Protective cover for ultrasonic sensor and ultrasonic sensor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor and the ultrasonic sensor, the protective cover comprises a curved surface part through which ultrasonic waves can pass, and the curved surface part is provided with a plurality of meshes; wherein the curved surface part is of a convex surface structure protruding towards the outside of the ultrasonic sensor, or the curved surface part is of a concave surface structure recessed towards the inside of the ultrasonic sensor. The protective cover can be applied to the ultrasonic sensor, on one hand, the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor can be adjusted, and on the other hand, the internal structure of the ultrasonic sensor can be protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sensors, in particular to a protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor and an ultrasonic sensor. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic sensor is a sensor that uses sound wave medium to perform non-contact and wear-free detection of the object being detected.

[0003] Among them, how to adjust the sensitivity of ultrasonic sensors is a problem worth studying; only ultrasonic sensors with appropriate sensitivity can meet the needs of specific applications. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve the technical problem is: constructing a protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor, which includes a curved surface portion for ultrasonic waves to pass through, and the curved surface portion is provided with a plurality of mesh holes;

[0006] The curved surface portion is a convex structure protruding toward the outside of the ultrasonic sensor, or the curved surface portion is a concave structure recessed toward the inside of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protective cover further comprises a ring-shaped mounting portion disposed at the periphery of the curved surface portion;

[0008] The highest point of the curved surface portion has a protruding height H1 in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm relative to the end surface of the mounting portion; or

[0009] The lowest point of the curved surface portion is recessed relative to the end surface of the mounting portion, and a depth H1 thereof is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the height H1 of the protrusion or depression of the curved surface portion ranges from 1.25 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shape of the mesh includes one or more of a regular polygon, an irregular polygon and a circle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of meshes are evenly arranged on the curved surface portion; and the distance L1 between two opposite sides of each mesh is in the range of 3.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the distance L2 between the two nearest points of two adjacent meshes is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thickness T1 of the curved portion ranges from 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the figure formed by the curved surface portion on the longitudinal cross section is a circular arc segment;

[0016] Alternatively, the figure formed by the curved surface portion in the longitudinal section is at least a partial line segment of a parabola;

[0017] Alternatively, the figure formed by the curved surface portion on the longitudinal cross section is at least a partial line segment of the brachistochrone line.

[0018] In some embodiments, the mounting portion includes a planar portion located on a reference plane, and an assembly portion extending outwardly along an end surface of the planar portion;

[0019] The assembly part is provided with a connection structure matched with the shell of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0020] The utility model also constructs an ultrasonic sensor, comprising a shell, and an output structure arranged in the shell for generating ultrasonic waves, and also comprising the protective cover, which is installed on one end of the shell for ultrasonic wave output.

[0021] The implementation of the utility model has the following beneficial effects: the protective cover of the utility model can be applied to an ultrasonic sensor, which can adjust the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor on the one hand and protect the internal structure of the ultrasonic sensor on the other hand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ultrasonic sensor of the utility model after the protective cover and the shell are separated; wherein, Figure 1 The structure of output structure 3 is simplified;

[0024] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a protective cover with a convex structure in some embodiments of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 is a top view of the structure of the protective cover with a convex structure in some embodiments of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 The waveform diagrams of the ultrasonic sensor of the utility model under three experiments: an ultrasonic sensor without a protective cover, an ultrasonic sensor with a protective cover of a planar structure, and an ultrasonic sensor with a protective cover of a convex structure;

[0027] Figure 5It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the protective cover with a concave structure in some embodiments of the utility model.

[0028] Reference numerals: protective cover 1 ; housing 2 ; output structure 3 ; curved portion 11 ; mesh 111 ; mounting portion 12 ; plane portion 121 ; assembly portion 122 ; connection structure 123 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to have a clearer understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the present invention, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "longitudinal", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "head", "tail", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are constructed and operated in a specific direction, and are only for the convenience of describing the present technical solution, rather than indicating that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0030] It should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms such as "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", "set" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. When an element is referred to as being "on" or "under" another element, the element can be "directly" or "indirectly" located on the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only for the convenience of describing the present technical solution, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second", "third", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the following description, specific details such as specific system structures and technologies are provided for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, so as to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to avoid unnecessary details that hinder the description of the present invention.

