Angle-adjustable acoustic array connecting flange

Abstract

The utility model discloses an angle-adjustable acoustic array connecting flange which comprises an upper flange plate, a lower flange plate, a rotating assembly and a locking assembly, and the upper flange plate is used for being connected with a lifting rod; the lower flange plate is used for connecting an acoustic array; the rotating assembly is arranged between the upper flange plate and the lower flange plate and used for driving the lower flange plate to rotate around the axis. The locking assembly is arranged on the rotating assembly and used for locking the rotating assembly. The connecting flange adopts the design of an upper flange plate and a lower flange plate, different lifting rods and acoustic arrays can be adapted by replacing the flange plates with different specifications under the condition that the size is not interfered and the connecting strength is not influenced, and meanwhile, the adjustment of the mounting angle of the acoustic array can be realized through the rotating assembly; therefore, the angle error during coarse installation of the acoustic array is reduced, and the installation precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flange technology, specifically to an angle-adjustable acoustic array connection flange. Background Technology

[0002] Shipborne acoustic arrays are one of the three commonly used mounting methods for underwater positioning and tracking systems. They are simple to install and disassemble, convenient to construct, and highly mobile, making them widely used in the field of underwater acoustic communication and measurement. To establish an accurate reference coordinate system for the underwater positioning system, the acoustic array needs a high-precision mounting structure combined with the ship's heading and relevant positioning algorithms to obtain satisfactory results.

[0003] Generally, when the angular error between the acoustic array coordinate axis and the ship's heading is less than 5°–10°, the installation error can be corrected by calibrating the positions of three acoustic beacons. The acoustic array and the shipboard mounting structure (lifting mast or jacking mast) are connected via flanges. Currently, there are two installation methods: one is to mount the acoustic array on a rotatable lifting mast, which uses a standard adapter flange; after installation, simply rotate the acoustic array coordinate axis to the ship's heading. The second method involves evenly distributing additional mounting holes at one end of the adapter flange, several times the original number of flange mounting holes. While the first method has a simple flange structure and no precision requirements, many ships lack the structural conditions for rotatable installations and mostly use fixed mounting structures, such as jacking masts. Therefore, the first method places higher structural installation requirements on the ship and has poor applicability. The second method has a simple structure and a fixed installation angle deviation. To improve installation accuracy, the number of installation holes can be increased. However, too many installation holes affect the connection strength. Therefore, the second method is difficult to simultaneously ensure both the connection strength and installation accuracy of the acoustic array.

[0004] Therefore, a connecting flange is needed that can ensure connection strength while meeting the high installation accuracy requirements of acoustic arrays. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an angle-adjustable acoustic array connection flange. By rotating the assembly, the installation angle of the acoustic array can be adjusted, thereby reducing the angle error during rough installation of the acoustic array and improving installation accuracy.

[0006] Specifically, this utility model provides an angle-adjustable acoustic array connection flange, comprising:

[0007] Upper flange, used to connect the lifting rod;

[0008] The lower flange is used to connect the acoustic array;

[0009] A rotating assembly is arranged between the upper flange plate and the lower flange plate, and is used to drive the lower flange plate to rotate around the axis;

[0010] A locking assembly is arranged on the rotating assembly, and is used to lock the rotating assembly.

[0011] Further, the rotating assembly comprises:

[0012] A fixing ring is fixedly connected with the upper flange plate;

[0013] A bearing is connected with the inner ring of the bearing;

[0014] A rotating ring is gap-fitted with the outer ring of the bearing, so that the bearing can normally operate, and the bottom is fixedly connected with the lower flange plate;

[0015] The locking assembly is arranged on the rotating ring, and is used to lock the rotating ring.

[0016] Further, the fixing ring is provided with a plurality of layers of uniformly arranged shaft fixing screw holes in the circumference, the rotating ring is provided with a positioning hole, and the locking assembly is inserted into the shaft fixing screw hole through the positioning hole, so as to lock the rotating ring.

[0017] Further, the shaft fixing screw hole is provided with two layers of upper and lower layers, the two layers of upper and lower shaft fixing screw holes are arranged at an angle, and the locking assembly is provided with two groups, which correspond to the two layers of shaft fixing screw holes respectively.

[0018] Further, the locking assembly comprises:

[0019] A locking screw;

[0020] A spring is sleeved on the locking screw, and the spring is in a compressed state when the locking screw is screwed into the shaft fixing screw hole.

[0021] Further, the outer surface of the rotating ring is provided with a scale.

