JP7231386B2 - ultrasonic detector - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the invention relate to ultrasonic detectors.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for detecting an object by transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves is known. Such technology is used, for example, for detecting obstacles around the vehicle.

In Patent Document 1, by attaching an ultrasonic sensor that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves inside a metal plate that constitutes a vehicle body, ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the metal plate and ultrasonic waves reflected from an object are detected. A technique for receiving through a metal plate is disclosed.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0059697

However, with the conventional technology described above, it may be difficult to appropriately detect the ultrasonic waves reflected from the object due to the reverberation of the ultrasonic waves generated in the metal plate.

Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic detector capable of appropriately detecting reflected waves of ultrasonic waves.

An ultrasonic detector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a first element that is attached to the mounting surface and transmits ultrasonic waves , a second element that is attached to the mounting surface and receives ultrasonic waves , a damping material attached to the mounting surface and damping vibration of the mounting surface , the damping material having a plurality of slit-shaped openings, and the first element or the second element having different openings placed in Therefore, as an example, a first element that transmits ultrasonic waves and a second element that receives ultrasonic waves are provided , and the first element or the second element is arranged in mutually different openings of the damping material. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second element that receives the ultrasonic waves from vibrating when transmitting the ultrasonic waves. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second element from reverberating due to the vibration. Further, by arranging the damping material between the first element and the second element, it is possible to attenuate the reverberation of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element to the second element via the mounting surface. In this way, by reducing the reverberation of ultrasonic waves generated in the element itself and the reverberation of ultrasonic waves generated in the mounting surface, it is possible to appropriately detect the reflected ultrasonic waves.

In the above ultrasonic detector, the opening includes a first opening along a predetermined direction and a second opening parallel to the first opening, and the first element includes the first opening. and the second element is arranged in the second opening in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction with respect to the arrangement position of the first element with the damping material interposed therebetween. Thereby, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wide range along the longitudinal direction of the opening. In addition , the reflected ultrasonic wave can be received in a wider range.

In the ultrasonic detector , the first element is arranged at one end of the opening in the predetermined direction , and the second element is arranged at the other end of the second opening in the predetermined direction. be. As a result, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wide range along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves can be received over a wider range. Further, by providing the second opening parallel to the first opening, it is possible to appropriately receive the reflected ultrasonic wave while achieving space saving for the damping material.

The ultrasonic detector includes a first element that is attached to a mounting surface and transmits ultrasonic waves, a second element that is attached to the mounting surface and receives ultrasonic waves, and a second element that is attached to the mounting surface and is mounted on the mounting surface. a damping material for damping the vibration of the damping material, the damping material having an opening disposed between the first element and the second element, the opening having a slit shape, a first opening and a second opening parallel to the first opening, wherein the first element is disposed in the first opening and the second element is disposed in the second opening and may comprise two said first elements. Further, the first opening has a first extending portion extending along the first direction, and is branched from the first extending portion at an intermediate portion of the first extending portion to extend along the first direction. and a second extending portion extending along a different second direction. Further, one of the two first elements may be arranged at one end of the first extending portion, and the other of the two first elements may be arranged at the other end of the first extending portion. good. Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the two first elements are combined, and the combined wave propagates to the second extension portion, whereby the ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wider range.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with an obstacle detection device including an ultrasonic detector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic detector according to the first embodiment. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to a reference example. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing changes over time in ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by an ultrasonic detector according to a reference example. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing temporal changes in ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic detector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the first detection process in which the first element functions as a transmitter and the second element functions as a receiver. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of a second detection process in which the second element functions as a transmitter and the first element functions as a receiver. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the second embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the fourth embodiment. 16A is a schematic enlarged view of a portion H in FIG. 15. FIG. 16B is a schematic enlarged view of the H portion in FIG. 15. FIG. 16C is a schematic enlarged view of the H portion in FIG. 15. FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector according to the seventh embodiment.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form (henceforth "embodiment") for implementing the ultrasonic detector which concerns on this application is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings. Note that the ultrasonic detector according to the present application is not limited to this embodiment. Also, in each of the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

(First embodiment)
[1. Configuration of vehicle 1]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle 1 equipped with an obstacle detection device including an ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment.

