Patent ID: 8035079
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. An optical encoder comprising: a scale which is installed on one member of which, a displacement is detected; and a detecting head which is installed on the other member which moves relatively with respect to the first member, and which is disposed facing the scale, wherein the scale is provided with a predetermined optical pattern in the direction of relative movement, and the detecting head is provided with a light emitting section which irradiates predetermined light to the scale, a light detecting section which includes a light receiving surface which receives light reflected by the optical pattern upon being irradiated to the scale from the light emitting section, and which detects the light distribution formed on the light receiving surface, and a light transmitting member which is disposed on a surface of the light emitting section and a surface of the light detecting section, toward the scale, and a light propagation controlling pattern for controlling light propagation induced by reflection of light which travels from the light emitting section up to the light detecting section, is disposed on at least a part of a surface of the light transmitting member, facing the scale.