EP2705906B1 - Système ultrasonore, générateur d'ultrasons et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci - Google Patents

Système ultrasonore, générateur d'ultrasons et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2705906B1
EP2705906B1 EP13181693.6A EP13181693A EP2705906B1 EP 2705906 B1 EP2705906 B1 EP 2705906B1 EP 13181693 A EP13181693 A EP 13181693A EP 2705906 B1 EP2705906 B1 EP 2705906B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
frequency
ultrasound generator
ultrasound
excitation
oscillation system
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EP13181693.6A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2705906A2 (fr
EP2705906A3 (fr
Inventor
M. Sc. Xenia Brühn
Ralf Broszeit
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Weber Ultrasonics AG
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Weber Ultrasonics AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/0207—Driving circuits
    • B06B1/0223—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time
    • B06B1/0238—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time of a single frequency, e.g. a sine-wave
    • B06B1/0246—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time of a single frequency, e.g. a sine-wave with a feedback signal
    • B06B1/0253—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time of a single frequency, e.g. a sine-wave with a feedback signal taken directly from the generator circuit

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 for operating an ultrasound generator for supplying HF energy to an ultrasound transducer, in particular for ultrasound welding or for ultrasound cleaning, which ultrasound generator has at least one resonant circuit which can be electrically excited by means of an excitation signal with an excitation frequency and which is in active electrical connection with stands at least one electro-mechanical vibration system of the ultrasonic transducer, the impedance of which has a maximum in a parallel resonance of the vibration system and a minimum in a series resonance of the vibration system.
  • the invention further relates to an ultrasound generator according to the preamble of claim 10 for supplying HF energy to an ultrasound transducer, in particular for ultrasound welding or for ultrasound cleaning, with at least one resonant circuit that can be electrically excited by means of an excitation signal with an excitation frequency and that with at least one electro-mechanical oscillation system of an ultrasound transducer Electrical active connection can be coupled, the impedance of which has a maximum in a parallel resonance of the vibration system and a minimum in a series resonance of the vibration system.
  • the invention relates to an ultrasound system, which ultrasound system has at least one ultrasound generator of the type mentioned in operative connection with at least one ultrasound transducer.
  • Generic objects are for example from the EP 0 662 356 B1 or DE 44 00 210 A1 known.
  • the cited publication discloses in particular a method for operating a generator for the HF energy supply of an ultrasound transducer and its operation in a specific resonance state.
  • the phase angle between the current and the voltage on Output of the generator measured and used for frequency control of the generator by generating a voltage proportional to the phase angle between current and voltage, in addition to the phase angle, the current, the voltage and / or the apparent or active power at the RF output of the generator as an additional control variable digitally processed and linked to the phase angle to determine the desired resonant frequency of the generator.
  • the resonance frequency mentioned is the frequency of the parallel resonance of the ultrasound transducer, for the finding of which a start frequency above the parallel resonance is selected and then regulated to the current minimum in order to then operate the ultrasound transducer in the parallel resonance of the impedance curve.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying an alternative method for operating an ultrasound generator and a correspondingly designed ultrasound generator which, in a simpler and more cost-effective manner, ensure operation in a predetermined or predeterminable operating point with a corresponding output power and vibration amplitude.
  • an ultrasound generator for supplying HF energy to an ultrasound transducer, in particular for ultrasound welding or for ultrasound cleaning, which ultrasound generator has at least one resonant circuit which can be electrically excited by means of an excitation signal with an excitation frequency and which is in electrical operative connection with at least one electro-mechanical oscillation system of the ultrasound transducer which vibration system has a parallel resonance at a first (excitation) frequency and a series resonance at a second (excitation) frequency, which is expressed by means of a maximum or a minimum of the magnitude of the impedance of the vibration system, in which a) in the Resonant circuit, preferably in front of a parallel choke contained therein, at least when the oscillating system starts to vibrate with an initial excitation frequency, the phase difference between the current and voltage of the excitation signal is determined and used for frequency control of the ultrasound generator; b) as a function of the determined phase difference with a phase difference ⁇ 0 °, the frequency of the initial excitation frequency is regulated in such
  • An ultrasound generator for supplying HF energy to an ultrasound transducer, in particular for ultrasound welding or for ultrasound cleaning, with at least one oscillation circuit which can be electrically excited by means of an excitation signal with an excitation frequency and which can be coupled in electrical connection with at least one electro-mechanical oscillation system of an ultrasound transducer, which oscillation system in one
  • the first (excitation) frequency has a parallel resonance and a second (excitation) frequency has a series resonance, which is expressed by means of a maximum or a minimum of the magnitude of the impedance of the oscillating system, comprising a) in the oscillating circuit, preferably in front of one contained therein Parallel choke, arranged first measuring means, which are designed to determine the phase difference between current and voltage of the excitation signal and which are provided for this purpose, corresponding measurement signals, preferably a corresponding phase difference reference signal to provide at a frequency control unit of the ultrasonic generator; is characterized by b) frequency control means provided in the frequency control unit, which are designed for this purpose are dependent on the determined phase
  • the first measuring means mentioned it is not necessary for the first measuring means mentioned to be designed directly for generating and providing an (analog) phase difference signal. Instead, it is alternatively possible to calculate the phase difference (digital) from the measured values for current and voltage.
