DEVICE FOR SENSING MECHANICAL CONTACT OR LOAD/NO-LOAD CONDITIONS

Abstract: A device for sensing mechanical contact includes an oscillatory circuit (S) with a generator (G) which is adapted to keep the circuit oscillating, and a mechanical vibrator (V) which is coupled to oscillate together with the oscillatory circuit. The vibrator has a vibratory component (50) with a sensor part (52) which is adapted to be contacted or loaded and thereby changes the oscillation of the vibrator. Moreover, the sensing device includes equipment (O) for establishing changes in the phase between current and voltage and/or changes in the signal level in the oscillatory circuit. When the sensor part (52) is touched or loaded there will be a change in the oscillation, and through the coupling to the oscillatory circuit this causes a change of the quality factor Q and/or the resonant frequency of the circuit. Such changes cause in turn a change in the phase between current and voltage and a change in the signal level. Either of these changes can be established or measured and is used to control or initiate switching functions.

Description: TITLE : Device for sensing mechanical contact or load/no-ioad conditions This invention relates primarily to a device for sensing mecha- nical contact or load/no-load conditions. Within several technical areas there is a need for sensing de¬ vices which are able to supply an output signal as soon as a parti¬ cular component in the device is mechanically loaded or is touched . Typically the output signal provided by such devices are used to control particular functions, such as start/stop of equipment associated therewith . For instance in precision machining tools such as precision milling machines, there is a need of very accurate and sensitive position detectors, such as zero adjustment and determining units . -Electrical position switches previously used have generally been rather expensive, a.o. due to the necessity of making provisions to prevent or compensate for changes which gradually occur due to electrical contacts getting worn . The sensing device, of the invention, is characterized by the features defined in the characterizing clause of claim 1 . As soon as the co-vibrating component of the mechanical vibrator is touched or loaded, this will cause a distinct change in the general state of oscillation for the vibrator as a whole. Through the coupling to the oscillatory circuit such a change will also cause a change in the quality factor Q and/or in the resonant frequency of the oscillatory circuit. Such changes, in turn , give rise to changes in the phase between current and voltage and also in the signal levels in the oscillatory circuit. The latter changes can be established or detect¬ ed by electronic means and can be utilized to control or initiate switching operations. As a self-contained unit or equipment the device of this inven¬ tion is very suitable for use as an accurate and reliable position detector. Moreover, the device can be designed or used as a com¬ pletely spark-less switch or circuit breaker which is useful in en- vϊronmeπts with explosive or inflammable atomospheres . A particular application of this invention is in combination with or incorporated into a material working instrument, such as an ul- trasonic tooth treatment instrument, with a magnetostrictively powered work tool . Such instruments are used by dentists to re¬ move tartar and the like and are also useful within several areas of fine mechanics, for instance for engraving . Generally, such instru- ments include a slim and elongate handle portion to be manipulated by the operator, held as a pencil in one hand . At one end of the handle portion there is mounted an appropriately shaped work tool having a cutting tip or edge which is put into high frequency vi¬ brations by magnetostrictive transducer elements in the interior of the handle portion . Thus, the present invention also relates to a combination or an instrument of the type defined in the opening clause of claim 5. Since instruments of this type are operated with relatively high power, there is a risk that fatique fractures develop in the material of the work tool , in particular if the instrument is kept in operation during prolonged periods without loads on the tool , i . e. without the work tool being in contact with an object (e. g . a tooth) . Accordingly it has been common practice to provide a start/ stop switch to be manipulated by the operator, and whereby the power is manual ly switched off during interruptions in the treatment of an object, i . e. when the work tool is out of contact with the ob¬ ject. Such switches can be designed as a foot-lever or switch or can be mounted on the handle portion of the instrument. U . S . Patent No. 4, 184, 092 discloses a tooth- treatment appara¬ tus of the type in question , wherein a control signal is derived from the change of current and/or frequency which occurs when the work