EP2116474A1 - Ultrasound sensor - Google Patents

Ultrasound sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2116474A1
EP2116474A1 EP09005354A EP09005354A EP2116474A1 EP 2116474 A1 EP2116474 A1 EP 2116474A1 EP 09005354 A EP09005354 A EP 09005354A EP 09005354 A EP09005354 A EP 09005354A EP 2116474 A1 EP2116474 A1 EP 2116474A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
ultrasonic
sensor
transducer
receiver
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09005354A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2116474B1 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Patz
Thomas Merk
Jörg Klaiber
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Leuze Electronic GmbH and Co KG
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Leuze Electronic GmbH and Co KG
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Application filed by Leuze Electronic GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Leuze Electronic GmbH and Co KG
Priority to EP09012236A priority Critical patent/EP2131353B1/en
Publication of EP2116474A1 publication Critical patent/EP2116474A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor.
  • Such ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection in different applications.
  • an ultrasonic sensor has at least one transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves and a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves.
  • the received signals present at the output of the receiver are evaluated in an evaluation unit. If the ultrasonic sensor operates according to the reflection principle, the proportion of ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter, which are reflected back by an object, is determined in the evaluation unit from the received signals.
  • the proportion of ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter which penetrate an object structure to be detected, is determined in the evaluation unit from the received signals. In particular, multi-layered object structures can be detected in this way.
  • Such an ultrasonic sensor is in the DE 199 21 217 A1 described. This ultrasonic sensor is used to detect labels on carrier materials.
  • the transmitter and the receiver In known ultrasonic sensors of this type, the transmitter and the receiver must each be installed in a sensor housing and aligned during installation within the housing, that is to be adjusted.
  • the transmitter and the receiver also have connection cables that must be contacted to electronic components. In addition, these connection cables must be shielded in order to realize protection against electromagnetic interference.
  • the transmitter and the receiver of such an ultrasonic sensor each form an ultrasonic transducer with a piezoelectric element, which Generate or receive ultrasonic waves. This piezoelectric element is integrated in a converter housing consisting of metal or hard plastic.
  • the transducer housing must be encased at least with a foam material.
  • the resonance space within the transducer housing of an ultrasonic transducer must be filled with soft filling material.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an ultrasonic sensor or an ultrasonic transducer of the type mentioned, which is simple and inexpensive to produce with high functionality.
  • the ultrasonic sensor comprises a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves, a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves, evaluation electronics for generating an object detection signal as a function of the received signals at the output of the receiver and a sensor housing.
  • the sensor housing has a housing body with a lateral housing opening, which can be locked with a housing cover as a further component of the sensor housing.
  • the transmitter, the receiver and a printed circuit board with components of the evaluation are introduced via the open housing opening in recordings in the housing body.
  • a significant advantage of the ultrasonic sensor according to the invention is that already by inserting the transmitter and the receiver into the receptacles that are open in the lateral housing opening, whose axes are aligned correctly with each other. The transmitter and the receiver are thus adjusted without further adjustment. Also, the circuit board with the evaluation electronics integrated thereon is fixed in position in the intended for this recording of the sensor housing in its desired position. The assembly of these components of the ultrasonic sensor can thus be performed quickly and easily.
  • the sensor housing is integrally formed by the housing cover is connected to the housing body via a film hinge, so that the housing cover on the housing body is easy to open and hinged.
  • the ultrasonic sensor can work according to the reflection principle.
  • the ultrasonic sensor works according to the transmission principle.
  • the sensor housing is particularly advantageous fork-shaped, wherein the sensor housing has two fork arms whose longitudinal axes parallel to each other. In a fork arm of the transmitter and in the other fork arm of the receiver is arranged.
  • the stored in the fork arms transmitter and receiver are thus aligned in their desired positions correctly facing each other with coincident axes, so that objects that are located between the fork arms, can be reliably detected.
  • the transmitter and the receiver are arranged in the fork arms opposite one another. Their axes are inclined at a predetermined angle to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fork arms. In this case, the conveying direction of objects to be detected is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the fork arms.
  • the mutually facing sides of the fork arms which have the exit surfaces, at which the transmitter or receiver open, have a convex-shaped cross-section.
  • the ultrasonic sensor according to the invention can optionally have a pin strip or a plug as connection means. By appropriately trained recordings in the sensor housing these connection means can be easily integrated in the ultrasonic sensor.
  • the ultrasonic transducer serves to form a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves and / or a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves, in particular for an ultrasonic sensor, and has a converter housing made of soft material which forms a means for structure-borne sound decoupling.
  • the ultrasound transducer housing itself forms a means of structure-borne sound decoupling by the formation of soft material
  • the ultrasound transducer thus formed can be provided without an additional casing of foam material in an external unit, in particular in the sensor housing of the ultrasound sensor to be assembled.
  • the resonant space in the interior of the converter housing no longer has to be filled with soft filling material. Rather, the interior of the transducer housing can be left as a cavity through which Anschusslitzen a piezoelectric element can be performed.
  • the piezoelectric element itself which forms a medium for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and on which preferably a matching layer is applied, can be mounted on the transducer housing simply by being inserted into a groove of the transducer housing.
  • the pigtails are first inserted into the cavity of the transducer housing and then passed through an opening at the back of the transducer housing, so that the free ends of the pigtails protrude beyond the transducer housing. Then, the piezoelectric element is inserted into the groove so that it closes the open front side of the converter housing tight, that is, no additional sealing means for sealing the converter housing is needed.
  • peripheral wall of the sleeve-shaped converter housing forming the peripheral surface of the converter housing is provided in the circumferential direction of the converter housing and at the rear Ausmündende recess into which a metallic shielding sleeve is inserted.
  • the shielding sleeve serves not only to shield the transducer housing, but also to shield the connecting leads, since the shielding sleeve protrudes beyond the rear end of the transducer housing and thus shields the exposed ends of the connecting leads.
  • the rear, free edge of the shielding sleeve forms an adapter for mounting the ultrasonic transducer to an external unit.
  • the transducer housing and the shielding sleeve of the respective ultrasonic transducer are designed so that they can be inserted accurately into the receptacles of the sensor housing.
  • the connecting leads of the ultrasonic transducers are connected to the printed circuit board directly or via connection lines. Since the transducer housing of each ultrasonic transducer itself form the means for structure-borne sound decoupling, no separate means need be provided for this purpose.
  • the shielding of the ultrasonic transducer forming the receiver is designed so that it can be snapped onto the circuit board.
  • the shape of the shielding sleeve is designed so that after latching on the circuit board of the receiver formed by this ultrasonic transducer is in its correct nominal position in the sensor housing.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor 1 for detecting objects.
  • the ultrasonic sensor 1 can be used in particular for the detection of multi-layered object structures. For example, with the ultrasonic sensor 1 labels on carrier materials can be detected. Farther can be performed with the ultrasonic sensor 1, a double-sheet control such that single sheets of double sheets, that is two superimposed sheets, can be distinguished.
  • the components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 are integrated in a fork-shaped sensor housing 2.
  • the sensor housing 2 is preferably made of plastic.
  • the sensor housing 2 has a housing body 3 and a housing cover 4, wherein the housing cover 4 is connected via a film hinge 5, so that the sensor housing 2 is formed in one piece.
  • the sensor housing 2 is fork-shaped and has two parallel spaced-apart fork arms 2a, 2b. A cross section through the sensor housing 2 in the region of the fork arms 2a, 2b is in FIG. 2 shown.
  • the ultrasonic sensor 1 has an ultrasonic wave emitting transmitter 6 and an ultrasonic wave receiving receiver 7. Furthermore, a printed circuit board 8 is provided, on which the electronic components of a transmitter are provided.
  • the sensor housing 2 is completed laterally with the housing cover 4. When the housing cover 4 is open, a lateral housing opening of the housing body 3 is exposed. About this housing opening, the components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 are inserted into the housing body 3 and inserted there in recordings that are formed by opening out at the housing opening cavities of the housing body 3, fit.
  • the recordings are designed so that the printed circuit board 8 and in particular the transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are already arranged exactly in their desired positions in the sensor housing 2 after insertion into these recordings, so that no alignment of these components within the sensor housing 2 is required.
  • the printed circuit board 8 with the associated sensor components, that is, the transmitter 6 and receiver 7, is in FIG. 3 presented in a single representation. While the receiver 7 is seated directly on the underside of the circuit board 8 and is fixed there, the transmitter 6 is connected via a connecting line 9 to the circuit board 8. At the top of the circuit board 8, the receiver 7 opposite, a shield plate 10 is attached to the receiver 7, in particular the amplifier of the receiver 7, to protect against electromagnetic interference. On the circuit board 8 also sits on a pin header 11 as an electrical connection means. Alternatively, a plug may be provided.
  • FIG. 1 it can be seen that the transmitter 6 is arranged in the lower fork arm 2a opposite the receiver 7 in the upper fork arm 2b, so that their axes A coincide.
  • the axes A of the transmitter 6 and the receiver 7 are inclined by an inclination angle to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fork arms 2a, 2b.
  • the conveying direction of the objects is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • the detection of objects takes place in such a way that the transmitter 6 emits ultrasonic waves along the axis A in the direction of the receiver 7, the ultrasonic waves correspondingly being weakened when passing through an object.
  • an object detection signal is generated in response to the received signals and output via an integrated in the connection means output.
  • a double-sheet control is performed with the ultrasonic sensor 1
  • is by a Threshold evaluation of the received signals generates a binary object detection signal whose switching states indicate whether a single arc or a double arc has been detected.
  • a corresponding binary object detection signal is generated during the detection of labels on carrier materials.
  • the mutually facing sides of the fork arms of the sensor housing 2, at which the exit surfaces of the transmitter 6 and the receiver 7 open convex.
  • these housing surfaces have two peripheral to the center pointed peripheral surfaces. Also rounded training of the housing surfaces are possible. This ensures that the part of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter 6 penetrates an object to be detected and does not strike the receiver 7 but the adjacent housing wall, is not reflected to the transmitter 6 or from there back to the receiver 7. This prevents erroneous measurements caused by back reflections of the ultrasonic waves.
  • the probability of detection of the ultrasound sensor 1 can be further increased by placing an aperture 12 in front of the transmitter 6 and / or in front of the receiver 7. How out FIG. 2 can be seen, recesses 13 are provided in the fork arms 2a, 2b of the sensor housing 2, so that the panels 12 can be snapped onto the fork arms 2a, 2b.
  • FIG. 4 shows the structure of an ultrasonic transducer 14, which forms the receiver 7 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 in the present case.
  • the transmitter 6 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 is formed by a corresponding ultrasonic transducer 14.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 14 according to FIG. 4 has a transducer housing 15, which consists of soft material, preferably made of soft plastic such as TPE, and thus itself forms a means for structure-borne sound decoupling.
  • the converter housing 15 is sleeve-shaped and has an open front side and a largely closed rear side with a central opening 16 arranged there.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 14 further comprises a piezoelectric element 17 in the form of a metal-coated ceramic. From the metal coating on the back of the piezoelectric element 17 lead wires 18 away. On the front side of the piezoelectric element 17, a matching layer 19 is applied, which ensures an adaptation of the transition between the piezoelectric element 17 and the arranged air layer and thus causes an efficient coupling of the ultrasonic waves to be received.
  • the connecting leads 18 are inserted into the resonant space bounded by the transducer housing 15, which in the present case is a cavity filled only with air, and then passed through the rear opening 16 of the transducer housing 15, so that the free ends of the connecting leads 18 beyond the transducer housing 15 also protrude. Then, the piezoelectric element 17 is snapped with the matching layer 19 in a groove 20 which rotates on the inner wall of the converter housing 15 in the region of the open front side of the converter housing 15 in the circumferential direction. By the engagement of the piezoelectric element 17 with the matching layer 19 in the groove 20, the open front side of the transducer housing 15 is completed and the resonance chamber sealed to the outside. To improve the chemical resistance, the matching layer 19 may be coated with a parylene layer or the like.
  • FIG. 4 As can be seen, the rear part of the shielding sleeve projects beyond the transducer housing 15 of the ultrasound transducer 14.
  • the free edge of the shielding sleeve is bevelled so that when placing the shielding on the circuit board 8 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 of the ultrasonic transducer 14, that is, the receiver 7, is mounted at the correct angle in the sensor housing 2.
  • For fixing to the printed circuit board 8 are from the edge of the shielding sleeve locking lugs out, which can be snapped into holes in the circuit board 8.
  • the protruding over the transducer housing 15 part of the shielding sleeve forms a shield for the connecting wires 18 so that they do not need to be shielded separately.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

