Ultrasonic Transducer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer, the ultrasonic transducer comprising a container (2), an acoustic transducer (9), and a mounting bracket (14), the container (2) including an opening, a bottom (3) facing the opening, and a side wall (4) connecting the bottom (3) to the opening, with an axial direction (A) extending from the opening to the bottom (3), the side wall (4) having a first region (24) adjacent to the bottom (3) in the direction opposite to the axial direction (A), and a second region (25) adjacent to the first region (24) in the direction opposite to the axial direction (A) and extending to the opening, the acoustic transducer (9) being provided on the bottom (3) within the container (2), the mounting bracket (14) being connected to the first region (24) of the side wall (4) and spaced apart from the entire second region (25) of the side wall (4) via an air gap (26).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer. [Background technology]

[0002] Ultrasonic transducers are commonly used for distance measurement. In transmit mode, the ultrasonic transducer emits a burst of ultrasonic signals, which are partially reflected when they hit an object. In receive mode, the reflected pulses are detected to measure the propagation time. Because the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in air and water is known, the distance to the reflecting object can be calculated based on the propagation time.

[0003] In automobiles, for example, ultrasonic distance measurement is used in parking assistance systems to send a warning signal to the driver when the distance to a nearby object is short. Ultrasonic transducers are typically mounted in the bumper to provide a large space for mounting the ultrasonic transducer, including the housing and necessary electronic devices. The development and application of new technologies such as drones, vacuum cleaner robots, lawnmower robots, and general autonomous robots poses new challenges for ultrasonic transducers for distance measurement.

[0004] WO 2020 / 245064 discloses an ultrasonic transducer comprising a container including an opening, a bottom and a wall.

[0005] German Patent Application No. 102020132631 discloses an ultrasonic sensor including a housing provided with a diaphragm assembly, the plastic housing being fixed at an open end of the housing by a decoupling element. German Patent Applications Nos. 102012200639 and 102016221535 disclose other ultrasonic sensors in which the respective diaphragm cup is connected to the housing at its open end.

[0006] In ultrasonic sensors known in the prior art, a separately manufactured elastic damping element is inserted between the open end of the diaphragm cup and the sensor housing. The diaphragm cup is in full axial and radial contact with the decoupling element over a large area, particularly in the area near the diaphragm cup opening. This significantly damps the vibration of the diaphragm cup. Therefore, it is common to make this area of ​​the diaphragm cup as stiff as possible to minimize interference.

[0007] JP 2003-315443 A discloses an ultrasonic transducer having a cup-shaped inner housing and an outer housing. DE 102021104697 A1 discloses an ultrasonic transducer in which an electronic device is integrated into the cover of the cup-shaped transducer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 245064 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 102020132631 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012200639 [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016221535 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-315443 [Patent Document 6] German Patent Application Publication No. 102021104697 Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved ultrasonic transducer. For example, an object is to provide an ultrasonic transducer that minimizes suppression of vibration of the diaphragm cup due to the attachment of the diaphragm cup. For example, an object is to provide an ultrasonic transducer that does not significantly interfere with the vibration of the diaphragm cup even if an attachment collar is not provided at the open end of the diaphragm cup.

[0010] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above object is an ultrasonic transducer as set forth in claim 1.

[0011] The ultrasonic transducer includes a container including an opening, a bottom facing the opening, and a sidewall connecting the bottom to the opening. An axial direction is defined as a direction from the opening to the bottom. The sidewall has a first region and a second region. The sidewall may be configured by the first region and the second region.

[0012] The sidewall has a first region adjacent to the bottom in a direction opposite the axial direction. The second region is adjacent to the first region in a direction opposite the axial direction and extends to the opening. The ultrasonic transducer further includes an acoustic transducer disposed within the container at the bottom. The ultrasonic transducer has a mounting bracket connected to the first region of the sidewall, the mounting bracket being spaced apart from the entire second region of the sidewall by an air gap.

