Sony Magnescale Inc.

Sony Magnescale Incorporation

Toshihiko Kanasugi

Kazuo Nagaoka

Sadao Wakabayashi

Nobuyuki Suzuki

Tadao Hatano

Hideharu Tsukamoto

Tomoichi Isobe

Tadahiko Shimano

Mitsuru Ohno

A magnetic linear scale unit comprises a magnetic scale and mounting blocks which are designed to be rigidly fixed to one of relatively displaceable mechanical components, about which magnitude or stroke of the relative thrusting displacement is to be measured. The magnetic scale has end sections to be mounted on the mounting blocks. The end sections have round peripheral portion mating with the mounting block. At least one of the end section also includes a structural component which allows pivotal movement of the magnetic scale relative to the mounting block for fine adjustment of the axis of the magnetic scale relative to the axis of relative movement of the mechanical components. A scale channel is free from the mounting block and simply serves as the magnetic shield. Therefore, the scale channel of the invention is substantially free from the accuracy requirement and production error of the scale channel and will never affect measurement of the displacement magnitude.

Mounting structure for magnetic linear scale unit

A linear scale features a removable scale channel and adjustable head assembly for easy, accurate, permanent positioning on a machine tool bed or other mobile device. The scale channel, and a matching positioning tool, has balls at opposite ends engaging a socketed mounting bracket. When in use, the flexible socket coupling is clamped into immobility by removable covers over open faces of the mounting brackets. During installation, the mounting brackets engage the positioning tool rather than the scale channel and with the flexible-socket couplings free to gimbal. The mounting brackets are fixed to the machine tool at a fixed axial spacing determined by the length of the positioning tool but at whatever angular attitude best suits the supporting surface of the machine tool. The positioning tool is then removed and replaced by the scale channel. The head assembly is fixed to a stationary stand opposite the scale channel. An adjustable mechanism allows the sliding head of the head assembly to move perpendicular to the axial direction relative to a base fixed to the stand.

Linear scale

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Kanagawa, Japan

Toshihiko Kanasugi