A sealing device for an optical encoder

Abstract

This utility model discloses a sealing device for a photoelectric encoder, belonging to the field of photoelectric encoder technology. The key technical features include a photoelectric encoder body, an upper housing at the top of the body, a lower housing at the bottom, a housing fixing component on the outer side of the upper housing, and a sealing component at the top of the upper housing. This solution addresses the problem that existing photoelectric encoder sealing devices typically use screws to fasten the upper and lower housings, which is inconvenient for quick disassembly and assembly without tools. This increases operation time and labor intensity in frequent maintenance scenarios, affecting equipment maintenance efficiency. Furthermore, these sealing devices often rely on a single sealing ring, making it difficult to adjust the sealing force according to working conditions. Consequently, the sealing ring is prone to aging and wear, and the sealant is prone to cracking during long-term use, affecting the durability of the sealing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photoelectric encoder technology, and in particular to a photoelectric encoder sealing device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, photoelectric encoders, as high-precision position and speed detection devices, are widely used in CNC machine tools, robots, servo motors and other equipment. They convert mechanical displacement into electrical signals to provide accurate feedback information to the control system, thereby achieving precise control of the equipment's movement. However, the working environment of photoelectric encoders is often quite complex, and they may face harsh conditions such as dust, moisture, oil, and vibration. These factors can damage the internal structure of the encoder, affecting its measurement accuracy and service life.

[0003] Because they are commonly used in motors, it is inevitable that dust and other fine particles will enter the encoder during use, affecting its normal operation and even causing it to stop. The main entry point for the encoder is at the rear end, because its front end is tightly attached to the connected part. However, current encoders do not have corresponding sealing and protection devices, so the encoder has always been troubled by dust intrusion.

[0004] The existing patent (publication number: CN214852306U) discloses a sealing device for an encoder. By sealing the rear end of the encoder with a rear sealing plate, the rear end of the encoder can be sealed, thereby reducing the probability of dust entering the encoder and improving the safety and practicality of the encoder. The provided knob and screw can be used to install different encoders, improving the application flexibility of the equipment. The provided side plates can seal both sides, thereby improving the overall safety and airtightness of the encoder.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, existing patents have provided solutions. However, existing photoelectric encoder sealing devices typically use screws to fasten the upper and lower housings, which makes it difficult to quickly complete disassembly and assembly operations without tools. This increases operation time and labor intensity in frequent maintenance scenarios, affecting equipment maintenance efficiency. Moreover, their sealing devices often rely on a single sealing ring, making it difficult to adjust the sealing force according to working conditions. Consequently, the sealing ring is prone to aging and wear, and the sealant is prone to cracking during long-term use, affecting the durability of the sealing effect.

[0006] Therefore, a sealing device for a photoelectric encoder is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a sealing device for photoelectric encoders, which can solve the problems of existing photoelectric encoder sealing devices that usually use screws to fasten the upper and lower housings. This is not convenient for quick disassembly and assembly operations without tools, thus increasing operation time and labor intensity in frequent maintenance scenarios, affecting equipment maintenance efficiency. Moreover, their sealing devices often rely on a single sealing ring, which is not convenient for adjusting the sealing force according to working conditions. As a result, the sealing ring is prone to aging and wear, and the sealant is prone to cracking during long-term use, affecting the durability of the sealing effect.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a photoelectric encoder sealing device, comprising a photoelectric encoder body, an upper housing provided at the top of the photoelectric encoder body, a lower housing provided at the bottom of the photoelectric encoder body, a housing fixing assembly provided on the outer side of the upper housing, and a sealing assembly provided at the top of the upper housing;

[0009] The housing fixing assembly includes a fixing base fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower housing, with a fixing hole on the top of the fixing base. Fixing frames are fixedly connected to both sides of the upper housing. Fixing support rods are slidably connected inside the fixing frames. Fixing blocks are fixedly connected to the inner side of the fixing support rods and engage with the fixing holes. A connecting plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing support rods. A reset support plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the connecting plate. A reset spring is fixedly connected to the outer side of the reset support plate.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing assembly includes a rotating seat fixedly connected to the top of the upper housing, a first limiting support rod rotatably connected to the inner side of the left rotating seat, and a sealing element sleeved on the outer side of the bottom of the upper housing. The sealing element is made of rubber and has a locking hole on its top. The first limiting support rod engages with the locking hole.

