Optical encoder with resinous code plate

Abstract

An optical encoder, including a light emitting section; a light receiving section; and a resinous code plate disposed movably relative to the light emitting section and the light receiving section. The resinous code plate includes, on the plate face thereof, a plurality of tracks respectively provided with molded code-pattern surfaces different from each other, and a local structured-surface area formed between the tracks arranged side-by-side relative to each other, the local structured-surface area possessing a surface configuration different from the molded code-pattern surfaces of the tracks. The molded code-pattern surface of each of the tracks includes a flat surface area and an irregular surface area, adjacent to each other as seen in the extending direction of the track. The local structured-surface area is formed between the flat surface area of the molded code-pattern surface of one track and the irregular surface area of the molded code-pattern surface of another track arranged side-by-side relative to the one track. The irregular surface area of the molded code-pattern surface includes a first linear structure extending in a predetermined direction, and the local structured-surface area includes a second linear structure extending in a direction intersecting the first linear structure of the irregular surface area.