EP0384333A2 - Apparatus for directionally emitting and receiving ultrasound - Google Patents

Apparatus for directionally emitting and receiving ultrasound Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0384333A2
EP0384333A2 EP90103102A EP90103102A EP0384333A2 EP 0384333 A2 EP0384333 A2 EP 0384333A2 EP 90103102 A EP90103102 A EP 90103102A EP 90103102 A EP90103102 A EP 90103102A EP 0384333 A2 EP0384333 A2 EP 0384333A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reflector
ultrasonic
reflector screen
screen
ultrasound
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP90103102A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0384333A3 (en
Inventor
Manfred Schoeller
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Schoeller Transportautomation GmbH
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Schoeller Transportautomation GmbH
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Publication of EP0384333A2 publication Critical patent/EP0384333A2/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/28—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using reflection, e.g. parabolic reflectors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for directed transmission and for receiving ultrasound according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the ultrasonic waves which follow roughly optical reflection laws, are directed from an emitter arranged in a parabolic reflector screen onto an object, a liquid surface, a wall or the like and from there reflected into an equally designed reflector screen and fed to a receiver. The elapsed time between sending and receiving is measured and converted into a distance.
  • Such devices encounter difficulties when they are to be used to detect obstacles, e.g. can be distributed by a driverless vehicle in a certain track width.
  • differences in the detection of these obstacles occur when their lateral distance from the axis of the sound lobe is uneven. This is based, among other things, on on the fact that such a sound lobe is usually elliptical on the floor, with the sound intensity decreasing sharply in peripheral zones.
  • the object of the present invention is now to to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset such that the sound profile, regardless of whether the ultrasound strikes an obstacle substantially perpendicularly or at an angle, is in the form of a band and is delimited by two lines running approximately parallel.
  • the ultrasound is concentrated, which concentrates the sound pressure in the area of the sound lobe thus formed, so that sound reflections can also be received from distances of several meters and also from obstacles with poor reflector properties.
  • a device can e.g. be guided around a driverless vehicle, the axial plane of the reflector screen being inclined downwards.
  • the ultrasound beam essentially forms on the floor as a band-shaped zone delimited by parallel edges. Obstacles are therefore recognized in all directions at the same distance from the vehicle.
  • the reflector strip helps to deflect the ultrasound waves coming from the ultrasound transmitter essentially onto the wall of the reflector screen as if they came from the focal point of the parabolic cross section. In this way, the concentration of the ultrasound is improved and the contours of the ultrasound lobe are tightened.
  • An improvement of the invention can be achieved in that the opening angle decreases with increasing distance from the apex line.
  • the device according to the invention can also be equipped so that the reflector strip parallel to the guideline of the reflector screen has a cross-sectional width which corresponds to 0.5 to 2 times the distance between the focal point and the guideline of the reflector screen.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the reflector strip has an essentially triangular profile. This is a particularly easy to manufacture shape for the reflector strip.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the reflector strip has a teardrop-shaped profile, the tapering region of which faces the apex line. This helps to improve the bundling.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver are arranged at a distance from one another in series. The result of this is that the ultrasound receiver is ready to receive when the ultrasound is sent. It can therefore also receive ultrasound waves reflected from distances of a few centimeters, which is not possible if the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver are combined in one unit, since a certain switchover time from transmission to reception is required here.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that an ultrasound barrier is arranged between an ultrasound transmitter and the adjacent ultrasound receiver (s). In this way, it is prevented that ultrasound quasi like a short circuit ses is directed from the reflector strip directly to the ultrasound receiver.
  • the device according to the invention can also be equipped so that ultrasound monitoring sensors are provided in the wall of the reflector screen. In this way it can be monitored whether the ultrasound transmitter is actually transmitting.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound monitoring sensors can be switched both as a transmitter and as a receiver. These sensors can be used to determine whether ultrasound is being emitted. They can also be used as transmitters to test the functionality of a receiver.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound monitoring sensors are embedded flush in the wall of the reflector screen. In this way, the course of ultrasound waves between the monitoring sensor and the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver is ensured in particular via the reflector strip.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that the part of the reflector screen lying above the axial plane is shortened compared to the part lying below this axial plane.
  • the size of the device can be reduced without disadvantage if the area that is irradiated from the upper part of the reflector screen, which often occurs, is of little or no importance.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed such that at least the part of the reflector screen lying below the axial plane is integrated into a bumper of a vehicle. In this way, the device can be particularly space-saving. B. be arranged on a driverless vehicle.
  • the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a reflector screen 1 with a smooth, sound-reflecting inner surface 2.
  • the inner surface 2 is parabolic, the distance between the focal point of the parabola and its guideline being between 8 and 30 mm.
  • the reflector screen 1 is trough-shaped and has the same profile shown here in FIG. 1 in all planes parallel to the line B-B.
  • Ultrasonic transmitter 4 and 5 ultrasonic receiver arranged.
  • An ultrasonic barrier 6 is provided between the ultrasonic transmitter 4 and the ultrasonic receiver 5, which ensures that sound waves emerging from the ultrasonic transmitter 4 cannot enter the ultrasonic receiver 5 directly.
  • a reflector strip 7 is arranged within the reflector screen 1, which runs symmetrically to the axial plane 8 'of the reflector screen 1.
  • the reflector strip 7 is drop-shaped, with its tapered region lying directly in front of the ultrasonic transmitters 4 and the ultrasonic receivers 5. It has an opening angle of 60 °.
  • the profile of the reflector strip 7 is formed in a circular arc shape at its rear end 8.
  • a monitoring sensor 9 with the inner surface 2 is flush with the wall of the reflector screen 1.
  • the monitoring sensor 9 can be switched in sequence as a transmitter or as a receiver.
  • Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention, which differs from the one just described only in that here a reflector strip 10 is provided which has an essentially triangular profile, one edge of the profile being immediately in front of the ultrasound transmitters 4 and ultrasound receivers 5 .
  • ultrasonic locks 6 are provided between ultrasonic receivers and ultrasonic transmitters.
  • the embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs from that according to FIG. 3 only in the cross section of the reflector strip 11. This is also drop-shaped here, the opening angle decreasing starting from the region facing the apex line.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