  • An ultrasound system has at least one ultrasound generator according to the invention in operative connection with at least one ultrasound transducer, the impedance of the ultrasound transducer or its electromechanical oscillation system depending on the excitation frequency having a parallel resonance and a series resonance.
  • the impedance of an ultrasonic transducer is a complex value and in Figure 1 as a function of frequency f, shown separately according to amount Z (actually
  • the impedance is the quotient of complex alternating voltage and complex alternating current and, for the person skilled in the art, contains the summary of two statements: it indicates the ratio of the amplitude of sinusoidal alternating voltage to sinusoidal alternating current, and it indicates the phase shift between these two quantities. This phase shift is referred to as "phase of impedance" ( ⁇ ).
  • the impedance points in Figure 1 Coming from lower frequencies, first a minimum amount, which impedance minimum corresponds to a so-called series resonance SR of the vibration system. Towards higher frequencies f, the impedance Z or its amount rises sharply up to a maximum in the so-called parallel resonance PR of the oscillating system.
  • the phase of the impedance or the phase difference ⁇ between (HF) current and (HF) voltage of the resonant circuit changes when a voltage source is connected when the series resonance SR is reached, coming from low frequencies, from negative (-90 °) to positive ( + 90 °), and when the parallel resonance PR is reached again at -90 °.
  • the phase angle is zero at the frequency of the respective resonance SR, PR.
  • the ultrasound generator regulates the excitation frequency within a frequency band which is defined between the two zero crossings ND1 and ND2 of the phase difference.
  • the zero crossings ND1, ND2 mentioned coincide with the associated frequency with the series resonance SR and the parallel resonance PR of the ultrasound transducer.
  • the phase angle between (HF) current and (HF) voltage is positive.
  • the phase difference between the current and voltage of the excitation signal is determined in a first method step in the resonant circuit of the ultrasonic generator, and preferably in front of a parallel choke or inductor contained in the resonant circuit, at least when the oscillating system starts to vibrate with an initial excitation frequency - possibly in the form of a resulting phase difference signal - used for frequency control of the ultrasound generator as a controlled variable.
  • the current and the voltage are preferably measured in the resonant circuit, the time differences of which can be used to determine the phase difference mentioned, for example digitally using a suitable processor.
  • the frequency of the initial excitation frequency is regulated within the scope of the present invention in such a way that the phase difference becomes essentially zero, the oscillating system approaching its parallel resonance, which means a maximum amount the impedance goes hand in hand.
  • the corresponding frequency of the excitation signal is also called the "start frequency" designated.
  • the oscillation system or the ultrasound transducer is then excited according to the invention to ultrasound oscillations at the starting frequency.
  • the excitation frequency is then regulated in such a way that the phase of the impedance is> 0 °.
  • the vibration system is operated after the method step d) at an operating point between parallel resonance and series resonance of the vibration system ( ⁇ > 0 °). It is possible for the operating point to be shifted as a function of a user specification or input, and preferably in the direction of the series resonance for larger vibration amplitudes and / or for greater vibration performance or in the direction of the parallel resonance for smaller vibration amplitude and / or for lower vibration performance.
  • the ultrasound generator determines the phase between (HF) current and (HF) voltage in the resonant circuit as soon as the ultrasound oscillation system starts up or starts to oscillate, and is therefore able to determine whether the set initial one Excitation frequency is in the correct frequency range.
  • “correct frequency range” is to be understood in particular as the frequency band defined above ( ⁇ > 0 °). This enables the so-called start frequency, which is predetermined by the resonance property of the ultrasound transducer or the oscillation system, to be recognized, automatically readjusted and optimized.
  • the starting frequency is preferably determined by determining that frequency value at which the phase difference or the phase of the impedance disappears in the parallel resonance or in the series resonance, ie the value zero assumes. This is most preferably done by means of a preliminary scan at a relatively low power, the initial excitation frequency subsequently being essentially set to the predetermined starting frequency of the excitation signal.
  • the start frequency at which the ultrasound generator tries to start up corresponds to the frequency of the parallel resonance PR or the series resonance SR (cf. Figure 1 ). Depending on the power or amplitude specification, it can then be linked to the frequency of the series resonance SR or the parallel resonance PR (cf.
