Patents Assigned to Keyence Corporation
  • Patent number: 11977266
    Abstract: An optical waveguide of a light detection unit is allowed to pass through a thin space or to be installed in the thin space. A light detection unit includes: optical waveguides that are formed in a sheet shape, which is wide in the horizontal direction, and have cores and claddings, respectively, the cores and the claddings being provided in layers in the vertical direction; and sheet-shaped cover members that cover the claddings of the optical waveguides and are integrally formed with the optical waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akinori Nagata
  • Publication number: 20240142763
    Abstract: To enable an observation image according to an observation setting to be simply and quickly acquired while focusing on each of a plurality of observation positions. In batch replay, a plurality of observation positions are identified, and replay is executed for each of the plurality of observation positions. In particular, the plurality of observation positions to be observed in the batch replay are identified along with reception of a simple user operation such as designation of a target position (steps S207 and S209) or designation of an observation image (steps S203 and S208). Further, an observation setting when the observation image is acquired at each of the plurality of observation positions is designated along with reception of a simple user operation of designating a desired observation image from among observation images stored in a storage unit (step S203).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Ryosuke KONDO
  • Publication number: 20240145187
    Abstract: To realize both toughness and size reduction of a safety switch. A safety switch is a safety switch into and from which a bolt of an actuator is inserted and pulled out. The safety switch includes a casing having a shape elongated along a first direction, a metal head having a receiving space for receiving the bolt of the actuator and provided on a first end side of the casing in the first direction, a detector for detecting a first state in which the bolt is received in the receiving space, a lock mechanism, a switching device and a first attachment portion provided in the head and having a first attachment hole into which a first attachment member is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Choryon Oh, Yu Babasaki, Lye Tatt Cheah
  • Publication number: 20240140100
    Abstract: To prevent a failure of an ink jet printer due to ink clogging in a hollow needle and the vicinity thereof. A continuous ink jet printer includes: an ink tank that stores ink and a solvent as a printing ink; a printing head that performs printing with the printing ink; an ink hollow needle that accesses the ink in an ink cartridge when an ink reservoir receives the ink cartridge; a first ink tube that causes the ink to flow from the ink hollow needle to the ink tank; and a supply control section that executes suction control to generate a flow from the ink hollow needle toward the first ink tube when the ink is taken out from the ink cartridge received in the ink reservoir, and executes blowing control to generate a flow from the first ink tube toward the ink hollow needle when reverse-flow cleaning is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Hashimoto, Hideki Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 11969820
    Abstract: High processing accuracy of a workpiece is maintained even if the workpiece is misaligned. A laser processing apparatus includes: a setting section that sets a pattern area and a distance measurement position on a captured image; a condition setting storage section that stores image information in the pattern area; a position correction section that detects a misalignment of a new workpiece different from a workpiece used to set the pattern area and corrects the distance measurement position on the new workpiece; a distance measurement section that measures a distance based on a light reception position of distance measuring light in a distance measuring light receiving section; and a Z scanner that adjusts a focal position based on a measurement result of the distance measurement section prior to irradiation of the workpiece with laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junya Onoda
  • Patent number: 11970007
    Abstract: A ROM unit mounted to a bottle has a plurality of terminal plates on the front end surface of the ROM unit. The ROM unit is movable in a direction orthogonal to a bottle axis Ax, and can be positioned at a retreat position where an interference with a contamination preventing eaves is avoided, and a contact position projected more front than the retreat position. The terminal plates can be electrically contacted with reservoir terminals when positioning at the contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyauchi, Mamoru Idaka
  • Patent number: 11971696
    Abstract: To provide a PLC having a data collection function and a data display screen generation function. The PLC includes: a collection section that collects a symbol value stored in a symbol, which is a device or a variable serving as a collection target, according to the application program; a determination section that determines whether or not the symbol value collected by the collection section according to the application program satisfies a normal condition set for the application program to detect a status different from usual regarding the symbol value; and a generation section that generates a display screen including a determination result of the determination section and information indicating the symbol value collected by the collection section according to the application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20240125635
