Piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor and underwater communication device thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of sensors, in particular to a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor and an underwater communication device thereof, which comprise a shell, the interior of the shell is of a hollow structure, one end of the shell is provided with a thickening layer, one end of the shell far away from the thickening layer is provided with a waterproof layer, an accommodating bin is arranged in the shell, and a sensing unit is arranged in the accommodating bin. One end of the sensing unit is connected with a circuit board, one end of the circuit board is connected with the sensing unit, the other end of the circuit board is connected with one end, facing the sensing unit, of the waterproof layer, one end, away from the sensing unit, of the circuit board is provided with a coaxial shielding wire, and one end, not connected with the circuit board, of the coaxial shielding wire penetrates through the waterproof layer. The waterproof layer is arranged at one end far away from the thickening layer, the sealing performance of the whole sensor packaging can be improved through the waterproof layer, moisture permeation is effectively prevented, the sensitive element and the circuit board of the sensor are placed in the sensor, the sensitive element and the circuit board can be protected by the waterproof layer, and the service life of the device is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor and its underwater communication device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the increase in the number of private swimming pools has brought people a higher quality of life, but it has also brought maintenance challenges, especially when the pool has not been used for a long time, the cleaning difficulty increases significantly. Due to the low water flow at the bottom of the pool, dirt, sediment, and algae easily accumulate, making cleaning more difficult. Traditional cleaning methods usually require manual diving or the use of manual cleaning tools, which is not only time-consuming and laborious, but may also fail to thoroughly remove the dirt from the bottom. Now, cleaning equipment capable of underwater operation has been introduced. These devices can communicate via underwater communication devices, thus replacing manual entry into the pool bottom to complete the cleaning work. Sensors are the core component in this communication process. Sensors are generally composed of related electronic components and a housing. However, because the sensors are immersed in water for extended periods during pool cleaning, existing sensor housings have gaps in their assembly and lack a waterproof structure, allowing water to easily enter and damage the internal electronic components. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that existing sensors have gaps in their assembly, which can lead to water ingress and damage to electronic components if immersed in water for a long time. This invention provides a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor and its underwater communication device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor includes a housing.

[0006] The outer shell has a hollow structure inside;

[0007] One end of the outer shell is provided with a thickened layer, and the other end of the outer shell away from the thickened layer is provided with a waterproof layer, with the outer wall of the waterproof layer adhering to the inner wall of the outer shell;

[0008] The outer shell has a receiving compartment, and the receiving compartment contains a sensitive unit;

[0009] One end of the sensitive unit is connected to a circuit board, one end of the circuit board is connected to the sensitive unit, and the other end is connected to the end of the waterproof layer facing the sensitive unit.

[0010] The circuit board has a coaxial shielding line at the end away from the sensitive unit, and the end of the coaxial shielding line that is not connected to the circuit board passes through the waterproof layer.

[0011] This utility model relates to a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor. The application features a thickened layer at one end of the outer shell and a waterproof layer at the end furthest from the thickened layer. The waterproof layer improves the overall sealing of the sensor enclosure, effectively preventing moisture infiltration. The sensor's sensitive element and circuit board are placed inside the sensor, allowing them to be protected by the waterproof layer and extending the device's lifespan. The thickened outer shell design enhances structural strength, enabling it to withstand greater external water pressure or physical impacts, making it suitable for complex and extreme underwater operating environments.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a wave-absorbing layer is provided between the receiving chamber and the outer shell.

[0013] By setting an absorbing layer between the housing and the outer shell, the lateral vibration generated by the sensor during operation can be absorbed, thus preventing the vibration from affecting the sensor's signal transmission.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the thickened layer has a hemispherical structure.

[0015] The hemispherical structure can distribute sound wave energy more evenly, expand the radiation range of sound waves, thereby enhancing the sensor's coverage of the underwater environment and improving the efficiency and quality of signal transmission.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the sensitive unit includes a piezoelectric ceramic sheet, which is connected to the circuit board; the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is connected to the bottom of the receiving chamber through an acoustic impedance layer.