In this device, a trough-like reflector screen is provided which has a parabolic sectional profile transversely to its longitudinal direction. In this reflector screen, several ultrasonic transmitters and receivers are arranged spaced apart in a row in each case in the area of the apex line of the sectional profile. In this manner, a wide strip-shaped sound lobe is generated which is limited by two lines essentially extending parallel to one another, which lobe provides for good detection of obstacles independently of the lateral position existing in each case with respect to the sound source. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum gerichteten Aussenden und zum Empfangen von Ultraschall nach dem Ober­begriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device for directed transmission and for receiving ultrasound according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Eine derartige Vorrichtung geht aus der DE-AS 1 713 514 be­reit hervor.Such a device is already apparent from DE-AS 1 713 514.

Andere Vorrichtungen warnen z.B als Abstandsmesser verwen­det (DE 27 44 823 B2). Dabei werden die Ultraschallwellen, die in etwa optischen Reflektionsgesetzen folgen, ausgehend von einem in einem paraboloiden Reflektorschirm angeordne­ten Sender auf einen Gegenstand, eine Flüssigkeitsoberflä­che, eine Wand oder dergleichen gerichtet und von dort in einen ebenso ausgebildeten Reflektorschirm reflektiert und einem Empfänger zugeleitet. Die zwischen Senden und Empfan­gen vergangene Zeit wird gemessen und in eine Entfernung umgerechnet.Other devices warn e.g. used as a distance meter (DE 27 44 823 B2). The ultrasonic waves, which follow roughly optical reflection laws, are directed from an emitter arranged in a parabolic reflector screen onto an object, a liquid surface, a wall or the like and from there reflected into an equally designed reflector screen and fed to a receiver. The elapsed time between sending and receiving is measured and converted into a distance.

