Ultrasound system using an upper probe module and a lower probe module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic inspection device using an upper probe module and a lower probe module, and includes: a lower probe module having a lower transducer and a lower water jacket; and an upper probe module disposed above an object and having an upper transducer and an upper water jacket; and a trigger control unit that controls the time when ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer and the time when ultrasonic waves are generated in the upper transducer. The device is characterized in that the object is not immersed in a liquid, which is a transmission medium for ultrasonic transmission, but liquid is sprayed onto the object from the lower water jacket and the upper water jacket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module. More specifically, in order to simultaneously inspect the upper and lower parts of an object, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module that can inspect an object through the upper probe module and the lower probe module that generate ultrasonic waves toward the object from the upper and lower parts of the object.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic inspection apparatus is an apparatus that irradiates an object with ultrasonic waves through a probe module, receives the ultrasonic waves that are reflected or transmitted by the probe module, and forms an image. Minute defects can be detected through the ultrasonic inspection apparatus, and thus, a high resolution is required for the ultrasonic inspection apparatus.

[0003] An ultrasonic inspection method using an ultrasonic inspection apparatus requires a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves. In order to prevent attenuation of ultrasonic waves, a liquid is used as the ultrasonic transmission medium, and water is generally used as the liquid.

[0004] In a conventional ultrasonic inspection method, water is filled in a water tank, a product is placed in the filled water, and then a probe module is positioned above the object. The inspection can proceed with the object partially immersed in the filled water.

[0005] However, a conventional ultrasonic inspection apparatus provided with a probe module above the object has the following problems. In a conventional ultrasonic inspection apparatus, a probe module that irradiates ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected signal is arranged only in one direction, such as above the object.

[0006] Conventional ultrasound imaging devices have a probe module positioned on top of the object being examined, allowing the examination to proceed only on the upper part of the object. However, if the object requires examination of both the upper and lower parts, and the examination is performed only on the upper part, there is a problem in that after scanning the upper part of the object, the lower part must be scanned by inverting and moving the object.

[0007] If the inspection is carried out using an ultrasonic inspection device equipped with a probe module only on the upper part of the object, there is a problem that the process time will be increased due to the inversion and movement of the object. In addition, when the object is inverted and moved after scanning the upper part of the object to align it, positional alignment tolerances occur, making it impossible to synchronize the signal processing data between the scanned upper and lower parts of the object.

[0008] Furthermore, if air bubbles are mixed into the water, which is the ultrasonic transmission medium of an ultrasound device, the bubbles can cause attenuation of the ultrasound waves. However, conventional ultrasound devices have the problem of not being equipped with a separate device to remove air bubbles from the water supplied as the transmission medium. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and, more specifically, relates to an ultrasound inspection apparatus that uses an upper probe module and a lower probe module that can inspect an object via an upper probe module and a lower probe module that generate ultrasound waves toward the object from the upper and lower parts of the object in order to inspect the upper and lower parts of the object simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The ultrasonic inspection apparatus of the present invention, which uses an upper probe module and a lower probe module to solve the above-mentioned problems, is an ultrasonic inspection apparatus for inspecting an object via ultrasound, comprising: a lower probe module disposed below the object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasound from the lower part of the object toward the object, and a lower water jacket having an internal space into which one side of the lower transducer can be inserted, and the internal space being filled with liquid; and an upper probe module disposed above the object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasound from the upper part of the object toward the object, and an upper water jacket having an internal space into which one side of the upper transducer can be inserted, and the internal space being filled with liquid; and comprising a trigger control unit that controls the timing of when the lower transducer generates ultrasound and when the upper transducer generates ultrasound, characterized in that the object is not immersed in the liquid which is the transmission medium for ultrasound transmission, and liquid is sprayed onto the object from the lower water jacket and the upper water jacket.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the central axis of the lower transducer of the lower probe module and the central axis of the upper transducer of the upper probe module of the ultrasound inspection apparatus using the upper probe module of the present invention can be arranged on the same line.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the lower probe module of the ultrasound inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention is provided with a first receiving unit that can receive ultrasound generated by the upper transducer of the upper probe module or ultrasound generated by the lower transducer of the lower probe module, and the upper probe module may be provided with a second receiving unit that can receive ultrasound generated by the lower transducer of the lower probe module or ultrasound generated by the upper transducer of the upper probe module.

[0013] The trigger control unit of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, can generate ultrasound with the lower transducer and, after a specified time, generate ultrasound with the upper transducer, or generate ultrasound with the upper transducer and, after a specified time, generate ultrasound with the lower transducer.

[0014] The trigger control unit of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, can alternately generate ultrasound in the lower transducer and the upper transducer with a specified time difference.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the lower probe module and the upper probe module of the present invention are used in an ultrasonic inspection apparatus. The lower probe module and the upper probe module scan the target object while moving along the target object, and the trigger control unit may generate ultrasound with the lower transducer when the lower probe module and the upper probe module move in a first direction, and generate ultrasound with the upper transducer when the lower probe module and the upper probe module move in a second direction.

[0016] The first and second directions of the ultrasound inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention, which solve the above-mentioned problems, are also opposite directions to each other.

[0017] In an ultrasound examination apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems, the central axis of the lower transducer of the lower probe module and the central axis of the upper transducer of the upper probe module may not be aligned on the same line.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the lower probe module of the ultrasound inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention is equipped with a first receiving unit that can receive ultrasound generated by the lower transducer of the lower probe module, and the upper probe module may be equipped with a second receiving unit that can receive ultrasound generated by the upper transducer of the upper probe module.

[0019] The trigger control unit of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is capable of simultaneously generating ultrasound with the lower transducer and the upper transducer.