[0011] Preferably, a second limiting support rod is rotatably connected to the inner side of the right rotating seat, the second limiting support rod is engaged with the locking hole, and a connecting support is fixedly connected to the inner side of the second limiting support rod.

[0012] Preferably, a connecting bracket is fixedly connected to the inner side of the first limiting support rod, and a connecting support rod is slidably connected to the outer side of the connecting bracket, and the connecting support rod is engaged with the connecting bracket.

[0013] Preferably, a buffer spring is fixedly connected inside the upper housing, and a rubber clamp is fixedly connected to the inner side of the buffer spring.

[0014] Preferably, positioning rods are fixedly connected to the four corners of the bottom of the upper housing, and positioning grooves are provided on the top of the lower housing, with the positioning rods slidably connected to the positioning grooves.

[0015] Preferably, a protective sleeve is embedded inside the lower housing, and the protective sleeve is made of rubber.

[0016] Preferably, a sealing sleeve is embedded in the top of the upper housing, the sealing sleeve is located on the outside of the output end of the photoelectric encoder body, and the sealing sleeve is made of rubber.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. This application enables the rapid installation and stable connection of the upper and lower shells through the shell fixing component, effectively resisting the problem of shell loosening under vibration environment. Compared with the traditional screw fixing method, it avoids the phenomenon of screw loosening or stripping due to vibration, improves the durability and vibration resistance of the shell connection. Moreover, the component can be disassembled and assembled without additional tools, solving the problems of cumbersome installation and inconvenient maintenance of traditional fixing structure, and laying the structural foundation for the overall sealing effect.

[0019] 2. This application uses a sealing component to form an annular sealing barrier at the joint between the upper and lower housings, effectively preventing the intrusion of contaminants such as dust, moisture, and oil. This solves the problem of sealing failure caused by aging and wear of traditional sealing rings. Compared with the defects of traditional sealant that is easy to crack and difficult to maintain after curing, this component ensures the sealing effect while being easy to disassemble and replace, improving the reliability of the encoder in harsh environments such as high dust and high humidity, so as to achieve continuous sealing during dynamic rotation and make up for the shortcomings of traditional static seals under dynamic conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the photoelectric encoder sealing device of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing fixing assembly of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing assembly of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembly of the upper and lower shells of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower shell of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photoelectric encoder body of this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram, 1. Photoelectric encoder body; 2. Upper housing; 3. Lower housing; 4. Housing fixing assembly; 401. Fixing base; 402. Fixing hole; 403. Fixing frame; 404. Fixing support rod; 405. Fixing block; 406. Connecting plate; 407. Reset support plate; 408. Reset spring; 5. Sealing assembly; 501. Rotating seat; 502. First limiting support rod; 503. Seal; 504. Locking hole; 505. Second limiting support rod; 506. Connecting support; 507. Connecting locking seat; 508. Connecting support rod; 6. Buffer spring; 7. Rubber clamp; 8. Positioning rod; 9. Positioning groove; 10. Protective sleeve; 11. Sealing sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0028] Please see Figure 1-6 The present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0029] A photoelectric encoder sealing device includes a photoelectric encoder body 1, an upper housing 2 on the top of the photoelectric encoder body 1, a lower housing 3 on the bottom of the photoelectric encoder body 1, a housing fixing assembly 4 on the outside of the upper housing 2, and a sealing assembly 5 on the top of the upper housing 2.

[0030] The housing fixing assembly 4 includes a fixing seat 401 fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower housing 3. The fixing seat 401 has a fixing hole 402 on its top. Fixing frames 403 are fixedly connected to both sides of the upper housing 2. Fixing support rods 404 are slidably connected inside the fixing frames 403. Fixing blocks 405 are fixedly connected to the inner side of the fixing support rods 404. The fixing blocks 405 engage with the fixing holes 402. A connecting plate 406 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixing support rods 404. A reset support plate 407 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the connecting plate 406. A reset spring 408 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the reset support plate 407.

