Underwater acoustic beacon

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of underwater detection equipment, in particular to an underwater acoustic beacon, and solves the problems that when an existing underwater acoustic beacon is used in a water area, the service life is limited due to the fact that the existing underwater acoustic beacon depends on battery power supply and cannot automatically supplement power, and the submergence height of the underwater acoustic beacon is inconvenient to control. Comprising a floating regulation and control unit and a supplementary power supply unit, the supplementary power supply unit is installed on the inner side of the floating regulation and control unit, a sealing installation unit is installed on the outer side of the floating regulation and control unit, the floating regulation and control unit comprises a protective cover, an air bag is installed on the inner side of the protective cover, and an exhaust valve is fixedly arranged on the upper end face of the air bag. An air conveying bent pipe is fixedly installed on the inner side of the air bag, and a compressed air bottle is installed below the air conveying bent pipe. According to the underwater acoustic beacon, self power generation is carried out through water flow, the service life of the underwater acoustic beacon can be effectively prolonged, and control over the diving depth of the underwater acoustic beacon can be achieved by inflating and deflating the air bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater detection equipment technology, specifically to an underwater acoustic beacon. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing attention being paid to marine activities such as ocean development, seabed exploration, and fishery resource search, the demand for locating moving targets in the water is also growing. Underwater acoustic beacons are devices that can actively emit acoustic pulse signals. They can be placed on the object being measured and used to locate the trajectory of the moving object through underwater acoustic positioning equipment.

[0003] Existing underwater acoustic beacons rely on battery power when used in water, and cannot recharge themselves, resulting in a limited lifespan and making it difficult to control the diving depth of the underwater acoustic beacons. Therefore, they do not meet the current needs, and we propose an underwater acoustic beacon to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underwater acoustic beacon to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, which are that existing underwater acoustic beacons rely on battery power when used in water, cannot recharge themselves, resulting in a limited service life, and are inconvenient to control the diving depth of the underwater acoustic beacon.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an underwater acoustic beacon, comprising a floating control unit and a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit is installed inside the floating control unit, and a sealed installation unit is installed outside the floating control unit. The floating control unit includes a protective cover, an airbag is installed inside the protective cover, an exhaust valve is fixedly provided on the upper end face of the airbag, an air supply bend is fixedly installed inside the airbag, a compressed air cylinder is installed below the air supply bend, and an air guide valve is installed between the air supply bend and the compressed air cylinder.

[0006] The upper end of the supplementary power supply unit is equipped with a beacon installation unit. The supplementary power supply unit includes a follower bracket assembly. The lower end of the follower bracket assembly is equipped with a self-generating component. Directly below the self-generating component is a cable tray. The lower end of the cable tray is fixedly equipped with a battery. The lower end of the battery is fixedly equipped with a control box.

[0007] Preferably, the follower bracket assembly consists of a rotating base and multiple dial plates. The rotating base is fixedly connected to the multiple dial plates, and the multiple dial plates are arranged in a circle relative to the rotating base. The self-generating component includes an isolation shell. The upper end face of the isolation shell is provided with an annular groove. A coil winding is installed inside the annular groove. Two magnetic collars are fixedly installed inside the isolation shell.

[0008] Preferably, the sealing installation unit includes a protective shell, with multiple support legs fixedly installed on the outer side of the bottom end of the protective shell, a sealing connection seat fixedly installed on the upper end of the protective shell, a heat insulation layer fixedly installed inside the protective shell, and the protective shell, compressed gas cylinder, and battery being fixedly connected via a cable tray.

[0009] Preferably, the beacon installation unit includes a connecting seat, two limiting rings are installed on the outer side of the connecting seat, the beacon body is fixedly installed on the inner side of the upper end of the connecting seat, the rotating seat is fitted onto the outer side of the connecting seat and is rotatably connected to the connecting seat through the two limiting rings, the two limiting rings are symmetrically installed relative to the rotating seat, the connecting seat is threadedly connected to the two limiting rings, and the bottom end of the connecting seat passes through the rotating seat and the two limiting rings and is fixedly connected to the isolation shell.

[0010] Preferably, both the exhaust valve and the air guide valve are solenoid valves, and their opening and closing states are opposite. The compressed gas cylinder is filled with liquid compressed gas. The air bag is connected to the compressed gas cylinder through the air guide valve and the air supply bend. The bottom end of the air supply bend passes through the sealing connection seat and the protective shell in sequence and is fixedly connected to the compressed gas cylinder through the air guide valve.