  • Figure 1 can be approximated. In principle, however, it is also possible, within the scope of a specific power or amplitude specification, to set a corresponding operating point frequency, which approximates the frequency of the series resonance or parallel resonance, as soon as it starts to oscillate.
  • the distance between parallel resonance and series resonance of the vibration system is determined by changing the frequency of the excitation signal and by determining the two frequency values at which the phase difference ( see. Figure 1 ) disappears. Again, this can be done by pre-scanning at a relatively low power.
  • the stated (frequency) distance between parallel resonance and series resonance can be used as a control basis for the frequency control of the ultrasound generator when the vibration system is excited. In this way, the ultrasound generator can recognize whether the ultrasound oscillation system is a rather narrow-band or a relatively broad-band system, which is a measure of the quality of the system represents.
  • the ultrasonic generator is accordingly able to optimally adapt its control characteristics to the system.
  • control fineness is understood to mean the frequency resolution between the series resonance point and the parallel resonance point.
  • the adjusted control characteristic enables the ultrasound generator to optimally find and regulate the desired operating point frequency in the frequency band mentioned, the excitation of undesired secondary resonances of the ultrasound oscillation system to be avoided being reliably avoided.
  • the initial excitation frequency is essentially set to the starting frequency of the excitation signal on the basis of known, preferably electrical or mechanical parameters of the vibration system.
  • a still further development of the method according to the invention provides for this purpose that - preferably after reducing the excitation frequency beforehand - the excitation frequency is recorded as soon as the frequency of the series resonance of the vibration system has been reached.
  • - preferably after the excitation frequency has been increased beforehand - the excitation frequency is recorded as soon as the maximum of the impedance in the parallel resonance of the vibration system has been reached. This corresponds to a limitation of the excitation frequency to the frequency band already mentioned several times in order to avoid the excitation of secondary resonances.
  • At least one further property for example voltage and / or current strength of a primary electrical energy supply signal used to generate the excitation signal, is measured and used as a control variable for frequency control and / or for a protective function for protecting components of the ultrasonic generator is used.
  • additional measurement data from a primary energy supply unit (power supply) which supplies electrical power to an output stage contained in the ultrasound generator, can be added to the control system in order to regulate any fluctuation in the primary voltage of the power supply or to protect the output stage from overload if the primary current is too high ( Protective function).
  • a corresponding development of the ultrasound generator according to the invention provides in this context that, in addition to the first measuring means, which are designed to determine the phase difference between the current and voltage of the excitation signal in the resonant circuit, there are also second measuring means which are in electrical operative connection with the primary electrical power supply unit for generating the excitation signal. Said second measuring means are designed to determine at least one property, preferably voltage and / or current, of a primary electrical energy supply signal generated by the energy supply unit and to feed it back to the frequency control unit of the ultrasound generator. Additionally or alternatively, the measured values provided by the second measuring means can also be used for the protective function already mentioned, which protective function serves to protect components of the ultrasonic generator from damage, for example the output stage.
  • the frequency control unit of the ultrasound generator can be designed as an “intelligent” unit in the sense of a microprocessor, microcontroller, a digital signal processor or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or in the form of another digital computer unit.
  • the frequency control unit can furthermore contain a type of "artificial intelligence", for example a neural network or an expert system which preferably serves to provide predictions regarding the vibration behavior of the ultrasound transducer or the ultrasound vibration system in the course of modeling, in order to positively influence, in particular to accelerate, the control behavior.
  • the frequency control unit can carry out program-controlled processes in the course of the aforementioned further development, in the course of yet another further development of the ultrasound generator according to the invention it is provided that it has a first device, preferably a software-based or firmware-based device, for in particular automatically determining the distance between parallel resonance and series resonance Vibration system by changing the frequency of the excitation signal. As already described, this is preferably done on the basis of the frequency values with a vanishing phase difference between the current and voltage of the excitation signal and most preferably before the excitation of the oscillating system by means of a preliminary scan at a relatively low power. The distance mentioned can then be used as a control basis for the frequency control of the ultrasound generator, in particular as an influencing variable when setting a fineness of the frequency control (control fineness, see above) of the ultrasound generator.
  • a comparable second device can be provided for, in particular, automatically determining the starting frequency. This is also preferably done on the basis of the frequency value with a vanishing phase difference between current and voltage of the excitation signal in the case of parallel resonance and most preferably by means of a preliminary scan at a relatively low power. In this way, the initial excitation frequency is then essentially adjustable to the predetermined starting frequency of the excitation signal.
  • the ultrasound generator has further measuring means for determining at least one of the variables HF current strength, reactive power and active power in the resonant circuit, which measuring means are in electrical and signaling operative connection with the frequency control unit of the ultrasound generator by the quantities mentioned as further Use controlled variables for frequency control.