[0020] The trigger control unit of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, can alternately generate ultrasound in the lower transducer and the upper transducer with a specified time difference. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module, and has an advantage that the object can be inspected without inverting and moving the object through the upper probe module and the lower probe module that generate ultrasonic waves toward the object from the upper and lower parts of the object.

[0022] Also, the present invention has an advantage that the upper and lower parts of the object can be inspected without inverting and moving the object by proceeding with the inspection at the lower and upper parts of the object through the upper probe module and the lower probe module, and through this, the process time can be shortened.

[0023] At the same time, the present invention has an advantage that the upper and lower parts of the object can be inspected without inverting and moving the object by proceeding with the inspection at the lower and upper parts of the object through the upper probe module and the lower probe module, and through this, the signal processing data obtained by scanning the upper and lower parts of the object without position alignment tolerance can be linked.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] The drawing shows an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The drawing shows that the central axes of the upper transducer and the lower transducer are arranged on the same line according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] The drawing shows that the central axes of the upper transducer and the lower transducer are not arranged on the same line according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The drawing shows inspecting the object while moving the upper probe module and the lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This figure shows that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the sum of the time (tup) for generating ultrasonic waves with the upper transducer and receiving the reflected waves, and the time (tdown) for generating ultrasonic waves with the lower transducer and receiving the reflected waves, is less than the sum of the time (tmove) for moving from one trigger position to another trigger position. [Figure 6] This is a drawing showing a lower probe module and a lower liquid injection section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a drawing showing the upper probe module and upper liquid injection section according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a drawing showing a liquid supply unit, pump, and water tank connected to the upper water jacket and lower water jacket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a drawing showing a liquid supply unit connected to an upper water jacket and a lower water jacket according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Various embodiments of the present invention are described below in reference to the accompanying drawings. While various modifications are possible and various embodiments of the present invention can exist, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this should be understood not as limiting the diverse embodiments of the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all modifications and / or equivalents or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the diverse embodiments of the present invention. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar components.

[0026] Expressions such as “includes” or “may include,” which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention, indicate the existence of the disclosed function, operation, or component, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components. Furthermore, it should be understood that in various embodiments of the present invention, terms such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the existence of features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preemptively exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] When it is mentioned that one component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the first component is directly connected to the other component, but that there may be other components between the first component and the other component. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between the first component and the other component.

[0028] The terms used in the various embodiments of the present invention are used to describe specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the various embodiments of this invention belong.

[0030] Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries must be interpreted to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and not to be interpreted as ideal or overly formal unless explicitly defined in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention relates to an ultrasound inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module, which can inspect an object via an upper probe module and a lower probe module that generate ultrasound waves toward the object from the upper and lower parts of the object in order to simultaneously inspect the upper and lower parts of the object. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] An ultrasound inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention is for inspecting an object 10, and can inspect the object 10 by irradiating it with ultrasound and receiving the reflected or transmitted ultrasound with the probe module. The object 10 can be a variety of products as long as it can be subjected to ultrasound inspection.

[0033] An ultrasound examination apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower probe module 100, an upper probe module 200, and a trigger control unit 160.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lower probe module 100 is positioned below the target object 10 and includes a lower transducer 120 capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from below the target object 10 toward the target object 10, and a lower water jacket 130 which has an internal space into which one side of the lower transducer 120 can be inserted, and which is filled with liquid.

[0035] The upper probe module 200 is positioned on top of the target object 10 and includes an upper transducer 220 capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from the top of the target object 10 toward the target object 10, and an upper water jacket 230 having an internal space into which one side of the upper transducer 220 can be inserted, and the internal space is filled with liquid.

[0036] The ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can inspect the target object 10 via ultrasound, and the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can simultaneously inspect the upper and lower surfaces of the target object 10 without inverting or moving the target object 10 via the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200.

[0037] Furthermore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention does not immerse the object in the liquid that is the transmission medium for ultrasonic wave transmission, and can simultaneously inspect the upper and lower surfaces of the object 10 by spraying liquid onto the object from the lower water jacket 130 and the upper water jacket 230.

[0038] The trigger control unit 160 can control the timing at which the lower transducer 120 generates ultrasonic waves and the timing at which the upper transducer 220 generates ultrasonic waves.

[0039] If the object 10 is inspected using the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 simultaneously, interference may occur between the ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220.

[0040] The trigger control unit 160 is for preventing this, and by controlling the timing at which ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 via the trigger control unit 160, it is possible to prevent interference between the ultrasonic waves generated in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220.

[0041] An ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can inspect an object 10 via an ultrasonic reflection (echo, reflection) method or an ultrasonic transmission method.

[0042] The ultrasonic reflection (echo, reflection) method generates ultrasonic waves on one side (top or bottom) of the object 10 and receives the reflected waves reflected from the top and bottom (or bottom and top) surfaces of the object 10. If there is a problem such as a crack inside the object 10, other reflected waves are detected between the reflected waves from the top and bottom (or bottom and top) surfaces of the object 10, and defects in the object 10 can be inspected through these waves.

[0043] The ultrasound transmission method involves generating ultrasound on one side (upper or lower) of the object 10 and receiving the transmitted ultrasound on the other side (lower or upper) of the object 10 to inspect the object 10.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 can be arranged on the same line.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are not arranged on the same line.

[0046] The lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 can move in the x, y, and z directions. The lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 can move individually in the x, y, and z directions, and the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 can move in the x, y, and z directions while coupled together.

[0047] In other words, the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 can move individually, or they can move simultaneously while coupled together. Referring to Figure 4, the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 can inspect various points on the target object 10 while moving.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, the trigger position 161, which is the position at which ultrasound is irradiated onto the target object 10, can be adjusted via the trigger control unit 160. Specifically, by moving the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200, and controlling the timing at which ultrasound is generated by the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 via the trigger control unit 160, the trigger position 161, which is the position at which ultrasound is irradiated onto the target object 10, can be adjusted.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, if, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are aligned on the same line, then both ultrasonic reflection (echo) and ultrasonic transmission methods can be used.