The sensor (1) has a transmitter (6) transmitting ultrasonic waves and a receiver (7) receiving the ultrasonic waves. An evaluation unit generates object detection signals depending on received signal on an output of the receiver. Sensor housing (2) has a housing body (3) with a lateral housing opening, which along with a housing cover (4) lockable as an integral part of the sensor housing. The transmitter, the receiver and a printed circuit board (8) with components of the evaluation unit are inserted through the housing opening in the housing body.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Ultraschallsensor.The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor.

Derartige Ultraschallsensoren werden zur Objektdetektion in unterschiedlichen Applikationen eingesetzt. Generell weist ein solcher Ultraschallsensor wenigstens einen Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Sender und einen Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfänger auf. Zur Generierung eines Objektfeststellungssignals werden in einer Auswerteeinheit die am Ausgang des Empfängers anstehenden Empfangssignale ausgewertet. Arbeitet der Ultraschallsensor nach dem Reflexionsprinzip, so wird in der Auswerteeinheit aus den Empfangssignalen der Anteil der vom Sender emittierten Ultraschallwellen, die von einem Objekt zurückreflektiert werden, ermittelt. Bei einem nach dem Transmissionsprinzip arbeitenden Ultraschallsensor wird in der Auswerteeinheit aus den Empfangssignalen der Anteil der vom Sender emittierten Ultraschallwellen ermittelt, die eine zu detektierende Objektstruktur durchdringen. Insbesondere können auf diese Weise mehrlagige Objektstrukturen erfasst werden. Ein solcher Ultraschallsensor ist in der DE 199 21 217 A1 beschrieben. Dieser Ultraschallsensor dient zur Detektion von Etiketten auf Trägermaterialien.Such ultrasonic sensors are used for object detection in different applications. Generally, such an ultrasonic sensor has at least one transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves and a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves. To generate an object detection signal, the received signals present at the output of the receiver are evaluated in an evaluation unit. If the ultrasonic sensor operates according to the reflection principle, the proportion of ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter, which are reflected back by an object, is determined in the evaluation unit from the received signals. In an ultrasonic sensor operating on the transmission principle, the proportion of ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter, which penetrate an object structure to be detected, is determined in the evaluation unit from the received signals. In particular, multi-layered object structures can be detected in this way. Such an ultrasonic sensor is in the DE 199 21 217 A1 described. This ultrasonic sensor is used to detect labels on carrier materials.

