Patent ID: 7022974
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. An optical encoder comprising: a light source means; a scale having a reflecting means that is arranged so as to oppose the light source means; and a light-receiving means that receives a reflected light beam from the scale, wherein the reflecting means of the scale has an optical characteristic where a divergent light beam from the light source means is divided into a plurality of wave surfaces after repeating reflection at least twice, and respective light beams obtained as a result of the division are made to overlap each other at an arbitrary position, and wherein the light source means is a current constricting type LED having a plurality of light-emitting regions, the light-receiving means includes a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of light-receiving windows, and the light-receiving means is produced by integrally packing the photoelectric conversion element, a signal amplifying means, an electrical division and interpolation means, and a light intensity compensating circuit for the light source means.