The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 24, 2023
Filed:
Oct. 29, 2021
Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd., Osaka, JP;
Akira Nakatsu, Osaka, JP;
Kentaro Watanabe, Osaka, JP;
NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
Provided is a liquid sensor that can more accurately detect the state of a liquid. The liquid sensor includes a light emitting element, an optical waveguide, a light receiving element, and a detection circuit. The light receiving element is configured to receive light that was emitted by the light emitting element and passed through the optical waveguide. The detection circuit is configured to detect output of the light receiving element. The optical waveguide includes a first pillar portion that extends straight and a second pillar portion that extends straight. The second pillar portion is provided at a position opposing the first pillar portion. A space for liquid is formed between the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion. The first pillar portion includes a first end surface that faces the light emitting element, and a second end surface that is tilted relative to the first end surface and reflects light toward the second pillar portion. The second pillar portion includes a third end surface that faces the light receiving element, and a fourth end surface that is tilted relative to the third end surface and is configured to reflect light from the second end surface toward the light receiving element.