[0017] By setting an acoustic impedance layer between the piezoelectric ceramic sheet and the bottom of the container, the impact of vibration on the piezoelectric ceramic sheet can be reduced, noise interference can be reduced, and the quality of signal output can be guaranteed.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is 5-30mm, and the thickness of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet is 0.2-10mm.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the thickness of the acoustic impedance layer is proportional to the wavelength of the internal sound wave at the operating frequency of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor, and includes:

[0020]

[0021] In the formula: D1 is the thickness of the acoustic resist layer; λ is the wavelength of the internal sound wave at the operating frequency of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor.

[0022] The thickness of the acoustic barrier layer helps to filter out noise signals of other frequencies, enabling better transmission of ultrasonic energy transmitted by the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a backing damping layer is provided at the end of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet away from the acoustic impedance layer.

[0024] The backing damping layer can absorb the energy of the back acoustic waves passing through the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, reducing the phenomenon of acoustic waves being reflected back to the ceramic sheet, thereby reducing signal interference and improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a chip protection layer is provided at the end of the backing damping layer away from the piezoelectric ceramic sheet.

[0026] A chip protective layer provides physical protection for the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, preventing mechanical shocks, vibrations, and other physical damage from the external environment from affecting the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, thereby improving the durability and reliability of the sensor.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the acoustic impedance of the outer shell is 2Mrayl-7Mrayl; the acoustic impedance of the acoustic barrier layer is 10Mrayl-13Mrayl; and the acoustic impedance of the backing damping layer is 2Mrayl-10Mrayl.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the relationship between the acoustic impedance of the outer shell, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic resistive layer, and the acoustic impedance of the backing damping layer includes:

[0029]

[0030] In the formula: Z1 is the acoustic impedance of the acoustic barrier layer; Z2 is the acoustic impedance of the outer shell; Z l The acoustic impedance of the ambient medium.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the outer shell is provided with an annular boss at one end near the thickened layer, and a sealing ring is provided at the end of the annular boss facing the waterproof layer.

[0032] By setting an annular boss and a sealing ring on the annular boss, the stability and sealing of the sensor can be improved when it is installed on other equipment. At the same time, since the sensor needs to be used underwater for a long time, the sealing ring can effectively prevent water from entering the sensor or the equipment carrying the sensor, thus improving its service life.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the outer wall of the outer shell is provided with a threaded portion, the threaded portion is located between the sealing ring and the end of the outer shell without the thickened layer, and the threaded portion is detachably connected to a locking member.

[0034] The threaded portion and locking element improve the connection stability of the sensor in this application when it is installed in conjunction with other devices.

[0035] In a second aspect, an underwater communication device includes a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor as described above, which interacts with a signal transducer located on the water surface.

[0036] This utility model is an underwater communication device. By mounting the above-mentioned piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor in the underwater communication device, the high water resistance of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor in this application ensures that the device can operate stably underwater for a long time without being affected by environmental changes, thereby improving the working efficiency and adaptability of the communication device.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, it also includes an ultrasonic communication module, which includes at least one transceiver module. The transceiver module converts electrical signals into ultrasonic signals for external transmission, receives ultrasonic signals reflected back from the target object, and converts the ultrasonic signals back into electrical signals for output.

[0038] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0039] 1. This utility model is a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor. This application provides a thickened layer at one end of the shell and a waterproof layer at the end away from the thickened layer. The waterproof layer can improve the sealing of the entire sensor package and effectively prevent water from seeping in. The sensor's sensitive element and circuit board are placed inside the sensor, so that the sensitive element and circuit board are protected by the waterproof layer, which improves the service life of the equipment. The design of the thickened shell layer improves the structural strength and can withstand greater external water pressure or physical impact, making it suitable for complex and extreme underwater operating environments.

