Encoder Hollow Shaft

Product Description

Encoder Hollow Shaft, also known as a hollow shaft rotary encoder, is a specialized rotary encoder designed with a central hollow bore. This structure allows the encoder to be mounted directly onto a rotating shaft without additional couplings, adapters, or connectors. By sliding over the machine shaft, the encoder achieves accurate position, speed, or angle feedback while simplifying mechanical installation.

A hollow encoder is widely used in industrial automation systems where space is limited and installation efficiency is critical. Common configurations include hollow bore encoder, through shaft encoder, and thru bore encoder designs, making them suitable for CNC machines, servo systems, robotics, and automated production lines.

Brands such as Autonics Hollow Shaft Encoder are well known for combining precision sensing with robust industrial performance.

Key Features

• Hollow Shaft Design
  The hollow shaft rotary encoder mounts directly onto an existing shaft, eliminating the need for flexible couplings and reducing mechanical complexity.

• High Accuracy & Resolution
  Capable of precise angular and positional feedback, suitable for closed-loop control systems.

• Multiple Sensing Technologies
  Available in photoelectric, magnetic, or contact-based sensing principles to meet different application requirements.

• Flexible Signal Outputs
  Supports various output types such as voltage output, open collector, push-pull, and line driver signals.

• Compact & Space-Saving Structure
  Ideal for installations with limited axial or radial space.

• Industrial-Grade Reliability
  Manufactured with high-quality materials to ensure long service life, vibration resistance, and stable operation.

Product Advantages

• Easy Installation
  Compared with solid-shaft encoders, the thru bore encoder design allows quick installation and removal without shaft disassembly.

• Improved System Stability
  Direct mounting reduces mechanical backlash and alignment errors, improving overall system accuracy.

• Reduced Maintenance Costs
  Fewer mechanical components mean less wear, lower failure rates, and simplified maintenance.

• Wide Compatibility
  Suitable for various shaft diameters and easily integrated into existing automation systems.

• Optimized for Automation
  Ideal for CNC spindles, servo motors, and automation equipment requiring precise motion feedback.

Application Scenarios

The encoder hollow shaft is widely used across multiple industries, including:

• CNC Machine Tools
  Installed directly on spindles or rotary axes for precise position and speed feedback.

• Industrial Robotics
  Used in robot joints and rotary mechanisms to ensure accurate motion control.

• Automated Production Lines
  Provides real-time rotational feedback for conveyors, indexing tables, and packaging machines.

• Servo Motor Systems
  Acts as a feedback device in servo control loops.

• Material Handling Equipment
  Used in cranes, hoists, and rotating platforms.

• Factory Automation
  Common in PLC-controlled systems requiring stable and repeatable motion detection.

Working Principle of Hollow Shaft Encoder

The working principle of a hollow shaft rotary encoder is similar to that of other rotary encoders. It converts mechanical rotation into electrical signals using one of the following methods:

• Photoelectric Type
  Detects light and dark patterns on a coded disk using optical transmitters and receivers.

• Magnetic Type
  Uses magnetic field changes detected by sensors to generate output signals.

• Contact Type
  Generates signals through direct contact between brushes and conductive tracks.

As the shaft rotates, the code disk or magnetic ring rotates simultaneously, allowing the encoder to output accurate displacement or speed information.