Patent ID: 6574842
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: B06B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for producing an ultrasound transducer, the transducer having a composite body that comprises a plastic matrix with a plurality of embedded piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic elements extending between a top side and an underside of the composite body, and electrodes that contact the ceramic elements on the top side and the underside of the composite body, said method comprising the following method steps:producing the ceramic elements as ceramic rods provided with a plastic jacket of a constant thickness; conveying the jacketed ceramic rods to a container that is open on one side and is subjected to vibratory movements; arranging the jacketed ceramic rods inside the container, while standing upright, by the vibratory movements of the container; filling the container containing the jacketed ceramic rods with a plastic by bubbleless casting; hardening the plastic to form a composite body and then removing the resulting composite body from the container; grinding down at least one of a top side and an underside of the composite body until the ceramic rods possess a length stipulated by a working frequency of the ultrasound transducer; and mounting the electrodes to the top side and the underside of the composite body such that they contact all or only groups of the ceramic rods.