Integrated wide-beam receive array module and combined array method

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of acoustic array module, in particular to an integrated wide-beam receiving array module and a combined array method, the receiving array module comprising a plurality of pi-shaped hydrophone strips, a multifunctional junction box and an outgoing cable, the pi-shaped hydrophone strip comprising an L-shaped assembly, a piezoelectric ceramic round pipe, a plurality of decoupling pads and a limiting rod, the L-shaped assembly being provided with a mounting groove at the tail end, the multifunctional junction box comprising a junction box shell and a junction box cover, a circular hole matched with the distance between the two ends of the L-shaped assembly of the pi-shaped hydrophone strip being formed in the top of the junction box shell, the circular hole is matched with the tail ends of the two ends of the L-shaped assembly to realize water tightness, and the outgoing line of the pi-shaped hydrophone strip is located in the internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box, the multifunctional junction box designed in an integrated mode realizes a plurality of functions such as hydrophone strip positioning, acoustic baffle and switching junction box, greatly simplifies the production process of the acoustic array module, and improves the batch production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of acoustic array modules, and in particular to an integrated wide-beam receiving array module and an array assembly method. Background Art

[0002] The lateral coverage range of the beam of a multi-beam bathymetry system directly affects its operating efficiency and is an important indicator for measuring the capabilities of a multi-beam bathymetry system. Taking the Norwegian KONGSBERG company's EM122 deep-water multi-beam bathymetry system as an example, its detection range covers the entire ocean depth (11,000 meters) and its lateral coverage range can reach 6 to 8 times the water depth, representing the highest level of multi-beam bathymetry systems in the world. In order to achieve a wider lateral coverage range, the transmitting array and receiving array of the multi-beam system must have the function of wide-angle beam scanning. For medium and high frequency multi-beam systems, the method to achieve ultra-wide coverage acoustic array is mostly through the natural directivity of the array (forming an arc-shaped physical aperture), such as "V"-shaped array, "U"-shaped array, arc array, etc.; but for the full-sea multi-beam bathymetric system, the acoustic array is large in size (the aperture of the acoustic array of a 1-degree system is up to 8 meters) and is installed conformally with the bottom of the ship. The array is generally in the form of a planar array. It is necessary to break through the key technology of ultra-wide beam coverage of the planar acoustic array. The core requirement is that the elements on the array have a wider directivity to ensure that the transmitting array can still obtain a higher emission sound source level when the beam is deflected at a large angle.

[0003] The receiving arrays of various sonar systems mostly use a combination of point-element hydrophones + baffles + base array frames. The point-element (circular or spherical) hydrophones pick up sound pressure signals to achieve acoustic-to-electrical conversion; the baffles achieve effects such as sound field adjustment and backward noise suppression; and the base array frame combines multiple point elements according to specific shapes and array spacing to achieve higher processing gain, spatial beam scanning, and other effects, such as various planar arrays, cylindrical arrays, spherical arrays, and conformal arrays. For the planar receiving arrays required by deep-water multi-beam bathymetry systems, how to achieve wide beam coverage of the elements on the array is a key issue that must be solved. Although the point-element hydrophones used in general receiving arrays have wide directivity, after the array is formed, the reflected sound caused by the base array frame and mounting backing is superimposed on the direct wave, causing the directivity of the elements on the array to change, which may cause the array element directivity to narrow and affect the coverage range.

[0004] A possible technical solution is to combine hydrophones with acoustic baffles. By adjusting the baffle type and the distance between the hydrophone and the baffle, the array element's wide directivity can be achieved by superimposing the direct sound received by the hydrophone and the sound reflected by the baffle. Related literature on this approach includes: Adjusting Hydrophone Directivity Using an Anti-Acoustic Baffle (Acoustics and Electronic Engineering Supplement, Zhejiang Publishing Supplement

[2008] No. 58) and Factors Affecting the Gain of an Anti-Acoustic Baffle (Applied Acoustics, Vol. 30, No. 3, 2011). These papers primarily analyze the impact of the baffle on hydrophone performance and focus on the use of a single hydrophone with a baffle. The baffles are often channel-type rubber baffles or pre-compressed polyurethane foam baffles. The hydrophone and baffle are also individually packaged, but they do not address the question of how to achieve a highly integrated acoustic array module.

