US Patent 7342671 Sensor head of reflective optical encoder

A sensor head is used with a scale having a periodic optical pattern to constitute a reflective optical encoder. The sensor head includes a light source which emits a light beam applied to the scale, a photodetector which detects a light beam reflected and modulated by the scale, and a package which contains the light source and the photodetector. The package includes a box-like housing with a flat outer bottom surface and a lid member having a light-transmitting portion in at least part of it. The light source is fixed to an inner surface of the housing. The photodetector is fixed to an inner surface of the lid member.