Derartige Vorrichtungen stoßen dann auf Schwierigkeiten, wenn mit ihnen Hindernisse erfaßt werden sollen, die z.B. von einem fahrerlosen Fahrzeug in einer bestimmten Bahn­breite verteilt sein können. Insbesondere bei bodennahen Hindernissen treten Unterschiede in der Erfassung dieser Hindernisse dann auf, wenn ihr seitlicher Abstand von der Achse der Schallkeule ungleich ist. Dies beruht u.a. dar­auf, daß sich eine solche Schallkeule auf dem Boden in der Regel ellipsenartig darstellt, wobei in Randzonen die Schallintensität stark abnimmt.Such devices encounter difficulties when they are to be used to detect obstacles, e.g. can be distributed by a driverless vehicle in a certain track width. In the case of obstacles close to the ground, differences in the detection of these obstacles occur when their lateral distance from the axis of the sound lobe is uneven. This is based, among other things, on on the fact that such a sound lobe is usually elliptical on the floor, with the sound intensity decreasing sharply in peripheral zones.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht nun darin, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs erwähnten Art so auszubilden, daß das Schallprofil, unabhängig davon, ob der Ultraschall im wesentlichen senkrecht oder geneigt auf ein Hindernis trifft, sich bandförmig darstellt und durch zwei annähernd parallel verlaufende Linien begrenzt ist.The object of the present invention is now to to design a device of the type mentioned at the outset such that the sound profile, regardless of whether the ultrasound strikes an obstacle substantially perpendicularly or at an angle, is in the form of a band and is delimited by two lines running approximately parallel.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Vorrichtung der eingangs er­wähnten Art erfindungsgemäß durch die im Kennzeichen des Patentanspruches 1 dazu angegebenen Merkmale gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention in a device of the type mentioned at the outset by the features specified for this purpose in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Dabei erfolgt eine Bündelung des Ultraschalls, die den Schalldruck im Bereich der so gebildeten Schallkeule kon­zentriert, so daß Schallreflektionen auch noch aus Entfer­nungen von mehreren Metern und auch noch von Hindernissen mit schlechten Reflektoreigenschaften empfangen werden kön­nen. Eine solche Vorrichtung kann z.B. um ein fahrerloses Fahrzeug herumgeführt sein, wobei die Axialebene des Re­flektorschirms nach abwärts geneigt ist. Die Ultraschall­keule bildet sich dabei auf dem Boden im wesentlichen als eine durch parallel verlaufende Kanten begrenzte bandför­mige Zone ab. Das Erkennen von Hindernissen erfolgt also in allen Richtungen in gleichem Abstand von dem Fahrzeug.Here, the ultrasound is concentrated, which concentrates the sound pressure in the area of the sound lobe thus formed, so that sound reflections can also be received from distances of several meters and also from obstacles with poor reflector properties. Such a device can e.g. be guided around a driverless vehicle, the axial plane of the reflector screen being inclined downwards. The ultrasound beam essentially forms on the floor as a band-shaped zone delimited by parallel edges. Obstacles are therefore recognized in all directions at the same distance from the vehicle.

Es ist dabei möglich, auch die Seitenflächen des trogförmi­gen Ultraschallreflektors parabelförmig auszubilden, um auch hier annähernd linienförmige Begrenzungen der Schall­keule zu schaffen.It is also possible to design the side surfaces of the trough-shaped ultrasound reflector to be parabolic in order to create approximately linear boundaries of the sound lobe.

Die Reflektorleiste trägt dazu bei, die von dem Ultra­schallsender kommenden Ultraschallwellen im wesentlichen so auf die Wandung des Reflektorschirms umzulenken, als ob sie aus dem Brennpunkt des parabelförmigen Querschnitts kämen. Auf diese Weise wird die Bündelung des Ultraschalls verbes­sert, und die Konturen der Ultraschallkeule werden ver­schärft.The reflector strip helps to deflect the ultrasound waves coming from the ultrasound transmitter essentially onto the wall of the reflector screen as if they came from the focal point of the parabolic cross section. In this way, the concentration of the ultrasound is improved and the contours of the ultrasound lobe are tightened.