[0050] Specifically, the ultrasonic signals generated by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are detected as signals reflected from each layer of the target object 10, allowing the target object 10 to be inspected in a reflective manner at its upper and lower surfaces.

[0051] In this case, if ultrasonic signals are generated simultaneously by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200, interference may occur between the ultrasonic signals.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, the trigger control unit 160 may, in order to prevent interference between the ultrasonic signals generated by the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220, generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 and, after a specified time, generate ultrasonic waves in the upper transducer 220, or generate ultrasonic waves in the upper transducer 220 and, after a specified time, generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, when the inspection is carried out through the upper probe module 200 and the lower probe module 100 at one trigger position 161, the upper transducer 220 generates ultrasound and the time (t) for receiving the reflected wave is as follows: up ) and the time (t) during which ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer 120 and reflected waves are received. down The sum of ) is the time (t) it takes to move from one trigger position 161 to the other trigger position 161. move It is smaller than the sum of ).

[0054] In this manner, the upper transducer 220 generates ultrasonic waves, and the time (t) for receiving the reflected waves is such that ultrasonic waves are generated. up ) and the time (t) during which ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer 120 and reflected waves are received. down The sum of (t) is the time (t) it takes to move from one trigger position 161 to the other trigger position 161. move If the sum of the above is smaller, and there is a time difference between the timing at which the upper transducer 220 and the lower transducer 120 generate ultrasound, the object 10 can be inspected at a single trigger position 161 through the reflection method without ultrasonic interference.

[0055] Here, the time (t) to move from one trigger position 161 to the other trigger position 161 is... move The value can be derived by taking into account the distance (d) between one trigger position 161 and the other trigger position 161, and the speed (v) at which the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move.

[0056] In the transmission method, the ultrasonic signals generated by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are detected as signals passing through the target object 10, allowing the target object 10 to be inspected in the transmission method at both its upper and lower surfaces.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower probe module 100 is provided with a first receiving unit 122 that receives ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 or by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100, and the upper probe module 200 may be provided with a second receiving unit 222 that receives ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 or by the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200.

[0058] If the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are aligned on the same line, the ultrasonic signal generated by the lower transducer 120 and transmitted through each layer of the target object 10 can be received through the second receiving unit 222 to inspect the target object 10.

[0059] Furthermore, by aligning the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 on the same line, the ultrasonic signal generated by the upper transducer 220 and transmitted through each layer of the target object 10 can be received through the first receiving unit 122 to inspect the target object 10.

[0060] In the case of an ultrasonic transmission method, it is extremely difficult to align the sound axis of the transmitting unit (transducer) that generates the ultrasound and the receiving unit that receives the ultrasound, and precise sound axis alignment of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit is required in order to accurately inspect the object 10.

[0061] However, as in one embodiment of the present invention, if the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are arranged on the same line, and the lower probe module 100 is equipped with the first receiving unit 122 while the upper probe module 200 is equipped with the second receiving unit 222, then by comparing the signals related to sound axis alignment at the upper and lower parts of the target object 10 and ensuring the same ultrasonic signal with the maximum size for the same target object 10, optimization for sound axis alignment can be achieved.

[0062] Furthermore, as in one embodiment of the present invention, the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are arranged on the same line, and the lower probe module 100 is equipped with the first receiving unit 122 while the upper probe module 200 is equipped with the second receiving unit 222, thereby optimizing sound axis alignment and minimizing positional errors even when using the reflection method simultaneously at the upper and lower parts for the same target object 10.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first receiving unit 122 can receive ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100. That is, the first receiving unit 122 may receive ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220, or the first receiving unit 122 may receive ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 and returning to the lower transducer 120.

[0064] Furthermore, the first receiving unit 122 may be located inside the lower transducer 120, or it may be located outside the lower transducer 120.

[0065] Furthermore, the first receiving unit 122 may be located inside the trigger control unit 160, or it may be located outside the trigger control unit 160.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second receiving unit 222 can receive ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200. That is, the second receiving unit 222 may receive ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120, or the second receiving unit 222 may receive ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 and returning to the upper transducer 220.

[0067] Furthermore, the second receiving unit 222 may be located inside the upper transducer 220, or it may be located outside the upper transducer 220.

[0068] Furthermore, the second receiving unit 222 may be located inside the trigger control unit 160, or it may be located outside the trigger control unit 160.

[0069] According to embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic reflection (Echo, Reflection) method and the ultrasonic transmission method can be used in combination. By arranging the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 on the same line, and generating an ultrasonic signal with the upper transducer 220, the ultrasonic signals reflected from each layer of the target object 10 are received by the upper transducer 220, and the ultrasonic signals transmitted through the target object 10 are received by the first receiving unit 122 of the lower probe module 100, thereby obtaining data related to both the reflection method and the transmission method of the target object 10.

[0070] Furthermore, by generating an ultrasonic signal with the lower transducer 120, the ultrasonic signals reflected by each layer of the target body 10 are received by the lower transducer 120, and the ultrasonic signals transmitted through the target body 10 are received by the second receiving unit 222 of the upper probe module 200, thereby enabling the acquisition of data related to both the reflection method and the transmission method of the target body 10.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the trigger control unit 160 can alternately generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 with a specified time difference.

[0072] Specifically, the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 alternately generate ultrasonic waves, allowing the object 10 to be inspected in a point-crossing manner at its upper and lower surfaces.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 scan the target object 10 while moving along the target object 10, and the trigger control unit 160 may generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in a first direction.

[0074] Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the trigger control unit 160 can inspect the target object 10 by generating ultrasound with the lower transducer 120 when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the forward direction (first direction, in the direction of the arrow in Figure 5).