[0011] Preferably, both the cable tray and the connector have cable routing channels inside, and cables are arranged inside the cable routing channels. The exhaust valve, the air guide valve, the control box, and the beacon body are all electrically connected to the battery via cables.

[0012] Preferably, the protective shell, the protective cover, and the isolation shell are all fixedly connected by a sealing connector. The airbag is disposed between the protective cover and the sealing connector. The airbag is equipped with a pressure sensor inside and a woven wear-resistant layer on its outer surface.

[0013] Preferably, the upper end of the coil winding is fixedly connected to the rotating seat, the coil winding is rotatably connected to the isolation shell, and the coil winding is inserted between two magnet collars, with the two magnet collars fitting together.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0015] 1. This invention utilizes multiple levers affected by water flow to drive the coil winding to rotate between two magnetic rings via a rotating base. The coil winding then cuts magnetic lines of force in the magnetic field formed between the two magnetic rings, realizing the automatic replenishment of the battery by the self-generating component, effectively extending the battery's power supply cycle. The connector and cable tray are equipped with cable routing channels inside, and cables are installed on the inner side of the cable routing channels. The exhaust valve, air guide valve, control box, and beacon body are all electrically connected to the battery via cables, ensuring that the beacon body continues to operate under the power supply of the battery.

[0016] 2. This invention can measure the rotational speed of the follower frame assembly by monitoring the power supply of the self-generating component, thereby calculating the water flow velocity in the water area where the beacon body is located. By monitoring the water pressure on the airbag through the pressure sensor, the overall depth can be measured. The air guide valve can deliver liquid compressed gas from the compressed gas cylinder to the inside of the airbag through the air supply bend, thereby expanding the gas and increasing the volume of the airbag to achieve the overall floating operation. The exhaust valve can quantitatively discharge the gas in the airbag to achieve the overall sinking operation. By controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust valve and the air guide valve, the amount of gas entering the airbag can be adjusted to control the water depth where the beacon body is located. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the entire invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the airbag of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply unit of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the supplementary power supply unit of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Sealed installation unit; 101. Protective shell; 102. Support leg; 103. Sealed connection seat; 104. Thermal insulation layer; 2. Floating control unit; 201. Protective cover; 202. Airbag; 203. Exhaust valve; 204. Compressed gas cylinder; 205. Air guide valve; 206. Gas supply bend; 3. Supplemental power supply unit; 301. Follow-up lever assembly; 302. Self-generating component; 303. Control box; 304. Battery; 305. Cable tray; 306. Rotating seat; 307. Lever; 308. Isolation shell; 309. Coil winding; 310. Magnet collar; 4. Beacon installation unit; 401. Connection seat; 402. Beacon body; 403. Limiting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides an embodiment of an underwater acoustic beacon, comprising a floating control unit 2 and a power supply unit 3. The power supply unit 3 is installed inside the floating control unit 2, and a sealing installation unit 1 is installed outside the floating control unit 2. The sealing installation unit 1 includes a protective shell 101. Multiple legs 102 are fixedly installed on the outer side of the bottom of the protective shell 101, and a sealing connection seat 103 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the protective shell 101. A heat insulation layer 104 is fixedly provided inside the protective shell 101. The multiple legs 102 can provide support and maintain the overall stability of the beacon on the seabed.

[0027] Please see Figures 2 to 5 The floating control unit 2 includes a protective cover 201. An airbag 202 is installed inside the protective cover 201 and is positioned between the protective cover 201 and the sealing connection seat 103. A pressure sensor is installed inside the airbag 202, and a woven wear-resistant layer is provided on the outer surface of the airbag 202. An exhaust valve 203 is fixedly installed on the upper end face of the airbag 202. An air supply bend 206 is fixedly installed inside the airbag 202, and a compressed air cylinder 204 is installed below the air supply bend 206. The compressed air cylinder 204 is filled with liquid compressed air. The space between the air supply bend 206 and the compressed air cylinder 204 is... An air valve 205 is installed. The airbag 202 and the compressed air cylinder 204 are connected through the air valve 205 and the air supply bend 206. The bottom end of the air supply bend 206 passes through the sealing connection seat 103 and the protective shell 101 in sequence and is fixedly connected to the compressed air cylinder 204 through the air valve 205. Both the exhaust valve 203 and the air valve 205 are solenoid valves. The opening and closing states of the exhaust valve 203 and the air valve 205 are opposite. By controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 203 and the air valve 205, the amount of gas introduced into the airbag 202 can be adjusted, thereby controlling the water depth of the beacon body 402.