The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, an automobile using an internal combustion engine such as an engine as a driving source, or an electric automobile or a fuel cell automobile using an electric motor such as a motor as a driving source. , and a hybrid vehicle using both of them as drive sources. The vehicle 1 can be equipped with various transmissions, and can also be equipped with various devices necessary for driving an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The system, number, layout, and the like of the devices related to the driving of the wheels in the vehicle 1 can be set variously.

The ultrasonic detector 3 transmits ultrasonic waves and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by obstacles. As a result, the obstacle detection device including the ultrasonic detector 3 can detect the presence or absence of an obstacle around the vehicle 1 and the distance to the obstacle.

The ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment is attached to the back surface of the metal plate 2 forming the vehicle body of the vehicle 1, that is, the surface opposite to the surface exposed to the outside. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic detector 3 may detect the back surfaces of metal plates 2R and 2L that constitute side doors provided on the side surfaces of the vehicle 1, and metal plates that constitute the back door provided on the rear side of the vehicle 1. It is attached to the back surface of the plate 2B or the like.

Thus, the ultrasonic detector 3 transmits ultrasonic waves through the metal plate 2 and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles through the metal plate 2 . Since the ultrasonic detector 3 is invisible from the outside of the vehicle 1 , it can detect ultrasonic waves without impairing the design of the vehicle 1 .

The place where the ultrasonic detector 3 is attached is not limited to a side door or a back door, and may be a side mirror, a bumper, or the like. Also, the member to which the ultrasonic detector 3 is attached does not necessarily have to be metal, and may be any material that can transmit ultrasonic waves.

[2. Configuration of Control System 100]
The vehicle 1 is provided with a control system 100 including an obstacle detection device. A configuration of such a control system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system 100 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the control system 100 is an example of an obstacle detection device, and includes a plurality of ultrasonic detectors 3 , an ECU 10 and an in-vehicle network 20 .

The ECU 10 can control the ultrasonic detector 3 by sending a control signal via the in-vehicle network 20 . In addition to the above, the ECU 10 can also control the brake system, control the steering system, and the like.

The ECU 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 , an SSD (Solid State Drive) 12 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14 . The CPU 11 implements a function as an obstacle detection device by executing a program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage device such as the ROM 13 . The RAM 14 temporarily stores various data used in calculations by the CPU 11 . The SSD 12 is a rewritable non-volatile storage device, and can store data even when the power of the ECU 10 is turned off. CPU 11, ROM 13, RAM 14, etc. can be integrated in the same package. Instead of the CPU 11, the ECU 10 may have a configuration in which another logical operation processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a logic circuit, or the like is used. A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be provided instead of the SSD 12 , or the SSD 12 or the HDD may be provided separately from the ECU 10 .

In-vehicle network 20 is configured, for example, as a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[3. Configuration of Ultrasonic Detector 3]
Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic detector 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ultrasonic detector 3 includes a first element 31, a second element 32, and a damping material 33. As shown in FIGS. The first element 31 , the second element 32 and the damping material 33 are attached to the attachment surface 21 that is the back surface of the metal plate 2 .

The first element 31 and the second element 32 can function as an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver. Specifically, the first element 31 and the second element 32 include, for example, a piezoelectric material such as piezoelectric ceramics, electrodes, and the like, and generate ultrasonic waves by utilizing the inverse piezoelectric effect. to receive ultrasound.

The damping material 33 dampens vibrations of the mounting surface 21 . Although the material of the damping material 33 is not particularly limited, for example, rubber-based, resin-based, and asphalt-based materials can be used.

The damping material 33 has a first opening 331 and a second opening 332 . The first opening 331 and the second opening 332 are, for example, portions obtained by hollowing out the damping material 33 in a perfect circle shape. The first element 31 is arranged in the first opening 331 and the second element 32 is arranged in the second opening 332 .

The vibration damping material 33 is arranged between the first element 31 and the second element 32 so that, for example, when the first element 31 functions as an ultrasonic transmitter, the vibration damping material 33 is separated from the mounting surface by the first element 31. Ultrasonic waves transmitted to the second element 32 via 21 can be attenuated. Moreover, when the second element 32 functions as an ultrasonic transmitter, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the second element 32 to the first element 31 via the mounting surface 21 can be attenuated. This makes it possible to appropriately detect the ultrasonic waves reflected from the obstacle. This point will be specifically described while comparing with a reference example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3X according to a reference example, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing temporal changes in ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic detector 3X according to the reference example. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing temporal changes in ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ultrasonic detector 3X according to the reference example is attached to the attachment surface 21X. Mounting surface 21X is, for example, the back surface of metal plate 2X that constitutes the vehicle.