[0075] Furthermore, the trigger control unit 160 may generate ultrasonic waves in the upper transducer 220 when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the second direction.

[0076] Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the trigger control unit 160 can inspect the target object 10 by generating ultrasound with the upper transducer 220 when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in opposite directions (second direction, opposite direction of the arrow in Figure 5).

[0077] In other words, when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the forward direction, the object 10 can be inspected via the lower transducer 120, and when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the reverse direction, the object 10 can be inspected via the upper transducer 220.

[0078] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first direction and the second direction are also opposite directions. Specifically, if the first direction is the positive direction, then the second direction is also the opposite direction.

[0079] However, it is not limited to this, and the first direction can also be the opposite direction, and the second direction can also be the forward direction. That is, when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the forward direction (second direction, the direction of the arrow in Figure 5), the target object 10 can be inspected via the upper transducer 220, and when the lower probe module 100 and the upper probe module 200 move in the opposite direction (first direction, the opposite direction of the arrow in Figure 5), the target object 10 can be inspected via the lower transducer 120. Furthermore, the first direction and the second direction are not limited to being opposite directions, and the first direction and the second direction can also be directions set to be different from each other.

[0080] Thus, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can inspect the target object 10 by generating ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 in a line crossing manner.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the object 10 can be inspected via an ultrasonic echo (reflection) method, even though the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are not aligned on the same line.

[0082] Referring to Figure 3, the central axes of the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 are not aligned on the same line, thereby preventing the ultrasonic signals generated by the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 from interfering with each other.

[0083] Since the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are not aligned on the same line, the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 can generate ultrasound at the same time to inspect the target object 10.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower probe module 100 is provided with a first receiving unit 122 capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 of the lower probe module 100, and the upper probe module 200 may be provided with a second receiving unit 222 capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200.

[0085] The first receiving unit 122 may be located inside the lower transducer 120, or it may be located outside the lower transducer 120. Alternatively, the first receiving unit 122 may be located inside the trigger control unit 160, or it may be located outside the trigger control unit 160.

[0086] The second receiving unit 222 may be located inside the upper transducer 220, or it may be located outside the upper transducer 220. Alternatively, the second receiving unit 222 may be located inside the trigger control unit 160, or it may be located outside the trigger control unit 160.

[0087] The trigger control unit 160 can control the timing at which the lower transducer 120 generates ultrasonic waves and the timing at which the upper transducer 220 generates ultrasonic waves.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are not aligned on the same line, the trigger control unit 160 can generate ultrasonic waves simultaneously in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220.

[0089] Since the central axis 121 of the lower transducer 120 and the central axis 221 of the upper transducer 220 of the upper probe module 200 are not aligned on the same line, no interference occurs between the ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220. Therefore, the trigger control unit 160 can inspect the target object 10 while simultaneously generating ultrasonic waves with the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220.

[0090] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the trigger control unit 160 may alternately generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 and the upper transducer 220 with a specified time difference.

[0091] Specifically, the trigger control unit 160 may generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120 and, after a specified time, generate ultrasonic waves in the upper transducer 220, or generate ultrasonic waves in the upper transducer 220 and, after a specified time, generate ultrasonic waves in the lower transducer 120.

[0092] The lower probe module 100 of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a lower housing 110, a lower transducer 120, a lower water jacket 130, and a lower liquid injection section 140.

[0093] The lower housing 110 is also the housing for the lower probe module 100. The lower housing 110 is located at the bottom of the object 10, and the lower transducer 120 is provided in the lower housing 110. The lower housing 110 is movable in the x, y, and z directions while being connected to a moving device.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower housing 110 can be moved, and the position of the lower transducer 120 provided in the lower housing 110 can be moved.

[0095] The lower transducer 120 is provided in the lower housing 110 and can generate or receive ultrasonic waves from the lower part of the object 10 toward the object 10. The lower transducer 120 is a device capable of generating ultrasonic waves and can irradiate the lower part of the object 10 with ultrasonic waves via the lower transducer 120.

[0096] Furthermore, ultrasonic waves can be received via the lower transducer 120. Specifically, the lower transducer 120 can act as a receiving unit and receive ultrasonic waves flowing into the lower transducer 120.

[0097] The lower water jacket 130 is provided with an internal space into which one side of the lower transducer 120 is inserted, and the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 can be filled with liquid.

[0098] A transmission medium is necessary to transmit the ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 to the target object 10, and this transmission medium may be a liquid. The internal space of the lower water jacket 130 is filled with this transmission medium, which is also water. The following explanation will focus on the fact that the transmission medium is water.

[0099] One side of the lower transducer 120 may be positioned in the internal space of the lower water jacket 130. The lower water jacket 130 is provided with a lower discharge section 131, which is also a through-hole formed in the direction from the inside of the lower water jacket 130 toward the object 10.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inspection can be carried out without immersing the object in the liquid that serves as the transmission medium for ultrasonic wave transmission, by spraying the liquid onto the object via the lower water jacket 130. Specifically, the liquid is sprayed through the lower discharge section 131 of the lower water jacket 130, and the sprayed liquid acts as the transmission medium, while ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the object 10.

[0101] The ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 can pass through the lower discharge section 131 and be irradiated onto the target object 10. Referring to Figure 6, the water filling the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 is also discharged through the lower discharge section 131 of the lower water jacket 130.

[0102] The water also serves as a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the water is discharged through the lower discharge section 131. The ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 can be irradiated onto the target object 10 via the water discharged through the lower discharge section 131.

[0103] The water discharged through the lower discharge section 131 is moved to a water tank provided outside the lower housing 110, and the water moved to the water tank may be moved to the lower liquid injection section 140, which will be described later, via a pump or the like.