  • the frequency control unit is constructed in a cascaded manner.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • PBM pulse width modulation
  • FIG 2 shows schematically, based on a block diagram, an ultrasound system according to the invention, which is designated in its entirety by reference number 1.
  • the ultrasound system 1 comprises an ultrasound generator 2, to which an ultrasound transducer 3 with an electro-mechanical oscillation system is connected in electrical connection, which is shown here in the form of an equivalent circuit diagram.
  • the ultrasound transducer 3 generates ultrasound waves 4, which can be used for machining a workpiece 5, for example for ultrasound welding or for ultrasound cleaning, without the present invention being restricted to this.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 3 or the oscillation system has a frequency-dependent impedance behavior Z (f), which is only shown symbolically here (cf. Figure 1 ).
  • the ultrasonic transducer 3 With increasing (excitation) frequency f, the ultrasonic transducer 3 initially has a minimum of the impedance Z, followed from an impedance maximum.
  • the impedance minimum coincides with the so-called series resonance SR of the ultrasound transducer 3, while the impedance maximum coincides with the so-called parallel resonance PR of the ultrasound transducer 3; whereupon based on Figure 1 has already been pointed out.
  • the electrical or signaling coupling of ultrasound transducer 3 and ultrasound generator 2 takes place at reference number 2a, which denotes an output or connection of the ultrasound generator.
  • the ultrasound generator 2 comprises the following components: a (primary) energy supply unit 2b; an amplifier output stage 2c, which is supplied with electrical energy by the energy supply unit 2b; a transformer 2d for transforming a voltage supplied from the power supply unit 2b to the required level; a matching network 2e with at least one inductor (L) or choke 2f as part of a (total) resonant circuit 3 'in electrical or signaling operative connection with the transformer 2d and first measuring means 2g, which are used to measure physical quantities in the matching network 2e or Oscillating circuit are formed, at least one first measuring means 2g1 for measuring the current and the voltage in the matching network 2e, ie is formed in the resonant circuit 3 'in front of the inductor 2f in order to determine the phase difference between (excitation) voltage and current therefrom, for example in
  • first measuring means 2g2, 2g3 are used to measure additional physical quantities within the matching network 2e or the resonant circuit 3 ', such as reactive power or active power, which will also be discussed in more detail below.
  • a frequency control unit 2h preferably has cascaded control means 2h1-2h3 which each use the measurement signals of the first measurement means 2g1-2g3 as a control variable for frequency control.
  • Control means 2i act on the output stage 2c in accordance with the frequency control unit 2h, so that the latter transmits the electrical energy to the transformer 2d of the supply unit 2b in the form of a specific, regulated frequency.
  • the ultrasound generator 2 at reference number 2j also comprises further, second measuring means in active signal connection with the energy supply unit 2b, which second measuring means 2j, like the first measuring means 2g, are in active signal connection with the frequency control unit 2h.
  • the second measuring means 2j are used to determine certain properties, such as voltage or current, of the energy supply unit 2b, so that they can also be used as a control variable for frequency control.
  • the measured properties of the energy supply unit 2b can also be used in the sense of a protective function for components of the ultrasound generator 2, for example in order to protect the output stage 2c against overload in the case of an excessively high primary current (excessively high current intensity at the energy supply unit 2b).
  • At least the frequency control unit 2h can be designed together with (functional constituent) parts of the first 2g and the second measuring means 2j in the form of a program-controlled or programmable digital processor unit 2k, which can be operated from the outside by an operator of the ultrasound system 1 by means of user inputs, the latter in Figure 2 was not shown explicitly for reasons of clarity.
  • a user input includes, for example, entering a desired vibration amplitude or a desired ultrasound power.
  • the measured values which are measured by the first measuring means 2g on the matching network 2e or on the resonant circuit 3 ', give the frequency control unit 2h all the measurement data which are necessary for determining and correcting the working frequency to be output.
  • measurement data from the primary power or energy supply unit 2b supplied by the second measuring means 2j can also be used, which primary energy supply unit supplies the output stage 2c with electrical energy. If such further measured values are supplied to the frequency control unit 2h, any fluctuation in the primary voltage of the energy supply unit 2b can be corrected.
  • the output stage 2c which is driven by the control unit 2i is, the transformer 2d gives the electrical energy of the primary supply unit 2b in the form of a certain frequency (excitation frequency).
  • the transformer 2d transforms the voltage supplied by the energy supply unit 2b to the required level and applies this voltage to the resonant circuit 3 '.
  • new measurement data are recorded on the matching network 2e / the oscillating circuit 3 'or on the inductance or parallel choke 2f contained therein (by the first measuring means 2g), which the frequency control unit 2h requires in order to readjust the excitation frequency to the circumstances.
