transducer

Abstract

For the purpose of providing a transducer (203) capable of improving assemblability, a plurality of transceiver units (1), each of the transceiver units (1) comprises a sound absorber (52, 53), a plurality of transducer elements (2) arranged on the sound absorber (52, 53) in an arcuate shape and with the transmitting and receiving surfaces facing outward in the arcuate radial direction, and a flexible substrate (3, 4) having a plurality of junctions (33, 43) connected to the first connection surfaces (22) of a pair of connection surfaces facing the arcuate axial direction of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

Description

TRANSDUCER

[0001] The present invention relates to a transducer and a sonar.

[0002] Patent literature 1 discloses a technique for connecting a tab bent outward from the surface of a printed circuit board to an element.

[0003] Patent literature 1: U.S. Patent No. 11280904

[0004] In a sonar (SONAR = Sound Navigation And Ranging), there is a scanning sonar which detects underwater objects by simultaneously emitting ultrasonic waves from a transceiver to its surroundings. In such transceiver, a large number of transducer elements are provided.

[0005] Conventionally, in the manufacture of the transceiver, it is necessary to solder lead wires to individual transducer elements, arrange the transducer elements, and then arrange the lead wires in a predetermined order, which is not easy to assemble.

[0006] A main objective of the present invention is to provide a transceiver and a sonar capable of improving assemblability.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a transducer, according to one aspect of the present invention, is provided with a plurality of transceiver units, each of the transceiver units includes a sound absorber, a plurality of transducer elements arranged in an arc shape on a sound absorber and having a transceiver surface facing outward in the radial direction of the arc shape, and a flexible substrate having a plurality of junctions connected to a first connection surface of a pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements facing in the axial direction of the arc shape. This makes it possible to improve assemblability.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the flexible substrate may further include a body and a plurality of arms provided with the plurality of junctions protruding radially outward in the arc shape from the body. This makes it possible to connect the plurality of junctions to the plurality of transducer elements via the plurality of arms.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the flexible substrate may further include a connector which is disposed in the body and having an insertion opening facing inward in the radial direction of the arc shape. This makes it possible to provide a connector whose insertion opening faces in the direction opposite to the transceiver surface of the transducer element.

[0010] In the above embodiment, each of the transceiver units may further include another flexible substrate having a plurality of junctions connected to the second connection surface of the pair of connection surfaces of the transducer element. This makes it possible to connect another flexible substrate to the second connection surface of the transducer element.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the sound absorber may contact the first connection surface or the second connection surface of the pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements. This makes it possible to exhibit sound absorbing performance while the sound absorber is in contact with the first connection surface or the second connection surface.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the sound absorber may be in contact the first connection surface of the plurality of transducer elements and the plurality of junctions of the flexible substrate, or with the second connection surface of the plurality of transducer elements and the plurality of junctions of the other flexible substrate.

[0013] In the above embodiment, each of the transceiver units may be disposed with respect to the sound absorber on a side opposite to the plurality of transducer elements, and further includes a holder for holding the sound absorber. This makes it possible to exhibit sound absorbing performance when the transmitting and receiving wave units are stacked on top of each other.

[0014] In the above embodiment, each of the transceiver units may be disposed with respect to the holder on a side opposite to the sound absorber, and further includes another sound absorber held by the holder. This makes it possible to enhance the rigidity of the transmitting and receiving wave unit.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the transceiver includes an annular set in which the plurality of the transceiver units are arranged in an annular shape. The plurality of the annular sets are axially stacked. This makes it possible to easily assemble an annular set with a plurality of the transmitting and receiving wave units.

[0016] In the above embodiment, a cylindrical set in which a plurality of annular sets (i.e., a plurality of toroidal sets) is axially laminated. Thus, the cylindrical set may be easily assembled by the plurality of annular sets.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the plurality of transducer elements of two adjacent annular sets (i.e., two adjacent toroidal sets) of the plurality of annular sets (i.e., plurality of toroidal sets) are alternately arranged.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the plurality of annular sets are stacked across spacers.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the plurality of transducer elements of two adjacent annular sets among the plurality of annular sets may be alternately arranged. Thus, the transducer elements may be alternately arranged.