[0022] Further, the rotating assembly further comprises a bearing cover, the bearing cover is located below the bearing, and the bearing cover is axially abutted against the outer ring of the bearing.

[0023] Further, the fixing ring is provided with a clamping groove, an elastic shaft baffle is installed in the clamping groove, and the elastic shaft baffle is used for axially positioning the bearing.

[0024] Working principle of the utility model:

[0025] The lower end of the lifting rod 5 is connected with the upper flange plate 1, the acoustic array 6 is connected with the lower flange plate 2, and the water-tight cable 7 is connected with the acoustic array 6 after sequentially penetrating through the lifting rod 5, the upper flange plate 1, the rotating assembly 3 and the lower flange plate 2. The acoustic array 6 is rotated and the coordinate axis thereof is substantially aligned with the ship heading, at this time, the arrow mark on the upper part of the fixed ring 31 should be aligned with a certain scale line of the rotating ring 32, then the locking assembly 4 is screwed into the fixed shaft hole 311, after the installation is completed, whether the installation angle error of the acoustic array 6 meets the requirement is evaluated, if the acoustic array 6 does not meet the installation error requirement, the locking assembly 4 is unscrewed and is rotated to the left and right respectively by 3 scale lines for testing, until the installation error meets the requirement, through the rotating adjustment, the rough installation angle error of the naked eye alignment between the coordinate axis of the acoustic array 6 and the ship heading is reduced.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the beneficial effects that:

[0027] (1)The utility model discloses a design of one flange plate above and below, under the condition of not interfering with the size and not affecting the connecting strength, different lifting rods and acoustic arrays can be adapted by replacing flange plates of different specifications, and the applicability is wider.

[0028] (2)The utility model discloses the design idea of dispersible adjustable angle, the fixed shaft hole of multilayer uniform distribution is designed to stagger in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, under the condition of not affecting the radial size of the structure, the axial size can be appropriately increased, the purpose of improving the adjustable angle precision can be achieved, and the structure of higher installation precision requirement is adapted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is the explosion map of the angle-adjustable acoustic array connecting flange in embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 2 It is the half cross-sectional view of the angle-adjustable acoustic array connecting flange in embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 3 It is the use state schematic view of the angle-adjustable acoustic array connecting flange in embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 4 It is the state schematic view of the rotating ring when being rotatable in embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 5 It is the state schematic view of the rotating ring when being locked in embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 6 It is the scale line schematic view when adjusting the angle in embodiment 1.

[0035] REFERENCE SIGNS:

[0036] 1-Upper flange; 2-Lower flange; 3-Rotating assembly; 31-Fixing ring; 311-Fixed shaft screw hole; 312-Slot; 32-Rotating ring; 321-Positioning hole; 33-Bearing; 34-Bearing cover; 35-Shaft elastic retaining ring; 4-Locking assembly; 41-Locking screw; 42-Spring; 5-Lifting rod; 6-Acoustic array; 7-Watertight cable. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides an angle-adjustable acoustic array connection flange, including: an upper flange 1, a lower flange 2, a rotating assembly 3, and a locking assembly 4. The upper flange 1 connects to a lifting rod 5, and the lower flange 2 connects to the acoustic array 6. The rotating assembly 3 is installed between the upper flange 1 and the lower flange 2 by mounting screws, driving the acoustic array 6 to rotate and adjust its axial angle. Considering marine corrosion and disassembly factors, TC4 titanium alloy is selected for the mounting screws. If used in freshwater areas such as inland lakes, ordinary stainless steel can be used. The locking assembly 4 is used to lock the rotating assembly 3. When the acoustic array 6 rotates to an angle that meets the error requirements, the locking assembly 4 fixes the acoustic array 6 in place.

[0040] Specifically, the rotating assembly 3 includes a fixed ring 31, a rotating ring 32, a bearing 33, and a bearing cover 34. The fixed ring 31 is T-shaped, with arrow markings etched on its upper edge and painted with bright red paint for easy reading of the angle adjustment. The fixed ring 31 has two layers of fixed-axis threaded holes 311 (36 holes per layer) evenly distributed axially, with the upper and lower threaded holes staggered by 5° along the tangential direction of the fixed axis. The tail section of the fixed ring 31 is the working section for installing the bearing 33, with a groove 312 at its lower part and a chamfered end to facilitate the guiding installation of the bearing 33. The groove 312 is used to install a shaft elastic retaining ring 35 for axial positioning of the bearing 33.