The ultrasonic detector 3X has one ultrasonic element that includes a piezoelectric material, electrodes, etc., and uses this one ultrasonic element to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves through the metal plate 2X. conduct.

Thus, the ultrasonic detector 3X according to the reference example uses one ultrasonic element to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, even if the ultrasonic wave S1 is reflected from an obstacle located relatively close to the ultrasonic detector 3X, ultrasonic wave detection when transmitting the ultrasonic wave The ultrasonic wave S1 may be hidden by the reverberation E1 of the vibration of the device 3X itself, so that the ultrasonic wave S1 may not be properly detected.

In addition, since ultrasonic waves are difficult to attenuate in metal, the reverberation E2 of the ultrasonic waves S0 remains in the metal plate 2X for a long time. Therefore, even if the ultrasonic wave S2 is reflected from an obstacle relatively far from the ultrasonic detector 3X, the ultrasonic wave S2 is hidden by the reverberation E2 that continues to remain on the metal plate 2X. There is a possibility that the ultrasonic wave S2 cannot be detected appropriately.

On the other hand, in the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment, two elements, the first element 31 and the second element 32, are provided, one of the elements functions as an ultrasonic transmitter, and the other element functions as an ultrasonic transmitter. It was made to function as an ultrasonic receiver. As a result, the element (for example, the second element 32) functioning as a receiving section does not generate reverberation E1 of the vibration of the element itself when the ultrasonic wave is transmitted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the influence of reverberation E1 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment, the ultrasonic waves S1 reflected from the obstacles relatively close to the ultrasonic detector 3 can be detected appropriately.

In addition, in the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment, by providing the damping material 33 between the first element 31 and the second element 32, the element functioning as the transmitting section is changed from the element functioning as the receiving section. The damping material 33 is used to attenuate the ultrasonic waves transmitted through the metal plate 2 . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the reverberation E2 of the ultrasonic waves generated in the metal plate 2 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to appropriately detect the ultrasonic waves S2 reflected from obstacles located relatively far from the ultrasonic detector 3 .

Further, in the ultrasonic detector 3 according to the first embodiment, since the first element 31 is arranged in the first opening 331 and the second element 32 is arranged in the second opening 332, the reverberations E1 and E2 can be more reliably attenuated.

[4. Operation of Ultrasonic Detector 3]
Next, the operation of the ultrasonic detector 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation example of the first detection process in which the first element 31 functions as a transmitter and the second element 32 functions as a receiver. Also, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation example of the second detection process in which the second element 32 functions as a transmitter and the first element 31 functions as a receiver.

By controlling the ultrasonic detector 3, the ECU 10 performs a first detection process of transmitting ultrasonic waves from the first element 31 and causing the second element 32 to receive the ultrasonic waves, and a first detection process of transmitting ultrasonic waves from the second element 32 to receive the ultrasonic waves. The second detection process to be received by one element 31 is alternately performed while being alternately performed. The ECU 10 detects the obstacle T when the ultrasonic detector 3 receives ultrasonic waves in either the first detection process or the second detection process.

As a result, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, even if the ultrasonic wave reflected from the obstacle T does not reach the second element 32 (receiving unit in the first detection process) in the first detection process, Even if there is, it may reach the first element 31 (receiving unit in the second detection process) in the second detection process. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves reflected from the obstacle T can be detected more reliably than when only one of the first detection process and the second detection process is performed, for example.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the damping material 33 does not necessarily need to have the first opening 331 and the second opening 332 . For example, the damping material 33 may be configured to include one of the first opening 331 and the second opening 332, or may be configured to not include the first opening 331 and the second opening 332. good too. That is, the damping material 33 is disposed between at least the first element 31 and the second element 32, and suppresses ultrasonic waves transmitted from one of the first element 31 and the second element 32 to the other through the metal plate 2. Any material can be used as long as it can be attenuated.