[0031] In this embodiment: by pulling the fixed support rods 404 on the outer side of the fixed frame 403 on both sides of the upper housing 2 outward, the fixed support rods 404 drive the connecting plate 406 to slide within the fixed frame 403, causing the fixed locking block 405 on the inner side of the fixed support rod 404 to move outward and compress the return spring 408. When the upper and lower housings 3 are aligned with the positioning groove 9 via the positioning rod 8, the connecting plate 406 is released, and the elastic force of the return spring 408 pushes the return support plate 407. Through the connecting plate 406, the fixed support rod 404 slides inward, so that the fixed locking block 405 is accurately locked into the fixing hole 402 of the fixing seat 401 of the lower housing 3. At this time, the return spring 408 continuously provides tension to ensure that the fixed locking block 405 is tightly locked with the fixing hole 402, preventing the housing from loosening during vibration. Through the cooperation of mechanical locking and elastic reset, the upper and lower housings 3 can be quickly installed and stably connected, while facilitating disassembly and maintenance.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sealing assembly 5 includes a rotating seat 501 fixedly connected to the top of the upper housing 2. A first limiting support rod 502 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the left rotating seat 501. A sealing element 503 is sleeved on the outer side of the bottom of the upper housing 2. The sealing element 503 is made of rubber. A locking hole 504 is opened on the top of the sealing element 503. The first limiting support rod 502 is engaged with the locking hole 504.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, a second limiting support rod 505 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the right rotating seat 501. The second limiting support rod 505 is engaged with the locking hole 504, and a connecting support 506 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the second limiting support rod 505.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, a connecting bracket 507 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the first limiting support rod 502, and a connecting support rod 508 is slidably connected to the outer side of the connecting bracket 507. The connecting support rod 508 is engaged with the connecting support 506.

[0035] In this embodiment: the rubber seal 503 is fitted onto the outside of the connection between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3, while aligning the locking hole 504 on the top of the seal 503 with the rotating seat 501 on the top of the upper housing 2. Then, the first limiting support rod 502 on the inner side of the left rotating seat 501 is rotated, causing its lower end to engage with the locking hole 504 of the seal 503. The upper surface of the seal 503 is pressed tightly using the fulcrum of the rotating seat 501. Simultaneously, the second limiting support rod 505 on the right rotating seat 501 is rotated, engaging with the locking hole 504 in the same manner. At this time, the sliding connection... The connecting rod 508 is used to insert one end into the connecting bracket 507 inside the first limiting rod 502, and the other end into the connecting bracket 506 of the second limiting rod 505. The connecting rod 508 fixes the first limiting rod 502 and the second limiting rod 505, so that the sealing element 503 is evenly pressed at the joint of the upper and lower shells 3 to form an annular sealing barrier to prevent dust and moisture from entering. At the same time, the connecting rod 508 enhances the stability of the limiting rod, prevents the sealing element 503 from loosening due to vibration, and ensures the durability of the sealing effect.

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, a buffer spring 6 is fixedly connected inside the upper housing 2, and a rubber clamp 7 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the buffer spring 6.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, positioning rods 8 are fixedly connected to the four corners of the bottom of the upper housing 2, and positioning grooves 9 are opened on the top of the lower housing 3. The positioning rods 8 and positioning grooves 9 are slidably connected.

