EP1249827A1 - Acoustic column and cylindrical antenna for passive sonar device using such a column - Google Patents

Acoustic column and cylindrical antenna for passive sonar device using such a column Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1249827A1
EP1249827A1 EP02290854A EP02290854A EP1249827A1 EP 1249827 A1 EP1249827 A1 EP 1249827A1 EP 02290854 A EP02290854 A EP 02290854A EP 02290854 A EP02290854 A EP 02290854A EP 1249827 A1 EP1249827 A1 EP 1249827A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
column
acoustic
antenna
reflective layer
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Granted
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EP02290854A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1249827B1 (en
Inventor
Pascal Thales Intellectual Property Bocquillon
Eric Thales Intellectual Property Sernit
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Thales SA
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Thales SA
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/20—Reflecting arrangements
    • G10K11/205—Reflecting arrangements for underwater use
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/39—Arrangements of sonic watch equipment, e.g. low-frequency, sonar
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device
    • G10K11/006—Transducer mounting in underwater equipment, e.g. sonobuoys

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cylindrical antennas which are used as omnidirectional acoustic receivers in passive sonars, placed in particular on the hull of submarines.
  • each column has the form of a module elongated parallelepiped with an electrical outlet at one of its ends.
  • these modules are fixed so juxtaposed by being pressed against the carrier cylinder which is sometimes called "barrel".
  • each receiving column is formed of a set of hydrophones superimposed on the height of the column and drowned in a set of layers superimposed on the thickness of the column. These layers have acoustic characteristics intended to improve the functioning of the antenna.
  • Each column is wrapped in a layer of neoprene which provides sealing against seawater.
  • Figure 1 a longitudinal section of a example of such a column according to known art.
  • first layer 101 of polyurethane with a hardness greater than 70 Shores A which helps resist external aggressions.
  • a steel plate 103 which constitutes a hard reflector for waves acoustic.
  • a thick absorbent layer 104 consisting for example of a syntactic material such as polyurethane loaded with microballoons filled with air, or with a rubber-cork, forms a masking screen for the assembly.
  • the two varieties of polyurethane constituting layers 101 and 102 present a product ⁇ C close to that of sea water.
  • a 100 neoprene skin wraps the back of the set, waterproofing on the front face consisting of the first layer 101, which is welded on its periphery to this skin (or envelope) of neoprene.
  • each column on the barrel, we use for example two supports 105 in the form of rails which hold the column by its ends, without touching the rear face of the envelope in neoprene.
  • the invention proposes a acoustic column, especially for cylindrical sonar antenna passive, of the type comprising at least one outer layer of protection, an intermediate layer provided with a set hydrophones, a hard reflective layer, an absorbent layer and a protective envelope, mainly characterized in that that this column is formed of a first part comprising at minus the protective layer and the intermediate layer, and second part comprising at least the absorbent layer; these two parts being joined together by fixing means, allowing them to be assembled and fixed securely to the structure of the antenna, and the surrounding protective envelope only the first part.
  • the hard reflective layer is included in the first part.
  • the fixing means include at least 2 rods fixed perpendicular to the hard reflective layer to pass through it, and at least two brackets for fixing the first and second together part, and on the other side fix the column on the antenna structure.
  • the two brackets are fixed on the rods so as to fold back towards the front of the column to finish with legs protruding outside the column at level of its front face to allow fixing from the front.
  • the hard reflective layer is included in the second part and the fixing means include two upper and lower angles fixed on the ends of the hard reflective layer, which surround the layer absorbent and are terminated by legs which allow to fix the column on the antenna structure.
  • the hard reflective layer is integrated in the second part and it has edges extending outward from this layer to form a cavity intended to receive the absorbent layer, and this layer hard reflector extends at the top and bottom of the acoustic column beyond the level of the outer protective layer and the intermediate layer; the extensions of this hard reflective layer having holes for inserting rods forming part of means for fixing the column to the structure of the antenna.
  • the invention further provides an acoustic antenna cylindrical for passive sonar, mainly characterized in that that it includes a set of acoustic columns such as defined above, and in that it further comprises at least two upper and lower crowns fixed on a barrel by spacers, and shock absorbing pads for fixing the columns on the crowns by means of fixing these columns elastically.
  • the invention therefore consists in making each column in two separable parts which can then be assembled to be mounted on two crowns connected to the pedestal of the submarine by means of mechanical decoupling.
  • each column is manufactured in two parts, 200 and 201.
  • the first part 200 is formed by the three layers 101, 102 and 103, with the hydrophones 110 embedded in the intermediate layer 102. This structure is identical to that comprising the same elements in figure 1.
  • the protective neoprene shell 202 is vulcanized on this first part, so as to cover the back of the metal plate 103 instead of the layer compressible 104.
  • This neoprene envelope then closes, as in the prior art, at the resistant layer 101.
  • the second part of the column is formed by the single absorbent layer 204, of dimensions identical to those of the layer 104, but made of a material capable of being soaked in water without asking for special protection. From materials mentioned above, the one that will be preferred is the foam syntactic in polyurethane.
  • the hard metallic reflective layer 103 is provided with rods 105, two in this embodiment, which are fixed, by welding for example, perpendicular to this layer and protruding outward from it.
  • the length of these rods is substantially equal to the thickness of layer 204.
  • the tightness at the level of the passage of these rods in the neoprene skin 202 is obtained from intrinsically, following the realization of this envelope by vulcanization on the sandwich formed by layers 101 to 103.
  • This manufacturing method not only makes it possible to fix solidly the column on the barrel, but still able to replace if necessary layer 204, which is the most fragile part of the device.
  • a pillar 310 corresponding to the bole described previously, two crowns are fixed using spacers 301 upper and lower, of which only the upper crown 300 is shown in the figure.
  • the squares 210 of the columns 200/201 are then fixed on the crowns 300 by means of studs shock absorbers 320 positioned in the necessary locations, generally equidistant, on crowns 300.
  • the fixing the brackets to the studs will preferably be done using screws 302, so as to facilitate the subsequent dismantling of the columns, to repair for example.
  • the layer 204 is free to compress under the effect of hydrostatic pressure, without this influences the attachment of the entire column to the pillar 310, and without there being a loss of tightness of the part 200 comprising sensitive organs likely to be affected by infiltration of water.
  • a first variant represented in FIG. 5, consists in replace the squares 210 by squares 510, returned by compared to the realization of Figure 2 to come to extend, not towards the rear of the device but towards the front of it, and fold back the outside of the column, at the outside of the layer 101, in the form of two legs 60 which allow a fixing of the column from the front for specific assemblies.
  • the first part 500 is formed only of layers 101 and 102 comprising hydrophones 110, and neoprene skin, which then comes to bear on the rear face of the layer 102.
  • the second part is formed by the metal plate 103 on which the absorbent layer 104 is fixed, for example by bonding, using a relatively weak adhesive which allows just the maintenance of this layer, which is not subjected to special efforts, and authorizes a possible disassembly for repair by simple traction on this layer.
  • the dimensions of the plate 103 are slightly larger than those of the first part 500, so that overflowing at the top and bottom of it. We can thus spare in the ends of this plate, which protrude from part 500, holes through which 700 rods will be passed to fix the column on the epontille. These rods will for example be threaded with so as to facilitate fixing with nuts.
  • the invention is not limited to the preceding description, which does not includes layers 101 to 204. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the number of these layers could be increased, by particular by using adaptation layers at the first part comprising the hydrophones, and layers additional depreciation at the level of the second part.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

