Rotary encoder, position adjustment mechanism, adjustment tool, and position adjustment method

Abstract

The invention discloses a rotary encoder, a position adjusting mechanism, an adjusting tool and a position adjusting method. The rotary encoder includes a rotor and a stator attached to the device body via a position adjustment mechanism. The position adjusting mechanism includes a hollow bolt having a hollow cylindrical portion as a shaft portion and an outer peripheral threaded portion on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the outer peripheral threaded portion being screwed into an inner peripheral threaded portion provided in a mounting hole of the stator, a nut being screwed into the outer peripheral threaded portion, and a fixing screw being screwed into the outer peripheral threaded portion. And the fixing screw is inserted into the hollow cylinder part and screwed into the device main body. The diameter of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion is set to a size such that a gap is formed between the inner surface and the threaded portion of the fixing screw, allowing the stator screwed into the hollow bolt to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the embodiments described herein relates to a rotary encoder, a position adjustment mechanism, an adjustment tool, and a position adjustment method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, devices are known for having a target part that requires position adjustment relative to a base. For example, International Publication No. 2023 / 054613 discloses a rotary encoder comprising a rotating scale with a scale pattern and a set of detection heads arranged opposite to the rotating scale. The rotating scale is sometimes referred to as the rotor. The set of detection heads is sometimes mounted on the stator. In order for the rotary encoder to perform accurate measurements, it is necessary to adjust the relative positions of the rotor and stator, which are arranged opposite to each other. The stator is sometimes attached to the device body of the device to which the rotary encoder is attached. In this case, the device body corresponds to the base, and the stator corresponds to the part to be adjusted. It is required that the stator be fixed to the device body or in an adjustable position. In this case, if a position adjustment mechanism can be used that can switch the stator between a fixed state and an adjustable state and further adjust the position of the target object, the position adjustment operation is easier.

[0003] Incidentally, tools designed to operate multiple fasteners are known (e.g., Japanese Utility Model Publication No. S63-74278). The aforementioned position adjustment mechanism also has multiple functions, and therefore it is desirable to have multiple fasteners such as screws and bolts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a rotary encoder capable of adjusting the position of the stator relative to the device body, and a position adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the part to be adjusted relative to the base portion, and an adjustment tool used therewith.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a rotary encoder is provided, which is attached to a device having a device body and a rotating portion, the rotating portion being configured to be rotatable relative to the device body. The rotary encoder includes: a rotor attached to the rotating portion; and a stator attached to the device body via a position adjustment mechanism, wherein the position adjustment mechanism includes a hollow bolt, a nut, and a fixing screw. The hollow bolt has a hollow cylindrical portion as a shaft and an outer peripheral thread portion on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The outer peripheral thread portion is screwed into an inner peripheral thread portion provided in a mounting hole of the stator. The nut is screwed into the outer peripheral thread portion. The fixing screw is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the device body. The diameter of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion is set to a size that forms a gap between the inner surface and the thread portion of the fixing screw, thereby allowing the stator screwed into the hollow bolt to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a position adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting the position of a position adjustment target portion relative to a base portion. The position adjustment mechanism includes: a hollow bolt having a hollow cylindrical portion as a shaft portion and an outer peripheral thread portion on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the outer peripheral thread portion being screwed into an inner peripheral thread portion provided in a mounting hole of the position adjustment target portion; a nut being screwed into the outer thread portion; and a fixing screw being inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the base portion, wherein the diameter of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion is set to a size that forms a gap between the inner surface and the thread portion of the fixing screw, thereby allowing the position adjustment target portion screwed into the hollow bolt to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an adjustment tool is provided for adjusting the position of a position adjustment target portion relative to a base portion by operating a position adjustment mechanism, the position adjustment mechanism comprising: a hollow bolt having an outer peripheral thread on the outer circumferential surface of a hollow cylindrical portion, the outer peripheral thread engaging with an inner peripheral thread provided in a mounting hole of the position adjustment target portion, the position adjustment target portion being configured to be positionally adjustable relative to the base portion; a nut engaging with the outer peripheral thread; and a fixing screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and engaging with the base portion, the adjustment tool comprising: a first socket member having a first columnar portion having a first fitting portion at an end, the head of the hollow bolt being fitted into the first fitting portion; and a second socket member having a second columnar portion, the first columnar portion being inserted into the second columnar portion from a base end side and the second columnar portion being configured to be coaxially rotatable relative to the first columnar portion, and having a second fitting portion at an end for engaging the nut, wherein the first columnar portion has a through hole for a tool for rotating the fixing screw to be inserted from the base end side.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting the position of a target portion relative to a base portion is provided. This method uses the adjustment method of claim 13. The method includes: rotating a second socket member with a nut fitted into a second fitting portion; inserting a tool for rotating a fixing screw into a through hole in a first columnar portion; loosening the fixing screw with the tool and making a hollow bolt rotatable; rotating a first socket member with the head of the hollow bolt fitted into the first fitting portion to adjust the distance of the target portion relative to the base portion; moving the target portion in a plane parallel to the base portion with the fixing screw loosened; tightening the nut to fix the distance of the target portion relative to the base portion; and tightening the fixing screw to fix the target portion in a plane parallel to the base portion. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A This is a side view showing the state before the stator, which uses a position adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment, is attached to the base portion corresponding to the main body of the device;

[0010] Figure 1B This is a side view showing the state in which the stator, which uses a position adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment, is attached to the base portion and the rotor is attached to the rotating shaft member;

[0011] Figure 1C It is shown Figure 1A A side view showing the stator and base sections in a vertically switched state;

[0012] Figure 1D It is shown Figure 1C The side view shown shows the stator attached to the base and the rotor attached to the rotating shaft member;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the state in which the stator, which uses a position adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment, is attached to the base portion and the rotor is attached to the rotating shaft member;

[0014] Figure 3A This is an exploded side view of the position adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3B This is a side view of a position adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of an adjustment tool in an embodiment that is separated into a first socket component and a second socket component;