[0013] The container may be cup-shaped. The container may be held at its closed end by the mounting bracket. The open end of the container may be spaced from the mounting bracket by an air gap, allowing it to vibrate freely. When the ultrasonic transducer is operated, an antinode is formed at the open end of the container. The closed end is surrounded by a first region of the sidewall connected to the mounting bracket. The open end is surrounded by a second region of the sidewall.

[0014] The sidewall may vibrate at a large amplitude in the second region. Here, the sidewall can be configured to vibrate freely, minimizing the vibration suppression of the ultrasonic transducer. The mounting bracket provides a vibrating air gap suspension. The reduced suppression of the ultrasonic transducer vibration can improve the signal-to-noise ratio when the ultrasonic transducer is used as a sensor.

[0015] The opening of the container may be closed by a cover.

[0016] The vessel may be constructed from plastic, such as fiber reinforced plastic, or aluminum, for example.The vessel may have a number of cylindrical sections with different radii.

[0017] The first region may correspond to the section with the smallest radius, or alternatively, the first region may be a subsection of the cylindrical section.

[0018] The acoustic transducer may be a piezoelectric element, such as a piezoelectric disc, which may be a single disc with electrodes formed on its top and bottom sides.

[0019] The mounting bracket may be a sleeve-like element that surrounds the container and mechanically contacts the container only in the first region of the side wall. The mounting bracket allows the ultrasonic transducer to be attached to an external housing for a target application. The external housing may not be in direct contact with the container. The mounting bracket may be configured so that the external housing and the container are decoupled from each other with respect to structure-borne sound, i.e., no or only minimal structure-borne sound from the external housing is transmitted to the container.

[0020] The second region extending to the container opening may have a constant thickness of the side wall. Correspondingly, the side wall may not be provided with a mounting collar at the open end.

[0021] When attached to an object, such as a car or a robot, there is no need to use an external casing separate from the attachment sleeve, making it possible to configure a simple, convenient, highly adaptable, and compact system.

[0022] The mounting bracket may be indirectly connected to the side wall at the first region. The mounting bracket may be connected to the side wall at the first region, particularly via a decoupling element. The decoupling element may radially surround the side wall within the first region. The decoupling element may be configured such that vibrations are only minimally transmitted from the side wall to the mounting bracket and are transmitted in the opposite direction.

[0023] The decoupling element may be elastic, for example with a Shore A hardness of less than 60, preferably less than 30, particularly preferably less than 20. The decoupling element may comprise a hardened polymer, for example silicone. The low hardness of the decoupling element further allows for good vibration decoupling between the mounting bracket and the container.

[0024] The ultrasonic transducer may include a leaf spring disposed between the decoupling element and the air gap. The leaf spring can separate the air gap from the decoupling element. The decoupling element may be manufactured, for example, by a casting process in which a liquid material is injected into the region between the mounting bracket and the sidewall. The leaf spring can prevent the liquid material from penetrating the air gap.

[0025] The ultrasonic transducer may be configured such that when the acoustic transducer excites ultrasonic vibrations in the bottom, a vibration node is formed in a first region of the sidewall, and the mounting bracket is connected only to the first region where the vibration node is formed, thereby minimizing vibration suppression.

[0026] The ultrasonic transducer may have a cover that closes the container. An electronic device may be incorporated into the cover. The electronic device may be in electrical contact with the acoustic transducer and configured to control and read the acoustic transducer. Thus, a separate printed circuit board for controlling the ultrasonic transducer may not be employed. Such a separate printed circuit board would require additional shielding. The electronic device does not require additional components and can instead be attached to the cover of the ultrasonic transducer, making the ultrasonic transducer more adaptable and compact.

[0027] Alternatively, the cover may be formed by the mounting bracket or a case that is mechanically connected to the mounting bracket and surrounds the end of the mounting bracket opposite the bottom.

[0028] The air gap may at least partially shield a rear side of the cover opposite the acoustic transducer, and may correspondingly extend along a second region of the side wall and the rear side of the cover, in which the container may have a vibratory property that is not interfered with by mounting.

[0029] An interface that can be sealed by a case may be provided on a rear side of the cover opposite the acoustic transducer. The interface may be a digital input / output interface. The interface may have a connection plug. The case can protect the interface from, for example, external ash dust and water. The case may be mechanically connected to the mounting bracket.

