Linear encoder, guide mechanism, and method for attaching linear encoder
AssigneeThk Co., Ltd.
InventorsAkira Ishihara, Yukihiro Sugiura
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To improve workability in a mounting work of a linear encoder, while enhancing detection accuracy of the linear encoder. A base (12) is provided with a linear scale (26) extending in a first direction (D1), and a table (14) is provided with a reading head (34) which is provided to face the linear scale (26) and which reads scale marks of the linear scale (26). A scale mounting surface (12d) via which the linear scale (26) is mounted to the base (12) lies in a same plane as a first rail mounting surface (12a) via which a guide rail (16L) is mounted to the base (12). The linear scale (26) has a lateral end surface (26s) which is in contact with a lateral surface (16s) of the guide rail (16L).
Claims6
A linear encoder for use in a guide mechanism that includes:
- a guide rail which is provided to a base and which extends in a predetermined direction;
- and a guide block which is provided to a slider and which is supported by the guide rail slidably in the predetermined direction, the linear encoder detecting a position of the slider in the predetermined direction, the linear encoder comprising:
- a linear scale which is provided to the base, which is disposed in parallel with the guide rail, and which extends in the predetermined direction;
- and
- a reading head which is provided to the slider so as to face the linear scale and which reads scale marks of the linear scale,
- a scale mounting surface via which the linear scale is mounted to the base lying in a same place as a rail mounting surface via which the guide rail is mounted to the base, and
- the linear scale having a lateral end surface which is in contact with a lateral surface of the guide rail.
A guide mechanism that guides a slider with respect to a base so that the slider is movable in a predetermined direction, the guide mechanism comprising:
- a guide rail which is provided to the base and which extends in the predetermined direction;
- a guide block which is provided to the slider and which is supported by the guide rail slidably in the predetermined direction;
- and
- a linear encoder which detects a position of the slider in the predetermined direction,
- the linear encoder including:
- a linear scale which is provided to the base, which is disposed in parallel with the guide rail, and which extends in the predetermined direction;
- and
- a reading head which is provided to the slider so as to face the linear scale and which reads scale marks of the linear scale,
- a scale mounting surface via which the linear scale is mounted to the base lying in a same place as a rail mounting surface via which the guide rail is mounted to the base, and
- the linear scale having a lateral end surface which is in direct or indirect contact with a lateral surface of the guide rail.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.