[0020] In the above embodiment, the plurality of annular sets may be stacked with spacers between them. Thus, the axial positioning accuracy of the transducer elements may be improved.

[0021] In the above embodiment, each of the transceiver units (i.e. transmitting and receiving units) may further be provided with a connector disposed on the flexible substrate with an insertion opening facing radially inward. Thus, the wires connected to the connectors may be gathered inside the cylindrical set.

[0022] In the above embodiment, the connectors of the two adjacent annular sets across one annular set of the plurality of annular sets are axially arranged. Thus, the wires connected to the connectors may be arranged easily.

[0023] In the above embodiment, the arm of the flexible substrate may have a notch formed in the arm of the flexible substrate between a base root connected to the body and the junction. Thus, it may be possible to relax the stress caused by vibration of the transducer element.

[0024] In the above embodiment, the flexible substrate may include a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer, and a conductor pattern disposed between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, and the junction is formed with a cutout which penetrates the first insulating layer opposed to the first connecting surface of the transducer element and exposes a part of the conductor pattern, and a through-hole which penetrates the exposed portion of the conductor pattern and the second insulating layer. Thus, it is possible to improve the junction strength of the junction.

[0025] In the above embodiment, the junction of the flexible substrate may be connected to the center of the first connecting surface of the transducer element. Thus, since the junction is connected to a vibrating node of the transducer element, it is possible to reduce the variation in sound pressure characteristics.

[0026] In the above embodiment, a sonar including the transducer. The transducer is provided with a plurality of transceiver units, each of the transceiver units includes a sound absorber, a plurality of transducer elements arranged in an arc shape on a sound absorber and having a transceiver surface facing outward in the radial direction of the arc shape, and a flexible substrate having a plurality of junctions connected to a first connection surface of a pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements facing in the axial direction of the arc shape.

[0027] In addition, an underwater detection apparatus, according to another embodiment of the present invention, includes the transceiver according to the above embodiment. Thus, it is possible to realize an underwater detection apparatus including the transceiver with improved assemblability.

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve assemblability.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sonar according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a front view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a top view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a left side view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a right side view of the transmitting and receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 is a plan view of a flexible substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 is an enlarged view of a flexible substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 is a plan view of an annular set according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 is a perspective view of a cylindrical set according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 is a side view of a cylindrical set according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical set according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17 is a side view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and each of the drawings, elements that are the same as those described above with respect to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0031] Underwater Detector

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sonar (200), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sonar (200) includes a control unit (201), a transceiver (202), a transducer (203), a hull unit (204), a display (205), and an operation interface (206).

[0033] The control unit (201) is a computer including a CPU, RAM, ROM, nonvolatile memory, and an input / output interface.

[0034] The transceiver (202) includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission circuit generates a transmission signal and outputs it to the transducer (203). The reception circuit amplifies and A / D converts the echo signal from the transducer (203) and outputs it to the control unit (201).

[0035] The transducer (203) emits ultrasonic waves in water based on the transmission signal from the transceiver (202) and outputs an echo signal based on the reflected wave to the transceiver (202). The specific configuration of the transducer (203) is described later.

[0036] The sonar (200) is a scanning sonar that detects underwater objects by simultaneously emitting ultrasonic waves in some or all directions from the transducer (203).

[0037] The hull unit (204) moves the transducer (203) up and down. The hull unit (204) projects the transducer (203) downward from the bottom of a ship when the sonar (200) is in use, and stores the transducer (203) above the bottom of the ship when the sonar (200) is not in use.

[0038] Transmitting and Receiving Unit

[0039] A transceiver unit (1), which is a constituent unit of the transducer (203), is described below. The transducer (203) includes one or more transceiver units (1).

[0040] FIGS. 2 to 9 are perspective view, exploded perspective view, front view, top view, rear view, bottom view, left side view, and right side view of the transceiver unit (1), respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 to 12 are plan view, enlarged view, and cross-sectional view of a flexible board (3), respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In these views, the direction in which the insertion opening of the connector (35) faces is the forward direction.

[0041] Arrows R1 and R2 in the figures represent the radial direction of the arc. R1 is radially outside and R2 is radially inside. Arrows Z1 and Z2 represent the axial direction of the arc. Z1 is upward and Z2 is downward.