[0005] Among them, the technical solution closest to the present invention is the patent: Planar Receiving Array Capable of Large-Angle Beam Scanning (ZL200920114824.6), which adopts spherical hydrophones and channel-type rubber anti-sound baffles to achieve planar array wide beam coverage. In specific implementation, traditional hydrophones, sound baffles, fixed steel plates, junction boxes and lead-out cables are independently designed. A hydrophone strip is composed of multiple point-element hydrophones, and each component is individually watertight and then assembled. The production process is cumbersome, the production cycle is long, and the cost is high, which is not conducive to mass production and industrial application. The module has a total of 8 hydrophone strips, each of which is composed of 6 independently packaged hydrophones, requiring a total of 48 independently packaged hydrophones and corresponding lead-out cables.

[0006] The main problem solved by the present invention is to propose an integrated and highly integrated wide-beam receiving array module solution composed of multiple hydrophone bars to achieve large-angle beam coverage of the planar array. First of all, the design of wide directivity of the planar array element has considerable technical difficulty. Even if a single element has a fairly wide directivity in the free field space, after the transducers form a planar array, the other elements and the bottom of the ship will be like an infinite baffle to it, and its directivity on the array will also change. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the influencing factors such as the transducer, the sound baffle, and other adjacent elements to achieve the optimal design. Secondly, the full-sea-depth multi-beam bathymetric system has a large array scale and many sound array modules. It is necessary to fully consider the mass production requirements in the design, reduce the number of internal components of the module, improve the integration, and simplify the production process. How to achieve a highly integrated sound array module is also the main problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] As described above, with a view to maintaining the wide coverage capability of the array elements while reducing the number of internal components of the module, improving integration, and simplifying the production process, the present invention proposes a highly integrated, integrated wide-beam receiving array module technical solution. This solution addresses the problems of traditional acoustic array designs, such as the large number of components (hydrophones, mounting frames, junction boxes, and acoustic baffles are designed independently), complex processes (hydrophones, baffles, junction boxes, and other components are individually packaged and watertight, and then assembled and fixed), long production cycles, and high overall costs. The technical solution is as follows:

[0008] An integrated wide-beam receiving array module includes multiple π-shaped hydrophone strips, a multifunctional junction box and a lead-out cable. The π-shaped hydrophone strip includes an L-shaped component, a piezoelectric ceramic tube, multiple decoupling pads and a limit rod. The end of the L-shaped component is provided with a mounting groove. The multifunctional junction box includes a junction box shell and a junction box cover. A circular hole is provided on the top of the junction box shell that matches the distance between the L-shaped components at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip. The circular hole cooperates with the ends of the L-shaped components to achieve watertightness. The lead-out wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strips are located in the internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box, and the lead-out wires of multiple π-shaped hydrophone strips are transferred from the inside of the multifunctional junction box to the lead-out cable.

[0009] Preferably, the piezoelectric ceramic tubes are arranged along the axial direction, and a plurality of decoupling pads are evenly spaced and distributed on the piezoelectric ceramic tubes, together forming a piezoelectric ceramic group.

[0010] Preferably, L-shaped components are installed at both ends of the piezoelectric ceramic group, and limiting rods are installed below the L-shaped components, together forming a π-shaped hydrophone strip.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of piezoelectric ceramic tubes are electrically connected to each other, and a polyurethane watertight layer is provided on the outside of the piezoelectric ceramic group.

[0012] Preferably, semi-annular structures are provided at both ends of the limiting rod, the semi-annular structures match the L-shaped component, and a clamping ring is installed on the outside of the L-shaped component, and the clamping ring is clamped with the semi-annular structure.

[0013] Preferably, the junction box housing and the junction box cover of the multifunctional junction box and the L-shaped components at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip are used together to achieve watertight packaging.