    Abstract: To enable accurate measurement of a flow rate of a gas flowing in a non-metallic tube. An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a first wedge member having a first angle, a second wedge member having a second angle, and a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of a gas based on a propagation time difference of a longitudinal wave excited by a tube. The first angle and the second angle are configured such that the tube excites both a longitudinal wave and a shear wave, and a mixing ratio of the shear wave to the longitudinal wave is 10% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki MATSUI, Daiki MATSUMOTO, Ryuma MIYAKE
  • Publication number: 20240125634
    Abstract: To enable accurate measurement when a flow rate is measured using an ultrasonic signal. An ultrasonic flowmeter includes a first ultrasonic element and a second ultrasonic element, a damping pipe, a first ultrasonic propagator and a second ultrasonic propagator, which are arranged outside the damping pipe, and a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate based on an ultrasonic signal transmitted and received between the first ultrasonic element and the second ultrasonic element. The first ultrasonic element, the first ultrasonic propagator, the damping pipe, the second ultrasonic element, and the second ultrasonic propagator are accommodated in a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki MATSUI, Shinichiro OTSU
  • Patent number: 11953648
    Abstract: Display with high visibility without impairing rigidity of a housing is performed. A light curtain includes: a housing in which one element of a pair of elements disposed inside along a longitudinal direction in order to form the plurality of optical axes at intervals, the housing including a metal case and end members connected to both ends of the metal case; a cover that transmits light from a light projecting element, which is the one element, and is attached to the housing so as to cross the optical axe; an indicator lamp that is a light diffusing member disposed outside an outer surface of at least one of the cover and the housing along the longitudinal direction or formed in series with the cover; and an indicator lamp light source that is accommodated in the housing and supplies light for displaying toward the indicator lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu Niimura
  • Publication number: 20240112321
    Abstract: To suppress an error between measurements when a plurality of workpieces having the same shape are measured. A three-dimensional shape data generation apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores a plurality of measurement files in which each of measurement conditions of a workpiece and each of alignment images are associated with each other; a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a live image of the workpiece and an alignment image associated with one measurement file from among the plurality of measurement files stored in the storage unit; a reception unit that receives a measurement start instruction of the workpiece; and a measurement control unit that controls a structured illumination unit and an imaging unit based on the measurement condition associated with the one measurement file in response to the measurement start instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi SUENAGA
  • Publication number: 20240094430
    Abstract: Display with high visibility without impairing rigidity of a housing is performed. A light curtain includes: a housing in which one element of a pair of elements disposed inside along a longitudinal direction in order to form the plurality of optical axes at intervals, the housing including a metal case and end members connected to both ends of the metal case; a cover that transmits light from a light projecting element, which is the one element, and is attached to the housing so as to cross the optical axe; an indicator lamp that is a light diffusing member disposed outside an outer surface of at least one of the cover and the housing along the longitudinal direction or formed in series with the cover; and an indicator lamp light source that is accommodated in the housing and supplies light for displaying toward the indicator lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu NIIMURA
  • Patent number: 11933738
    Abstract: A marking system includes: a whole camera that generates a captured image; a pass/fail determination section that determines pass/fail of printing using the captured image; a history storage section that stores a plurality of determination results including an NG determination result, the captured image, and state information of a laser marker in association with each other; a display section that displays at least one of a first display area for displaying the plurality of determination results and a second display area for displaying the captured image; a receiving section that selects either the NG determination result or the captured image; and a control section that displays state information, associated with the NG determination result or the captured image selected via the receiving section, among a plurality of types of the state information on the display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Iwabuchi
  • Publication number: 20240080959