[0018] Figure 5B This is a perspective view showing an adjustment tool and a hex wrench according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6A This is a front view of the first socket component;

[0020] Figure 6B This is a plan view of the first socket component;

[0021] Figure 6C This is a bottom view of the first socket component;

[0022] Figure 7A This is a front view of the second socket component;

[0023] Figure 7B This is a plan view of the second socket component;

[0024] Figure 7C This is a side view of the second socket component;

[0025] Figure 7D This is a bottom view of the second socket component;

[0026] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment tool in an embodiment that is separated into a first socket component and a second socket component;

[0027] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment tool and hex wrench used in one implementation method;

[0028] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment tool attached to the position adjustment mechanism of the embodiment;

[0029] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing how the various parts of the position adjustment mechanism move when the adjustment tool is used, in a time sequence.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a side view of the position adjustment mechanism, where the relative side dimensions of the nut and the relative side dimensions of the hollow bolt match;

[0031] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment tool, wherein the inner diameter of the first fitting part of the first socket member matches the inner diameter of the second fitting part of the second socket member;

[0032] Figure 13A It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the engagement between the nut and the second fitting has been released;

[0033] Figure 13B It is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the engagement between the nut, which has risen to the upper limit position, and the second fitting part has been released;

[0034] Figure 14A This is a perspective view of the second socket component, wherein the tool fitting portion formed on the second columnar portion is hexagonal;

[0035] Figure 14B This is a perspective view of the second socket component, wherein the tool fitting portion is formed on the top surface;

[0036] Figure 15A It is an oblique view of the adjustment tool equipped with a holding mechanism;

[0037] Figure 15B It shows a cross-sectional view of the first socket member, which is raised relative to the second socket member; and

[0038] Figure 15C This is a cross-sectional view showing the first socket member pressed down relative to the second socket member. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It is believed that using the position adjustment mechanism with multiple functions as described above makes it possible to adjust the position of the stator in a rotary encoder. Besides rotary encoders, other devices are also expected to be easily position-adjustable by using the position adjustment mechanism with the multiple functions described above.

[0040] It is desirable that this position adjustment be as easy as possible. Although the tool disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. S63-74278 is also intended to operate multiple clamps, it can only adjust the object in one direction, and is considered to have poor versatility.

[0041] The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] (Implementation Method)

[0043] Rotary encoder

[0044] First, refer to Figures 1A to 1D as well as Figure 2 The rotary encoder 1 is described below. The rotary encoder 1 includes a stator 5 whose position is adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism 10 of this embodiment. The rotary encoder 1 is installed, for example, in various devices having rotating components. These devices include a base portion 100 as the main body of the device, and a rotating shaft member 101, which is rotatably disposed relative to the base portion 100 and serves as the rotating portion. The stator 5 is an example of a position adjustment target portion, whose position is adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism 10. The rotary encoder 1 includes a rotor 2 and a stator 5. The rotor 2 has a scale pattern (not shown), sometimes referred to as a rotation scale. The rotor 2 is a circular plate-shaped component with a central fitting hole 2a. The rotor 2 is attached to the rotating shaft member 101 by fitting the fitting hole 2a into the rotating shaft member 101 in such a manner that the central axis of the rotor 2 coincides with the rotation axis AX1 of the rotating shaft member 101. The stator 5 has a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits signals to and receives signals from the scale pattern. The stator 5 is attached to the base portion 100. At this point, it is required that the rotor 2 and the stator 5 be installed side by side without being eccentric to each other.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the stator 5 can be adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism 10, and the stator 5 can be installed parallel to the rotor 2 without eccentricity and at any distance from it. In other words, by using the position adjustment mechanism 10 of this embodiment, the tilt between the rotor 2 and the stator 5 can be adjusted to make them parallel, and the distance between the rotor 2 and the stator 5 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by using the position adjustment mechanism 10, the eccentricity adjustment of the stator 5 relative to the rotation axis AX1 can be easily performed.

[0046] The base 100, stator 5, and rotor 2 are arranged in a stacked configuration along the Z-direction. For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the base 100, stator 5, and rotor 2 can be arranged from bottom to top in the following order: base 100, stator 5, and rotor 2. Furthermore, by switching their vertical positions, such as... Figure 1C and Figure 1D As shown, the rotor 2, stator 5, and base 100 can be arranged in this order, starting from the bottom. Note that the following description will focus on... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The aspects shown.

[0047] Position adjustment mechanisms 10 are arranged on the stator 5 at equal intervals of 120° along the circumferential direction. The stator 5 is attached to the base portion 100 by screwing the position adjustment mechanisms 10 into the screw holes 100a provided in the base portion 100. Note that multiple position adjustment mechanisms 10 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator. Preferably, the position adjustment mechanisms 10 are provided in three or more positions. When the position adjustment mechanisms 10 are arranged in three positions, it is preferable that they are arranged at equal intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction, as in this embodiment.

[0048] Each of the position adjustment mechanisms 10 can raise and lower the point on the stator 5 located in the Z-axis direction, such as... Figure 1B As shown by arrow 8a in the diagram. By fixing multiple position adjustment mechanisms 10 at different positions in the Z-axis direction, the stator 5 can be parallel to the rotor 2 and can be set at any distance.

[0049] Each of the position adjustment mechanisms 10 can move the stator 5 relative to the central axis AX2 of the screw hole 100a by loosening the fixing screw 17. Therefore, each of the position adjustment mechanisms 10 can move the stator 5 along the X-axis direction, as... Figure 2 As shown by arrow 8b, or by moving the stator 5 along the Y-axis direction as shown by arrow 8c. This allows the stator 5 to be mounted non-eccentrically relative to the rotor 2. Furthermore, if the fixing screws are loosened to the point that pressure mechanism 20 (see reference) is used... Figure 3A , Figure 3B By applying pressure over a certain distance, fine adjustments to the movement of stator 5 become easier, and precise alignment with the eccentricity of rotor 2 becomes easier.