Bei bekannten Ultraschallsensoren dieser Art müssen der Sender und der Empfänger jeweils in einem Sensorgehäuse eingebaut und während des Einbaus innerhalb des Gehäuses ausgerichtet, das heißt justiert werden. Der Sender und der Empfänger weisen zudem Anschlusskabel auf, die an Elektronikkomponenten kontaktiert werden müssen. Zudem müssen diese Anschlusskabel geschirmt werden, um so einen Schutz gegen elektromagnetische Störungen zu realisieren. Der Sender und der Empfänger eines solchen Ultraschallsensors bilden jeweils einen Ultraschallwandler mit einem piezoelektrischen Element, welches Ultraschallwellen generieren oder empfangen kann. Dieses piezoelektrische Element ist in einem Wandlergehäuse, bestehend aus Metall oder hartem Kunststoff, integriert. Damit sich nach dem Einbau eines solchen Wandlergehäuses in das Sensorgehäuse des Ultraschallsensors kein Körperschall vom Ultraschallwandler auf das Sensorgehäuse übertragen kann, muss das Wandlergehäuse zumindest mit einem Schaumstoffmaterial ummantelt werden. Der Resonanzraum innerhalb des Wandlergehäuses eines Ultraschallwandlers muss mit weichem Füllmaterial ausgegossen werden. Damit weisen derartige Ultraschallsensoren bedingt durch eine hohe Anzahl an Einzelteilen und durch eine aufwändige Montage unerwünscht hohe Herstellkosten auf.In known ultrasonic sensors of this type, the transmitter and the receiver must each be installed in a sensor housing and aligned during installation within the housing, that is to be adjusted. The transmitter and the receiver also have connection cables that must be contacted to electronic components. In addition, these connection cables must be shielded in order to realize protection against electromagnetic interference. The transmitter and the receiver of such an ultrasonic sensor each form an ultrasonic transducer with a piezoelectric element, which Generate or receive ultrasonic waves. This piezoelectric element is integrated in a converter housing consisting of metal or hard plastic. So that no structure-borne noise can be transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer to the sensor housing after installation of such a converter housing in the sensor housing of the ultrasonic sensor, the transducer housing must be encased at least with a foam material. The resonance space within the transducer housing of an ultrasonic transducer must be filled with soft filling material. Thus, such ultrasonic sensors due to a high number of individual parts and by a complex assembly undesirably high production costs.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Ultraschallsensor beziehungsweise einen Ultraschallwandler der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, welcher bei hoher Funktionalität einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar ist.The invention has for its object to provide an ultrasonic sensor or an ultrasonic transducer of the type mentioned, which is simple and inexpensive to produce with high functionality.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe sind die Merkmale der Ansprüche 1 und 10 vorgesehen. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und zweckmäßige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben.To achieve this object, the features of claims 1 and 10 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

Der erfindungsgemäße Ultraschallsensor umfasst einen Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Sender, einen Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfänger, eine Auswerteelektronik zur Generierung eines Objektfeststellungssignals in Abhängigkeit der Empfangssignale am Ausgang des Empfängers und ein Sensorgehäuse. Das Sensorgehäuse weist einen Gehäusekörper mit einer seitlichen Gehäuseöffnung auf, welche mit einem Gehäusedeckel als weiterem Bestandteil des Sensorgehäuses abschließbar ist. Der Sender, der Empfänger und eine Leiterplatte mit Komponenten der Auswerteelektronik sind über die offene Gehäuseöffnung in Aufnahmen im Gehäusekörper einführbar.The ultrasonic sensor according to the invention comprises a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves, a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves, evaluation electronics for generating an object detection signal as a function of the received signals at the output of the receiver and a sensor housing. The sensor housing has a housing body with a lateral housing opening, which can be locked with a housing cover as a further component of the sensor housing. The transmitter, the receiver and a printed circuit board with components of the evaluation are introduced via the open housing opening in recordings in the housing body.

Ein wesentlicher Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Ultraschallsensors besteht darin, dass bereits durch das Einlegen des Senders und des Empfängers in die Aufnahmen, die in der seitlichen Gehäuseöffnung offen liegen, deren Achsen korrekt zueinander ausgerichtet sind. Der Sender und der Empfänger sind damit ohne weitere Einstellvorgänge justiert. Auch die Leiterplatte mit der darauf integrierten Auswerteelektronik ist in der für diese vorgesehenen Aufnahme des Sensorgehäuses in ihrer Sollposition lagefixiert. Die Montage dieser Komponenten des Ultraschallsensors kann somit schnell und einfach durchgeführt werden.A significant advantage of the ultrasonic sensor according to the invention is that already by inserting the transmitter and the receiver into the receptacles that are open in the lateral housing opening, whose axes are aligned correctly with each other. The transmitter and the receiver are thus adjusted without further adjustment. Also, the circuit board with the evaluation electronics integrated thereon is fixed in position in the intended for this recording of the sensor housing in its desired position. The assembly of these components of the ultrasonic sensor can thus be performed quickly and easily.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist das Sensorgehäuse einstückig ausgebildet, indem der Gehäusedeckel mit dem Gehäusekörper über ein Filmscharnier verbunden ist, so dass der Gehäusedeckel am Gehäusekörper einfach zu- und aufklappbar angeordnet ist.Particularly advantageously, the sensor housing is integrally formed by the housing cover is connected to the housing body via a film hinge, so that the housing cover on the housing body is easy to open and hinged.

Prinzipiell kann der Ultraschallsensor nach dem Reflexionsprinzip arbeiten. Alternativ arbeitet der Ultraschallsensor nach dem Transmissionsprinzip. Hierzu ist das Sensorgehäuse besonders vorteilhaft gabelförmig ausgebildet, wobei das Sensorgehäuse zwei Gabelarme aufweist, deren Längsachsen parallel zueinander verlaufen. In einem Gabelarm ist der Sender und im anderen Gabelarm der Empfänger angeordnet.In principle, the ultrasonic sensor can work according to the reflection principle. Alternatively, the ultrasonic sensor works according to the transmission principle. For this purpose, the sensor housing is particularly advantageous fork-shaped, wherein the sensor housing has two fork arms whose longitudinal axes parallel to each other. In a fork arm of the transmitter and in the other fork arm of the receiver is arranged.

Die in den Gabelarmen gelagerten Sender und Empfänger sind damit in ihren Sollpositionen korrekt zueinander gegenüberliegend mit zusammenfallenden Achsen ausgerichtet, so dass Objekte, die sich zwischen den Gabelarmen befinden, sicher erkannt werden können.The stored in the fork arms transmitter and receiver are thus aligned in their desired positions correctly facing each other with coincident axes, so that objects that are located between the fork arms, can be reliably detected.

Um Rückreflektionen der Ultraschallwellen von den Objekten zum Sender und dadurch bedingte stehende Ultraschallwellen, welche die Objektdetektion beeinträchtigen, zu vermeiden, sind der Sender und der Empfänger in den Gabelarmen gegenüberliegend angeordnet. Deren Achsen sind um einen vorgegebenen Winkel zum Lot auf die Längsachsen der Gabelarme geneigt. Dabei verläuft die Förderrichtung von zu detektierenden Objekten senkrecht zu der von den Gabelarmen aufgespannten Ebene.In order to avoid back reflections of the ultrasonic waves from the objects to the transmitter and consequent standing ultrasonic waves which affect the object detection, the transmitter and the receiver are arranged in the fork arms opposite one another. Their axes are inclined at a predetermined angle to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fork arms. In this case, the conveying direction of objects to be detected is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the fork arms.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weisen die einander zugewandten Seiten der Gabelarme, welche die Austrittsflächen aufweisen, an welchen der Sender oder Empfänger ausmünden, einen konvex geformten Querschnitt auf.In an advantageous embodiment, the mutually facing sides of the fork arms, which have the exit surfaces, at which the transmitter or receiver open, have a convex-shaped cross-section.

