Differential pressure type multivariate vector hydrophone array

Abstract

The differential pressure type multivariate vector hydrophone array provided by the invention has a differential pressure type vector characteristic, is excellent in acoustic performance, and is stable and reliable. The hydrophone array comprises a plurality of vibration elements, a whole array mounting frame, an oil-filled outer pipe and a watertight cable, the multiple vibration elements are linearly arranged and arranged on the whole array installation frame at intervals, and the whole array installation frame provided with the vibration elements is wrapped with the oil filling outer pipe. One end of the watertight cable is used for being connected with rear-end equipment, and the other end of the watertight cable is installed on the whole array installation frame and electrically connected with all vibration elements in the whole array installation frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hydrophone array, specifically a differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array, belonging to the field of vector hydrophone technology. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrophone is a device that converts sound signals into electrical signals. In sonar, it functions similarly to an antenna in radio equipment, used to receive sound waves underwater. Hydrophones are a crucial component of sonar, essential for underwater detection, identification, communication, marine environmental monitoring, and the development of marine resources.

[0003] Hydrophone arrays integrate hydrophones to achieve better performance, with linear arrays being a simple and widely used type. Vector hydrophones play an increasingly important role in modern underwater acoustic engineering because they can simultaneously measure scalar sound pressure and vector particle velocity in the underwater sound field, reconstructing the direction of sound wave propagation and thus obtaining richer sound field information. Differential pressure vector hydrophones indirectly calculate particle velocity by measuring the difference in sound pressure between two points in space; they have a simple installation structure and stable and reliable performance.

[0004] Currently, differential pressure vector hydrophones typically have an element that protrudes from the base by nearly twice its size, resulting in a large element size that is easily damaged. Furthermore, differential pressure vector hydrophones are rarely used in array form, and even when an array is used, each element is usually individually packaged, which can easily cause sound blockage during array installation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array that can solve the technical problem.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a differential pressure multi-element vector hydrophone array, comprising: multiple vibrating elements, an array mounting frame, an oil-filled outer tube, and a watertight cable;

[0007] Multiple vibration elements are arranged linearly and spaced apart on the array mounting frame. The array mounting frame, on which the vibration elements are located, is wrapped with an oil-filled outer tube.

[0008] One end of the watertight cable is used to connect to the back-end equipment, and the other end is installed on the array mounting frame and electrically connected to each vibration element inside the array mounting frame.

[0009] The vibrating element includes: six piezoelectric ceramic vibrators, a base, a differential preamplifier plate, and a vibrating element mounting frame; the base is a regular hexahedron structure, with concave bowl-shaped structures on each of its six faces for mounting the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators; each piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is provided with a corresponding vibrator lead-out component as a connector;

[0010] The differential preamplifier board is electrically connected to each of the piezoelectric ceramic oscillators for differential pressure vector signal front-end processing; the differential preamplifier board is electrically connected to the watertight cable.

[0011] The vibrating element mounting frame is used to mount the vibrating element on the array mounting frame.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the array mounting frame includes end support plates at both ends and a plurality of support rods disposed between the two end support plates;

[0013] Adjacent vibration elements are connected by support rods, and the vibration elements at both ends are connected to the end support plates at the corresponding ends by support rods, so as to realize the linear arrangement of multiple vibration elements on the array mounting frame;

[0014] The oil-filled outer tube is positioned between the end support plates at both ends, wrapping around the vibrating element and support rod between the end support plates at both ends, forming a structure that is sealed at both ends and filled with oil on all sides.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end support plates at both ends of the array mounting frame are provided with holes for mounting lifting rings.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the differential preamplifier plate is mounted on the oscillator mounting frame to silently block the electro-ceramic oscillator.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vibrating element mounting frame includes nylon discs disposed on the left and right sides of the vibrating element and a plurality of metal connecting rods disposed between the two nylon discs.