[0050] In the following description, such as Figure 1B One side in the Z-axis direction shown will be called the base side, and the other side will be called the end side.

[0051] [Position Adjustment Mechanism]

[0052] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 The structure of the position adjustment mechanism 10 is described in detail. The position adjustment mechanism 10 includes a hollow bolt 12, a fixing screw 17, and a nut 22. The position adjustment mechanism 10 also includes a pressure mechanism 20.

[0053] The hollow bolt 12 includes a head 13, which has a hexagonal shape in a plan view on the base end side. However, the shape of the head 13 is not limited to a hexagonal shape and can take various shapes known in the art. A hollow cylindrical portion 14 is connected to the head 13, which corresponds to the shaft portion of the hollow bolt 12 and extends towards the end end. The hollow cylindrical portion 14 has an inner circumferential surface 14a with an inner diameter r14a. The inner diameter r14a is the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 14a of the hollow cylindrical portion 14. An outer circumferential thread portion 15a is formed on the outer circumferential surface 15 of the hollow cylindrical portion 14. In other words, the hollow bolt 12 has a male thread. The outer circumferential thread portion 15a engages with an inner circumferential thread portion (female thread portion) 7 provided in the mounting hole 6 of the stator 5. The stator 5 can be moved up and down along the Z-axis direction according to the rotation direction of the hollow bolt 12 by rotating the hollow bolt 12, and the distance between the stator 5 and the base part 100, that is, the position in the height direction (Z-axis direction), is adjusted. As a result, the distance between the rotor 2 and the stator 5 is adjusted.

[0054] The fixing screw 17 has a head 18 provided on the base end side. The head 18 has a tool hole 18a. In this embodiment, the tool hole 18a is a hexagonal hole, which can be rotated using a hex wrench (see reference). Figure 8B (etc.). The tool hole 18a can have other shapes, and can have various shapes known in the art. The tool hole 18a can have, for example, a + (positive) or - (negative) shape. The threaded portion 19 is connected to the head 18 and is a rod-shaped portion extending towards the end side, and has an outer diameter R19. The threaded portion 19 is screwed into the screw hole 100a provided in the base portion 100. The fixing screw 17 can also fix the stator 5 to the base portion 100.

[0055] The outer diameter R19 of the threaded portion 19 is smaller than the inner diameter r14a of the inner circumferential surface 14a of the hollow cylindrical portion 14. By making the outer diameter R19 < the inner diameter r14a, a gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface 14a and the threaded portion 19. As a result, when the fixing screw 17 is loosened, the hollow bolt 12 can move relative to the threaded portion 19 in the X or Y direction. Since the stator 5 is mounted on the hollow bolt 12, the stator 5 can move relative to the threaded portion 19 in the X or Y direction. In other words, the stator 5 can move relative to the central axis AX2 of the screw hole 100a with the threaded portion 19 in the X or Y direction, and the eccentricity of the stator 5 relative to the rotor 2 can be eliminated. In this way, the position of the stator 5 can be adjusted in a plane (XY plane) parallel to the base portion 100.

[0056] To allow the hollow bolt 12 to rotate, the fixing screw 17 and nut 22 need to be loosened. With the fixing screw 17 and nut 22 loosened, the hollow bolt 12 rotates, thereby allowing the stator 5 to move up and down as described above.

[0057] Nut 22 is screwed onto the outer peripheral thread portion 15a of hollow bolt 12. Nut 22 is positioned on the upper side of the stator 5 in the Z direction, where it engages with the outer peripheral thread portion 15a of hollow bolt 12. In other words, nut 22 is positioned between stator 5 and head 13 of hollow bolt 12. In this embodiment, the dimensions of nut 22, particularly the opposite side dimensions, which are the distance between opposite sides (faces), are greater than the opposite side dimensions of head 13 of hollow bolt 12. The nut 22 in this embodiment is hexagonal, but its shape is not limited to hexagon and can be various shapes known in the art. Furthermore, in this specification, the opposite side dimensions are compared when comparing the dimensions of the nut and bolt, but the distance between the diagonals, i.e., the diagonal dimension, can also be used instead of the opposite side dimensions. In short, the dimensions used can be used to compare the dimensions of the nut and bolt. Stator 5 has an inner peripheral thread portion 7, and stator 5 itself has a structure similar to that of a nut. Therefore, nut 22 can achieve a so-called double nut effect together with stator 5. Therefore, when the nut 22 is tightened to the stator 5, the rotation of the hollow bolt 12 can be stopped, thus maintaining the position of the stator 5 in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] In the position adjustment mechanism 10, the nut 22 is located at the end of the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. As described in detail later, the second fitting portion 38 fits into the nut 22. As described in detail later, the first fitting portion 33 fits into the head 13. The first columnar portion 32, provided with the first fitting portion 33, and the second columnar portion 37, provided with the second fitting portion 38, are arranged coaxially, but the first columnar portion 32 is located inside the second columnar portion 37. Therefore, by making the relative side dimension of the nut 22 larger than the relative side dimension of the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12, it becomes easier for the nut 22 to fit into the second fitting portion 3 and for the head 13 to fit into the first fitting portion 33. However, it is sufficient if the relative side dimension of the nut 22 is equal to or greater than the relative side dimension of the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. In other words, the relative side dimension of the nut 22 can be the same value as the relative side dimension of the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. A modified embodiment will be described later.

[0059] Here, the function of the fixing screw 17 and nut 22 on the hollow bolt 12 will be summarized and explained. First, when both the fixing screw 17 and nut 22 are loosened, the hollow bolt 12 can rotate. Furthermore, when the fixing screw 17 is loosened, the hollow bolt 12 is allowed to move in the X and Y directions. Next, if the fixing screw 17 is loosened and the nut 22 is tightened to a secure state, the hollow bolt 12 is allowed to move in the X and Y directions, and rotation of the hollow bolt 12 stops. If the fixing screw 17 is rotated without using the nut 22 to fix the rotation of the hollow bolt 12, the fixing screw 17 and the hollow bolt 12 rotate together, and the stator 5 can be displaced in all X, Y, and Z directions. In this case, it becomes difficult to make minute adjustments to the stator 5, for example, less than 0.1 mm. By properly tightening and loosening the fixing screw 17 and nut 22, the stator 5 can be maintained in the desired state.