tool , and thereby the transducer, is subjected to load . This control signal disconnects the generator or reduces its power when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded . Accordingly, the control signal is only used as a safty function in order to prevent unintended damages to a tooth , if the work tool Is applied too strongly against the tooth . The problem mentioned above as to fatique fractures still remains and has not been contem- plated . The working instrument of this invention is characterized by the features defined in the characterizing clause of claim 5. There¬ of 1____^ __ _ ~ ~'- ~ ~'f f ~ * ~~ __ >-■ -->_ =_- • »_ » -δU__ * «__. i a I i 1 1__. _ _____iT by a start/stop switch is rendered superfluous, which is a substan¬ tial relief or convenience .to the operator. Thus whenever the work tool is out of contact with the object to be treated, the generator can operate at a relatively low supply voltage, whereby the work tool is maintained in an idling or stand-by oscillation . However, as soon as the work tool gets in contact with the object to be treated , the supply voltage of the generator will be switched to a higher value, whereby the work tool is maintained in a working oscillation or condition at least as long as the tool is in contact with the ob- ject, whereafter the tool reassumes its stand-by oscillation. I n other words it is possible for the operator to switch over from a stand-by or idling condition to an operational condition just by touching the object to be treated . Simultaneously the control or switch device can be operative to initiate or control supply of cooling and/or flushing media, in particular in dental instruments . Appropriately the control device can include a delay which maintains the tool in working condition for a short period of time after that the tool has been brought out of contact with the object. . Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description taken in conjuction wit the accompanying drawings in which : figure 1 shows a material working instrument with magneto¬ strictively powered work tool , * figure 2 shows an embodiment of transducer elements in the instrument of figure 1 , figure 3 is a sectional view illustrating the transducer elements in figure 2 with a work tool and with a magnet for magnetical ly biasing the tranducer core mounted thereon , figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of the sensing device of the invention combined with or incorpo¬ rated in an instrument of the type shown in figures 1 to 3, figure 5 is a diagram schematically and more generally showing the principles of a sensing device in accordance with the invention , and figures 6A and 6B are respective graphs illustrating the fre¬ quency-dependency of the -phase and signal level and amplitude. The instrument 10 shown in figure 1 of the drawings is de- _ SUBSTITUTE SHEET signed as a dental instrument for removal of tooth coatings. The instrument includes a magnetostrictively moved work toot shaped as a tip 12 carried by mountings 18, 22 of which at least one is re¬ movably supported by a handle portion 24 of the instrument. More- over, the work tool is removably connected with a transducer core located in the interior of the instrument. I n order to flush away removed materials, the instrument may have a nozzle 16 to which water is supplied through a cable 14 which also includes electrical wirings for the instrument. Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of a transducer unit which Is located in the interior of the handle portion 24. As shown the transducer core 32 mentioned above is inserted in the Interior of a tubular portion 34 which supports a coil 36 exteriorly on a central part. A permanent magnet 38 is mounted at one end of the tubular portion 34. With a design - as shown , the permanent magnet 38 will magne¬ tize the core 32 and when an appropriate high frequency alternating voltage is supplyed to the coil 36 this will produce an alternating field which is able to put the core in high frequency oscillations which are transferred to the work tool 12. Reference is now made to figure 4 which schematically illu¬ strates an instrument of the type mentioned above In combination with or equipped with a sensing device in accordance with the in¬ vention. A generator 20 is connected with an oscillatory circuit which includes a capacity 26 and a coil 28 which corresponds to the coil 36 in figures 2 and 3. Moreover, the transducer core 32 with its tool 12 and associated permanent magnet 38 are shown . When the tool 12 is free, the generator 20 operates at a rela¬ tively low supply voltage and the oscillatory cicuit is kept in oscil- lations thereby. The core 32 and the tool 12 oscillate together with the oscillatory circuit and hereby the tool performs a no-load oscil¬ lation. The core 32 and the tool 12, which can be considered as a mechanical vibrator, has a particular no-load condition of vibrations in