High-power circular ring transducer suitable for large-range deepening use

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-power circular ring transducer suitable for large-range deepening use, and belongs to the technical field of transducers. The transducer comprises an acoustic radiation unit and a pressure adaptive unit. The sound radiation unit comprises a piezoelectric ceramic splicing ring and a sealed cavity A, and is used for realizing electro-acoustic conversion and radiating sound waves; the pressure self-adaption unit comprises a volume-variable sealing cavity B and a pressure transmission part, external hydrostatic pressure is transmitted to the gas cavity through a sealing piston and a through hole structure, and the volume of the gas cavity is automatically adjusted along with the water depth. When the energy transducer works in shallow water, the gas chamber keeps a large volume, so that the energy transducer presents an air backing type characteristic and has high radiation efficiency and a high altitude threshold; when the energy transducer works in deep water, the volume of the gas chamber is reduced, so that the energy transducer has an overflow characteristic and has wide frequency band and deep water resistance. The low-frequency high-power active-passive towed linear array sonar transducer has the advantages of two transducers, realizes large-range self-adaptive deepening work from shallow sea to deep sea, and is suitable for a low-frequency high-power active-passive towed linear array sonar system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transducer technology, specifically to a high-power circular ring transducer suitable for use in a wide range of depth applications. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of submarine propulsion and stealth noise reduction technologies, the radiated noise of submarines is constantly decreasing. The fundamental solution to detecting long-range stealth submarines lies in employing low-frequency strong acoustic active detection technology and low-frequency long-range passive detection technology. Countries worldwide are vigorously conducting research on low-frequency, high-power active and passive towed array sonar technology. This type of sonar has significant characteristics such as low operating frequency, high radiated power, and variable depth. Because this sonar operates by towing the underwater towed sound source and receiving array, far from the sonar system's mounting platform, it is less affected by background noise interference from the mounting platform, has a longer sonar range, and can adjust the operating depth of the sonar array by controlling the tow cable length according to hydrographic conditions, thereby increasing the detection range of underwater submarines. In deep-sea conditions, it can also achieve long-distance propagation using the sound channel.

[0003] As the sound source for low-frequency, high-power active / passive towed linear array sonar, the transmitting transducer needs to have the characteristics of low operating frequency, high radiated power, and variable depth. The circular ring transducer has the characteristics of low operating frequency, wide operating bandwidth, horizontal omnidirectional emission, good deep-water performance, and high source level, making it suitable as the sound source for low-frequency, high-power active / passive towed linear array sonar.

[0004] Circular transducers generally come in two structural forms: overflow type and backed type. Overflow type circular transducers radiate sound waves by coupling liquid cavity vibration and radial ring vibration, effectively widening the operating frequency band. They also exhibit significant deep-water characteristics, allowing operation in deep-sea environments at depths of several thousand meters. While overflow type circular transducers have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks. For example, the overflow structure causes both the inner and outer radiating surfaces of the ring to radiate sound waves, which cancel each other out in the sound field, leading to reduced radiation efficiency. Furthermore, when operating in shallow waters, the radiated sound pressure on the inner surface is more likely to exceed the hydrostatic pressure during high-power sound radiation, easily causing cavitation on the inner surface. This leads to a decrease in the transducer's radiated sound performance and may even result in fatigue cracking of the inner surface structure and watertight failure. Therefore, overflow type circular transducers are more suitable for deep-sea operation; in shallow water conditions, their high-power radiation performance is limited.

[0005] Backed-type ring transducers typically use lightweight sound-reflecting or sound-absorbing materials such as foam, cork, or air to fill the inner cavity of the ring transducer, thereby achieving the sound wave radiation characteristics of the outer surface of the ring transducer. Therefore, backed-type ring transducers have higher radiation efficiency compared to overflow-type ring transducers, and when operating in shallow seas, they have a higher cavitation threshold, enabling high-power transmission in shallow waters. The sound wave radiation characteristics of backed-type ring transducers are related to the impedance characteristics of the filling material. Compared with lightweight foam, cork, and other materials, air has lower impedance characteristics, and air-backed ring transducers exhibit superior transmission voltage response near the resonant frequency. Because air-backed ring transducers rely on their structural strength to balance the external hydrostatic pressure in seawater, their operating depth is limited, making them unsuitable for operation in deep sea environments.

