EP2001604B1 - Electroacoustic transducer - Google Patents

Electroacoustic transducer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2001604B1
EP2001604B1 EP07711877A EP07711877A EP2001604B1 EP 2001604 B1 EP2001604 B1 EP 2001604B1 EP 07711877 A EP07711877 A EP 07711877A EP 07711877 A EP07711877 A EP 07711877A EP 2001604 B1 EP2001604 B1 EP 2001604B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
ceramic
transducer
sections
gaps
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Not-in-force
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EP07711877A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2001604A2 (en
Inventor
Nils Theuerkauf
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Atlas Elektronik GmbH
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Atlas Elektronik GmbH
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B06B1/0622—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements on one surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B06B1/0622—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements on one surface
    • B06B1/0625—Annular array

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electroacoustic transducer, in particular for underwater use, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a known electroacoustic or ultrasonic transducer ( DE 100 52 636 A1 ) comprises a composite or composite body having a plurality of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic ceramic elements extending between the top and bottom of the body embedded in a plastic, eg, a polymer.
  • the upper and lower sides of the composite body are each covered with an electrode which contacts the end faces of the ceramic elements.
  • the ceramic elements have a columnar shape and are arranged like a matrix in rows and columns. By providing a slight disorder, the bandwidth of the converter can be increased.
  • Such a transducer has a directional characteristic which has relatively high, undesirable secondary levels.
  • a well known way of Composition of the transducer to a base is to integrally form the composites of all the transducers of a base and to occupy the common composite with individual electrodes formed as spaced-apart strips. In each case, a pair of strips arranged congruently on the upper and lower sides of the common transducer body covers a group of ceramic elements within the common composite body.
  • the invention has for its object to reduce the secondary level in the converter Richtcharakerizing in a converter of the type mentioned.
  • the electroacoustic transducer according to the invention has the advantage that an effective suppression of secondary levels is achieved by structuring the at least one electrode. Compared to a conventional transducer design, only minor additional costs are required for the electrode patterning, which, however, does not significantly contribute to the significant gain in the sub-level rejection of approximately 6-8 dB.
  • the converter according to the invention can be used everywhere where low-cost and low-cost converters are required.
  • a preferred field of application is therefore found in all underwater vehicles, which are designed as non-reusable disposable vehicles, such as the realization of a near-field sonar at a mine destruction drone.
  • the structuring of the electrode is realized in such a way that the electrode is divided into concentric electrode sections by a plurality of circumferential gaps, preferably annular gaps.
  • the subdivision is carried out in such a way that the electrode sections extending concentrically around the central electrode section have a radial gap width which decreases with increasing spacing of the individual electrode sections from the central electrode section. All electrode sections are electrically connected to each other.
  • Such structuring can be produced with minimal additional effort, for example by simply etching the circumferential gap from the electrode surface.
  • a circular electrode with annular gaps has not only a production-related, but also an acoustic advantage, since the side-level suppression achieved by the structuring is symmetrical in all directions, so that an equal reception and / or transmission characteristic of the transducer is given for all spatial directions.
  • electroacoustic transducer has a ceramic body 10, which consists of a so-called.
  • Composite ceramic and a pair of electrodes whose planar electrodes 11, 12 are arranged on mutually remote end faces 101, 102 of the ceramic body 10.
  • Fig. 6 schematically in perspective view as so-called.
  • 1-3 Composite sketched ceramic has in a known manner a plurality of ceramic rods 13 of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic, which are embedded in a polymer 14.
  • the ceramic rods 13 extend between the two end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) and are spaced apart in a matrix-like manner in rows and columns ( Fig. 6 ).
  • the exposed in the end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 end faces of the ceramic rods 13 are contacted by the electrodes 11, 12, as in Fig. 2 you can see.
  • a modified 1-3 composite ceramic has much thinner ceramic filaments instead of ceramic rods.
  • the two planar electrodes 11, 12 of the electrode pair are each formed by a circular disk.
  • the two discs have the same outer diameter and are arranged on the mutually remote end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 so that they are congruent.
  • the electrode 12 on the end face 102 of the ceramic body 10 is a circular solid disk
  • the electrode 11 is patterned on the end face 101 of the ceramic body 10. The structuring is performed in such a manner that the occupation density of the ceramic body 10 decreases radially from the inside to the outside.
  • Occupancy density is the ratio of the acoustically active body area to the acoustically inactive body area within a normal circle of defined small radius, the acoustically active body area being the area in which the ceramic material is in contact with the electrode material.
  • the normal circle on the body surface is shifted from the body center to the body edge and the ratio is formed in each case.
  • FIG Fig. 1 One way of structuring the electrode 11 is in FIG Fig. 1 shown.
  • the electrode 11 is made by a plurality of concentric annular gaps 15, which can be achieved for example by etching the electrode 11.
  • the concentric annular gaps 15 are designed with a radial width which increases with increasing radial distance of the annular gaps 15 from the disk center.
  • the electrode 11 is divided into separate electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 , which, however, are electrically connected to each other and thus are at the same electrical potential.
  • the electrical connection is made by means of a radial web 16 of electrically conductive material extending over all the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 , starting from the central, circular electrode section 11 1 to the farthest, outer, annular one from the circular electrode section 11 1 Electrode portion 11 11 , and extends with each electrode portion 11 1 to 11 11 contacted.
  • the radial distance of the center lines of the concentric annular gaps 15 from each other is constant and also the radial distance between the center lines of the annular electrode sections 11 2 to 11 11 from each other.
  • Fig. 4 the directional characteristic of the electroacoustic transducer is shown in section.
  • the sectional plane of the directional characteristic is perpendicular to the page plane through the section line II - II.
  • Fig. 4 It can be seen that the secondary levels in the directional characteristic are pressed below -24 dB due to the structuring of the electrode 11.
  • electro-acoustic transducer is different from that in Fig. 1 imaged electroacoustic transducer only in that the radial web 16 for electrical connection of the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 in a plurality of web sections, here in three web section 161, 162 and 163, is divided.
  • the land portions 161 to 163 are arranged displaced by the same circumferential angle to each other, said first web portion 161 of the electrode portions 11 1 to 11 4, the second land portion 162, the electrode sections 11 5 to 11 7 and the third land portion 163, the electrode sections 11 8 to 11 11 connects electrically with each other. All web sections 161 to 163 are at the same electrical potential.
  • All web sections 161 to 163 are at the same electrical potential.
  • the circumferential angle by which the web portions 161 to 163 are shifted from each other 120 °.
  • it can be chosen arbitrarily as well as the number of web sections. With the staggered web sections can possibly be largely avoided by the only one web caused disturbances in the directional characteristic.
  • the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 can also be connected to each other by a wiring.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

