Ultrasonic testing device
By designing a liquid nozzle with a liquid guiding rib in the ultrasonic testing device, the signal loss problem caused by turbulent flow in the prior art is solved, and efficient and reliable testing of complex three-dimensional parts is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FACC
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic testing devices suffer from severe flow turbulence when testing components with three-dimensional geometry, especially complex shapes and narrow parts, leading to signal damage and making it difficult to achieve efficient and reliable non-destructive testing.
Design a liquid nozzle with inwardly projecting guide ribs from a gradually tapering inner surface to ensure laminar flow of liquid in both static and dynamic states, avoiding turbulence, and with a short nozzle length to accommodate complex geometries.
It enables reliable and accurate detection of complex three-dimensional parts at higher speeds, significantly improves detection results, accelerates the detection process, and reduces signal loss.
Smart Images
Figure CN116157206B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an ultrasonic testing device for non-destructive testing of components, particularly fiber-reinforced plastic components, comprising:
[0002] Ultrasonic testing head,
[0003] A liquid nozzle having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner surface that tapers towards the outlet.
[0004] The present invention also relates to a method for performing non-destructive testing on components, particularly fiber-reinforced plastic components. Background Technology
[0005] JPS57142358U discloses an ultrasonic testing device with an ultrasonic testing head and a liquid nozzle, in which liquid is supplied radially to the liquid nozzle via a supply line, flows substantially perpendicular to the front of the ultrasonic testing head, and exits the nozzle via an outlet. In this prior art, guide ribs are also provided, but they only extend along the liquid supply. These guide ribs terminate outside the testing head and therefore do not extend to the front of the testing head. Therefore, this prior art only reduces turbulence in the supply water. The flow in front of the testing head is not improved.
[0006] US3,486,700A and US2004 / 144867A1 describe different types of nozzles, which are not compatible with the ultrasonic testing apparatus disclosed in JPS57142358U.
[0007] As further described in EP0119096A2, ultrasonic probes are used for non-destructive testing of materials and components. For example, inhomogeneities and defects within a component can be located in this way. An ultrasonic transducer emits ultrasonic waves, which are transmitted to the component via a liquid jet. The liquid jet is shaped by a liquid nozzle fixed to the housing of the ultrasonic probe in front of the transducer. Depending on the design, reflected ultrasonic waves can be received at the same ultrasonic transducer (“pulse-echo mode”), or the ultrasonic waves can pass through the component and be supplied to a receiving transducer via a second liquid jet (“through-transmission mode”). The incident wave is converted into an electrical signal, which is evaluated electronically. This prior art also addresses the problem of various disturbances affecting the water flow within the ultrasonic probe, which can adversely affect the ultrasonic signal. For this reason, EP0119096A2 proposes equipping the housing of the ultrasonic probe with multiple channels spaced apart from each other circumferentially and extending in the flow direction, through which liquid is conducted in the direction of the liquid nozzle. These channels are intended to facilitate both straight-line and laminar flow of the liquid.
[0008] However, in practice, it has been found that this method can at best maintain the laminar flow characteristics of the flow when the ultrasonic probe is stationary. The flow in front of the transducer is barely improved. When inspecting parts with three-dimensional geometry, the ultrasonic probe must also perform complex motions, especially rotation. In the prior art, these rotations must be performed very slowly to avoid turbulence and the resulting signal degradation. The fact that inspecting narrow part profiles requires shorter ultrasonic probes, which are particularly susceptible to turbulence caused by rotation, exacerbates this problem. In contrast, the liquid channel of EP0119096A2 even lengthens the ultrasonic probe.
[0009] GB1419118A describes an ultrasonic testing apparatus designed to improve laminar flow through parallel tubes extending along the flow direction in the flow cross-section. These tubes are arranged upstream of a nozzle for water outlet, viewed from the flow direction. This prior art shares essentially the same disadvantages as EP0119096A2. The tubes increase the length of the ultrasonic probe. Furthermore, the water flow can only remain laminar in a static state. Summary of the Invention
[0010] In this context, the object of the present invention is to mitigate or overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention is preferably designed to allow for the efficient detection of components with three-dimensional geometry.