(Second embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic detector 3A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. Here, an example will be described in which the first element 31 functions as an ultrasonic transmitter and the second element 32 functions as an ultrasonic receiver.

As shown in FIG. 11, an ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment includes a first element 31, a second element 32, and a damping material 33A. The first element 31 , the second element 32 and the damping material 33A are attached to the attachment surface 21 .

The damping material 33A has a first opening 331A and a second opening 332A. Both the first opening 331A and the second opening 332A have a slit shape and extend in parallel along the same direction. Also, the first opening 331A and the second opening 332A are arranged side by side in the lateral direction.

The first element 31 is arranged at one of the longitudinal ends of the first opening 331A. The second element 32 is arranged at the other end of the second opening 332</b>A in the longitudinal direction, in other words, at the end farther from the first element 31 .

As shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasonic waves generated in the first element 31 propagate through the section of the metal plate 2 exposed by the first opening 331A from one end to the other end of the first opening 331A. . The ultrasonic wave propagating through the metal plate 2 is radiated into the air from each resonance point as the metal plate 2 vibrates at each resonance point on the metal plate 2 .

The propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the metal plate 2 is faster than the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the air. Therefore, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the section of the metal plate 2 exposed by the first opening 331A is affected by the difference in the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave in the metal plate 2 and in the air. Oblique directivity is generated.

Thus, according to the ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment, by providing the slit-shaped first opening 331A, ultrasonic waves are transmitted over a wide range along the longitudinal direction of the first opening 331A. can do. In addition, since ultrasonic waves with oblique directivity can be transmitted to the metal plate 2, obstacles existing in any direction other than the front of the metal plate 2 can be detected.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the ultrasonic wave reflected from the obstacle T reaches any part of the section exposed by the second opening 332A of the metal plate 2, it propagates through the section. can reach the second element 32 by As described above, according to the ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment, by arranging the second element 32 in the slit-shaped second opening 332A, ultrasonic waves reflected from the obstacle T can be detected over a wide range. can be received at Further, by providing the second opening 332A parallel to the first opening 331A, it is possible to appropriately receive ultrasonic waves coming from any direction. Moreover, space saving can be achieved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic detector 3B according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3B according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, an ultrasonic detector 3B according to the third embodiment includes a first element 31, a second element 32, and a damping material 33B. The first element 31 , the second element 32 and the damping material 33</b>B are attached to the attachment surface 21 .

A damping material 33B according to the third embodiment includes a first opening 331B and a second opening 332B. The first opening 331B and the second opening 332B are formed to have a wider width (slit width) in the lateral direction than the damping material 33A according to the second embodiment.

By widening the slit width of the first opening 331B in this way, the vibration surface is widened and the ultrasonic waves are output with a higher intensity. , the ultrasonic waves can be propagated farther. That is, according to the ultrasonic detector 3B according to the second embodiment, an obstacle existing farther from the vehicle 1 can be detected than the ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment. Further, by widening the slit width of the second opening 332B, it is possible to receive ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles in a wider range than the ultrasonic detector 3A according to the second embodiment. .

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an ultrasonic detector 3C according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3C according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, an ultrasonic detector 3C according to the fourth embodiment includes first elements 31C1 and 31C2, a second element 32, and a damping material 33C. The first elements 31C1 and 31C2, the second element 32 and the damping material 33C are attached to the attachment surface 21. As shown in FIG.

The damping material 33C has a first opening 331C and a second opening 332C. The first opening 331C includes a first extension portion 331C1 and a plurality (here, three) of second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4. The first extending portion 331C1 is a portion extending along the first direction. The first element 31C1 is arranged at one end of the first extension portion 331C1, and the first element 31C2 is arranged at the other end. The first elements 31C1 and 31C2 are controlled by the ECU 10 so as to transmit ultrasonic waves of the same wavelength at the same timing.

The plurality of second extending portions 331C2 to 331C4 extend from the middle portion of the first extending portion 331C1 along a second direction different from the first direction (here, a direction perpendicular to the first direction). do. Among the plurality of second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4, the second extension portion 331C3 is provided in the longitudinal center of the first extension portion 331C1. The second extension portion 331C2 is provided between the first element 31C1 arranged at one end of the first extension portion 331C1 and the second extension portion 331C3, and the second extension portion 331C4 is provided between the first element 331C1 and the second extension portion 331C3. It is provided between the first element 31C2 arranged at the other end of the extension portion 331C1 and the second extension portion 331C3.