[0104] Referring to Figure 6, the lower liquid injection section 140 can inject liquid into the internal space of the lower water jacket 130. The lower liquid injection section 140 is connected to a hose or the like that extends to the outside, and liquid can be moved to the lower liquid injection section 140 via the hose.

[0105] The liquid that has moved to the lower liquid injection section 140 passes through the lower liquid injection section 140 and moves into the internal space of the lower water jacket 130. Here, the liquid that passes through the lower liquid injection section 140 and is injected into the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 is also water.

[0106] Referring to Figure 6, the lower liquid injection section 140 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a lower nozzle 141 and a lower bubble discharge hole 150.

[0107] The lower nozzle 141 is in communication with the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 and is also a nozzle through which liquid moves. The lower nozzle 141 is a nozzle provided inside the lower liquid injection section 140, and water can be injected into the lower water jacket 130 via the lower nozzle 141.

[0108] The lower bubble discharge hole 150 is in communication with the lower nozzle 141. Specifically, the lower bubble discharge hole 150 is located above the lower nozzle 141 and is also a hollow tube, with one end of the lower bubble discharge hole 150 being in communication with the lower nozzle 141.

[0109] The lower bubble discharge hole 150 is for removing bubbles from the water moving through the lower nozzle 141. The water moving through the lower nozzle 141 is a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated in the lower transducer 120, and if bubbles are formed in the water stored in the lower nozzle 141, the bubbles can cause attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.

[0110] The lower bubble discharge hole 150 is for preventing this and is provided on the upper part of the lower nozzle 141, and can remove bubbles from the water moving through the lower nozzle 141 via the lower bubble discharge hole 150.

[0111] Specifically, when bubbles form in the water, the bubbles are moved to the top of the water. The water in which the bubbles are formed is discharged through the lower gas discharge hole 150 provided at the top of the lower nozzle 141, thereby removing the bubbles from the water passing through the lower nozzle 141.

[0112] The lower bubble discharge hole 150 includes a first bubble discharge hole 151 and a second bubble discharge hole 152. The first bubble discharge hole 151 communicates with the lower nozzle 141 and extends to the upper part of the lower nozzle 141, so that the first bubble discharge hole 151 can extend vertically from the upper part of the lower nozzle 141.

[0113] The second bubble discharge hole 152 is in communication with the first bubble discharge hole 151 and extends from one end of the first bubble discharge hole 151, forming a horizontal or downward inclination. Water can be discharged from the lower discharge section 131 of the lower water jacket 130.

[0114] In this case, if the lower bubble discharge hole 150 includes only the vertically extending first bubble discharge hole 151, there is a risk that water discharged from the lower discharge section 131 will flow into the lower bubble discharge hole 150. If water flows into the lower bubble discharge hole 150, it will become difficult to remove bubbles from the water moving through the lower liquid injection section 140 via the lower bubble discharge hole 150.

[0115] To prevent this, the second bubble discharge hole 152 extends from one end of the first bubble discharge hole 151 while forming a horizontal or downward inclination. By the second bubble discharge hole 152 extending from one end of the first bubble discharge hole 151 while forming a horizontal or downward inclination, it is possible to prevent water discharged from the lower discharge section 131 from flowing into the lower bubble discharge hole 150.

[0116] The lower nozzle 141 may be equipped with a lower mesh filter 142. The lower mesh filter 142 can filter out foreign matter present in the water moving through the lower nozzle 141.

[0117] The lower nozzle 141 includes a lower micro-nozzle section 143 equipped with a plurality of micro-pipes. The lower micro-nozzle section 143 is equipped with a plurality of micro-pipes, and the water moving through the lower nozzle 141 passes through the lower micro-nozzle section 143.

[0118] Here, the multiple micropipes provided in the lower micronozzle section 143 extend in the same direction and may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the lower nozzle 141 extends.

[0119] The lower micro-nozzle section 143 is for forming laminar flow. When water moving through the lower nozzle 141 passes through the lower micro-nozzle section 143, it moves while forming laminar flow through the lower micro-nozzle section 143.

[0120] The water that passes through the lower nozzle 141 and flows into the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 also serves as a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated in the lower transducer 120.

[0121] If turbulent flow occurs in the water that passes through the lower nozzle 141 and flows into the internal space of the lower water jacket 130, it becomes difficult for the lower transducer 120 to accurately irradiate the ultrasonic waves to the designated position on the target object 10.

[0122] The lower fine nozzle section 143 is intended to prevent this. Water moving through the lower nozzle 141 via the lower fine nozzle section 143 moves in a laminar flow, thereby enabling the ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 to be accurately irradiated to a designated position on the target object 10.

[0123] A lower buffer space 144 may be provided between the point where the lower nozzle 141 and the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 are in communication with the lower fine nozzle portion 143, having a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the lower fine nozzle portion 143.

[0124] Specifically, the water flowing into the lower nozzle 141 passes through the lower micro-nozzle section 143, which is equipped with multiple micro-pipes, and then passes through the lower buffer space 144, which is not equipped with multiple micro-pipes, before flowing into the lower water jacket 130.

[0125] The lower buffer space 144 also serves as a space to prevent the water forming laminar flow from mixing with each other. If the water that has passed through the lower fine nozzle section 143 immediately flows into the lower water jacket 130, the water movement space expands, and the water forming laminar flow may mix with each other.

[0126] Furthermore, if the diameter of the point where the lower nozzle 141 and the internal space of the lower water jacket 130 are connected is smaller than the diameter of the lower fine nozzle section 143, there is a risk that some of the water forming the laminar flow may hit the wall.

[0127] The lower buffer space 144 is intended to prevent this. Water that has passed through the lower micro-nozzle section 143, which is equipped with multiple micro-pipes, passes through the lower buffer space 144, which is not equipped with multiple micro-pipes, and flows into the lower water jacket 130, thereby preventing the water that forms laminar flow from mixing with each other.