An electroacoustic transducer, particularly for underwater use, having a ceramic body (10) and a pair of electrodes, whose flat electrodes (11, 12) are arranged on mutually averted end faces (101, 102) of the ceramic body (10). At least one electrode (11) is structured in order to effectively suppress the side-lobes in the directional characteristic for all spatial directions such that the density of the ceramic body (10) decreases from the body center to the body edge.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektroakustischen Wandler, insbesondere für Unterwassereinsatz, nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to an electroacoustic transducer, in particular for underwater use, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ein bekannter elektroakustischer oder Ultraschall-Wandler ( DE 100 52 636 A1 ) weist einen Verbund- oder Composite-Körper mit einer Vielzahl von zwischen der Ober- und Unterseite des Körpers sich erstreckenden Keramikelementen aus piezoelektrischer oder elektrostriktiver Keramik auf, die in einem Kunststoff, z.B. einem Polymer, eingebettet sind. Die Ober- und Unterseite des Verbundkörpers ist jeweils mit einer Elektrode überzogen, die die Stirnflächen der Keramikelemente kontaktiert. Die Keramikelemente haben Säulenform und sind matrixartig in Reihen und Spalten angeordnet. Durch Vorsehen einer leichten Unordnung lässt sich die Bandbreite des Wandlers erhöhen. Ein solcher Wandler hat eine Richtcharakteristik, die relativ hohe, unerwünschte Nebenpegel aufweist.A known electroacoustic or ultrasonic transducer ( DE 100 52 636 A1 ) comprises a composite or composite body having a plurality of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic ceramic elements extending between the top and bottom of the body embedded in a plastic, eg, a polymer. The upper and lower sides of the composite body are each covered with an electrode which contacts the end faces of the ceramic elements. The ceramic elements have a columnar shape and are arranged like a matrix in rows and columns. By providing a slight disorder, the bandwidth of the converter can be increased. Such a transducer has a directional characteristic which has relatively high, undesirable secondary levels.