[0032] See also Figure 1The utility model constructs a protective cover 1 for an ultrasonic sensor, and the protective cover 1 can be installed on a side of the ultrasonic sensor that outputs ultrasonic waves.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the protective cover 1 may include a curved surface 11 having a plurality of meshes 111 to facilitate the passage of ultrasonic waves; at the same time, the curved surface 11 is a convex structure protruding toward the outside of the ultrasonic sensor, or a concave structure recessed toward the inside of the ultrasonic sensor (see Figure 2 ).

[0034] It can be understood that the protective cover 1 of the utility model can be used to protect the internal structure of the ultrasonic sensor on the one hand. On the other hand, the protective cover 1 can block part of the energy emitted by the ultrasonic wave, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the ultrasonic wave; especially when the curved surface 11 of the protective cover 1 is a concave structure, the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor can be further reduced, and the concave protective cover 1 can also reduce the beam angle of the ultrasonic sensor, so that even if the volume of the ultrasonic sensor is not increased, a smaller beam angle can be obtained. When the curved surface 11 of the protective cover 1 is a convex structure, it can effectively limit the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave, and can also play the effect of amplifying the ultrasonic wave, thereby improving the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0035] Based on this, according to the sensitivity requirement of the ultrasonic sensor, a convex or concave protective cover 1 can be installed on the ultrasonic sensor to adjust the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0036] The protective cover 1 of the present invention is described below by taking improving the sensitivity of an ultrasonic sensor as an example.

[0037] In some embodiments, reference may be made to Figure 1 The outer shape of the protective cover 1 can be circular. Of course, the outer shape of the protective cover 1 can also be square, or other shapes; this can be adapted according to the outer shape of the ultrasonic sensor, and is not limited here.

[0038] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The outer diameter R1 of the protective cover 1 may be in the range of 25 mm to 35 mm, for example, 30 mm. Of course, the outer diameter R1 of the protective cover 1 may also be in other ranges, which is only used as a reference and is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] Continue to refer Figure 2 The protective cover 1 may include a curved surface portion 11 and a ring-shaped mounting portion 12 disposed around the periphery of the curved surface portion 11 , wherein the mounting portion 12 provides a basis for mounting the protective cover 1 on the housing 2 of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0040] The curved portion 11 can be a plastic part, so as to control its size and the curvature of the protrusion. Of course, the curved portion 11 can also be a metal part, which is made by a manufacturing process such as a weaving process, laser cutting or a stamping process.

[0041] The mounting portion 12 may be a plastic part; when the curved portion 11 is a plastic part, the mounting portion 12 may be integrally formed with the curved portion 11; when the curved portion 11 is a metal part, the mounting portion 12 and the curved portion 11 may be formed by metal insert injection molding, or the curved portion 11 may be fixed to the inner periphery of the mounting portion 12 by snapping or embedding. Of course, the mounting portion 12 may also be made of other materials, such as metal, which is not limited here.

[0042] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 The thickness T1 of the curved surface portion 11 may be in the range of 0.5-1 mm; for example, the thickness T1 of the curved surface portion 11 may be 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm. It is understandable that the greater the thickness T1 of the curved surface portion 11, the greater the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave, which may affect the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the curved surface 11 is a convex structure, which is arched, and the figure formed on the longitudinal section can be a circular arc segment. Of course, the figure of the convex structure on the longitudinal section can be set to at least a partial line segment of a parabola, or at least a partial line segment of the brachistochrone, which is not specifically limited here.

[0044] The height H1 of the curved surface portion 11 is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. Figure 2 As shown, the height H1 of the curved surface 11 can be regarded as the distance between the highest point of the curved surface 11 and the end surface of the mounting portion 12, and the end surface can be the end surface of the mounting portion 12 facing away from the housing 2 of the ultrasonic sensor. Further optionally, the protrusion height H1 of the convex structure can be set to 0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm or 1.5mm; wherein, the ultrasonic amplification effect is best when the protrusion height H1 ranges from 1.25mm to 1.5mm.

