Sonar array expansion mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sonar array expansion mechanism, which relates to the technical field of sonar arrays, and comprises a frame assembly, a transmitting array assembly and a receiving array assembly, the receiving array assembly is a circular tube transducer array and comprises a linear driving mechanism and a plurality of receiving array components, the linear driving mechanism is arranged at the position, close to the top end, in the frame assembly, the multiple receiving array assemblies are distributed on the outer side of the frame assembly in the circumferential direction, and one end of each receiving array assembly is connected with the edge of the top of the frame assembly in a vertical rotating mode. The linear driving mechanism is fixedly connected with a connecting part, and the connecting part can be driven by the linear driving mechanism to move in the axis direction of the frame assembly; and the connecting part is connected with the plurality of receiving array assemblies. The sonar probe is simple in structure, reduces the volume ratio of the contraction and expansion mechanism, improves the space utilization rate of the sonar probe, simplifies the transmission relation of the contraction and expansion mechanism, reduces the bending of a signal cable, improves the reliability, and is higher in practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sonar arrays, in particular to a sonar array expansion mechanism. Background Art

[0002] To address the conflict between array gain and physical size, most low-frequency dipping sonars and sonobuoy probes use expandable arrays, which are stowed during transport and storage and deployed for operational use. Currently, the receiver array expansion mechanism generally uses a multi-link mechanism.

[0003] The multi-link mechanism used in the retraction and expansion mechanism occupies a high proportion of the sonar probe volume in the retracted state, especially occupying radial space, and the fragmented space formed inside the expanded array is difficult to effectively utilize; in the expanded state, the aperture of the receiving array is limited by the size of the link mechanism, and the height of the sonar probe is not fully utilized. At the same time, the retraction and expansion mechanism adopts a link mechanism transmission form, which has multiple rotating hinge points, large movement friction resistance, and many bends in the signal cable, affecting reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a sonar array expansion mechanism to solve the problems raised in the background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A sonar array expansion mechanism includes a frame assembly, a transmitting array assembly and a receiving array assembly, wherein the frame assembly is a cylindrical structure and the transmitting array assembly is arranged inside the frame assembly, the transmitting array assembly is a fixed array of overflow ring transducers, the receiving array assembly is a circular tube transducer array and the receiving array assembly includes a linear drive mechanism and a plurality of receiving array assemblies, the linear drive mechanism is arranged in a position near the top end of the frame assembly, the plurality of receiving array assemblies are circumferentially distributed on the outer side of the frame assembly and one end of the receiving array assembly is connected to the top edge of the frame assembly in a manner of rotating up and down, a connecting portion is fixedly connected to the linear drive mechanism and the connecting portion can move along the axis direction of the frame assembly under the drive of the linear drive mechanism; the connecting portion is connected to the plurality of receiving array assemblies and can drive the receiving array assembly to rotate around the connection between it and the frame assembly when moving.

[0007] On the basis of the above technical solutions, the present invention also provides the following optional technical solutions:

[0008] In an optional solution: when the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism is in a fully extended state, the receiving array assembly is in a retracted state; when the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism is in a fully retracted state, the receiving array assembly is in an extended state.

[0009] In an optional solution: the circumferential wall of the connecting part has multiple longitudinal tooth conditions, the receiving array assembly includes a gear arm, an array element, a gear part and a mounting rod shaft, the mounting rod shaft is rotatably connected to the top of the frame assembly through a support, the gear part is fixed on the mounting rod shaft and the gear part and the corresponding tooth condition are kept in meshing state according to the involute, one end of the gear arm is connected to the gear part, and there are multiple array elements and they are arranged on the gear arm in a linear equidistant manner.

[0010] In an optional solution, the top of the array element is clamped on the gear arm and can be fastened with screws.

[0011] In an optional solution, the transmitting array assembly is a fixed array of overflow ring transducers.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0013] 1. The array expansion mechanism adopts a gear rack transmission form. The transmission form is compact, saving the space of the expansion mechanism, leaving more space for the transmitting array and the electronic cabin, and improving the acoustic performance when the total volume of the probe is limited; the array radius in the expanded state is close to the height of the probe, and the array gain is higher

[0014] 2. The expansion mechanism has only one rotating hinge point (gear rotation center), which reduces frictional resistance and provides only one bending point for the signal cable, resulting in better reliability. The expansion and retraction angles can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

[0015] 3. The utility model has a simple structure, reduces the volume of the expansion mechanism, improves the space utilization of the sonar probe, simplifies the transmission relationship of the expansion mechanism, reduces the bending of signal cables, improves reliability, and has strong practicality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the expansion mechanism in one embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the receiving array assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the receiving array assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in an expanded state.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a receiving array assembly in a horizontal posture in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a receiving array assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in an upward tilt posture.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a receiving array assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in a downward tilted posture.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a receiving array assembly in an embodiment of the present invention in a vertical posture.