The plurality of second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4 are arranged at intervals of integral multiples of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the first elements 31C1 and 31C2. Similarly, the first element 31C1 and the second extension portion 331C2 are arranged with an interval that is an integral multiple of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the first elements 31C1 and 31C2. The existing portion 331C4 is arranged at intervals of integral multiples of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the first elements 31C1 and 31C2.

The second opening 332C includes a first extension portion 332C1 and a plurality (here, three) of second extension portions 332C2 to 332C4. The first extending portion 332C1 is a portion of the second opening 332C that extends along the first direction. That is, the first extension portion 332C1 of the second opening 332C is parallel to the first extension portion 331C1 of the first opening 331C. The second element 32 is arranged at the end of the first extension portion 332C1.

The plurality of second extending portions 332C2 to 332C4 extend along a second direction different from the first direction (here, a direction perpendicular to the first direction) from the middle portion of the first extending portion 332C1. do. Among the plurality of second extension portions 332C2 to 332C4, the second extension portion 332C3 is provided in the longitudinal center of the first extension portion 332C1. The second extension portion 332C2 is provided between one end of the first extension portion 332C1 and the second extension portion 332C3, and the second extension portion 332C4 is provided between the other end of the first extension portion 332C1. It is provided between the second extension portion 332C3. Further, the plurality of second extension portions 332C2-332C4 are alternately arranged with the plurality of second extension portions 331C2-331C4 provided in the first opening 331C.

Next, operation of the ultrasonic detector 3C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C. 16A to 16C are schematic enlarged views of the H portion in FIG. 15. FIG.

Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31C1 (see FIG. 15) propagate from one end to the other end of the first extension portion 331C1 in the first opening 331C, as shown in FIG. 16A. Also, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31C2 (see FIG. 15) propagate from the other end to the one end of the first extension portion 331C1 as shown in FIG. 16A.

These ultrasonic waves are transmitted at the same timing from the first element 31C1 and the first element 31C2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16B, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31C1 and the first element 31C2 collide with each other at the longitudinal center of the first extension portion 331C1 and are synthesized. This position is described as a synthetic point P. In addition, since the wavelengths of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31C1 and the first element 31C2 are the same, the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31C1 and the first element 31C2 is larger than that at the synthesis point P. A composite wave with amplitude is generated.

A composite wave generated at the composite point P spreads radially from the composite point P. As shown in FIG. Here, a second extension portion 331C3 is provided at the center of the first extension portion 331C1, which is the synthetic point P, in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16C, the composite wave generated at the composite point P also propagates to the second extension portion 331C3.

The same applies to the second extension portions 331C2 and 331C4 arranged at intervals of integer multiples of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves. That is, the place where the second extending portions 331C2 and 331C4 are provided in the first extending portion 331C1 becomes the synthesis point P, and the synthesized wave of the ultrasonic waves generated at each synthesis point P passes through the second extending portions 331C2 and 331C4. It will be propagated.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic detector 3C according to the fourth embodiment, by using the synthesis point P as a pseudo transmission source of ultrasonic waves, the first extended ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the first elements 31C1 and 31C2. Ultrasonic waves traveling along the portion 331C1 can also be propagated to the second extending portions 331C2-331C4 extending along different directions than the first extending portion 331C1. Therefore, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wider range with a relatively small number of elements.

Further, according to the ultrasonic detector 3C according to the fourth embodiment, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted into the air through the metal plate 2 from the first extension portion 331C1 or the second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4 of the first opening 331C. The reflected ultrasonic wave can be received by the first extension portion 332C1 or the second extension portions 332C2 to 332C4 of the second opening 332C and propagated to the second element 32. FIG.

It should be noted that the plurality of second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4 do not necessarily need to be arranged at intervals that are integral multiples of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31C1 and 31C2. The ECU 10 may shift the transmission timing of the ultrasonic waves by the first elements 31C1 and 31C2 so that the synthesis point P is generated at each point where the first extension portion 331C1 branches to the second extension portions 331C2 to 331C4. .