[0011] This objective is achieved by an ultrasonic testing apparatus having the features of claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
[0012] According to the present invention, the liquid nozzle has at least one liquid guiding rib that extends inward from the gradually tapering inner surface of the liquid nozzle into the acoustic chamber in front of the ultrasonic detection head.
[0013] Therefore, at least one liquid-guiding rib protrudes from a smooth, unprotruding inner surface into the interior of the liquid nozzle. As a result, the liquid flow remains largely laminar, both when the ultrasonic testing device is stationary and during its movement. Consequently, the ultrasonic testing device can move at higher speeds than in the prior art without significantly impairing the measurement signal. Advantageously, the results of component inspection can be significantly improved and the inspection process can be accelerated. Because the liquid-guiding rib extends along the forward-tapering inner surface of the liquid nozzle, the length of the liquid nozzle, i.e., its axial length, can be kept relatively short. This makes it possible to inspect narrow and highly curved components.
[0014] Thanks to the liquid guide ribs, even complex three-dimensional component geometries can be reliably and accurately detected during the necessary movement and rotation of the liquid nozzle. It is also advantageous if the flow rate of the liquid, especially water, can be kept essentially constant until the outlet.
[0015] To avoid unwanted reflections of the ultrasonic signal, it is advantageous that the liquid-guiding ribs extend from the gradually tapering inner surface to the edge region of the front of the ultrasonic probe, while the central region of the front of the ultrasonic probe lacks liquid-guiding ribs. Correspondingly, radially, the liquid-guiding ribs terminate at the edge region of the acoustic chamber in front of the ultrasonic probe, without protruding into the central region of the acoustic chamber in front of the ultrasonic probe, which extends around the central axis of the liquid nozzle. In contrast, the ribs in the prior art according to JPS57142358U do not extend into the acoustic chamber in front of the probe.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, to ensure a layered liquid flow along an inner surface that tapers axially toward the outlet, the liquid nozzle has multiple guiding ribs on the tapering inner surface.
[0017] To ensure that the liquid guide ribs do not impair the measurement signal as much as possible, it is advantageous that the inner longitudinal edges of the opposing liquid guide ribs are arranged radially apart from each other, so that the liquid nozzle has a central region without liquid guide ribs. The liquid guide ribs therefore do not define individual, closed flow channels, but are connected together through an open central region.
[0018] When viewed circumferentially along the inner surface, the liquid guide ribs are arranged at regular angular intervals on the gradually tapering inner surface of the liquid nozzle, allowing the liquid flow to maintain a basic layered structure under displacement and rotation in different directions and axes.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the guide rib decreases towards the outlet. Therefore, the wider the flow cross-section within the inner surface of the liquid nozzle that tapers towards the outlet, the higher the guide rib. This embodiment has proven particularly effective in improving laminar flow without significantly impairing the ultrasonic signal.
[0020] When the inner longitudinal edges of the fluid-guiding ribs extend substantially parallel to each other, a substantially cylindrical central region is created in which the liquid can flow unimpeded. This optimizes flow conditions and the ultrasonic signal. This embodiment has proven particularly effective in reducing or eliminating side lobes of the sound field.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the radial distance between opposing liquid-guiding ribs decreases axially toward the liquid outlet. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid ribs do not protrude too far inward toward the ultrasonic detection head. This embodiment can be incorporated into a multi-frequency ultrasonic detection head to maintain the side lobes of the sound field.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the gradually tapering inner surface of the liquid nozzle near the outlet has no guide ribs. Since the flow cross-section near the outlet is small, these guide ribs can be omitted.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, to optimize flow conditions, the inner surface of the liquid nozzle gradually tapers according to a 3rd to 5th order spline polynomial. This embodiment has proven particularly advantageous for achieving laminar flow when the liquid nozzle is stationary. Thanks to the guide ribs, this laminar liquid flow can be maintained even when the liquid nozzle is displaced or rotated.