[0030] The ultrasonic transducer may have a stop lock provided on one side of the side wall opposite the bottom. When the ultrasonic transducer is in a resting state, a gap is formed between the stop lock and the side wall, and the stop lock limits the axial movement distance of the side wall. Correspondingly, the stop lock can prevent the container from being damaged due to excessive movement.

[0031] The mounting bracket may have a protrusion facing radially outward. A sealing ring abuts against the protrusion. The mounting bracket may have a thread on the outer side facing away from the container, and a nut threaded onto the thread. The ultrasonic transducer may be connected to the housing such that the sealing ring abuts against an upper side of the housing and the nut presses against a lower side of the housing. The sealing ring can be pressed to seal the connection.

[0032] In another embodiment, the mounting bracket may have recesses on one side opposite the container. These recesses are configured to engage with respective locking hooks. The ultrasonic transducer may be connected to the housing such that the sealing ring abuts the upper side of the housing and the locking hooks that engage with the recesses are provided on the lower side of the housing. The sealing ring can be compressed to seal the connection.

[0033] In another embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer may be connected to the housing such that the seal ring abuts the underside of the housing and the top side of the housing is flush with the bottom, the underside being provided with snap hooks that press the mounting bracket against the underside of the housing, and the seal ring can be pressed down to seal the connection.

[0034] Another aspect relates to a module having two of the above ultrasonic transducers mounted in a common module housing. The module housing may have formed thereon mounting brackets for the two ultrasonic transducers. The two mounting brackets may be integrally formed with the module housing. One of the ultrasonic transducers may be configured to operate as a transmitter and the other may be configured to operate as a receiver.

[0035] The modular housing, which includes two mounting brackets, allows the two ultrasonic transducers to be mounted in close proximity to each other. The transducer housings are held in place by closed front ends, eliminating the need for wide mounting collars.

[0036] By using two transducers, one as a transmitter and the other as a receiver, objects can be detected at very short distances from the module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic transducer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an ultrasonic transducer is attached to a housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows an ultrasonic transducer according to a second embodiment mounted in a housing for a target application. [Figure 4] 10 shows another embodiment in which the ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the housing from the bottom side. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic transducer including a case that seals the rear side of the container opposite the bottom. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a module having two ultrasonic transducers. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic transducer 1. The ultrasonic transducer 1 comprises a cup-shaped container 2 having an opening, a bottom 3 and a side wall 4. An axial direction A is defined as the direction from the bottom 3 to the opening. The container 2 may comprise a conductive material, for example aluminium, a conductive plastic, a plastic with a conductive coating, or a non-conductive material, for example a plastic, in particular a fibre-reinforced plastic. In the following, "axial forward" always refers to the direction towards the bottom 3. "axial rear" always refers to the direction towards the opening.

[0039] The side wall 4 is made up of two cylindrical parts, a front part 5 and a rear part 6. The front part 5 has a smaller radius than the rear part 6 and is closed at a circular base by a bottom part 3 which also serves as a diaphragm. The front part 5 opens to the rear in the axial direction A. The entire container 2 is one piece, and the rear part 6 is connected to the front part 5 by a connecting surface 7 which extends parallel to the bottom part 3. The rear part 6 also opens at its rear end in the axial direction A. The opening of the container 2 is closed by a cover 8.

[0040] Inside the container 2, an acoustic transducer 9, for example a piezoelectric disk, is mounted on the bottom 3. The acoustic transducer 9 is fixed to the bottom 3 by a bonding layer or a bonding disk. Above the acoustic transducer 9, a damping element 10 is mounted, which matches the shape of the container 2 and fills it. The acoustic transducer 9 and an electronic device 12 are connected by leads 11 or contacts located inside the container 2. The electronic device 12 is mounted on one side of the cover 8 facing inward. The cover 8 itself is a printed circuit board. The cover 8 has an interface 13, for example a digital I / O interface, on one side facing outward. The interface 13 has a connection plug.