which a node point has been provided by means of a fixture which Is Indicated as a flange 40. As soon as the tip of the tool is touched or loaded there will be an externally enforced change in the condition of vibration and SUBSTITUTE SHEET a change in the mechanical impedance of the vibrator occurs . Through the coupling between the core 32 and coil 28 this is trans¬ ferred to the oscil latory circuit whereby its quality factor Q and/or its resonant frequency f will be changed . These changes in turn cause a change in the phase between current and voltage and a change in the signal level . The latter changes in the oscil latory circuit can be established or measured . A circuit 42 provides feed¬ back to the generator 20. The embodiment shown is based on measurement or establish- ment of changes in the phase between current and voltage. For that purpose the voltage is measured across the oscillatory circuit, and the current is measured across a resistance R having a suitably small value . The two values are supplied to a comparison unit 44 which provides an output signal when a change in the phase between current and voltage occurs , i . e. when the tool 12 is touched or loaded . I n the embodiment shown the unit 44 is part of a control or switch circuit which also includes a control unit 46. The output signal from the unit 44 is applied to the control unit 46 and when the output signal is present the unit 46 provides switching of the supply voltage for the generator 20 from the low idling value to- a higher operational value. Even if the ampl itudes of the electrical measuring signals correspond to the idl ing condition , an output signal from unit 44 will still be present since a phase difference is sti l l present. The control or switch circuit can also include further switching units , for instance a unit which controls supply of water to the nozzle 16 in figure 1 . When the output signal from the unit .44 ceases , the control unit 46 returns to low supply voltage. However, it may be appro¬ priate to incorporate a suitable delay or holding circuit which causes that the return to idling voltage and possible other switch¬ ing or contact functions be delayed for a suitable time, for instance 1 second . Thus , it wil l appear that the provisions in accordance with the invention wil l cause the tool 12 to perform a relatively small no-load oscil lation which automatically is changed to a working oscillation as SUBSTITUTE SHEET soon as the tool touches an object. it should be appreciated that the pre-magnetizϊπg of the trans¬ ducer core not necessarily shall have to be made by means of the permanent magnet 38. As <_n alternative the coil 28 can be supplyed with a DC current with an AC current superimposed thereon , whereby the DC component provides a pre-magnetϊzϊng , i . e. a uni¬ fication or orientation of the elementary magnets of the core mate¬ rial , and whereby the superimposed AC component produces the oscillations In the core. Reference is now made to figure 5 which schematically and more generally Il lustrates a sensing device in accordance with the Invention . An oscillatory circuit S has a generator G, and a mecha¬ nical vibrator V is coupled to oscillate together with the oscil latory circuit. The vibrator includes a vibratory component 50 which corresponds to the transducer core 32 in figure 4, and a covibra- tlng part or a sensor part 52 ' which corresponds to a tool 12 In fi¬ gure 4 and is designed for contact or loading for instance by an object or a finger. Again such a contact or loading will cause a change in - the oscil lation of the vibrator and this change provides an impedance change in the oscillatory circuit. Thus , In the oscillatory circuit there wil l be a change of the phase relation between current and voltage and a change in the signal level . Either of the these changes or both changes can be established in a unit or electronic circuit O which supplies an output signal , when or at least as long as the changes in question are present. This output signal can be utilized to control or initiate switching operations . Accordingly a sensing device in accordance with the invention Is useful for other purposes than that described above In connec- tion with figure 4. The sensor part 52 of the vibrator V can be specially designed or shaped depending on whether the sensor part is to be touched by an object or by a finger. Moreover, the sensor part 52 can be particularly designed so that the free or no-load os¬ cillation thereof obtains a desired configuration . With an appropriate bending of the sensor part to a shape similar to the tool 12 in fi¬ gure 4, the tip of the sensor part can perform an elliptical no-load oscillation and accordingly there wil l be an axis with major sensitϊ- SUBSTSTUTE SHEET vity. Similarly the sensor part 52 can be shaped to perform no-load oscillations along a circle or along a sphere whereby the sensitivity will become uniform in several