A deep water depth-holding launch transducer

Abstract

The application relates to a deep water depth setting transmitting transducer, which comprises a transducer body, the transducer body comprises an upper ring shell and a lower ring shell, metal support plates are arranged on the upper ring shell and the lower ring shell respectively, the upper ring shell and the lower ring shell are tightly connected through press-fit bolts and the metal support plates are jointly enclosed to form a closed cavity, the two metal support plates are arranged in parallel, a plurality of strong rope tensioning mechanisms are arranged between the two metal support plates, the length of the strong rope tensioning mechanism in a natural state is consistent with the height of the cavity, an inflation valve is further arranged on the upper ring shell, and the inflation valve can be used for pre-charging gas into the cavity. The application takes a conventional extremely low frequency and ultra-low frequency bending disc transducer as a design basis, realizes deep water working capacity through a pre-charged high-pressure gas compensation mode, and achieves the purpose of increasing working water depth under the condition that the maximum external size, weight of the bending disc transducer and the transmitting system are not changed.

Description

Technical fields:

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater acoustic transducer technology, specifically relating to a deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer. Background technology:

[0002] To ensure high transmission efficiency, underwater acoustic transducers typically operate near their resonant frequency. Therefore, the lower the operating frequency, the lower the resonant frequency of the transducer, leading to larger dimensions and weight. In the extremely low and ultra-low frequency transmission bands, conventional longitudinal vibration transducers, bending transducers, or ring transducers weigh several tons, while bent disc transducers can be made to weigh only a few hundred kilograms, offering a significant advantage.

[0003] When operating at depths of 1,000 meters, transducers are generally not designed to withstand pressure solely through structural strength. This is because such a design would further increase the transducer's size and weight, even for curved disc transducers, which have a significant weight advantage. This is because the static resistance of this type of transducer is directly proportional to the square of its thickness and inversely proportional to the square of its diameter. For example, if the resonant frequency of a curved disc transducer remains constant, doubling the operating water depth would increase its size and weight by 16 times. A conventionally designed ultra-low frequency curved disc transducer with a resonant frequency of around 200Hz weighs approximately 30 kg at a maximum operating water depth of 100 meters, relying solely on structural pressure resistance. If the water depth is increased to 1,000 meters while maintaining the same resonant frequency, the weight would approach 300 tons. At this depth, the curved disc transducer would become excessively large and heavy, completely losing its characteristic features and becoming unusable.

[0004] Even if real-time air pressure compensation is used to improve the operating depth of ultra-low frequency and extra-low frequency curved disk transducers, it increases the complexity of the transmission system, thus reducing reliability and ease of use. Summary of the Invention:

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer is based on conventional ultra-low frequency and ultra-low frequency curved disk transducers. It achieves deep-water working capability through pre-charged high-pressure gas compensation. Under the condition of basically not changing the maximum external size, weight of the curved disk transducer and the transmitting system, it achieves the purpose of increasing the working water depth.

[0006] A conventional curved disc transducer consists of two piezoelectric discs bonded to the upper and lower sides of a metal support plate with an air cavity, as shown in the schematic diagram below. Figure 3As shown, the thin edges of the metal support plate achieve the simply supported boundary conditions of the curved disk transducer, thus enabling it to exhibit small-size, low-frequency emission characteristics. However, this structural design also limits its ability to withstand significant hydrostatic pressure. While pre-filling the internal cavity of the curved disk transducer with high-pressure gas for pressure compensation can offset the external pressure during deep-water operation, the transducer will expand outwards under normal external pressure conditions. Since the curved disk transducer cannot withstand significant external pressure, it also cannot withstand significant internal pressure. Therefore, the pressure compensation effect of pre-filling with high-pressure gas in conventionally designed curved disk transducers is minimal.

[0007] To ensure high transmission efficiency, underwater acoustic transducers typically operate near their resonant frequency. Therefore, the lower the operating frequency, the lower the transducer's resonant frequency, leading to larger size and weight. In the extremely low and ultra-low frequency transmission bands, curved disk transducers offer significant advantages in size and weight, but suffer from poor deep-water performance.

[0008] The technical solution of this invention is to provide a deep-water depth-fixed launch transducer, including a transducer body, which includes an upper ring shell and a lower ring shell. Metal support plates are respectively provided on the upper and lower ring shells. The upper and lower ring shells are tightened together with the metal support plates to form a sealed cavity. The two metal support plates are arranged parallel to each other vertically. Several high-strength rope tensioning mechanisms are installed between the two metal support plates. The length of the high-strength rope tensioning mechanisms in their natural state is consistent with the height of the cavity. An inflation valve is also installed on the upper ring shell, through which gas can be pre-charged into the cavity.