Dadurch werden Ultraschallwellen, die bei der Objektdetektion auf das Sensorgehäuse treffen, an diesen konvex ausgebildeten Gehäusewandsegmenten aus der Detektionsebene wegreflektiert und treffen somit nicht auf den Empfänger. Somit werden auf einfache Weise störende Rückreflexionen der Ultraschallwellen vom Gehäuse auf den Empfänger vermieden.As a result, ultrasonic waves which strike the sensor housing during object detection are reflected away from the detection plane at these convex housing wall segments and thus do not strike the receiver. Thus, disturbing back reflections of the ultrasonic waves from the housing to the receiver are avoided in a simple manner.

Bei bestimmten Applikationen kann es notwendig sein, den Strahlquerschnitt der vom Sender emittierten Ultraschallwellen oder das Sichtfeld des Empfängers durch eine Blende zu begrenzen. Bei dem Sensorgehäuse des erfindungsgemäßen Ultraschallsensors können derartige Blenden aufgerastet werden. Die bisher hierfür notwendigen Schraubverbindungen entfallen, wodurch die Montage des Ultraschallsensors weiter vereinfacht wird.In certain applications, it may be necessary to limit the beam cross section of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter or the field of view of the receiver by a diaphragm. In the sensor housing of the ultrasonic sensor according to the invention such panels can be snapped. The previously necessary for this screw omitted, whereby the mounting of the ultrasonic sensor is further simplified.

Der erfindungsgemäße Ultraschallsensor kann als Anschlussmittel wahlweise eine Stiftleiste oder einen Stecker aufweisen. Durch entsprechend ausgebildete Aufnahmen im Sensorgehäuse können diese Anschlussmittel einfach im Ultraschallsensor integriert werden.The ultrasonic sensor according to the invention can optionally have a pin strip or a plug as connection means. By appropriately trained recordings in the sensor housing these connection means can be easily integrated in the ultrasonic sensor.

Der erfindungsgemäße Ultraschallwandler dient zur Ausbildung eines Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Senders und/oder eines Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfängers, insbesondere für einen Ultraschallsensor, und weist ein Wandlergehäuse aus weichem Material, welches ein Mittel zur Körperschallentkopplung bildet, auf.The ultrasonic transducer according to the invention serves to form a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves and / or a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves, in particular for an ultrasonic sensor, and has a converter housing made of soft material which forms a means for structure-borne sound decoupling.

Da das Wandlergehäuse durch die Ausbildung aus weichem Material selbst Mittel zur Körperschallentkopplung bildet, kann der so ausgebildete Ultraschallwandler ohne eine zusätzliche Ummantelung aus Schaumstoffmaterial in einer externen Einheit, insbesondere im Sensorgehäuse des Ultraschallsensors montiert werden. Weiterhin ist vorteilhaft, dass auch der Resonanzraum im Innenraum des Wandlergehäuses nicht mehr mit weichem Füllmaterial befüllt werden muss. Vielmehr kann der Innenraum des Wandlergehäuses als Hohlraum belassen werden, durch welchen Anschusslitzen eines piezoelektrischen Elements geführt werden können. Das piezoelektrische Element selbst, welches ein Medium zum Senden oder Empfangen von Ultraschallwellen bildet und auf welchen vorzugsweise eine Anpassschicht aufgebracht ist, kann am Wandlergehäuse einfach dadurch montiert werden, indem es in eine Nut des Wandlergehäuses eingesteckt wird. Bei dieser Montage werden zunächst die Anschlusslitzen in den Hohlraum des Wandlergehäuses eingeführt und dann durch eine Öffnung an der Rückseite des Wandlergehäuses geführt, so dass die freien Enden der Anschlusslitzen über das Wandlergehäuse hervorstehen. Dann wird das piezoelektrische Element in die Nut eingesetzt, so dass es die offene Frontseite des Wandlergehäuses dicht abschließt, das heißt es werden keine zusätzlichen Dichtmittel zur Abdichtung des Wandlergehäuses benötigt.Since the transducer housing itself forms a means of structure-borne sound decoupling by the formation of soft material, the ultrasound transducer thus formed can be provided without an additional casing of foam material in an external unit, in particular in the sensor housing of the ultrasound sensor to be assembled. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the resonant space in the interior of the converter housing no longer has to be filled with soft filling material. Rather, the interior of the transducer housing can be left as a cavity through which Anschusslitzen a piezoelectric element can be performed. The piezoelectric element itself, which forms a medium for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and on which preferably a matching layer is applied, can be mounted on the transducer housing simply by being inserted into a groove of the transducer housing. In this assembly, the pigtails are first inserted into the cavity of the transducer housing and then passed through an opening at the back of the transducer housing, so that the free ends of the pigtails protrude beyond the transducer housing. Then, the piezoelectric element is inserted into the groove so that it closes the open front side of the converter housing tight, that is, no additional sealing means for sealing the converter housing is needed.

In der die Mantelfläche bildenden Wand des hülsenförmigen Wandlergehäuses ist eine in Umfangsrichtung des Wandlergehäuses verlaufende und an dessen Rückseite ausmündende Aussparung vorgesehen, in welche eine metallische Abschirmhülse einsetzbar ist.In the peripheral wall of the sleeve-shaped converter housing forming the peripheral surface of the converter housing is provided in the circumferential direction of the converter housing and at the rear Ausmündende recess into which a metallic shielding sleeve is inserted.

Die Abschirmhülse dient nicht nur zur Abschirmung des Wandlergehäuses, sondern auch zur Abschirmung der Anschlusslitzen, da die Abschirmhülse über das hintere Ende des Wandlergehäuses hervorsteht und so die freiliegenden Enden der Anschlusslitzen abschirmt.The shielding sleeve serves not only to shield the transducer housing, but also to shield the connecting leads, since the shielding sleeve protrudes beyond the rear end of the transducer housing and thus shields the exposed ends of the connecting leads.

Gleichzeitig bildet der hintere, freie Rand der Abschirmhülse einen Adapter zur Montage des Ultraschallwandlers an einer externen Einheit. Für den Fall, dass jeweils ein Ultraschallwandler den Sender beziehungsweise Empfänger des erfindungsgemäßen Ultraschallsensors bildet, sind das Wandlergehäuse und die Abschirmhülse des jeweiligen Ultraschallwandlers so ausgebildet, dass diese passgenau in die Aufnahmen des Sensorgehäuses eingefügt werden können. Zwar werden die Anschlusslitzen der Ultraschallwandler mit der Leiterplatte direkt oder über Anschlussleitungen verbunden. Da das Wandlergehäuse jedes Ultraschallwandlers selbst die Mittel zur Körperschallentkopplung bilden, brauchen keine separaten Mittel hierfür vorgesehen sein. Besonders vorteilhaft ist die Abschirmhülse des den Empfänger bildenden Ultraschallwandlers so ausgebildet, dass diese auf der Leiterplatte aufgerastet werden kann. Die Form der Abschirmhülse ist dabei so ausgebildet, dass nach dem Aufrasten auf der Leiterplatte der von diesem Ultraschallwandler gebildete Empfänger in seiner korrekten Sollposition im Sensorgehäuse liegt.At the same time, the rear, free edge of the shielding sleeve forms an adapter for mounting the ultrasonic transducer to an external unit. In the event that in each case an ultrasonic transducer forms the transmitter or receiver of the ultrasonic sensor according to the invention, the transducer housing and the shielding sleeve of the respective ultrasonic transducer are designed so that they can be inserted accurately into the receptacles of the sensor housing. Although the connecting leads of the ultrasonic transducers are connected to the printed circuit board directly or via connection lines. Since the transducer housing of each ultrasonic transducer itself form the means for structure-borne sound decoupling, no separate means need be provided for this purpose. Particularly advantageously, the shielding of the ultrasonic transducer forming the receiver is designed so that it can be snapped onto the circuit board. The shape of the shielding sleeve is designed so that after latching on the circuit board of the receiver formed by this ultrasonic transducer is in its correct nominal position in the sensor housing.