[0041] The interface 13 allows for communication with the outside world as well as power supply to the electronic device 12 and the acoustic transducer 9. The interface 13 is provided on the cover 8, which allows for a compact structure and easy contact of the ultrasonic transducer 1, since no additional connections are required.

[0042] The ultrasonic transducer 1 further includes a mounting bracket 14. The mounting bracket 14 is a sleeve-like element that surrounds the container 2. At the front side in the axial direction A, the front end of the mounting bracket 14 is provided in the same plane as the bottom 3 of the container 2. At the rear side in the axial direction A, the mounting bracket 14 protrudes from the container 2.

[0043] The mounting bracket 14 has, at its axial front end, a protrusion 15 that protrudes inward and a protrusion 16 that protrudes outward. The two protrusions 15, 16 make the thickness of the mounting bracket 14 at its front end greater than in other regions of the mounting bracket.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inwardly facing protrusion 15 is axially flush with the rear portion 6 of the side wall 4. In another embodiment, the inwardly facing protrusion 15 overlaps the rear portion 6. In yet another embodiment, the inwardly facing protrusion 15 may be shortened so that it does not overlap the rear portion 6.

[0045] In other areas, the mounting bracket 14 has a sleeve shape and a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the outward protrusion 16. On the outer side 17 facing away from the container 2, the mounting bracket 14 has a screw thread 18 and / or a recess 19 for engagement with the locking hook 33. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mounting bracket 14 has the screw thread 18 and the recess 19. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 14 may have only one of the screw thread 18 and the recess 19.

[0046] In the sleeve-shaped region of the side wall 4, the inner side 21 of the mounting bracket 14 facing the container 2 may be configured as a flat wall.

[0047] The rear surface of the outwardly facing protrusion 16 in the axial direction A forms a stop surface 22. When the ultrasonic transducer 1 is mounted, a seal ring 30 can abut against the stop surface 22.

[0048] The mounting bracket 14 is connected to a side wall 4 of the container 2. The side wall 4 is defined into a first region 24 and a second region 25. The side wall 4 may be comprised of the first region 24 and the second region 25.

[0049] The first region 24 is the region where the side wall 4 and the mounting bracket 14 are connected. The inwardly facing protrusion 15 of the mounting bracket 14 is particularly connected to the side wall 4.

[0050] The second region 25 is a region where the side wall 4 and the mounting bracket 14 are not connected and are separated by an air gap 26. In the second region 25, the inner side 21 of the mounting bracket 14 is separated from the side wall 4 by the air gap 26. The air gap 26 achieves structure-borne sound decoupling between the second region 25 of the side wall 4 and the mounting bracket 14.

[0051] The first region 24 of the side wall 4 is a region where the side wall 4 is adjacent to the bottom 3 in the direction opposite to the axial direction A. When the acoustic transducer 9 is excited to vibrate and generates vibrations in the container 2, a vibration node is formed in the first region 24. The second region 25 of the side wall 4 is a region surrounding the end of the side wall 4 opposite the bottom 3. When the acoustic transducer 9 is excited to vibrate and generates vibrations in the container 2, an antinode is formed in the second region 25.

[0052] Fixing the mounting bracket 14 to the first region 24 ensures that the vibrations of the vessel 2 that are suppressed by the mounting bracket 14 are minimal, since the mounting bracket 14 is connected to the vibration node and spaced from the antinode via the air gap 26. If the mounting bracket 14 were connected to the side wall 4 in the region of the antinode, the interference of the mounting bracket 14 with the vibrations of the vessel 2 would be greater.

[0053] A small amount of structural noise generated in the enclosure 2 is transmitted to the mounting bracket 14 via the connection between the mounting bracket 14 and the first region 24 of the side wall 4. Conversely, when the mounting bracket 14 is attached to the external housing of the target application, only a small amount of structural noise generated in the target application is transmitted to the enclosure 2 of the ultrasonic transducer 1. Therefore, the mounting bracket 14 allows the vibrating portion of the ultrasonic transducer 1 to be attached in a manner that decouples structural noise.