[0042] The transceiver unit (1) includes a plurality of transducer elements (2) arranged in an arc shape, a flexible substrate (3) (i.e., FPC) arranged on the plurality of transducer elements (2), and a flexible substrate (4) arranged under the plurality of transducer elements (2). The transceiver unit (1) also includes sound absorbers (52) and (53) and a holder (6) for holding them.

[0043] The plurality of transducer elements (2) are arranged in an arc shape on the sound absorber (52) so that the transceiver surface (21) faces radially outward R1. The plurality of transducer elements (2) are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the plurality of transducer elements (2) are relatively long in the radial directions R1 and R2 and relatively short in the axial directions Z1 and Z2. The plurality of transducer elements (2) are formed of a piezoelectric element.

[0044] The flexible substrates (3) and (4) are flexible printed circuit boards (hereinafter also referred to as "FPC"). In this embodiment, the FPC (3) is for signals and the FPC (4) is for grounding. The FPC (4) for grounding may be omitted if grounding is possible by other means.

[0045] In this embodiment, the FPC (3) is arranged on the transducer element (2) and the FPC (4) is arranged under the transducer element (2). On the contrary, the FPC (3) may be arranged under the transducer element (2) and the FPC (4) may be arranged on the transducer element (2).

[0046] The FPC (3) includes a plurality of junctions (33) connected to a upper surface (22) (i.e., top surface / first connection surface) of the transducer element (2). The upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) is an example of the first connection surface. More specifically, the FPC (3) has a body (31), a plurality of arms (32) projecting radially outward R1 from the body (31), and a plurality of junctions (33) provided on the plurality of arms (32).

[0047] The body (31) is formed in a belt-like arc or annular fan shape and is positioned radially inward R2 with respect to the transducer element (2). A connector (35) is disposed in the center of a lower surface (23) (i.e., bottom surface / second connection surface) of the body (31), and the insertion opening faces radially inward R2. The body (31) is formed with a plurality of insertion holes (3a) into which a spacer (7) described later is inserted.

[0048] The arm (32) projects radially outward R1 from the body (31) positioned radially inward R2 with respect to the transducer element (2), and is positioned on the upper surface (22) (i.e., top surface / first connection surface) of the transducer element (2). The junction (33) is provided at the tip of the arm (32).

[0049] The FPC (4) has the same configuration as the FPC (3). That is, the FPC (4) has a plurality of junctions (43) connected to the lower surface (23) of the transducer element (2). The lower surface (23) of the transducer element (2) is an example of the second connection surface.

[0050] More specifically, the FPC (4) has a body (41), a plurality of arms (42) projecting radially outward R1 from the body (41), and a plurality of junctions (43) provided on the plurality of arms (42). The shape of the FPC (3) and the shape of the FPC (4) have a relationship of plane symmetry.

[0051] A connector (45) is disposed at an end of the upper surface (22) of the body (41), and the insertion opening faces radially inward R2. The body (41) has a plurality of insertion holes (4a) into which the spacer (7) described later is inserted.

[0052] The sound absorbers (52, 53) and the holder (6) are formed in a belt-like arc or annular fan shape. The holder (6) extends radially inward R2 from the sound absorbers (52, 53). The sound absorbers (52, 53) are formed of a porous sound absorbing material such as, for example, urethane sponge, and the holder (6) is formed of a hard material such as, for example, stainless steel sheet.

[0053] The sound absorbers (52, 53) are stuck to the holder (6) so as to sandwich the holder (6). The sound absorber (52) is stuck to the upper surface (22) of the holder (6), and the sound absorber (53) is stuck to the lower surface (23) of the holder (6).

[0054] In other words, the holder (6) is disposed on the opposite side of the sound absorber (52) from the transducer element (2). The sound absorber (53) is disposed on the opposite side of the holder (6) from the sound absorber (52).

[0055] The sound absorber (52) is in contact with the lower surface (23) of the transducer element (2). The transducer element (2) is attached to the sound absorber (52). Specifically, since there is a junction (43) of the FPC (4) between the transducer element (2) and the sound absorber (52), the sound absorber (52) is in contact with both the lower surface (23) of the transducer element (2) and the junction (43) of the FPC (4).

