EP3010649B1 - Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly - Google Patents

Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3010649B1
EP3010649B1 EP14714704.5A EP14714704A EP3010649B1 EP 3010649 B1 EP3010649 B1 EP 3010649B1 EP 14714704 A EP14714704 A EP 14714704A EP 3010649 B1 EP3010649 B1 EP 3010649B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transducer elements
membrane
elements
transducer
ultrasound transducer
Prior art date
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14714704.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3010649A1 (en
Inventor
Andre Gerlach
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP3010649A1 publication Critical patent/EP3010649A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3010649B1 publication Critical patent/EP3010649B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer arrangement which is set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals and which has at least two transducer elements which are arranged at a distance from one another and are set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing such an ultrasonic transducer arrangement and a motor vehicle in which such an ultrasonic transducer arrangement is provided.
  • converter arrangements for ultrasound-based environment sensing are used.
  • these are predominantly resonant oscillators, which consist of solid bodies and one or more transducer elements.
  • an acoustic transducer which comprises a so-called array of transducer elements arranged according to a 1-3 technique and the upper and lower ends of which are encapsulated in rigid polymer plates.
  • the transducer elements are contacted by flexible conductors made of a polyimide material coated on both sides with a copper conductor.
  • FIG. 1 shows transducer elements having a 2-2 or 1-3 structure, where elements are contacted on opposite major faces of electrodes. Passive polymer layers are provided between the piezoelectric elements contacted by the electrodes, resulting in an array structure.
  • the document EP 0 973 149 A2 discloses an ultrasonic transducer array comprising a plurality of transducer elements and a backmass 84, the transducer elements being spaced apart and coupled to the backmass on one side.
  • the transducer elements share a diaphragm.
  • the document U.S. 2006/075818 A1 discloses a CMUT array having a plurality of transducer elements, a diaphragm and a back mass, the transducer elements being spaced apart and coupled to the diaphragm at one end. On an opposite side, the transducer elements are coupled to the back ground.
  • the document U.S. 8,398,551 B2 1 shows a capacitive ultrasonic transducer array with a plurality of transducer elements, a membrane 9 and a back mass 2, the transducer elements being arranged at a distance from one another and coupled to the membrane at one end. On an opposite side, the transducer elements are coupled to the back ground.
  • the documents DE 10 2010 025 194 A1 and US2010/0208553 show an ultrasonic transducer in which the bumper is used as a membrane.
  • An ultrasonic transducer array with multiple transducer elements is disclosed in document DE 10 2008 016558 A1 described.
  • the invention includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement that is set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals, at least two transducer elements, a membrane and at least one back mass.
  • the at least two transducer elements are arranged at a distance from one another.
  • the at least two transducer elements are directly or indirectly coupled to the membrane at one end and at one opposite side directly or indirectly coupled to the at least one rear mass.
  • a concealed mounted array sensor of a new type of contacting is advantageously proposed, which is applied to an outer skin.
  • the proposed design is very simple, compact and inexpensive to implement.
  • converter element is to be interpreted broadly and includes, for example, electric-acoustic converters that work according to electrostatic, magnetostrictive, piezoelectric effects or combinations of these effects.
  • the transducer element can in particular be a piezoelectric element and the ultrasonic transducer arrangement can be referred to as a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer arrangement.
  • the membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is formed by an outer skin of a bumper, side mirror or door area of a motor vehicle, with the transducer elements being arranged hidden behind the outer skin.
  • the membrane is preferably formed from a thin material layer, which is made from a polymer material, for example.
  • the membrane preferably has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm.
  • the transducer elements can be coupled to the membrane directly or indirectly, but in any case in such a way that acoustic coupling is made possible to a sufficient extent, ie suitable vibrations can be transmitted.
  • the coupling can be accomplished, for example, by means of a press fit, a press fit, such as by screwing in, or by gluing.
  • the coupling can also take place by overmoulding the resonance body with the material of the outer skin, which can also be referred to as embedding.
  • Indirect coupling can mean that a further layer of material is provided between the transducer elements and the membrane, for example a liquid such as a gel or an oil.
  • the further material layer can be provided in particular to the acoustic coupling between the To optimize transducer elements and the membrane, z. B. to compensate for tolerances in the dimensions of the components or the roughness of the surfaces of the coupling partners.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement has 2 to 50 transducer elements.
  • Efficient multi-element sensors i. H. Arrays of 2 to 50 transducer elements, provided in what is known as concealed mounting.
  • the transducer elements are spaced apart by plastic composite elements.
  • the plastic composite elements are arranged between the transducer elements so that they are electrically and mechanically sufficiently insulated from one another.
  • this type of arrangement of the transducer elements can also be referred to as embedding in a plastic composite mass, meaning that the transducer elements are essentially completely surrounded by the plastic composite mass.
  • the restriction “essentially” relates, for example, to channels provided for the necessary electrical contacting of the transducer elements.
  • the converter arrangement has at least one front mass in addition to the at least one rear mass.
  • the rear mass and the front mass are made of different materials Z.
  • Front and/or rear masses are particularly preferably provided individually for each converter element.
  • the electro-acoustic radiation emitted by the transducer elements for sensing the surroundings then preferably leaves the transducer arrangement in the direction of the end face of the transducer elements, rearward radiation is suppressed.
  • the rear mass is effective as a so-called inertial mass, ie its inertia enables the introduction of force into the front body and thus also serves to dampen the vibrations in relation to the area in which no radiation is desired.
  • the front mass is preferably made of a duroplastic or thermoplastic polymer or an elastomer and the back mass is made of a metal, for example aluminum, steel or brass.
  • the selection of suitable materials can be determined by limitations or specifications with regard to the reception sensitivities to be achieved or transmission signal strengths of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement. In particular, however, other environmental influences, such as the Ambient temperature or the mechanical stress caused by shaking, must be taken into account in order to determine suitable materials.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement has electrodes for contacting the transducer elements.
  • the converter elements are preferably individually electrically contacted.
  • a so-called flex foil is used as at least one electrode, which is suitable for contacting the transducer elements.
  • the flex film can be glued to the transducer elements, for example, by means of conductive adhesive.
  • the transducer elements are coupled to a first electrode on the end face.
  • the first electrode is a first flex film.
  • the first electrode or flex film is also attached to the membrane.
  • the first electrode or flex film is particularly preferably glued to the membrane, for example by means of a conductive adhesive.
  • the front mass is glued to the first electrode or flex foil and the front mass is arranged between the transducer elements and the first electrode or flex foil.
  • the front mass is preferably designed to be conductive, for example made from a conductive plastic or from a metal, such as aluminum.
  • a flex film which contacts the transducer elements on their side surfaces, which is referred to as the so-called 3-1 effect.
  • the transducer elements have electrodes on their side surfaces, which are in contact through the flexible foil.
  • Such electrodes can be sputtered onto the transducer elements, for example.
  • the flex foil can be arranged on the end face of the converter elements and can be glued to them on the one hand and to the membrane on the other hand, or it can be provided that the flex foil is provided on the opposite side of the converter elements, as a result of which they are glued to the converter elements on the one hand and on the other hand to the rear mass.
  • the transducer elements are coupled to a second electrode on the opposite side.
  • the second electrode is a second flex foil.
  • the invention can be used in particular in such environment sensors which are provided, for example, in the front and/or rear bumper of the vehicle for the purpose of parking assistance and/or collision avoidance.
  • Ultrasonic signals are usually transmitted through a medium such as air or water from an emitter to a receiver or transmitted from an emitter into an environment or ultrasonic signals reflected by an object in the environment are detected and the propagation time and/or propagation time differences and/or other variables such as For example, amplitudes and phases of the ultrasonic signals are measured.
