Device for processing workpieces

Abstract

A device for processing workpieces uses ultrasound, with an resonant system comprising an ultrasound generator, an ultrasound sonotrode, and an anvil, wherein a workpiece is processed between the anvil and the ultrasound sonotrode. The ultrasound generator comprises a regulation means which has a regulation member connected upstream of the ultrasound generator to receive a feedback signal from the resonant system and to generate a regulation variable which is supplied to the ultrasound generator. A connecting point is provided between the regulation member and the ultrasound generator, at which the regulation variable of the regulation member is linked to a process variable from the processing procedure.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device for processing a workpiece using ultrasound, the device comprising:
 an ultrasound generator;   an ultrasound sonotrode cooperating with said ultrasound generator;   an anvil, wherein the workpiece is processed between said anvil and said ultrasound sonotrode, said generator, sonotrode and anvil forming a resonant system;   means for generating a feedback signal from said resonant system;   a regulation means having a regulation member and connected upstream of said ultrasound generator, said regulation means receiving said feedback signal and generating a regulation variable;   means for extracting a process variable in response to processing of the workpiece; and   connecting means disposed between said regulation member and said ultrasound generator to link said regulation variable to said processing variable and to subsequently pass said regulation variable to said ultrasound generator.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said process variable is a processing force of said ultrasound sonotrode. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said process variable is a processing temperature of a tip of said ultrasound sonotrode. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said process variable is a signal that detects or reflects deformation of said resonant system. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said process variable is a predetermined signal that synchronously accompanies processing of the workpiece. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein in said regulation means has a PID controller. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a scaling element or a proportional controller for the process variable, disposed upstream of said connecting point means. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said scaling element is an adaptive system. 
     
     
         9 . The regulation means of the device for processing a workpieces of  claim 1 .