[0054] The container 2 is substantially free to vibrate relative to the mounting bracket 14. In this way, a vibratory air gap suspension is realized. The movement of the vibratory air gap suspension is limited by a decoupling element 27, which will be described later, and a stop lock 28, which will be described later.

[0055] Target applications are, for example, car bumpers and the front of robots (e.g., lawn mower robots).

[0056] 1, the first region 24 of the side wall 4 corresponds to the front portion 5 of the side wall 4, which has a smaller radius at the front portion 5 than at the rear portion 6. In another embodiment, the side wall 4 may be connected to only one subsection of the front portion 5. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the first region 24 may be smaller and designed to include only a portion of the front portion 5.

[0057] In the first region 24, the mounting bracket 14 is indirectly connected to the container 2 via a decoupling element 27. The decoupling element 27 is ring-shaped. The decoupling element 27 surrounds the first region 24 of the side wall 4 in a ring shape. The decoupling element 27 abuts the inner side 21 of the mounting bracket 14. In particular, the decoupling element 27 abuts the protrusion 15 facing inward of the mounting bracket 14. The decoupling element 27 is joined to the mounting bracket 14 and the side wall 4, thereby connecting the mounting bracket 14 and the side wall 4.

[0058] The decoupling element 27 comprises an elastic material, and may comprise, for example, a hardened polymer such as silicone or a silicone elastomer.

[0059] The decoupling element 27 may have a Shore A hardness of less than 60. The decoupling element 27 is manufactured by a casting process in which a liquid material is poured into the gap between the mounting bracket 14 and the container 2. The liquid material is allowed to solidify to form the decoupling element 27. This method allows for accurate placement of the decoupling element 27, even though it has such a low hardness. Alternatively, the decoupling element 27 may be manufactured or attached by a bonding technique or another manufacturing method.

[0060] The low stiffness of the decoupling element 27 allows a small amount of relative movement between the mounting bracket 14 and the container 2. The decoupling element 27 limits the forward radial and axial movement of the container 2 relative to the mounting bracket 14.

[0061] The ultrasonic transducer 1 has a leaf spring 29 provided between the decoupling element 27 and the air gap 26. The leaf spring 29 prevents liquid material from entering the air gap 26 during the casting process. The leaf spring 29 separates the air gap 26 from the decoupling element 27.

[0062] The ultrasonic transducer 1 further includes a stop lock 28. The stop lock 28 is provided axially behind the container 2 and is separated from the container 2 via an air gap 26 when the ultrasonic transducer 1 is in a resting state. The resting state is a state in which no external force is applied to the container 2.

[0063] The stop lock 28 limits the backward movement distance of the container 2 in the axial direction A. In this way, forces applied to the container 2 in the axial direction A prevent the ultrasonic transducer 1 from being destroyed.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the ultrasonic transducer 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to an external housing 32 for a target application.

[0065] The ultrasonic transducer 1 has a seal ring 30 that abuts against the stop surface 22 of the outward protrusion 16 of the mounting bracket 14. The seal ring 30 is an O-ring. The seal ring 30 has an elastic material. The seal ring 30 easily and reliably achieves a waterproof and dustproof seal that meets IP class requirements. The seal ring 30 forms a seal by simply pressing it together, without requiring any additional parts.

[0066] The mounting bracket 14 has threads 18 on its outer side 17. The ultrasonic transducer 1 has a nut 31 that is threaded onto the threads 18 located on the outer side 17 of the mounting bracket 14.

[0067] A free area is formed between the seal ring 30 and the nut 31. When the ultrasonic transducer 1 is mounted in a housing 32 for a target application, the housing 32 may be provided in this free area. The seal ring 30 abuts against the upper side of the housing 32, and the nut 31 is pressed against the housing 32 from below, so that the seal ring 30 is pressed against the housing 32 and sealed.

[0068] 3 shows an ultrasonic transducer 1 according to a second embodiment mounted to a housing 32 for a target application. The mounting bracket 14 differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have threads 18 on its outer surface 17. The mounting bracket 14 has a number of recesses 19 configured to engage with locking hooks 33 on the housing 32.

