serving as a touchscreen, and a pushbutton switch (15). The pushbutton switch (15) includes an operable portion (20) attached to one surface of the transparent support plate (13), and a detector (30) attached to another surface of the transparent support plate (13) and facing the operable portion (20). The operable portion (20) includes a button (21) and a reflective flapper (26) movable in response to movement of the button (21). The detector (30) includes a reflective sensor (34) that detects the pressed state of the button (21) through the transparent support plate (13). The reflective sensor (34) emits light toward the reflective flapper (26) and receives light reflected by the reflective flapper (26).

Electronic apparatus, contactless switch, and photoelectric sensor comprising a housing with a substrate holding part for fixing one or more substrates to a predetermined position
11798754 · 2023-10-24 · ·

An electronic apparatus has a housing in which a substrate with an electronic component mounted thereon, a thermoplastic hot-melt resin, and a substrate holding part are accommodated. The interior of the housing is divided by the substrate into a plurality of spaces. In the plurality of spaces, a distance between the substrate or the electronic component on the substrate and the substrate holding part, the housing, another substrate, or the electronic component on the another substrate is 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

Electronic apparatus, contactless switch, and photoelectric sensor comprising a housing with a substrate holding part for fixing one or more substrates to a predetermined position
11798754 · 2023-10-24 · ·

An electronic apparatus has a housing in which a substrate with an electronic component mounted thereon, a thermoplastic hot-melt resin, and a substrate holding part are accommodated. The interior of the housing is divided by the substrate into a plurality of spaces. In the plurality of spaces, a distance between the substrate or the electronic component on the substrate and the substrate holding part, the housing, another substrate, or the electronic component on the another substrate is 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

Electronic device with automatic mode switching
11449349 · 2022-09-20 · ·

An automatic hold switch is disclosed. The automatic hold switch provides a means for automatically switching a hold feature on and off. When the hold feature is on, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are disabled or prevented from providing input signals. When the hold feature is off, one or more input devices of a portable electronic device are enabled or allowed to provide input signals. Because the user no longer has to manually control the hold feature, the number of actions that need to be taken by the user is reduced. In one example, the automatic hold switch is embodied with light sensors that detect when the device is in a dark environment and when the device is in a light environment. A dark environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes not to input and therefore the hold feature is turned on. A lighted environment indicates to the portable electronic device that the user wishes to input and therefore the hold feature is turned off.

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, CONTACTLESS SWITCH, AND PHOTOELECTRIC SENSOR
20220301788 · 2022-09-22 · ·

An electronic apparatus has a housing in which a substrate with an electronic component mounted thereon, a thermoplastic hot-melt resin, and a substrate holding part are accommodated. The interior of the housing is divided by the substrate into a plurality of spaces. In the plurality of spaces, a distance between the substrate or the electronic component on the substrate and the substrate holding part, the housing, another substrate, or the electronic component on the another substrate is 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.