The acoustic column has an outer protection layer (101) with an intermediate layer (102) having a hydrophone assembly (110). There is a hard reflection layer (103), an absorbing layer (204) and a protection envelope (202). The column is formed from a protection layer (200), the intermediate layer and the absorbing layer which are fixed together (205) and fixed solidly in the antenna structure and protection envelope, surrounding only the absorbing layer.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte aux antennes cylindriques qui sont utilisées comme récepteurs acoustiques omnidirectionnels dans les sonars passifs, placés notamment sur la coque des sous-marins.The present invention relates to cylindrical antennas which are used as omnidirectional acoustic receivers in passive sonars, placed in particular on the hull of submarines.

On sait qu'une telle antenne cylindrique de sonar est formée d'un ensemble de colonnes d'hydrophones fixées sur les génératrices d'un cylindre porteur. Chaque colonne a la forme d'un module parallélépipédique allongé muni d'une sortie électrique à l'une de ses extrémités. De manière connue, ces modules sont fixés de manière juxtaposée en étant appuyés contre le cylindre porteur qui est quelquefois appelé "fût".We know that such a cylindrical sonar antenna is formed a set of hydrophone columns fixed on the generators of a carrier cylinder. Each column has the form of a module elongated parallelepiped with an electrical outlet at one of its ends. In known manner, these modules are fixed so juxtaposed by being pressed against the carrier cylinder which is sometimes called "barrel".