[0128] In the above description, it is stated that the lower water jacket 130 is provided with the lower bubble discharge hole 150 and the lower liquid injection section 140, the lower mesh filter 142, the lower fine nozzle section 143, and the lower buffer space 144. However, the lower bubble discharge hole 150, the lower mesh filter 142, the lower fine nozzle section 143, and the lower buffer space 144 may be omitted if necessary.

[0129] The upper probe module 200 of an ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper housing 210, an upper transducer 220, an upper water jacket 230, and an upper liquid injection section 240.

[0130] The upper housing 210 is also the housing for the upper probe module 200. The upper housing 210 is mounted on the upper part of the object 10, and the upper transducer 220 is provided in the upper housing 210, and the upper housing 210 is movable in the x, y, and z directions while connected to a moving device.

[0131] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper housing 210 can be moved, and the position of the upper transducer 220 provided in the upper housing 210 can be moved.

[0132] The upper transducer 220 is provided in the upper housing 210 and can generate ultrasonic waves from the top of the object 10 toward the object 10. The upper transducer 220 can generate ultrasonic waves or receive ultrasonic waves. The upper transducer 220 is a device that can generate ultrasonic waves and can irradiate ultrasonic waves from the top of the object 10 via the upper transducer 220.

[0133] Furthermore, ultrasonic waves can be received via the upper transducer 220. Specifically, the upper transducer 220 can act as a receiving unit and receive ultrasonic waves flowing into the upper transducer 220.

[0134] The upper water jacket 230 is provided with an internal space into which one side of the upper transducer 220 can be inserted, and the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 can be filled with liquid.

[0135] To transmit the ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 to the target object 10, a transmission medium is required, and this transmission medium may be a liquid. The internal space of the upper water jacket 230 is filled with this transmission medium, which is also water. The following explanation will focus on the fact that the transmission medium is water.

[0136] One side of the upper transducer 220 may be positioned in the internal space of the upper water jacket 230. The upper water jacket 230 is provided with an upper discharge section 231, which is also a through-hole formed inside the upper water jacket 230 in a direction toward the target object 10.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inspection can be carried out without immersing the object in the liquid that serves as the transmission medium for ultrasonic wave transmission, by spraying the liquid onto the object via the upper water jacket 230. Specifically, the liquid is sprayed through the upper discharge section 231 of the upper water jacket 230, and the sprayed liquid acts as the transmission medium, while ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the object 10.

[0138] The ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 can pass through the upper discharge section 231 and be irradiated onto the target object 10. Referring to Figure 7, the water filling the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 is also discharged through the upper discharge section 231 of the upper water jacket 230.

[0139] The water also serves as a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves, and the water is discharged through the upper discharge section 231. The ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 can be irradiated onto the target object 10 via the water discharged through the upper discharge section 231.

[0140] The water discharged through the upper discharge section 231 is moved to a water tank provided outside the upper housing 210, and the water moved to the water tank may be moved to the upper liquid injection section 240, which will be described later, via a pump or the like.

[0141] Referring to Figure 7, the upper liquid injection section 240 can inject liquid into the internal space of the upper water jacket 230. The upper liquid injection section 240 is connected to a hose extending to the outside, and liquid can be moved to the upper liquid injection section 240 via the hose.

[0142] The liquid that has moved to the upper liquid injection section 240 passes through the upper liquid injection section 240 and moves into the internal space of the upper water jacket 230. Here, the liquid that passes through the upper liquid injection section 240 and is injected into the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 is also water.

[0143] Referring to Figure 7, the upper liquid injection section 240 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an upper nozzle 241 and an upper bubble discharge hole 250.

[0144] The upper nozzle 241 is in communication with the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 and is also a nozzle through which liquid moves. The upper nozzle 241 is a nozzle provided inside the upper liquid injection section 240, and water can be injected into the upper water jacket 230 via the upper nozzle 241.

[0145] The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is provided in the upper water jacket 230, and extends from the internal space of the upper water jacket 230.

[0146] Specifically, the upper bubble discharge hole 250 is located on the upper part of the upper water jacket 230 and is also a hollow tube, with one end of the upper bubble discharge hole 250 being in communication with the upper water jacket 230.

[0147] The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is for removing bubbles from the water stored in the internal space of the upper water jacket 230. The water stored in the upper water jacket 230 is a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220, and if bubbles are formed in the water stored in the upper water jacket 230, the bubbles may cause attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.

[0148] The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is for preventing this and can remove water bubbles that accumulate in the upper water jacket 230 through the upper bubble discharge hole 250.

[0149] Specifically, when bubbles form in the water, the bubbles are moved to the top of the water. The water in which the bubbles are formed is discharged through the upper gas discharge hole 250 provided at the top of the upper nozzle 241, thereby removing the bubbles from the water passing through the upper nozzle 241.

[0150] The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is provided at the top of the upper water jacket 230 and can remove water in which bubbles have formed from the water stored in the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 via the upper bubble discharge hole 250. The upper bubble discharge hole 250 may extend vertically from the top of the upper water jacket 230.

[0151] Furthermore, the upper bubble discharge hole 250 may be connected to the upper nozzle 241. Specifically, the upper bubble discharge hole 250 is a hollow tube located above the upper nozzle 241, and one end of the upper bubble discharge hole 250 may be connected to the upper nozzle 241.

[0152] The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is for removing bubbles from the water moving through the upper nozzle 241. The upper bubble discharge hole 250 is located above the upper nozzle 241 and can remove water in which bubbles have formed from the water moving through the upper nozzle 241 via the upper bubble discharge hole 250. The upper bubble discharge hole 250 may extend vertically from the upper nozzle 241 and communicate with the outside.