  • ultrasonic transducers are used, which can both emit ultrasonic waves and receive ultrasonic waves. However, it can also be provided to use the ultrasonic transducer only as a receiver or only as a transmitter.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement can be installed in an ultrasonic system that includes a group of ultrasonic sensors, wherein at least one, preferably all, ultrasonic sensors include the features of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement.
  • the ultrasound system can be set up, for example, to record a partial environment of the motor vehicle.
  • the ultrasonic sensors in the front area for detecting a front vehicle environment and/or the ultrasonic sensors in the side area for detecting a side area of the vehicle and/or the ultrasonic sensors in the rear area for detecting a rear area of the vehicle can each be assigned to such an ultrasonic system.
  • four to six sensors are installed in a bumper, with only a maximum of four sensors being mounted with approximately the same line of sight.
  • sensors are also positioned in the front bumper in such a way that they have their detection range to the left and to the right.
  • sensors can also be positioned in the rear bumper in such a way that they detect an area to the left and right of the motor vehicle.
  • the ultrasound system also has a control device assigned to the respective group and a signal processing device.
  • ultrasonic sensors installed on the side of the front and rear bumpers can be used, as well as sensors installed in a side mirror or in a door section.
  • the present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer which is also suitable for use in measuring the flow of fluid media, in particular in the intake tract and/or in the exhaust tract and/or in the exhaust gas recirculation tract and/or after a turbocharger of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles.
  • the membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is formed by an outer skin of a component such as a bumper, side mirror or door area of a motor vehicle.
  • the transducer elements are hidden behind the outer skin.
  • a motor vehicle has a bumper, a side mirror or a door section and an ultrasonic transducer arrangement as described above, the membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement being formed by an outer skin of the bumper, side mirror or door section, and the transducer elements being arranged hidden behind the outer skin are.
  • the invention is defined in claim 7.
  • the thickness of the outer skin of the bumper or side mirror or the door section in which the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is installed does not correspond to the above-mentioned thicknesses preferred for acoustic transmission, it can be provided that the bumper, the side mirror or the door section of the motor vehicle is designed correspondingly thinner than elsewhere in the area in which the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is to be installed.
  • Local thinnings of this type can be incorporated both by subsequent machining, for example by milling, or already during the manufacturing process, for example during injection molding.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 shown in a side sectional view according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to a membrane 4 on an end face 3 and to a rear mass 6 on an opposite side 5.
  • Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown comprises two flex foils 10, 12, with a first flex foil 10 being arranged between the converter elements 2 and the membrane 4 according to the invention and contacting the converter elements 2 individually at their end faces 3.
  • the first flex film 10 is attached to the membrane 4 by means of a conductive adhesive 14 .
  • the coupling between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, with indirect contact denoting that at least one layer of another material is arranged between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 .
  • the conductive adhesive 14 can be such a layer.
  • layers of liquid such as oil or gel may be provided to improve acoustic coupling.
  • the second flex foil 12 is arranged between the converter elements 2 and the back mass 6 and contacts the converter elements 2 individually on sides 5 which are arranged opposite the front sides 3 with respect to the membrane 4 .
  • the second flex film 12 is attached to the backing mass 6 by means of a further adhesive 20 .
  • the converter elements 2 form what is known as an array 15.
  • at least two converter elements 2 are referred to as an array 15, which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are coupled directly or indirectly to at least one back mass 6 on the side 5 opposite the end face 3 .
  • the array 15 here also includes the plastic composite elements 8, the flex foils 10, 12 and the backing mass 6.
  • the membrane 4 is thinner in a contact area 32 than outside of the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 in the membrane 4 is at least partially countersunk. This has the advantage that the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 can be designed to be sufficiently sensitive to absorb ultrasonic waves or emit sufficiently strong ultrasonic waves, and the membrane 4 outside of the contact area 32 can be made sufficiently thick.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 not shown according to the invention in a lateral sectional view serves only for illustration and again comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to the membrane 4 on their front side 3 and to the back mass 6 on their opposite side 5.
  • Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 includes only one flex film 12, which is referred to as the second flex film 12.
  • the second flex foil 12 is arranged between the converter elements 2 and the back mass 6 and contacts the converter elements 2 individually on side surfaces 7, 9, which are neither the front sides 3 nor the opposite sides 5, and form the main surfaces of the converter elements 2.
  • the flex film 12 has contact surfaces 22, 24, which are guided to the side surfaces 7, 9.
  • the contact surfaces 22, 24 are coated surfaces of the transducer elements 2, which are contacted by the flex film 12.
  • the illustrated electrical contact transverse to the main vibration direction of the transducer element 2 is also referred to as so-called 3-1 contact.
  • the converter elements 2 are attached directly to the membrane 4 by means of an adhesive 17 .
  • the coupling between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, with indirect contact denoting that at least one layer of a further material is arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 .
  • the adhesive 17 can be such a layer.
  • layers of liquid such as oil or gel may be provided to improve acoustic coupling.
  • the second flex film 12 is attached to the backing mass 6 by means of a further adhesive 20 .
  • the array 15 includes figure 2 the transducer elements 2, the plastic composite elements 8, the second flex foil 12 and the backing mass 6. Between the array 15 and the membrane 4, as with reference to FIG figure 1 described, there is a mechanical coupling, for example by screwing or clamping the array 15 in the membrane 4, suitable means for this purpose not being shown. Provision can likewise advantageously be made for the membrane 4 to be thinner in the contact area 32 than outside the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 is at least partially countersunk in the membrane 4.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 shown in a lateral sectional view according to a second embodiment of the invention again comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to the membrane 4 on their end face 3 and to individual rear masses 6 on their opposite side 5.
  • Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart.
  • the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 comprises a rear mass 6 and a front mass 26 for each transducer element 2, between which the respective transducer element 2 is arranged.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown again comprises two flex foils 10, 12, the first flex foil 10 being arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 and the converter elements 2 are each individually contacted at the front masses 26, which for this purpose have conductor tracks or are made of a conductive material.
  • the first flex film 10 is in turn attached to the membrane 4 by means of the conductive adhesive 14 .
  • the coupling between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, as with reference to FIG figure 1 described.
  • the first flex foil 10 is also attached to the front masses 26 by means of a conductive adhesive, which is not shown.
  • the second flex foil 12 is arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the rear masses 6 and contacts the transducer elements 2 individually via the sides 5 opposite the end faces 3.
  • the second flex foil 12 is in turn attached to the rear masses 6 by means of a second conductive adhesive 28.
  • the converter elements 2 are each electrically contacted individually on the rear masses 26, which for this purpose have conductor tracks or are made of a conductive material.
  • the array 15 includes in the in figure 3 illustrated embodiment, the transducer elements 2, the plastic composite elements 8, the flex foils 10, 12 and the rear masses 6. Between the array 15 and the membrane 4, as with reference to figure 1 described, there is a mechanical coupling, for example by screwing or clamping the array 15 in the membrane 4, suitable means for this purpose not being shown. In turn, it can advantageously be provided that the membrane 4 is thinner in the contact area 32 than outside of the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 is at least partially countersunk in the membrane 4.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Ultraschallwandleranordnung welche eingerichtet ist, Ultraschallsignale zu senden und/oder zu empfangen und welche zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente, aufweist, die voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind und eingerichtet sind, Ultraschallsignale zu senden und/oder zu empfangen.The invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer arrangement which is set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals and which has at least two transducer elements which are arranged at a distance from one another and are set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals.