[0041] The rotating ring 32 is internally provided with a stepped hole, the outer diameter of the large hole of which is in clearance fit with the outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing 33, and the size is slightly larger than the outer diameter size of the outer ring of the bearing 33, and the rotation of the rotating ring 32 is realized through the bearing 33. In addition to the self-gravitational load, the acoustic array 6 is also subjected to fluid resistance load brought by waves, sea currents and ship navigation during operation, and the axial load (resultant force of gravity and buoyancy) of the acoustic array 6 during operation is generally small, therefore, a single deep groove ball bearing capable of bearing axial and radial loads can be selected, and the bearing with a dust cover is preferably selected, and if used in other acoustic devices with larger axial load, the combination of multiple bearings should be considered when designing parts. The upper surface of the upper flange plate 1 is provided with a cylindrical counterbore hole, and the hole position is distributed between the apertures of the fixed ring and the rotating ring 32.

[0042] The rotating ring 32 is internally provided with a stepped hole, the outer diameter of the large hole of which is in clearance fit with the outer diameter of the outer ring of the bearing 33, and the size is slightly larger than the outer diameter size of the outer ring of the bearing 33, and the rotation of the rotating ring 32 is realized through the bearing 33. In addition to the self-gravitational load, the acoustic array 6 is also subjected to fluid resistance load brought by waves, sea currents and ship navigation during operation, and the axial load (resultant force of gravity and buoyancy) of the acoustic array 6 during operation is generally small, therefore, a single deep groove ball bearing capable of bearing axial and radial loads can be selected, and the bearing with a dust cover is preferably selected, and if used in other acoustic devices with larger axial load, the combination of multiple bearings should be considered when designing parts. The upper surface of the upper flange plate 1 is provided with a cylindrical counterbore hole, and the hole position is distributed between the apertures of the fixed ring and the rotating ring 32.

[0043] The outer surface of the rotating ring 32 is uniformly etched with 72 scale marks, which are sequentially spaced in length and marked with scale marks in increments of 0°, 10° and 20°.

[0044] The lower surface of the lower flange plate 2 is provided with a cylindrical counterbore hole, and the hole position is distributed between the apertures of the fixed ring 31 and the rotating ring 32. After the upper flange plate 1 and the lower flange plate 2 are installed and fixed, the end surface thereof should be ensured to be free of protruding parts, so as to facilitate the flat connection of the installation flanges of the lifting rod 5 and the acoustic array 6.

[0045] The locking assembly 4 comprises a locking screw 41 and a spring 42. The tail part of the locking screw 41 is provided with a threaded section, the front end of the threaded section is provided with a 30° locking guide chamfer, the rear end of the threaded section is provided with a 45° threaded chamfer, the head part to the threaded section of the locking screw 41 is a light rod section, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the small diameter of the tail part thread, and the spring 42 is sleeved on the locking screw 41, as shown in Figures 4-5 When the locking screw 41 is screwed into the fixed shaft screw hole 311, the spring 42 will be in a compressed state, so that the locking screw 41 is kept apart from the rotating ring 32 by the elastic force.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3 During use, the rotating ring 32 is sleeved from the small shaft diameter end of the fixed ring 31 and inverted on the workbench plane.

[0047] Clean the mating surface of the bearing 33 and the fixing ring 31, ensure that the surface is smooth and flawless, then apply lubricant on the mating surface, gently place the bearing 33 on the fixing ring 31, and use special tools or light tapping to make the bearing 33 tightly combined with the fixing ring 31, and check the installation position of the bearing 33 to ensure that it can smoothly and freely rotate without jamming.

[0048] Install the 35 in the end slot 312 of the fixing ring 31 by using the spring clamp.

[0049] Put the bearing cover 34 on the rotating ring 32 and align the installation hole position, and then pre-tighten the installation screws in the diagonal order by using the internal hex wrench tool.

[0050] Specifically, the spring 42 is sleeved into the locking screw 41, then the locking screw 41 is screwed into the rotating ring 32 through the positioning hole 321 on the side of the rotating ring 32 by using the internal hex wrench tool, until the tail thread of the locking screw 41 is just screwed in, at this time the spring 42 is in a compressed state.

[0051] Install the remaining three locking assemblies 4 in the above-mentioned method, and the main part of the utility model is installed.

[0052] Then, the acoustic array is docked with the ship installation structure. The end of the lifting rod 5 is reserved with a mounting screw hole, the flange plate 1 and the lifting rod 5 are connected by using the mounting screw, and the internal hex wrench tool is used to apply a predetermined force in the diagonal order.

[0053] The lower flange plate 2 and the bearing cover 34 are connected by using the same method and a pre-tightening force is applied.