[0153] The upper nozzle 241 may be equipped with an upper mesh filter 242. The upper mesh filter 242 can filter out foreign matter present in the water moving through the upper nozzle 241.

[0154] The upper nozzle 241 includes an upper micro-nozzle section 243 equipped with a plurality of micro-pipes. The upper micro-nozzle section 243 is equipped with a plurality of micro-pipes, and the water moving through the upper nozzle 241 passes through the upper micro-nozzle section 243.

[0155] Here, the multiple micropipes provided in the upper micronozzle section 243 extend in the same direction and may extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the upper nozzle 241 extends.

[0156] The upper fine nozzle section 243 is for forming laminar flow. When water moving through the upper nozzle 241 passes through the upper fine nozzle section 243, it moves while forming laminar flow through the upper fine nozzle section 243.

[0157] The water that passes through the upper nozzle 241 and flows into the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 also serves as a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220.

[0158] If turbulent flow occurs in the water that passes through the upper nozzle 241 and flows into the internal space of the upper water jacket 230, it becomes difficult for the upper transducer 220 to accurately irradiate the ultrasonic waves to the designated position on the target object 10.

[0159] The upper fine nozzle section 243 is intended to prevent this. Water moving through the upper nozzle 241 via the upper fine nozzle section 243 moves in a laminar flow, thereby enabling the ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer 220 to be accurately irradiated to a designated position on the target object 10.

[0160] Between the point where the upper nozzle 241 and the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 are in communication and the upper fine nozzle portion 243, an upper buffer space 244 may be provided, having a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the upper fine nozzle portion 243.

[0161] Specifically, the water flowing into the upper nozzle 241 passes through the upper micro-nozzle section 243, which is equipped with multiple micro-pipes, and then passes through the upper buffer space 244, which is not equipped with multiple micro-pipes, before flowing into the upper water jacket 230.

[0162] The upper buffer space 244 also serves to prevent the water forming laminar flow from mixing with each other. If the water that has passed through the upper fine nozzle section 243 immediately flows into the upper water jacket 230, the water movement space expands, and the water forming laminar flow may mix with each other.

[0163] Furthermore, if the diameter of the point where the upper nozzle 241 and the internal space of the upper water jacket 230 are connected is smaller than the diameter of the upper fine nozzle section 243, there is a risk that some of the water forming the laminar flow may hit the wall.

[0164] The upper buffer space 244 is intended to prevent this. Water that has passed through the upper micro-nozzle section 243, which is equipped with multiple micro-pipes, passes through the upper buffer space 244, which is not equipped with multiple micro-pipes, and flows into the upper water jacket 230, thereby preventing the water that forms laminar flow from mixing with each other.

[0165] In the above description, it is stated that the upper water jacket 230 is provided with an upper bubble discharge hole 250 and the upper liquid injection section 240 is provided with an upper mesh filter 242, an upper fine nozzle section 243, and an upper buffer space 244. However, the upper bubble discharge hole 250, the upper mesh filter 242, the upper fine nozzle section 243, and the upper buffer space 244 may be omitted if necessary.

[0166] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and the lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a liquid supply unit 300.

[0167] The liquid supply unit 300 is connected to the lower liquid injection unit 140 or the upper liquid injection unit 240, and the liquid supply unit 300 also supplies liquid to the lower liquid injection unit 140 or the upper liquid injection unit 240.

[0168] The liquid supply unit 300 is provided outside the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 210, and the liquid supply unit 300 may be connected to the lower liquid injection unit 140 or the upper liquid injection unit 240 via a hose or the like.

[0169] The liquid supply unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid storage tank 310, a liquid injection unit 320, a liquid discharge unit 330, and a bubble discharge hole 340.

[0170] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the liquid storage tank 310 is provided with a space inside in which liquid is stored. The liquid injection unit 320 allows liquid to be stored in the liquid storage tank 310 via the liquid injection unit 320 by injecting liquid into the liquid storage tank 310.

[0171] The liquid discharge section 330 is used to discharge liquid from the liquid storage tank 310. The liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 310 is discharged through the liquid discharge section 330, and the liquid discharged through the liquid discharge section 330 can be supplied to the lower liquid injection section 140 or the upper liquid injection section 240.

[0172] Referring to Figure 8, the liquid supply unit 300 is connected to a liquid tank 321 and a liquid pump 322, and liquid can be supplied to the liquid supply unit 300 via the liquid tank 321 and the liquid pump 322.

[0173] Specifically, the liquid tank 321 and the liquid pump 322 are connected to the liquid injection unit 320, and the water that has passed through the liquid tank 321 and the liquid pump 322 is supplied to the liquid storage tank 310 via the liquid injection unit 320.

[0174] The liquid discharge section 330 may be equipped with a micro-nozzle section 350 having a plurality of micro-pipes. Referring to Figure 9, the micro-nozzle section 350 is equipped with a plurality of micro-pipes, and the liquid moving through the liquid discharge section 330 passes through the micro-nozzle section 350.

[0175] Here, the multiple micro-pipes provided in the micro-nozzle section 350 may extend in the same direction and in a direction parallel to the direction in which the liquid discharge section 330 extends.

[0176] The aforementioned fine nozzle section 350 is for forming laminar flow. When water passes through the liquid discharge section 330 and the fine nozzle section 350, it moves while forming laminar flow through the fine nozzle section 350.

[0177] However, if necessary, the mesh filter 360 may not be provided in the liquid storage tank 310 and the liquid discharge section 330, or the mesh filter 360 may be provided in the liquid injection section 320.

[0178] According to embodiments of the present invention, the liquid stored in the liquid storage tank 310 is also water. The bubble discharge hole 340 extends to the upper part of the liquid storage tank 310. Specifically, the bubble discharge hole 340 is a hollow tube provided at the upper part of the liquid storage tank 310, and one end of the bubble discharge hole 340 can communicate with the liquid storage tank 310.