  • the given conditions include, in particular, the actual load or vibration state of the ultrasound transducer 3 or of the vibration system, the operating instructions mentioned by an operator and further (physical) parameters of the ultrasound system, for example its heating during operation.
  • the electrical energy passes through the output or connection 2a in the form of the output excitation frequency into the ultrasound oscillation system (ultrasound transducer 3) connected to the ultrasound generator 2, which converts the electrical excitation energy into mechanical vibrations, which is basically known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the combination of matching network 2e and ultrasonic transducer 3 functions as an oscillating circuit 3 ', which has already been pointed out several times.
  • the matching network can also have at least one capacitance (C), which is known to the person skilled in the art and in Figure 2 is not shown.
  • Figure 3 shows on the basis of a block diagram an embodiment in which a current transformer or current sensor 2g1 is arranged in the matching network 2e of the ultrasound generator 2 in front of the inductor 2f and generates a corresponding (current) measurement signal SM1 and on which in Figure 3 frequency control unit 2h not explicitly drawn in (dashed arrow in Figure 3 ). Since the inductance 2f according to Figure 3 parallel to the exit or conclusion 2a of the ultrasonic generator 2 is switched, it is also referred to as a parallel choke.
  • Figure 4 shows a development of the circuit arrangement Figure 3 , in each of which a current transformer or current sensor 2g1 is arranged in front of the parallel choke 2f and another 2g2 is arranged behind the parallel choke 2f.
  • the current transformer or current sensor 2g2 arranged behind the inductor 2f measures only the current component through the inductor 2f.
  • the current through the ultrasound transducer 3 can be calculated, for example through the processor unit 2k, so that in the frequency control unit 2h (cf. Figure 2 ) then advantageously a pure active current signal is available for control purposes.
  • Figure 6 shows waveforms for the phase signal of the voltage ⁇ U or fU and for the phase signal of the current ⁇ I or fl over time t.
  • the two signals ⁇ U / fU and ⁇ I / fI are obtained from the measurements of current and voltage by means of an analog preparation.
  • the processing mentioned is carried out by the processor 2k (cf. Figure 2 ) on the basis of the corresponding measurement signals, in particular the current measurement signals SM1, SM2 or SM '( Figures 3 to 5 ). From the time interval ⁇ t or Dt of the phase signals ⁇ U / fU and ⁇ I / fI (distance between two rising edges), the processor 2k can calculate the phase or the phase difference and generate a corresponding phase difference signal.
  • the phase difference mentioned becomes zero when the ultrasound transducer 3 (cf. Figures 2 to 5 ) is excited with its parallel resonance or with its series resonance.
  • the processor 2k can, for example, on the basis of the edge sequence or of the flank profile determine at which operating point along the impedance curve according to Figure 1 the ultrasound system is currently in place.
  • phase signals according to Figure 6 it is also possible to use the phase signals according to Figure 6 to generate a direct voltage proportional to the phase signals and this to the processor 2k (cf. Figure 2 ) on an ADC pin.
  • this would be disadvantageously associated with a reduced measuring speed, a reduced measuring accuracy and an increased susceptibility to faults.
  • Figure 7 shows a configuration of the method according to the invention for operating an ultrasound generator, in particular the ultrasound generator 2 according to FIG Figure 2 to the high-frequency (HF) energy supply of an ultrasonic transducer, in particular the ultrasonic transducer 3 according to Figure 2 , the method preferably running in or at the instigation of the processor 2k.
  • HF high-frequency
  • the method begins with step S100, for example in that an operator according to the ultrasound system 1 or the ultrasound generator 2 Figure 2 starts up.
  • the bandwidth of the ultrasound system is then determined in a method step S102.
  • the system remains limited to this area in later operation in order not to stimulate undesired secondary resonances of the vibration system.
  • the bandwidth is advantageously determined in such a way that the distance between parallel resonance and series resonance of the oscillation system is determined by changing the frequency of the excitation signal and determining the zero crossings of the phase difference signal, in particular by means of a preliminary scan with a relatively low power.
  • the zero crossings ND1, ND2 (cf. Figure 1 ) of the phase difference or the associated phase difference signal can be determined, as further above using Figure 6 already discussed in principle.
  • the frequencies of the zero crossings mentioned depend on the type of ultrasonic transducer or vibrating system connected and are essentially known after step S102 when the ultrasonic generator is in operation.
  • the control fineness of the frequency control unit is then set in step S104.
  • the start frequency for exciting the oscillation system is then sought in step S106.
  • step S108 a query is made as to whether the desired starting frequency has already been found. If the query in step S108 is answered in the negative (-), the method continues with step S106. If the inquiries in step 108 are answered in the affirmative (+), the oscillation system is then acted upon in step S110 with the starting frequency. Since the starting frequency - as stated - essentially coincides with the frequency of the parallel resonance of the vibration system, the impedance of the vibration system is in accordance with Figure 1 relatively high impedance, so that little power is given off and the amplitude of the mechanical vibration is small. For reasons of operational safety and durability of the system, it is desirable if the vibration system is first subjected to its parallel resonance.