Werden mehrere solcher Wandler zu einer ebenen Basis, einem sog. Aray zusammengesetzt, so lassen sich die Nebenpegel in der Richtcharakteristik der Basis durch sog. Amplitudenstaffelung der den einzelnen Wandlern zugeführten oder von den einzelnen Wandlern abgenommenen Signale auf ein gewünschtes Maß reduzieren. Eine bekannte Möglichkeit der Zusammensetzung der Wandler zu einer Basis ( DE 100 52 636 A1 ) besteht darin, die Verbundkörper aller Wandler einer Basis einstückig auszuführen und den gemeinsamen Verbundkörper mit einzelnen Elektroden zu belegen, die als voneinander beabstandete Streifen ausgeführt sind. Dabei überdeckt jeweils ein auf Ober- und Unterseite des gemeinsamen Wandlerkörpers deckungsgleich angeordnetes Streifenpaar eine Gruppe von Keramikelementen innerhalb des gemeinsamen Verbundkörpers.If a plurality of such transducers are combined to form a planar base, a so-called array, then the secondary levels in the directional characteristic of the base can be reduced to a desired level by so-called amplitude graduation of the signals supplied to the individual transducers or removed from the individual transducers. A well known way of Composition of the transducer to a base ( DE 100 52 636 A1 ) is to integrally form the composites of all the transducers of a base and to occupy the common composite with individual electrodes formed as spaced-apart strips. In each case, a pair of strips arranged congruently on the upper and lower sides of the common transducer body covers a group of ceramic elements within the common composite body.

Aus der Druckschrift: LS Biller et al, "Optimisation of radiation patterns for an array of concentric ring sources", IEEE Transactions on Audio and Electroacoustics, Feb. 1973, Bd. 21, Nr. 1, Seiten 57-61 , ist ein elektroakustischer Wandler für den Unterwassereinsatz bekannt, der strukturierte Elektroden ausweist, wobei der Abstand zwischen den Elektroden variabel ist.From the publication: LS Biller et al, "Optimization of radiation patterns for an array of concentric ring sources", IEEE Transactions on Audio and Electroacoustics, Feb. 1973, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 57-61 , an underwater immersion electroacoustic transducer is known which has patterned electrodes, the spacing between the electrodes being variable.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, bei einem Wandler der eingangs genannten Art die Nebenpegel in der Wandler-Richtcharakeristik zu reduzieren.The invention has for its object to reduce the secondary level in the converter Richtcharakeristik in a converter of the type mentioned.

Die Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale im Anspruch 1 gelöst.The object is achieved by the features in claim 1.

Der erfindungsgemäße, elektroakustische Wandler hat den Vorteil, dass durch die Strukturierung der mindestens einen Elektrode eine effektive Unterdrückung von Nebenpegeln erreicht wird. Gegenüber einem herkömmlichen Wandleraufbau sind nur geringfügige Mehrkosten für die Elektrodenstrukturierung erforderlich, die jedoch angesichts des deutlichen Gewinns in der Nebenpegelunterdrückung von ca. 6 - 8dB nicht nennenswert zu Buche schlagen.The electroacoustic transducer according to the invention has the advantage that an effective suppression of secondary levels is achieved by structuring the at least one electrode. Compared to a conventional transducer design, only minor additional costs are required for the electrode patterning, which, however, does not significantly contribute to the significant gain in the sub-level rejection of approximately 6-8 dB.