    Abstract: To suppress charging of a housing of a static eliminator while avoiding an influence on control of ion balance. In order to suppress the charging of the housing of the static eliminator, the housing is provided with a rear frame that is conductive. The rear frame is insulated from a placement surface of the static eliminator by an insulating member such as an insulating pad, an inner spacer, and an outer spacer, and movement of an electric charge from the rear frame to an earth via the placement surface is prevented. In addition, the rear frame is not connected to the earth, but is connected to a ground, that is, a wire electrically connected to each of a low-response detection circuit, a positive polarity high voltage power supply, and a negative polarity high voltage power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Yuki TOKITA
  • Publication number: 20240077855
    Abstract: To provide a static eliminator and a static elimination system capable of strictly managing a manufacturing status of a product without increasing a management burden. The static eliminator includes an ion generation unit, an ion control unit, a measurement value acquisition unit, a data generation unit, and a nonvolatile storage unit. The ion generation unit generates ions. The ion control unit controls the ion generation unit. The measurement value acquisition unit acquires a measurement value related to control by the ion control unit and acquires a measurement time at which the measurement value has been acquired. The data generation unit generates history data based on the measurement value and the measurement time. The nonvolatile storage unit stores the history data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Saeyoung YANG
  • Publication number: 20240079857
    Abstract: To appropriately control both long-term ion balance and short-term ion balance. A current flowing between an earth and a static eliminator via a ground electrode is detected, and feedback control is executed on a negative polarity high voltage power supply such that the current becomes a target current. Furthermore, a front wire mesh functioning as a detection electrode different from the ground electrode is arranged at a position where positive ions and negative ions generated by an electrode needle and an electrode needle arrive. Then, a current generated by the positive ions and the negative ions arriving at the front wire mesh is detected, and feedback control is executed on the negative polarity high voltage power supply such that the current becomes a target current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Saeyoung YANG
  • Publication number: 20240080961
    Abstract: To provide an ion balance sensor and a static elimination system capable of grasping further information regarding an environment of a target space in addition to ion balance in the target space. The ion balance sensor includes a detection plate that is conductive and arranged in a target space. In the ion balance sensor, ion balance in the target space is detected based on a potential of the detection plate. An ion balance signal indicating a detection result is generated. Further, a physical quantity related to an environment of the target space is detected in addition to the ion balance. Another signal indicating information regarding the environment of the target space is generated based on a detection result. The ion balance signal and the other signal are output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki KATSURADA
  • Patent number: 11907803
    Abstract: Recommended installation position and posture of a stationary code reader can be proposed to a user to facilitate installation work of the code reader by the user. An installation support device for the stationary code reader acquires camera information including a camera parameter of the code reader, code information to be read, and environment information including a conveying speed of a line, determines required field of view and depth of the code reader required to read a code under an environment specified by the environment information, and determines an installation pattern which is recommended installation position and posture of the code reader that can satisfy the required field of view and depth based on the camera information and the code information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidezumi Nagata, Taichi Tajika, Takashi Hirano
  • Patent number: 11908654
    Abstract: To realize both toughness and size reduction of a safety switch. A safety switch is a safety switch into and from which a bolt of an actuator is inserted and pulled out. The safety switch includes a casing having a shape elongated along a first direction, a metal head having a receiving space for receiving the bolt of the actuator and provided on a first end side of the casing in the first direction, a detector for detecting a first state in which the bolt is received in the receiving space, a lock mechanism, a switching device and a first attachment portion provided in the head and having a first attachment hole into which a first attachment member is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Choryon Oh, Yu Babasaki, Lye Tatt Cheah
  • Publication number: 20240054726
    Abstract: A free curved surface and an analytic curved surface can be generated as intended by a user with a simple operation. A reverse engineering support apparatus includes: a shape attribute setting unit that sets a shape attribute to a polygon included in mesh data; a region specifying unit that specifies a region included in the mesh data based on a shape attribute; a data conversion unit that converts a polygon included in the specified region into surface data based on the shape attribute and converts a polygon not included in the region into surface data of a free curved surface; and an output unit that outputs pieces of the surface data created by the data conversion unit as CAD data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Jun TABUCHI