Die Erfindung betrifft außerdem ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer solchen Ultraschallwandleranordnung und ein Kraftfahrzeug, in welchem eine derartige Ultraschallwandleranordnung vorgesehen ist.The invention also relates to a method for producing such an ultrasonic transducer arrangement and a motor vehicle in which such an ultrasonic transducer arrangement is provided.

Im Zusammenhang mit Kraftfahrzeugen, bewegten oder stehenden Maschinen, wie zum Beispiel Robotern, Landmaschinen oder Baumaschinen werden Wandleranordnungen zur ultraschallbasierten Umfeldsensierung eingesetzt. Um hohe Sendestärken und/oder Empfangsempfindlichkeiten zu erzielen, handelt es sich dabei überwiegend um resonante Schwinger, die aus Festkörpern und einem oder mehreren Wandlerelementen bestehen.In connection with motor vehicles, moving or stationary machines, such as robots, agricultural machines or construction machines, converter arrangements for ultrasound-based environment sensing are used. In order to achieve high transmission levels and/or reception sensitivities, these are predominantly resonant oscillators, which consist of solid bodies and one or more transducer elements.

Aus der US 5,950,291 ist ein akustischer Wandler bekannt, welcher ein so genanntes Array von Wandlerelementen aufweist, die nach einer 1-3-Technik angeordnet sind und deren obere und untere Enden in steifen Polymerplatten verkapselt sind. Die Wandlerelemente werden durch flexible Leitungsträger kontaktiert, welche aus einem Polyimidmaterial bestehen, das auf beiden Seiten mit einem Kupferleiter beschichtet ist.From the U.S. 5,950,291 an acoustic transducer is known which comprises a so-called array of transducer elements arranged according to a 1-3 technique and the upper and lower ends of which are encapsulated in rigid polymer plates. The transducer elements are contacted by flexible conductors made of a polyimide material coated on both sides with a copper conductor.

EP 0 697 257 A2 zeigt Wandlerelemente mit einer 2-2- oder 1-3-Struktur, wobei Elemente auf den einander gegenüberliegenden Hauptflächen von Elektroden kontaktiert werden. Zwischen den von den Elektroden kontaktierten piezoelektrischen Elementen sind passive Polymerschichten vorgesehen, so dass sich eine Array-Struktur ergibt. EP 0 697 257 A2 Figure 1 shows transducer elements having a 2-2 or 1-3 structure, where elements are contacted on opposite major faces of electrodes. Passive polymer layers are provided between the piezoelectric elements contacted by the electrodes, resulting in an array structure.

Das Dokument EP 0 973 149 A2 offenbart ein Ultraschallwandlerarray, der eine Vielzahl von Wandlerelementen und eine Rückmasse 84 umfasst, wobei die Wandlerelemente voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind und an einer Seite an die Rückmasse gekoppelt sind. Die Wandlerelemente teilen sich eine Membran.The document EP 0 973 149 A2 discloses an ultrasonic transducer array comprising a plurality of transducer elements and a backmass 84, the transducer elements being spaced apart and coupled to the backmass on one side. The transducer elements share a diaphragm.

Das Dokument US 2006/075818 A1 offenbart einen CMUT Array mit einer Vielzahl von Wandlerelementen, einer Membran und einer Rückmasse, wobei die Wandlerelemente voneinander beabstandet angeordnet und an einer Stirnseite an die Membran gekoppelt sind. An einer gegenüberliegenden Seite sind die Wandlerelemente an die Rückmasse gekoppelt.The document U.S. 2006/075818 A1 discloses a CMUT array having a plurality of transducer elements, a diaphragm and a back mass, the transducer elements being spaced apart and coupled to the diaphragm at one end. On an opposite side, the transducer elements are coupled to the back ground.

Das Dokument US 8 398 551 B2 zeigt einen kapazitiven Ultraschallwandlerarray mit einer Mehrzahl von Wandlerelementen, einer Membran 9 und einer Rückmasse 2, wobei die Wandlerelemente voneinander beabstandet angeordnet und an einer Stirnseite an die Membran gekoppelt sind. An einer gegenüberliegenden Seite sind die Wandlerelemente an die Rückmasse gekoppelt.The document U.S. 8,398,551 B2 1 shows a capacitive ultrasonic transducer array with a plurality of transducer elements, a membrane 9 and a back mass 2, the transducer elements being arranged at a distance from one another and coupled to the membrane at one end. On an opposite side, the transducer elements are coupled to the back ground.

Das Dokument US 2009/0082673 A1 zeigt einen Ultraschallwandlerarray mit Wandlerelementen, wobei zur Kontaktierung der Wandlerelemente eine Flexfolie eingesetzt wird.The document U.S. 2009/0082673 A1 shows an ultrasonic transducer array with transducer elements, a flex film being used to contact the transducer elements.

Die Dokumente DE 10 2010 025 194 A1 und US 2010/0208553 zeigen einen Ultraschallwandler, bei welcher der Stoßfänger als Membran genutzt wird. Eine Ultraschallwandleranordnung mit mehreren Wandlerelementen wird in dem Dokument DE 10 2008 016558 A1 beschrieben.The documents DE 10 2010 025 194 A1 and US2010/0208553 show an ultrasonic transducer in which the bumper is used as a membrane. An ultrasonic transducer array with multiple transducer elements is disclosed in document DE 10 2008 016558 A1 described.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of Invention Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the Invention

Die Erfindung umfasst eine Ultraschallwandleranordnung, die eingerichtet ist, Ultraschallsignale zu senden und/oder zu empfangen, zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente, eine Membran und zumindest eine Rückmasse. Die zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente sind voneinander beabstandet angeordnet. Die zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente sind an einer Stirnseite mittelbar oder unmittelbar an die Membran gekoppelt und an einer gegenüberliegenden Seite mittelbar oder unmittelbar an die zumindest eine Rückmasse gekoppelt. Die Erfindung ist in Anspruch 1 definiert.The invention includes an ultrasonic transducer arrangement that is set up to send and/or receive ultrasonic signals, at least two transducer elements, a membrane and at least one back mass. The at least two transducer elements are arranged at a distance from one another. The at least two transducer elements are directly or indirectly coupled to the membrane at one end and at one opposite side directly or indirectly coupled to the at least one rear mass. The invention is defined in claim 1.

Vorteilhaft wird ein verdeckt montierter Array-Sensor einer neuartigen Kontaktierungsart vorgeschlagen, welcher auf eine Außenhaut aufgebracht wird. Das vorgeschlagene Design ist sehr einfach aufgebaut, kompakt und kostengünstig umgesetzt.A concealed mounted array sensor of a new type of contacting is advantageously proposed, which is applied to an outer skin. The proposed design is very simple, compact and inexpensive to implement.

Der Begriff des Wandlerelements ist dabei weit zu fassen und umfasst beispielsweise elektrisch-akustische Wandler, welche nach elektrostatischen, magnetostriktiven, piezoelektrischen Effekten oder Kombinationen dieser Effekte arbeiten. Im Rahmen der Erfindung kann das Wandlerelement insbesondere ein piezoelektrisches Element sein und die Ultraschallwandleranordnung als eine piezoelektrische Ultraschallwandleranordnung bezeichnet werden.The term converter element is to be interpreted broadly and includes, for example, electric-acoustic converters that work according to electrostatic, magnetostrictive, piezoelectric effects or combinations of these effects. Within the scope of the invention, the transducer element can in particular be a piezoelectric element and the ultrasonic transducer arrangement can be referred to as a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer arrangement.

Die Membran der Ultraschallwandleranordnung ist durch eine Außenhaut eines Stoßfängers, Seitenspiegels oder Türbereichs eines Kraftfahrzeugs gebildet, wobei die Wandlerelemente versteckt hinter der Außenhaut angeordnet sind.The membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is formed by an outer skin of a bumper, side mirror or door area of a motor vehicle, with the transducer elements being arranged hidden behind the outer skin.

Durch die in den abhängigen Ansprüchen aufgeführten Maßnahmen sind vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Verbesserungen des im unabhängigen Anspruch angegeben Gegenstands möglich.Advantageous developments and improvements of the subject specified in the independent claim are possible as a result of the measures listed in the dependent claims.

Bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass die Membran aus einer dünnen Materialschicht gebildet ist, die beispielsweise aus einem Polymermaterial gefertigt ist. Bevorzugt weist die Membran eine Dicke zwischen 0,1 mm und 5 mm auf, besonders bevorzugt kleiner als 2 mm oder kleiner als 1 mm. Die Kopplung der Wandlerelemente mit der Membran kann mittelbar oder unmittelbar erfolgen, in jedem Fall aber so, dass eine akustische Kopplung in ausreichendem Maße ermöglicht ist, d. h. dass geeignete Schwingungen übertragen werden können. Die Kopplung kann beispielsweise durch einen Presssitz, Klemmsitz, wie etwa durch Einschrauben, oder auch durch eine Klebung bewerkstelligt sein. Die Kopplung kann auch durch Umspritzen des Resonanzkörpers mit dem Material der Außenhaut erfolgen, was auch als Einbetten bezeichnet werden kann. Eine mittelbare Kopplung kann bedeuten, dass eine weitere Materialschicht zwischen den Wandlerelementen und der Membran vorgesehen ist, beispielsweise eine Flüssigkeit, wie ein Gel oder ein Öl. Die weitere Materialschicht kann insbesondere dazu vorgesehen sein, um die akustische Kopplung zwischen den Wandlerelementen und der Membran zu optimieren, z. B. um Toleranzen in den Abmessungen der Bauteile oder die Rauigkeit der Oberflächen der Kopplungspartner auszugleichen.Provision is preferably made for the membrane to be formed from a thin material layer, which is made from a polymer material, for example. The membrane preferably has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 2 mm or less than 1 mm. The transducer elements can be coupled to the membrane directly or indirectly, but in any case in such a way that acoustic coupling is made possible to a sufficient extent, ie suitable vibrations can be transmitted. The coupling can be accomplished, for example, by means of a press fit, a press fit, such as by screwing in, or by gluing. The coupling can also take place by overmoulding the resonance body with the material of the outer skin, which can also be referred to as embedding. Indirect coupling can mean that a further layer of material is provided between the transducer elements and the membrane, for example a liquid such as a gel or an oil. The further material layer can be provided in particular to the acoustic coupling between the To optimize transducer elements and the membrane, z. B. to compensate for tolerances in the dimensions of the components or the roughness of the surfaces of the coupling partners.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Ultraschallwandleranordnung 2 bis 50 Wandlerelemente auf.According to the invention, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement has 2 to 50 transducer elements.

Vorteilhaft werden damit leistungsfähige Vielelementsensoren, d. h. Arrays mit 2 bis 50 Wandlerelementen, in so genannter verdeckter Montage bereitgestellt.Efficient multi-element sensors, i. H. Arrays of 2 to 50 transducer elements, provided in what is known as concealed mounting.

Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die Wandlerelemente durch Kunststoffkompositelemente voneinander beabstandet. Die Kunststoffkompositelemente sind zwischen den Wandlerelementen angeordnet, so dass diese elektrisch und mechanisch ausreichend voneinander isoliert vorliegen. Im Rahmen der Erfindung kann diese Art der Anordnung der Wandlerelemente auch als Einbettung in eine Kunststoffkompositmasse bezeichnet werden, wobei hierunter verstanden wird, dass die Wandlerelemente im Wesentlichen vollständig von der Kunststoffkompositmasse umschlossen sind. Die Einschränkung "im Wesentlichen" bezieht sich in diesem Zusammenhang beispielsweise auf vorgesehene Kanäle für die notwendige elektrische Kontaktierung der Wandlerelemente.According to a preferred embodiment, the transducer elements are spaced apart by plastic composite elements. The plastic composite elements are arranged between the transducer elements so that they are electrically and mechanically sufficiently insulated from one another. Within the scope of the invention, this type of arrangement of the transducer elements can also be referred to as embedding in a plastic composite mass, meaning that the transducer elements are essentially completely surrounded by the plastic composite mass. In this context, the restriction “essentially” relates, for example, to channels provided for the necessary electrical contacting of the transducer elements.

Nach bevorzugten Ausführungsformen weist die Wandleranordnung, neben der zumindest einen Rückmasse, zumindest eine Vordermasse auf. Die Rückmasse und die Vordermasse sind aus unterschiedlichen Materialien Z gefertigt.According to preferred embodiments, the converter arrangement has at least one front mass in addition to the at least one rear mass. The rear mass and the front mass are made of different materials Z.

Besonders bevorzugt sind Vorder- und/oder Rückmassen für jedes Wandlerelement einzeln vorgesehen. Die von den Wandlerelementen zur Umfeldsensierung ausgesendete elektroakustische Strahlung verlässt die Wandleranordnung dann bevorzugt in Richtung der Stirnseite der Wandlerelemente, rückwärtige Strahlung wird unterdrückt. Die Rückmasse ist als sogenannte Inertial-Masse wirksam, d. h. sie ermöglicht durch ihre Masseträgheit die Krafteinleitung in den Vorderkörper und dient so auch zur Dämpfung der Schwingung gegenüber dem Bereich, in welchem keine Abstrahlung gewünscht ist. Bevorzugt ist die Vordermasse aus einem duroplastischen oder thermoplastischen Polymer oder aus einem Elastomer gefertigt und die Rückmasse aus einem Metall, beispielsweise aus Aluminium, Stahl oder Messing. Die Auswahl geeigneter Materialien kann durch Einschränkungen oder Vorgaben bezüglich der zu erreichenden Empfangsempfindlichkeiten oder Sendesignalstärken der Ultraschallwandleranordnung festgelegt sein. Insbesondere können aber auch weitere Umgebungseinflüsse, wie beispielsweise die Umgebungstemperatur oder etwa die mechanische Beanspruchung durch Schütteln, berücksichtigt werden, um geeignete Materialien festzulegen.Front and/or rear masses are particularly preferably provided individually for each converter element. The electro-acoustic radiation emitted by the transducer elements for sensing the surroundings then preferably leaves the transducer arrangement in the direction of the end face of the transducer elements, rearward radiation is suppressed. The rear mass is effective as a so-called inertial mass, ie its inertia enables the introduction of force into the front body and thus also serves to dampen the vibrations in relation to the area in which no radiation is desired. The front mass is preferably made of a duroplastic or thermoplastic polymer or an elastomer and the back mass is made of a metal, for example aluminum, steel or brass. The selection of suitable materials can be determined by limitations or specifications with regard to the reception sensitivities to be achieved or transmission signal strengths of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement. In particular, however, other environmental influences, such as the Ambient temperature or the mechanical stress caused by shaking, must be taken into account in order to determine suitable materials.

Die Ultraschallwandleranordnung weist Elektroden zur Kontaktierung der Wandlerelemente auf. Bevorzugt werden die Wandlerelemente dabei einzeln elektrisch kontaktiert. Erfindungsgemäß wird als zumindest eine Elektrode eine so genannte Flexfolie verwendet, die zur Kontaktierung der Wandlerelemente geeignet ist. Die Flexfolie kann dabei beispielsweise mittels leitfähigem Kleber an die Wandlerelemente geklebt sein.The ultrasonic transducer arrangement has electrodes for contacting the transducer elements. The converter elements are preferably individually electrically contacted. According to the invention, a so-called flex foil is used as at least one electrode, which is suitable for contacting the transducer elements. The flex film can be glued to the transducer elements, for example, by means of conductive adhesive.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die Wandlerelemente an der Stirnseite an eine erste Elektrode gekoppelt sind. Erfindungsgemäß ist die erste Elektrode eine erste Flexfolie. Die erste Elektrode, bzw. Flexfolie ist außerdem an der Membran befestigt. Besonders bevorzugt ist die erste Elektrode bzw. Flexfolie dabei an die Membran geklebt, beispielsweise mittels eines leitfähigen Klebers.According to the invention, it is provided that the transducer elements are coupled to a first electrode on the end face. According to the invention, the first electrode is a first flex film. The first electrode or flex film is also attached to the membrane. The first electrode or flex film is particularly preferably glued to the membrane, for example by means of a conductive adhesive.

Alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass zumindest eine Vordermasse an die erste Elektrode bzw. Flexfolie geklebt ist und die Vordermasse zwischen den Wandlerelementen und der ersten Elektrode bzw. Flexfolie angeordnet ist. Dabei ist die Vordermasse bevorzugt leitfähig ausgebildet, beispielsweise aus einem leitfähigen Kunststoff oder aus einem Metall gefertigt, wie etwa Aluminium.Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one front mass is glued to the first electrode or flex foil and the front mass is arranged between the transducer elements and the first electrode or flex foil. In this case, the front mass is preferably designed to be conductive, for example made from a conductive plastic or from a metal, such as aluminum.

In einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform ist eine Flexfolie vorgesehen, die die Wandlerelemente an deren Seitenflächen kontaktiert, was als so genannter 3-1-Effekt bezeichnet wird. Dazu besitzen die Wandlerelemente Elektroden an deren Seitenflächen, die durch die Flexfolie kontakt werden. Derartige Elektroden können beispielsweise auf die Wandlerelemente gesputtert werden. Die Flexfolie kann dabei an der Stirnseite der Wandlerelemente angeordnet sein und einerseits an diese geklebt sein und andererseits an die Membran geklebt sein, oder es kann vorgesehen sein, die Flexfolie an der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Wandlerelemente vorzusehen, wodurch sie einerseits an die Wandlerelemente geklebt sind und andererseits an die Rückmasse.In an embodiment not according to the invention, a flex film is provided which contacts the transducer elements on their side surfaces, which is referred to as the so-called 3-1 effect. For this purpose, the transducer elements have electrodes on their side surfaces, which are in contact through the flexible foil. Such electrodes can be sputtered onto the transducer elements, for example. The flex foil can be arranged on the end face of the converter elements and can be glued to them on the one hand and to the membrane on the other hand, or it can be provided that the flex foil is provided on the opposite side of the converter elements, as a result of which they are glued to the converter elements on the one hand and on the other hand to the rear mass.

Nach einer Ausführungsform sind die Wandlerelemente an der gegenüberliegenden Seite an eine zweite Elektrode gekoppelt. Nach einer Ausführungsform ist die zweite Elektrode eine zweite Flexfolie.According to one embodiment, the transducer elements are coupled to a second electrode on the opposite side. According to one embodiment, the second electrode is a second flex foil.

Die Erfindung kann insbesondere bei solchen Umfeldsensoren eingesetzt werden, welche beispielsweise im vorderen und/oder hinteren Stoßfänger des Fahrzeugs zum Zwecke der Parkassistenz und/oder Kollisionsvermeidung vorgesehen sind. Dabei werden üblicherweise Ultraschallsignale durch ein Medium wie Luft oder Wasser von einem Emitter zu einem Empfänger übermittelt oder von einem Emitter in eine Umgebung übermittelt oder von einem in der Umgebung befindlichen Objekt reflektierte Ultraschallsignale erfasst und die Laufzeit und/oder Laufzeitdifferenzen und/oder weitere Größen wie beispielsweise Amplituden und Phasen der Ultraschallsignale gemessen. Typischerweise werden dabei Ultraschallwandler eingesetzt, welche sowohl Ultraschallwellen emittieren können, als auch Ultraschallwellen empfangen können. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, die Ultraschallwandler nur als Empfänger oder nur als Sender einzusetzen.The invention can be used in particular in such environment sensors which are provided, for example, in the front and/or rear bumper of the vehicle for the purpose of parking assistance and/or collision avoidance. Ultrasonic signals are usually transmitted through a medium such as air or water from an emitter to a receiver or transmitted from an emitter into an environment or ultrasonic signals reflected by an object in the environment are detected and the propagation time and/or propagation time differences and/or other variables such as For example, amplitudes and phases of the ultrasonic signals are measured. Typically, ultrasonic transducers are used, which can both emit ultrasonic waves and receive ultrasonic waves. However, it can also be provided to use the ultrasonic transducer only as a receiver or only as a transmitter.

Insbesondere kann die Ultraschallwandleranordnung in einem Ultraschallsystem verbaut sein, welches eine Gruppe von Ultraschallsensoren umfasst, wobei zumindest einer, bevorzugt alle Ultraschallsensoren die Merkmale der Ultraschallwandleranordnung umfassen. Das Ultraschallsystem kann beispielsweise dazu eingerichtet sein, eine Teilumgebung des Kraftfahrzeugs zu erfassen. Beispielsweise können die Ultraschallsensoren im Frontbereich zur Erfassung einer vorderseitigen Fahrzeugumgebung und/oder die Ultraschallsensoren im Seitenbereich zur Erfassung eines Seitenbereichs des Fahrzeugs und/oder die Ultraschallsensoren im Heckbereich zur Erfassung einer rückwärtigen Umgebung des Fahrzeugs jeweils einem derartigen Ultraschallsystem zugeordnet sein. Typischerweise werden hierbei vier bis sechs Sensoren in einem Stoßfänger verbaut, wobei nur maximal vier Sensoren mit ungefähr derselben Blickrichtung montiert sind. Um insbesondere auch den Bereich neben dem Fahrzeug zu erfassen, werden im vorderen Stoßfänger außerdem Sensoren so positioniert, dass sie nach links und nach rechts ihren Erfassungsbereich haben. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können auch im hinteren Stoßfänger Sensoren derart positioniert sein, dass diese einen Bereich links und rechts neben dem Kraftfahrzeug erfassen. Das Ultraschallsystem weist darüber hinaus auch eine der jeweiligen Gruppe zugeordnete Steuereinrichtung und eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung auf. Um den Seitenbereich des Fahrzeugs zu erfassen, können sowohl seitlich im vorderen und hinteren Stoßfänger verbaute Ultraschallsensoren verwendet werden, als auch solche Sensoren, die in einem Seitenspiegel oder in einem Türabschnitt verbaut sind.In particular, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement can be installed in an ultrasonic system that includes a group of ultrasonic sensors, wherein at least one, preferably all, ultrasonic sensors include the features of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement. The ultrasound system can be set up, for example, to record a partial environment of the motor vehicle. For example, the ultrasonic sensors in the front area for detecting a front vehicle environment and/or the ultrasonic sensors in the side area for detecting a side area of the vehicle and/or the ultrasonic sensors in the rear area for detecting a rear area of the vehicle can each be assigned to such an ultrasonic system. Typically, four to six sensors are installed in a bumper, with only a maximum of four sensors being mounted with approximately the same line of sight. In order to also detect the area next to the vehicle in particular, sensors are also positioned in the front bumper in such a way that they have their detection range to the left and to the right. In addition or as an alternative, sensors can also be positioned in the rear bumper in such a way that they detect an area to the left and right of the motor vehicle. The ultrasound system also has a control device assigned to the respective group and a signal processing device. In order to detect the side area of the vehicle, ultrasonic sensors installed on the side of the front and rear bumpers can be used, as well as sensors installed in a side mirror or in a door section.

Die vorliegende Erfindung stellt einen Ultraschallwandler bereit, der außerdem für einen Einsatz zur Strömungsmessung fluider Medien, insbesondere im Ansaugtrakt und/oder im Abgastrakt und/oder im Abgasrückführungstrakt und/oder nach einem Turbolader von Brennkraftmaschinen im Kraftfahrzeugbereich geeignet ist.The present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer which is also suitable for use in measuring the flow of fluid media, in particular in the intake tract and/or in the exhaust tract and/or in the exhaust gas recirculation tract and/or after a turbocharger of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles.

Gemäß einem weiteren Aspekt der Erfindung wird ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer derartigen Ultraschallwandleranordnung angegeben, die eingerichtet ist, Ultraschallsignale zu senden und/oder zu empfangen. Das Verfahren zur Herstellung umfasst dabei die folgenden Schritte:

  1. a) Herstellen eines Arrays mit zumindest zwei Wandlerelementen, welche voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind und welche an einer einer Stirnseite gegenüberliegenden Seite mittelbar oder unmittelbar an zumindest eine Rückmasse gekoppelt sind,
  2. b) Befestigen des Arrays an einer Membran, die durch eine Außenhaut eines Bauteils gebildet ist, wobei die zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente an der Stirnseite mittelbar oder unmittelbar an die Membran gekoppelt werden.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing such an ultrasonic transducer arrangement is specified, which is set up to transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals. The manufacturing process includes the following steps:
  1. a) Production of an array with at least two transducer elements, which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are coupled directly or indirectly to at least one rear mass on a side opposite an end face,
  2. b) Fastening the array to a membrane which is formed by an outer skin of a component, the at least two transducer elements being coupled directly or indirectly to the membrane at the end face.

Die Erfindung ist in Anspruch 6 beschrieben.The invention is set out in claim 6.

Die Membran der Ultraschallwandleranordnung ist dabei durch eine Außenhaut eines Bauteils, wie eines Stoßfängers, Seitenspiegels oder Türbereichs eines Kraftfahrzeugs gebildet. Die Wandlerelemente werden versteckt hinter der Außenhaut angeordnet.The membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is formed by an outer skin of a component such as a bumper, side mirror or door area of a motor vehicle. The transducer elements are hidden behind the outer skin.