[0179] The bubble discharge hole 340 is for removing bubbles from the water stored in the internal space of the liquid storage tank 310. The water stored in the liquid storage tank 310 is a transmission medium for transmitting ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer 120 or the upper transducer 220, and if bubbles are formed in the water stored in the liquid storage tank 310, the bubbles may cause attenuation of the ultrasonic waves.

[0180] The bubble discharge hole 340 is for preventing this and can remove bubbles before supplying water to the lower liquid injection section 140 or the upper liquid injection section 240 through the bubble discharge hole 340.

[0181] Specifically, when bubbles form in the water, the bubbles are moved to the top of the water. The water in which bubbles are formed is discharged through the bubble discharge hole 340 provided at the top of the liquid storage tank 310, thereby removing the bubbles before supplying water to the lower liquid injection section 140 or the upper liquid injection section 240.

[0182] The bubble discharge hole 340 is provided at the top of the liquid storage tank 310 and can remove bubbles from the water stored in the internal space of the liquid storage tank 310 through the bubble discharge hole 340. The bubble discharge hole 340 may extend vertically from the top of the liquid storage tank 310.

[0183] Referring to Figure 9, the liquid storage tank 310 and the liquid discharge section 330 may be equipped with a mesh filter 360. The mesh filter 360 can filter out foreign matter present in the water stored in the liquid storage tank 310 and in the water moving through the liquid discharge section 330.

[0184] The ultrasound examination apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages.

[0185] An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to inspect an object without inverting or moving the object, via the upper probe module and lower probe module which generate ultrasonic waves toward the object from the upper and lower parts of the object.

[0186] Furthermore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to inspect the upper and lower parts of an object without inverting or moving the object, by performing inspection on the lower and upper parts of the object via the upper and lower probe modules, thereby shortening the process time.

[0187] Furthermore, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to inspect the upper and lower parts of an object without inverting or moving the object by performing inspection on the lower and upper parts of the object via the upper and lower probe modules, and thereby being able to link the signal processing data scanned from the upper and lower parts of the object without positional alignment tolerance.

[0188] In addition, the ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of preventing ultrasonic attenuation caused by bubbles by forming bubble discharge holes in the lower probe module and upper probe module that can remove water bubbles.

[0189] Although the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be provided within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention must be determined by the technical idea of ​​the claims.

Claims

1. In an ultrasound inspection device that inspects an object via ultrasound, A lower transducer positioned below the object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from the lower part of the object toward the object, and a lower probe module equipped with a lower water jacket having an internal space into which one side of the lower transducer can be inserted, and the internal space being filled with liquid, The device includes an upper transducer positioned on top of an object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from the top of the object toward the object, and an upper probe module having an upper water jacket that has an internal space into which one side of the upper transducer can be inserted, and the internal space is filled with liquid. The trigger control unit includes a trigger control unit that controls the timing at which ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer and the timing at which ultrasonic waves are generated in the upper transducer. Without immersing the target object in the liquid that serves as the transmission medium for ultrasonic wave transmission, the liquid is sprayed onto the target object from the lower water jacket and the upper water jacket. The central axis of the lower transducer of the lower probe module and the central axis of the upper transducer of the upper probe module are arranged on the same line. The lower probe module and the upper probe module scan the object while moving along the object, The trigger control unit, When the lower probe module and the upper probe module move in the first direction, the lower transducer generates ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module, characterized in that when the lower probe module and the upper probe module move in a second direction, the upper transducer generates ultrasonic waves.

2. The lower probe module is equipped with a first receiving unit capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer of the upper probe module or by the lower transducer of the lower probe module. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper probe module is provided with a second receiving unit capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer of the lower probe module or by the upper transducer of the upper probe module.

3. The trigger control unit, The lower transducer generates ultrasonic waves, and after a specified time, the upper transducer generates ultrasonic waves, An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper transducer generates ultrasonic waves, and after a specified time, the lower transducer generates ultrasonic waves.

4. The trigger control unit, An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and the lower probe module according to claim 1, characterized in that ultrasonic waves are alternately generated in the lower transducer and the upper transducer with a specified time difference.

5. The ultrasound inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

6. In an ultrasound inspection device that inspects an object via ultrasound, A lower transducer positioned below the object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from the lower part of the object toward the object, and a lower probe module equipped with a lower water jacket having an internal space into which one side of the lower transducer can be inserted, and the internal space being filled with liquid, The device includes an upper transducer positioned on top of an object and capable of generating or receiving ultrasonic waves from the top of the object toward the object, and an upper probe module having an upper water jacket that has an internal space into which one side of the upper transducer can be inserted, and the internal space is filled with liquid. The trigger control unit includes a trigger control unit that controls the timing at which ultrasonic waves are generated in the lower transducer and the timing at which ultrasonic waves are generated in the upper transducer. Without immersing the target object in the liquid that serves as the transmission medium for ultrasonic wave transmission, the liquid is sprayed onto the target object from the lower water jacket and the upper water jacket. An ultrasound inspection apparatus using an upper probe module and a lower probe module, characterized in that the central axis of the lower transducer of the lower probe module and the central axis of the upper transducer of the upper probe module are not arranged on the same line.

7. The lower probe module is equipped with a first receiving unit capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the lower transducer of the lower probe module. The ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and lower probe module according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper probe module is provided with a second receiving unit capable of receiving ultrasonic waves generated by the upper transducer of the upper probe module.

8. The trigger control unit, An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and the lower probe module according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower transducer and the upper transducer simultaneously generate ultrasonic waves.

9. The trigger control unit, An ultrasonic inspection apparatus using the upper probe module and the lower probe module according to claim 6, characterized in that ultrasonic waves are alternately generated in the lower transducer and the upper transducer with a specified time difference.

Images