[0006] It is evident that both overflow-type and air-backed ring transducers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Currently, there is a lack of a ring transducer that can achieve both high-power radiation efficiency in shallow seas and good performance in deep seas. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and combine the advantages of overflow-type annular transducers, such as wide operating frequency band and good deep-water resistance, with air-backed annular transducers, such as high radiation power, high radiation efficiency, and high cavitation threshold, to provide a high-power annular transducer suitable for use in a wide range of varying depths.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A high-power circular transducer suitable for wide-range, variable-depth applications, comprising: A sound radiation unit is used to convert electrical energy into sound energy and radiate sound waves into the surrounding medium. A pressure adaptive unit, connected to the acoustic radiation unit, is used to automatically adjust the internal gas volume and pressure according to the external hydrostatic pressure. The pressure adaptive unit includes a variable-volume gas chamber and a pressure transmission component. The pressure transmission component transmits external hydrostatic pressure to the gas chamber, so that the volume of the gas chamber automatically adjusts as the working depth changes. When operating in shallow water, the gas chamber maintains a large volume, giving the transducer the characteristics of an air-backed transducer. When operating at deep water depths, the volume of the gas chamber decreases, causing the transducer to exhibit overflow transducer characteristics.

[0009] Furthermore, the acoustic radiation unit includes a piezoelectric ceramic inlaid ring, which serves as an active component for realizing electroacoustic conversion; Sealed cavity A accommodates the piezoelectric ceramic inlaid ring 1 and is filled with a filling medium; The sealed cavity A is composed of an outer shell, an upper flange, a lower flange, and a support rod A located on the outer side.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure adaptive unit includes a variable-volume sealed cavity B and a pressure transmission component; the pressure transmission component includes a sealing piston disposed on the lower flange and a through hole penetrating the lower flange, one end of the through hole communicating with the outside seawater, and the other end communicating with a piston cavity formed by the sealing piston and the lower flange; the sealing piston is movable within the piston cavity and transmits the external hydrostatic pressure to the sealed cavity B.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a liquid cavity that connects the upper flange and the lower flange, wherein a support rod B is provided inside the liquid cavity for connecting the upper flange and the lower flange.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing piston can move under the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealing cavity B, automatically adjusting the volume and pressure of the sealing cavity B to achieve adaptive pressure balance from shallow sea to deep sea.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a cable adapter and a watertight connector, which are disposed on the sealed cavity A for transmitting electrical signals to the piezoelectric ceramic inlaid ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the sealed cavity A is provided with an injection hole and a corresponding injection hole sealing plug for filling the filling medium 12.

[0015] Furthermore, the sealed cavity B is provided with an air inlet and a corresponding air inlet sealing plug for filling with compressed gas.

[0016] Furthermore, the shell A and shell B constitute a double-shell structure, and its mechanical strength is designed according to the pressure-bearing capacity required for the maximum working water depth.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer shell, housing A, housing B, upper flange, lower flange, support rod A, and support rod B are all made of titanium alloy.

[0018] Furthermore, when operating in shallow water, the gas chamber maintains more than 50% of its initial volume, giving the transducer high radiation efficiency and a high cavitation threshold; when operating in deep water, the gas chamber volume is reduced to less than 10% of its initial volume, giving the transducer wide operating bandwidth and deep-water resistance.