[0009] This deep-water, depth-fixed emission transducer operates in the extremely low frequency (ULF) or ultra-low frequency (ULF) band. Based on a conventional ULF or ULF curved disk design, it prevents structural damage to the transducer during pre-filling with high-pressure gas. This invention uses the ULF / ULF curved disk transducer as its design basis and adds a strong rope tensioning mechanism to enable pre-filling with high-pressure gas. This achieves the goal of increasing operating water depth while maintaining the small size and low-frequency emission characteristics of the curved disk transducer.

[0010] After the transducer is pre-charged with high-pressure gas, the strong rope tensioning mechanism is under force, and the upper and lower metal support plates remain pressed against the metal ring shell, ensuring that the simply supported boundary conditions are not destroyed. The length of the strong rope tensioning mechanism in its natural state is consistent with the cavity height. Since the length of the strong rope changes very little within the range of the tension it bears, it can be ensured that the deformation of the upper and lower metal support plates will not exceed the stress limit after the transducer is pre-charged with high-pressure gas.

[0011] The transducer is pre-charged with high-pressure gas according to the water depth during use (the maximum pre-charge pressure does not exceed the transducer's design charge limit). Because the power rope is under tension when the transducer has not reached the set water depth, the transducer's performance will deviate from the design value. Therefore, this transducer is a constant water depth transmitting transducer, and the working depth range is approximately ±5% of the set depth.

[0012] Preferably, the high-strength rope tensioning mechanism includes a high-strength rope and lock sleeves and lock cylinders disposed at both ends of the high-strength rope. Correspondingly, several mounting holes are respectively opened on the upper and lower metal support plates. The lock sleeves and lock cylinders are fixedly installed in the mounting holes, and the two ends of the high-strength rope are respectively connected to the corresponding lock sleeves by braiding.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting holes are evenly distributed on the metal support plate.

[0014] As a preferred option, the high-strength rope is a φ8mm high-strength aramid rope.

[0015] Preferably, the metal support plate is made of titanium alloy and fits tightly with the corresponding upper and lower ring shells through an interference fit.

[0016] Preferably, the lock sleeve is provided with a lug for engaging with a strong rope. The lock sleeve and the lock cylinder are screwed together.

[0017] Preferably, the transducer body also includes a piezoelectric disc, which is bonded to a location on the metal support plate where there are no mounting holes.

[0018] Preferably, the upper and lower ring shells are made of titanium alloy, with the lower ring shell also equipped with a watertight O-ring.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] This invention is based on an ultra-low frequency and ultra-low frequency curved disk transducer. A number of mounting holes are evenly distributed on a metal support plate and connected by a strong rope tensioning mechanism to enable pre-filling with high-pressure gas, thereby giving the ultra-low frequency and ultra-low frequency curved disk transducer the ability to work in deep water. Compared with conventional ultra-low frequency and ultra-low frequency curved disk transducers, this invention only adds some lightweight strong rope tensioning mechanisms, thus still maintaining the small-size low-frequency emission characteristics of the curved disk transducer. Attached image description:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a conventional curved disk transducer.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram, 1. Upper ring shell; 2. Lower ring shell; 3. Support plate; 4. Piezoelectric disc; 5. Through-cell terminal; 6. Locking nut; 7. Press bolt; 8. Inflation valve; 9. Transmitting cable; 10. Watertight O-ring; 11. Strong rope; 12. Lock core; 13. Lock sleeve; 14. Watertight layer. Detailed implementation method:

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0028] This invention discloses a deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer, operating in the extremely low frequency or ultra-low frequency band. Based on a conventional extremely low frequency or ultra-low frequency curved disk design, it ensures that the transducer does not suffer structural damage during pre-charge with high-pressure gas. (Reference) Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The deep-water fixed-depth transmitting transducer includes a transducer body, which consists of an upper ring shell 1, a lower ring shell 2, a metal support plate 3, a piezoelectric disc 4, a through-cell terminal post 5, a locking nut 6, a pressing bolt 7, an air filling valve 8, a transmitting cable 9, a watertight O-ring 10, and a high-strength rope tensioning mechanism. A watertight layer 14 is provided outside the transducer body.