Der erfindungsgemäße Wandler ist aufgrund seiner geringen Gestehungskosten überall dort einsetzbar, wo baukleine und preisgünstige Wandler gefordert sind. Ein bevorzugtes Anwendungsgebiet findet sich daher bei allen Unterwasserfahrzeugen, die als nicht wiederverwendbare Einwegfahrzeuge konzipiert sind, so z.B. zur Realisierung eines Nahbereichssonars an einer Minenvernichtungsdrohne.Due to its low production costs, the converter according to the invention can be used everywhere where low-cost and low-cost converters are required. A preferred field of application is therefore found in all underwater vehicles, which are designed as non-reusable disposable vehicles, such as the realization of a near-field sonar at a mine destruction drone.

Weitere vorteilhafte Einsatzgebiete des erfindungsgemäßen Wandlers sind Dopplerlogs zur Messung der Schiffsgeschwindigkeit, kleinvolumige Sonarantennen, z.B. für Seitensichtsonare an unbemannten Unterwasserdrohnen zur Aufklärung und Bodenprofilvermessung und Ultraschallmessfühler.Further advantageous fields of use of the converter according to the invention are Doppler logs for measuring ship speed, small-volume sonar antennas, e.g. for side vision sonars on unmanned underwater drones for reconnaissance and soil profile surveying and ultrasonic transducers.

Zweckmäßige Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen elektroakustischen Wandlers mit vorteilhaften Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den weiteren Ansprüchen.Advantageous embodiments of the electroacoustic transducer according to the invention with advantageous developments and refinements of the invention will become apparent from the other claims.

Die Strukturierung der Elektrode ist in der Weise realisiert, dass die Elektrode durch eine Mehrzahl von umlaufenden Spalten, vorzugsweise Ringspalten, in konzentrische Elektrodenabschnitte unterteilt ist. Die Unterteilung ist dabei so vorgenommen, dass die um den zentralen Elektrodenabschnitt konzentrisch verlaufenden Elektrodenabschnitte eine radiale Spaltbreite besitzen, die mit wachsendem Abstand der einzelnen Elektrodenabschnitte vom zentralen Elektrodenabschnitt abnimmt. Alle Elektrodenabschnitte sind elektrisch leitend miteinander verbunden.The structuring of the electrode is realized in such a way that the electrode is divided into concentric electrode sections by a plurality of circumferential gaps, preferably annular gaps. The subdivision is carried out in such a way that the electrode sections extending concentrically around the central electrode section have a radial gap width which decreases with increasing spacing of the individual electrode sections from the central electrode section. All electrode sections are electrically connected to each other.

Eine solche Strukturierung ist mit minimalem Mehraufwand, z.B. durch einfaches Ätzen der umlaufenden Spalte aus der Elektrodenfläche, herstellbar. Eine kreisförmige Elektrode mit Ringspalten hat dabei nicht nur einen fertigungstechnischen, sondern auch einen akustischen Vorteil, da die durch die Strukturierung erzielte Nebenpegelunterdrückung symmetrisch in allen Richtungen ist, so dass für alle Raumrichtungen eine gleiche Empfangs- und/oder Sendecharakteristik des Wandlers gegeben ist.Such structuring can be produced with minimal additional effort, for example by simply etching the circumferential gap from the electrode surface. A circular electrode with annular gaps has not only a production-related, but also an acoustic advantage, since the side-level suppression achieved by the structuring is symmetrical in all directions, so that an equal reception and / or transmission characteristic of the transducer is given for all spatial directions.

Die Erfindung ist anhand von in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen im folgenden näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Draufsicht eines elektroakustischen Wandlers,
Fig. 2
ausschnittweise einen Schnitt des elektroakustischen Wandlers gemäß Line II - II in Fig. 1, stark vergrößert dargestellt,
Fig. 3
eine gleiche Darstellung wie in Fig. 2 des elektroakustischen Wandlers gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,
Fig. 4
einen Längsschnitt einer Richtcharakteristik des elektroakustischen Wandlers in Fig. 1,
Fig. 5
eine gleiche Darstellung wie in Fig. 1 mit einer Modifikation,
Fig. 6
eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer Composite-Keramik.
The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. Show it:
Fig. 1
a top view of an electroacoustic transducer,
Fig. 2
a section of a section of the electroacoustic transducer according to Line II - II in Fig. 1 , shown enlarged,
Fig. 3
a same representation as in Fig. 2 the electroacoustic transducer according to a second embodiment,
Fig. 4
a longitudinal section of a directional characteristic of the electroacoustic transducer in Fig. 1 .
Fig. 5
a same representation as in Fig. 1 with a modification,
Fig. 6
a schematic perspective view of a composite ceramic.

