Ultrasonic Transmitter / Receiver

Abstract

The maximum value of an overhang length of a second surface (142t) in a second direction (X-axis direction) from a peripheral edge of another end of a connecting part (143) is less than or equal to half of the maximum value of an overhang length of a first surface (141b) in the second direction (X-axis direction) from a peripheral edge of one end of the connecting part (143). The maximum value of the overhang length of the first surface (141b) in a third direction (Y-axis direction) from the peripheral edge of the one end of the connecting part (143) is less than or equal to half of the maximum value of the overhang length of the second surface (142t) in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from the peripheral edge of the other end of the connecting part (143).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver. [Background technology]

[0002] A prior art document disclosing the configuration of an ultrasonic sensor is Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-11100 (Patent Document 1). The ultrasonic sensor described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a transducer, lead wires, a holding member, and a filler. A plurality of grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the holding member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-11100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the ultrasonic sensor described in Patent Document 1, the reverberation time may become long due to the influence of voids remaining in the groove of the holding member when the filler is filled.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver that can suppress the creeping up of sealing material and the coming-off of components from the sealing material, while suppressing the increase in reverberation time caused by voids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the present invention includes a case, a piezoelectric element, a terminal, a holding member, and a sealing material. The case is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom and a side wall. The piezoelectric element is provided on the bottom inside the case. The terminal is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element through a wiring member inside the case and is drawn out to the outside of the case. The holding member holds the terminal. The sealing material is filled inside the case. The holding member includes a first overhanging portion, a second overhanging portion, and a connecting portion that connects the first overhanging portion and the second overhanging portion to each other. The first overhanging portion, the connecting portion, and the second overhanging portion are arranged in this order in a first direction perpendicular to the bottom. The first overhanging portion is exposed from the sealing material, and the connecting portion and the second overhanging portion are embedded in the sealing material. The first protrusion extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and has a first surface protruding from a periphery of one end of the connection part in the first direction and facing the sealing material. The second protrusion extends in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions and has a second surface protruding from a periphery of the other end of the connection part in the first direction. The maximum protrusion length of the second surface from the periphery of the other end of the connection part in the second direction is less than half the maximum protrusion length of the first surface from the periphery of the one end of the connection part in the second direction. The maximum protrusion length of the first surface from the periphery of the one end of the connection part in the third direction is less than half the maximum protrusion length of the second surface from the periphery of the other end of the connection part in the third direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in reverberation time caused by voids while suppressing the creeping up of the sealing material and the coming-off of components from the sealing material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction of arrow III. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 2 as viewed in the direction of arrow IV. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 5 as viewed in the direction of arrow VI. [Figure 7] 6 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 5 as viewed in the direction of arrow VII. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 8 as viewed in the direction of arrow IX. [Figure 10] 9 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 8 as viewed in the direction of the arrow X. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 11 as viewed in the direction of arrow XII. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 11 as viewed in the direction of arrow XIII. [Figure 14] 11 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 14 as viewed in the direction of arrow XV. [Figure 16] 15 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 14 as viewed in the direction of arrow XVI. [Figure 17] 13 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 17 as viewed in the direction of arrow XVIII. [Figure 19] 18 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 17 as viewed in the direction of arrow XIX. [Figure 20]13 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 20 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXI. [Figure 22] 21 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 20 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXII. [Figure 23] 13 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a first direction. FIG. [Figure 24] 24 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 23 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXIV. [Diagram 25] 24 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of FIG. 23 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, ultrasonic transmitters and receivers according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a see-through manner. Fig. 3 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 2 as seen from the direction of an arrow III. Fig. 4 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 2 as seen from the direction of an arrow IV.

[0011] 1 to 4, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a case 110, a piezoelectric element 120, a terminal 130, a holding member 140, and a sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 100 further includes a wiring member 150, a bonding material 160, and a sound absorbing material 170. Note that the sound absorbing material 170 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0012] The case 110 is a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a bottom 111 and a side wall 112. The side of the case 110 opposite to the bottom side is open. The bottom 111 has a disk shape. The side wall 112 is provided perpendicularly to the bottom 111 from the periphery of the bottom 111. The case 110 is made of aluminum, for example.