[0045] For reference Figure 3 The meshes 111 on the curved surface 11 are evenly arranged on the curved surface 11. Optionally, the meshes 111 can be arranged in a honeycomb arrangement. Of course, the meshes 111 can also be arranged in a matrix arrangement, which is not specifically limited here.

[0046] Optionally, each mesh 111 may be a regular polygon, such as a regular quadrilateral or a regular hexagon; of course, the shape of the mesh 111 may also be a circle, or an irregular polygon, or other shapes, which are not specifically limited here. In addition, the shapes of the meshes 111 may be the same or different.

[0047] Alternatively, if Figure 3 As shown, the distance L1 between the two opposite sides of each mesh 111 ranges from 2.8 mm to 3.5 mm; further optionally, the distance L1 between the two opposite sides of the mesh 111 can be 3 mm or 3.2 mm. For example, in an embodiment where the shape of the mesh 111 is a regular even-numbered polygon, the distance L1 between the two opposite sides of the mesh 111 can be regarded as the distance between two opposite sides of the mesh 111. In an embodiment where the shape of the mesh 111 is a regular odd-numbered polygon, the distance L1 between the two opposite sides of the mesh 111 can be regarded as the distance between the opposite point and the side of the mesh 111. In an embodiment where the shape of the mesh 111 is a circle, the distance L1 between the two opposite sides of the mesh 111 can be regarded as the distance between two opposite points on the mesh 111 (two points located on the same straight line and passing through the center of the mesh 111).

[0048] Optionally, continue as Figure 3 As shown, the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111 ranges from 0.6mm to 1mm; further optionally, the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111 is 0.8mm. For example, in an embodiment where the shape of the mesh 111 is a regular polygon, the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111 can be regarded as the thickness of the edge forming the mesh 111. In an embodiment where the shape of the mesh 111 is a circle, the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111 can be regarded as the shortest distance between the two meshes 111. It is understandable that the edge forming the mesh 111 needs to be as small as possible while maintaining the structural strength to avoid blocking the energy of ultrasonic emission as much as possible, so as to achieve the effect of amplifying ultrasonic waves.

[0049] Looking at the structure of the mounting portion 12, reference can be made to Figure 1 The mounting portion 12 may include a plane portion 121 located on a reference plane, and the plane portion 121 may be provided on the periphery of the curved surface portion 11. It can be understood that the reference plane may be a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 2 of the ultrasonic sensor.

[0050] The mounting portion 12 further includes a fitting portion 122 extending outwardly along the end surface of the planar portion 121 ; the fitting portion 122 extends vertically along the inner side surface of the planar portion 121 .

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the assembly portion 122 is provided with a connection structure 123 that matches the housing 2 of the ultrasonic sensor. The connection structure 123 may be a slot for inserting into a buckle portion provided on the housing 2. Of course, the connection structure 123 may also be a latch for inserting into a socket provided on the housing 2, or the connection structure 123 may be a threaded structure that is threadedly connected to the housing 2, which is not limited here.

[0052] The following experimental data illustrate the effect of the protective cover 1 with a convex structure of the utility model:

[0053] refer to Figure 4 The figure shows from top to bottom the reflected wave waveforms of the ultrasonic sensor in three cases: an ultrasonic sensor without a protective cover 1, an ultrasonic sensor with a planar protective cover 1, and an ultrasonic sensor with a convex protective cover 1. The reflected echo waveforms of the three cases are represented by A2, A3 and A4 respectively.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, after the ultrasonic sensor outputs the same transmission wave A1 to the obstacle of the same size, it can be seen that the reflected echo waveform A3 of the plane structure protective cover 1 has the smallest peak and a narrower width, while the reflected echo waveform A2 without the protective cover 1 is larger than the reflected echo waveform A3 of the plane structure protective cover 1, and the reflected echo waveform A4 of the convex structure protective cover 1 is larger than the reflected echo waveform A2. It can be seen that after the ultrasonic sensor is installed with the convex structure protective cover 1, its sensitivity is not only not limited, but also amplified.