[0038] In this embodiment: by setting a buffer spring 6 and a rubber clamp 7, the buffer spring 6 and the rubber clamp 7 inside the upper housing 2 form an elastic buffer structure when the encoder is working. When the device is subjected to external vibration or impact, the buffer spring 6 first absorbs the vibration energy through deformation, and the rubber clamp 7 on its inner side will simultaneously clamp both sides of the photoelectric encoder body 1, using the elastic deformation of the rubber to further attenuate the vibration amplitude. This prevents the optical components inside the encoder from being displaced or collided due to severe vibration, avoids signal distortion caused by the relative positional shift of the code disk, the light source, and the receiver, and reduces the number of circuit components. To address the issue of loose weld joints caused by vibration, and thus improve the measurement stability of the encoder under vibration conditions, positioning rods 8 and positioning grooves 9 are set. When installing the upper and lower housings 3, the positioning rods 8 at the four corners of the bottom of the upper housing 2 need to be aligned with the positioning grooves 9 at the top of the lower housing 3 and inserted. The sliding cooperation between the positioning rods 8 and the positioning grooves 9 can guide the upper and lower housings 3 to be precisely aligned, ensuring that the fixing blocks 405 on both sides of the upper housing 2 can accurately correspond to the fixing holes 402 of the fixing seat 401 of the lower housing 3. This improves installation efficiency and can maintain the coaxiality of the housing connection during long-term use, avoiding housing misalignment caused by vibration.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 5As shown, a protective sleeve 10 is embedded inside the lower housing 3, and the protective sleeve 10 is made of rubber.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a sealing sleeve 11 is embedded in the top of the upper housing 2. The sealing sleeve 11 is located on the outside of the output end of the photoelectric encoder body 1 and is made of rubber.

[0041] In this embodiment: by setting a protective sleeve 10, when the encoder body is placed into the lower housing 3, the elastic material of the protective sleeve 10 will fit against the bottom surface of the body and fill the gap between the lower housing 3 and the body. During equipment transportation or operation, the protective sleeve 10 can buffer external impact force and prevent the body from hard contacting the lower housing 3 to cause wear or deformation. By setting a sealing sleeve 11, when the shaft rotates, the rubber material of the sealing sleeve 11 will always fit against the surface of the shaft through elastic deformation to form a dynamic sealing structure, so as to prevent liquid contaminants such as cutting fluid and lubricating oil mist from entering the encoder along the shaft extension and ensuring the protection effect at the interface between the output shaft and the housing.

[0042] Working Principle: In using this photoelectric encoder sealing device, the photoelectric encoder body 1 is first placed inside the lower housing 3. The rubber protective sleeve 10 embedded in the lower housing 3 provides initial protection for the encoder body, preventing direct collision with the lower housing 3. Next, the upper housing 2 is placed over the top of the encoder body. The positioning rods 8 at the four corners of the bottom of the upper housing 2 are then inserted into the positioning grooves 9 at the top of the lower housing 3. The sliding cooperation between the positioning rods 8 and the positioning grooves 9 ensures precise alignment of the upper and lower housings 3, preventing misalignment during installation and ensuring a proper seal. When fixing the upper and lower housings 3, the operator pulls outwards the fixing support rods 404 on the outer sides of the fixing frames 403 on both sides of the upper housing 2. The fixing support rods 404 then move the connecting plate 406 within the fixing frames 403. 3. The inner sliding of the fixed support rod 404 simultaneously disengages the fixing block 405 on the inner side of the fixed support rod 404 from its initial position. At this time, the reset support plate 407 is driven to move outward and compress the reset spring 408. When the fixing block 405 moves to align with the fixing hole 402 on the bottom fixing seat 401 of the lower housing 3, the fixed support rod 404 is released. Then, the reset force generated by the elastic deformation of the reset spring 408 pushes the reset support plate 407, which in turn drives the fixed support rod 404 to slide inward through the connecting plate 406, so that the fixing block 405 is precisely engaged in the fixing hole 402. This completes the stable connection between the upper and lower housings 3. The continuous tension of the reset spring 408 ensures that the fixing block 405 is always tightly engaged with the fixing hole 402, preventing the housing from loosening under vibration and completing the housing fixation. After setting, begin installing the sealing assembly 5. First, fit the rubber seal 503 onto the outer bottom of the upper housing 2. The locking hole 504 on the top of the seal 503 should correspond to the position of the rotating seat 501 on the top of the upper housing 2. Then, rotate the first limiting support rod 502 inside the left rotating seat 501 so that the lower end of the first limiting support rod 502 engages in the locking hole 504 on the top of the seal 503. Through the rotation fulcrum of the rotating seat 501, the first limiting support rod 502 can tightly press against the upper surface of the seal 503. At the same time, rotate the second limiting support rod 505 inside the right rotating seat 501 so that its lower end also engages in the locking hole 504 of the seal 503. Then, connect the connecting support 506 inside the second limiting support rod 505 to the connecting support 506 inside the first limiting support rod 502. Corresponding to the connecting bracket 507, the sliding connecting rod 508 is slidable so that one end is inserted into the sliding groove on the outside of the connecting bracket 507, and the other end is engaged with the connecting support 506. The connecting rod 508 fixes the first limiting support rod 502 and the second limiting support rod 505, enhancing the stability of the sealing assembly 5 and preventing the limiting support rods from loosening or shifting during use. This ensures that the seal 503 is firmly pressed at the connection between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3, forming an effective sealing barrier to prevent dust, moisture, and other contaminants from intruding from the housing joint. In addition, the sealing sleeve 11 embedded in the top of the upper housing 2 is located on the outside of the encoder body output end. The rubber sealing sleeve 11 can tightly wrap the output end shaft and maintain a sealing state through elastic deformation when the shaft rotates.To prevent contaminants from entering the encoder from the shaft extension, when the encoder is subjected to external vibration, the buffer spring 6 inside the upper housing 2 absorbs the vibration energy and drives the rubber clamp 7 to clamp and buffer the encoder body, reducing the displacement of internal components caused by vibration, avoiding damage to optical components or circuits, and effectively protecting the normal operation of the encoder body.