[0013] Piezoelectric element 120 is provided on bottom 111 inside case 110. Piezoelectric element 120 is adhered and fixed on bottom 111. Piezoelectric element 120 is made of, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, and has a disk-shaped piezoelectric substrate and electrodes provided on each of the opposing main surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate. Piezoelectric element 120 is flat, and when a drive voltage is applied, it spreads in the in-plane direction and vibrates.

[0014] The terminals 130 are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 120 through the wiring member 150 inside the case 110, and are extended to the outside of the case 110. In the present embodiment, two terminals 130 are provided, but it is sufficient to provide at least one terminal 130. The terminals 130 have a pin shape.

[0015] The wiring member 150 is, for example, a lead wire or a flexible substrate. In this embodiment, two wiring members 150 are provided. The terminal 130 and the wiring member 150 are electrically joined to each other by a bonding material 160 such as solder. The piezoelectric element 120 and the wiring member 150 are electrically joined to each other by the bonding material 160.

[0016] One of the two terminals 130 is electrically connected to an electrode on one main surface of the piezoelectric substrate through one of the two wiring members 150. The other of the two terminals 130 is electrically connected to an electrode on the other main surface of the piezoelectric substrate through the other of the two wiring members 150.

[0017] Sound absorbing material 170 covers piezoelectric element 120. Sound absorbing material 170 is made of, for example, polyester felt or porous silicone, and absorbs unnecessary ultrasonic waves emitted from piezoelectric element 120 to the opening side of case 110.

[0018] Sealing material 180 fills case 110. Sealing material 180 covers sound-absorbing material 170. The space above sound-absorbing material 170 in case 110 is filled with sealing material 180. Sealing material 180 is made of rubber such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber, or resin such as epoxy resin, and has sound insulation properties and adhesive properties.

[0019] The holding member 140 holds the terminal 130. The terminal 130 penetrates the holding member 140. The terminal 130 may be press-fitted into the holding member 140, the terminal 130 may be inserted into a through-hole formed in the holding member 140, or the holding member 140 may be integrally molded with the terminal 130 by insert molding or the like. The holding member 140 is made of a resin such as polybutylene terephthalate.

[0020] The holding member 140 includes a first overhanging portion 141, a second overhanging portion 142, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 141 and the second overhanging portion 142 to each other. The first overhanging portion 141, the connecting portion 143, and the second overhanging portion 142 are aligned in this order in a first direction (the Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the bottom portion 111.

[0021] The first protruding portion 141 extends in a second direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction). The first protruding portion 141 has a first surface 141b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connection portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 141 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first surface 141b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0022] The first protruding portion 141 is exposed from the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the sealing material 180 is in contact with a portion of the first surface 141b closer to the connecting portion 143, and is separated from the remaining portions of the first surface 141b. Note that the sealing material 180 may be in contact with the entire surface of the first surface 141b.

[0023] The second protruding portion 142 extends in a third direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to each of the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction). The second protruding portion 142 has a second surface 142t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 142 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second surface 142t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0024] The second protruding portion 142 is embedded in the sealing material 180. The second surface 142t is covered with the sealing material 180.

[0025] The connection portion 143 extends in a first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the connection portion 143 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connection portion 143 is embedded in the sealing material 180.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 141 and the second protruding portion 142 do not overlap with each other, except for the region where they overlap with the connecting portion 143, when viewed from the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0027] Specifically, the maximum value of the protruding length of first surface 141b in the third direction (Y-axis direction) from the periphery of the one end of connecting portion 143 is 0. That is, as shown in FIG 4, first surface 141b does not protrude from the periphery of the one end of connecting portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0028] The maximum value of the protruding length of the second surface 142t in the second direction (X-axis direction) from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 is 0. That is, as shown in FIG 3, the second surface 142t does not protrude from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0029] 4, even if air is sucked in and a void V occurs at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 142t when the sealant 180 is filled, the first surface 141b is not located above the corner Cdy, so that the void V is likely to escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void V can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 141b. As a result, the reverberation time caused by the void V can be prevented from being prolonged.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 141 has a first surface 141b that protrudes from the peripheral edge of one end of the connection portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. Therefore, when the sealing material 180 is filled, the sealing material 180 that comes into contact with the first surface 141b spreads along the first surface 141b, thereby preventing the sealing material 180 from creeping up the first protrusion 141.

