Hydrophone filled with silicone oil

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrophones, and particularly discloses a hydrophone filled with silicone oil, which comprises a first shell, a second shell, a printed circuit board assembly and a cable, the first shell is made of an underwater sound transmission material, one end of the first shell is connected with the second shell, a closed cavity is formed between the interior of the first shell and the second shell, and the closed cavity is filled with silicone oil; the printed circuit board assembly is integrated with a pre-amplifier chip and an MEMS chip used for sensing sound signals, and the printed circuit board assembly is arranged in the closed cavity and soaked in the silicone oil. The cable passes through the second housing, and the wiring end of the cable is connected with the board body of the printed circuit board assembly. According to the hydrophone filled with the silicone oil, the product structure is simplified, the number of parts is greatly reduced, and production and processing are facilitated; silicone oil is poured into the closed cavity, so that the printed circuit board assembly is completely soaked in the silicone oil, and meanwhile, a pre-amplifier is arranged in the hydrophone, so that the sensitivity and hydrostatic pressure resistance of the hydrophone are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of hydrophones and relates to a silicone oil-infused hydrophone. Background Art

[0002] A hydrophone is an acoustic-to-electrical conversion sensor used to receive acoustic signals in the water and convert them into electrical signals. As a core part of the ocean monitoring system, it is often used to monitor ships in the ocean and monitor ocean water ripples. When the hydrophone's MEMS chip (micro-electromechanical system chip) senses an acoustic signal, it first converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal, and then analyzes the electrical signal to obtain the ocean conditions.

[0003] As hydrophone applications become more widespread, their packaging is also becoming more diverse. Currently, hydrophones are mostly spherical or cylindrical in shape, and their internal packaging is often vulcanized using acoustically transparent rubber that directly contacts the piezoelectric MEMS chip. To improve sensitivity, some hydrophones are encapsulated by injecting silicone oil. For example, in patent CN201910011197, a hydrophone and its manufacturing method are proposed. The hydrophone is structurally divided into two compartments: a top compartment and an electronic compartment. The top compartment consists of an acoustically transparent rubber shell and a base. Two piezoelectric ceramic tubes are fixed to the base in series. The top compartment is injected with silicone oil. Two electrodes are used to lead the signal between the top compartment and the electronic compartment to the preamplifier circuit of the electronic compartment. The lower fixed cover of the electronic compartment is funnel-shaped, with the upper end connected to the lower part of the tailstock and the lower end having a cable hole for leading the cable. The cable passes through the tailstock and is welded to the preamplifier circuit of the electronic compartment. In addition, high-strength epoxy is injected into the cavity of the lower fixed cover, and the outer layer is vulcanized and molded with polyurethane glue. However, this solution and other similar solutions still have shortcomings. Existing hydrophones injected with silicone oil are often cumbersome in structure, and the assembly process is complicated and difficult to operate, which is not conducive to research and development and production.

[0004] Based on this, there is an urgent need to propose a new type of hydrophone to solve the above technical problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a silicone oil-infused hydrophone, which simplifies the product structure of the traditional silicone oil-infused hydrophone and at the same time has a built-in preamplifier to ensure performance. The structure is simple and easy to assemble, which reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the silicone oil-infused hydrophone.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A silicone oil-infused hydrophone comprising a first housing, a second housing, a printed circuit board assembly, and a cable;

[0008] The first shell is made of a water-sound-transparent material, one end of the first shell is connected to the second shell, and a closed chamber is formed between the interior of the first shell and the second shell, and the closed chamber is filled with silicone oil;

[0009] The printed circuit board assembly is integrated with a preamplifier chip and a MEMS chip for sensing sound signals. The printed circuit board assembly is arranged in a sealed chamber and immersed in silicone oil.

[0010] The cable passes through the second shell, and the connection end of the cable is connected to the board body of the printed circuit board assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the first shell is made of polyurethane material.

[0012] Preferably, the second shell is made of a conductive material, and the grounding end of the plate is connected to the second shell.

[0013] Preferably, a silicone oil injection channel is provided on the second shell, and the silicone oil injection channel is communicated with the sealed chamber;

[0014] The second shell is also provided with a base for sealing the silicone oil injection channel and the gap between the cable and the second shell, and the cable passes through the base.

[0015] Preferably, the base is made of polyurethane material.

[0016] Preferably, there are two silicone oil injection channels, and the plane where the two silicone oil injection channels are located is not the same plane as the plane where the printed circuit board assembly is located.

[0017] Preferably, an assembly groove for limiting the printed circuit board assembly is provided on the inner side of the second shell, and the board body is at least partially disposed in the second shell.

[0018] Preferably, the MEMS chip is arranged at one end of the plate extending out of the second shell.

[0019] Preferably, the second shell is threadedly connected to the first shell and the base respectively.