[0029] The upper ring shell 1 and the lower ring shell 2 are respectively provided with metal support plates 3. The upper ring shell 1 and the lower ring shell 2 are fitted together with the metal support plates 3 to form a sealed cavity by the clamping bolts 7 and the locking nuts 6. The two metal support plates 3 are arranged parallel to each other. Several strong rope tensioning mechanisms are installed between the upper and lower metal support plates 3. The length of the strong rope tensioning mechanism in its natural state is consistent with the height of the cavity. An inflation valve 8 is also installed on the upper ring shell 1, through which gas can be pre-filled into the cavity.

[0030] The high-strength rope tensioning mechanism includes a high-strength rope 11 and a connecting assembly consisting of a lock sleeve 13 and a lock core 12 disposed at both ends of the high-strength rope 11. Correspondingly, several mounting holes are respectively opened on the upper and lower metal support plates 3. The lock sleeve 13 and the lock core 12 are fixedly installed in the mounting holes. The two ends of the high-strength rope 11 are respectively connected to the corresponding lock sleeve 13 by braiding. In this embodiment, the lock sleeve 13 is integrally formed with a lifting lug for cooperating with the high-strength rope 11. The lock sleeve 13 and the lock core 12 are screwed together, and the principle is similar to the engagement of a bolt and nut. The lock sleeve 13 is placed inside the metal support plate 3. The lock core 12 passes through the mounting hole and is threadedly connected to the lock sleeve 13, thus fastening the lock sleeve 13 to the metal support plate 3. Then, the end of the high-strength rope 11 is braided and fixed to the lifting lug.

[0031] In one implementation, mounting holes are evenly distributed on the metal support plate 3, ensuring uniform distribution of the tensioning mechanisms for the high-strength ropes. The high-strength ropes 11 are φ8mm high-strength aramid ropes. After the transducer is pre-charged with high-pressure gas, the tensioning mechanism of the high-strength ropes 11 is under stress, and the upper and lower metal support plates 3 remain pressed against the metal ring shell, ensuring that the simply supported boundary conditions are not disrupted. The length of the tensioning mechanism in its natural state is consistent with the cavity height. Since the length of the high-strength ropes 11 changes very little within the range of tensile force it bears, it can be ensured that after the transducer is pre-charged with high-pressure gas, the deformation of the upper and lower metal support plates 3 will not exceed the stress limit.

[0032] There are two metal support plates 3, which are used to realize the simply supported boundary conditions and form a closed cavity with the annular shell. The metal support plates 3 are made of titanium alloy and are tightly fitted with the corresponding upper annular shell 1 and lower annular shell 2 by interference fit.

[0033] The upper ring shell 1 and the lower ring shell 2 are made of titanium alloy. The upper ring shell 1 is equipped with an air valve 8, and the lower ring shell 2 is equipped with a watertight O-ring 10.

[0034] Similar to existing technologies, the piezoelectric disc 4 of the present invention is used to drive the metal support plate 3 to bend and vibrate; the watertight layer 14 is used to isolate the positive electrode of the transducer from water.

[0035] The piezoelectric disc 4 is bonded to a location on the metal support plate 3 without mounting holes, meaning the position of the piezoelectric disc 4 is offset from the position of the mounting holes. The piezoelectric disc 4 is a P4 piezoelectric ceramic with a diameter of approximately 50 mm and a thickness of 2-3 mm.

[0036] In this embodiment, the through-cell terminal 5 is a two-core glass sintered terminal, used for welding the positive and negative leads of the transducer.

[0037] In this embodiment, the locking nut 6 is a stainless steel M8 nut; the pressing bolt 7 is an M6×80 stainless steel bolt; the inflation valve has an M5 thread and a φ5×1.8 sealing ring at the bottom; the watertight O-ring 10 is a φ350×15.3mm fluororubber sealing ring; and the watertight layer 14 is polyurethane rubber with a thickness of 5mm.

[0038] Transmitting cable 9 is a φ6mm coaxial transmitting cable with a conductor cross-section of 0.35mm². 2 The shielding is made of silver-plated fine copper wire with a braiding density of 90%.

[0039] The inflation valve 8 is used for pre-filling with high-pressure gas.

[0040] This embodiment takes an ultra-low frequency curved disk transducer with an air cavity diameter of 350mm, a height of 40mm, and a resonant frequency of approximately 220Hz as an example. The calculation process for the maximum pre-charge air pressure and the number of strong rope tensioning mechanisms is as follows:

[0041] 1. If the maximum immersion depth of the transducer is set to 1000 meters, then the maximum pre-charge pressure is 10 MPa (or 100 atm). The internal force on the metal support plate is: F = PS = 10 × pi × (350 / 2) 2 = 96.2T;

[0042] 2. The high-strength rope in the tensioning mechanism is selected with a diameter of 8mm and an average maximum tensile strength of 4T. Therefore, the number of high-strength ropes in the tensioning mechanism is approximately 24 (96.2 / 4).