[0024] For detecting narrow or highly curved areas of a component, it is advantageous when the liquid nozzle has an axial range of less than 60 mm from the center of the ultrasonic detection head to the outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator is configured to move the liquid nozzle, particularly to rotate the liquid nozzle about its longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis extending perpendicular to that longitudinal axis.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a liquid supply is provided through which a liquid flow, particularly water, is supplied to an annular feed section between the receiving housing and the outside of the liquid nozzle, deflected by a deflector ring, and guided to the inlet of the liquid nozzle. The inlet extends annularly at the rear of the liquid nozzle. The annular inlet ensures that the inflow of the liquid flow is laminar.
[0026] Preferably, the rear end of the liquid guiding rib (viewed from the direction of liquid flow) is located inside the liquid inlet. The liquid guiding rib extends forward (viewed from the direction of liquid flow) from the rear end into the acoustic chamber in front of the detection head.
[0027] In a preferred application, the detection system is equipped with a manipulator, particularly a robotic arm, to which a tool having an ultrasonic detection device according to one of the above embodiments is attached.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, an additional ultrasonic detection device is provided, having an additional ultrasonic detection head and an additional liquid nozzle, to receive ultrasonic waves passing through the component. This additional ultrasonic detection device is preferably designed similarly to the ultrasonic detection device according to one of the embodiments described above. The ultrasonic detection head emits ultrasonic waves; the additional ultrasonic detection head receives the ultrasonic waves on the opposite side of the component. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic detection head and the additional ultrasonic detection head are coupled to each other via a liquid jet, which is applied to the opposite side of the component through a liquid nozzle. Therefore, sound transmission through the component can be performed.
[0029] According to an embodiment, an additional ultrasonic detection device may be arranged on a separate control element, or particularly on the control element by means of a fork-shaped element.
[0030] In a further embodiment, the ultrasonic detection device is designed to receive reflected sound waves. Therefore, the reflected sound method can be performed. This embodiment can be additionally or alternatively configured to utilize a separate ultrasonic detection device for transmission.
[0031] In order to perform the method according to the invention for non-destructive testing of components, particularly fiber-reinforced plastic components, the following steps are performed (not necessarily in the order described):
[0032] An ultrasonic testing device of one of the above variations is provided.
[0033] Ultrasonic waves are generated using an ultrasonic detection head.
[0034] Liquid is supplied to the liquid nozzle through the inlet.
[0035] The liquid flow is conducted along the inner surface of the liquid nozzle to the outlet, where the liquid flow is guided by the liquid guide ribs.
[0036] The method preferably further includes the following steps:
[0037] An additional ultrasonic testing device is provided, preferably designed to be the same as one of the above-described variations of the ultrasonic testing device.
[0038] An additional ultrasonic testing head using a separate ultrasonic testing device receives the ultrasonic waves passing through the component.
[0039] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves pass through the component and are supplied to another ultrasonic detection head via a second liquid jet (“transmission mode”).
[0040] Alternatively or additionally, an ultrasonic testing device can be used to detect ultrasonic waves reflected in the component.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the method for performing non-destructive testing on a component further includes the following steps:
[0042] The liquid nozzle rotates, particularly around its own axis, while the liquid flow is guided along the inner surface of the liquid nozzle to the outlet, so that the liquid flow is conveyed through the guide ribs during the rotational motion. Attached Figure Description
[0043] The present invention will be further explained below using preferred exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0044] Figure 1 A testing system for non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts is shown.
[0045] Figures 2A to 2C It shows that according to Figure 1The conversion device of the detection system has a conversion adapter and a tool mounted thereon for non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts, the tool having an ultrasonic testing device according to the invention.