  • step S112 the power is adapted or increased in accordance with the user specification, in particular by increasing the applied voltage and / or current.
  • step S114 in the course of a so-called frequency Shifting the excitation frequency to the frequency of the series resonance SR (cf. Figure 1 ) approximates what is regularly associated with a reduction in the excitation frequency based on the parallel resonance PR. This continues until the desired operating point of the ultrasound system is reached. This is equivalent to the fact that the ultrasound system delivers the desired output power or vibration amplitude at the operating point.
  • the corresponding values can be set by an operator on the ultrasound generator 2 (cf. Figure 2 ) are specified and form corresponding target values or target variables for the frequency control unit 2h.
  • step S116 there is a query as to whether the desired operating point (control setpoint) has already been reached. If this query is answered in the negative (-), the method returns to step S114. If the query in step S116 is answered in the affirmative (+), the set frequency is maintained in accordance with step S118 and the ultrasound device is operated at the selected operating point.
  • step S118 when other system parameters change, the frequency is readjusted, for example when the system heats up, which usually results in a shift of the operating point towards lower frequencies (after left in Figure 1 ) results.
  • the lowering of the frequency in connection with method step S114 implies that the frequency is not lowered to values below the series resonance frequency, so that no undesired secondary resonances of the vibration system are excited.
  • step S118 ends after step S118 with step S120.
  • step S120 there is also the possibility, fundamentally and in deviation from the foregoing, of setting the start frequency to the determined frequency of the series resonance and then increasing the frequency, or of directly looking for a frequency in the working range (phase greater than zero).
  • This double arrow symbolizes a preferred further embodiment of the processor or processor unit 2k, which can be embodied as an “intelligent” unit (artificial intelligence) or in the form of an expert system in order to provide additional information regarding the vibration or To provide impedance behavior of the ultrasonic transducer 3 or the vibration system.
  • the processor unit 2k can be designed in this connection to record and evaluate certain measured behavior parameters of the ultrasound transducer and to derive assumptions for a later renewed operation of the ultrasound system 1. In particular, such predictions can serve to specify the starting frequency mentioned above as precisely as possible in order to shorten the initial adjustment of the ultrasound generator 3.
  • Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating an ultrasound generator, in particular the ultrasound generator 2 according to FIG Figure 2 to the high-frequency (HF) energy supply of an ultrasonic transducer, in particular the ultrasonic transducer 3 according to Figure 2 , the method preferably running in or at the instigation of the processor 2k.
  • HF high-frequency
  • step S200 begins with step S200, for example in that an operator according to the ultrasound system 1 or the ultrasound generator 2 Figure 2 starts up.
  • step S202 is followed by a reference step at reference number S202 in order to determine the physical or electrical parameters required for the control of the system, in particular using those already based on FIG Figure 2 explained measuring means 2g, 2j.
  • the HF current strength and the HF voltage are measured, from which the HF power (through product formation) and the phase, ie the relative phase position or phase difference between HF current and HF voltage, can be determined.
  • phase denotes the phase of the impedance.
  • frequency change is case-specific, as described above already explained in detail, as well as the “frequency control”.
  • Power limitation means a specification of the maximum permissible power by the device or by the user.
  • Actual value and “setpoint” stand for corresponding values for power or amplitude - depending on the application. For example, performance can be the crucial parameter for ultrasonic cleaning applications, while welding applications tend to focus on the amplitude of the vibration.
  • step S204 a query is made as to whether the measured HF current is above a predetermined threshold value "overcurrent threshold”. If the query in S204 is affirmative, the generator is switched off in the course of a protective function in order to protect the system (step S206).
  • step S208 a query is made as to whether the power effective in the vibration system is greater than a predetermined maximum power. If the query in step S208 is answered in the affirmative, a further query takes place in step S210 as to whether the phase difference between RF current and RF voltage is less than zero. If the query in step S210 is answered in the negative, in step S212 the frequency is controlled in conjunction with a power limit to find the parallel resonance, and the method returns to step S202. If the query in step S210 is answered in the affirmative, in step S214 there is a PWM control for power reduction and a phase control for achieving a phase difference of 0 ° (parallel resonance).
  • the system is particularly high-impedance, which is why the required power reduction takes place via the pulse width adjustment of the excitation signal (before the adjustment, the excitation signal can have an on-off ratio of 1-to-1, after power reduction correspondingly less.
  • the method then also returns back to step S202.
  • step S208 If the query in step S208 is in the negative, a further query takes place in step S216 as to whether the phase difference between RF current and RF voltage is less than zero. If this query is answered in the affirmative, a frequency change takes place in step S218. The method then returns to step S202.