Besondere Ausführungsarten der Erfindung sind in den Un­teransprüchen angegeben.Particular embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Eine Verbesserung der Erfindung kann dadurch noch erreicht werden, daß der Öffnungswinkel mit zunehmendem Abstand von der Scheitellinie abnimmt.An improvement of the invention can be achieved in that the opening angle decreases with increasing distance from the apex line.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann außerdem so ausge­stattet sein, daß die Reflektorleiste parallel zur Leitli­nie des Reflektorschirms eine Querschnittsbreite hat, die dem 0,5 bis 2-fachen des Abstandes zwischen dem Brennpunkt und der Leitlinie des Reflektorschirms entspricht.The device according to the invention can also be equipped so that the reflector strip parallel to the guideline of the reflector screen has a cross-sectional width which corresponds to 0.5 to 2 times the distance between the focal point and the guideline of the reflector screen.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß die Reflektorleiste ein im wesentlichen dreieckförmiges Profil hat. Dies ist eine besonders einfach herstellbare Form für die Reflektorleiste.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the reflector strip has an essentially triangular profile. This is a particularly easy to manufacture shape for the reflector strip.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß die Reflektorleiste ein tropfenförmiges Profil hat, dessen spitz auslaufender Bereich der Scheitellinie zugewandt ist. Dies trägt zur Verbesserung der Bündelung bei.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the reflector strip has a teardrop-shaped profile, the tapering region of which faces the apex line. This helps to improve the bundling.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß Ultraschallsender und Ultraschallempfänger mit Abstand voneinander in Reihe angeordnet sind. Dies hat zur Folge, daß der Ultraschallempfänger schon beim Senden des Ultraschalls empfangsbereit ist. Er kann deshalb auch aus Entfernungen von wenigen Zentimetern reflektierte Ultra­schallwellen empfangen, was dann nicht möglich ist, wenn Ultraschallsender und Ultraschallempfänger in einer Einheit zusammengefaßt sind, da hier eine gewisse Umschaltzeit von Senden auf Empfangen erforderlich ist.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver are arranged at a distance from one another in series. The result of this is that the ultrasound receiver is ready to receive when the ultrasound is sent. It can therefore also receive ultrasound waves reflected from distances of a few centimeters, which is not possible if the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver are combined in one unit, since a certain switchover time from transmission to reception is required here.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß zwischen einem Ultraschallsender und dem bzw. den benachbarten Ultraschallempfänger(n) jeweils eine Ultraschallsperre angeordnet ist. Auf diese Weise wird ver­hindert, daß Ultraschall quasi in der Art eines Kurzschlus­ ses von der Reflektorleiste unmittelbar zum Ultraschall­empfänger geleitet wird.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that an ultrasound barrier is arranged between an ultrasound transmitter and the adjacent ultrasound receiver (s). In this way, it is prevented that ultrasound quasi like a short circuit ses is directed from the reflector strip directly to the ultrasound receiver.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann weiterhin so ausge­stattet sein, daß in der Wandung des Reflektorschirms Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren vorgesehen sind. Auf diese Weise kann überwacht werden, ob von dem Ultraschallsender tatsächlich gesendet wird.The device according to the invention can also be equipped so that ultrasound monitoring sensors are provided in the wall of the reflector screen. In this way it can be monitored whether the ultrasound transmitter is actually transmitting.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß die Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren sowohl als Sender wie auch als Empfänger schaltbar sind. Mit diesen Sensoren kann also festgestellt werden, ob Ultraschall aus­gesandt wird. Sie können aber auch als Sender eingesetzt werden, um die Funktionsfähigkeit eines Empfängers zu testen.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound monitoring sensors can be switched both as a transmitter and as a receiver. These sensors can be used to determine whether ultrasound is being emitted. They can also be used as transmitters to test the functionality of a receiver.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß die Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren in der Wan­dung des Reflektorschirms bündig eingelassen sind. Auf diese Weise wird insbesondere über die Reflektorleiste der Verlauf von Ultraschallwellen zwischen Überwachungssensor und dem Ultraschallsender sowie dem Ultraschallempfänger gewährleistet.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the ultrasound monitoring sensors are embedded flush in the wall of the reflector screen. In this way, the course of ultrasound waves between the monitoring sensor and the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver is ensured in particular via the reflector strip.