[0020] Preferably, the top of the first shell is semi-spherical, and the side of the first shell is cylindrical.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] As described above, the present invention discloses a silicone oil-infused hydrophone. Compared with existing hydrophones, the silicone oil-infused hydrophone of the present invention simplifies the product structure, greatly reduces the number of components, and requires only one sealed chamber, resulting in a simple manufacturing method and easy production and processing. In addition, the hydrophone of the present invention is infused with silicone oil in the sealed chamber, and the printed circuit board assembly and the MEMS chip are all immersed in the silicone oil, thereby increasing the sensitivity and hydrostatic pressure resistance of the hydrophone. In addition, the ground terminal of the printed circuit board assembly is connected to the second housing made of conductive material, which can greatly reduce the signal noise floor. The hydrophone also integrates the preamplifier chip into the printed circuit board assembly, eliminating the need to connect the preamplifier to the outside of the hydrophone, thereby enhancing its anti-interference ability and avoiding the problem of signal attenuation and interference at the interface between the cable and the preamplifier, thereby reducing the requirements for the cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a silicone oil-infused hydrophone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the silicone oil-infused hydrophone according to the embodiment of the utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the silicone oil-infused hydrophone according to the embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the silicone oil-infused hydrophone after the first shell is hidden in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell of the embodiment of the utility model Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell of the embodiment of the utility model Figure 2 ;

[0031] Among them, 1-first shell, 2-second shell, 21-silicone oil injection channel, 22-assembly groove, 3-printed circuit board assembly, 31-MEMS chip, 32-board body, 4-cable, 5-sealed chamber, 6-base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0033] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative work shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0035] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this utility model are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0036] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this utility model.

[0038] Example:

[0039] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the silicone oil-infused hydrophone in this embodiment includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly 3 and a cable 4. The housing includes a first shell 1 and a second shell 2.

[0040] The first housing 1 is made of a hydrophone-acoustically transparent material. One end of the first housing 1 is connected to the second housing 2. The interior of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are sealed to form a sealed chamber 5, which is filled with de-bubbled silicone oil. Filling the sealed chamber 5 with silicone oil increases the sensitivity of the hydrophone and its ability to withstand hydrostatic pressure.

[0041] The preamplifier chip, MEMS chip 31, and related resistors and capacitors are integrated into a PCB (printed circuit board) to form a printed circuit board assembly 3. The MEMS chip 31 is preferably made of aluminum nitride material, and the MEMS chip 31 leads the signal to the printed circuit board by bonding. The printed circuit board assembly 3 is arranged in a sealed chamber 5 and immersed in silicone oil. The cable 4 passes through the second shell 2, and the terminal of the cable 4 is connected to the board 32 of the printed circuit board assembly 3. Integrating the preamplifier chip into the printed circuit board assembly 3 eliminates the need to connect the preamplifier externally, thereby enhancing the anti-interference ability, avoiding the problem of signal attenuation and interference that is easily caused at the interface between the cable and the preamplifier, and reducing the requirements for the cable 4.

[0042] The second housing 2 is preferably made of a conductive material, and the ground terminal of the plate 32 is connected to the second housing 2. After the PCB assembly 3 is assembled with the second housing 2, the PCB assembly 3 and the second housing 2 are in a conductive state, so that the ground terminal of the hydrophone PCB assembly 3 is in contact with the water, which can significantly reduce the background noise of the PCB assembly 3.

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the second housing 2 is preferably a cylindrical metal shell with threads on both ends. The interior of the second housing 2 is also provided with mounting grooves 22 for retaining the printed circuit board assembly 3, preventing the printed circuit board assembly 3 from rotating within the second housing 2. In this embodiment, the mounting grooves 22 are specifically two symmetrical grooves provided on the interior of the second housing 2. A plate 32 is at least partially disposed within the second housing 2. The contact area between the plate 32 and the mounting grooves 22 is coated with conductive glue to electrically connect the ground terminal of the printed circuit board assembly 3 to the second housing 2.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the second housing 2 of the silicone oil-infused hydrophone is provided with a silicone oil injection channel 21, which communicates with the sealed chamber 5. A base 6 is also provided on the second housing 2, through which the cable 4 extends. The primary function of the base 6 is to seal the silicone oil injection channel 21, the gap between the cable 4 and the second housing 2, and to provide increased security between the cable 4 and the hydrophone head.

[0045] In this embodiment, two silicone oil injection channels 21 are provided. Silicone oil is injected into the sealed chamber 5 through one of the two channels. When the hydrophone is tilted, air in the sealed chamber 5 is expelled through the other channel 21. The two silicone oil injection channels 21 are located on a different plane from the plane of the printed circuit board assembly 3 to prevent the printed circuit board assembly 3 from blocking the silicone oil injection channels 21.

[0046] The MEMS chip 31 is mounted on one end of the board 32 extending outside the second housing 2. After the printed circuit board assembly 3 is inserted into the assembly slot 22 of the second housing 2, the MEMS chip 31 is located within the sealed cavity 5 and exposed outside the second housing 2, allowing the MEMS chip 31 to effectively receive signals from all directions.

[0047] The second housing 2 and the first housing 1, and the second housing 2 and the base 6 are preferably connected by threaded connection. The firmness of the connection can also be increased by applying glue on the threads of the second housing 2.