[0014] A method for assembling an integrated wide-beam receiving array module. The axis of the piezoelectric ceramic group of the π-shaped hydrophone strip is installed parallel to the end face of the multi-function junction box. Based on the operating frequency requirements of the acoustic array, the distance from the equivalent acoustic center (i.e., the axis position) of the π-shaped hydrophone strip to the end face of the junction box housing is set between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ (λ is the wavelength in water at the corresponding operating frequency), thereby obtaining a wide beam.

[0015] Then, the length of the lower end of the L-shaped component of the π-shaped hydrophone strip is designed according to the distance requirement. A fixing step is set at the end of the L-shaped component. The fixing step matches the end face of the multi-functional junction box to fix the hydrophone strip.

[0016] After the end of the L-shaped component passes through the end face of the multifunctional junction box, it is locked by a locking nut, and the internal wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strip are introduced into the multifunctional junction box through the inside of the L-shaped component.

[0017] Furthermore, the axes of the multiple π-shaped hydrophone bars are parallel to each other and are jointly installed and fixed on the multifunctional junction box. The spacing between them is set to 1 / 2 of the wavelength corresponding to the upper limit frequency of the working frequency band, and the distance from the axis of the π-shaped hydrophone bar to the edge of the multifunctional junction box is set to 1 / 2 of the spacing between the π-shaped hydrophone bars.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] By designing a highly integrated π-shaped hydrophone bar to replace multiple individually sealed point hydrophones, and using an integrated multifunctional junction box to implement multiple functions such as hydrophone bar positioning, acoustic baffles, and adapter junction boxes, the acoustic array module production process is greatly simplified, mass production efficiency is improved, and the results can be transformed from the "laboratory" level to the product.

[0020] Moreover, compared with traditional solutions, the present invention can achieve a significant reduction in manufacturing processes, and significantly improve the element beam width and broadband working capability on the array, which has significant advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the receiving array layout of the integrated wide-beam receiving array module and the array assembly method of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of a π-shaped hydrophone strip of the integrated wide-beam receiving array module and the array assembly method of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the matching structure of the π-shaped hydrophone strip and the multifunctional junction box of the integrated wide-beam receiving array module and the array assembly method of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the integrated wide beam receiving array module and the acoustic array module of the array assembly method of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the combination of multiple acoustic array modules of the integrated wide beam receiving array module and the array combination method of the present invention.

[0026] The following are marked in the figure:

[0027] 1-piezoelectric ceramic circular tube; 2-decoupling pad; 3-multifunctional junction box; 4-round hole; 5-L-shaped component; 6-lead cable; 7-polyurethane watertight layer; 8-limiting rod; 9-clamping ring; 10-π-shaped hydrophone strip; 11-junction box housing; 12-junction box cover; 13-locking nut; 14-fixing step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following describes the specific embodiments of the present invention in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand how to practice the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its preferred embodiments, these embodiments are merely illustrative, rather than limiting, the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The specific embodiments are as follows:

[0030] Combined with attachment Figure 1-5 As shown, an integrated wide-beam receiving array module includes multiple π-shaped hydrophone strips 10, a multifunctional junction box 3 and a lead-out cable 6. The π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 includes an L-shaped component 5, a piezoelectric ceramic tube 1, multiple decoupling pads 2 and a limit rod 8. The end of the L-shaped component 5 is provided with a mounting groove. The multifunctional junction box 3 includes a junction box shell 11 and a junction box cover 12. The top of the junction box shell 11 is provided with a circular hole 4 that matches the distance between the L-shaped components 5 at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10. The circular hole 4 cooperates with the ends of the L-shaped component 5 to achieve watertightness. The lead-out wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 are located in the internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box 3, and the lead-out wires of multiple π-shaped hydrophone strips 10 are transferred from the inside of the multifunctional junction box 3 to the lead-out cable 6. The internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box 3 can also accommodate circuit boards such as pre-amplification and convergence transmission to achieve amplification and analog-to-digital conversion of the hydrophone collected signals.

[0031] Specifically, the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 are arranged along the axial direction, and a plurality of decoupling pads 2 are evenly spaced and distributed on the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 , which together constitute a piezoelectric ceramic group.