[0043] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A photoelectric encoder sealing device comprising a photoelectric encoder body (1), characterized by: The photoelectric encoder body (1) is provided with an upper housing (2) at the top, a lower housing (3) at the bottom, a housing fixing assembly (4) on the outside of the upper housing (2), and a sealing assembly (5) at the top of the upper housing (2). The housing fixing assembly (4) includes a fixing seat (401) fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower housing (3). The fixing seat (401) has a fixing hole (402) on its top. The upper housing (2) has fixing frames (403) fixedly connected to both sides. The fixing frame (403) has a fixing support rod (404) slidably connected inside. The fixing support rod (404) has a fixing block (405) fixedly connected to its inner side. The fixing block (405) engages with the fixing hole (402). The fixing support rod (404) has a connecting plate (406) fixedly connected to its outer side. The connecting plate (406) has a reset support plate (407) fixedly connected to its outer side. The reset support plate (407) has a reset spring (408) fixedly connected to its outer side.

2. A photoelectric encoder sealing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The sealing assembly (5) includes a rotating seat (501) fixedly connected to the top of the upper housing (2), a first limiting support rod (502) rotatably connected to the inner side of the left rotating seat (501), and a sealing element (503) sleeved on the outer side of the bottom of the upper housing (2). The sealing element (503) is made of rubber, and a locking hole (504) is opened on the top of the sealing element (503). The first limiting support rod (502) is engaged with the locking hole (504).

3. A photoelectric encoder sealing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein: The inner side of the right rotating seat (501) is rotatably connected to a second limiting support rod (505), which is engaged with a locking hole (504). The inner side of the second limiting support rod (505) is fixedly connected to a connecting support (506).

4. A photoelectric encoder sealing arrangement according to claim 3, wherein: The first limiting support rod (502) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the connecting bracket (507), and the connecting bracket (507) is slidably connected to the outer side of the connecting bracket (507), and the connecting bracket (508) is engaged with the connecting support (506).

5. The photoelectric encoder sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A buffer spring (6) is fixedly connected inside the upper housing (2), and a rubber clamp (7) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the buffer spring (6).

6. The photoelectric encoder sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper housing (2) has four fixedly connected positioning rods (8) at the bottom corners, and the lower housing (3) has a positioning groove (9) at the top, with the positioning rods (8) and the positioning groove (9) slidably connected.

7. The photoelectric encoder sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower housing (3) has a protective sleeve (10) embedded inside, and the protective sleeve (10) is made of rubber.

8. The photoelectric encoder sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the upper housing (2) is fitted with a sealing sleeve (11), which is located on the outside of the output end of the photoelectric encoder body (1) and is made of rubber.

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