[0048] The first housing 1 and the base 6 are preferably made of polyurethane material, which is formed by vulcanizing polyurethane glue. The polyurethane material has acid resistance, alkali resistance, and corrosion resistance, which allows the hydrophone to be used for a long time in the harsh environment of seawater.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, the top of the first shell 1 is semi-spherical, and the side of the first shell 1 is cylindrical. It should be noted that the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 are not limited to the above shapes, and other shapes can also be used.

[0050] The hydrophone of this embodiment operates as follows: underwater sound signals are transmitted through the first shell 1 to the surface of the MEMS chip 31. The MEMS chip 31 is deformed by the sound pressure, thereby generating a charge signal. The preamplifier converts the charge signal into a voltage signal and outputs it through the signal output pin and cable 4.

[0051] The manufacturing process of the silicone oil perfusion hydrophone of the utility model comprises the following steps:

[0052] Step 1. Use a special vulcanization mold to vulcanize the first shell 1;

[0053] Step 2. Solder the cable 4 onto the PCB assembly 3 and pass the cable 4 through the second housing 2. After assembling the PCB assembly 3 into the second housing 2, use glue to secure the PCB assembly 3 to the second housing 2.

[0054] Step 3. Apply glue to the threads on one side of the second shell 2, and then assemble the vulcanized polyurethane first shell 1 onto the second shell 2;

[0055] Step 4. Vacuum the silicone oil to remove the bubbles in the silicone oil;

[0056] Step 5. Pour the de-bubbled silicone oil into a syringe, then slowly inject the silicone oil into the sealed chamber 5 through one of the silicone oil injection channels 21. Tilt the hydrophone to allow all air in the sealed chamber 5 to be expelled through the other silicone oil injection channel 21. Clean any silicone oil that has overflowed from the surface of the hydrophone.

[0057] Step 6. Place the assembled silicone oil-infused hydrophone semi-finished product into a vulcanization mold, and inject polyurethane glue to complete the vulcanization of the base 6.

[0058] Compared with traditional silicone oil-infused hydrophones, the silicone oil-infused hydrophone of the present invention simplifies its product structure, greatly reduces the number of its components, and only requires a sealed chamber 5, resulting in a simple manufacturing method and easy production and processing. In addition, the hydrophone of the present invention is infused with silicone oil in the sealed chamber 5, and the printed circuit board assembly 3 and the MEMS chip 31 are all immersed in the silicone oil, thereby increasing the sensitivity and hydrostatic pressure resistance of the hydrophone. In addition, the ground terminal of the printed circuit board assembly 3 is connected to the second housing 2 made of conductive material, which can greatly reduce the signal noise floor. The hydrophone also integrates the preamplifier chip into the printed circuit board assembly 3, and the preamplifier no longer needs to be connected to the outside of the hydrophone, thereby enhancing its anti-interference ability. At the same time, the problem of signal attenuation and interference at the interface between the cable 4 and the preamplifier is avoided, thereby reducing the requirements for the cable 4.

[0059] Thus far, this embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art should have a clear understanding of the silicone oil-infused hydrophone of the present invention. Of course, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made within the scope of the present invention's design, utilizing the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings, or any direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of the present invention's patent protection and should be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A silicone oil-infused hydrophone, characterized in that: comprising a first housing, a second housing, a printed circuit board assembly and a cable; The first shell is made of a water-sound-transparent material, one end of the first shell is connected to the second shell, and a closed chamber is formed between the interior of the first shell and the second shell, and the closed chamber is filled with silicone oil; The printed circuit board assembly is integrated with a preamplifier chip and a MEMS chip for sensing sound signals, and the printed circuit board assembly is arranged in the sealed chamber and immersed in the silicone oil; The cable passes through the second shell, and the connection end of the cable is connected to the board body of the printed circuit board assembly.

2. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell is made of polyurethane material.

3. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second shell is made of a conductive material, and the grounding end of the plate is connected to the second shell.

4. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 1, characterized in that: A silicone oil injection channel is provided on the second shell, and the silicone oil injection channel is connected to the sealed chamber; The second shell is further provided with a base for sealing the silicone oil injection channel and the gap between the cable and the second shell, and the cable passes through the base.

5. The silicone oil-infused hydrophone according to claim 4, characterized in that: The base is made of polyurethane material.

6. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are two silicone oil injection channels, and the plane where the two silicone oil injection channels are located is not the same plane as the plane where the printed circuit board assembly is located.

7. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 6, characterized in that: An assembly groove for limiting the position of the printed circuit board assembly is provided on the inner side of the second shell, and the board body is at least partially provided in the second shell.

8. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 7, characterized in that: The MEMS chip is arranged at one end of the plate body extending out of the second shell.

9. The silicone oil-infused hydrophone according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second shell is threadedly connected to the first shell and the base respectively.

10. The silicone oil-filled hydrophone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the first shell is semi-spherical, and the side of the first shell is cylindrical.

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