[0031] Furthermore, since the second surface 142t of the second protruding portion 142 is covered with the sealing material 180, the holding member 140 can be prevented from coming off the sealing material 180.

[0032] Since each of the first protrusion 141 and the second protrusion 142 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a wide flat first surface 141b facing the surface 180t of the sealing material 180 is secured, effectively preventing the sealing material 180 from creeping up the first protrusion 141, while the engagement between the second surface 142t and the sealing material 180 is strengthened, effectively preventing the holding member 140 from coming off the sealing material 180.

[0033] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of a holding member from that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 5 as seen from the direction of an arrow VI, Fig. 7 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 5 as seen from the direction of an arrow VII.

[0035] 5 to 7, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 240. The holding member 240 includes a first overhanging portion 241, a second overhanging portion 242, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 241 and the second overhanging portion 242 to each other.

[0036] The first protruding portion 241 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 241 has a first surface 241b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connection portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 241 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first surface 241b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0037] The second protruding portion 242 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 242 has a second surface 242t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 242 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second surface 242t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 242t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 241b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 241b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 242t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0040] 6, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 242t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at the corner Cdx between the second surface 242t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connection portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 241b located above the corner Cdx.

[0041] 7, even if air is sucked in at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 242t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 241b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void V can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void V can be prevented from remaining under the first surface 241b. As a result, the reverberation time caused by the void V can be prevented from being prolonged.

[0042] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the shape of the second protruding portion of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a case and a sealing material of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 8 as seen from the direction of an arrow IX, Fig. 10 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 8 as seen from the direction of an arrow X.

[0044] 8 to 10, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 340. The holding member 340 includes a first overhanging portion 241, a second overhanging portion 342, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 241 and the second overhanging portion 342 to each other.

[0045] The second protruding portion 342 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 342 has a second surface 342t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second surface 342t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane. The second protruding portion 342 has a chamfered portion 342c formed along the edge of the second surface 342t.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 342t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 241b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 241b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 342t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0048] 9, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 342t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at the corner Cdx between the second surface 342t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connection portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 241b located above the corner Cdx.

[0049] 10, even if air is sucked in at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 342t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 241b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void V can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void V can be prevented from remaining under the first surface 241b. As a result, the reverberation time caused by the void V can be prevented from being prolonged.

[0050] (Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the shape of the first protrusion of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0051] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, seen from a first direction. Fig. 12 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 11, seen from the direction of an arrow XII. Fig. 13 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 11, seen from the direction of an arrow XIII.

[0052] 11 to 13, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 440. The holding member 440 includes a first overhanging portion 441, a second overhanging portion 242, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 441 and the second overhanging portion 242 to each other.

[0053] The first protruding portion 441 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 441 has a first surface 441b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. The first surface 441b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane. The first protruding portion 441 has a chamfered portion 441c formed along the edge of the first surface 441b.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 242t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 441b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 13, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 441b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 242t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0056] 12, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 242t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at the corner Cdx between the second surface 242t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 441b located above the corner Cdx.

[0057] 13, even if air is trapped at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 242t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 441b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 441b. As a result, the reverberation time can be prevented from being prolonged due to the void.

[0058] (Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of a holding member from that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0059] Fig. 14 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, seen from a first direction. Fig. 15 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 14, seen from the direction of an arrow XV. Fig. 16 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 14, seen from the direction of an arrow XVI.

[0060] 14 to 16, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 540. The holding member 540 includes a first overhanging portion 541, a second overhanging portion 542, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 541 and the second overhanging portion 542 to each other.