[0032] Specifically, L-shaped components 5 are installed at both ends of the piezoelectric ceramic group, and a limit rod 8 is installed below the L-shaped component 5, which together constitute a π-shaped hydrophone bar 10.

[0033] Specifically, the electrical connection between the multiple piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 can be determined according to system requirements. Each piezoelectric ceramic tube 1 can output independently to achieve beam scanning, or it can be fully connected in parallel or connected in series and then in parallel. The output wire passes through the inside of the L-shaped component 5 and is led out from its end. A polyurethane watertight layer 7 is provided on the outside of the piezoelectric ceramic group.

[0034] Specifically, semi-annular structures are provided at both ends of the limiting rod 8 to achieve matching with the L-shaped component 5, ensuring the vertical relationship between the limiting rod and the L-shaped components 5 at both ends, and the parallel relationship between the L-shaped components 5 at both ends. The semi-annular structure matches the L-shaped component 5, and a clamping ring 9 is installed on the outside of the L-shaped component 5. The clamping ring 9 is clamped with the semi-annular structure to achieve fastening. The limiting rod 8 and the L-shaped components 5 at both ends form a stable H shape. During design, the difference between the size of the limiting rod 8 and the size of the piezoelectric ceramic group can be used to control the prestress applied to the two ends of the piezoelectric ceramic tube 1, thereby adjusting the performance.

[0035] Specifically, the junction box shell 11 and the junction box cover 12 of the multifunctional junction box 3 and the L-shaped components 5 at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 jointly realize watertight packaging. On the one hand, the end face of the junction box shell 11 is used to support and position each hydrophone strip. The circular hole 4 on the end face not only realizes the watertight effect of cooperating with the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 and the L-shaped component 8, but also realizes the positioning effect of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10. The position of the circular hole 4 on the end face can be flexibly set according to different array spacing requirements; on the other hand, its closed cavity forms an air cavity baffle, which plays a role in widening the directivity of the hydrophone; in addition, the internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box 3 can also be used for the convergence of multi-element signal lead-out lines to the lead-out cable. The multifunctional junction box 3 plays the role of three components in the traditional acoustic array: anti-sound baffle, array frame, and watertight junction box.

[0036] The method for assembling an integrated wide-beam receiving array module comprises: the axis of the piezoelectric ceramic group of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is installed parallel to the end face of the multi-function junction box 3; and the distance between the equivalent acoustic center (i.e., the axis position) of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 and the end face of the junction box housing 11 is set between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ (λ is the wavelength in water at the corresponding operating frequency) according to the operating frequency requirements of the acoustic array, thereby obtaining a wide beam;

[0037] Then, the length of the lower end of the L-shaped component 5 of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is designed according to the distance requirement, and a fixing step 14 is provided at the end of the L-shaped component 5. The fixing step 14 matches the end surface of the multifunctional junction box 3 to fix the hydrophone strip.

[0038] After the end of the L-shaped component 5 passes through the end surface of the multifunctional junction box 3 , it is locked by the locking nut 13 , and the internal wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 are introduced into the multifunctional junction box 3 through the interior of the L-shaped component 5 .

[0039] The axes of the multiple π-shaped hydrophone strips 10 are parallel to each other and are jointly mounted and fixed on the multifunctional junction box 3. The spacing between them is set to 1 / 2 of the wavelength corresponding to the upper limit frequency of the working frequency band. The distance from the axis of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 to the edge of the multifunctional junction box 3 is set to 1 / 2 of the spacing between the π-shaped hydrophone strips 10. Multiple receiving array modules can be further combined into a larger-scale acoustic array.