Nach einem weiteren Aspekt der Erfindung weist ein Kraftfahrzeug einen Stoßfänger, einen Seitenspiegel oder einen Türabschnitt auf und eine zuvor beschriebene Ultraschallwandleranordnung, wobei die Membran der Ultraschallwandleranordnung durch eine Außenhaut des Stoßfängers, Seitenspiegels oder Türabschnitts gebildet ist, und wobei die Wandlerelemente versteckt hinter der Außenhaut angeordnet sind. Die Erfindung ist in Anspruch 7 beschrieben.According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle has a bumper, a side mirror or a door section and an ultrasonic transducer arrangement as described above, the membrane of the ultrasonic transducer arrangement being formed by an outer skin of the bumper, side mirror or door section, and the transducer elements being arranged hidden behind the outer skin are. The invention is defined in claim 7.

Sofern die Dicke der Außenhaut des Stoßfängers oder Seitenspiegels oder des Türabschnitts, in welchen die Ultraschallwandleranordnung verbaut wird, nicht den für die akustische Übertragung bevorzugten, oben genannten Dicken entspricht, kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Stoßfänger, der Seitenspiegel oder der Türabschnitt des Kraftfahrzeugs in dem Bereich, in welchem die Ultraschallwandleranordnung verbaut werden soll, entsprechend dünner ausgestaltet ist als anderswo. Derartige lokale Verdünnungen können sowohl durch nachträgliche maschinelle Bearbeitung eingearbeitet werden, beispielsweise durch Ausfräsen, oder schon im Herstellungsprozess, beispielsweise beim Spritzgießen.If the thickness of the outer skin of the bumper or side mirror or the door section in which the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is installed does not correspond to the above-mentioned thicknesses preferred for acoustic transmission, it can be provided that the bumper, the side mirror or the door section of the motor vehicle is designed correspondingly thinner than elsewhere in the area in which the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is to be installed. Local thinnings of this type can be incorporated both by subsequent machining, for example by milling, or already during the manufacturing process, for example during injection molding.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen

Figur 1
eine Ultraschallwandleranordnung nach einer ersten Ausführungsform,
Figur 2
eine nicht erfindungsgemäße Ultraschallwandleranordnung und
Figur 3
eine Ultraschallwandleranordnung nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Show it
figure 1
an ultrasonic transducer arrangement according to a first embodiment,
figure 2
an ultrasonic transducer arrangement not according to the invention and
figure 3
an ultrasonic transducer arrangement according to a second embodiment.

Ausführungsformen der ErfindungEmbodiments of the invention

Die in Figur 1 dargestellte Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 in seitlicher Schnittansicht gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst beispielhaft acht voneinander beabstandet nebeneinander angeordnete Wandlerelemente 2, die jeweils an einer Stirnseite 3 mit einer Membran 4 und an einer gegenüberliegenden Seite 5 an eine Rückmasse 6 gekoppelt sind. Zwischen den acht Wandlerelementen 2 sind zu ihrer gegenseitigen Beabstandung Kunststoffkompositelemente 8 angeordnet.In the figure 1 The ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 shown in a side sectional view according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to a membrane 4 on an end face 3 and to a rear mass 6 on an opposite side 5. Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart.

Das dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel umfasst zwei Flexfolien 10, 12, wobei erfindungsgemäß eine erste Flexfolie 10 zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Membran 4 angeordnet ist und die Wandlerelemente 2 jeweils einzeln an ihren Stirnseiten 3 kontaktiert. Die erste Flexfolie 10 ist mittels eines leitfähigen Klebers 14 an der Membran 4 befestigt. Die Kopplung zwischen der ersten Flexfolie 10 und der Membran 4 kann mittelbar und unmittelbar vorliegen, wobei mit einem mittelbaren Kontakt bezeichnet wird, dass zwischen der ersten Flexfolie 10 und der Membran 4 zumindest eine Schicht eines weiteren Materials angeordnet ist. Beispielsweise kann der leitfähige Kleber 14 eine solche Schicht sein. Alternativ dazu oder zusätzlich dazu können Flüssigkeitsschichten wie etwa Öl oder Gel vorgesehen sein, um die akustische Kopplung zu verbessern.The exemplary embodiment shown comprises two flex foils 10, 12, with a first flex foil 10 being arranged between the converter elements 2 and the membrane 4 according to the invention and contacting the converter elements 2 individually at their end faces 3. The first flex film 10 is attached to the membrane 4 by means of a conductive adhesive 14 . The coupling between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, with indirect contact denoting that at least one layer of another material is arranged between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 . For example, the conductive adhesive 14 can be such a layer. Alternatively, or in addition, layers of liquid such as oil or gel may be provided to improve acoustic coupling.

Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Rückmasse 6 angeordnet und kontaktiert die Wandlerelemente 2 einzeln an Seiten 5, die den Stirnseiten 3 bezüglich der Membran 4 gegenüberliegend angeordnet sind. Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist mittels eines weiteren Klebers 20 an der Rückmasse 6 befestigt.The second flex foil 12 is arranged between the converter elements 2 and the back mass 6 and contacts the converter elements 2 individually on sides 5 which are arranged opposite the front sides 3 with respect to the membrane 4 . The second flex film 12 is attached to the backing mass 6 by means of a further adhesive 20 .

Die Wandlerelemente 2 bilden ein so sogenanntes Array 15. Als ein Array 15 werden im Rahmen der Erfindung zumindest zwei Wandlerelemente 2 bezeichnet, welche voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind und welche an der der Stirnseite 3 gegenüberliegenden Seite 5 mittelbar oder unmittelbar an zumindest eine Rückmasse 6 gekoppelt sind. Das Array 15 umfasst hier auch die Kunststoffkompositelemente 8, die Flexfolien 10, 12 und die Rückmasse 6. Zwischen dem Array 15 und der Membran 4 kann eine mechanische Kopplung vorliegen, beispielsweise durch eine Verschraubung oder eine Verklemmung des Arrays 15 in der Membran 4, wobei zu diesem Zweck geeignete Mittel in Fig. 1 nicht dargestellt sind. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Membran 4 in einem Kontaktbereich 32 dünner ausgebildet ist als außerhalb des Kontaktbereichs 32, so dass das Array 15 im Kontaktbereich 32 in der Membran 4 zumindest teilweise versenkt ist. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass die Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 einerseits ausreichend empfindlich zur Aufnahme von Ultraschallwellen ausgelegt werden kann bzw. ausreichend starke Ultraschallwellen aussenden kann und andererseits die Membran 4 außerhalb des Kontaktbereichs 32 ausreichend dick gestaltet werden kann.The converter elements 2 form what is known as an array 15. Within the scope of the invention, at least two converter elements 2 are referred to as an array 15, which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are coupled directly or indirectly to at least one back mass 6 on the side 5 opposite the end face 3 . The array 15 here also includes the plastic composite elements 8, the flex foils 10, 12 and the backing mass 6. There can be a mechanical coupling between the array 15 and the membrane 4, for example by screwing or clamping the array 15 in the membrane 4, where appropriate means for this purpose 1 are not shown. It can be provided that the membrane 4 is thinner in a contact area 32 than outside of the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 in the membrane 4 is at least partially countersunk. This has the advantage that the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 can be designed to be sufficiently sensitive to absorb ultrasonic waves or emit sufficiently strong ultrasonic waves, and the membrane 4 outside of the contact area 32 can be made sufficiently thick.

Die in Figur 2 nicht erfindungsgemäß dargestellte Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 in seitlicher Schnittansicht dient lediglich der Veranschaulichung und umfasst wiederum beispielhaft acht voneinander beabstandet nebeneinander angeordnete Wandlerelemente 2, die jeweils an ihrer Stirnseite 3 mit der Membran 4 und an ihrer gegenüberliegenden Seite 5 an die Rückmasse 6 gekoppelt sind. Zwischen den acht Wandlerelementen 2 sind zu ihrer gegenseitigen Beabstandung Kunststoffkompositelemente 8 angeordnet.In the figure 2 The ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 not shown according to the invention in a lateral sectional view serves only for illustration and again comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to the membrane 4 on their front side 3 and to the back mass 6 on their opposite side 5. Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart.

