Abstract: A multi-optical-path photoelectric switch includes: a light emitting unit having a plurality of light emitting devices; and a light receiving unit having the same number of light receiving devices as said light emitting devices. Each unit includes, a shaft member at one end, a support member rotatably supporting said shaft member, and a joint member, wherein when said joint member is tightened, said support member fixs said shaft member, and when said joint member is loosened, said support member allows said shaft member to rotate.

Abstract: A light emitting portion of a multi-optical-path photoelectric switch comprising: a predetermined number of light emitting devices for emitting lights; a first case having a male connector disposed at one end, a female connector diposed at the other end, a surface between both ends made of a light transmissive resin, the surface through which the lights from the light emitting devices pass; a fixing frame holding the first case, and having the substantialy same length as the first case; and a second case accommodating a portion of the fixing frame while a residual portion of the fixing frrame is projected therefrom, wherein the light emitting units are mechanically and electrically connected to one another by inserting the portion of the fixing frame thus projected of either of adjacent light emitting units into the second case of the other adjacent light emitting unit. A light receiving portion of the multi-optical-path photoelectric switch comprises the similar structure.

Abstract: A system for distributing power from a detection switch parent device to detection switch child, or slave, devices. The system includes a power supply source for supplying an electric power; the detection switch parent device including, a body portion, an output wire for outputting a detection signal connected to the body portion, and power supply wires connectable to the power supply source, for receiving the electric power; at least one detection switch child device each including, a body portion, and an output wire for outputting a detection signal connected to the body portion; and electrical connection means for electrically connecting the body portions of the detection switch parent device to detection switch child device to one another to transmits the electric power being supplied to the body portion of the detection switch parent device to the body portion of the detection switch child device.