[0028] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper end of the supplementary power supply unit 3 is equipped with a beacon installation unit 4. The supplementary power supply unit 3 includes a follower bracket assembly 301. The bottom end of the follower bracket assembly 301 is equipped with a self-generating component 302. The cable tray 305 is installed directly below the self-generating component 302. The bottom end of the cable tray 305 is fixedly equipped with a battery 304. The protective shell 101 is fixedly connected to the compressed gas cylinder 204 and the battery 304 through the cable tray 305. The bottom end of the battery 304 is fixedly equipped with a control box 303 to ensure that the beacon body 402 continues to operate under the power supply of the battery 304.

[0029] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The follower-mount assembly 301 consists of a rotating base 306 and multiple levers 307. The rotating base 306 is fixedly connected to the multiple levers 307, and the multiple levers 307 are arranged circumferentially relative to the rotating base 306. The self-generating assembly 302 includes an isolation shell 308. The protective shell 101 is fixedly connected to the protective cover 201 and the isolation shell 308 through a sealing connection seat 103. The upper end face of the isolation shell 308 is provided with an annular groove, and a coil winding 309 is installed inside the annular groove. Two magnetic collars 310 are fixedly installed inside the isolation shell 308. The upper end of the winding 309 is fixedly connected to the rotating seat 306. The coil winding 309 is rotatably connected to the isolation shell 308. The coil winding 309 is inserted between two magnetic collars 310. The two magnetic collars 310 are fitted together. Multiple dials 307 are affected by the water flow and drive the coil winding 309 to rotate between the two magnetic collars 310 through the rotating seat 306. Then, the coil winding 309 cuts the magnetic field lines in the magnetic field formed between the two magnetic collars 310, realizing the automatic power replenishment operation of the self-generating component 302 to the battery 304.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The beacon installation unit 4 includes a connector 401. Two limiting rings 403 are installed on the outer side of the connector 401. The beacon body 402 is fixedly installed on the inner side of the upper end of the connector 401. Both the cable tray 305 and the connector 401 have cable routing channels inside, and cables are arranged inside the cable routing channels. The exhaust valve 203, the air guide valve 205, the control box 303, and the beacon body 402 are all electrically connected to the battery 304 via cables. The rotating seat 306 is fitted onto the outer side of the connector 401 and connected to the battery 304. The base 401 is rotatably connected by two limiting rings 403. The two limiting rings 403 are symmetrically installed relative to the rotating base 306. The connecting base 401 is connected to the two limiting rings 403 by threads. The bottom end of the connecting base 401 passes through the rotating base 306 and the two limiting rings 403 and is fixedly connected to the isolation shell 308. By monitoring the power supply of the self-generating component 302, the rotation speed of the follower toggle assembly 301 can be measured, thereby enabling the calculation of the water flow velocity in the water area where the beacon body 402 is located.

[0031] In summary, when using the underwater acoustic beacon, the beacon body 402 is fixedly connected to the isolation shell 308 via the connecting seat 401. Then, the protective shell 101, the protective cover 201, and the isolation shell 308 are all fixedly connected via the sealing connecting seat 103. The airbag 202 is placed between the sealing connecting seat 103 and the protective cover 201 and is connected to the compressed air cylinder 204 via the air guide valve 205 and the air supply bend 206. When the power is turned on, the whole thing is placed in the water and sinks to the bottom due to its own weight. It can be supported by multiple legs 102 to keep the whole thing stable on the bottom of the water.

[0032] The rotating seat 306 fits onto the outside of the connecting seat 401 and is positioned between two limiting rings 403. This allows multiple levers 307 to be affected by the water flow, which drives the coil winding 309 to rotate between the two magnetic collars 310 via the rotating seat 306. Consequently, the coil winding 309 cuts magnetic lines of force in the magnetic field formed between the two magnetic collars 310, enabling the self-generating component 302 to automatically replenish the battery 304, effectively extending the power supply cycle of the battery 304. Both the connecting seat 401 and the cable tray 305 have cable routing channels inside, and cables are installed on the inner side of the cable routing channels. The exhaust valve 203, the air guide valve 205, the control box 303, and the beacon body 402 are all electrically connected to the battery 304 via cables, ensuring that the beacon body 402 continues to operate under the power supply of the battery 304.