Es hat sich gemäß einem weiteren Vorschlag der Erfindung als zweckmäßig erwiesen, den Querschnitt des parabelförmi­gen Reflektorschirms so auszubilden, daß der Abstand zwi­schen dem Brennpunkt und der Leitlinie des parabelförmigen Querschnitts zwischen 8 und 30 mm liegt.According to a further proposal of the invention, it has proven to be expedient to design the cross section of the parabolic reflector screen in such a way that the distance between the focal point and the guideline of the parabolic cross section is between 8 and 30 mm.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß der oberhalb der Axialebene liegende Teil des Reflektorschirms gegenüber dem unterhalb dieser Axialebene liegenden Teil verkürzt ausgebildet ist. Somit kann die Baugröße der Vorrichtung ohne Nachteil reduziert werden, wenn der ausgehend von dem oberen Teil des Reflektorschirms beschallte Bereich, was häufig vorkommt, nicht oder nur von geringer Bedeutung ist.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that the part of the reflector screen lying above the axial plane is shortened compared to the part lying below this axial plane. Thus, the size of the device can be reduced without disadvantage if the area that is irradiated from the upper part of the reflector screen, which often occurs, is of little or no importance.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, daß zumindest der unterhalb der Axialebene liegende Teil des Reflektorschirms in einen Bumper eines Fahrzeuges integriert ist. Auf diese Weise kann die Vorrichtung besonders platzsparend z. B. an einem fahrerlosen Fahrzeug angeordnet werden.The device according to the invention can also be designed such that at least the part of the reflector screen lying below the axial plane is integrated into a bumper of a vehicle. In this way, the device can be particularly space-saving. B. be arranged on a driverless vehicle.

Im folgenden Teil der Beschreibung werden einige Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung anhand von Zeichnungen beschrieben. Es zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 einen Schnitt durch eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Reflektorleiste mit tropfenförmigem Querschnitt nach der Linie B - B in Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 2 einen Schnitt nach der Linie A - A in Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 in größerem Maßstab ein Teil einer erfindungsge­mäß ausgebildeten Vorrichtung mit im Querschnitt dreieckförmiger Reflektorleiste und
  • Fig. 4 eine der Fig. 3 ähnliche Darstellung mit im Quer­schnitt tropfenförmiger Reflektorleiste.
In the following part of the description, some embodiments of the device according to the invention are described with reference to drawings. It shows:
  • 1 shows a section through an embodiment of the device according to the invention with a reflector strip with a teardrop-shaped cross section along the line BB in FIG. 2,
  • 2 shows a section along the line A - A in Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 on a larger scale part of an inventive device with a triangular cross-section reflector strip and
  • Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with a drop-shaped cross-section reflector strip.

Die in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellte Vorrichtung hat einen Reflektorschirm 1, mit einer glatten, schallreflek­tierenden Innenfläche 2. Die Innenfläche 2 ist parabelför­mig ausgebildet, wobei der Abstand zwischen dem Brennpunkt der Parabel und ihrer Leitlinie zwischen 8 und 30 mm liegt.The device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a reflector screen 1 with a smooth, sound-reflecting inner surface 2. The inner surface 2 is parabolic, the distance between the focal point of the parabola and its guideline being between 8 and 30 mm.

Der Reflektorschirm 1 ist trogförmig ausgebildet und weist in allen zur Linie B-B parallelen Ebenen das gleiche, hier in Fig. 1 dargestellte Profil auf.The reflector screen 1 is trough-shaped and has the same profile shown here in FIG. 1 in all planes parallel to the line B-B.

Längs der Scheitellinie 3 sind im Bereich dieser Linie bei der Ausführungsform nach den Figuren 1 und 2 alternierendAlong the apex line 3 are alternating in the area of this line in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2

Ultraschallsender 4 und Ultraschallempfänger 5 angeordnet. Zwischen Ultraschallsender 4 und Ultraschallempfänger 5 ist jeweils eine Ultraschallsperre 6 vorgesehen, die sicher­stellt, daß aus dem Ultraschallsender 4 austretende Schall­wellen nicht unmittelbar in den Ultraschallempfänger 5 ein­treten können.Ultrasonic transmitter 4 and 5 ultrasonic receiver arranged. An ultrasonic barrier 6 is provided between the ultrasonic transmitter 4 and the ultrasonic receiver 5, which ensures that sound waves emerging from the ultrasonic transmitter 4 cannot enter the ultrasonic receiver 5 directly.

