Tactile sensor scanning workpiece surface - uses sensor pin in mechanical oscillation system with driver coil for intermittent contact with scanned surface

摘要

The tactile sensor uses a sensor pin (5) forming part of a mechanical oscillation system with a pair of parallel spring blades (1,2). The oscillation system is electromagnetically energised via a driver coil (9), so that the sensor pin (5) contacts the workpiece surface intermittently, with the variation in the spacing (12) between the sensor and the workpiece (41) causing a corresponding frequency variation which is converted into an output control signal. Pref. an evaluation circuit for the oscillation frequency provides a control signal for a regulation stage regulating the distance between the sensor and the workpiece (41). ADVANTAGE - Reduces wear and damage of sensor pin.