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic detector 3D according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3D according to the fifth embodiment.

Since the composite waves generated at the composite point P spread radially, the second extensions 331C2 to 331C4 do not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the first extension 331C1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, an ultrasonic detector 3D according to the fifth embodiment includes two first elements 31D1 and 31D2, three second elements 32D1-32D3, and a damping material 33D. The first elements 31D1 and 31D2, the second elements 32D1 to 32D3 and the damping material 33D are attached to the attachment surface .

The damping material 33D has a first opening 331D and a plurality of second openings 332D1 to 332D3. The first opening 331D includes a first extension portion 331D1 and three second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4. The first element 31D1 is arranged at one end of the first extension portion 331D1, and the first element 31D2 is arranged at the other end.

The plurality of second extending portions 331D2-331D4 extend along different directions. Specifically, the second extension portion 331D3 extends in a direction orthogonal to the first extension portion 331D1. On the other hand, the second extension portion 331D2 and the second extension portion 331D4 extend obliquely with respect to the first extension portion 331D1. Specifically, the second extension portion 331D2 and the second extension portion 331D4 extend away from each other from the branch point of the first extension portion 331D1 to the second extension portions 331D2 and 331D4.

By extending the plurality of second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4 in different directions in this way, compared to the case where the plurality of second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4 are extended in the same direction, for example, Ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wider range.

The plurality of second openings 332D1-332D3 are arranged adjacent to the plurality of second extension portions 331D2-331D4 of the first opening 331D, respectively, and extend parallel to the second extension portions 331D2-331D4. The second elements 32D1-32D3 are arranged at the ends of the second openings 332D1-332D3. In this way, by providing the second openings 332D1 to 332D3 extending parallel to the second extending portions 331D2 to 331D4 and arranging the second elements 32D1 to 32D3 in the respective second openings 332D1 to 332D3, the obstruction Ultrasonic waves reflected from objects can be properly received.

For example, the ECU 10 transmits from the first element 31D1 and the first element 31D2 so that the synthesis point P is generated in order at each branch point of the first extension portion 331D1 to the second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4. Controls the transmission timing of ultrasonic waves. If the second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4 are arranged at intervals of integral multiples of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves, the above control is unnecessary.

Although an example in which each of the first openings 331D has three second extension portions 331D2 to 331D4 is shown here, the number of second extension portions is not limited to three. Also, the number of the second openings 332D1 to 332D3 is not limited to three.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic detector 3E according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3E according to the sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the ultrasonic detector 3E according to the sixth embodiment includes two first elements 31E1 and 31E2, four second elements 32E1 to 32E4, and a damping material 33E. The first elements 31E1 and 31E2, the second elements 32E1 to 32E4 and the damping material 33E are attached to the attachment surface 21. As shown in FIG.

The damping material 33E has a first opening 331E and four second openings 332E1 to 332E4. The first opening 331E includes a first extension portion 331E1 and four second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5. The first element 31E1 is arranged at one end of the first extension portion 331E1, and the first element 31E2 is arranged at the other end.

The plurality of second extending portions 331E2 to 331E5 extend obliquely to the first extending portion 331E1 and parallel to each other. By extending the plurality of second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5 along the same direction in this way, for example, when the plurality of second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5 are extended along different directions , the density of ultrasonic waves emitted into the air from the metal plate 2 can be increased.

Also, the plurality of second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5 are arranged at intervals of, for example, one wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31E1 and 31E2. In this way, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31E1 and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element 31E2 are synthesized for each wavelength and propagated to the second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5, thereby making the metal plate 2 can further increase the density of the ultrasonic waves emitted into the air.

The plurality of second openings 332E1-332E4 are arranged adjacent to the plurality of second extension portions 331E2-331E5 of the first opening 331E, respectively, and extend parallel to the second extension portions 331E2-331E5. The second elements 32E1-32E4 are arranged at the ends of the second openings 332E1-332E4.

Here, an example in which the first opening 331E has four second extension portions 331E2 to 331E5 is shown, but the number of second extension portions is not limited to four. Also, the number of the second openings 332E1 to 332E4 is not limited to four.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic detector 3F according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic detector 3F according to the seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 19, an ultrasonic detector 3F according to the seventh embodiment includes two first elements 31F1 and 31F2, nine second elements 32F1 to 32F9, and a damping material 33F. The first elements 31F1 and 31F2, the second elements 32F1 to 32F9 and the damping material 33F are attached to the attachment surface 21. As shown in FIG.