[0060] In this embodiment, a first washer 20a and a second washer 20b are disposed between the head 18 of the fixing screw 17 and the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. The first washer 20a is a spring washer, and the second washer 20b is a flat washer. The first washer 20a and the second washer 20b are included in the pressure mechanism 20. The pressure mechanism 20 has a spring force that biases the hollow bolt 12 toward the base portion 100. The first washer 20a is an example of a spring member that applies a spring force (biasing force) that biases the hollow bolt 12 toward the base portion 100. The second washer 20b inhibits slippage between the fixing screw 17 and the hollow bolt 12 and distributes the biasing force to stabilize their positional relationship. Alternatively, the first washer 20a may be replaced, or the pressure mechanism 20 may include other elastic members such as a compression spring in addition to the first washer 20a. The pressure mechanism 20 biases the hollow bolt 12 with a force that allows the hollow bolt 12 to move slightly. Therefore, fine-tuning of the position of the stator 5, which is integrated with the hollow bolt 12, becomes easier. Furthermore, by providing a pressure mechanism 20, such as... Figure 1C and Figure 1D As illustrated, even when the base end of the position adjustment mechanism 10 is on the lower side, the end of the hollow bolt 12 is pressed against the base portion 100. In other words, the position and orientation of the stator 5 can be easily adjusted regardless of the orientation of the rotary encoder 1. Furthermore, a third washer 20c is disposed between the nut 22 and the stator 5.

[0061] [Adjustment Tools]

[0062] Next, referring to Figures 5-8, the adjustment tool 30 used for operating the position adjustment mechanism 10 will be described. The adjustment tool 30 includes a first socket member 31 and a second socket member 36. The adjustment tool 30 is used by combining the first socket member 31 and the second socket member 36. The adjustment tool 30 can also be used in conjunction with a hex wrench 40.

[0063] The first socket component 31 includes a first columnar portion 32. The first columnar portion 32 is hollow and includes a through hole 32a. Figure 8B As shown, a hex wrench 40 is inserted into a through hole 32a. The first columnar portion 32 includes a first fitting portion 33 at its end for the head 13 of a hollow bolt 12 to engage. The first fitting portion 33 communicates with the through hole 32a and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the head 13. In this embodiment, the first fitting portion 33 is hexagonal. The first columnar portion 32 has a head-receiving portion 34 on the base end side of the first fitting portion 33 for receiving the head 18 of a fixing screw 17. The fixing screw 17 reaches the head 18 through the through hole 32a and is rotated by the hex wrench 40 fitted in the tool hole 18a (see reference). Figure 3B The first socket member 31 has a rotating operating part 35 at its base end. Figure 6B As shown, the rotating operating part 35 is provided in a regular dodecagonal shape in the plan view. The shape of the rotating operating part 35 is not limited to a regular dodecagon, and can be appropriately selected considering the operability of the operator. The rotating operating part 35 can be, for example, a lever-shaped part, but is preferably a circular or near-circular polygon.

[0064] The second socket member 36 is provided with a second columnar portion 37. The second columnar portion 37 is hollow and has a through hole 37a. The first columnar portion 32 of the first socket member 31 is inserted into the through hole 37a. The first columnar portion 32 and the second columnar portion 37 are rotatable coaxially relative to each other. The second columnar portion 37 has a second fitting portion 38 at its end for a nut 22 to fit into. The second fitting portion 38 communicates with the through hole 37a and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the nut 22. In this embodiment, the second fitting portion 38 is hexagonal. The second socket member 36 has a handle portion 39 on the base end side of the second columnar portion 37. The handle portion 39 extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the second columnar portion 37. Figure 7A In the illustrated front view, the handle portion 39 in this embodiment extends on both sides of the second columnar portion 37, forming a T-shape together with the second columnar portion 37. The shape of the handle portion 39 is not limited to a T-shape and can be other shapes. However, considering the use of the second socket member 36 in combination with the first socket member 31, it is desirable for the handle portion 39 to have a shape that protrudes laterally beyond the rotation operation portion 35. A tool engagement portion 37b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second columnar portion 37. The tool engagement portion 37b has four smooth surfaces formed by offsetting them by 90°. The second socket member 36 can also be operated by engaging another tool (e.g., a wrench) into the tool engagement portion 37b. By using another tool, the nut 22 can be tightened. In addition, for example, by using a torque wrench, the tightening torque can be managed.

[0065] [Position Adjustment Operation]

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The operation of adjusting the position of the stator 5 by operating the position adjustment mechanism 10 using the adjustment tool 30 will be described. The position adjustment mechanism 10 is installed at three positions of the stator 5, and position adjustment is performed at each position adjustment mechanism 10. In the following description, the adjustment operation at one of the position adjustment mechanisms 10 will be described.