[0018] The vibrating element is also connected to the nylon disc via a metal connecting rod;

[0019] The nylon disc is connected to the support rod in the array mounting frame.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the nylon disc of the oscillating element mounting frame and the support rod of the array mounting frame, and the connection between the nylon disc and the connecting rod are both provided with stop members.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stop member includes a groove on the nylon disc for inserting the connecting rod and the support rod, the bottom of the groove having a threaded hole; limiting surfaces are provided on both opposite sides of the connecting rod and the support rod; limiting protrusions are provided at corresponding positions within the groove; after the connecting rod and the support rod are inserted into the groove on the nylon disc, the limiting protrusions on both sides of the groove abut and lock against the limiting surfaces at corresponding positions of the connecting rod and the support rod, and then the stop is achieved by tightening bolts at the bottom of the groove.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bolt is a hexagonal bolt, and the stop member further includes a limiting piece for stopping the hexagonal bolt;

[0023] A limiting piece is provided on the bolt connection surface. After the bolt passes through the limiting piece and is tightened, one end of the limiting piece is bent and locks one side of the hexagonal bolt head; the other end of the limiting piece 703 is locked into the limiting groove at the corresponding position on the nylon disc.

[0024] Beneficial effects:

[0025] (1) The present invention uses a hydrophone array with a pressure difference vector hydrophone as the core component. The hydrophone array has pressure difference vector characteristics, excellent acoustic performance, and is stable and reliable. The base of the vibrating element has a bowl-shaped structure, and the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is located inside the bowl-shaped structure. This not only concentrates the sound signal and improves the acoustic performance of the vibrator, but also avoids the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator from protruding too much from the base. In addition, in the present invention, each vibrating element array is encapsulated as a whole, with both ends sealed and the surrounding area filled with oil. The structure is compact and can avoid sound blockage.

[0026] (2) In this invention, the sound transmission effect can be improved by arranging the cold-pressed plastic array mounting frame and the nylon-metal vibrator mounting frame.

[0027] (3) By designing a stop component, the present invention can ensure that the oscillator mounting frame and the array mounting frame are not rotated by environmental or platform vibration during use; and can reduce the possibility of screws being disengaged by environmental or platform vibration during long-term use, thereby improving reliability.

[0028] (4) The piezoelectric ceramic oscillator of the present invention is arranged in dipoles. Most of the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator is located inside the bowl-shaped structure of the base, and the piezoelectric ceramic tube of the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator is completely located inside the base, which improves the safety performance of the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator.

[0029] (5) The present invention fixes the connecting wires by means of the oscillator output component, ensuring the position arrangement of the connecting wires and ensuring the conductivity of the connecting wires. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a top view of the differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (top view) of the structure of the vibrating element in the differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of one side of the vibrating element in the differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the installation stop component for the differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the limit plate.

[0035] Among them: 1-Vibration element, 101-Piezoelectric ceramic vibrator, 1011-Piezoelectric ceramic round tube, 102-Vibrator lead-out component, 103-Base, 104-Differential front plate, 5-Vibration element mounting frame, 501-Nylon disc, 502-Connecting rod, 6-Array mounting frame, 601-End support plate, 602-Support rod, 7-Stop component, 701-Groove, 702-Limiting protrusion, 703-Limiting plate, 8-Oil-filled outer tube, 9-Watertight cable. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0037] This embodiment provides a differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array, which has differential pressure vector characteristics, excellent acoustic performance, and is stable and reliable. It can be used for a long time in seawater environments at a depth of at least 500 meters, thus expanding the working scenarios of hydrophone arrays.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array includes: multiple elements 1, an array mounting frame 6, an oil-filled outer tube 8, and a watertight cable 9.

[0039] Multiple elements 1 are arranged linearly and spaced apart on the array mounting frame 6. The array mounting frame 6, on which the elements 1 are located, is externally encased in an oil-filled outer tube 8. The oil-filled outer tube 8 is made of corrosion-resistant, soft, and sound-permeable material, and is filled with oil to balance pressure, protect the internal structure, and couple with seawater. It has the properties of being resistant to seawater corrosion and seawater pressure. In this example, four elements 1 are arranged linearly to form a pressure differential four-element vector hydrophone array.