[0033] By monitoring the power supply of the self-generating component 302, the rotational speed of the follower bracket component 301 can be measured, thereby enabling the calculation of the water flow velocity in the area where the beacon body 402 is located. A pressure sensor is installed inside the airbag 202; by monitoring the water pressure on the airbag 202, the overall depth can be measured. When the height of the beacon body 402 needs adjustment, the exhaust valve 203 and the air guide valve 205 are solenoid valves with opposite opening and closing states. Opening the air guide valve 205 allows the air to flow freely. The air valve 205 delivers liquid compressed gas from the compressed gas cylinder 204 to the inside of the airbag 202 via the air supply bend 206. The gas expands and increases the volume of the airbag 202, causing the entire structure to float. Then, the exhaust valve 203 is opened, allowing a certain amount of gas to be discharged from the airbag 202, thus causing the entire structure to sink. By controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 203 and the air guide valve 205, the amount of gas entering the airbag 202 can be adjusted, thereby controlling the water depth of the beacon body 402.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An underwater acoustic beacon, comprising a floating control unit (2) and a power supply unit (3), wherein the power supply unit (3) is installed inside the floating control unit (2), characterized in that: A sealing installation unit (1) is installed on the outside of the floating control unit (2). The floating control unit (2) includes a protective cover (201). An airbag (202) is installed on the inside of the protective cover (201). An exhaust valve (203) is fixedly provided on the upper end face of the airbag (202). An air supply bend (206) is fixedly installed on the inside of the airbag (202). A compressed air cylinder (204) is installed below the air supply bend (206). An air guide valve (205) is installed between the air supply bend (206) and the compressed air cylinder (204). The upper end of the supplementary power supply unit (3) is equipped with a beacon installation unit (4). The supplementary power supply unit (3) includes a follower bracket assembly (301). The lower end of the follower bracket assembly (301) is equipped with a self-generating component (302). The cable tray (305) is installed directly below the self-generating component (302). The bottom end of the cable tray (305) is fixedly equipped with a battery (304). The bottom end of the battery (304) is fixedly equipped with a control box (303).

2. The underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 1, characterized in that: The follower bracket assembly (301) consists of a rotating base (306) and multiple dial plates (307). The rotating base (306) is fixedly connected to the multiple dial plates (307). The multiple dial plates (307) are arranged in a circle relative to the rotating base (306). The self-generating component (302) includes an isolation shell (308). The upper end face of the isolation shell (308) is provided with an annular groove. A coil winding (309) is installed inside the annular groove. Two magnetic collars (310) are fixedly installed inside the isolation shell (308).

3. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing installation unit (1) includes a protective shell (101), a plurality of support legs (102) are fixedly installed on the outer side of the bottom end of the protective shell (101), a sealing connection seat (103) is fixedly installed on the upper end of the protective shell (101), a heat insulation layer (104) is fixedly provided inside the protective shell (101), and the protective shell (101) is fixedly connected to the compressed gas cylinder (204) and the battery (304) through a cable tray (305).

4. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 3, characterized in that: The beacon installation unit (4) includes a connecting seat (401), two limiting rings (403) are installed on the outer side of the connecting seat (401), and a beacon body (402) is fixedly installed on the inner side of the upper end of the connecting seat (401). The rotating seat (306) is fitted on the outer side of the connecting seat (401) and is rotatably connected to the connecting seat (401) through the two limiting rings (403). The two limiting rings (403) are symmetrically installed relative to the rotating seat (306). The connecting seat (401) and the two limiting rings (403) are connected by threads. The bottom end of the connecting seat (401) passes through the rotating seat (306) and the two limiting rings (403) and is fixedly connected to the isolation shell (308).

5. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exhaust valve (203) and the air guide valve (205) are both solenoid valves. The opening and closing states of the exhaust valve (203) and the air guide valve (205) are opposite. The compressed gas cylinder (204) is filled with liquid compressed gas. The air bag (202) and the compressed gas cylinder (204) are connected through the air guide valve (205) and the air supply bend (206). The bottom end of the air supply bend (206) passes through the sealing connection seat (103) and the protective shell (101) in sequence and is fixedly connected to the compressed gas cylinder (204) through the air guide valve (205).

6. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cable tray (305) and the connector (401) are both provided with cable routing channels inside. Cables are provided inside the cable routing channels. The exhaust valve (203), the air guide valve (205), the control box (303) and the beacon body (402) are all electrically connected to the battery (304) through cables.

7. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 6, characterized in that: The protective shell (101) is fixedly connected to the protective cover (201) and the isolation shell (308) through the sealing connector (103). The airbag (202) is disposed between the protective cover (201) and the sealing connector (103). The airbag (202) is equipped with a pressure sensor inside and a woven wear-resistant layer on the outer surface of the airbag (202).

8. An underwater acoustic beacon according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper end of the coil winding (309) is fixedly connected to the rotating seat (306), the coil winding (309) is rotatably connected to the isolation shell (308), and the coil winding (309) is inserted between two magnet collars (310), which are fitted together.

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