[0019] The mechanism of this invention is as follows: When the transducer operates at a certain depth, the external hydrostatic pressure is greater than the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B. According to Pascal's principle of pressure transmission, the external hydrostatic pressure is transmitted to the sealing piston, pushing it to move. This causes the volume of the sealed cavity B to decrease, compressing the gas inside and increasing its pressure until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure. When the transducer surfaces and operates at greater depths in deep water, the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B is greater than the external hydrostatic pressure. The gas in the sealed cavity B pushes the sealing piston to move, increasing the volume of the sealed cavity B and decreasing its pressure until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it achieves automatic switching between shallow and deep-sea operating modes through structural innovation, combining the high efficiency and high power characteristics of an air-backed transducer with the wide bandwidth and deep-water resistance of an overflow transducer. Specifically: 1. Adaptive depth-adaptive working capability: Automatic switching between shallow and deep sea working modes is achieved through a pressure adaptive unit, without the need for external control; 2. It combines the advantages of both types of transducers: it has the high efficiency and high power characteristics of air-backed transducers in shallow water, and the wide bandwidth and pressure resistance of overflow transducers in deep water. 3. Reliable structure and wide applicable sea area: The double-hull structure and titanium alloy material ensure reliable operation at all sea depths, and are suitable for a wide range of varying depth operations from shallow to deep sea. 4. Easy installation and maintenance: It is equipped with a standard filling hole, an air filling hole and a watertight interface, which facilitates air filling, filling and cable connection. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top-view view of the annular transducer of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a bottom-view view of the annular transducer of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the annular transducer of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Piezoelectric ceramic inlaid ring; 2. Upper flange; 3. Lower flange; 4. Outer shell; 5. Shell A; 6. Shell B; 7. Support rod A; 8. Filling hole sealing plug; 9. Cable adapter; 10. Sealing piston; 11. Air filling hole sealing plug; 12. Filling medium; 13. Watertight connector; 14. Sealing cavity A; 15. Sealing cavity B; 16. Piston cavity; 17. Through hole; 18. Support rod B; 19. Liquid cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention provides a high-power circular transducer suitable for wide-range and varying depth applications. It mainly includes an acoustic radiation unit and a pressure adaptive unit. The core design features two sealed cavities, A14 and B15. The transducer primarily comprises a piezoelectric ceramic inlaid circular ring 1, an upper flange 2, a lower flange 3, a shell 4, a shell A5, a shell B6, a support rod A7, a filling hole sealing plug 8, a cable adapter 9, a sealing piston 10, an air filling hole sealing plug 11, a filling medium 12, and a watertight connector 13, among other components.

[0027] The outer shell 4 is primarily a thin-walled metal shell, while the inner shell consists of two layers (shell A5 and shell B6). Shell A5 is located on the outer side, and shell B6 is located on the inner side. The outer shell, inner shell, upper flange, lower flange, support rods, etc., are made of titanium alloy. The mechanical strength of shell A5 and shell B6 needs to meet certain pressure requirements. The deeper the transducer's maximum operating depth, the higher the pressure requirement. For example, for a transducer with a maximum operating depth of 1000 meters, the design pressure resistance of shell A and shell B is greater than 3 MPa.

[0028] The acoustic radiation unit includes a piezoelectric ceramic inlaid circular ring 1, a sealed cavity A14, and a filling medium 12 inside. The outer shell 4, housing A5, upper flange 2, and lower flange 3 are connected together by a support rod A7 to form a sealed cavity A14. The active components of the circular transducer are installed inside the sealed cavity A14, which is filled with the filling medium 12. The sealed cavity A14 is provided with an injection hole and a corresponding injection hole sealing plug 8. The transmitter applies electrical power to the active components of the circular transducer, which performs electroacoustic conversion and radiates sound waves into the seawater medium. The sealed cavity A14 can be regarded as the radiating acoustic cavity of the circular transducer.

[0029] The pressure adaptive unit includes a sealed cavity B15, a sealed piston 10, a through hole 17, and a piston chamber 16. The inner shell of the annular transducer is designed as a double-shell structure. Shell A5, shell B6, upper flange 2, and sealed piston 10 form another sealed cavity B15. The upper flange 2 is designed with an air inlet. Compressed air is injected into the sealed cavity B15 through the air inlet to reach a certain pressure, which is required to be less than the pressure bearing capacity of shell A and shell B, for example, 2 MPa. After the sealed cavity B15 is pressurized with gas, the air inlet on the upper flange is sealed by the air inlet sealing plug 11. The sealed cavity B is the air backing cavity of the annular transducer.