[0054] The water-tight cable 7 is sequentially threaded through the lifting rod 5, the upper flange plate 1, the fixing ring 31, the bearing cover 34 and the lower flange plate 2, and the water-tight cable 7 is installed on the socket of the acoustic array 6.

[0055] After the lifting rod 5 and the acoustic array 6 are installed on the connecting flange of the utility model, the coordinate axis of the acoustic array 6 is adjusted to be roughly aligned with the ship heading angle and tested.

[0056] The acoustic array 6 is rotated and the coordinate axis is roughly aligned with the ship heading, at this time the arrow mark of the fixing ring 31 should be aligned with a certain scale line of the rotating shaft, if it is aligned with a long scale line, as shown in the accompanying drawings, at this time the upper locking screw 41 is rotated into the corresponding fixed shaft screw hole 311 by using a tool, if it is aligned with a short scale line, the lower locking screw 41 should be rotated. Figure 6

[0057] Then, three reference test points are calibrated by using an acoustic beacon, the power supply is turned on, the positioning algorithm is run, and whether the array installation angle error meets the requirements is evaluated.

[0058] ​If the acoustic array 6 does not meet the installation error requirements, it is rotated 3 grid scales to the left and right respectively for testing until the installation error meets the requirements. This step can reduce the first step of the coarse installation angle error of the naked eye alignment of the acoustic array 6 coordinate axis axial direction and the ship heading.

[0059] Finally, the equipment is disassembled and installed on another ship.

[0060] The upper and lower end connecting bolt groups are disassembled in sequence, the connection between the lifting rod 5 and the acoustic array 6 is disconnected, and the socket between the watertight cable 7 and the acoustic array 6 is disassembled.

[0061] The upper flange plate 1 and the lower flange plate 2 are disassembled, and the main part of the rotating assembly 3 is kept stationary.

[0062] The upper flange plate 1 and the lower flange plate 2 corresponding to the installation hole of the other ship are replaced, and if the original flange plate has a matching installation hole flange, it can be directly used without replacement.

[0063] Then the installation of the acoustic array 6 of the new test ship is completed according to the foregoing steps.

[0064] The above uses specific examples to describe the present application, which is only used to help understand the present application and does not limit the present application. For those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs, according to the idea of the present application, a number of simple deductions, deformations or substitutions can be made.

Claims

1. An angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange, characterized in that, The utility model relates to an acoustic array rotating device, comprising: an upper flange (1) for connecting a lifting rod (5); a lower flange (2) for connecting an acoustic array (6); a rotating assembly (3) arranged between the upper flange (1) and the lower flange (2) for driving the lower flange (2) to rotate around an axis; a locking assembly (4) arranged on the rotating assembly (3) for locking the rotating assembly (3); the rotating assembly (3) comprises: a fixed ring (31) fixedly connected with the upper flange (1); a bearing (33) with the inner ring of the bearing (33) connected with the fixed ring (31); a rotating ring (32) gap-fitted with the outer ring of the bearing (33) and fixedly connected with the lower flange (2) at the bottom; the locking assembly (4) is arranged on the rotating ring (32) for locking the rotating ring (32).

2. The angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange of claim 1, wherein, The fixed ring (31) is provided with a plurality of layers of evenly arranged shaft fixing screw holes (311) on the circumference, the rotating ring (32) is provided with a positioning hole (321), and the locking assembly (4) extends into the shaft fixing screw hole (311) after passing through the positioning hole (321), so as to lock the rotating ring (32).

3. The angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange of claim 2, wherein, The shaft fixing screw hole (311) is provided with two layers of shaft fixing screw holes (311) staggered in angle, and the locking assembly (4) is provided with two groups corresponding to the two layers of shaft fixing screw holes (311).

4. An angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The locking assembly (4) comprises: a locking screw (41); a spring (42) sleeved on the locking screw (41), when the locking screw (41) is screwed into the shaft fixing screw hole (311), the spring (42) is in a compressed state.

5. The angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange of claim 1, wherein, The rotating ring (32) is provided with a scale on the outer surface.

6. The angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange of claim 1, wherein, The rotating assembly (3) further comprises a bearing cover (34) located below the bearing (33) and axially abutting against the outer ring of the bearing (33).

7. The angle adjustable acoustic array connection flange of claim 1, wherein, The fixed ring (31) is provided with a clamping groove (312), an elastic shaft retaining ring (35) is installed in the clamping groove (312), and the elastic shaft retaining ring (35) is used for axially positioning the bearing (33).

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