  • step S220 a further query takes place in step S220 as to whether the phase difference between RF current and RF voltage is zero and whether an actual value of the power / amplitude is less than a corresponding setpoint. The user can specify these values or they are permanently set in the device. If the answer to the question in step S220 is affirmative, frequency control to a phase difference of zero is carried out in step S222, and the method returns to step S202.
  • step S220 If the query in step S220 is answered in the negative, frequency control takes place in step S224 to a desired value for power / amplitude, and the method returns to step S202.
  • phase difference between HF current and HF voltage is equivalent to a consideration of the phase of the complex impedance of the resonant circuit, which is mentioned several times, which results from the generator's own matching network and the connected ultrasound transducer.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatuses For Generation Of Mechanical Vibrations (AREA)
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Claims (16)

  1. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un générateur d'ultrasons (2) pour l'alimentation en énergie HF d'un transducteur ultrasonore (3), lequel générateur d'ultrasons présente au moins un circuit résonant (2e) qui peut être excité électriquement au moyen d'un signal d'excitation ayant une fréquence d'excitation (f) et qui est en liaison fonctionnelle électrique avec au moins un système oscillant électromécanique du transducteur ultrasonore, dont l'impédance présente un maximum absolu (PR) dans le cas d'une résonance parallèle du système oscillant et un minimum absolu (SR) dans le cas d'une résonance série du système oscillant, dans lequel
    a) dans le circuit oscillant (2e), au moins lorsque le système oscillant commence à osciller à une fréquence d'excitation initiale (f), la différence de phase (Δϕ) entre le courant et la tension du signal d'excitation est déterminée et utilisée pour réguler la fréquence du générateur d'ultrasons (2) ;
    caractérisé en ce que
    b) en fonction de la différence de phase déterminée (Δϕ) à une différence de phase < 0°, la fréquence d'excitation initiale (f) est régulée de telle sorte que, lorsqu'une fréquence de départ du signal d'excitation est atteinte, la différence de phase (Δϕ) devient sensiblement nulle et l'impédance du système oscillant se rapproche de son minimum absolu (SR) ou de son maximum absolu (PR) ;
    c) le système oscillant est excité en oscillations ultrasonores à la fréquence de départ et
    d) la fréquence d'excitation est régulée, pour l'adaptation d'amplitude ou de puissance du système oscillant, de telle sorte que la phase (Δϕ) de l'impédance du système oscillant soit > 0°.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce que
    qu'après l'étape d), le système oscillant fonctionne à un point de travail entre la résonance parallèle (PR) et la résonance série (SR) du système oscillant.
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la distance entre la résonance parallèle (PR) et la résonance série (SR) du système oscillant est déterminée en changeant la fréquence du signal d'excitation et en déterminant des valeurs de fréquence (ND1, ND2) avec une différence de phase (Δϕ) entre le courant et la tension du signal d'excitation tendant vers zéro et est utilisée comme base de régulation pour la régulation de fréquence du générateur d'ultrasons (2) lors de l'excitation du système oscillant pendant l'étape c) et l'étape d).
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 3,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la distance est utilisée comme grandeur d'influence dans le réglage d'une finesse de la régulation de fréquence du générateur d'ultrasons (2).
  5. Procédé selon au moins l'une des revendications 1 à 4,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la fréquence d'excitation initiale (f) est réglée sensiblement à la fréquence de départ du signal d'excitation au moyen de paramètres connus du système oscillant.
  6. Procédé selon au moins l'une des revendications 1 à 5,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la fréquence de départ est déterminée au préalable en déterminant la valeur de fréquence (ND2) avec une différence de phase (Δϕ) entre le courant et la tension du signal d'excitation tendant vers zéro à la résonance parallèle (PR) et la fréquence d'excitation initiale est ensuite réglée sensiblement à la fréquence de départ du signal d'excitation déterminée au préalable.
  7. Procédé selon au moins l'une des revendications 1 à 6,
    caractérisé en ce que
    la fréquence d'excitation est maintenue dès que le minimum (SR) de l'impédance à la résonance série du système oscillant a été atteint, ou que la fréquence d'excitation est maintenue dès que le maximum (PR) de l'impédance à la résonance parallèle du système oscillant a été atteint.
  8. Procédé selon au moins l'une des revendications 1 à 7,
    caractérisé en ce
    qu'en plus de la différence de phase (Δϕ), au moins l'une des grandeurs suivantes : intensité de courant HF, puissance réactive et puissance active dans le circuit oscillant (2e) est mesurée et utilisée comme grandeur réglée pour la régulation de fréquence.
