Renishaw Plc

Stephen Lindsey Tocknell

James Reynolds Henshaw

Graham Richard Ferguson

Benjamin Jason Merrifield

Finlay Jonathan Evans

Richard David James Gearing

Samuel David Hoyle

Paul Andrews

An optical tool measurement device for a machine tool is described. The device includes a light source for directing light towards a tool-sensing region and a sensor for detecting light from the tool-sensing region. A shutter assembly for selectively protecting the sensor from contamination is also provided. The shutter assembly is to provide a closed configuration in which the sensor is covered by the shutter assembly thereby preventing contamination of the sensor and an open configuration in which light can pass to the sensor through a first aperture of the shutter assembly. Furthermore, the shutter assembly is configured to additionally provide a constricted configuration in which light can pass to the sensor through a second aperture of the shutter assembly, the second aperture being smaller than the first aperture. In this manner, the device has enhanced resistance to contaminants, such as swarf and coolant, present in the machine tool environment.

Tool measurement device for a machine tool

A sealed encoder module for mounting onto a machine so as to measure relative displacement of first and second parts of the machine. The sealed encoder module can comprise, a scale, a readhead comprising a scale signal receiver, and an integral protective housing which encapsulates at least the scale and said scale signal receiver. The sealed encoder module can be configured to determine and output diagnostic information regarding a scale signal detected by the readhead.

Encoder

An encoder apparatus comprising a scale and a readhead assembly comprising a scale signal receiver. The scale and the scale signal receiver are located within a protective housing which is configured to protect them from contamination located outside the protective housing and comprises a seal through which the scale signal receiver can be connected to a part outside the protective housing. The arrangement of the scale signal receiver inside the protective housing is independent of the scale and protective housing.

Encoder apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Stroud, United Kingdom

Stephen Lindsey Tocknell