[0055] Looking at some embodiments in which the curved surface portion 11 is a concave surface, reference can be made to Figure 5 , the thickness T1 of the curved portion 11, the arrangement of the meshes 111 on the curved portion 11, the size of the meshes 111, and the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111 can be equivalent to the data in the above-mentioned embodiment where the curved portion 11 is a convex surface. The depth H2 of the concave portion 11, that is, the distance between the lowest point of the curved portion 11 and the end surface of the mounting portion 12 (the end surface of the mounting portion 12 facing away from the housing 2 of the ultrasonic sensor), can also be equivalent to the height H1 of the protrusion of the above-mentioned curved portion 11. It can be understood that simply by setting the concave structure, the sensitivity can be further reduced compared to the protective cover 1 with a planar structure, and the effect of narrowing and focusing the ultrasonic wave can also be produced.

[0056] In addition, the protective cover 1 can further reduce the sensitivity by increasing the thickness T1 of the curved surface 11, reducing the size of the mesh 111, increasing the distance L2 between two adjacent meshes 111, changing the depth H2, etc.

[0057] Please read back Figure 1The utility model also constructs an ultrasonic sensor, which may include a shell 2 and an output structure 3 arranged in the shell 2, the output structure 3 can generate ultrasonic waves and output them outside the shell 2; the ultrasonic sensor may also include the above-mentioned protective cover 1; the protective cover 1 is installed on one end of the shell 2 for ultrasonic output.

[0058] It is understandable that the specific structure of the output structure 3 can be referred to in the relevant technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] Optionally, the protective cover 1 can be detachably mounted on the housing 2 by means of screwing, snapping, screwing, etc.

[0060] It can be understood that the above embodiments only express the preferred implementation methods of the utility model, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be understood as limiting the patent scope of the utility model. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this field, without departing from the concept of the utility model, the above-mentioned technical features can be freely combined, and several deformations and improvements can be made, which all belong to the protection scope of the utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes and modifications made to the scope of the claims of the utility model should belong to the scope covered by the claims of the utility model.

Claims

1. A protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor, characterized in that: It comprises a curved surface portion (11) through which ultrasonic waves can pass, and a plurality of mesh holes (111) are provided on the curved surface portion (11); The curved surface portion (11) is a convex structure protruding toward the outside of the ultrasonic sensor, or the curved surface portion (11) is a concave structure recessed toward the inside of the ultrasonic sensor.

2. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover further comprises an annular mounting portion (12) arranged on the periphery of the curved surface portion (11); The highest point of the curved surface portion (11) relative to the end surface of the mounting portion (12) has a protruding height H1 in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm; or, The lowest point of the curved surface portion (11) relative to the end surface of the mounting portion (12) has a recessed depth H2 in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

3. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The height H1 of the protrusion or depression of the curved surface portion (11) is in the range of 1.25 mm to 1.5 mm.

4. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shape of the mesh (111) includes one or more of a regular polygon and a circle.

5. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of mesh holes (111) are evenly arranged on the curved surface (11); and the distance L1 between two opposite sides of each mesh hole (111) ranges from 3.2 mm to 1.5 mm.

6. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance L2 between the two nearest points of two adjacent mesh holes (111) is between 0.6 mm and 1 mm.

7. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness T1 of the curved surface portion (11) is in the range of 0.5-1 mm.

8. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The figure formed by the curved surface portion (11) in the longitudinal cross section is a circular arc segment; Alternatively, the figure formed by the curved surface portion (11) in the longitudinal cross section is at least a partial line segment of a parabola; Alternatively, the figure formed by the curved surface portion (11) on the longitudinal cross section is at least a partial line segment of the brachistochrone line.

9. The protective cover for an ultrasonic sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting portion (12) comprises a plane portion (121) located on a reference plane, and an assembly portion (122) extending outwardly along an end surface of the plane portion (121); The assembly portion (122) is provided with a connection structure (123) that cooperates with the housing (2) of the ultrasonic sensor.

10. An ultrasonic sensor, comprising a housing (2), and an output structure (3) arranged in the housing (2) and used for generating ultrasonic waves, characterized in that: It also comprises the protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective cover (1) is mounted on an end of the housing (2) for outputting ultrasonic waves.

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