A circular tube hydrophone injection mold

Abstract

This invention proposes a filling mold for a circular tube hydrophone, comprising a shaping tube, a base, a positioning plate, a positioning end cap, a positioning rod, and a circular tube hydrophone. The base is fitted onto the bottom of the shaping tube, and the positioning plate is mounted on the base and connected to the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone. The positioning end cap is fitted onto the outer diameter of the top of the shaping tube, and a positioning rod is mounted on the positioning end cap, with the positioning rod centrally positioned and connected to the top of the circular tube hydrophone. Gaps are left between the circular tube hydrophone and the inner wall of the shaping tube, and between the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone and the upper surface of the positioning plate, forming filling cavities, which form a watertight layer after filling. This invention, through the optimal selection of materials and structural design of the filling mold, enables the hydrophone filling process to achieve advantages such as low cost, simple operation, and stable process. This structural design makes the performance of the circular tube hydrophone more stable, the filling positioning more precise, greatly simplifies the filling and demolding process of the hydrophone, and makes the filling layer of the hydrophone more aesthetically pleasing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of injection mold technology for the outer watertight layer of hydrophones, and mainly to an injection mold for a round tube hydrophone. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrophones are crucial underwater acoustic signal pickup devices, and their technological advancements significantly improve the overall performance of sonar systems. Piezoelectric tubes, as the core sensitive component of commonly used circular tube hydrophones, have their infill layer strength and surface air bubbles directly affecting the hydrophone's performance parameters. The infill layer thickness of small-diameter circular tube hydrophones is generally quite thin (0.5mm–4mm). Traditional infilling methods involve using metal or PTFE molds, employing a two-semi-circular Haver structure, and applying a release agent before use to allow for curing before demolding. However, the properties of the release agent, the smoothness of the mold, and dimensional tolerances can all lead to a rough outer surface, uneven thickness, and the inability to expel air bubbles and other defects in the infill layer. During hydrophone oscillator assembly, the piezoelectric tube easily comes into contact with the release agent on the infill mold, resulting in poor adhesion between the infill layer and the oscillator. After curing, the watertight layer becomes brittle and prone to cracking, drastically increasing the difficulty of demolding. This invention addresses this issue by designing an infill mold tailored to the performance characteristics of circular tube hydrophones. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a circular tube hydrophone injection mold.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A circular tube hydrophone filling mold includes a shaping tube, a base, a positioning plate, a positioning end cap, a positioning rod, and a circular tube hydrophone. The base is sleeved on the bottom of the shaping tube, and the positioning plate is installed on the base and centrally positioned and connected to the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone. The positioning end cap is sleeved on the top outer diameter of the shaping tube, and a positioning rod is installed on the positioning end cap, centrally positioned and connected to the top of the circular tube hydrophone. Gaps are left between the circular tube hydrophone and the inner wall of the shaping tube, and between the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone and the upper surface of the positioning plate to form filling cavities, forming a watertight layer after filling.

[0005] Furthermore, the positioning plate has a central hole at its center, and the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone has a pin B that mates with the central hole; the positioning plate also has a through hole, and the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone has a pin A that mates with the through hole. The thickness of the bottom of the watertight layer can be controlled by adjusting the thickness of the positioning plate and the length of the pin.

[0006] Furthermore, the top of the circular tube hydrophone is provided with an upper boss that is inserted into the positioning hole of the positioning rod, and the thickness of the watertight layer at the top of the circular tube hydrophone is controlled by limiting the height of the upper boss.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the step of the base is the same as the inner diameter of the shaping tube, which is used to connect and position the shaping tube.

[0008] Furthermore, the shaping tube is a round tube with open ends and smooth inner and outer surfaces, and the round tube is made of a colorless and transparent plastic material that is not compatible with the watertight layer.

[0009] Furthermore, the plastic material includes polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, dimethyl terephthalate, or polyimide.