Actuellement, chaque colonne réceptrice est formée d'un ensemble d'hydrophones superposés sur la hauteur de la colonne et noyés dans un ensemble de couches superposées sur l'épaisseur de la colonne. Ces couches présentent des caractéristiques acoustiques distinctes destinées à améliorer le fonctionnement de l'antenne. Chaque colonne est enveloppée d'une couche de néoprène qui permet d'obtenir l'étanchéité à l'eau de mer.Currently, each receiving column is formed of a set of hydrophones superimposed on the height of the column and drowned in a set of layers superimposed on the thickness of the column. These layers have acoustic characteristics intended to improve the functioning of the antenna. Each column is wrapped in a layer of neoprene which provides sealing against seawater.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 une coupe longitudinale d'un exemple d'une telle colonne selon l'art connu.There is shown in Figure 1 a longitudinal section of a example of such a column according to known art.

En allant de l'extérieur, où se trouve l'eau de mer dans laquelle est plongé le sonar, vers l'intérieur, où se trouve le fût sur lequel sont placées les colonnes, on trouve d'abord une première couche 101 de polyuréthane de dureté supérieure à 70 Shores A, qui permet de résister aux agressions extérieures. On trouve ensuite une deuxième couche 102 constituée d'un polyuréthane mou de dureté inférieure à 50 Shores A et dans laquelle sont noyés les hydrophones 110. Cette couche permet de maintenir en position ces hydrophones sans exercer sur eux de contraintes excessives. On trouve ensuite une plaque en acier 103 qui constitue un réflecteur dur pour les ondes acoustiques. Enfin une couche épaisse absorbante 104, constituée par exemple d'un matériau syntactique tel que du polyuréthane chargé de microballons remplis d'air, ou bien d'un caoutchouc-liège, forme un écran de masquage pour l'ensemble. Going from the outside, where the seawater is in which is immersed the sonar, inward, where the drum is located on which are placed the columns, we first find a first layer 101 of polyurethane with a hardness greater than 70 Shores A, which helps resist external aggressions. Then we find a second layer 102 made of soft hard polyurethane less than 50 Shores A and in which the hydrophones are embedded 110. This layer keeps these hydrophones in position without exerting undue hardship on them. Then we find a steel plate 103 which constitutes a hard reflector for waves acoustic. Finally a thick absorbent layer 104, consisting for example of a syntactic material such as polyurethane loaded with microballoons filled with air, or with a rubber-cork, forms a masking screen for the assembly.

Au point de vue acoustique, les deux variétés de polyuréthane constituant les couches 101 et 102 présentent un produit ρC proche de celui de l'eau de mer. Pour assurer la protection de l'ensemble contre l'eau de mer dans laquelle le sonar est plongé, une peau 100 en néoprène enveloppe l'arrière de l'ensemble, l'étanchéité en face avant étant constituée par la première couche 101, qui est soudée sur sa périphérie à cette peau (ou enveloppe) de néoprène.From an acoustic point of view, the two varieties of polyurethane constituting layers 101 and 102 present a product ρC close to that of sea water. To ensure the protection of the whole against the sea water in which the sonar is immersed, a 100 neoprene skin wraps the back of the set, waterproofing on the front face consisting of the first layer 101, which is welded on its periphery to this skin (or envelope) of neoprene.

Pour fixer chaque colonne sur le fût, on utilise par exemple deux supports 105 en forme de rails qui viennent maintenir la colonne par ses extrémités, sans toucher la face arrière de l'enveloppe en néoprène.To fix each column on the barrel, we use for example two supports 105 in the form of rails which hold the column by its ends, without touching the rear face of the envelope in neoprene.

Il est difficile de fixer de manière robuste et fiable ces colonnes sur le fût et la méthode utilisant des rails, représentée sur la figure 1, qui est la meilleure connue à ce jour, est loin d'être satisfaisante. Ceci provient essentiellement de la forte compressibilité de la couche de masquage 104, dont les variations dimensionnelles sous l'effet de la pression provenant de l'immersion du sous-marin porteur du sonar, empêchent dans la pratique d'obtenir un blocage convenable de cette colonne par rapport au fût de support.It is difficult to securely and reliably fix these columns on the barrel and the method using rails, represented on the Figure 1, which is the best known to date, is far from being satisfactory. This is mainly due to the high compressibility of the masking layer 104, the dimensional variations of which under pressure from submerged submarine sonar carrier, in practice prevent a blockage suitable for this column with respect to the support drum.