[0069] The housing 32 has corresponding locking hooks 33 on its underside. When the ultrasonic transducer 1 is mounted on the housing 32, the sealing ring 30 abuts against the upper side of the housing 32. The locking hooks 33 on the underside of the housing 32 engage with the recesses 19 on the mounting bracket 14. The outward protrusions 16 of the mounting bracket 14 and the housing 32 press against the sealing ring 30, sealing the connection. The mounting bracket 14 may have, for example, three recesses 19. The mounting bracket 14 may also have any other number of recesses 19. The housing 32 has a number of locking hooks 33 corresponding to the number of recesses 19 on the mounting bracket 14.

[0070] In both the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the ultrasonic transducer 1 is inserted into the housing 32 from above, and the ultrasonic transducer 1 is screwed onto the housing 32 from below or by means of a nut 31, or by engaging the locking hooks 33 to clamp the ultrasonic transducer 1. Figure 4 shows another embodiment in which the ultrasonic transducer 1 is inserted into the housing 32 from below.

[0071] The mounting bracket 14 has an outward protrusion 16, which is formed in the central region of the mounting bracket 14 in the axial direction. The seal ring 30 abuts against the front side of the outward protrusion 16 in the axial direction. When the ultrasonic transducer 1 is attached to the housing 32, the seal ring 30 is pressed between the underside of the housing 32 and the front side of the outward protrusion 16. In addition, a snap hook 34 is formed on the underside of the housing 32, and the snap hook 34 is connected to the underside of the container 2 so that the container 2 can be pressed against the underside of the housing 32. The bottom 3 of the container 2 and the upper side of the housing 32 may be arranged to be flush with each other.

[0072] 2 to 4, the process of attaching the ultrasonic transducer 1 to the housing 32 does not require the use of an external casing separate from the mounting bracket 14. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer 1 may be attached directly to the target object using the mounting bracket 14. The control electronic device 17 is also attached to the ultrasonic transducer 1 itself, so no additional components are required. In this way, a simple, convenient, highly adaptable, and compact system can be configured.

[0073] FIG. 5 shows an ultrasonic transducer 1 including a case 35 that seals the rear side of the container 2 opposite the bottom 3. The case 35 can protect against dirt, dust, and water. A cable guide 36 may be formed in the case 35. The cable guide 36 can be used to connect to the interface 13. The case 35 may be directly connected to the nut 31. The case 35 shown in FIG. 5 can be combined with any of the above-described embodiments. In embodiments without the nut 31, the case 35 may be directly connected to the mounting bracket 14.

[0074] 6 is a diagram showing a module having two ultrasonic transducers 1. The two ultrasonic transducers 1 are mounted in a common module housing 37. The module housing 37 forms two mounting brackets 14 for the ultrasonic transducers 1. The two mounting brackets 14 are therefore integrally configured. In another configuration of the module, more than two ultrasonic transducers 1 may be mounted in the common module housing 37.

[0075] A compact structure of the module can be realized by connecting the mounting bracket 14 and the container 2 with the decoupling element 27 and integrally forming a plurality of mounting brackets 14 with the module housing 37. In this way, two or more ultrasonic transducers 1 can be provided in close spatial proximity.

[0076] One of the two ultrasonic transducers 1 can be used as an ultrasonic transmitter, and the other can be used as an ultrasonic receiver. Such a module can detect objects even when they are very close. When a single ultrasonic transducer 1 is used as both a transmitter and a receiver, it is necessary to wait for the diaphragm to vibrate after transmission before the ultrasonic transducer 1 can detect the reflection, making it impossible to detect objects at very close distances.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the module housing 37. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 ultrasonic transducer 2 containers 3 bottom 4 side wall 5 front 6 Rear 7 Connection Surface 8 Cover 9 Acoustic Transducers 10 Damping element 11 Conductor 12 Electronic Devices 13 Interface 14 Mounting bracket 15 Inward protrusion 16 Outward protrusion 17 Outside 18 threads 19 Recess 21 Inside 22 Stop surface 24 First area 25 Second area 26 Air Gap 27 Decoupling elements 28 Stop Lock 29 Leaf spring 30 Seal ring 31 Nut 32 Housing 33 Lock Hook 34 Snap Hook 35 cases 36 Cable guide 37 Module Housing A axis direction