[0061] The first protruding portion 541 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 541 has a first surface 541b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 541 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and chamfered portions 541c are formed at the four corners when viewed from the first direction (Z-axis direction). The first surface 541b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0062] The second protruding portion 542 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 542 has a second surface 542t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 542 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and chamfered portions 542c are formed at the four corners when viewed from the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second surface 542t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 542t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 541b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 16, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 541b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 542t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0065] 15, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 542t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at a corner Cdx between the second surface 542t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 541b located above the corner Cdx.

[0066] 16, even if air is trapped at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 542t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 541b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 541b. As a result, the reverberation time can be prevented from being prolonged due to the void.

[0067] (Embodiment 6) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of a holding member from that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0068] Fig. 17 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, seen from a first direction. Fig. 18 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 17, seen from the direction of an arrow XVIII. Fig. 19 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 17, seen from the direction of an arrow XIX.

[0069] 17 to 19, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 600 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 640. The holding member 640 includes a first overhanging portion 641, a second overhanging portion 642, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 641 and the second overhanging portion 642 to each other.

[0070] The first protruding portion 641 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 641 has a first surface 641b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 641 has an oval cylindrical shape, and has an elliptical shape when viewed from the first direction (Z-axis direction). The first surface 641b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0071] The second protruding portion 642 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 642 has a second surface 642t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 642 has an oval cylindrical shape, and has an elliptical shape when viewed from the first direction (Z-axis direction). The second surface 642t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 642t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 641b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 19, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 641b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 642t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0074] 18, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 642t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at a corner Cdx between the second surface 642t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connection portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 641b located above the corner Cdx.

[0075] 19, even if air is trapped at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 642t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 641b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 641b. As a result, the reverberation time can be prevented from being extended due to the void.

[0076] (Embodiment 7) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a different shape of a holding member from that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the same configuration as that of ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0077] Fig. 20 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, seen from a first direction. Fig. 21 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 20, seen from the direction of an arrow XXI. Fig. 22 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 20, seen from the direction of an arrow XXII.

[0078] 20 to 22, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 700 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 740. The holding member 740 includes a first overhanging portion 741, a second overhanging portion 742, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 741 and the second overhanging portion 742 to each other.

[0079] The first protruding portion 741 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 741 has a first surface 741b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 641 has a cylindrical shape and has a circular shape when viewed from the second direction (X-axis direction). The first surface 741b is a curved surface.

[0080] The second protruding portion 742 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 742 has a second surface 742t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 742 has a cylindrical shape and has a circular shape when viewed from the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second surface 742t is a curved surface.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 742t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 741b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 22, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 741b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 742t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0083] 21, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 742t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at a corner Cdx between the second surface 742t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connection portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 741b located above the corner Cdx.

[0084] 22, even if air is trapped at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 742t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 741b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 741b. As a result, the reverberation time can be prevented from being prolonged due to the void.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 741 and the second protrusion 742 each have a cylindrical shape, and the first surface 741b and the second surface 742t each are curved surfaces, thereby effectively preventing voids from occurring at the corner Cdx and effectively preventing voids from remaining under the first surface 741b.

[0086] (Embodiment 8) Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention differs from the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the shape of the holding member, the description of the configuration similar to that of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0087] Fig. 23 is a plan view of a holding member of an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, seen from a first direction. Fig. 24 is a front view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 23, seen from the direction of arrow XXIV. Fig. 25 is a side view of the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver of Fig. 23, seen from the direction of arrow XXV.

[0088] 23 to 25, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 800 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a holding member 840. The holding member 840 includes a first overhanging portion 841, a second overhanging portion 842, and a connecting portion 143 that connects the first overhanging portion 841 and the second overhanging portion 842 to each other.