Pour remédier à cet inconvénient, l'invention propose une colonne acoustique, notamment pour antenne cylindrique de sonar passif, du type comportant au moins une couche extérieure de protection, une couche intermédiaire munie d'un ensemble d'hydrophones, une couche réflectrice dure, une couche absorbante et une enveloppe de protection, principalement caractérisée en ce que cette colonne est formée d'une première partie comportant au moins la couche de protection et la couche intermédiaire, et d'une seconde partie comportant au moins la couche absorbante; ces deux parties étant réunies ensemble par des moyens de fixation, permettant de les assembler et de les fixer de manière solide sur la structure de l'antenne, et l'enveloppe de protection entourant seulement la première partie.To remedy this drawback, the invention proposes a acoustic column, especially for cylindrical sonar antenna passive, of the type comprising at least one outer layer of protection, an intermediate layer provided with a set hydrophones, a hard reflective layer, an absorbent layer and a protective envelope, mainly characterized in that that this column is formed of a first part comprising at minus the protective layer and the intermediate layer, and second part comprising at least the absorbent layer; these two parts being joined together by fixing means, allowing them to be assembled and fixed securely to the structure of the antenna, and the surrounding protective envelope only the first part.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la couche réflectrice dure est incluse dans la première partie. According to another characteristic, the hard reflective layer is included in the first part.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les moyens de fixation comprennent au moins 2 tiges fixées perpendiculairement à la couche réflectrice dure pour traverser celle-ci, et au moins deux équerres pour d'un côté fixer ensemble la première et la deuxième partie, et de l'autre côté fixer la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne.According to another characteristic, the fixing means include at least 2 rods fixed perpendicular to the hard reflective layer to pass through it, and at least two brackets for fixing the first and second together part, and on the other side fix the column on the antenna structure.

Selon une autre caractéristique, les deux équerres sont fixées sur les tiges de manière à se replier vers l'avant de la colonne pour se terminer par des pattes faisant saillie à l'extérieur de la colonne au niveau de sa face avant afin de permettre une fixation par l'avant.According to another characteristic, the two brackets are fixed on the rods so as to fold back towards the front of the column to finish with legs protruding outside the column at level of its front face to allow fixing from the front.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la couche réflectrice dure est incluse dans la deuxième partie et les moyens de fixation comprennent deux cornières haute et basse fixées sur les extrémités de la couche réflectrice dure, qui viennent enserrer la couche absorbante et sont terminées par des pattes qui permettent de fixer la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne.According to another characteristic, the hard reflective layer is included in the second part and the fixing means include two upper and lower angles fixed on the ends of the hard reflective layer, which surround the layer absorbent and are terminated by legs which allow to fix the column on the antenna structure.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la couche réflectrice dure est intégrée dans la deuxième partie et elle est munie de rebords s'étendant vers l'extérieur de cette couche pour former une cavité destinée à recevoir la couche absorbante, et cette couche réflectrice dure s'étend en haut et en bas de la colonne acoustique au-delà du niveau de la couche extérieure de protection et de la couche intermédiaire; les extensions de cette couche réflectrice dure comportant des trous permettant d'insérer des tiges faisant partie des moyens de fixation de la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne.According to another characteristic, the hard reflective layer is integrated in the second part and it has edges extending outward from this layer to form a cavity intended to receive the absorbent layer, and this layer hard reflector extends at the top and bottom of the acoustic column beyond the level of the outer protective layer and the intermediate layer; the extensions of this hard reflective layer having holes for inserting rods forming part of means for fixing the column to the structure of the antenna.

L'invention propose en outre une antenne acoustique cylindrique pour sonar passif, principalement caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un ensemble de colonnes acoustiques telles que définies ci-dessus, et en ce qu'elle comprend en outre au moins deux couronnes supérieure et inférieure fixées sur un fût par des entretoises, et des plots amortisseurs permettant de fixer les colonnes sur les couronnes par l'intermédiaire des moyens de fixation de ces colonnes de manière élastique.The invention further provides an acoustic antenna cylindrical for passive sonar, mainly characterized in that that it includes a set of acoustic columns such as defined above, and in that it further comprises at least two upper and lower crowns fixed on a barrel by spacers, and shock absorbing pads for fixing the columns on the crowns by means of fixing these columns elastically.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaítront clairement dans la description suivante, présentée à titre d'exemple non limitatif en regard des figures annexées qui représentent :

  • la figure 1, la coupe longitudinale d'une colonne acoustique selon l'art antérieur ;
  • la figure 2, une coupe longitudinale d'une colonne selon une réalisation préférée de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3, une vue en perspective cavalière des moyens de fixation d'une colonne telle que celle de la figure 3, sur un fût support ;
  • la figure 4, un détail des moyens de fixation de la figure 3 ; et
  • les figures 5 à 7, des vues en coupe de trois variantes de réalisation de l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear clearly in the following description, presented by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • Figure 1, the longitudinal section of an acoustic column according to the prior art;
  • Figure 2, a longitudinal section of a column according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 3, a perspective view of the fixing means of a column such as that of Figure 3, on a support barrel;
  • Figure 4, a detail of the fixing means of Figure 3; and
  • Figures 5 to 7, sectional views of three alternative embodiments of the invention.