[0040] 2. This utility model is an underwater communication device. By mounting the above-mentioned piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor in the underwater communication device, the high water resistance of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor in this application ensures that the device can operate stably underwater for a long time without being affected by environmental changes, thereby improving the working efficiency and adaptability of the communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the housing of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic communication module of this utility model for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0044] Icons: 1-Outer shell; 11-Thickened layer; 12-Waterproof layer; 13-Containing compartment; 14-Wave absorption layer; 2-Ultrasonic communication module; 3-Sensitive unit; 31-Piezoelectric ceramic sheet; 32-Acoustic resistive layer; 33-Backing damping layer; 34-Chip protective layer; 4-Circuit board; 5-Coaxial shielded cable; 6-Annular boss; 7-Sealing ring; 8-Threaded part; 9-Locking part. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationship of the product / equipment / device during its usual use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, and for enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution. They do not indicate or imply that a particular device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0047] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.

[0049] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0050] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] like Figure 1 The piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor shown includes a housing 1 for protecting an internal sensing unit 3, and a housing 13 inside the housing 1 for mounting the sensing unit 3. One end of the housing 1 has a thickened layer 11, which strengthens the structural strength of the housing 1 when the sensor is submerged in water for extended periods, allowing it to withstand greater water pressure and impact. The end of the housing 1 away from the thickened layer 11 is filled with a waterproof layer 12, and the housing 13 is located between the waterproof layer 12 and the thickened layer 11. The waterproof layer 12 keeps the housing sealed, preventing water leakage when the sensor is submerged for extended periods.

[0053] Furthermore, a circuit board 4 is provided at one end of the sensitive unit 3. The end of the circuit board 4 away from the sensitive unit 3 is connected to the waterproof layer 12, and the circuit board 4 is located at the end of the waterproof layer 12 facing the sensitive unit 3. A coaxial shielding line 5 is provided at the end of the circuit board 4 facing the sensitive unit 3. The end of the coaxial shielding line 5 that is not connected to the circuit board 4 passes through the waterproof layer 12. In this way, the connection between the sensor and other devices is ensured, and the circuit board 4 and components such as the sensitive unit 3 are not damaged by water seepage.

[0054] Furthermore, the hemispherical design of the thickened layer 11 can increase the angular range of ultrasonic wave transmission underwater, thereby achieving wide-area signal transmission and reception functions.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, a wave-absorbing layer 14 is provided between the outer wall of the housing 13 and the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The wave-absorbing layer 14 is used to absorb the lateral vibration generated by the sensor during operation, so as to avoid the sensor's signal transmission being affected by the lateral vibration.

[0056] Furthermore, the absorbing layer 14 is filled with noise-reducing materials, such as expanding foam, foam, cork, etc. Figure 1 As shown.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the sensing unit 3 includes a piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31, which is connected to the circuit board 4. The piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 is connected to the bottom of the receiving chamber 13 via an acoustic resistive layer 32. A backing damping layer 33 is provided at the end of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 away from the acoustic resistive layer 32, and a chip protection layer 34 is provided at the end of the backing damping layer 33 away from the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31. Through the combined design of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31, the acoustic resistive layer 32, the backing damping layer 33, and the chip protection layer 34, the performance, stability, and durability of the sensor can be effectively improved, reducing interference and influence of the external environment on the sensor signal. Simultaneously, the service life of the device is extended, ensuring continuous and efficient operation of the device in complex working environments. Figure 1 As shown.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 is 5-30 mm, and the thickness of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 is 0.2-10 mm.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the acoustic resist layer 32 is:

[0060]

[0061] In the formula: D1 is the thickness of the acoustic resist layer; λ is the wavelength of the internal sound wave at the operating frequency of the piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the acoustic impedance of the outer shell 1 is 2Mrayl-7Mrayl; the acoustic impedance of the acoustic barrier layer 32 is 10Mrayl-13Mrayl; and the acoustic impedance of the backing damping layer 33 is 2Mrayl-10Mrayl.