[0040] Specifically: The array mounting frame 6 includes end support plates 601 at both ends and several support rods 602 disposed between the two end support plates 601; adjacent vibrating elements 1 are connected by support rods 602, and the vibrating elements 1 located at both ends are connected to the corresponding end support plates 601 through support rods 602, thereby realizing the linear arrangement and installation of multiple vibrating elements 1 on the array mounting frame 6. The oil-filled outer pipe 8 is disposed between the end support plates 601 at both ends, wrapping around the vibrating elements 1 and support rods 602 between the end support plates 601 at both ends, thereby forming a structure that is sealed at both ends and filled with oil all around (i.e., the area surrounded by the support plates 601 at both ends and the oil-filled outer pipe 8 is filled with oil), avoiding sound blockage (the distance between the vibrating elements 1 located at both ends and the support plates 601 is ensured to be free of sound blockage through size design and experimentation).

[0041] The array mounting frame 6 provides an installation environment for the vibrator 1, ensures the installation spacing, and minimizes sound blockage. The array mounting frame 6 (including the end support plate 601 and support rod 602) is made of corrosion-resistant metal material. It is fixed at both ends of the oil-filled outer tube 8 by cold pressing and shaping, supporting the array mounting frame 6 and providing a sealing effect. At the same time, the end support plate 601 at both ends of the array mounting frame 6 has holes for installing lifting rings, which can be flexibly arranged.

[0042] One end of the watertight cable 9 is used to connect to the back-end equipment, and the other end is installed on the end support plate 601 at one end of the array mounting frame 6, and electrically connected to each vibrating element 1 inside the array mounting frame 6; the corresponding interfaces at both ends are sealed with corrosion-resistant rubber vulcanized on the watertight cable 9, which has the properties of resisting seawater corrosion and seawater pressure. The watertight cable 9 is a cable with excellent watertightness, and the outer sheath is made of corrosion-resistant rubber.

[0043] The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array has each element arrayed and then packaged into a single unit, resulting in a compact structure that avoids sound blockage.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vibrating element 1 includes: six piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 101, a base 103, a differential preamplifier plate 104, and a vibrating element mounting frame 5. The base 103 provides a dipole-type mounting structure for the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 101. In this example, the base 103 is a regular hexahedron structure, with concave bowl-shaped structures on each of its six faces to support and fix the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 101, completing the differential pressure vector structure and ensuring the spacing between the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 1. The mounting surface of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrators 101 on the base 103 is designed as a bowl-shaped structure, which can concentrate the sound signal, optimize acoustic performance, reduce sound blockage, and make the figure-eight directional concave point deeper; the base 103 is made of metal.

[0045] The piezoelectric ceramic resonator 101 has a piezoelectric ceramic cylindrical tube 1011 as its main acoustic core structure. Its metal part is used to connect to the base 103, and the outer layer is potted with polyurethane. The piezoelectric ceramic resonator 101 has consistent and stable acoustic performance. Six piezoelectric ceramic resonators 101 are respectively installed in the bowl-shaped structure on the six sides of the base 103, with the piezoelectric ceramic cylindrical tube 1011 completely located inside the base 3, which improves the safety performance of the piezoelectric ceramic resonator.

[0046] Each piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 101 is provided with an oscillator lead-out component 102 as a connector; the oscillator lead-out component 2 is a connector with performance guaranteed by glass sintering and other processes. One end is connected to the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 101, and the other end leads out to the differential preamplifier plate 104. The main function of the oscillator lead-out component 2 is to ensure that the wire connection is stable and reliable in the filled oil, and at the same time control the arrangement of the lead-out position.

[0047] The differential preamplifier board 104 is a low-noise differential input preamplifier. Its main function is to amplify the signal received by the piezoelectric ceramic resonator 101 and perform differential operations on it to complete the front-end processing of the differential pressure vector signal. The output of the differential preamplifier board 104 is routed along the inner rod of the array mounting frame 6 and connected to the watertight cable 9. In this example, the differential preamplifier board 104 is circular in shape and is embedded in the resonator mounting frame 5 during use. The distance from the nearest piezoelectric ceramic resonator 101 has been calculated to ensure no sound obstruction.