L'invention consiste donc à réaliser chaque colonne en deux parties séparables qui peuvent alors être réunies pour être montées sur deux couronnes reliées à l'épontille du sous-marin par des moyens de découplage mécanique.The invention therefore consists in making each column in two separable parts which can then be assembled to be mounted on two crowns connected to the pedestal of the submarine by means of mechanical decoupling.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré représenté sur la figure 2, chaque colonne est fabriquée en deux parties, 200 et 201.In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure 2, each column is manufactured in two parts, 200 and 201.

La première partie 200 est formée des trois couches 101, 102 et 103, avec les hydrophones 110 noyés dans la couche intermédiaire 102. Cette structure est identique à celle comportant les mêmes éléments dans la figure 1.The first part 200 is formed by the three layers 101, 102 and 103, with the hydrophones 110 embedded in the intermediate layer 102. This structure is identical to that comprising the same elements in figure 1.

Selon l'invention, l'enveloppe protectrice en néoprène 202 est vulcanisée sur cette première partie, de manière à venir recouvrir l'arrière de la plaque métallique 103 au lieu de la couche compressible 104. Cette enveloppe en néoprène se referme alors, comme dans l'art antérieur, au niveau de la couche résistante 101.According to the invention, the protective neoprene shell 202 is vulcanized on this first part, so as to cover the back of the metal plate 103 instead of the layer compressible 104. This neoprene envelope then closes, as in the prior art, at the resistant layer 101.

La deuxième partie de la colonne est formée de la seule couche absorbante 204, de dimensions identiques à celles de la couche 104, mais réalisée dans un matériau susceptible d'être trempé dans l'eau sans demander de protection particulière. Parmi les matériaux cités plus haut, celui qui sera préféré est la mousse syntactique en polyuréthane. The second part of the column is formed by the single absorbent layer 204, of dimensions identical to those of the layer 104, but made of a material capable of being soaked in water without asking for special protection. From materials mentioned above, the one that will be preferred is the foam syntactic in polyurethane.

La couche réflectrice dure métallique 103 est munie de tiges 105, deux dans cet exemple de réalisation, qui sont fixées, par soudure par exemple, perpendiculairement à cette couche et en faisant saillie vers l'extérieur de celle-ci. La longueur de ces tiges est sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur de la couche 204. L'étanchéité au niveau du passage de ces tiges dans la peau de néoprène 202 est obtenue de manière intrinsèque, suite à la réalisation de cette enveloppe par vulcanisation sur le sandwich formé par les couches 101 à 103.The hard metallic reflective layer 103 is provided with rods 105, two in this embodiment, which are fixed, by welding for example, perpendicular to this layer and protruding outward from it. The length of these rods is substantially equal to the thickness of layer 204. The tightness at the level of the passage of these rods in the neoprene skin 202 is obtained from intrinsically, following the realization of this envelope by vulcanization on the sandwich formed by layers 101 to 103.

Pour assembler alors les parties 200 et 201, on vient enfiler les tiges 205 dans des trous ménagés dans l'épaisseur de la couche 204 aux emplacements adéquats pour que celle-ci vienne se plaquer en position contre l'enveloppe 202. On fixe ensuite aux extrémités libres de ces tiges 205 des équerres 210 qui permettent, d'une part de maintenir ensemble les deux parties 200 et 201, et d'autre part de fixer la colonne sur les moyens de fixation au fût supportant l'antenne sonar.To then assemble the parts 200 and 201, we just thread the rods 205 in holes made in the thickness of the layer 204 in the appropriate places so that it comes to be pressed in position against the envelope 202. Then fixed at the free ends of these rods 205 of the brackets 210 which allow, on the one hand to hold the two parts 200 and 201 together, and secondly to fix the column on the means of attachment to the barrel supporting the antenna sonar.

Ce mode de fabrication permet non seulement de fixer de manière solide la colonne sur le fût, mais encore de pouvoir remplacer en cas de besoin la couche 204, qui est la partie la plus fragile du dispositif.This manufacturing method not only makes it possible to fix solidly the column on the barrel, but still able to replace if necessary layer 204, which is the most fragile part of the device.