directions . Where it is preferred in connection with embodiments as that of figure 4 it is not necessary that the vibratory component 50 of the mechanical vibrator is a barshaped element. Other shapes, such as a plateshape, may also be employed . Figures 6A and 6B are respective schematic presentations of the amplitude and of the phase between current and voltage, in both instances as a function of the frequency adjacent the resonant frequency f . In an instrument as that shown in figure 4 it is pre¬ ferred that the no-load frequency is somewhat below f . By an ap¬ propriate adaptation it can be obtained that a loading of the tool 12 with a normal contact pressure will cause the frequency to move up to or adjacent to the resonant frequency whereby optimum power delivery is obtained in and about the normal working condition , if, however, the tool is pressed strongly against an object the fre- • .quency will increase beyond the resonant frequency, and at heavier loads the conditions of oscillation will not be fulfilled and the oscil- lation will eventually stop . This is a very useful feature in connec¬ tion with tooth treatment instruments as that shown in figure " 4, since particular power disconnecting safety provisions are not ne¬ cessary. SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims: CLAIMS: 1 . A device for sensing mechanical contact or load/no-load conditions, characterized by comprising : a generator (G) providing at an output thereof an alternating output signal ; an oscillatory circuit (S) connected to said generator output and powered by said generator output signal to oscillate at a prede¬ termined frequency; a mechanical vibrator device (V) being electro-magnetically coupled to said oscillatory circuit to oscillate therewith, and said vibrator device including a vibratory component (50) carrying a co- vibratϊng part (52) adapted to receive external mechanical loads thereon , said co-vibrating part (52) performing, without any exter¬ nal load thereon , vibrations determined by said predetermined fre- quency, thereby providing a no-load condition, and said co-vibra¬ ting part (52) causing , when subjected to external loads, changes in the general state of vibration of said vibrator device (V) and thereby enforcing changes as to current-^tα-voltage phase relation and signal level relation in safd oscillatory circuits; and means (O) associated with said oscillatory circuit (S) to estab¬ lish at least one of said changes whenever enforced in said oscilla¬ tory circuit, said means (O) further including means for providing at an output thereof, a digital output signal , said output signal having a first signal level during said no-load condition, and said output signal assuming a second signal level as soon as and at least as long as said no-load condition does not exist. 2. A sensing device as defined in claim 1 , characterized in that said digital output signal is connected to a control device, whereby said first signal level switches a voltage supply for said generator to a first idling voltage value, and whereby said second signal level causes said control device to switch said generator vol¬ tage supply to a second operational voltage value. 3. A sensing device as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said vibratory component of said mechanical vibrator com- prises a rod shaped element being of a magnetizable material and located in the alternating magnetic field of a coil of saaid oscillatory circuit. 4. A sensing device as defined in claim 3, characterized in that said rod shaped element is bias-magnetized by a permanent magnet. 5. A sensing device as defined in claim 1 in combination with 05 or incorporated in a material working instrument of the type com¬ prising an electromechanical transducer Including a magnetizable core (32) and a coil (28), and a generator (20) operable to produce oscillations in said trans- 10 ducer core, when magnetized, and thereby provide movements of a work tool (12) connected to said transducer core (32) , said transducer core and said work tool connected thereto be¬ ing parts of said mechanical vibrator of the serrsing device, the work tool (12) providing said co-vibrating part for receiving exter- 15 nal loads, and said transducer coil (28) being part of said oscilla¬ tory circuit of the sensing device, the combination characterized by said digital output signal of said change-establishing means (44) being applied to a control or switch device (46), whereby said first signal level switches a vol-- 20 tage supply for said generator (20) to an idling voltage value, and whereby said second signal level causes said control device (46) to switch said generator voltage supply on to an operational voltage value. 25 30 35 OMPI fc IPO

Inventors: GOOF SVEN KARL LENNART, GOOF, SVEN, KARL, LENNART
Applicants: GOOF SVEN KARL LENNART, GOOF, SVEN, KARL, LENNART
Application year: 1984
Main classification: A61C1
IPC codes: A61C1, A61C17