Im Unterschied zu Figur 1 umfasst die Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 nur eine Flexfolie 12, die als zweite Flexfolie 12 bezeichnet wird. Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Rückmasse 6 angeordnet und kontaktiert die Wandlerelemente 2 einzeln an Seitenflächen 7, 9, die weder die Stirnseiten 3 noch die gegenüberliegenden Seiten 5 sind, und die Hauptflächen der Wandlerelemente 2 bilden. Hierzu weist die Flexfolie 12 Kontaktierflächen 22, 24 auf, die an die Seitenflächen 7, 9 geführt sind. Alternativ kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Kontaktierflächen 22, 24 beschichtete Oberflächen der Wandlerelemente 2 sind, die von der Flexfolie 12 kontaktiert werden. Die dargestellte elektrische Kontaktierung quer zur Hauptschwingungsrichtung des Wandlerelements 2 wird auch als sogenannte 3-1 Kontaktierung bezeichnet.In contrast to figure 1 the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 includes only one flex film 12, which is referred to as the second flex film 12. The second flex foil 12 is arranged between the converter elements 2 and the back mass 6 and contacts the converter elements 2 individually on side surfaces 7, 9, which are neither the front sides 3 nor the opposite sides 5, and form the main surfaces of the converter elements 2. For this purpose, the flex film 12 has contact surfaces 22, 24, which are guided to the side surfaces 7, 9. Alternatively can it can also be provided that the contact surfaces 22, 24 are coated surfaces of the transducer elements 2, which are contacted by the flex film 12. The illustrated electrical contact transverse to the main vibration direction of the transducer element 2 is also referred to as so-called 3-1 contact.

Die Wandlerelemente 2 sind mittels eines Klebers 17 direkt an der Membran 4 befestigt. Die Kopplung zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Membran 4 kann mittelbar und unmittelbar vorliegen, wobei mit einem mittelbaren Kontakt bezeichnet wird, dass zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Membran 4 zumindest eine Schicht eines weiteren Materials angeordnet ist. Beispielsweise kann der Kleber 17 eine solche Schicht sein. Alternativ dazu oder zusätzlich dazu können Flüssigkeitsschichten wie etwa Öl oder Gel vorgesehen sein, um die akustische Kopplung zu verbessern. Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist mittels eines weiteren Klebers 20 an der Rückmasse 6 befestigt.The converter elements 2 are attached directly to the membrane 4 by means of an adhesive 17 . The coupling between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, with indirect contact denoting that at least one layer of a further material is arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 . For example, the adhesive 17 can be such a layer. Alternatively, or in addition, layers of liquid such as oil or gel may be provided to improve acoustic coupling. The second flex film 12 is attached to the backing mass 6 by means of a further adhesive 20 .

Das Array 15 umfasst auf Figur 2 die Wandlerelemente 2, die Kunststoffkompositelemente 8, die zweite Flexfolie 12 und die Rückmasse 6. Zwischen dem Array 15 und der Membran 4 kann, wie mit Bezug zu Figur 1 beschrieben, eine mechanische Kopplung vorliegen, beispielsweise durch eine Verschraubung oder eine Verklemmung des Arrays 15 in der Membran 4, wobei zu diesem Zweck geeignete Mittel nicht dargestellt sind. Es kann ebenfalls vorteilhaft vorgesehen sein, dass die Membran 4 in dem Kontaktbereich 32 dünner ausgebildet ist als außerhalb des Kontaktbereichs 32, so dass das Array 15 im Kontaktbereich 32 in der Membran 4 zumindest teilweise versenkt ist.The array 15 includes figure 2 the transducer elements 2, the plastic composite elements 8, the second flex foil 12 and the backing mass 6. Between the array 15 and the membrane 4, as with reference to FIG figure 1 described, there is a mechanical coupling, for example by screwing or clamping the array 15 in the membrane 4, suitable means for this purpose not being shown. Provision can likewise advantageously be made for the membrane 4 to be thinner in the contact area 32 than outside the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 is at least partially countersunk in the membrane 4.

Die in Figur 3 dargestellte Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 in seitlicher Schnittansicht gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst wiederum beispielhaft acht voneinander beabstandet nebeneinander angeordnete Wandlerelemente 2, die jeweils an ihrer Stirnseite 3 mit der Membran 4 und an ihrer gegenüberliegenden Seite 5 an einzelne Rückmassen 6 gekoppelt sind. Zwischen den acht Wandlerelementen 2 sind zu ihrer gegenseitigen Beabstandung Kunststoffkompositelemente 8 angeordnet. Im Unterschied zu der vorher beschriebenen Ausführungsform umfasst die Ultraschallwandleranordnung 1 pro Wandlerelement 2 jeweils eine Rückmasse 6 und eine Vordermasse 26, zwischen welchen das jeweilige Wandlerelement 2 angeordnet ist.In the figure 3 The ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 shown in a lateral sectional view according to a second embodiment of the invention again comprises, for example, eight transducer elements 2 arranged next to one another at a distance from one another, which are each coupled to the membrane 4 on their end face 3 and to individual rear masses 6 on their opposite side 5. Plastic composite elements 8 are arranged between the eight transducer elements 2 to space them apart. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement 1 comprises a rear mass 6 and a front mass 26 for each transducer element 2, between which the respective transducer element 2 is arranged.

Das dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel umfasst wiederum zwei Flexfolien 10, 12, wobei die erste Flexfolie 10 zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und der Membran 4 angeordnet ist und die Wandlerelemente 2 jeweils einzeln an den Vordermassen 26 kontaktiert, welche hierzu Leiterbahnen aufweisen oder aus einem leitfähigen Material gefertigt sind. Die erste Flexfolie 10 ist wiederum mittels des leitfähigen Klebers 14 an der Membran 4 befestigt. Die Kopplung zwischen der ersten Flexfolie 10 und der Membran 4 kann mittelbar und unmittelbar vorliegen, wie mit Bezug zu Figur 1 beschrieben. Die erste Flexfolie 10 ist außerdem mittels eines leitfähigen Klebers an den Vordermassen 26 befestigt, was nicht dargestellt ist.The exemplary embodiment shown again comprises two flex foils 10, 12, the first flex foil 10 being arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the membrane 4 and the converter elements 2 are each individually contacted at the front masses 26, which for this purpose have conductor tracks or are made of a conductive material. The first flex film 10 is in turn attached to the membrane 4 by means of the conductive adhesive 14 . The coupling between the first flex foil 10 and the membrane 4 can be direct or indirect, as with reference to FIG figure 1 described. The first flex foil 10 is also attached to the front masses 26 by means of a conductive adhesive, which is not shown.

Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist zwischen den Wandlerelementen 2 und den Rückmassen 6 angeordnet und kontaktiert die Wandlerelemente 2 einzeln über die den Stirnseiten 3 gegenüberliegenden Seiten 5. Die zweite Flexfolie 12 ist hierzu wiederum mittels eines zweiten leitfähigen Klebers 28 an den Rückmassen 6 befestigt. Die Wandlerelemente 2 werden jeweils einzeln elektrisch an den Rückmassen 26 kontaktiert, welche hierzu Leiterbahnen aufweisen oder aus einem leitfähigen Material gefertigt sind.The second flex foil 12 is arranged between the transducer elements 2 and the rear masses 6 and contacts the transducer elements 2 individually via the sides 5 opposite the end faces 3. For this purpose, the second flex foil 12 is in turn attached to the rear masses 6 by means of a second conductive adhesive 28. The converter elements 2 are each electrically contacted individually on the rear masses 26, which for this purpose have conductor tracks or are made of a conductive material.

Das Array 15 umfasst in dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel die Wandlerelemente 2, die Kunststoffkompositelemente 8, die Flexfolien 10, 12 und die Rückmassen 6. Zwischen dem Array 15 und der Membran 4 kann, wie mit Bezug zu Figur 1 beschrieben, eine mechanische Kopplung vorliegen, beispielsweise durch eine Verschraubung oder eine Verklemmung des Arrays 15 in der Membran 4, wobei zu diesem Zweck geeignete Mittel nicht dargestellt sind. Es kann wiederum vorteilhaft vorgesehen sein, dass die Membran 4 in dem Kontaktbereich 32 dünner ausgebildet ist als außerhalb des Kontaktbereichs 32, so dass das Array 15 im Kontaktbereich 32 in der Membran 4 zumindest teilweise versenkt ist.The array 15 includes in the in figure 3 illustrated embodiment, the transducer elements 2, the plastic composite elements 8, the flex foils 10, 12 and the rear masses 6. Between the array 15 and the membrane 4, as with reference to figure 1 described, there is a mechanical coupling, for example by screwing or clamping the array 15 in the membrane 4, suitable means for this purpose not being shown. In turn, it can advantageously be provided that the membrane 4 is thinner in the contact area 32 than outside of the contact area 32, so that the array 15 in the contact area 32 is at least partially countersunk in the membrane 4.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die hier beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele und die darin hervorgehobenen Aspekte beschränkt. Vielmehr ist innerhalb des durch die Ansprüche angegebenen Bereichs eine Vielzahl von Abwandlungen möglich, die im Rahmen fachmännischen Handelns liegen.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, within the range specified by the claims, a large number of modifications are possible, which are within the scope of expert action.