Pour pouvoir fixer ces colonnes sur le fût de manière à obtenir une antenne cylindrique, on utilise par exemple un dispositif de montage tel que celui représenté sur les figures 3 et 4.To be able to fix these columns on the barrel so that obtain a cylindrical antenna, for example a assembly such as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Autour d'une épontille 310, correspondant au fût décrit précédemment, on fixe à l'aide d'entretoises 301 deux couronnes supérieure et inférieure, dont seule la couronne supérieure 300 est représentée sur la figure. Les équerres 210 des colonnes 200/201 sont alors fixées sur les couronnes 300 par l'intermédiaire de plots amortisseurs 320 positionnés aux emplacements nécessaires, généralement de manière équidistante, sur les couronnes 300. La fixation des équerres sur les plots se fera de préférence à l'aide de vis 302, de manière à faciliter le démontage ultérieur des colonnes, pour réparation par exemple.Around a pillar 310, corresponding to the bole described previously, two crowns are fixed using spacers 301 upper and lower, of which only the upper crown 300 is shown in the figure. The squares 210 of the columns 200/201 are then fixed on the crowns 300 by means of studs shock absorbers 320 positioned in the necessary locations, generally equidistant, on crowns 300. The fixing the brackets to the studs will preferably be done using screws 302, so as to facilitate the subsequent dismantling of the columns, to repair for example.

On a aussi représenté sur cette figure 4 la fixation démontable des équerres 210 sur les tiges 205, à l'aide dans cet exemple de vis 206 qui permettent le remplacement facile de la couche 204, comme décrit plus haut.Also shown in this figure 4 the fixing removable from the brackets 210 on the rods 205, using in this example of screws 206 which allow easy replacement of the layer 204, as described above.

On remarque que de cette manière la couche 204 est libre de se comprimer sous l'effet de la pression hydrostatique, sans que ceci influe sur la fixation de l'ensemble de la colonne à l'épontille 310, et sans qu'il y ait de perte d'étanchéité de la partie 200 comprenant les organes sensibles susceptibles d'être affectés par des infiltrations d'eau.Note that in this way the layer 204 is free to compress under the effect of hydrostatic pressure, without this influences the attachment of the entire column to the pillar 310, and without there being a loss of tightness of the part 200 comprising sensitive organs likely to be affected by infiltration of water.

Cette réalisation en deux parties, caractéristique de l'invention, n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation représenté en figure 2 et peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes.This realization in two parts, characteristic of the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and can be the subject of many variants.

Une première variante, représentée sur la figure 5, consiste à remplacer les équerres 210 par des équerres 510, retournées par rapport à la réalisation de la figure 2 pour venir se prolonger, non pas vers l'arrière du dispositif mais vers l'avant de celui-ci, et se replier à l'extérieur de la colonne, au niveau de la face extérieure de la couche 101, sous la forme de deux pattes 60 qui permettent une fixation de la colonne par l'avant pour des montages particuliers.A first variant, represented in FIG. 5, consists in replace the squares 210 by squares 510, returned by compared to the realization of Figure 2 to come to extend, not towards the rear of the device but towards the front of it, and fold back the outside of the column, at the outside of the layer 101, in the form of two legs 60 which allow a fixing of the column from the front for specific assemblies.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation, représentée en figure 6, la première partie 500 est formée uniquement des couches 101 et 102 comportant les hydrophones 110, et de la peau en néoprène, qui vient alors s'appuyer sur la face arrière de la couche 102.In another alternative embodiment, represented in figure 6, the first part 500 is formed only of layers 101 and 102 comprising hydrophones 110, and neoprene skin, which then comes to bear on the rear face of the layer 102.

La deuxième partie est formée de la plaque métallique 103 sur laquelle est fixée la couche absorbante 104, par exemple par collage, à l'aide d'une colle relativement peu adhésive qui permet juste le maintien de cette couche, laquelle n'est pas soumise à des efforts particuliers, et autorise un démontage éventuel pour réparation par simple traction sur cette couche.The second part is formed by the metal plate 103 on which the absorbent layer 104 is fixed, for example by bonding, using a relatively weak adhesive which allows just the maintenance of this layer, which is not subjected to special efforts, and authorizes a possible disassembly for repair by simple traction on this layer.

Pour réunir ces deux parties 500 et 501, on utilise par exemple deux cornières haute et basse 50, qui sont fixées sur les extrémités de la plaque 103, par exemple par boulonnage avec des vis 51 qui viennent se visser dans des trous borgnes taraudés sur les extrémités supérieure et inférieure de cette plaque 103. To join these two parts 500 and 501, we use by example two upper and lower angles 50, which are fixed on the ends of plate 103, for example by bolting with screws 51 which are screwed into tapped blind holes on the upper and lower ends of this plate 103.

Ces deux cornières 50 viennent maintenir par pincement la couche 204 sur la plaque 103, en complétant dans ce cas la fixation de cette couche.These two angles 50 maintain by pinching the layer 204 on plate 103, in this case completing the fixing of this layer.