Der in Fig. 1 in Draufsicht und in Fig. 2 ausschnittweise im Längsschnitt dargestellte, elektroakustische Wandler weist einen Keramikkörper 10, der aus einer sog. Composite-Keramik besteht, und ein Elektrodenpaar auf, dessen flächige Elektroden 11, 12 auf voneinander abgekehrten Stirnseiten 101, 102 des Keramikkörpers 10 angeordnet sind. Die in Fig. 6 schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht als sog. 1-3 Composite skizzierte Keramik weist in bekannter Weise eine Vielzahl von Keramikstäbchen 13 aus piezoelektrischer oder elektrostriktiver Keramik auf, die in einem Polymer 14 eingebettet sind. Die Keramikstäbchen 13 erstrecken sich zwischen den beiden Stirnseiten 101 und 102 des Keramikkörpers 10 (Fig. 2) und sind voneinander beabstandet matrixartig in Reihen und Spalten angeordnet (Fig. 6). Die in den Stirnseiten 101 und 102 des Keramikkörpers 10 frei liegenden Stirnflächen der Keramikstäbchen 13 sind von den Elektroden 11, 12 kontaktiert, wie dies in Fig. 2 zu sehen ist. Eine modifizierte 1-3 Composite-Keramik weist anstelle der Keramikstäbchen sehr viel dünnere Keramikfäden auf.The in Fig. 1 in plan view and in Fig. 2 In sections, shown in longitudinal section, electroacoustic transducer has a ceramic body 10, which consists of a so-called. Composite ceramic, and a pair of electrodes whose planar electrodes 11, 12 are arranged on mutually remote end faces 101, 102 of the ceramic body 10. In the Fig. 6 schematically in perspective view as so-called. 1-3 Composite sketched ceramic has in a known manner a plurality of ceramic rods 13 of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic, which are embedded in a polymer 14. The ceramic rods 13 extend between the two end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) and are spaced apart in a matrix-like manner in rows and columns ( Fig. 6 ). The exposed in the end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 end faces of the ceramic rods 13 are contacted by the electrodes 11, 12, as in Fig. 2 you can see. A modified 1-3 composite ceramic has much thinner ceramic filaments instead of ceramic rods.

Die beiden flächigen Elektroden 11, 12 des Elektrodenpaars sind jeweils von einer kreisförmigen Scheibe gebildet. Die beiden Scheiben weisen den gleichen Außendurchmesser auf und sind auf den voneinander abgekehrten Stirnseiten 101 und 102 des Keramikkörpers 10 so angeordnet, dass sie deckungsgleich sind. Während die Elektrode 12 auf der Stirnseite 102 des Keramikkörpers 10 eine kreisrunde Vollscheibe ist, ist die Elektrode 11 auf der Stirnseite 101 des Keramikkörpers 10 strukturiert. Die Strukturierung ist in einer solchen Weise vorgenommen, dass die Belegungsdichte des Keramikkörpers 10 radial von innen nach außen abnimmt. Unter Belegungsdichte wird das Verhältnis der akustisch aktiven Körperfläche zu der akustisch inaktiven Körperfläche innerhalb eines Normalkreises mit definiertem kleinen Radius verstanden, wobei die akustisch aktive Körperfläche derjenige Bereich ist, in dem das Keramikmaterial mit dem Elektrodenmaterial kontaktiert ist. Zur Beurteilung der Belegungsdichte wird der Normalkreis auf der Körperfläche vom Körperzentrum aus zum Körperrand verschoben und jeweils das Verhältnis gebildet.The two planar electrodes 11, 12 of the electrode pair are each formed by a circular disk. The two discs have the same outer diameter and are arranged on the mutually remote end faces 101 and 102 of the ceramic body 10 so that they are congruent. While the electrode 12 on the end face 102 of the ceramic body 10 is a circular solid disk, the electrode 11 is patterned on the end face 101 of the ceramic body 10. The structuring is performed in such a manner that the occupation density of the ceramic body 10 decreases radially from the inside to the outside. Occupancy density is the ratio of the acoustically active body area to the acoustically inactive body area within a normal circle of defined small radius, the acoustically active body area being the area in which the ceramic material is in contact with the electrode material. To assess the occupancy density, the normal circle on the body surface is shifted from the body center to the body edge and the ratio is formed in each case.