[0063] Furthermore, the relationship between the acoustic impedance of the outer shell 1, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic impedance layer 32, and the acoustic impedance of the backing damping layer 33 includes:

[0064]

[0065] In the formula: Z1 is the acoustic impedance of the acoustic barrier layer; Z2 is the acoustic impedance of the outer shell; Z l The acoustic impedance of the ambient medium.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, an annular protrusion 6 is provided at one end of the outer casing 1 near the thickened layer 11. The annular protrusion 6 is circumferentially arranged on the outer wall of the outer casing 1. A sealing ring 7 is provided at the end of the annular protrusion 6 facing the waterproof layer 12. By providing the annular protrusion 6 and the sealing ring 7 on it, the stability and sealing of the sensor can be improved when it is installed on other devices. Furthermore, since this sensor needs to be used underwater for extended periods, the sealing ring 7 effectively prevents water from entering the sensor or the device housing it, thus improving its service life. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the outer wall of the housing 1 is provided with a threaded portion 8, which is located between the sealing ring 7 and the end of the housing 1 without the thickened layer 11. The threaded portion 8 is detachably connected to a locking member 9. Through the threaded portion 8 and the locking member 9, the connection stability of the sensor in this application is improved when it is installed in conjunction with other devices. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 is an all-electrode silver sheet, and the positive electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet 31 is located on one side and the negative electrode is located on the other side.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] An underwater communication device includes a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor as described above, which interacts with a signal transducer located on the water surface.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, an ultrasonic communication module 2 is further included. The ultrasonic communication module 2 includes at least one transceiver module, which converts electrical signals into ultrasonic signals for external transmission, receives ultrasonic signals reflected back from a target object, and converts these signals back into electrical signals for output. Figure 3 As shown.

[0072] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor, characterized in that, Including the outer shell (1), The outer shell (1) has a hollow structure inside; The outer shell (1) has a thickened layer (11) at one end, and a waterproof layer (12) is provided at the end of the outer shell (1) away from the thickened layer (11). The outer wall of the waterproof layer (12) is attached to the inner wall of the outer shell (1). The outer shell (1) is provided with a receiving compartment (13), and the receiving compartment (13) is provided with a sensitive unit (3); One end of the sensitive unit (3) is connected to a circuit board (4), one end of the circuit board (4) is connected to the sensitive unit (3), and the other end is connected to the end of the waterproof layer (12) facing the sensitive unit (3); The circuit board (4) has a coaxial shielding line (5) at one end away from the sensitive unit (3), and the end of the coaxial shielding line (5) that is not connected to the circuit board (4) passes through the waterproof layer (12).

2. The piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wave-absorbing layer (14) is provided between the container (13) and the outer shell (1).

3. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensitive unit (3) includes a piezoelectric ceramic sheet (31), which is connected to the circuit board (4); the piezoelectric ceramic sheet (31) is connected to the bottom of the receiving chamber (13) through an acoustic resist layer (32).

4. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The piezoelectric ceramic sheet (31) has a backing damping layer (33) at the end away from the acoustic resist layer (32).

5. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The backing damping layer (33) has a chip protection layer (34) at the end away from the piezoelectric ceramic sheet (31).

6. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The acoustic impedance of the outer shell (1) is 2Mrayl-7Mrayl; the acoustic impedance of the acoustic layer (32) is 10Mrayl-13Mrayl; and the acoustic impedance of the backing damping layer (33) is 2Mrayl-10Mrayl.

7. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) has an annular boss (6) at one end near the thickened layer (11), and a sealing ring (7) is provided at one end of the annular boss (6) facing the waterproof layer (12).

8. A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer shell (1) is provided with a threaded part (8), which is located between the sealing ring (7) and the end of the outer shell (1) where the thickened layer (11) is not provided. The threaded part (8) is detachably connected to a locking member (9).

9. An underwater communication device, characterized in that, Including a piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. An underwater communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes an ultrasonic communication module (2), which includes at least one transceiver module. The transceiver module converts electrical signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits them outward, receives ultrasonic signals reflected back from the target object, and converts the signals back into electrical signals for output.

Images