[0046] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows that according to Figures 2A to 2C The tool head of the tool has a corresponding ultrasonic probe with a receiving transducer on its opposite side. Detailed Implementation
[0047] Figure 1 A testing system 27 for non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts is shown. The testing system includes a conversion device 26, an adapter plate 25, and a manipulating element 28, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a robotic arm. The adapter plate 25 is mounted on one side of the manipulating element 28. The conversion device 26 is detachably connected to the other side of the adapter plate 25.
[0048] like Figure 1 and Figures 2A to 2C As shown in the details, the conversion device 26 has a conversion adapter 5, on which a tool 30 for non-destructive testing of fiber-reinforced plastic parts is mounted. Figure 1 (Not visible in the image). Tool 30 has a cylindrical motor housing 31, which is coaxially adjacent to and detachably connected to the adapter 5 and rotates in conjunction with the adapter 5. A motor, particularly a servo motor, is arranged within the motor housing 31. On one side of the motor housing 31, opposite the adapter 5 when tool 30 is mounted, tool 30 has a cylindrical gear housing 32, which is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical motor housing 31. A gear mechanism is located in the gear housing 32, which is connected to the servo motor and converts the torque and / or speed generated by the servo motor. On the side 34 of the gear housing 32 opposite to the motor housing 31, there is a tool head 35, which is rotatably mounted on a bracket 36 fastened to the gear housing 32 about a transverse axis 36A. The tool head 35 can rotate relative to the bracket 36 about the transverse axis 36A by means of the servo motor (see [link to servo motor]). Figure 2A (See arrow 36B). In the illustrated embodiment, the force of the motor is transmitted to the tool head 35 via a toothed belt in the toothed belt housing 31A.
[0049] The tool head 35 has an ultrasonic detection head 37 and a liquid nozzle 38 through which a water jet is directed toward the component.
[0050] The tool 30 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis 30A using an additional driver (e.g., the actuator 28), such as... Figure 2A As indicated by arrow 30B. Therefore, when the transverse axis 36A is set to 0°, the liquid nozzle 38 can rotate about its longitudinal or central axis 46, so the longitudinal axis 46 of the liquid nozzle 38 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 30A of the tool 30. Rotation about the longitudinal axis 30A and the transverse axis 36A can also occur simultaneously.
[0051] Figures 3 to 5 An embodiment of the tool head 35 according to the invention is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool head 35 has a receiving housing 40 on which an ultrasonic detection head 37 and a liquid nozzle 38 are mounted. The figure also shows an ultrasonic probe 48 corresponding to the tool head 35 and having a receiving transducer 49, which receives ultrasonic waves passing through a component (not shown). The incident wave is converted into an electrical signal, which is then evaluated electronically.
[0052] The tool head 35 has a liquid supply device 41 for supplying liquid through the bearing of the receiving housing 40. Using the water supply device 41, a liquid flow, particularly water, is supplied to an annular feed section between the receiving housing 40 and the outside of the liquid nozzle 38, deflected by a deflection ring, and guided to the inlet 42 of the liquid nozzle 38. The inlet 42 extends annularly at the rear of the liquid nozzle 38. The inflow of liquid through the annular inlet 42 makes the liquid flow laminar. At the front end, away from the ultrasonic testing head or transducer 37, the liquid nozzle 38 has an outlet 43 through which the liquid flow is directed towards the component during non-destructive ultrasonic testing. The liquid flow within the liquid nozzle 38... Figure 5 Line 44 is used to illustrate this.
[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the flow space within the liquid nozzle 38 (also referred to as an "ejector nozzle") is defined by a smooth inner surface 45 that tapers continuously from the inlet 42 to the outlet 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 45 of the liquid nozzle 38 is curved according to a 3rd to 5th order spline polynomial. The flow cross-section of the liquid flow within the liquid nozzle 38 thus decreases along the direction of the liquid flow. The inner surface 45 is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis 46 of the liquid nozzle 38. Directional information such as "axial" and "radial" is related to the central axis 46 of the liquid nozzle 38.