[0056] The sound absorber (52) may be arranged so as to be in contact with the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2). At this time, the sound absorber (52) contacts both the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) and the junction (33) of the FPC (3).

[0057] In the holder (6), a plurality of insertion holes (6a) into which the spacer (7) described later is inserted are formed in the radially inner side R2 of the sound absorbers (52, 53). The insertion holes (3a, 4a, 6a) are formed so as to overlap in a plan view. The insertion holes (6a) are smaller than the insertion holes (3a, 4a).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11, the arm (32) of the FPC (3) has a serpentine shape. Specifically, the arm (32) includes a base root (321) connected to the main body (31) and extending radially outward R1, a side extension portion (322) extending laterally from the base root (321), and a connector (323) extending radially outward R1 from the side extension portion (322) (i.e., lateral extension portion) and connecting to the side portion of the junction (33).

[0059] In other words, a notch (32a) (i.e., a cutout) is formed in the arm (32) between the base root (321) and the junction (33). The notch (32a) (i.e., a cutout) may be formed at least partially on the extension of the base root (321), but is preferably formed so as to cross the centerline of the base root (321) and to extend the entire width of the base root (321).

[0060] By forming the arm (32) in this manner, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the transducer element (2) from being directly transmitted to the main body (31), and therefore, it is possible to alleviate the stress generated in the main body (31) and its periphery by the vibration of the transducer element (2).

[0061] The junction (33) of the FPC (3) is connected to the center of the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2). Since the center of the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) is the position where a vibrating node is located, it is possible to reduce the variation of the sound pressure characteristic by connecting the junction (33) to this position.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view a flexible substrate (3), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The FPC (3) includes a coverlay (37), a base material (38), and a conductor pattern (39) arranged between the coverlay (37) and the base material (38). The coverlay (37) is an example of a first insulating layer, and the base material (38) is an example of a second insulating layer.

[0063] The FPC (3) is arranged so that the coverlay (37) faces downward and faces the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2). A cutout (37a), which penetrates the coverlay (37) and exposes a part of the conductor pattern (39), and a through-hole (33a), which penetrates the exposed part of the conductor pattern (39) and the base material (38), are formed in the junction (33).

[0064] The junction (33) is joined to the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) using a conductive bonding material. Specifically, by pressing the junction (33) against the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) coated with a liquid conductive bonding material, the conductive bonding material enters the cutout (37a) of the coverlay (37) and contacts the conductor pattern (39).

[0065] At this time, since the surplus of the conductive bonding material is released from the through-hole (33a) to the outside, it is possible to suppress the surplus from spreading to the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2), and furthermore, the distance between the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) and the conductor pattern (39) is made uniform, so that variations in electrical characteristics may be suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, since the surplus released from the through-hole (33a) spreads and hardens on the base material 38 (i.e., substrate), the bonding strength of the junction (33) to the upper surface (22) of the transducer element (2) may be improved by the anchoring effect. In order to further improve the junction strength, a plurality of through-holes (33a) may be provided.

[0067] Annular Set

[0068] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an annular set (10) composed of a plurality of transceiver units (1) (i.e. transmitting and receiving units), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transducer (203) (as shown in FIG. 1) is provided with one or a plurality of annular sets (10), and is capable of emitting ultrasonic waves in all directions of 360 degrees.

[0069] In the annular set (10), a plurality of transceiver units (1) are annularly arranged, and the plurality of transducer elements (2) included therein are annularly arranged. In other words, the annular set (10) including the annularly arranged plurality of transducer elements (2) may be divided into a plurality of transceiver unit (1).

[0070] In this embodiment, the annular set (10) is composed of three transceiver unit (1), but it is not limited thereto, and may be composed of two or more transceiver units (1).

[0071] The annular set (10) is annularly formed as a whole, and has a circular hollow portion (S) in the center. The circular hollow portion (S) is used to accommodate lead wires connected to the connectors (35) and (45).

[0072] Thus, the annular set (10) may be divided into a plurality of transceiver units (1), so that assembly and wiring may be facilitated even if the outer diameter of the annular set (10) is small.