Mit den von den erfindungsgemäßen Ultraschallwandlern gebildeten Sendern und Empfängern des Ultraschallsensors kann dieser somit einfach und schnell montiert werden.With the transmitters and receivers of the ultrasonic sensor formed by the ultrasonic transducers according to the invention this can thus be easily and quickly mounted.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Zeichnungen erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
Seitenansicht eines Ultraschallsensors bei geöffnetem Sensorge- häuse.
Figur 2:
Querschnitt durch das Sensorgehäuse des Ultraschallsensors gemäß Figur 1.
Figur 3:
Einzeldarstellung einer Leiterplatte eines Senders und eines Empfängers für den Ultraschallsensor gemäß Figur 1.
Figur 4:
Aufbau eines Ultraschallwandlers für den Ultraschallsensor ge- mäß Figur 1.
The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:
FIG. 1:
Side view of an ultrasonic sensor with the sensor housing open.
FIG. 2:
Cross section through the sensor housing of the ultrasonic sensor according to FIG. 1 ,
FIG. 3:
Single representation of a circuit board of a transmitter and a receiver for the ultrasonic sensor according to FIG. 1 ,
FIG. 4:
Structure of an ultrasonic transducer for the ultrasonic sensor according to FIG. 1 ,

Figur 1 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Ultraschallsensors 1 zur Erfassung von Objekten. Der Ultraschallsensor 1 kann insbesondere zur Detektion von mehrlagigen Objektstrukturen eingesetzt werden. Beispielsweise können mit dem Ultraschallsensor 1 Etiketten auf Trägermaterialen detektiert werden. Weiterhin kann mit dem Ultraschallsensor 1 eine Doppelbogenkontrolle derart durchgeführt werden, dass Einfachbögen von Doppelbögen, das heißt zwei aufeinander liegenden Bögen, unterschieden werden können. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ultrasonic sensor 1 for detecting objects. The ultrasonic sensor 1 can be used in particular for the detection of multi-layered object structures. For example, with the ultrasonic sensor 1 labels on carrier materials can be detected. Farther can be performed with the ultrasonic sensor 1, a double-sheet control such that single sheets of double sheets, that is two superimposed sheets, can be distinguished.

Die Komponenten des Ultraschallsensors 1 sind in einem gabelförmigen Sensorgehäuse 2 integriert. Das Sensorgehäuse 2 besteht vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff. Das Sensorgehäuse 2 weist einen Gehäusekörper 3 sowie einen Gehäusedeckel 4 auf, wobei der Gehäusedeckel 4 über ein Filmscharnier 5 verbunden ist, so dass das Sensorgehäuse 2 einstückig ausgebildet ist.The components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 are integrated in a fork-shaped sensor housing 2. The sensor housing 2 is preferably made of plastic. The sensor housing 2 has a housing body 3 and a housing cover 4, wherein the housing cover 4 is connected via a film hinge 5, so that the sensor housing 2 is formed in one piece.

Das Sensorgehäuse 2 ist gabelförmig ausgebildet und weist zwei parallel in Abstand zueinander verlaufende Gabelarme 2a, 2b auf. Ein Querschnitt durch das Sensorgehäuse 2 im Bereich der Gabelarme 2a, 2b ist in Figur 2 dargestellt.The sensor housing 2 is fork-shaped and has two parallel spaced-apart fork arms 2a, 2b. A cross section through the sensor housing 2 in the region of the fork arms 2a, 2b is in FIG. 2 shown.

Der Ultraschallsensor 1 gemäß Figur 1 weist einen Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Sender 6 und einen Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfänger 7 auf. Weiterhin ist eine Leiterplatte 8 vorgesehen, auf welcher die elektronischen Komponenten einer Auswerteelektronik vorgesehen sind. Wie aus Figur 1 ersichtlich, wird mit dem Gehäusedeckel 4 das Sensorgehäuse 2 seitlich abgeschlossen. Bei geöffnetem Gehäusedeckel 4 liegt eine seitliche Gehäuseöffnung des Gehäusekörpers 3 frei. Über diese Gehäuseöffnung werden die Komponenten des Ultraschallsensors 1 in den Gehäusekörper 3 eingeführt und dort in Aufnahmen, die von an der Gehäuseöffnung ausmündenden Hohlräumen des Gehäusekörpers 3 gebildet sind, passgenau eingesetzt. Die Aufnahmen sind dabei so ausgebildet, dass die Leiterplatte 8 und insbesondere der Sender 6 und Empfänger 7 nach Einsetzen in diese Aufnahmen bereits exakt in ihren Sollpositionen im Sensorgehäuse 2 angeordnet sind, so dass kein Ausrichten dieser Komponenten innerhalb des Sensorgehäuses 2 erforderlich ist.The ultrasonic sensor 1 according to FIG. 1 has an ultrasonic wave emitting transmitter 6 and an ultrasonic wave receiving receiver 7. Furthermore, a printed circuit board 8 is provided, on which the electronic components of a transmitter are provided. How out FIG. 1 can be seen, the sensor housing 2 is completed laterally with the housing cover 4. When the housing cover 4 is open, a lateral housing opening of the housing body 3 is exposed. About this housing opening, the components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 are inserted into the housing body 3 and inserted there in recordings that are formed by opening out at the housing opening cavities of the housing body 3, fit. The recordings are designed so that the printed circuit board 8 and in particular the transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are already arranged exactly in their desired positions in the sensor housing 2 after insertion into these recordings, so that no alignment of these components within the sensor housing 2 is required.

Die Leiterplatte 8 mit den zugeordneten Sensorkomponenten, das heißt dem Sender 6 und Empfänger 7, ist in Figur 3 in einer Einzeldarstellung dargestellt. Während der Empfänger 7 direkt auf der Unterseite der Leiterplatte 8 aufsitzt und dort befestigt ist, ist der Sender 6 über eine Anschlussleitung 9 mit der Leiterplatte 8 verbunden. An der Oberseite der Leiterplatte 8 ist, dem Empfänger 7 gegenüberliegend, ein Schirmblech 10 befestigt um den Empfänger 7, insbesondere den Verstärker des Empfängers 7, gegen elektromagnetische Störungen zu schützen. Auf der Leiterplatte 8 sitzt zudem eine Stiftleiste 11 als elektrisches Anschlussmittel auf. Alternativ kann ein Stecker vorgesehen sein.The printed circuit board 8 with the associated sensor components, that is, the transmitter 6 and receiver 7, is in FIG. 3 presented in a single representation. While the receiver 7 is seated directly on the underside of the circuit board 8 and is fixed there, the transmitter 6 is connected via a connecting line 9 to the circuit board 8. At the top of the circuit board 8, the receiver 7 opposite, a shield plate 10 is attached to the receiver 7, in particular the amplifier of the receiver 7, to protect against electromagnetic interference. On the circuit board 8 also sits on a pin header 11 as an electrical connection means. Alternatively, a plug may be provided.

Zur Montage des Ultraschallsensors 1 werden die miteinander verbundenen, in Figur 3 einzeln dargestellten Komponenten des Ultraschallsensors 1 über die seitliche Gehäuseöffnung in den Gehäusekörper 3 und in den hierfür vorgesehenen, passgenau ausgebildeten Aufnahmen eingeführt, wonach das Sensorgehäuse 2 durch Schließen des Gehäusedeckels 4 abgeschlossen wird.For mounting the ultrasonic sensor 1, the interconnected, in FIG. 3 individually shown components of the ultrasonic sensor 1 via the lateral housing opening in the housing body 3 and in the space provided for this, accurately formed recordings, after which the sensor housing 2 is completed by closing the housing cover 4.

