Encoder
AssigneeRenishaw PLC
InventorsFinlay Jonathan Evans, James Reynolds Henshaw, Stephen Lindsey Tocknell, Richard David James Gearing
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Abstract
A sealed encoder module for mounting onto a machine so as to measure relative displacement of first and second parts of the machine. The sealed encoder module can comprise, a scale, a readhead comprising a scale signal receiver, and an integral protective housing which encapsulates at least the scale and said scale signal receiver. The sealed encoder module can be configured to determine and output diagnostic information regarding a scale signal detected by the readhead.
Claims18
A sealed encoder module for mounting onto a machine so as to measure relative displacement of first and second parts of the machine, the sealed encoder module comprising:
- a scale;
- a readhead comprising a scale signal receiver;
- and
- a protective housing which encapsulates at least the scale and the scale signal receiver, the scale signal receiver being the part of the readhead located inside the protective housing,
- wherein the scale signal receiver comprises an outer case within which electronic components of the readhead that are located inside the protective housing are contained, thereby being protected from contamination that enters the protective housing, and
- wherein the outer case has an Ingress Protection (“IP”) rating of at least IP44.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.