Claims

1. A container (2), an acoustic transducer (9), and a mounting bracket (14), The container (2) includes an opening, a bottom (3) facing the opening, and a sidewall (4) connecting the bottom (3) and the opening; the axial direction (A) of the container (2) is a direction from the opening to the bottom (3); The side wall (4) has a first region (24) adjacent to the bottom (3) in a direction opposite to the axial direction (A), and a second region (25) adjacent to the first region (24) in a direction opposite to the axial direction (A) and extending to the opening; The acoustic transducer (9) is provided in the container (2) at the bottom (3), The mounting bracket (14) is connected to the first region (24) of the side wall (4); The mounting bracket (14) is spaced apart from the entire second region (25) of the side wall (4) via an air gap (26). Ultrasonic transducer (1).

2. The mounting bracket (14, 24) is indirectly connected to the first region (24) of the side wall (4). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 1.

3. The mounting bracket (14) is connected to the first region (24) of the side wall (4) by a decoupling element (27), the decoupling element (27) radially surrounding the side wall (4) within the first region (24). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The decoupling element (27) has elasticity. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 3.

5. The decoupling element (27) has a Shore hardness of less than 60 A. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The decoupling element (27) comprises a hardened polymer, for example silicone. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. A leaf spring (29) is provided between the decoupling element (27) and the air gap (26). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. The container (2) is vibratory in the second region (25) of the side wall (4). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

9. When ultrasonic vibrations of the bottom (3) are excited by the acoustic transducer (9), a vibration node is formed in the first region (24) of the side wall (4). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The acoustic transducer (9) comprises a piezoelectric disc. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A cover (8) for closing the container (2), an electronic device (12) is embedded in the cover (8), the electronic device (12) being in electrical contact with the acoustic transducer (9) and configured to control and read the acoustic transducer (9); An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The air gap (26) at least partially covers the rear side of the cover (8) opposite to the acoustic transducer (9). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 11.

13. An interface (13) is provided on the rear side of the cover (8) opposite to the acoustic transducer (9), The rear side of the cover (8) opposite to the acoustic transducer (9) is sealed by a case (35). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. A stop lock (28) is provided on the side wall (4) opposite to the bottom (3), In a rest state, a gap is formed between the stop lock (28) and the side wall (4), The axially movable distance of the side wall (4) is limited by the stop lock (28). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The mounting bracket (14) has a protrusion (16) facing radially outward, and a seal ring (30) abuts against the protrusion (16) in the axial direction. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The mounting bracket (14) has a screw thread (18) on its outer side (17) facing away from the container (2), The mounting bracket (14) has a nut (31) threaded onto the threads (18). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The seal ring (30) is connectable to the housing so that it abuts against the upper side of the housing and the nut (31) is pressed against the lower side of the housing. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 15 or claim 16.

18. The mounting bracket (14) has, on its outer side (17) facing away from the container (2), recesses (19) configured to engage with each of the locking hooks (33). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. The seal ring (30) is connectable to the housing (32) so that it abuts against the upper side of the housing (32) and a locking hook (33) that engages with the recess (19) is provided on the lower side of the housing (32). An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 15 or claim 18.

20. The seal ring (30) is connectable to the housing (32) so that it abuts against the underside of the housing (32) and the upper side of the housing (32) is flush with the bottom (3); The lower side is provided with a snap hook (34) that presses the mounting bracket (14) against the lower side of the housing (32).

16. An ultrasonic transducer (1) according to claim 15.

21. A module comprising two ultrasonic transducers (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 mounted in a common module housing (37).

22. The mounting brackets (14) of the two ultrasonic transducers (1) are formed on the module housing (37).

22. The module of claim 21.

23. One of the ultrasonic transducers (1) is configured to operate as a transmitter and the other of the ultrasonic transducers (1) is configured to operate as a receiver.

23. A module according to claim 21 or claim 22.

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