Eine Möglichkeit einer solchen Strukturierung der Elektrode 11 ist in Fig. 1 dargestellt. Hier ist die Elektrode 11 durch eine Mehrzahl von konzentrischen Ringspalten 15 vorgenommen, was beispielsweise durch Ätzen der Elektrode 11 erreicht werden kann. Zur Realisierung der nach außen abnehmenden Belegungsdichte sind die konzentrischen Ringspalte 15 mit einer radialen Breite ausgeführt, die mit wachsendem Radialabstand der Ringspalte 15 vom Scheibenzentrum zunimmt. Infolge dieser Ringspalte 15 ist die Elektrode 11 in voneinander getrennte Elektrodenabschnitte 111 bis 1111 unterteilt, die jedoch elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind und somit auf dem gleichen elektrischen Potential liegen. Die elektrische Verbindung wird mittels eines radialen Stegs 16 aus elektrisch leitendem Material hergestellt, der sich über alle Elektrodenabschnitt 111 bis 1111, ausgehend von dem zentralen, kreisförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 111 bis zu dem vom kreisförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 111 am weitesten entfernten, äußeren, ringförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 1111, erstreckt und mit jedem Elektrodenabschnitt 111 bis 1111 kontaktiert ist. Der radiale Abstand der Mittellinien der konzentrischen Ringspalte 15 voneinander ist konstant und ebenso auch der radiale Abstand der Mittellinien der ringförmigen Elektrodenabschnitte 112 bis 1111 voneinander. Infolge der nach außen hin anwachsenden Breite der Ringspalte 15 nimmt die radiale Breite der ringförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 112 bis 1111 von dem inneren, den zentralen, kreisförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 111 konzentrisch umschließenden, ringförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 112 bis hin zum äußeren, ringförmigen Elektrodenabschnitt 1111 ab. Mit der Abnahme der radialen Breite geht die Abnahme der Belegungsdichte einher.One way of structuring the electrode 11 is in FIG Fig. 1 shown. Here, the electrode 11 is made by a plurality of concentric annular gaps 15, which can be achieved for example by etching the electrode 11. To realize the decreasing occupancy density, the concentric annular gaps 15 are designed with a radial width which increases with increasing radial distance of the annular gaps 15 from the disk center. As a result of these annular gaps 15, the electrode 11 is divided into separate electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 , which, however, are electrically connected to each other and thus are at the same electrical potential. The electrical connection is made by means of a radial web 16 of electrically conductive material extending over all the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 , starting from the central, circular electrode section 11 1 to the farthest, outer, annular one from the circular electrode section 11 1 Electrode portion 11 11 , and extends with each electrode portion 11 1 to 11 11 contacted. The radial distance of the center lines of the concentric annular gaps 15 from each other is constant and also the radial distance between the center lines of the annular electrode sections 11 2 to 11 11 from each other. As a result of the outwardly increasing width of the annular gap 15, the radial width of the annular electrode section 11 2 to 11 11 from the inner, the central circular electrode portion 11 1 concentrically enclosing annular electrode portion 11 2 up to the outer annular electrode portion 11 11 decreases , The decrease in the radial width is accompanied by a decrease in the coverage density.