[0048] The element mounting frame 5 is used to mount the element 1 onto the array mounting frame 6. Specifically, the element mounting frame 5 is used to fix the base 103. The element mounting frame 5 provides an installation environment for the base 103, ensures the installation spacing, and minimizes sound blockage. The element mounting frame 5 uses nylon and metal materials, and its size design and experiments ensure that the element mounting frame 5 does not block sound, has good sound transmission, and is lightweight and reliable.

[0049] Specifically, the vibrator mounting frame 5 includes nylon discs 501 disposed on the left and right sides of the vibrator 1, and several metal connecting rods 502 disposed between the two nylon discs 501. The vibrator 1 is also connected to the nylon discs 501 of the vibrator mounting frame 5 via the metal connecting rods 502. The nylon discs 501 are connected to the support rods 602 in the array mounting frame, thereby realizing the installation of the vibrator 1 on the array mounting frame 6. The use of nylon discs 501 on both sides of the vibrator mounting frame 5 can avoid sound blockage. The connection positions of the connecting rods 502 and the support rods 602 on the nylon discs 501 are staggered.

[0050] As an example, to ensure that the array is not affected by vibration and is stable and reliable in long-term use, stop members 7 are provided at the connection between the nylon disc 501 of the vibrator mounting frame 5 and the support rod 602 of the array mounting frame 6, and at the connection between the nylon disc 501 of the vibrator mounting frame 5 and the connecting rod 502.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, taking the connection between the nylon disc 501 and the connecting rod 502 of the oscillator mounting frame 5 as an example: the nylon disc 501 is provided with a groove 701 for inserting the connecting rod 502, and the bottom of the groove 701 is provided with a threaded hole; the connecting rod 502 is provided with limiting surfaces on two opposite sides, and limiting protrusions 702 are provided at corresponding positions in the groove 701. After the connecting rod 502 is inserted into the groove 701, the limiting protrusions 702 on both sides abut and lock with the limiting surfaces on the corresponding sides, and then the bolts are tightened at the bottom of the groove to achieve a stop. Thus, the stopping components 7 (i.e., the limiting protrusions 702 and the screws) ensure that the oscillator mounting frame 5 and the array mounting frame 6 are not rotated by environmental or platform vibrations during use.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, furthermore, hexagonal bolts are used. To prevent the bolts from disengaging due to environmental or platform vibrations during long-term use, the stopping component 7 also includes a limiting piece 703 for stopping the hexagonal bolts. The limiting piece 703 is provided on the bolt connection surface. The bolt passes through the limiting piece 703. After the bolt is tightened, one end of the limiting piece 703 is bent to lock one face of the hexagonal bolt head, preventing it from rotating. The other end of the limiting piece 703 is engaged in the corresponding limiting groove on the nylon disc 501.

[0053] The installation process for this hydrophone array is as follows:

[0054] After connecting the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 101 to the oscillator output component 102, it is installed into the bowl-shaped structure of the base 103. The input end of the differential preamplifier board 104 is connected to the oscillator output component 102 to form the oscillator element 1. Then, the oscillator element 1 is installed on the oscillator element mounting frame 5. The oscillator element mounting frames 5 of each oscillator element 1 are connected to the array mounting frame 6 through the stop component 7, so that each oscillator element 1 is linearly arranged on the array mounting frame 6. The output end of the differential preamplifier board 104 is wired along the inner side rod of the array mounting frame 6 and connected to the watertight cable 9.

[0055] Finally, the oil-filled outer tube 8 is inserted, and the oil-filled outer tube 8 is fixed by the end support blocks 601 at both ends of the array mounting frame 6, thus completing the water seal and filling with oil.