[0030] The sealing piston 10 is placed on the upper surface of the lower flange 3. Several through holes 17 are evenly distributed around the lower flange 3 at the position corresponding to the sealing piston 10, allowing seawater to communicate with the sealing piston 10 through these through holes 17. The sealing piston 10 is movable within the piston chamber 16, transmitting external hydrostatic pressure to the sealing cavity B15, thus achieving adaptive adjustment of gas volume and pressure. It should be noted that the sealing cavity B15 is an air cavity. Compressed air is filled into the sealing cavity B15, reaching a certain gas pressure. The sealing cavity B15 can be considered as the air backing cavity of the annular transducer.

[0031] The liquid cavity 19 passes through the upper and lower flanges and has a support rod B18 inside to enhance the overall structural strength. The positive and negative leads of the piezoelectric ceramic inlaid ring 1 are connected to the watertight cable through the watertight connector 13 installed on the cable adapter 9.

[0032] According to the Clapeyron equation, which relates gas pressure to volume: PV=nRT, we get P1 / V1=P2 / V2. When the volume of gas in sealed cavity B15 is reduced to 1 / 2 of its original volume, the pressure of gas in sealed cavity B15 increases to 2 times; when the volume of gas in sealed cavity B15 is reduced to 1 / 10 of its original volume or even less, the pressure of gas in sealed cavity B15 increases to more than 10 times.

[0033] For example, when the initial gas pressure in the sealed cavity B of the annular transducer is 2 MPa, and the transducer operates at a water depth of less than 200 meters, the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B15 is greater than the external hydrostatic pressure. The transducer is an air-backed annular transducer, possessing the characteristics of high radiation power, high radiation efficiency, and high cavitation threshold characteristic of air-backed annular transducers. When the transducer dives to a greater depth of 200 meters, the external hydrostatic pressure is greater than the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B15. According to Pascal's principle of pressure transmission, the external hydrostatic pressure is transmitted to the sealing piston, pushing it to move. The volume of the sealed cavity B15 decreases, the gas inside is compressed, and the gas pressure increases until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure. When the transducer ascends to a greater depth in deep-sea conditions, the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B15 is greater than the external hydrostatic pressure. The gas in the sealed cavity B15 pushes the sealing piston to move, the volume of the sealed cavity B15 increases, and the gas pressure decreases until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure. When the transducer operates at a water depth of several thousand meters, the volume of the sealed cavity B15 is much smaller than the initial volume. The initial volume of the sealed cavity B15 is filled with seawater. At this time, the transducer can be regarded as an overflow annular transducer, which has the advantages of wide operating frequency band and good deep water resistance.

[0034] The annular transducer of this invention combines the performance characteristics of both overflow-type and air-backed annular transducers. When operating in shallow waters, it can be considered an air-backed annular transducer, featuring high transmission power, high radiation efficiency, and a high cavitation threshold, enabling high-power transmission in shallow waters. In deep waters, it can be considered an overflow-type annular transducer, offering advantages such as wide operating bandwidth and good deep-sea performance. Furthermore, during the transition from shallow to deep water or vice versa, it features adaptive adjustment of internal and external pressures to achieve pressure balance. Therefore, this type of annular transducer is suitable for high-power transmission under conditions of significant depth variation in both shallow and deep waters.

[0035] Working principle: After the circular transducer is assembled, when it is working underwater, the transmitter applies electrical power to the active components of the circular transducer, and the active components perform electroacoustic conversion and radiate sound waves into the seawater medium.

[0036] When the transducer operates at varying depths from deep sea to shallow sea, the gas pressure in the sealed cavity B15 exceeds the external hydrostatic pressure. This gas in the sealed cavity B15 pushes the sealing piston, increasing the volume of the cavity and decreasing the gas pressure until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure. In shallow sea operation, the external hydrostatic pressure is lower, the gas volume in the sealed cavity B15 is larger, and the transducer behaves as an air-backed type, exhibiting high radiation efficiency and a high cavitation threshold.