Wie aus Figur 1 ersichtlich, ist der Sender 6 im unteren Gabelarm 2a dem Empfänger 7 im oberen Gabelarm 2b gegenüberliegend angeordnet, so dass deren Achsen A zusammenfallen. Die Achsen A des Senders 6 und des Empfängers 7 sind dabei um einen Neigungswinkel zum Lot auf die Längsachsen der Gabelarme 2a, 2b geneigt. Dabei verläuft die Neigung der Achsen A in der von den Längsachsen der Gabelarme 2a, 2b aufgespannten Ebene und senkrecht zur Förderrichtung, in welcher die zu detektierenden Objekte durch den Zwischenraum zwischen den Gabelarmen 2a, 2b bewegt werden. Die Förderrichtung der Objekte verläuft senkrecht zur Zeichenebene. Durch diese Anordnung wird die Ausbildung von bei der Objektdetektion störenden stehenden Wellen vermieden.How out FIG. 1 it can be seen that the transmitter 6 is arranged in the lower fork arm 2a opposite the receiver 7 in the upper fork arm 2b, so that their axes A coincide. The axes A of the transmitter 6 and the receiver 7 are inclined by an inclination angle to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fork arms 2a, 2b. In this case, the inclination of the axes A in the plane spanned by the longitudinal axes of the fork arms 2a, 2b plane and perpendicular to the conveying direction, in which the objects to be detected by the gap between the fork arms 2a, 2b are moved. The conveying direction of the objects is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. By this arrangement, the formation of disturbing in the object detection standing waves is avoided.

Generell erfolgt die Detektion von Objekten derart, dass der Sender 6 entlang der Achse A Ultraschallwellen in Richtung des Empfängers 7 emittiert, wobei die Ultraschallwellen bei Durchgang durch ein Objekt entsprechend geschwächt werden. In der Auswerteelektronik wird in Abhängigkeit der Empfangssignale ein Objektfeststellungssignal generiert und über einen in den Anschlussmitteln integrierten Ausgang ausgegeben. Im Fall, dass mit dem Ultraschallsensor 1 eine Doppelbogenkontrolle durchgeführt wird, wird durch eine Schwellwertbewertung der Empfangssignale ein binäres Objektfeststellungssignal generiert, dessen Schaltzustände angeben, ob ein Einfachbogen oder ein Doppelbogen detektiert wurde. Ein entsprechendes binäres Objektfeststellungssignal wird bei der Detektion von Etiketten auf Trägermaterialien generiert.In general, the detection of objects takes place in such a way that the transmitter 6 emits ultrasonic waves along the axis A in the direction of the receiver 7, the ultrasonic waves correspondingly being weakened when passing through an object. In the transmitter an object detection signal is generated in response to the received signals and output via an integrated in the connection means output. In the event that a double-sheet control is performed with the ultrasonic sensor 1, is by a Threshold evaluation of the received signals generates a binary object detection signal whose switching states indicate whether a single arc or a double arc has been detected. A corresponding binary object detection signal is generated during the detection of labels on carrier materials.

Zur weiteren Erhöhung der Detektionssicherheit sind, wie in Figur 2 dargestellt, die einander zugewandten Seiten der Gabelarme des Sensorgehäuses 2, an welchen die Austrittsflächen des Senders 6 beziehungsweise des Empfängers 7 ausmünden, konvex ausgebildet. Im vorliegenden Fall weisen diese Gehäuseflächen zwei zur Mitte hin spitz umlaufende Teilflächen auf. Auch abgerundete Ausbildungen der Gehäuseflächen sind möglich. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass der Teil der Ultraschallwellen, der vom Sender 6 emittiert wird, ein zu detektierendes Objekt durchdringt und nicht auf den Empfänger 7, sondern auf die angrenzende Gehäusewand trifft, nicht zum Sender 6 oder von dort zurück zum Empfänger 7 reflektiert wird. Damit werden durch Rückreflexionen der Ultraschallwellen bedingte Fehlmessungen vermieden.To further increase the detection security, as in FIG. 2 illustrated, the mutually facing sides of the fork arms of the sensor housing 2, at which the exit surfaces of the transmitter 6 and the receiver 7 open, convex. In the present case, these housing surfaces have two peripheral to the center pointed peripheral surfaces. Also rounded training of the housing surfaces are possible. This ensures that the part of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the transmitter 6 penetrates an object to be detected and does not strike the receiver 7 but the adjacent housing wall, is not reflected to the transmitter 6 or from there back to the receiver 7. This prevents erroneous measurements caused by back reflections of the ultrasonic waves.

Je nach Applikation kann die Detektionswahrscheinlichkeit des Ultraschallsensors 1 noch dadurch erhöht werden, dass vor dem Sender 6 und/oder vor dem Empfänger 7 eine Blende 12 platziert wird. Wie aus Figur 2 ersichtlich, sind in den Gabelarmen 2a, 2b des Sensorgehäuses 2 Rastausnehmungen 13 vorgesehen, so dass die Blenden 12 auf die Gabelarme 2a, 2b aufgerastet werden können.Depending on the application, the probability of detection of the ultrasound sensor 1 can be further increased by placing an aperture 12 in front of the transmitter 6 and / or in front of the receiver 7. How out FIG. 2 can be seen, recesses 13 are provided in the fork arms 2a, 2b of the sensor housing 2, so that the panels 12 can be snapped onto the fork arms 2a, 2b.

Figur 4 zeigt den Aufbau eines Ultraschallwandlers 14, der im vorliegenden Fall den Empfänger 7 des Ultraschallsensors 1 bildet. Der Sender 6 des Ultraschallsensors 1 ist von einem entsprechenden Ultraschallwandler 14 gebildet. Der Ultraschallwandler 14 gemäß Figur 4 weist ein Wandlergehäuse 15 auf, das aus weichem Material, vorzugsweise aus weichem Kunststoff wie TPE besteht, und somit selbst ein Mittel zur Körperschallentkopplung bildet. Das Wandlergehäuse 15 ist hülsenförmig ausgebildet und weist eine offene Frontseite sowie eine großteils geschlossene Rückseite mit einer dort angeordneten zentralen Öffnung 16 auf. FIG. 4 shows the structure of an ultrasonic transducer 14, which forms the receiver 7 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 in the present case. The transmitter 6 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 is formed by a corresponding ultrasonic transducer 14. The ultrasonic transducer 14 according to FIG. 4 has a transducer housing 15, which consists of soft material, preferably made of soft plastic such as TPE, and thus itself forms a means for structure-borne sound decoupling. The converter housing 15 is sleeve-shaped and has an open front side and a largely closed rear side with a central opening 16 arranged there.

Der Ultraschallwandler 14 weist weiterhin ein piezoelektrisches Element 17 in Form einer metallbeschichteten Keramik auf. Von der Metallbeschichtung an der Rückseite des piezoelektrischen Elements 17 führen Anschlusslitzen 18 weg. Auf der Frontseite des piezoelektrischen Elements 17 ist eine Anpassschicht 19 aufgebracht, die für eine Anpassung des Übergangs zwischen piezoelektrischem Element 17 und der angeordneten Luftschicht sorgt und so eine effiziente Einkopplung der zu empfangenden Ultraschallwellen bewirkt.The ultrasonic transducer 14 further comprises a piezoelectric element 17 in the form of a metal-coated ceramic. From the metal coating on the back of the piezoelectric element 17 lead wires 18 away. On the front side of the piezoelectric element 17, a matching layer 19 is applied, which ensures an adaptation of the transition between the piezoelectric element 17 and the arranged air layer and thus causes an efficient coupling of the ultrasonic waves to be received.