[0010] Furthermore, the positioning rod and positioning plate are made of polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0011] Furthermore, the positioning cap is made of metal and is used to fix the shaping tube.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0013] 1. This invention uses a plastic round tube as the shaping structure for the watertight layer (pouring layer). Due to the natural incompatibility between the watertight layer and the material, no release agent is needed on the mold, and the material is not easily deformed, so it can also meet the curing requirements of the watertight layer at room temperature (25℃) or higher. After the watertight layer has cured, the material can be demolded by cutting or tearing. Since the strength difference between the cured watertight layer and the plastic material is significant, the demolding process is more convenient and will not damage the pouring layer. The round tube is used as a disposable consumable and will not affect the next pouring. In addition, since the plastic material is colorless and transparent, the flow state of the watertight layer can be observed in real time as a pouring mold, and defects that occur during pouring can be detected in time and remedial measures can be taken in time. The improved visibility greatly improves the yield and pouring efficiency of hydrophone pouring.

[0014] 2. The upper and lower positioning structures adopt a combination of metal and plastic materials, which can ensure the rigidity of the positioning. The plastic material has a certain adhesion to the watertight layer. However, due to the small contact area, the demolding of the upper and lower positioning structures is also simple. In addition, the upper and lower positioning structures can be reused. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art or ordinary skills, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 Before infusion Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0018] Figure 3 For post-injection Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention before injection, with the positioning end cap removed.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 BB cross-sectional view.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention after the positioning cap has been removed and the filler has been injected.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention before injection, with the positioning end cap removed.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of the circular tube hydrophone portion of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the circular tube hydrophone part of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the circular tube hydrophone part and the positioning plate of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Shaping tube; 2. Base; 3. Positioning piece; 3-1. Center hole; 4. Positioning end cap; 5. Positioning rod; 5-1. Positioning hole; 6. Round tube hydrophone; 6-1. Upper boss; 6-2. Insert pin A; 6-3. Insert pin B; 7. Watertight layer; 8. Injection cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] This invention primarily addresses the challenges of pouring, positioning, and demolding the outer watertight layer (polyurethane and epoxy resin) of a circular tube hydrophone. Because ordinary metal molds and PTFE molds require the application of an oily release agent to the mold surface during watertight layer pouring, uneven application and fluidity of the release agent can leave marks on the surface after the resin material cures, drastically increasing the difficulty of the circular tube hydrophone demolding process. Furthermore, the surface of the poured layer is not smooth and has defects. Ordinary metal molds and PTFE molds also prevent real-time observation of the watertight layer's flow during pouring, making it difficult to detect bubbles or other defects in a timely manner.

[0030] This invention proposes a filling mold for a circular tube hydrophone, primarily used for filling the outer watertight layer of the hydrophone. Through optimized material selection and structural design of the filling mold, the filling process of the hydrophone achieves advantages such as low cost, simple operation, and stable process. This structural design makes the performance of the circular tube hydrophone more stable, the filling positioning more precise, greatly simplifies the filling and demolding process of the hydrophone, and makes the filling layer of the hydrophone more aesthetically pleasing.

[0031] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the injection mold for the circular tube hydrophone includes a shaping tube 1, a base 2, a positioning piece 3, a positioning end cap 4, a positioning rod 5, and a circular tube hydrophone 6.

[0032] In this invention, the shaping tube 1 is a round tube with open ends and smooth inner and outer surfaces. The tube is made of a colorless and transparent plastic material that is incompatible with the watertight layer. Commonly used materials include polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate, dimethyl terephthalate, or polyimide, with an inner diameter of 14 mm and an outer diameter of 15 mm. Because the plastic material is colorless and transparent, it allows for real-time observation of the flow state of the watertight layer during pouring, enabling timely detection of defects and prompt remedial measures. This increased visibility significantly improves the yield and efficiency of hydrophone pouring.

[0033] In this invention, the base 2 is made of metal material, generally 304 stainless steel, 45 steel, or aluminum alloy. The outer diameter of the step is 14mm, which is the same as the inner diameter of the shaping tube 1. It is used to connect and position the shaping tube 1.

[0034] In this invention, the positioning plate 3 is made of 4mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene material. The positioning plate 3 is designed with two 1mm diameter holes (a central hole 3-1 and a through hole). The positioning plate 3 has a central hole 3-1 at its center. The bottom of the round tube hydrophone 6 has a pin B 6-3 that mates with the central hole 3-1. The positioning plate 3 also has a through hole. The bottom of the round tube hydrophone 6 also has a pin A6-2 that mates with the through hole, which is used to position the round tube hydrophone 6 in the center. Specifically, the positioning plate 3 is installed on the base 2 and is centrally positioned and connected to the bottom of the round tube hydrophone 6. The thickness of the bottom of the watertight layer 7 is controlled by adjusting the thickness of the positioning plate 3 and the length of the pin.