[0023] Notes on the accompanying drawings: frame assembly 100, transmitting array assembly 200, receiving array assembly 300, linear drive mechanism 310, receiving array component 320, gear arm 321, array element 322, gear part 323, mounting rod shaft 324, connecting part 330, gear condition 340. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings and descriptions, similar or identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in actual applications, the shape, thickness, or height of each component may be enlarged or reduced. The various embodiments listed in the present invention are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any obvious modifications or changes made to the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0025] In one embodiment, Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, a sonar array expansion mechanism includes a frame assembly 100, a transmitting array assembly 200 and a receiving array assembly 300. The frame assembly 100 is a cylindrical frame structure and the transmitting array assembly 200 is arranged inside the frame assembly 100. The transmitting array assembly 200 is a fixed array of overflow ring transducers. The receiving array assembly 300 is a circular tube transducer array and the receiving array assembly 300 includes a linear drive mechanism 310 and a plurality of receiving array assemblies 320. The linear drive mechanism 310 is arranged near the top end of the frame assembly 100. The plurality of receiving array assemblies 320 are arranged at the top end of the frame assembly 100. The receiving array assemblies 320 are circumferentially distributed on the outer side of the frame assembly 100, and one end of the receiving array assembly 320 is connected to the top edge of the frame assembly 100 in a manner that allows it to rotate up and down. A connecting portion 330 is fixedly connected to the linear drive mechanism 310, and the connecting portion 330 can move along the axis of the frame assembly 100 under the drive of the linear drive mechanism 310. The connecting portion 330 is connected to the multiple receiving array assemblies 320, and when the connecting portion 330 moves, it can drive the receiving array assemblies 320 to rotate about the connection between it and the frame assembly 100.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly 100 adopts a cylindrical frame structure to increase the support strength of the entire main body. The connecting portion 330 is driven by the linear drive mechanism 310 to move longitudinally. During the movement, the connecting portion 330 drives the multiple receiving array assemblies 320 to rotate synchronously, so that the receiving array assemblies 320 can be in a horizontal posture, an upward tilt posture, a downward tilt posture, and a vertical posture, thereby being able to be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs.

[0027] In one embodiment, Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, when the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism 310 is in a fully extended state, the receiving array assembly 320 is in a retracted state, and when the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism 310 is in a fully retracted state, the receiving array assembly 320 is in an extended state.

[0028] In one embodiment, Figure 4-Figure 7 As shown, the circumferential wall of the connecting portion 330 has a plurality of longitudinal tooth conditions 340, and the receiving array assembly 320 includes a gear arm 321, an array element 322, a gear portion 323 and a mounting rod shaft 324. The mounting rod shaft 324 is rotatably connected to the top of the frame assembly 100 through a support. The gear portion 323 is fixed on the mounting rod shaft 324 and the gear portion 323 and the corresponding tooth condition 340 are kept in meshing state according to the involute. One end of the gear arm 321 is connected to the gear portion 323. The array element 322 is multiple and linearly equidistant. The gear arm 321 is arranged on the gear condition 340; in an embodiment of the utility model, the gear condition 340 can move with the connecting part 330, and the gear part 323 rotates around the center of the mounting rod shaft 324 through the engagement of the gear condition 340 with the outer wall of the mounting rod shaft 324, and the gear arm 321 rotates with the gear part 323 to achieve a change in posture; wherein, a gear rack mechanism transmission form is adopted, the transmission form is compact, the space occupied by the expansion mechanism is saved, more layout space is left for the transmitting array and the electronic cabin, and the acoustic performance is improved when the total volume of the probe is limited.

[0029] In one embodiment, Figure 4-Figure 7 As shown, the top of the array element 322 is stuck on the gear arm 321 and can be screwed; the array element 322 can be removed from the gear arm 321 to facilitate position adjustment and replacement.

[0030] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the linear drive mechanism 310 is an electric telescopic rod or a linear motor.

[0031] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A sonar array expansion mechanism, comprising a frame assembly, a transmitting array assembly and a receiving array assembly, characterized in that: The frame assembly is a cylindrical frame structure and the transmitting array assembly is arranged inside the frame assembly, and the transmitting array assembly is an overflow ring transducer fixed array; The receiving array assembly is a circular tube transducer array and includes a linear drive mechanism and a plurality of receiving array components; The linear drive mechanism is arranged in a position near the top end of the frame assembly, and a plurality of receiving array components are circumferentially distributed on the outer side of the frame assembly, and one end of the receiving array component is connected to the top edge of the frame assembly in a manner of rotating up and down; The linear drive mechanism is fixedly connected to a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is capable of moving along the axis direction of the frame assembly under the drive of the linear drive mechanism; The connecting portion is connected to a plurality of receiving array components and can drive the receiving array components to rotate around the connection between the connecting portion and the frame assembly when the connecting portion moves; When the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism is in a fully extended state, the receiving array assembly is in a retracted state; when the telescopic part of the linear drive mechanism is in a fully retracted state, the receiving array assembly is in an extended state.

2. The sonar array expansion mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circumferential wall of the connecting portion is provided with a plurality of longitudinal tooth conditions. The receiving array assembly includes a gear arm, an array element, a gear portion and a mounting rod shaft. The mounting rod shaft is rotatably connected to the top of the frame assembly through a support. The gear portion is fixed on the mounting rod shaft and the gear portion and the corresponding tooth condition are kept in meshing state according to an involute. One end portion of the gear arm is connected to the gear portion. There are multiple array elements and they are arranged on the gear arm in a linearly equidistant manner.

3. The sonar array expansion mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the array element is clamped on the gear arm and can be fastened with screws.

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