Enfin, dans un autre mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 7, on réalise la première partie, comme dans la figure 6, sous la forme d'un ensemble 500 composé des couches 101 et 102, et on munit la plaque 103, à l'arrière de celle-ci, de rebords 701, pour former une cavité d'une profondeur sensiblement identique à l'épaisseur de la couche 204. Cette couche 204 est alors par exemple coulée à l'intérieur de la cavité ainsi formée, ce qui assure sa fixation par collage sur les paroi de la cavité lors de la prise en masse du produit coulé dans celle-ci. A titre de variante, on pourrait réaliser une plaque 204 de dimensions légèrement supérieures à celles de la cavité et insérer celle-ci dans la cavité en forçant légèrement.Finally, in another embodiment shown in the Figure 7, we perform the first part, as in Figure 6, under the form of a set 500 composed of layers 101 and 102, and we provides the plate 103, at the rear thereof, with edges 701, to form a cavity with a depth substantially identical to the thickness of layer 204. This layer 204 is then for example cast at the interior of the cavity thus formed, which ensures its fixing by bonding on the walls of the cavity when the product solidifies sunk in it. Alternatively, a plate could be made 204 of dimensions slightly greater than those of the cavity and insert it into the cavity by gently forcing.

En outre les dimensions de la plaque 103 sont légèrement plus grandes que celles de la première partie 500, de manière à déborder en haut et en bas de celle-ci. On peut ainsi ménager dans les extrémités de cette plaque, qui débordent de la partie 500, des trous dans lesquels on fera passer des tiges 700 permettant de fixer la colonne sur l'épontille. Ces tiges seront par exemple filetées de manière à faciliter la fixation à l'aide d'écrous.In addition, the dimensions of the plate 103 are slightly larger than those of the first part 500, so that overflowing at the top and bottom of it. We can thus spare in the ends of this plate, which protrude from part 500, holes through which 700 rods will be passed to fix the column on the epontille. These rods will for example be threaded with so as to facilitate fixing with nuts.

On garnira de préférence ces trous de manchons élastiques 702 en matériau élastomère, pour obtenir un découplage acoustique entre ces moyens de fixation et la colonne.We will preferably fill these holes with elastic sleeves 702 made of elastomeric material, to obtain an acoustic decoupling between these fixing means and the column.

En ce qui concerne le nombre de couches utilisées, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la description précédente, qui ne comporte que les couches 101 à 204. Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, on pourrait augmenter le nombre de ces couches, en particulier en utilisant des couches d'adaptation au niveau de la première partie comportant les hydrophones, et des couches d'amortissement supplémentaire au niveau de la deuxième partie.Regarding the number of layers used, the invention is not limited to the preceding description, which does not includes layers 101 to 204. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the number of these layers could be increased, by particular by using adaptation layers at the first part comprising the hydrophones, and layers additional depreciation at the level of the second part.

Claims (7)