Unmittelbar vor den Ultraschallsendern 4 und den Ultraschallempfängern 5 ist innerhalb des Reflektorschirms 1 eine Reflektorleiste 7 angeordnet, die symmetrisch zur Axialebene 8′ des Reflektorschirms 1 verläuft. Die Reflek­torleiste 7 ist bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Figu­ren 1 und 2 tropfenförmig ausgebildet, wobei ihr zugespitz­ter Bereich unmittelbar vor den Ultraschallsendern 4 und den Ultraschallempfängern 5 liegt. Sie hat einen Öffnungs­winkel von 60°. Das Profil der Reflektorleiste 7 ist an ihrem rückwärtigen Ende 8 kreisbogenförmig ausgebildet.Immediately in front of the ultrasonic transmitters 4 and the ultrasonic receivers 5, a reflector strip 7 is arranged within the reflector screen 1, which runs symmetrically to the axial plane 8 'of the reflector screen 1. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reflector strip 7 is drop-shaped, with its tapered region lying directly in front of the ultrasonic transmitters 4 and the ultrasonic receivers 5. It has an opening angle of 60 °. The profile of the reflector strip 7 is formed in a circular arc shape at its rear end 8.

In die Wandung des Reflektorschirms 1 ist ein überwachungssensor 9 mit der Innenfläche 2 bündig eingelas­sen. Der Überwachungssensor 9 kann aufeinanderfolgend als Sender oder als Empfänger geschaltet werden.A monitoring sensor 9 with the inner surface 2 is flush with the wall of the reflector screen 1. The monitoring sensor 9 can be switched in sequence as a transmitter or as a receiver.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, die sich von der soeben beschriebenen nur da­durch unterscheidet, daß hier eine Reflektorleiste 10 vor­gesehen ist, die ein im wesentlichen dreieckiges Profil hat, wobei eine Kante des Profils unmittelbar vor den Ul­traschallsendern 4 und Ultraschallempfängern 5 liegt. Auch hier sind zwischen Ultraschallempfängern und Ultraschall­sendern Ultraschallsperren 6 vorgesehen.Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention, which differs from the one just described only in that here a reflector strip 10 is provided which has an essentially triangular profile, one edge of the profile being immediately in front of the ultrasound transmitters 4 and ultrasound receivers 5 . Here, too, ultrasonic locks 6 are provided between ultrasonic receivers and ultrasonic transmitters.

Die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 4 weicht von derjenigen nach Fig. 3 lediglich im Querschnitt der Reflektorleiste 11 ab. Diese ist hier ebenfalls tropfenförmig ausgebildet, wobei der Öffnungswinkel ausgehend von dem der Scheitellinie zu­gewandt Bereich sich verringert.The embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs from that according to FIG. 3 only in the cross section of the reflector strip 11. This is also drop-shaped here, the opening angle decreasing starting from the region facing the apex line.

Claims (14)