[0067] refer to Figure 9 The stator 5 is attached to the base portion 100 via the position adjustment mechanism 10. Specifically, the inner circumferential threaded portion 7 of the stator 5 engages with the outer circumferential threaded portion 15a of the hollow bolt 12 into which the fixing screw 17 is inserted, and the hollow bolt 12 does not rotate due to the nut 22. The threaded portion 19 of the fixing screw 17 is fastened to the screw hole 100a of the base portion 100, thereby restricting and fixing movement in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0068] The first socket component 31 and the second socket component 36 of the adjustment tool 30 are attached to the position adjustment mechanism 10. The head 18 of the fixing screw 17 is housed in the head storage portion 34. A hex wrench 40 is fitted into the tool hole 18a provided in the head 18 of the fixing screw 17. Thus, the fixing screw 17 can be rotated as shown by arrow 8d, allowing it to be in a tightened or loosened state. The second socket component 36 also allows the nut 22 to be in a tightened or loosened state. Tightening the fixing screw 17 and the nut 22 prevents the hollow bolt 12 from rotating. After the position adjustment of the stator 5 is completed, the position adjustment mechanism 10 is in a state where the fixing screw 17 is tightened. The rotary encoder 1 is used in the state where the fixing screw 17 is tightened. Loosening the fixing screw 17 and the nut 22 allows the hollow bolt 12 to rotate. When adjusting the position of the stator 5, the fixing screw 17 and the nut 22 are loosened. By loosening the fixing screw 17 and the nut 22, the hollow bolt 12 can be rotated. The position of the stator 5 in the Z direction can be adjusted by rotating the hollow bolt 12.

[0069] In this embodiment, the outer diameter R19 of the threaded portion 19 and the inner diameter r14a of the inner circumferential surface 14a of the hollow cylindrical portion 14 have a relationship where the outer diameter R19 < the inner diameter r14a. Therefore, by loosening the fixing screw 17, the stator 5 can be moved in the X or Y direction relative to the central axis AX2 of the threaded hole 100a.

[0070] The second fitting part 38 engages with the nut 22. As a result, by operating the second socket member 36, the nut 22 can be rotated as shown by arrow 8e. The nut 22 is screwed onto the outer peripheral thread 15a of the hollow bolt 12. The nut 22 descends relative to the hollow bolt 12 and is fastened to the stator 5 via the third washer 20c, thereby fixing the stator 5 to the hollow bolt 12. Here, the nut 22 descending relative to the hollow bolt 12 means that the nut 22 moves towards the end side of the hollow bolt 12.

[0071] The first fitting part engages with the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. As a result, by operating the first socket member 31, the hollow bolt 12 can rotate as shown by arrow 8f. The inner circumferential thread 7 of the stator 5 is screwed into the outer circumferential thread 15a of the hollow bolt 12. The stator 5 itself is attached to three points on the base portion 100. Therefore, the stator 5 does not rotate together with the rotation of the hollow bolt 12 in each of the position adjustment mechanisms 10. When the hollow bolt 12 rotates, the mounting part of the position adjustment mechanism 10 on the stator 5 moves up and down. By adjusting the height of the mounting part of the position adjustment mechanism 10 on the stator 5, the relative positional relationship between the rotating shaft and the stator 5 can be adjusted, and as a result, the stator 5 can be mounted on the vertical plane of the rotating shaft.

[0072] As described above, the position adjustment mechanism 10 includes three fasteners: a hollow bolt 12, a fixing screw 17, and a nut 22. For this position adjustment mechanism 10, the adjustment tool 30 includes a first socket member 31 and a second socket member 36, which are combined to be rotatable on the same axis. Furthermore, the adjustment tool 30 includes a through hole 32a for inserting another tool, namely a hex wrench 40, which is mounted on the same axis as the first socket member 31 and the second socket member 36. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 10 can be easily operated by using the adjustment tool 30.

[0073] When the operator grips the handle 39, the first columnar portion 32 is inserted into the second columnar portion 37. A hex wrench 40 is inserted into the through hole 32a. Therefore, the first socket member 31 is mounted on the second socket member 36 and will not detach from it. Furthermore, the hex wrench 40 will not detach from the adjusting tool 30.

[0074] The operator can hold three tools with one hand, namely the first socket component 31, the second socket component 36, and the hex wrench 40 included in the adjustment tool 30. This eliminates the need to switch to conventional tools such as regular wrenches, reducing operation time. Thus, three tools can be held with one hand, while the other hand can operate the required tool at the necessary time. Furthermore, the hollow bolt 12, the fixing screw 17, and the nut 22 are easily accessible, simplifying the operation.

[0075] As an example of the operating method, for instance, the operator can hold the handle 39 of the second socket member 36, supporting it with the middle finger, ring finger, and palm. In this state, the operator can freely use the thumb and index finger. Therefore, the operator can rotate the rotating operating part 35 of the first socket member 31 and the hex wrench 40 using the thumb and index finger. The operator can operate the second socket member 36 by bending the wrist towards the palm or back of the hand while holding the handle 39, or by moving the entire arm. The operator only needs to rotate the part that engages with the fastener. If the operator wants to rotate the nut 22, the operator can rotate the second socket member 36 without touching the first socket member 31 or the hex wrench 40. If the operator wants to rotate the hollow bolt 12, the operator can rotate only the first socket member 31 without rotating the second socket member 36 or touching the hex wrench 40. If the operator wants to rotate the fixing screw 17, the operator can rotate the hex wrench 40 without rotating the second socket component 36 or touching the first socket component 31.

[0076] The operator can work in a manner that is easy for him / her to operate. Using the adjustment tool 30, the operator can adjust the rotor 2, stator 5, and base 100 as needed. Figure 1C as well as Figure 1D Adjustments can be easily made in horizontal or upside-down environments, as illustrated.

[0077] Without the adjustment tool 30, the operator must use a hex wrench for tightening screw 17, a wrench for hollow bolt 12, and a wrench for nut 22. It is very difficult for one operator to operate these multiple tools simultaneously. Furthermore, the wrench handles are long, making it difficult to work in confined spaces. By using the adjustment tool 30 of this embodiment, one operator can easily operate the position adjustment mechanism 10. Additionally, the adjustment tool 30, when used with its cover coaxially with the position adjustment mechanism 10, facilitates operation in confined spaces.

[0078] Here, refer to Figure 10 This section will describe examples of the movement of the position adjustment mechanism 10 and the movement of the stator 5 when adjusting the position of the stator 5. For ease of illustration, Figure 10 The adjustment tool 30 is omitted; only the movement of the parts contained in the position adjustment mechanism 10 and the stator 5 is shown.