Claims (7)

  1. Ultrasound transducer assembly (1), which is set up to transmit and/or to receive ultrasonic signals, comprising at least two transducer elements (2), a membrane (4) and at least one back mass (6), wherein the at least two transducer elements (2) are arranged at a distance from one another and are coupled indirectly or directly to the membrane (4) at one front face (3) and, on an opposite side (5), are coupled indirectly or directly to the at least one back mass (6), characterized in that the membrane (4) is formed by an outer skin of a bumper, side mirror or door region of a motor vehicle, wherein the transducer elements (2) are arranged to be hidden behind the outer skin,
    wherein the ultrasound transducer assembly (1) has 2 to 50 transducer elements (2), wherein a first flexible film (10) is arranged between the transducer elements (2) and the membrane (4) to make contact with the transducer elements (2).
  2. Ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the membrane (4) has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.
  3. Ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transducer elements (2) are spaced apart from one another by plastic composite elements (8).
  4. Ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one front mass (26) is coupled to the first flexible film (10), and the front mass (26) is arranged between the transducer elements (2) and the first flexible film (10).
  5. Ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transducer elements (2) are adhesively bonded to a second flexible film (12) on the opposite side (5).
  6. Method for producing an ultrasound transducer assembly (1), which is set up to transmit and/or to receive ultrasonic signals, in particular an ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps:
    a) producing an array (15) having at least two transducer elements (2), which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are coupled indirectly or directly to at least one back mass (6) on a side (5) opposite front face (3),
    b) fixing the array (15) to a membrane (4), which is formed by an outer skin of a component, wherein the at least two transducer elements (2) are coupled indirectly or directly to the membrane (4) at the front face (3),
    characterized in that the membrane (4) is formed by an outer skin of a bumper, side mirror or door region of a motor vehicle, wherein the transducer elements (2) are arranged to be hidden behind the outer skin, wherein the ultrasound transducer assembly (1) has 2 to 50 transducer elements (2), wherein a first flexible film (10) is arranged between the transducer elements (2) and the membrane (4) to make contact with the transducer elements (2) .
  7. Motor vehicle having a bumper, side mirror or door section and an ultrasound transducer assembly (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5.
EP14714704.5A 2013-06-20 2014-04-02 Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly Active EP3010649B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102013211612.8A DE102013211612A1 (en) 2013-06-20 2013-06-20 Ultrasonic transducer assembly and motor vehicle with an ultrasonic transducer assembly
PCT/EP2014/056577 WO2014202248A1 (en) 2013-06-20 2014-04-02 Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3010649A1 EP3010649A1 (en) 2016-04-27
EP3010649B1 true EP3010649B1 (en) 2022-03-02

Family

ID=50424254

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14714704.5A Active EP3010649B1 (en) 2013-06-20 2014-04-02 Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3010649B1 (en)
CN (1) CN105636711A (en)
DE (1) DE102013211612A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014202248A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6477299A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-03-23 Toshiba Corp Ultrasonic probe
EP0470639B1 (en) * 1990-08-10 1995-07-12 Sekisui Kaseihin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Acoustic-emission sensor
US6225728B1 (en) 1994-08-18 2001-05-01 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Composite piezoelectric transducer arrays with improved acoustical and electrical impedance
US5691960A (en) 1995-08-02 1997-11-25 Materials Systems, Inc. Conformal composite acoustic transducer panel and method of fabrication thereof
JP4294798B2 (en) * 1998-07-16 2009-07-15 マサチューセッツ・インスティテュート・オブ・テクノロジー Ultrasonic transducer
DE10361316B4 (en) * 2003-12-19 2015-08-27 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Ultrasonic transducer device
WO2005120130A1 (en) * 2004-06-03 2005-12-15 Olympus Corporation Electrostatic capacity type ultrasonic vibrator, manufacturing method thereof, and electrostatic capacity type ultrasonic probe
US7545075B2 (en) * 2004-06-04 2009-06-09 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer array with through-substrate electrical connection and method of fabricating same
US20090082673A1 (en) * 2007-09-26 2009-03-26 Xuanming Lu Semiconductor matching layer in a layered ultrasound transducer array
DE102010018993B4 (en) * 2010-05-03 2021-04-01 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Ultrasonic sensor, associated manufacturing process and environment recognition system
CN202686117U (en) * 2012-06-13 2013-01-23 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司杭州分公司 Vehicle anti-collision early-warning device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3010649A1 (en) 2016-04-27
DE102013211612A1 (en) 2014-12-24
WO2014202248A1 (en) 2014-12-24
CN105636711A (en) 2016-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2011141255A2 (en) Method for driving an ultrasound sensor and ultrasound sensor
EP2997340A1 (en) Vehicle which can be operated by motor and with muscle power and has an improved torque sensor
EP2293102B1 (en) Method and device for determining the position of an obstacle relative to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for use in a driver assistance system of the vehicle
DE102006055168A1 (en) The obstacle detection system
DE102006061182A1 (en) Ultrasonic Sensor
DE102008006554A1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor for receiving ultrasonic waves, has piezoelectric element arranged between two electrodes and acoustic adjusting part which has receiving surface for receiving ultrasonic waves
DE102006061886B4 (en) ultrasonic sensor
DE102015211539A1 (en) Motor vehicle with an ultrasonic sensor arrangement
WO2014202333A1 (en) Surroundings-sensing system having an ultrasonic transducer, and a motor vehicle having such a surroundings-sensing system
DE102011079646A1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor device for detecting and / or transmitting ultrasound
DE102014014389A1 (en) A sensor device and method for detecting at least one touch event on a vehicle
DE102009040264A1 (en) Ultrasonic waves producing method for e.g. aircraft, involves causing thickness mode of vibrations between converter and component during activation of converter, and producing ultrasonic waves by thickness mode of vibrations
EP3010651A1 (en) Surroundings-sensing system having a modular ultrasonic transducer, and a motor vehicle having such a surroundings-sensing system
DE102004051638A1 (en) Method for operating a sensor in a security system
EP3010649B1 (en) Ultrasound transducer assembly and motor vehicle having an ultrasound transducer assembly
EP3012654A1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor for a motor vehicle, assembly, motor vehicle and manufacturing method
EP0825585B1 (en) Apparatus for determination of distances to objects
EP2850398B1 (en) Manufacturing process of an ultrasound transducer with imbedded piezoelectric transducer element
DE102015110939B4 (en) Ultrasonic sensor for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle and method for producing an ultrasonic sensor
WO2016184952A1 (en) Ultrasonic sensor for a motor vehicle, motor vehicle, and method for producing an ultrasonic sensor
DE102013222076A1 (en) Sound transducer and manufacturing method for a sound transducer
DE102014209744A1 (en) Device for detecting the surroundings of a vehicle
DE102012014199A1 (en) Device for detecting flooding of motor vehicles, has damping element by which front side of diaphragm is partially covered, where damping element lies at front side, particularly in continuous contact with front side
WO2014202331A1 (en) Surroundings-sensing system having an ultrasonic transducer, and a motor vehicle having such a surroundings-sensing system
DE102020208465A1 (en) ULTRASONIC SENSOR

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20160120

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180319

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20211022

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1471828

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502014016133

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220602

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220602

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220603

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220704

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220702

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502014016133

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220430

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220402

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220430

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220502

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220430

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20221205

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220430

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20220602

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220402

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220602

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 1471828

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220402

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220402

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230627

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140402

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220302