Zur Montage des Ultraschallwandlers 14 werden die Anschlusslitzen 18 in den vom Wandlergehäuse 15 begrenzten Resonanzraum, der im vorliegenden Fall als nur mit Luft befüllter Hohlraum ausgebildet ist, eingeführt und dann durch die rückseitige Öffnung 16 des Wandlergehäuses 15 geführt, so dass die freien Enden der Anschlusslitzen 18 über das Wandlergehäuse 15 hinaus hervorstehen. Dann wird das piezoelektrische Element 17 mit der Anpassschicht 19 in eine Nut 20 eingerastet, die an der Innenwand des Wandlergehäuses 15 im Bereich der offenen Frontseite des Wandlergehäuses 15 in Umfangsrichtung umläuft. Durch das Einrasten des piezoelektrischen Elements 17 mit der Anpassschicht 19 in der Nut 20 ist die offene Frontseite des Wandlergehäuses 15 abgeschlossen und der Resonanzraum nach außen abgedichtet. Zur Verbesserung der chemischen Beständigkeit kann die Anpassschicht 19 mit einer Parylenschicht oder dergleichen beschichtet sein.For mounting the ultrasonic transducer 14, the connecting leads 18 are inserted into the resonant space bounded by the transducer housing 15, which in the present case is a cavity filled only with air, and then passed through the rear opening 16 of the transducer housing 15, so that the free ends of the connecting leads 18 beyond the transducer housing 15 also protrude. Then, the piezoelectric element 17 is snapped with the matching layer 19 in a groove 20 which rotates on the inner wall of the converter housing 15 in the region of the open front side of the converter housing 15 in the circumferential direction. By the engagement of the piezoelectric element 17 with the matching layer 19 in the groove 20, the open front side of the transducer housing 15 is completed and the resonance chamber sealed to the outside. To improve the chemical resistance, the matching layer 19 may be coated with a parylene layer or the like.

In der die Mantelfläche des Wandlergehäuses 15 bildenden Wand ist eine in Umfangsrichtung des Wandlergehäuses 15 verlaufende und an dessen Rückseite ausmündende Aussparung vorgesehen, in welche eine metallische Abschirmhülse eingesteckt und dabei dort verrastet wird.In the peripheral surface of the transducer housing 15 forming wall extending in the circumferential direction of the transducer housing 15 and at its rear opening recess is provided, in which a metallic shielding sleeve is inserted and thereby locked there.

Wie aus Figur 4 ersichtlich, steht der hintere Teil der Abschirmhülse über das Wandlergehäuse 15 des Ultraschallwandlers 14 hervor. Der freie Rand der Abschirmhülse ist dabei so abgeschrägt, dass bei Aufsetzen der Abschirmhülse auf die Leiterplatte 8 des Ultraschallsensors 1 der Ultraschallwandler 14, dass heißt der Empfänger 7, im richtigen Neigungswinkel im Sensorgehäuse 2 gelagert ist. Zur Fixierung an der Leiterplatte 8 stehen vom Rand der Abschirmhülse Rastnasen hervor, die in Bohrungen der Leiterplatte 8 eingerastet werden können. Der über das Wandlergehäuse 15 hervorstehende Teil der Abschirmhülse bildet eine Abschirmung für die Anschlusslitzen 18, so dass diese nicht separat geschirmt werden müssen.How out FIG. 4 As can be seen, the rear part of the shielding sleeve projects beyond the transducer housing 15 of the ultrasound transducer 14. The free edge of the shielding sleeve is bevelled so that when placing the shielding on the circuit board 8 of the ultrasonic sensor 1 of the ultrasonic transducer 14, that is, the receiver 7, is mounted at the correct angle in the sensor housing 2. For fixing to the printed circuit board 8 are from the edge of the shielding sleeve locking lugs out, which can be snapped into holes in the circuit board 8. The protruding over the transducer housing 15 part of the shielding sleeve forms a shield for the connecting wires 18 so that they do not need to be shielded separately.

Claims (15)