[0079] Figure 10 Figure (a) shows the initial state. In the initial state, the fixing screw 17 and nut 22 are tightened, and the hollow bolt 12 cannot rotate. Figure 10In the diagram, the height position of the fixing screw 17 in the initial state is shown as HP17, the height position of the nut 22 is shown as HP22, and the height position of the stator 5 is shown as HP5.

[0080] Figure 10 (b) shows the fixing screw 17 being released from its initial state, with the height of the fixing screw 17 higher than its initial position. However, in the state shown in (b), the nut 22 remains fixed. Therefore, as shown in (c), the nut 22 is loosened. This allows the hollow bolt 12 to rotate, enabling the stator 5 to rise and fall.

[0081] As shown in (c), when the hollow bolt 12 rotates while the stator 5 has room to move, the stator 5 rises or falls. After the stator 5 has moved to the desired position as shown in (d), the nut 22 is tightened as shown in (e) to secure the stator 5, allowing it to be held at any distance. By adjusting the height of the stator 5 at multiple points in this way, the tilt of the stator 5 relative to the rotor 2 can be eliminated, and the stator 5 can be set to be parallel to the rotor 2 at any height. Note that when the fixing screw 17 is loosened as shown in (b) to (e), the stator 5 can be moved in the X or Y direction relative to the central axis AX2 of the screw hole 100a.

[0082] After the position of stator 5 is adjusted, tighten the fixing screw 17 as illustrated in (f). This fixes the eccentricity and height of stator 5. Once the adjustment of stator 5 is complete via the three position adjustment mechanisms 10, the rotary encoder 1 can be used.

[0083] [Effect]

[0084] The rotary encoder 1 of this embodiment includes a position adjustment mechanism 10, which has a hollow bolt 12. The outer peripheral thread 15a of the hollow bolt 12 engages with the inner peripheral thread 7 of the stator 5, which is the target part for position adjustment. This allows the hollow bolt 12 to rotate, thereby adjusting the height position of the stator 5. The position adjustment mechanism 10 is equipped with a nut 22 that engages in the outer peripheral thread 15a and a fixing screw 17 that passes through the hollow cylindrical portion 14 and is screwed into the base portion 100. This prevents the hollow bolt 12 from rotating, thus securing the stator 5.

[0085] In the position adjustment mechanism 10 of this embodiment, the opposite side dimension of the nut 22 is larger than the opposite side dimension of the head 13 of the hollow bolt 12. As a result, the head 13 can easily fit into the first fitting portion 33, and the nut 22 can easily fit into the second fitting portion 38.

[0086] The diameter of the inner circumferential surface 14a of the hollow cylindrical portion 14 is set to create a gap between the threaded portion 19 of the fixing screw 17 and the hollow bolt 12, thereby allowing the stator 5, which is screwed into the hollow bolt 12, to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw 17. This allows the stator 5 to move in the X and Y directions relative to the central axis AX2 of the screw hole 100a.

[0087] The pressure mechanism 20 makes it easy to move the stator 5 precisely and makes it easier to adjust the eccentricity direction.

[0088] In addition, a pressurizing mechanism 20 is provided so that the position of the stator 5 can be maintained when the rotor 2, stator 5 and base portion 100 are laterally oriented or in an inverted environment.

[0089] The position adjustment mechanism of the rotary encoder 1 in this embodiment may include a plurality of position adjustment mechanisms 10 along the circumferential direction of the stator. For example, the position adjustment mechanisms may be arranged at equal intervals of 120° around the stator 5. As a result, the stator 5 can be stably mounted on the device body, i.e., the base portion 100.

[0090] The adjustment tool 30 includes a first socket member 31 and a second socket member 36. The first socket member 31 has a first columnar portion 32 with a first engaging portion 33, and the second socket member 36 is rotatable coaxially with the first columnar portion 32 and has a second columnar portion 37 with a second engaging portion 38. This allows for easy operation of the position adjustment mechanism 10.

[0091] The first columnar portion 32 of the adjusting tool 30 includes a through hole 32a into which a hex wrench 40 is inserted to rotate the retaining screw 17 from the base end side. This allows for easy operation of the hex wrench 40 to rotate the retaining screw 17.

[0092] The second socket member 36 is provided with a handle portion 39, which extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the second columnar portion 37. This makes it easy to operate the adjustment tool 30.

[0093] The adjustment tool 30 and hex wrench 40 can be held with one hand, and operation time can be shortened by eliminating the need to switch hands. In addition, operation is easier when the rotor 2, stator 5, and base 100 are in a horizontal or upside-down position.

[0094] Note that the part whose position needs to be adjusted in this embodiment is the stator 5, but the position adjustment mechanism 10 and the adjustment tool 30 are not limited to the position adjustment operation of the stator 5, and can also be used for the position adjustment operation of other devices and components.

[0095] (Modified Implementation Method 1)

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 11 Figure 13 will be used to describe the position adjustment mechanism 41 and adjustment tool 50 of the modified embodiment 1.

[0097] The position adjustment mechanism 41 has a hollow bolt 42 instead of the hollow bolt 12 in the position adjustment mechanism 10. The opposite side dimension of the head 43 of the hollow bolt 42 matches the opposite side dimension of the nut 22. In the modified embodiment 1, the opposite side dimension of the head 43 is made larger than the opposite side dimension of the head 13, thereby matching the opposite side dimension of the head 43 with that of the nut 22.

[0098] The hollow bolt 42 has a cylindrical portion 44 below the head 43, that is, on the end side of the head 43. The cylindrical portion 44 is not threaded and is formed as a portion having a simple cylindrical shape. An external circumferential threaded portion 45a is provided on the end side of the cylindrical portion 44, and the nut 22 is screwed into the external circumferential threaded portion 45a. The outer diameter R

[44] of the cylindrical portion 44 is the same as the outer diameter of the external circumferential threaded portion 45a. Since the cylindrical portion 44 is not threaded, the nut 22 cannot move on the cylindrical portion 44. In other words, the cylindrical portion 44 defines the upper limit position that the nut 22 can move toward the base end. Reference Figure 11 The cylindrical portion 44 includes a first portion 44a and a second portion 44b, the second portion 44b forming a constriction between the first portion 44a and the head 43. The distance from the head 43 to the end of the first portion 44a is the height h of the cylindrical portion 44

[44] .