[0073] Cylindrical Set

[0074] FIGS. 14 - 16 are perspective view, side view, and cross-sectional view of a cylindrical set (100) comprising a plurality of annular sets (10), respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 17 and 18 are side view and cross-sectional view of a spacer (7), according to embodiment of the present invention. The transducer (203) (as shown in FIG. 1) includes a cylindrical set (100) and is used for scanning sonar.

[0075] In the cylindrical set (100), a plurality of annular sets (10) (i.e., a plurality of toroidal sets) are laminated in the axial directions Z1 and Z2 (In FIGS. 14 - 18, the axial directions Z1, Z2 are opposite to those in FIGS. 2 - 9 above.). The plurality of annular sets (10) are stacked with a spacer (7) between them.

[0076] The spacer (7) has an upper shaft portion (71) and a lower shaft portion (72) thinner than the upper shaft portion (71). An insertion hole (7a) into which the lower shaft portion (72) of the other spacer (7) is inserted is formed in the upper shaft portion (71). A screw groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower shaft portion (72).

[0077] The upper shaft portion (71) is inserted into the insertion holes (3a and 4a) (as shown in FIG. 13) of the FPCs (3) and (4). The lower shaft portion (72) is inserted into the insertion hole (6a) of the holder (6) and protrudes in the axial direction Z1. The lower shaft portion (72) protruding from the holder (6) is inserted into the insertion hole (7a) of the spacer (7) adjacent to the axial direction Z1.

[0078] The upper shaft portion (71) of the spacer (7) is sandwiched between two adjacent holders (6). That is, the distance between the holders (6) is secured by the upper shaft portion (71) of the spacer (7). The holder (6) is sandwiched between two adjacent upper shaft portions (71) of the spacer (7).

[0079] In the cylindrical set (100), the plurality of transducer elements (2) of two adjacent annular sets (10A) and (10B) are alternately arranged. Specifically, the plurality of transducer elements (2) of the odd-numbered annular set (10A) and the plurality of transducer elements (2) of the even-numbered annular set (10B) are circumferentially displaced and arranged in staggered shapes.

[0080] Two insertion holes (3a), (4a) and (6a) (Hereinafter, it is also referred to as “insertion hole (3a), etc.”) are formed in the transceiver unit (1), which are separated in the circumferential direction (as shown in FIG. 5). These insertion holes (3a) and the like have different circumferential positions relative to the plurality of transducer elements (2).

[0081] The annular sets (10A) and (10B) are laminated so that the insertion holes (3a) and the like on one side of the odd-numbered annular set (10A) and the insertion holes (3a) and the like on the other side of the even-numbered annular set (10B) are arranged in the axial directions Z1 and Z2.

[0082] The connectors (35) and (45) of the odd-numbered annular set (10A) are arranged in the axial directions Z1 and Z2, and the connectors (35) and (45) of the even-numbered annular set (10B) are also arranged in the axial directions Z1 and Z2. Thus, wiring may be facilitated.

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment, since the plurality of transducer elements (2) may be connected simultaneously by using the FPCs (3) and (4) instead of the lead wires, the man-hour for connection may be reduced. Moreover, the man-hour for assembly may be reduced by combining the plurality of transceiver units (1). Furthermore, the number of phase checks may be reduced.

[0084] Although the above-described embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is of course possible for a person skilled in the art to make various changes.

[0085] Representative embodiments of the present invention is listed below.

[0086] (1) A transducer (203) including a plurality of transceiver units (1), each of the transceiver units (1) comprises a sound absorber (52, 53), a plurality of transducer elements (2) arranged in an arc shape on the sound absorber (52, 53) and having a transceiver surface (21) facing outward in the radial direction of the arc shape, and a flexible substrate (3, 4) having a plurality of junctions (33, 43) connected to a first connection surface (22) of a pair of connection surfaces facing the axial direction of the arc shape of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

[0087] (2) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein the flexible substrate (3) includes a body (31) and a plurality of arms (32) provided with the plurality of junctions (33) protruding radially outward in the arc shape.

[0088] (3) The transducer (203) according to (2), wherein the flexible substrate (3) further includes a connector (35) disposed on the body (31) and having an insertion opening facing inward in the radial direction of the arc shape.