[0040] The specific implementation of the present invention is as follows:

[0041] 1. Determine the array plan based on the overall sonar index requirements

[0042] Generally, the operating frequency band, beam width and other indicators are determined according to the acoustic performance requirements of the system, and then the physical aperture of the entire acoustic array, the array spacing of each element, etc. are determined. The reasonable acoustic array module solution is selected in combination with the size and weight of each component. Taking the receiving acoustic array of the full-sea-depth multi-beam test system as an example, if the system requires a directional beam width of less than 1° along the ship's transom, according to the beam width formula of the linear array:

[0043] θ -3dB =2arcsin(0.443λ / L) (Formula 1)

[0044] It can be seen that in order to obtain a beam width of less than 1°, the length of the receiving array in the transverse direction of the ship must be greater than 51λ (λ is the wavelength of sound waves propagating in water). Based on the operating frequency of 10kHz, the array aperture must be greater than 7.65 meters. In the transverse direction, the array spacing mostly adopts the common half-wavelength array, and the receiving array needs to perform horizontal beam deflection to achieve large-angle coverage, which corresponds to the need to achieve wide directivity of the elements on the array. In the bow and stern directions, the system's demand for array spatial gain is mainly considered, and the effective acoustic aperture of the array in this direction is determined accordingly, thereby determining the length of the hydrophone bar. In this example, the entire array contains a total of 128 hydrophone bars, which are arranged with a spacing of half a wavelength in the horizontal direction (along the transverse direction of the ship). Every 8 hydrophone bars form a receiving array module, and each hydrophone bar consists of 6 groups of hydrophones arranged with a spacing of half a wavelength in the vertical direction (along the bow and stern direction of the ship). The array diagram is attached. Figure 1 shown.

[0045] 2. Determine the hydrophone strip plan based on array spacing and acoustic performance index requirements

[0046] Based on the characteristics of the planar array and the operating frequency band, the optimal hydrophone strip solution can be optimized using methods such as the lumped parameter method and finite element numerical calculation. In this example, a π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is formed by combining multiple piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1. The multiple piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 are arranged along the axis and separated by decoupling pads 2 to form a cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic group. The spacing between the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 is set to half the wavelength of the upper limit of the operating frequency band. The decoupling pads 2 are stepped cylindrical structures, with the smaller diameter matching the inner diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 and the larger diameter equal to the outer diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1. The decoupling pads 2 can be made of materials such as polycarbonate and cork, and the internal space is used for the wire lead-out of the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1. The length of the decoupling pads 2 is determined by the designed spacing between the piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1. Decoupling pads 2 of various lengths can be used to meet different installation requirements. A shielding net is installed on the outside of the piezoelectric ceramic group to achieve good electromagnetic shielding.

[0047] 3. Carry out the integrated design of hydrophone and equivalent sound baffle, and determine the specific structure of hydrophone strip

[0048] Traditional hydrophone designs mostly use independent sealing, and their design does not require additional consideration of factors such as packaging with other components and coordination with acoustic baffles. However, the problem is that the manufacturing process is complicated, and the combination into an array requires additional installation and fixing structures (such as the base array frame) and acoustic baffles, and the fixed relationship between the transducer and the acoustic baffle is determined according to performance requirements. In the highly integrated receiving array module solution adopted by the present invention, the electrical output of the hydrophone strip is no longer separately watertight and led out using a watertight cable, but is matched and watertight with the junction box at the end of the L-shaped component 5. The wide directivity effect of the element on the array is achieved by adjusting the distance from the equivalent acoustic center of the hydrophone strip (i.e., the axis position) to the end face of the junction box shell 11. Therefore, at the beginning of the design, it is necessary to establish an integrated model of the hydrophone and the acoustic baffle (junction box) through methods such as the lumped equivalent parameter method and finite element numerical software, calculate the influence of factors such as junction boxes of different materials, internal air cavities of different sizes, and different axis-to-baffle distances on the acoustic performance of the hydrophone, and select the optimal solution. Based on simulation calculations, the dimensions of the hydrophone L-shaped assembly 5 were confirmed, and the overall structure and sealing structure of the hydrophone strip were determined. In this example, the distance from the equivalent acoustic center of the hydrophone strip (i.e., the axis position) to the end face of the junction box shell was set to 1 / 4λ. Based on parameters such as the diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic tube 1 and the distance from the axis to the baffle, the specific design dimensions of the L-shaped assembly were determined. Limiting rods 8 were designed to ensure the precise positioning relationship between the piezoelectric ceramic group, the junction box, and other piezoelectric ceramic groups. The details are as follows:

[0049] After completing the assembly of the piezoelectric ceramic group according to the aforementioned step 2, L-shaped components 5 are installed at both ends of the cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic group. The axis of the piezoelectric ceramic group is perpendicular to the lower ends of the L-shaped components 5 at both ends, and the axis of the piezoelectric ceramic group is parallel to the step connection line at the end of the L-shaped components 5 at both ends; the electrical connection between the multiple piezoelectric ceramic tubes 1 can be determined according to system requirements. Each tube can output independently to achieve beam scanning, or it can be fully connected in parallel or connected in series and then in parallel. The output wire passes through the inside of the L-shaped component 5 and is led out from its end.

[0050] After the piezoelectric ceramic group and the L-shaped component 5 are combined, a limiting rod 8 is installed at the lower end of the L-shaped component 5 to form a π-shaped hydrophone strip 10. Semi-annular structures are provided at both ends of the limiting rod 8 to achieve matching with the L-shaped component 5, ensuring the vertical relationship between the limiting rod 8 and the L-shaped components 5 at both ends, as well as the parallel relationship between the L-shaped components 5 at both ends; after the limiting rod 8 is combined with the L-shaped components 5 at both ends, a retaining ring 9 is installed on the outside to cooperate with the semi-annular structure to achieve fastening; the limiting rod 8 and the L-shaped components 5 at both ends form a stable H shape. During the design, the difference between the size of the limiting rod 8 and the size of the cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic group can be used to control the prestress applied to the two ends of the piezoelectric ceramic tube 1, thereby adjusting the performance. After the installation is completed, a polyurethane watertight layer 7 is poured on the outside of the piezoelectric ceramic group. The schematic diagram of the entire π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is attached. Figure 2 As shown. According to different installation requirements, the L-shaped component also has various implementation forms.

[0051] 4. Determine the junction box solution based on factors such as array spacing

[0052] Based on the calculation results of the third step, and taking into account factors such as the acoustic array's operating water depth and circuit switching requirements, a junction box design is determined. The junction box can be made of metal (stainless steel, duralumin, titanium alloy, etc.) or non-metallic materials (high-strength nylon, fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.). The multifunctional junction box 3 consists of a junction box housing 11 and a junction box cover 12. A number of circular holes 4 are formed on the end face of the junction box housing 11 according to the array spacing requirements. These holes 4 not only ensure a watertight fit with the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 and the L-shaped assembly 5, but also provide a positioning effect for the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10. The position of the holes 4 on the end face can be flexibly adjusted according to different array spacing requirements. The π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is fixed by matching the fixing step 14 at the end of the L-shaped assembly 5 with the end face of the multifunctional junction box 3. After the end of the L-shaped assembly 5 passes through the end face of the multifunctional junction box 3, it is locked by a locking nut 13. The internal wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 are introduced into the multifunctional junction box 3 through the interior of the L-shaped assembly 5. The junction box shell 11 and the junction box cover 12 close the cavity to form an air cavity baffle, which plays a role in widening the directivity of the hydrophone. During the design, the shell material and support structure are selected according to the working depth of the acoustic array to ensure that they can withstand the corresponding hydrostatic pressure. The internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box 3 is used for the convergence of multiple hydrophone signal lead wires to the lead-out cable. The internal cavity can also accommodate circuit boards such as pre-amplifiers and convergence transmission to achieve amplification and analog-to-digital conversion of the hydrophone collected signals. It needs to be reasonably designed according to the internal circuit board size and wiring space requirements. The junction box structure and acoustic array module schematic are shown in the attached figure. Figure 3 、 4 shown.

[0053] 5. Combination of components

[0054] After completing the assembly of the hydrophone strip and the processing of the multifunctional junction box 3, the various components are assembled and formed. First, the end of the L-shaped component 5 of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 is passed through the circular hole 4 of the junction box end cover 12 until the step at the end of the L-shaped component 5 is completely fitted with the junction box end cover 12; then, the locking nut 13 is installed inside the multifunctional junction box 3 to achieve the installation and positioning of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10; after all the hydrophone strips of a module are installed, the lead wires of the π-shaped hydrophone strip 10 are connected to the preamplifier circuit, etc. inside the cavity of the multifunctional junction box 3, and finally gathered to the total output cable; after inspection and confirmation, the junction box cover 12 is installed, and the junction box housing 11 and the junction box cover 12 are made watertight by an O-ring; finally, the entire receiving array module is loaded into the mold and molded using polyurethane injection molding.