Ultraschallsensor mit einem Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Sender, einem Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfänger, einer Auswerteelektronik zur Generierung eines Objektfeststellungssignals in Abhängigkeit der Empfangssignale am Ausgang des Empfängers, und einem Sensorgehäuse, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Sensorgehäuse (2) einen Gehäusekörper (3) mit einer seitlichen Gehäuseöffnung aufweist, welche mit einem Gehäusedeckel (4) als weiterem Bestandteil des Sensorgehäuses (2) abschließbar ist, wobei der Sender (6), der Empfänger (7) und eine Leiterplatte (8) mit Komponenten der Auswerteelektronik über die offene Gehäuseöffnung in Aufnahmen im Gehäusekörper (3) einführbar sind.Ultrasonic sensor having a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves, a receiver receiving ultrasonic waves, evaluation electronics for generating an object detection signal as a function of the received signals at the output of the receiver, and a sensor housing, characterized in that the sensor housing (2) has a housing body (3) with a lateral housing opening , which is lockable with a housing cover (4) as a further component of the sensor housing (2), wherein the transmitter (6), the receiver (7) and a printed circuit board (8) with components of the evaluation via the open housing opening in receptacles in the housing body ( 3) are insertable. Ultraschallsensor nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Gehäusedeckel (4) mit dem Gehäusekörper (3) über ein Filmscharnier (5) verbunden ist.Ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing cover (4) with the housing body (3) via a film hinge (5) is connected. Ultraschallsensor nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Sensorgehäuse (2) gabelförmig ausgebildet ist, und dass das Sensorgehäuse (2) zwei Gabelarme (2a, 2b) aufweist, deren Längsachsen parallel zueinander verlaufen, und dass in einem Gabelarm (2a) der Sender (6) und im anderen Gabelarm (2b) der Empfänger (7) angeordnet ist.Ultrasonic sensor according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor housing (2) is fork-shaped, and that the sensor housing (2) has two fork arms (2a, 2b) whose longitudinal axes are parallel to each other, and that in a fork arm ( 2a) of the transmitter (6) and in the other fork arm (2b) of the receiver (7) is arranged. Ultraschallsensor nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sender (6) und der Empfänger (7) in den Gabelarmen (2a, 2b) gegenüberliegend angeordnet sind, wobei deren Achsen um einen vorgegebenen Winkel zum Lot auf die Längsachsen der Gabelarme (2a, 2b) geneigt sind, und wobei die Förderrichtung von zu detektierenden Objekten senkrecht zu der von den Gabelarmen (2a, 2b) aufgespannten Ebene verläuft.Ultrasonic sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmitter (6) and the receiver (7) in the fork arms (2a, 2b) are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the axes by a predetermined angle to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fork arms (2a, 2b ) inclined are, and wherein the conveying direction of objects to be detected perpendicular to the plane spanned by the fork arms (2a, 2b) plane. Ultraschallsensor nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die einander zugewandten Seiten der Gabelarme (2a, 2b), welche die Austrittsflächen aufweisen, an welchen der Sender (6) oder Empfänger (7) ausmünden, einen konvex geformten Querschnitt aufweisen.Ultrasonic sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that the mutually facing sides of the fork arms (2a, 2b), which have the exit surfaces, at which the transmitter (6) or receiver (7) open, have a convex-shaped cross-section. Ultraschallsensor nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass auf das Sensorgehäuse (2) eine Blende (12) für die Ultraschallwellen aufrastbar ist.Ultrasonic sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the sensor housing (2) an aperture (12) for the ultrasonic waves can be latched. Ultraschallsensor nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Sensorgehäuse (2) eine Aufnahme für eine Stiftleiste (11) oder einen Stecker aufweist.Ultrasonic sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor housing (2) has a receptacle for a pin strip (11) or a plug. Ultraschallwandler zur Ausbildung eines Ultraschallwellen emittierenden Senders (6) und/oder eines Ultraschallwellen empfangenden Empfängers (7), insbesondere für einen Ultraschallsensor (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, gekennzeichnet durch ein Wandlergehäuse (15) aus weichem Material, welches ein Mittel zur Körperschallentkopplung bildet.Ultrasonic transducer for forming a transmitter (6) emitting ultrasonic waves and / or a receiver (7) receiving ultrasonic waves, in particular for an ultrasonic sensor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a transducer housing (15) made of soft material, which means forms the structure-borne sound decoupling. Ultraschallwandler nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Wandlergehäuse (15) eine Nut (20) aufweist, in welche ein piezoelektrisches Element (17) einrastbar ist.Ultrasonic transducer according to claim 8, characterized in that the transducer housing (15) has a groove (20) into which a piezoelectric element (17) can be latched. Ultraschallwandler nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass auf dem piezoelektrischen Element (17) eine Anpassschicht (19) vorgesehen ist, welche mit dem piezoelektrischen Element (17) in der Nut (20) des Wandlergehäuses (15) einrastbar ist.Ultrasonic transducer according to claim 9, characterized in that on the piezoelectric element (17) an adaptation layer (19) is provided, which with the piezoelectric element (17) in the groove (20) of the transducer housing (15) can be latched. Ultraschallwandler nach einem der Ansprüche 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Wandlergehäuse (15) die Form einer Hülse mit einer frontseitigen Öffnung aufweist, wobei die Öffnung mit dem piezoelektrischen Element (17) abgeschlossen ist.Ultrasonic transducer according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the transducer housing (15) has the form of a sleeve with a front opening, wherein the opening with the piezoelectric element (17) is completed. Ultraschallwandler nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die an das piezoelektrische Element (17) anschließenden Wandsegmente des Wandlergehäuses (15) einen Hohlraum umschließen, welcher einen Resonanzraum bildet.Ultrasonic transducer according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that adjoining the piezoelectric element (17) wall segments of the transducer housing (15) enclose a cavity which forms a resonance chamber. Ultraschallwandler nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im Resonanzraum Anschlusslitzen (18) des piezoelektrischen Elements (17) verlaufen, welche über eine rückseitige Öffnung des Wandlergehäuses (15) aus diesem herausgeführt sind.Ultrasonic transducer according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in the resonant space connecting strands (18) of the piezoelectric element (17) extend, which are led out of this via a rear opening of the transducer housing (15). Ultraschallwandler nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der die Mantelfläche bildenden Wand des hülsenförmigen Wandlergehäuses (15) eine in Umfangsrichtung des Wandlergehäuses (15) verlaufende und an dessen Rückseite ausmündende Aussparung vorgesehen ist, in welche eine metallische Abschirmhülse einsetzbar ist, wobei die Abschirmhülse eine Abschirmung für die Anschlusslitzen (18) bildet.Ultrasonic transducer according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that in the circumferential surface of the transducer housing (15) extending and at the rear Ausmündende recess is provided in which the lateral surface forming wall of the sleeve-shaped converter housing (15) into which a metallic shielding sleeve is inserted , wherein the shielding sleeve forms a shield for the connecting leads (18). Ultraschallwandler nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der freie, über das Wandlergehäuse (15) hervorstehende Rand der Abschirmhülse auf eine Leiterplatte (8) eines Ultraschallsensors (1) aufrastbar ist, wobei die Form der Abschirmhülse so ausgebildet ist, dass nach Aufrasten der Abschirmhülse auf die im Ultraschallsensor (1) angeordnete Leiterplatte (8) die Achse des Ultraschallwandlers (14) innerhalb des Ultraschallsensors (1) korrekt ausgerichtet ist.Ultrasonic transducer according to claim 14, characterized in that the free, over the transducer housing (15) projecting edge of the shielding sleeve on a circuit board (8) of an ultrasonic sensor (1) can be latched, wherein the shape of the shielding sleeve is formed so that after latching of the shielding on the in the ultrasonic sensor (1) arranged printed circuit board (8) the axis of the ultrasonic transducer (14) within the ultrasonic sensor (1) is aligned correctly.
EP20090005354 2008-05-10 2009-04-15 Ultrasound sensor Revoked EP2116474B1 (en)

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DE200810023187 DE102008023187A1 (en) 2008-05-10 2008-05-10 ultrasonic sensor

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2388579A1 (en) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-23 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Sensor
EP2415679A1 (en) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-08 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Ultrasound sensor
CN108502841A (en) * 2018-05-04 2018-09-07 李扬渊 A kind of electronic equipment and its manufacturing method that can realize supersonic sensing
EP3547456A1 (en) * 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Sensor

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EP0283823A1 (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasound, especially for ultrasound therapy
FR2783915A1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-03-31 Schlumberger Ind Sa Ultrasonic transducer producing high quality acoustic performance uses sensitive element with two electrodes and a protective membrane within an injection molded plastic body
DE19921217A1 (en) 1999-05-07 2000-11-16 Leuze Electronic Gmbh & Co Arrangement for detecting objects has ultrasonic transmitter and a receiver with object bearer material between them, receiver output being compared with threshold value
DE202005006831U1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2005-07-07 Leuze Electronic Gmbh & Co Kg Ultrasound sensor, comprises an ultrasound emitting sender, a receiver, damping foam material, and a housing
EP1653200A1 (en) * 2004-10-21 2006-05-03 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co KG Optical sensor
DE102006027655A1 (en) * 2005-06-14 2007-03-01 Keyence Corp. Reflection type photoelectric switch
DE202007002864U1 (en) 2007-02-27 2007-07-05 Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh Fork housing, in particular for light or ultrasonic barriers

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0283823A1 (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-09-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasound, especially for ultrasound therapy
FR2783915A1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-03-31 Schlumberger Ind Sa Ultrasonic transducer producing high quality acoustic performance uses sensitive element with two electrodes and a protective membrane within an injection molded plastic body
DE19921217A1 (en) 1999-05-07 2000-11-16 Leuze Electronic Gmbh & Co Arrangement for detecting objects has ultrasonic transmitter and a receiver with object bearer material between them, receiver output being compared with threshold value
EP1653200A1 (en) * 2004-10-21 2006-05-03 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co KG Optical sensor
DE202005006831U1 (en) * 2005-04-29 2005-07-07 Leuze Electronic Gmbh & Co Kg Ultrasound sensor, comprises an ultrasound emitting sender, a receiver, damping foam material, and a housing
DE102006027655A1 (en) * 2005-06-14 2007-03-01 Keyence Corp. Reflection type photoelectric switch
DE202007002864U1 (en) 2007-02-27 2007-07-05 Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh Fork housing, in particular for light or ultrasonic barriers

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2388579A1 (en) * 2010-05-19 2011-11-23 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Sensor
EP2415679A1 (en) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-08 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Ultrasound sensor
EP3547456A1 (en) * 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Leuze electronic GmbH + Co. KG Sensor
CN108502841A (en) * 2018-05-04 2018-09-07 李扬渊 A kind of electronic equipment and its manufacturing method that can realize supersonic sensing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102008023187A1 (en) 2009-11-19
EP2131353B1 (en) 2010-10-06
DE502009000016D1 (en) 2010-06-17
EP2116474B1 (en) 2010-05-05
EP2131353A1 (en) 2009-12-09
DE502009000121D1 (en) 2010-11-18

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