[0089] (4) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein each of the transceiver units (1) further includes another flexible substrate (4) having a plurality of junctions (43) connected to a second connection surface (23) of the pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

[0090] (5) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein the sound absorber (52, 53) is in contact with the first connection surface (22) or the second connection surface (23) of the pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

[0091] (6) The transducer (203) according to (4), wherein the sound absorber (52, 53) is in contact with the first connection surface (22) of the plurality of transducer elements (2) and the plurality of junctions (33) of the flexible substrate (3), or with the second connection surface (23) of the plurality of transducer elements (2) and the plurality of junctions (43) of the other flexible substrate (4).

[0092] (7) The transducer (203) according to (6), wherein each of the transceiver units (1) is disposed with respect to the sound absorber (52, 53) on a side opposite to the plurality of transducer elements (2), and further includes a holder (6) for holding the sound absorber (52, 53).

[0093] (8) The transducer (203) according to (7), wherein each of the transceiver units (1) is disposed with respect to the holder (6) on a side opposite to the sound absorber (52), and further includes another sound absorber (53) held by the holder (6).

[0094] (9) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein the transceiver (202) includes an annular set (10) in which the plurality of the transceiver units (1) are arranged in an annular shape. The plurality of the annular sets (10) are axially stacked.

[0095] (10) The transducer (203) according to (9), wherein the plurality of transducer elements (2) of two adjacent annular sets (10) of the plurality of annular sets (10) are alternately arranged, and wherein the plurality of annular sets (10) are stacked across spacers (7).

[0096] (11) The transducer according to (10), wherein each of the transceiver units (1) further includes a connector (35, 45, 323) disposed on the flexible substrate (3, 4) with an insertion opening facing radially inward. The connectors (35, 45, 323) of the two adjacent annular sets (10) across one annular set (10) of the plurality of annular sets (10) are axially arranged.

[0097] (12) The transducer according to (2), wherein a notch (32a) is formed in the arm (32) of the flexible substrate (3) between a base root (321) connected to the body (31) and the junction (33).

[0098] (13) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein the flexible substrate (3) includes a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer, and a conductor pattern (39) disposed between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, wherein the junction (33) is formed with a cutout (32a) penetrating the first insulating layer opposed to the first connecting surface of the transducer element (2) and exposing a part of the conductor pattern (39), and a through-hole (33a) penetrating the exposed portion of the conductor pattern (39) and the second insulating layer.

[0099] (14) The transducer (203) according to (1), wherein the junction (33) of the flexible substrate (3) is connected to the center of the first connecting surface of the transducer element (2).

[0100] (15) A sonar (200) includes the transducer (203) according to (1).Terminology

[0101] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain embodiments may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0102] All of the processes described herein may be embodied in, and fully automated via, software code modules executed by a computing system that includes one or more computers or processors. The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all the methods may be embodied in specialized computer hardware.

[0103] Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and / or computing systems that can function together.

[0104] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor. A processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0105] Conditional language such as, among others, "can", "could", "might" or "may" unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0106] Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z" unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0107] Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and / or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0108] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C. The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0109] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to" the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least" the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to" etc.).

[0110] For expository purposes, the term "horizontal" as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the floor of the area in which the system being described is used or the method being described is performed, regardless of its orientation. The term "floor" can be interchanged with the term "ground" or "water surface." The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms such as "above", "below", "bottom", "top", "side", "higher", "lower", "upper", "over" and "under" are defined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0111] As used herein, the terms "attached", "connected", "mated" and other such relational terms should be construed, unless otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable, and / or releasable connections or attachments. The connections / attachments can include direct connections and / or connections having intermediate structure between the two components discussed.

[0112] Numbers preceded by a term such as "approximately", "about" and "substantially" as used herein include the recited numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about" and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term such as "approximately", "about" and "substantially" as used herein represent the feature with some variability that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.