The damping material 33F has a first opening 331F and nine second openings 332F1 to 332F9. The first opening 331F includes a first extension portion 331F1 and nine second extension portions 331F2 to 331F10. The first element 31F1 is arranged at one end of the first extension portion 331F1, and the first element 31F2 is arranged at the other end.

The second extending portions 331F3, 331F6, 331F9 extend parallel to each other along the direction perpendicular to the first extending portion 331F1. Also, the second extension portion 331F2 and the second extension portion 331F4 are arranged on both sides of the second extension portion 331F3 and extend obliquely with respect to the first extension portion 331F1 and in directions away from each other. Similarly, the second extension portion 331F5 and the second extension portion 331F7 are arranged on both sides of the second extension portion 331F6 and extend obliquely with respect to the first extension portion 331F1 and in directions away from each other. Similarly, the second extension portion 331F8 and the second extension portion 331F10 are arranged on both sides of the second extension portion 331F9 and extend obliquely with respect to the first extension portion 331F1 and in directions away from each other.

The second extension portions 331F2, 331F5, 331F8 are parallel to each other and are spaced apart by an integral multiple of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1, 31F2. Similarly, the second extension portions 331F3, 331F6, 331F9 are parallel to each other and are spaced apart by an integral multiple of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1, 31F2. Similarly, the second extension portions 331F4, 331F7, 331F10 are parallel to each other and are spaced apart by an integral multiple of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1, 31F2.

When transmitting ultrasonic waves along the extending directions of the second extending portions 331F2, 331F5, and 331F8, the ECU 10 synthesizes ultrasonic waves at a branch point of the first extending portion 331F1 to the second extending portion 331F2, for example. The transmission timing of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1 and 31F2 is controlled so that the point P is generated. Further, when the ECU 10 transmits ultrasonic waves along the extending directions of the second extending portions 331F3, 331F6, and 331F9, for example, the branch point of the first extending portion 331F1 to the second extending portion 331F3 The transmission timing of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1 and 31F2 is controlled so that the synthesis point P is generated at . Further, when the ECU 10 transmits ultrasonic waves along the extending directions of the second extending portions 331F4, 331F7, and 331F10, for example, the branch point of the first extending portion 331F1 to the second extending portion 331F4 The transmission timing of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first elements 31F1 and 31F2 is controlled so that the synthesis point P is generated at . As a result, ultrasonic waves can be stereoscopically transmitted in any direction.

Here, an example is shown in which the first opening 331F has nine second extension portions 331F2 to 331F10, but the number of second extension portions is not limited to nine. Also, the number of the second openings 332F1 to 332F9 is not limited to nine.

As described above, the ultrasonic detector according to the embodiment (for example, the ultrasonic detectors 3, 3A to 3F) includes the first elements (for example, the first elements 31, 31C1, 31C2, 31D1, 31D2, 31E1, 31E2, 31F1, 31F2), second elements (as examples, second elements 32, 32D1 to 32D3, 32E1 to 32E4, 32F1 to 32F9), and damping materials (as examples, damping materials 33, 33A to 33F). The first element is attached to the mounting surface 21 and transmits ultrasonic waves. The second element is attached to the mounting surface 21 and receives ultrasonic waves. The damping material is attached to the mounting surface 21 and dampens the vibration of the mounting surface 21 . Also, a damping material is arranged between the first element and the second element.

Thus, by providing the first element for transmitting ultrasonic waves and the second element for receiving ultrasonic waves, the second element for receiving ultrasonic waves is vibrated when transmitting ultrasonic waves. You can prevent it from happening. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second element from reverberating due to the vibration. Further, by arranging the damping material between the first element and the second element, it is possible to attenuate the reverberation of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element to the second element via the mounting surface. In this way, by reducing the reverberation of ultrasonic waves generated in the element itself and the reverberation of ultrasonic waves generated in the mounting surface, it is possible to appropriately detect the reflected ultrasonic waves.