[0037] When the annular transducer operates at varying depths from shallow to deep sea, if the external hydrostatic pressure exceeds the gas pressure inside the sealed cavity B15, the external hydrostatic pressure is transmitted to the sealing piston, causing it to move. This reduces the volume of the sealed cavity B15, compressing the gas inside and increasing its pressure until it reaches equilibrium with the external hydrostatic pressure. In deep-sea operation: the increased external hydrostatic pressure pushes the sealing piston 10, compressing the gas in the sealed cavity B15, reducing its volume, and the transducer switches to overflow operation, providing a wide bandwidth and resistance to deep water.

[0038] Depth adjustment process: The sealed piston automatically adjusts the gas volume to achieve internal and external pressure balance, ensuring that the transducer can work stably at any depth.

[0039] 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 high-power annular transducer suitable for wide-range, variable-depth applications, characterized in that, Comprise: a sound radiating unit for converting electric energy into sound energy and radiating sound waves to the surrounding medium; a pressure adaptive unit connected with the sound radiating unit for automatically adjusting the internal gas volume and pressure according to the external hydrostatic pressure; wherein the pressure adaptive unit comprises a variable volume gas chamber and a pressure transmission component, the pressure transmission component transmits the external hydrostatic pressure to the gas chamber, so that the volume of the gas chamber is automatically adjusted with the change of working depth; when working in shallow water depth, the gas chamber maintains a larger volume, so that the transducer presents the characteristics of air-backed transducer; when working in deep water depth, the volume of the gas chamber is reduced, so that the transducer presents the characteristics of flooded transducer.

2. The high-power ring transducer suitable for use in a wide range of depth changes according to claim 1, wherein: the sound radiating unit comprises a piezoelectric ceramic mosaic ring (1) as an active component for realizing electric sound conversion; a sealed cavity A (14) containing the piezoelectric ceramic mosaic ring (1) and filled with a filling medium (12); the sealed cavity A (14) is composed of a shell (4), an upper flange (2), a lower flange (3) and a support rod A (7) located on the outer side.

3. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depth changes according to claim 2, characterized in that: the pressure adaptive unit comprises a sealed cavity B (15) with variable volume and a pressure transmission component; the pressure transmission component comprises a sealing piston (10) arranged on the lower flange (3) and a through hole (17) penetrating through the lower flange (3), one end of the through hole (17) is in communication with the external seawater, and the other end is in communication with the piston cavity (16) surrounded by the sealing piston (10) and the lower flange (3); the sealing piston (10) is movable in the piston cavity (16) and transmits the external hydrostatic pressure to the sealed cavity B (15).

4. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depths according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a liquid cavity (19) penetrating through the upper flange (2) and the lower flange (3), and a support rod B (18) located on the inner side is arranged in the liquid cavity (19) for connecting the upper flange (2) and the lower flange (3).

5. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depth changes according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing piston (10) can move under the action of the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealed cavity B (15), automatically adjust the volume and pressure of the sealed cavity B (15), and realize the pressure adaptive balance from shallow sea to deep sea.

6. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depth changes according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a cable adapter (9) and a water-tight connector (13) arranged on the sealed cavity A (14) for transmitting electric signals to the piezoelectric ceramic mosaic ring (1).

7. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depths according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sealed cavity A (14) is provided with a filling hole and a corresponding filling hole sealing plug (8) for filling the filling medium (12).

8. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depths according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sealed cavity B (15) is provided with an inflation hole and a corresponding inflation hole sealing plug (11) for inflating compressed gas.

9. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depths according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shell A (5) and the shell B (6) form a double-shell structure, and the mechanical strength is designed according to the pressure bearing capacity required by the maximum working water depth.

10. A high power toroidal transducer suitable for use over a large range of depths according to claim 9, characterized in that: When working in shallow depth, the gas chamber keeps more than 50% of the initial volume, so that the transducer has the characteristics of high radiation efficiency and high cavitation threshold; when working in deep depth, the gas chamber volume is reduced to less than 10% of the initial volume, so that the transducer has the characteristics of wide working frequency band and deep water resistance.

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