[0113] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.List of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1: Transceiver Unit / Transmitting and Receiving Unit, 2: Plurality of Transducer Elements, 3: Flexible Substrate (FPC), 3a: Insertion Hole, 4: Flexible Substrate (FPC), 4a: Insertion Hole, 6: Holder, 6a: Insertion Hole, 7: Spacer, 7a: Insertion Hole, 10, 10A, 10B: Annular Set, 21: Transceiver Surface, 22: Upper Surface / Top Surface (First Connection Surface), 23: Lower Surface / Bottom Surface (Second Connection Surface), 31: Body, 32: Arm, 32a: Cutout / Notch, 33: Junction, 33a: Through-Hole, 35: Connector, 37: Coverlay, 37a: Cutout, 38: Base Material, 39: Conductor Pattern, 41: Body, 42: Arm, 43: Junction, 45: Connector, 52, 53: Sound Absorber, 71: Upper Shaft Portion, 72: Lower Shaft Portion, 100: Cylindrical Set, 200: Sonar, 201: Control Unit, 202: Transceiver, 203: Transducer, 204: Hull Unit, 205: Display, 206: Operation Interface, 321: Base Root, 322: Side Extension Portion, 323: Connector

Claims

1. A transducer (203) comprising: a plurality of transceiver units (1), each of the transceiver units (1) comprises: a sound absorber (52, 53), a plurality of transducer elements (2) arranged in an arc shape on the sound absorber (52, 53) and having a transceiver surface (21) facing outward in the radial direction of the arc shape, and a flexible substrate (3, 4) having a plurality of junctions (33, 43) connected to a first connection surface (22) of a pair of connection surfaces facing the axial direction of the arc shape of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

2. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate (3) comprises: a body (31); and a plurality of arms (32) provided with the plurality of junctions (33) protruding radially outward in the arc shape.

3. The transducer (203) according to claim 2, wherein the flexible substrate (3) further comprises a connector (35) disposed on the body (31) and having an insertion opening facing inward in the radial direction of the arc shape.

4. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein each of the transceiver units (1) further comprises another flexible substrate (4) having a plurality of junctions (43) connected to a second connection surface (23) of the pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

5. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein the sound absorber (52, 53) is in contact with the first connection surface (22) or the second connection surface (23) of the pair of connection surfaces of the plurality of transducer elements (2).

6. The transducer (203) according to claim 4, wherein the sound absorber (52, 53) is in contact with the first connection surface (22) of the plurality of transducer elements (2) and the plurality of junctions (33) of the flexible substrate (3), or with the second connection surface (23) of the plurality of transducer elements (2) and the plurality of junctions (43) of the other flexible substrate (4).

7. The transducer (203) according to claim 6, wherein each of the transceiver units (1) is disposed with respect to the sound absorber (52, 53) on a side opposite to the plurality of transducer elements (2), and further comprises a holder (6) for holding the sound absorber (52, 53).

8. The transducer (203) according to claim 7, wherein each of the transceiver units (1) is disposed with respect to the holder (6) on a side opposite to the sound absorber (52), and further comprises another sound absorber (53) held by the holder (6).

9. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver (202) comprises an annular set (10) in which the plurality of the transceiver units (1) are arranged in an annular shape, wherein the plurality of the annular sets (10) are axially stacked.

10. The transducer (203) according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of transducer elements (2) of two adjacent annular sets of the plurality of annular sets (10) are alternately arranged, wherein the plurality of annular sets (10) are stacked across spacers (7).

11. The transducer according to claim 10, wherein each of the transceiver units (1) further comprises a connector (35, 45, 323) disposed on the flexible substrate (3, 4) with an insertion opening facing radially inward, wherein the connectors (35, 45, 323) of the two adjacent annular sets across one annular set (10) of the plurality of annular sets (10) are axially arranged.

12. The transducer according to claim 2, wherein a notch (32a) is formed in the arm (32) of the flexible substrate (3) between a base root (321) connected to the body (31) and the junction (33).

13. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate (3) comprises: a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer, and a conductor pattern (39) disposed between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, wherein the junction (33) is formed with a cutout (32a) penetrating the first insulating layer opposed to the first connecting surface of the transducer element (2) and exposing a part of the conductor pattern (39), and a through-hole (33a) penetrating the exposed portion of the conductor pattern (39) and the second insulating layer.

14. The transducer (203) according to claim 1, wherein the junction (33) of the flexible substrate (3) is connected to the center of the first connecting surface of the transducer element (2).

15. A sonar (200) comprising the transducer (203) according to claim 1.

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