[0056] In operation, the differential pressure quadrilateral vector hydrophone array receives underwater acoustic signals from the piezoelectric ceramic resonator 101, which deforms to generate an electrical signal. This signal is transmitted via the resonator's output component 102 to the differential preamplifier board 104 for differential processing, and then connected to the terminal processor via the watertight cable 9. Simultaneously, the terminal processor supplies power to the differential preamplifier board 4 via the watertight cable 9.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A differential pressure type multi-vector hydrophone array, characterized in that, include: Multiple vibrating elements (1), array mounting frame (6), oil-filled outer pipe (8), and watertight cable (9); Multiple said oscillating elements (1) are arranged linearly and spaced apart on the array mounting frame (6). The array mounting frame (6) with oscillating elements (1) is wrapped with an oil-filled outer tube (8). One end of the watertight cable (9) is used to connect to the back-end equipment, and the other end is installed on the array mounting frame (6) and electrically connected to each vibrating element (1) inside the array mounting frame (6). The oscillator (1) includes: six piezoelectric ceramic oscillators (101), a base (103), a differential front amplifier plate (104), and an oscillator mounting frame (5); the base (103) is a regular hexahedron structure, and each of its six faces is provided with a concave bowl-shaped structure for mounting the piezoelectric ceramic oscillators (101); each piezoelectric ceramic oscillator (101) is provided with an oscillator lead-out component (102) as a connector; The differential preamplifier board (104) is electrically connected to each of the piezoelectric ceramic oscillators (101) for differential pressure vector signal front-end processing; the differential preamplifier board (104) is electrically connected to the watertight cable (9); The vibrating element mounting frame (5) is used to mount the vibrating element (1) on the array mounting frame (6).

2. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The array mounting frame (6) includes end support plates (601) at both ends and a number of support rods (602) disposed between the two end support plates (601). Adjacent vibration elements (1) are connected by support rods (602), and the vibration elements (1) located at both ends are connected by support rods (602) and end support plates (601) at the corresponding ends, so as to realize the linear arrangement of multiple vibration elements (1) on the array mounting frame (6); The oil-filled outer tube (8) is set between the end support plates (601) at both ends, and wraps around the vibrating element (1) and support rod (602) between the end support plates (601) at both ends, forming a structure that is sealed at both ends and filled with oil all around.

3. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The end support plates (601) at both ends of the array mounting frame (6) have holes for mounting lifting rings.

4. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The differential preamplifier plate (104) is mounted on the oscillator mounting frame (5) to silently block the electro-ceramic oscillator (101).

5. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The oscillator mounting frame (5) includes nylon discs (501) disposed on the left and right sides of the oscillator (1) and several metal connecting rods (502) disposed between the two nylon discs (501). The vibrating element (1) is also connected to the nylon disc (501) via a metal connecting rod (502); The nylon disc (501) is connected to the support rod (602) in the array mounting frame.

6. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Stopping components (7) are provided at the connection points of the nylon disc (501) of the oscillating element mounting frame (5) and the support rod (602) of the array mounting frame (6), as well as at the connection points of the nylon disc (501) and the connecting rod (502).

7. The differential pressure type multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The stop member (7) includes a groove (701) provided on the nylon disc (501) for inserting the connecting rod (502) and the support rod (602). The bottom of the groove (701) is provided with a threaded hole. Limiting surfaces are provided on both opposite sides of the connecting rod (502) and the support rod (602). Limiting protrusions (702) are provided at corresponding positions in the groove (701). After the connecting rod (502) and the support rod (602) are inserted into the groove (701) on the nylon disc (501), the limiting protrusions on both sides of the groove (701) abut against and lock with the limiting surfaces at corresponding positions of the connecting rod (502) and the support rod (602). Then, the stop is achieved by tightening the bolts at the bottom of the groove.

8. The differential pressure multi-vector hydrophone array as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The bolt is a hexagonal bolt, and the stop member (7) further includes a limiting piece (703) for stopping the hexagonal bolt. A limiting piece (703) is provided on the bolt connection surface. After the bolt passes through the limiting piece (703) and is tightened, one end of the limiting piece (703) is bent and stuck on one side of the hexagonal bolt head; the other end of the limiting piece 703 is inserted into the limiting groove at the corresponding position on the nylon disc (501).

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