[0054] from Figure 5It can also be seen that the liquid nozzle 38 has multiple liquid guiding ribs or protrusions 47, which protrude radially inward from the inner surface 45 of the liquid nozzle 38 toward the central axis 46 and extend axially. When viewed in the radial direction, the inner longitudinal edge 48 of the liquid guiding rib 47 terminates at the outer edge region of the flow space in front of the ultrasonic detection head 37. Therefore, there are no liquid guiding ribs 47 in the central region around the central axis 46, so the ultrasonic signal can propagate freely in the central region, avoiding destructive reflection. The liquid guiding ribs 47 are arranged circumferentially at regular angular intervals on the inner surface 45 of the liquid nozzle 38. At least four, preferably at least six, particularly preferably at least eight, and especially at least ten liquid guiding ribs 47 can be provided.
[0055] exist Figure 5 It can also be seen that the height of the liquid guiding ribs 47, i.e., their radial range, decreases in the axial direction toward the liquid outlet 43, such that the inner longitudinal edges 48 of the liquid guiding ribs 47 extend substantially parallel to each other. The liquid guiding ribs 47 gradually decrease in front of the liquid outlet 43, so that there are no liquid guiding ribs 47 in the portion adjacent to the liquid outlet 43.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic testing device for non-destructive testing of components, comprising: Ultrasonic detection head (37). The liquid nozzle (38) has an inlet (42), an outlet (43) and an inner surface (45) that tapers toward the outlet (43). The liquid nozzle (38) has at least one liquid guiding rib (47) that protrudes inward from the gradually tapering inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle (38) into the acoustic chamber in front of the ultrasonic detection head (37). The liquid nozzle (38) has multiple liquid guiding ribs (47) on the gradually tapering inner surface (45). Its features are, The height of the liquid guiding rib (47) decreases toward the liquid outlet (43). The inner longitudinal edges (48) of the fluid guiding ribs (47) extend substantially parallel to each other.
2. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid-guiding rib (47) extends from the gradually tapering inner surface (45) to the edge region of the front portion of the ultrasonic detection head (37), wherein the central region of the front portion of the ultrasonic detection head (37) does not have the fluid-guiding rib (47).
3. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner longitudinal edges (48) of the liquid guiding ribs (47) are arranged at a certain distance from each other, so that the liquid nozzle (38) has a central area without the liquid guiding ribs (47).
4. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid guiding ribs (47) are arranged circumferentially at regular angular intervals on the gradually tapering inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle (38).
5. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gradually tapering inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle (38) adjacent to the liquid outlet (43) has no liquid guiding ribs (47).
6. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle (38) gradually tapers according to a 3rd to 5th order spline polynomial.
7. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial range of the liquid nozzle (38) from the center of the ultrasonic detection device (37) to the liquid outlet (43) is less than 60 mm.
8. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is configured to move the liquid nozzle (38) and rotate the liquid nozzle (38) about its longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
9. The ultrasonic testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component is a fiber-reinforced plastic component.
10. A detection system having an actuating element (28) having a robotic arm, wherein a tool (30) is arranged on the actuating element, the tool having an ultrasonic detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. A method for performing non-destructive testing on components, comprising the following steps: Provide an ultrasonic testing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Ultrasonic waves are generated using the ultrasonic detection head (37). Liquid is supplied to the liquid nozzle (38) through the liquid inlet. The liquid flow is conducted along the inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle to the outlet, wherein the liquid flow is guided by means of the liquid guide rib (47).
12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The liquid nozzle (38) is rotated while the liquid flow is conducted along the inner surface (45) of the liquid nozzle (38) to the outlet (43), such that the liquid flow is conveyed through the guide rib (47) during the rotational motion.
13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The component is a fiber-reinforced plastic component.
14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Rotating the liquid nozzle (38) includes rotating the liquid nozzle (38) about its own axis.