[0043] 3. At this time, the area occupied by the strong rope tensioning mechanism is about 2.8% of the total area of ​​the metal support plate. If the piezoelectric disc is selected with a diameter of 50mm, the strong rope tensioning mechanism can be evenly distributed in the intervals of the piezoelectric discs on the metal support plate.

[0044] When molding the aforementioned deep-water constant-depth emission transducer, the prepared components are operated as follows:

[0045] Component processing: Roughen the bonding surface of the piezoelectric disc, remove the oxide layer, and clean it with alcohol; soak the metal support plate and shell ring in gasoline for cleaning;

[0046] Sandblasting: The bonding surface between the metal support plate and the piezoelectric ceramic is roughened by sandblasting;

[0047] Piezoelectric disc bonding: Bond the negative electrode of the piezoelectric disc to the metal support plate, wipe off the excess epoxy adhesive, and place it in an oven to cure, forming a bending oscillator;

[0048] Oscillator assembly: The two cured curved oscillators are pressed into the upper and lower ring shells respectively by interference fit, and the strong rope tensioning mechanism is installed in the corresponding mounting holes of the two metal support plates. Then, the press bolts and lock nuts are used to tighten them to form the transducer oscillator.

[0049] Wire bonding: Secure the wires to the metal support plate using the through-cell terminals and lead out the positive and negative leads; connect the positive and negative leads to the transmitting cable;

[0050] Pre-charge: Install an inflation valve and a watertight O-ring on the transducer oscillator with welded wires, and pre-charge the air chamber with gas through the inflation valve;

[0051] Watertight: Place the assembled transducer oscillator into a special injection mold, preheat it, and then inject polyurethane rubber. Stop injecting the polyurethane rubber when it is flush with the mold, and then place it in an oven to cure.

[0052] To ensure high transmission efficiency, underwater acoustic transducers typically operate near their resonant frequency. Therefore, the lower the operating frequency, the lower the transducer's resonant frequency, leading to larger size and weight. While curved disk transducers offer significant advantages in size and weight in the extremely low frequency (ULF) and ultra-low frequency (ULF) transmission bands, their deep-water operating capability is poor. This invention is based on an ULF / ULF curved disk transducer design. It incorporates several evenly distributed mounting holes on upper and lower metal support plates, connected by a high-strength rope tensioning mechanism, and includes an inflation valve to allow for pre-filling with high-pressure gas, thus enabling the ULF / ULF curved disk transducer to operate in deep water. Compared to conventional ULF / ULF curved disk transducers, this invention only adds a few lightweight, high-strength rope tensioning mechanisms, thus maintaining the small-size, low-frequency transmission characteristics of the curved disk transducer.

Claims

1. A deep-water depth-fixed emission transducer, comprising a transducer body, characterized in that: The transducer body includes an upper ring shell and a lower ring shell. Metal support plates are provided on the upper and lower ring shells respectively. The upper and lower ring shells are tightened together with the metal support plates to form a sealed cavity. The two metal support plates are arranged parallel to each other. Several strong rope tensioning mechanisms are installed between the two metal support plates. The length of the strong rope tensioning mechanism in its natural state is consistent with the height of the cavity. An inflation valve is also installed on the upper ring shell. Gas can be pre-charged into the cavity through the inflation valve. The high-strength rope tensioning mechanism includes a high-strength rope and connecting components at both ends of the high-strength rope. The connecting components consist of a lock sleeve and a lock cylinder. Correspondingly, several mounting holes are opened on the upper and lower metal support plates. The lock sleeve and lock cylinder are fixedly installed in the mounting holes. The two ends of the high-strength rope are respectively connected to the corresponding lock sleeves by braiding.

2. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Mounting holes are evenly distributed on the metal support plate.

3. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-strength rope is made of φ8mm high-strength aramid fiber.

4. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal support plate is made of titanium alloy and fits tightly with the corresponding upper and lower ring shells through an interference fit.

5. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transducer body also includes a piezoelectric disc, which is bonded to a location on the metal support plate where there are no mounting holes.

6. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper and lower ring shells are made of titanium alloy, and the lower ring shell is also equipped with a watertight O-ring.

7. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lock is equipped with lugs for use with a strong rope.

8. The deep-water constant-depth transmitting transducer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lock sleeve and lock cylinder are screwed together.

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