In addition, in the ultrasonic detectors according to the embodiments (the ultrasonic detectors 3, 3A to 3F as an example), the damping materials (the damping materials 33, 33A to 33F as an example) have openings (as an example, first openings 331, 331A-331F, second openings 332, 332A-332C, 332D1-332D3, 332E1-332E4, 332F1-332F9). Also, the first element or the second element may be arranged in the opening. In this way, by providing an opening in the damping material and arranging the first element or the second element in the opening, the reverberation of ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first element to the second element via the mounting surface can be reduced. can be reliably attenuated.

Further, in the ultrasonic detectors (for example, ultrasonic detectors 3A to 3F) according to the embodiment, the openings (for example, first openings 331A to 331F, second openings 332A to 332C, 332D1 to 332D3, 332E1-332E4, 332F1-332F9) may have a slit shape. Accordingly, for example, by arranging the first element in the slit-shaped opening, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wide range along the longitudinal direction of the opening. Further, by arranging the second element in the slit-shaped opening, it is possible to receive the reflected ultrasonic wave over a wider range.

Further, in the ultrasonic detectors according to the embodiment (the ultrasonic detectors 3A to 3F as an example), the openings include the first openings (the first openings 331A to 331F as an example) and the first openings and parallel second openings (eg, second openings 332A-332C, 332D1-332D3, 332E1-332E4, 332F1-332F9). Also, the first element may be arranged in the first opening and the second element may be arranged in the second opening. As a result, ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wide range along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves can be received over a wider range. Further, by providing the second opening parallel to the first opening, it is possible to appropriately receive the reflected ultrasonic wave while achieving space saving for the damping material.

Further, the ultrasonic detector according to the embodiment (for example, ultrasonic detectors 3C to 3F) includes two first elements (for example, first elements 31C1, 31C2, 31D1, 31D2, 31E1, 31E2, 31F1, 31F2). In addition, the first opening (first openings 331C to 331F as an example) includes a first extending portion (first extending portions 331C1 to 331F1 as an example) extending along the first direction and a first A second extending portion (for example, the second extending portions 331C2 to 331C4, 331D2 ~ 331D4, 331E2 ~ 331E5, 331F2 ~ 331F10). Also, one of the two first elements may be arranged at one end of the first extension portion, and the other of the two first elements may be arranged at the other end of the first extension portion. Ultrasonic waves transmitted from the two first elements are combined, and the combined wave propagates to the second extension portion, whereby the ultrasonic waves can be transmitted over a wider range.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been exemplified above, the above embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, the configuration and shape of each embodiment and each modification can be partially exchanged.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Vehicle 2... Metal plate 3... Ultrasonic detector 10... ECU 31... First element 32... Second element 33... Damping material 331... First opening 332... Second opening Department.

Claims (4)

a first element attached to the mounting surface and transmitting ultrasonic waves;
a second element attached to the mounting surface for receiving ultrasonic waves;
a damping material attached to the mounting surface and damping vibration of the mounting surface;
The damping material has a plurality of slit-shaped openings,
The ultrasonic detector , wherein the first element or the second element is arranged in the different openings of the damping material . As the opening,
a first opening along a predetermined direction ;
a second opening parallel to the first opening;
The first element is arranged in the first opening,
2. The ultrasonic detection according to claim 1, wherein said second element is arranged in said second opening in a direction intersecting said predetermined direction with respect to said first element via said damping material. vessel. The first element is arranged at one end in the predetermined direction in the first opening,
3. The ultrasonic detector according to claim 2, wherein said second element is arranged at the other end in said predetermined direction in said second opening. A first element attached to a mounting surface that transmits ultrasonic waves, a second element that is attached to the mounting surface and receives ultrasonic waves, and a damping element that is attached to the mounting surface and dampens vibration of the mounting surface. material and
the damping material is disposed between the first element and the second element and has an opening;
The opening has a slit shape and includes a first opening and a second opening parallel to the first opening,
The first element is arranged in the first opening,
the second element is disposed in the second opening;
comprising two said first elements,
The first opening is
a first extending portion extending along a first direction;
a second extending portion that branches off from the first extending portion at an intermediate portion of the first extending portion and extends along a second direction different from the first direction;
one of the two first elements is disposed at one end of the first extending portion;
An ultrasonic detector in which the other of the two first elements is arranged at the other end of the first extension.

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