[0099] Reference Figure 11 The distance between the head 43 and the nut 22 is the interval t. The interval t varies depending on the position of the nut 22. The interval t is the minimum interval tmin required to move the nut 22 to its upper limit position.

[0100] Even with the position adjustment mechanism 41, the position of the stator 5 can be adjusted as easily as with the position adjustment mechanism 10.

[0101] In order to operate the position adjustment mechanism 41, use Figure 12 The adjustment tool 50 shown in the diagram replaces the adjustment tool 30. The adjustment tool 50 includes a first socket component 51 and a second socket component 56.

[0102] The first socket component 51 includes a first fitting portion 53 and a head receiving portion 54. The head receiving portion 54 corresponds to the head receiving portion 34. The first fitting portion 53 corresponds to the first fitting portion 33. The shape of the first fitting portion 53 is the same as that of the first fitting portion 33, which is hexagonal, and the diameter of the inscribed circle is the inner diameter R

[53] . The inner diameter R

[53] is set according to the relative side dimension of the head 43 of the hollow bolt 42. In the modified embodiment 1, as described above, the relative side dimension of the head 43 is made larger than the relative side dimension of the head 13, so that the relative side dimension of the head 43 matches the relative side dimension of the nut 22. Therefore, R

[53] is larger than the diameter of the inscribed circle of the first fitting portion 33.

[0103] The second socket member 56 has a second fitting portion 58. The second fitting portion 58 corresponds to the second fitting portion 38. The shape of the second fitting portion 58 is the same as that of the second fitting portion 38, which is hexagonal, and the diameter of the inscribed circle is the inner diameter R

[58] . The inner diameter R

[58] is set to the opposite side dimension of the mating nut 22.

[0104] Here, as described above, the relative side dimensions of the head 43 of the hollow bolt 42 match the relative side dimensions of the nut 22. Therefore, the inner diameter R

[58] matches the inner diameter R

[53] . The inner diameters R

[53] and R

[58] are greater than the outer diameter R

[44] .

[0105] refer to Figure 12 The second fitting portion 58 has a depth D

[58] . (See reference...) Figure 13A The depth D

[58] is less than the interval t and less than the height h

[44] of the cylindrical portion 44. (See reference) Figure 13B The depth D

[58] is less than the minimum interval tmin. In other words, regardless of the position of nut 22, the depth D

[58] is less than the interval t.

[0106] The reason for this design is to facilitate the removal of the second socket member 56. The opposite side dimensions of the head 43 of the hollow bolt 42 located in the position adjustment mechanism 41 are the same as the opposite side dimensions of the nut 22. It is assumed here that the circumferential orientation of the nut 22 differs from the circumferential orientation of the head 43 of the hollow bolt 42, resulting in a mismatch in the hexagonal positions. If the second fitting portion 58 were simply made hexagonal, the second socket member 56, following the orientation of the nut 22, would collide with the head 43 and become impossible to remove.

[0107] Then, the modified embodiment 1 has the shape and size relationship of each part as described above. Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the middle, the depth D

[58] is less than the interval t and less than the height h

[44] of the cylindrical part 44. Therefore, the second socket member 56 can be pulled up in such a way that the second fitting part 58 and the cylindrical part 44 are opposite to each other.

[0108] Here, the inner diameter R

[58] is greater than the outer diameter R

[44] . Therefore, the second socket member 56 can be rotated to change its circumferential position. Thus, the second socket member 56 is rotated so that the position of the hexagon of the second fitting portion 58 matches the position of the head 43. As a result, the second fitting portion 38 can pass through the head 43, and the operator can remove the second socket member 56.

[0109] (Modified Implementation Method 2)

[0110] Next, refer to Figure 14A The modified implementation method 2 will be described. Figure 5A The second socket member 36 shown has four smooth surfaces on the outer peripheral surface of the second columnar portion 37. Conversely, in modified embodiment 2, the tool engagement portion 37b' of the second socket member 36' has a hexagonal outer peripheral shape. The tool engagement portion 37b' can also be operated by engaging other tools such as a wrench. The nut 22 can be tightened using another tool. Furthermore, the tightening torque can be controlled, for example, by using a torque wrench. The shape of the tool engagement portion is not limited to a square or hexagon; it can be other polygons.

[0111] (Modified Implementation Method 3)

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 14B The modified implementation method 3 will be described. Figure 5A The second socket member 36 shown has a through hole 37a. The opening of the through hole 37a is circular. In contrast, in the modified embodiment 3, the opening of the through hole 37a in the second socket member 36'' is a tool engagement portion 37c. The tool engagement portion 37c is configured as a snap-fit ​​hole with a polygonal inner circumference. The tool engagement portion 37c can be operated by engaging other tools such as a hex wrench. The nut 22 can be tightened using another tool. The tightening torque can be controlled using a torque wrench. The shape of the tool engagement portion 37c is not limited to a hexagonal shape; it can be a square or other polygonal shape.

[0113] (Modified Implementation Method 4)

[0114] In the adjustment tool 30 of this embodiment, the first socket member 31 and the second socket member 36 can be separated. Conversely, including... Figures 15A to 15C One of the first socket component 61 and the second socket component 66 in the adjustment tool 60 shown may be provided with a retaining mechanism 70 to prevent one from falling off from the other. The retaining mechanism 70 includes an engaging groove 621 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first columnar portion 62 of the first socket component 61 and a stop screw 63 screwed into a screw hole 661 provided in the side wall of the second socket component 66.