  9. Procédé selon au moins l'une des revendications 1 à 8,
    caractérisé en ce
    qu'en plus, au moins une propriété d'un signal d'alimentation en énergie électrique primaire pour la génération du signal d'excitation est mesurée et utilisée comme grandeur réglée pour la régulation de fréquence et/ou pour une fonction de protection pour des composants (2c) du générateur d'ultrasons (2).
  10. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) pour l'alimentation en énergie HF d'un transducteur ultrasonore (3), comportant au moins un circuit oscillant (2e) qui peut être excité électriquement au moyen d'un signal d'excitation ayant une fréquence d'excitation (f) et qui peut être couplé en liaison fonctionnelle électrique à au moins un système oscillant électromécanique d'un transducteur ultrasonore, dont l'impédance présente un maximum absolu (PR) dans le cas d'une résonance parallèle du système oscillant et un minimum absolu (SR) dans le cas d'une résonance série du système oscillant, présentant
    a) des premiers moyens de mesure (2g) disposés dans le circuit oscillant (2e), qui sont conçus pour déterminer la différence de phase (Δϕ) entre le courant et la tension du signal d'excitation et qui sont prévus pour fournir des signaux de mesure correspondants à une unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) du générateur d'ultrasons (2) ;
    caractérisé par
    b) des moyens de régulation de fréquence (2h1-2h3) prévus dans l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h), qui sont conçus pour réguler la fréquence (f) de la fréquence d'excitation en fonction de la différence de phase déterminée (Δϕ) à une différence de phase < 0° de telle sorte que, lorsqu'une fréquence de départ du signal d'excitation est atteinte, la différence de phase (Δϕ) devient sensiblement nulle et l'impédance du système oscillant se rapproche de son minimum absolu (SR) ou de son maximum absolu (PR) ; dans lequel
    c) les moyens de régulation de fréquence (2h1-2h3) sont en outre conçus pour réguler la fréquence d'excitation (f), pour l'adaptation d'amplitude ou de puissance du système oscillant, de telle sorte que la phase (Δϕ) de l'impédance du système oscillant lors du fonctionnement du transducteur ultrasonore (3) soit > 0°.
  11. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon la revendication 10,
    caractérisé par
    des deuxièmes moyens de mesure (2j) en liaison fonctionnelle électrique avec une unité d'alimentation en énergie électrique primaire (2b) pour générer le signal d'excitation, lesquels deuxièmes moyens de mesure sont conçus pour déterminer au moins une propriété d'un signal d'alimentation en énergie électrique primaire généré par l'unité d'alimentation en énergie et pour le coupler en retour à l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) du générateur d'ultrasons (2) et/ou pour l'utiliser pour une fonction de protection pour protéger des composants (2c) du générateur d'ultrasons (2).
  12. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon la revendication 10 ou 11,
    caractérisé par
    un premier dispositif pour déterminer la distance entre la résonance parallèle (PR) et la résonance série (SR) du système oscillant en changeant la fréquence du signal d'excitation, laquelle distance peut être utilisée comme base de régulation pour la régulation de la fréquence du générateur d'ultrasons (2), en particulier comme grandeur d'influence dans le réglage de l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) du générateur d'ultrasons (2) ; et/ou un deuxième dispositif pour déterminer la fréquence de départ, de telle sorte que la fréquence d'excitation initiale puisse ensuite être réglée sensiblement à la fréquence de départ du signal d'excitation déterminée au préalable.
  13. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon au moins l'une des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisé par
    d'autres moyens de mesure (2j2-2j3) pour déterminer au moins l'une des grandeurs suivantes : intensité de courant HF, puissance réactive et puissance active dans le circuit oscillant, lesquels moyens de mesure sont en liaison fonctionnelle électrique avec l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) du générateur d'ultrasons (3) afin d'utiliser lesdites grandeurs comme grandeurs réglées supplémentaires pour la régulation de fréquence.
  14. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon au moins l'une des revendications 10 à 13, caractérisé en ce que
    l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) est montée en cascade (2h1-2h3).
  15. Générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon au moins l'une des revendications 10 à 14, caractérisé par
    une unité intelligente (2k) ou un système expert en liaison fonctionnelle par signaux avec l'unité de régulation de fréquence (2h) ou comme unité supérieure à l'unité de régulation de fréquence.
  16. Système à ultrasons (1), présentant au moins un générateur d'ultrasons (2) selon au moins l'une des revendications 10 à 15, en liaison fonctionnelle avec au moins un transducteur ultrasonore (3), lequel transducteur ultrasonore (3) ou son système oscillant électromécanique présente dans son impédance (Z), en fonction de la fréquence d'excitation (f), une résonance parallèle (PR) et une résonance série (SR).
EP13181693.6A 2012-09-10 2013-08-26 Système ultrasonore, générateur d'ultrasons et procédé de fonctionnement de celui-ci Active EP2705906B1 (fr)

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