[0035] In this invention, the positioning cap 4 is made of metal material, generally 304 stainless steel, 45 steel, or aluminum alloy, with an inner diameter of 15mm, used to hold the outer diameter of the positioning tube 1; there is a 4mm diameter hole at the center of the bottom for fixing the shaping tube 1.

[0036] In this invention, the top of the circular tube hydrophone 6 is provided with an upper boss 6-1 for insertion through a positioning hole 5-1. The thickness of the watertight layer 7 at the top of the circular tube hydrophone 3 is controlled by limiting the height of the upper boss 6-1 (2mm boss). During filling, the positioning end cap 4 and positioning rod 5 are removed first, and the free surface is filled. The top thickness only needs to exceed the upper boss 6-1. After filling to the required thickness, the positioning end cap 4 and positioning rod 5 are installed to keep the circular tube hydrophone 6 concentric with the shaping tube 1. The top filling thickness is then ensured by turning and grinding.

[0037] In this invention, the positioning rod 5 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, dimethyl terephthalate or polyimide, with an outer diameter of 4mm and positioning holes 5-1 with a diameter of Φ2mm at both ends. It is connected to the upper boss 6-1 of the round tube hydrophone 6 through the positioning end cap 4 and the positioning rod 5, and is used to position the center of the round tube hydrophone 6.

[0038] In this invention, gaps are left between the inner wall of the circular tube hydrophone 6 and the shaping tube 1, and between the bottom of the circular tube hydrophone 6 and the upper surface of the positioning piece 3 to form an injection cavity 8, which forms a watertight layer 7 after injection.

[0039] In this invention, a circular tube made of a plastic material that is incompatible with the watertight layer is used as the main part of the injection mold. The positioning structure design of the injection mold is a combination of plastic and metal for both the upper and lower positioning parts.

[0040] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A filling mold for a circular tube hydrophone, characterized in that: The device includes a shaping tube (1), a base (2), a positioning piece (3), a positioning end cap (4), a positioning rod (5), and a round tube hydrophone (6). The base (2) is fitted onto the bottom of the shaping tube (1), and the positioning piece (3) is installed on the base (2) and centeredly connected to the bottom of the round tube hydrophone (6). The positioning end cap (4) is fitted onto the top outer diameter of the shaping tube (1), and the positioning rod (5) is installed on the positioning end cap (4). The positioning rod (5) is centeredly connected to the top of the round tube hydrophone (6). Gaps are left between the round tube hydrophone (6) and the inner wall of the shaping tube (1), and between the bottom of the round tube hydrophone (6) and the upper surface of the positioning piece (3) to form an injection cavity (8). After injection, a watertight layer (7) is formed. The positioning plate (3) has a central hole (3-1) at its center, and the bottom of the round tube hydrophone (6) has a pin B (6-3) that mates with the central hole (3-1); the positioning plate (3) also has a through hole, and the bottom of the round tube hydrophone (6) has a pin A (6-2) that mates with the through hole. The thickness of the bottom of the watertight layer (7) can be controlled by adjusting the thickness of the positioning plate (3) and the length of the pin. The top of the circular tube hydrophone (6) is provided with an upper boss (6-1) that is inserted into the positioning hole (5-1) of the positioning rod (5). The thickness of the watertight layer (7) at the top of the circular tube hydrophone (6) is controlled by limiting the height of the upper boss (6-1). The outer diameter of the step of the base (2) is the same as the inner diameter of the shaping tube (1), and is used to connect and position the shaping tube (1). The shaping tube (1) is a round tube with open ends and smooth inner and outer surfaces. The round tube is made of a colorless and transparent plastic material that is not compatible with the watertight layer.

2. The injection mold for a circular tube hydrophone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic material includes polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, dimethyl terephthalate, or polyimide.

3. The injection mold for a circular tube hydrophone according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning rod (5) and positioning piece (3) are made of polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene or polymethyl methacrylate.

4. The injection mold for a circular tube hydrophone according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning cap (4) is made of metal material and is used to fix the shaping tube (1).

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