[0115] A stop screw 63 is provided such that its end is located within the engagement groove 621, and can engage with the engagement groove 621 when the first columnar portion 62 is inserted into the through hole 67a. However, a predetermined gap is formed between the end of the stop screw 63 and the bottom surface of the engagement groove 621 to allow the first socket member 61 and the second socket member 66 to rotate relative to each other. After adjusting the screw-in depth of the stop screw 63 in a manner that maintains the predetermined gap, the stop screw 63 is fixed in place using an adhesive or the like to maintain its position.

[0116] By providing the retaining mechanism 70, the first socket member 61 and the second socket member 66 can be treated as a single unit and will not accidentally detach from each other, making it easier to operate the adjustment tool 60.

[0117] The locking screw 63 can be replaced with another component, such as a pin-shaped component or a small piece-shaped component, that can protrude into the engagement groove 621 so as to engage with the engagement groove 621. The screw hole 661 can also be appropriately modified according to the shape of the component used.

[0118] This invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments and variations, but may include other embodiments and variations without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A rotary encoder attached to a device having a device body and a rotating portion, the rotating portion being rotatable relative to the device body, the rotary encoder comprising: A rotor, which is attached to the rotating portion; and The stator is attached to the device body via a position adjustment mechanism. The position adjustment mechanism includes a hollow bolt, a nut, and a fixing screw. The hollow bolt has a hollow cylindrical portion serving as a shaft and an outer circumferential threaded portion on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The outer circumferential threaded portion is screwed into an inner circumferential threaded portion provided in the mounting hole of the stator. The nut is screwed into the outer circumferential threaded portion. The fixing screw is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the main body of the device. The diameter of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion is set to form a gap between the inner surface and the threaded portion of the fixing screw, allowing the stator screwed into the hollow bolt to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw.

2. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, in, The opposite side dimension of the nut is equal to or greater than the opposite side dimension of the head of the hollow bolt.

3. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, further comprising: A pressure-applying mechanism is used to bias the hollow bolt toward the main body of the device.

4. The rotary encoder according to claim 3, in, The pressurizing mechanism includes a spring member disposed between the head of the fixing screw and the head of the hollow bolt.

5. The rotary encoder according to claim 4, in, The spring component is a spring washer, and the threaded portion of the fixing screw is inserted through the spring washer.

6. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, in, The position adjustment mechanism is located at multiple positions along the circumferential direction of the stator.

7. The rotary encoder according to claim 1, in, The position adjustment mechanism is arranged at equal intervals of 120° along the circumference of the stator.

8. A position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a position adjustment target portion relative to a base portion, the position adjustment mechanism comprising: A hollow bolt having a hollow cylindrical portion as a shaft and an outer peripheral thread portion on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, the outer peripheral thread portion being screwed into an inner peripheral thread portion provided in a mounting hole of the position adjustment target portion; Nut, which is screwed into the outer peripheral thread; and A fixing screw is inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the base portion. The diameter of the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion is set to form a gap between the inner surface and the threaded portion of the fixing screw, so as to allow the position adjustment target portion screwed into the hollow bolt to move in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the fixing screw.

9. The position adjustment mechanism according to claim 8, in, The opposite side dimension of the nut is equal to or greater than the opposite side dimension of the head of the hollow bolt.

10. The position adjustment mechanism according to claim 8, further comprising: The pressurizing mechanism is used to bias the hollow bolt toward the base portion.

11. The position adjustment mechanism according to claim 10, in, The pressurizing mechanism includes a spring member disposed between the head of the fixing screw and the head of the hollow bolt.

12. The position adjustment mechanism according to claim 11, in, The spring component is a spring washer, and the threaded portion of the fixing screw is inserted through the spring washer.

13. An adjustment tool for adjusting the position of a position adjustment target portion relative to a base portion by operating a position adjustment mechanism, said position adjustment mechanism comprising: A hollow bolt having an outer circumferential thread on the outer circumferential surface of a hollow cylindrical portion, the outer circumferential thread engaging with an inner circumferential thread in a mounting hole provided in a position adjustment target portion, the position adjustment target portion being configured to be adjustable relative to a base portion; and a nut engaging with the outer circumferential thread. The adjustment tool includes: a fixing screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the base portion; and a fixing screw inserted into the hollow cylindrical portion and screwed into the base portion. A first socket component has a first columnar portion, which has a first fitting portion at its end, and the head of a hollow bolt is fitted into the first fitting portion; and The second socket component has a second columnar portion, into which the first columnar portion is inserted from the base end side and the second columnar portion is configured to rotate coaxially with respect to the first columnar portion, and the second columnar portion has a second fitting portion at its end for assembly of the nut. The first columnar portion has a through hole into which a tool for rotating the fixing screw is inserted from the base end side.

14. The adjustment tool according to claim 13, in, The second socket component includes a handle portion that extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the second columnar portion.

15. The adjustment tool according to claim 13, in, The second socket component is provided with a tool fitting part, unlike the tool fitting part of the first socket component.

16. The adjustment tool according to claim 15, in, The tool fitting portion is the cylindrical portion of the second socket component, and the cylindrical portion has a polygonal outer periphery.

17. The adjustment tool according to claim 15, in, The tool fitting includes a mating hole having an inner periphery in a polygonal shape.

18. A method for adjusting the position of a target portion relative to a base portion using the adjustment tool according to claim 13, the method comprising: With the nut assembled into the second fitting part, rotate the second socket component, insert a tool for rotating the fixing screw into the through hole of the first columnar part, loosen the fixing screw with the tool, and rotate the hollow bolt. With the head of the hollow bolt assembled into the first fitting part, rotate the first socket component to adjust the distance of the position adjustment target part relative to the base part; With the fixing screws loosened, the position adjustment target portion is moved in a plane parallel to the base portion; Tighten the nut to fix the position and adjust the distance between the target portion and the base portion; and Tighten the fixing screws to fix the position adjustment target part in a plane parallel to the base portion.

19. The method according to claim 18, in, While the hollow bolt is biased toward the base by the pressure mechanism, the position adjustment target part is moved in a plane parallel to the base when the fixing screw is loosened.

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