[0055] 6. Multiple acoustic array modules are combined into a full-scale acoustic array

[0056] After all the receiving array modules are made according to the above process, they are arranged and combined according to the designed array direction to form a full-scale acoustic array, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 The entire acoustic array in this example contains 16 acoustic array modules, and each acoustic array module is installed through side matching to form a complete 128-element receiving array.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modification and replacement based on the technical solution and inventive concept provided by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Integrated wide-beam receiving array module, characterized by: The receiving array module includes a plurality of π-shaped hydrophone strips (10), a multifunctional junction box (3) and a lead-out cable (6), wherein the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) includes an L-shaped component (5), a piezoelectric ceramic tube (1), a plurality of decoupling pads (2) and a limit rod (8), and a mounting groove is provided at the end of the L-shaped component (5). The multifunctional junction box (3) includes a junction box shell (11) and a junction box cover (12). A circular hole (4) matching the distance between the L-shaped components (5) at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) is provided on the top of the junction box shell (11), and the circular hole (4) cooperates with the ends of the L-shaped components (5) to achieve watertightness. The lead-out wire of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) is located in the internal cavity of the multifunctional junction box (3), and the lead-out wires of the plurality of π-shaped hydrophone strips (10) are transferred from the inside of the multifunctional junction box (3) to the lead-out cable (6); The piezoelectric ceramic tubes (1) are arranged along the axial direction, and a plurality of decoupling pads (2) are evenly spaced and distributed on the piezoelectric ceramic tubes (1), together forming a piezoelectric ceramic group. L-shaped components (5) are installed at both ends of the piezoelectric ceramic group, and a limiting rod (8) is installed below the L-shaped component (5), together forming a π-shaped hydrophone strip (10). Semi-annular structures are provided at both ends of the limiting rod (8), and the semi-annular structure matches the L-shaped component (5). A clamping ring (9) is installed on the outside of the L-shaped component (5), and the clamping ring (9) is clamped to the semi-annular structure.

2. The integrated wide-beam receiving array module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of piezoelectric ceramic circular tubes (1) are electrically connected to each other, and a polyurethane watertight layer (7) is provided on the outside of the piezoelectric ceramic group.

3. The integrated wide-beam receiving array module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The junction box housing (11) and the junction box cover (12) of the multifunctional junction box (3) and the L-shaped components (5) at both ends of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) together achieve watertight packaging.

4. A method for assembling an integrated wide-beam receiving array module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The axis of the piezoelectric ceramic group of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) is installed parallel to the end face of the multifunctional junction box (3), and according to the requirements of the acoustic array operating frequency, the distance from the equivalent acoustic center of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) to the end face of the junction box housing (11) is set between 1 / 4λ and 1 / 2λ, thereby obtaining a wide beam; Then, the length of the lower end of the L-shaped component (5) of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) is designed according to the distance requirement, and a fixing step (14) is provided at the end of the L-shaped component (5). The hydrophone strip is fixed by matching the fixing step (14) with the end face of the multifunctional junction box (3); After the end of the L-shaped component (5) passes through the end surface of the multifunctional junction box (3), it is locked by the locking nut (13), and the internal wire of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) is introduced into the multifunctional junction box (3) through the interior of the L-shaped component (5).

5. The method for assembling an integrated wide-beam receiving array module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The axes of the plurality of π-shaped hydrophone strips (10) are parallel to each other and are mounted and fixed on the multifunctional junction box (3) together, and the spacing between them is set to 1 / 2 of the wavelength corresponding to the upper limit frequency of the working frequency band, and the distance from the axis of the π-shaped hydrophone strip (10) to the edge of the multifunctional junction box (3) is set to 1 / 2 of the spacing between the π-shaped hydrophone strips (10).

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