Colonne acoustique, notamment pour antenne cylindrique de sonar passif, du type comportant au moins une couche extérieure de protection (101), une couche intermédiaire (102) munie d'un ensemble d'hydrophones (110), une couche réflectrice dure (103), une couche absorbante (204) et une enveloppe de protection (202), caractérisée en ce que cette colonne est formée d'une première partie (200) comportant au moins la couche de protection et la couche intermédiaire, et d'une seconde partie (201) comportant au moins la couche absorbante (204); ces deux parties étant réunies ensemble par des moyens de fixation (205, 210) permettant de les assembler et de les fixer de manière solide sur la structure de l'antenne, et l'enveloppe de protection (202) entourant seulement la première partie.Acoustic column, in particular for cylindrical passive sonar antenna, of the type comprising at least one outer protective layer (101), an intermediate layer (102) provided with a set of hydrophones (110), a hard reflective layer (103) , an absorbent layer (204) and a protective envelope (202), characterized in that this column is formed of a first part (200) comprising at least the protective layer and the intermediate layer, and of a second part (201) comprising at least the absorbent layer (204); these two parts being joined together by fixing means (205, 210) making it possible to assemble and fix them solidly on the structure of the antenna, and the protective envelope (202) surrounding only the first part. Colonne acoustique selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la couche réflectrice dure (103) est incluse dans la première partie (200).Acoustic column according to claim 1, characterized in that the hard reflective layer (103) is included in the first part (200). Colonne acoustique selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de fixation comprennent au moins 2 tiges (205) fixées perpendiculairement à la couche réflectrice dure (103) pour traverser celle-ci, et au moins deux équerres (210) pour d'un côté fixer ensemble la première et la deuxième partie, et de l'autre côté fixer la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne.Acoustic column according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing means comprise at least 2 rods (205) fixed perpendicular to the hard reflective layer (103) to pass through it, and at least two brackets (210) for on one side fix the first and second part together, and on the other side fix the column on the antenna structure. Colonne acoustique selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que les deux équerres (510) sont fixées sur les tiges (205) de manière à se replier vers l'avant de la colonne pour se terminer par des pattes (60) faisant saillie à l'extérieur de la colonne au niveau de sa face avant afin de permettre une fixation par l'avant.Acoustic column according to claim 3, characterized in that the two brackets (510) are fixed on the rods (205) so as to fold back towards the front of the column to end in legs (60) projecting from the exterior of the column at its front face to allow attachment from the front. Colonne acoustique selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la couche réflectrice dure (103) est incluse dans la deuxième partie (201) et que les moyens de fixation comprennent deux cornières haute et basse (50) fixées sur les extrémités de la couche réflectrice dure (103), qui viennent enserrer la couche absorbante (204) et sont terminées par des pattes (52) qui permettent de fixer la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne. Acoustic column according to claim 1, characterized in that the hard reflective layer (103) is included in the second part (201) and that the fixing means comprise two upper and lower angles (50) fixed on the ends of the reflective layer hard (103), which surround the absorbent layer (204) and are terminated by tabs (52) which allow the column to be fixed to the structure of the antenna. Colonne acoustique selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que la couche réflectrice dure (103) est intégrée dans la deuxième partie (201), qu'elle est munie de rebords (701) s'étendant vers l'extérieur de cette couche pour former une cavité destinée à recevoir la couche absorbante (204), et en ce que cette couche réflectrice dure s'étend en haut et en bas de la colonne acoustique au-delà du niveau de la couche extérieure de protection (101) et de la couche intermédiaire (102); les extensions de cette couche réflectrice dure comportant des trous (702) permettant d'insérer des tiges (700) faisant partie des moyens de fixation de la colonne sur la structure de l'antenne.Acoustic column according to claim 1, characterized in that the hard reflective layer (103) is integrated in the second part (201), that it is provided with flanges (701) extending towards the outside of this layer to form a cavity intended to receive the absorbent layer (204), and in that this hard reflective layer extends at the top and at the bottom of the acoustic column beyond the level of the outer protective layer (101) and of the layer intermediate (102); the extensions of this hard reflective layer comprising holes (702) making it possible to insert rods (700) forming part of the means for fixing the column to the structure of the antenna. Antenne acoustique cylindrique pour sonar passif, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un ensemble de colonnes acoustiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, et en ce qu'elle comprend en outre au moins deux couronnes supérieure et inférieure (300) fixées sur un fût (310) par des entretoises (301), et des plots amortisseurs (320) permettant de fixer les colonnes sur les couronnes par l'intermédiaire des moyens de fixation (210) de ces colonnes de manière élastique.Cylindrical acoustic antenna for passive sonar, characterized in that it comprises a set of acoustic columns according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, and in that it further comprises at least two fixed upper and lower rings (300) on a barrel (310) by spacers (301), and damping pads (320) making it possible to fix the columns on the crowns by means of fixing means (210) of these columns in an elastic manner.
EP20020290854 2001-04-12 2002-04-05 Acoustic column and cylindrical antenna for passive sonar device using such a column Expired - Lifetime EP1249827B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0105045 2001-04-12
FR0105045A FR2823571B1 (en) 2001-04-12 2001-04-12 ACOUSTIC COLUMN AND CYLINDRICAL ANTENNA FOR PASSIVE SONAR USING SUCH A COLUMN

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EP1249827A1 true EP1249827A1 (en) 2002-10-16
EP1249827B1 EP1249827B1 (en) 2005-11-30

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DE (1) DE60207628T2 (en)
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WO2006015646A1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2006-02-16 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Electroacoustic transducer arrangement for underwater antennas
WO2010046300A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Device for fixing an underwater antenna
WO2010046301A1 (en) 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Submarine antenna
US20120002508A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2012-01-05 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Underwater antenna

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DE102015105430A1 (en) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-13 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Converter device, converter device, sonar and watercraft
DE102020202776A1 (en) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-09 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Reflector for water-borne sound transducers

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US5600609A (en) * 1994-05-31 1997-02-04 Thomson-Csf Absorbent passive acoustic antenna

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WO2006015646A1 (en) * 2004-08-05 2006-02-16 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Electroacoustic transducer arrangement for underwater antennas
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WO2010046300A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Device for fixing an underwater antenna
WO2010046301A1 (en) 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Submarine antenna
US20120002508A1 (en) * 2008-10-20 2012-01-05 Atlas Elektronik Gmbh Underwater antenna

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1249827B1 (en) 2005-11-30
DE60207628D1 (en) 2006-01-05
FR2823571A1 (en) 2002-10-18
DE60207628T2 (en) 2006-07-06
FR2823571B1 (en) 2003-10-17

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