1. Vorrichtung zum gerichteten Aussenden und zum Empfangen von Ultraschall, mit einem parabelförmig begrenz­ten, trogartig ausgebildeten Reflektorschirm, der quer zu seiner Längsrichtung ein parabelförmiges Schnittprofil hat, wobei Ultraschallsender (4) und -empfänger (5) in diesem Reflektorschirm (1) angeordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeich­net, daß mehrere Ultraschallsender (4) und -empfänger (5) jeweils in Reihe im Breich der Scheitellinie des Schnitt­profils angeordnet sind und daß in dem Reflektorschirm (1) symmetrisch zu seiner Axialebene eine Reflektorleiste (7;10;11) angeordnet ist, die vor den Ultraschallsendern und -empfängern in Längsrichtung des Reflektorschirms (1) verläuft und sich in ihrem der Scheitellinie zugeordneten Bereich in Richtung auf diese verjüngt.1. Device for directional transmission and reception of ultrasound, with a parabolically limited, trough-shaped reflector screen, which has a parabolic sectional profile transverse to its longitudinal direction, ultrasonic transmitters (4) and receivers (5) being arranged in this reflector screen (1) , characterized in that several ultrasonic transmitters (4) and receivers (5) are each arranged in series in the region of the apex line of the sectional profile and in that a reflector strip (7; 10; 11) is arranged in the reflector screen (1) symmetrically to its axial plane , which runs in front of the ultrasonic transmitters and receivers in the longitudinal direction of the reflector screen (1) and tapers in the area assigned to the apex line in the direction thereof. 2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Reflektorleiste (7;10;11) von der Scheitellinie des Reflektorschirms (1) fort einen Öffnungs­winkel zwischen 50° und 90° hat.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector strip (7; 10; 11) from the apex line of the reflector screen (1) has an opening angle between 50 ° and 90 °. 3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeich­net, daß der Öffnungswinkel mit zunehmendem Abstand von der Scheitellinie abnimmt.3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening angle decreases with increasing distance from the apex line. 4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, da­durch gekennnzeichnet, daß die Reflektorleiste (7; 10; 11) parallel zur Leitlinie des Reflektorschirms (1) eine Querschnittsbreite hat, die dem 0,5 bis 2-fachen des Ab­standes zwischen dem Brennpunkt und der Leitlinie des Re­flektorschirms (1) entspricht.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reflector strip (7; 10; 11) parallel to the guideline of the reflector screen (1) has a cross-sectional width that is 0.5 to 2 times the distance between the focal point and corresponds to the guideline of the reflector screen (1). 5. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Reflektorleiste (10) ein im wesentlichen dreieckförmiges Profil hat.5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reflector strip (10) has a substantially triangular profile. 6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß die Reflektorleiste (11) ein tropfenförmiges Profil hat, dessen spitz auslaufender Be­reich der Scheitellinie zugewandt ist.6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reflector strip (11) has a teardrop-shaped profile, the tapering region of which faces the apex line. 7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü­che, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Ultraschallsender (4) und Ultraschallempfänger (5) mit Abstand voneinander ange­ordnet sind.7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic transmitter (4) and ultrasonic receiver (5) are arranged at a distance from one another. 8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeich­net, daß zwischen einem Ultraschallsender (4) und dem bzw. den benachbarten Ultraschallempfänger(n) jeweils eine Ultraschallsperre (6) angeordnet ist.8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that between an ultrasonic transmitter (4) and the adjacent ultrasonic receiver (s), an ultrasonic barrier (6) is arranged. 9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü­che, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Wandung des Reflek­torschirms (1) Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren (9) vorgese­hen sind.9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that ultrasonic monitoring sensors (9) are provided in the wall of the reflector screen (1). 10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeich­net, daß die Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren (9) sowohl als Sender wie auch als Empfänger schaltbar sind.10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the ultrasonic monitoring sensors (9) can be switched both as a transmitter and as a receiver. 11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß die Ultraschallüberwachungssensoren (9) in der Wandung des Reflektorschirms (1) bündig eingelassen sind.11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the ultrasonic monitoring sensors (9) in the wall of the reflector screen (1) are embedded flush. 12. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü­che, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Abstand zwischen dem Brennpunkt und der Leitlinie des parabelförmigen Quer­schnitts zwischen 8 und 30 mm liegt.12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the focal point and the guideline of the parabolic cross section is between 8 and 30 mm. 13. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü­che, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der oberhalb der Axialebene (8′) liegende Teil des Reflektorschirms (1) gegenüber dem unterhalb dieser Axialebene liegenden Teil verkürzt ausgebildet ist.13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the reflector screen (1) lying above the axial plane (8 ') is shortened compared to the part lying below this axial plane. 14. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprü­che, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zumindest der unterhalb der Axialebene (8′) liegende Teil des Reflektorschirms (1) in einen Bumper eines Fahrzeuges integriert ist.14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the part below the axial plane (8 ') of the reflector screen (1) is integrated in a bumper of a vehicle.
EP19900103102 1989-02-20 1990-02-17 Apparatus for directionally emitting and receiving ultrasound Withdrawn EP0384333A3 (en)

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DE3905099 1989-02-20
DE19893905099 DE3905099C1 (en) 1989-02-20 1989-02-20

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EP0737466A2 (en) * 1995-04-14 1996-10-16 TEUCO GUZZINI S.r.l. Hydromassage bathtub with wide-beam ultrasound emission devices

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EP0737466A3 (en) * 1995-04-14 1997-12-03 TEUCO GUZZINI S.r.l. Hydromassage bathtub with wide-beam ultrasound emission devices

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EP0384333A3 (en) 1991-10-09

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