[0089] The first protruding portion 841 extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). The first protruding portion 841 has a first surface 841b that protrudes from the periphery of one end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and faces the surface 180t of the sealing material 180. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 841 has a trapezoidal column shape, and has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the second direction (X-axis direction). The first surface 841b is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane. The first protruding portion 841 has inclined surfaces 841c on both sides in the third direction (Y-axis direction) that approach each other as they move away from the first surface 841b in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0090] The second protruding portion 842 extends in the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second protruding portion 842 has a second surface 842t protruding from the periphery of the other end of the connecting portion 143 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the second protruding portion 842 has a trapezoidal column shape, and has a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the third direction (Y-axis direction). The second surface 842t is a flat surface parallel to the XY plane. The second protruding portion 842 has inclined surfaces 842c on both sides in the second direction (X-axis direction) that move away from each other as they move away from the second surface 842t in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0091] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the maximum protrusion length W2 of the second surface 842t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W1 of the first surface 841b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the second direction (X-axis direction).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 25, the maximum protrusion length W3 of the first surface 841b from the periphery of the one end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is less than half the maximum protrusion length W4 of the second surface 842t from the periphery of the other end of the connection portion 143 in the third direction (Y-axis direction).

[0093] 24, the maximum value W2 of the overhang length in the second direction (X-axis direction) of the second surface 842t is small, so that air is less likely to be sucked in at a corner Cdx between the second surface 842t and a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing in the second direction (X-axis direction) when the sealing material 180 is filled, thereby suppressing the occurrence of voids. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of voids remaining under the first surface 841b located above the corner Cdx.

[0094] 25, even if air is trapped at a corner Cdy between a portion of the circumferential surface of the connecting portion 143 facing the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the second surface 842t when the sealant 180 is filled, the area of ​​the first surface 841b located above the corner Cdy is small, so that the void can easily escape from the surface 180t of the sealant 180, and the void can be prevented from remaining below the first surface 841b. As a result, the reverberation time can be prevented from being prolonged due to the void.

[0095] In the above description of the embodiments, configurations that can be combined may be combined with each other.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800 ultrasonic transducer, 110 case, 111 bottom, 112 side wall, 120 piezoelectric element, 130 terminal, 140,240,340,440,540,640,740,840 holding member, 141,241,441,541,641,741,841 first extension, 141b,241b,441b,541b,641b,741b,841b first surface, 142,242,342,542,642,742,842 second extension, 142t,242t,342t,542t,642t,742t,842t Second surface, 143 connection portion, 150 wiring member, 160 bonding material, 170 sound absorbing material, 180 sealing material, 180t surface, 342c, 441c, 541c, 542c chamfered portion, 841c, 842c slope, Cdx, Cdy corner portion, V void.

Claims

1. a cylindrical case having a bottom and a side wall; a piezoelectric element provided on the bottom inside the case; a terminal that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element through a wiring member inside the case and that is extended to the outside of the case; A holding member for holding the terminal; a sealant filled in the case, the holding member includes a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion to each other; the first protruding portion, the connection portion, and the second protruding portion are arranged in this order in a first direction perpendicular to the bottom portion, the first protruding portion is exposed from the sealing material, and the connection portion and the second protruding portion are embedded in the sealing material; the first protruding portion extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and has a first surface that protrudes from a peripheral edge of one end of the connection portion in the first direction and faces the sealing material; the second protruding portion extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and has a second surface protruding from a peripheral edge of the other end of the connection portion in the first direction; a maximum value of a protruding length of the second surface in the second direction from a peripheral edge of the other end of the connection portion is equal to or less than half of a maximum value of a protruding length of the first surface in the second direction from a peripheral edge of the one end of the connection portion, An ultrasonic transmitter / receiver, wherein the maximum protrusion length of the first surface in the third direction from the peripheral edge of the one end of the connection portion is less than half the maximum protrusion length of the second surface in the third direction from the peripheral edge of the other end of the connection portion.

2. a maximum value of a protruding length of the first surface from a peripheral edge of the one end of the connection portion in the third direction is 0, The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to claim 1 , wherein a maximum value of a protruding length of the second surface in the second direction from a periphery of the other end of the connecting portion is zero.

3. 3. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to claim 1, wherein each of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

4. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to claim 3 , wherein the second protruding portion has a chamfered portion formed along an edge of the second surface.

5. 3. The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver according to claim 1, wherein each of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion has a cylindrical shape.

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