In Fig. 4 ist die Richtcharakteristik des elektroakustischen Wandlers im Schnitt dargestellt. Die Schnittebene der Richtcharakteristik verläuft senkrecht zur Blattebene durch die Schnittlinie II - II. Aus Fig. 4 ist zu erkennen, dass durch die Strukturierung der Elektrode 11 die Nebenpegel in der Richtcharakteristik unter -24dB gedrückt sind.In Fig. 4 the directional characteristic of the electroacoustic transducer is shown in section. The sectional plane of the directional characteristic is perpendicular to the page plane through the section line II - II. Off Fig. 4 It can be seen that the secondary levels in the directional characteristic are pressed below -24 dB due to the structuring of the electrode 11.

Während bei dem beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel des elektroakustischen Wandlers gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 lediglich die Elektrode 11 in der beschriebenen Weise strukturiert ist, ist in dem in Fig. 3 ausschnittweise im Schnitt skizzierten Ausführungsbeispiel des elektroakustischen Wandlers auch die andere Elektrode 12 des Elektrodenpaars in der gleichen Weise strukturiert. Dadurch ist eine hohe Entkopplung der aktiven und nicht aktiven Bereiche im Keramikkörper 10 gewährleistet.While in the described embodiment of the electroacoustic transducer according to Fig. 1 and 2 only the electrode 11 is structured in the manner described, is in the in Fig. 3 Sectionally sketched in section embodiment of the electro-acoustic transducer and the other electrode 12 of the electrode pair in the same manner structured. This ensures a high decoupling of the active and non-active regions in the ceramic body 10.

Der in Fig. 5 in Draufsicht zu sehende, elektroakustische Wandler unterscheidet sich von dem in Fig. 1 abgebildeten, elektroakustischen Wandler nur dadurch, dass der radiale Steg 16 zur elektrischen Verbindung der Elektrodenabschnitte 111 bis 1111 in mehrere Stegabschnitte, hier in drei Stegabschnitt 161, 162 und 163, unterteilt ist. Die Stegabschnitte 161 bis 163 sind um gleiche Umfangswinkel gegeneinander verschoben angeordnet, wobei der erste Stegabschnitt 161 die Elektrodenabschnitte 111 bis 114, der zweite Stegabschnitt 162 die Elektrodenabschnitte 115 bis 117 und der dritte Stegabschnitt 163 die Elektrodenabschnitte 118 bis 1111 elektrisch miteinander verbindet. Alle Stegabschnitte 161 bis 163 liegen auf gleichem elektrischen Potential. Im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 5 beträgt der Umfangswinkel, um den die Stegabschnitte 161 bis 163 gegeneinander verschoben sind, 120°. Er kann jedoch ebenso wie die Anzahl der Stegabschnitte beliebig gewählt werden. Mit den versetzten Stegabschnitten können evtl. durch den nur einen Steg hervorgerufene Störungen in der Richtcharakteristik weitgehend vermieden werden. Anstelle des Stegs 16 (Fig. 1) oder der Stegabschnitte 161 bis 163 (Fig. 5) können die Elektrodenabschnitte 111 bis 1111 auch durch eine Verdrahtung miteinander verbunden werden.The in Fig. 5 seen in plan view, electro-acoustic transducer is different from that in Fig. 1 imaged electroacoustic transducer only in that the radial web 16 for electrical connection of the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 in a plurality of web sections, here in three web section 161, 162 and 163, is divided. The land portions 161 to 163 are arranged displaced by the same circumferential angle to each other, said first web portion 161 of the electrode portions 11 1 to 11 4, the second land portion 162, the electrode sections 11 5 to 11 7 and the third land portion 163, the electrode sections 11 8 to 11 11 connects electrically with each other. All web sections 161 to 163 are at the same electrical potential. In the embodiment of Fig. 5 is the circumferential angle by which the web portions 161 to 163 are shifted from each other, 120 °. However, it can be chosen arbitrarily as well as the number of web sections. With the staggered web sections can possibly be largely avoided by the only one web caused disturbances in the directional characteristic. Instead of the web 16 ( Fig. 1 ) or the web portions 161 to 163 ( Fig. 5 ), the electrode sections 11 1 to 11 11 can also be connected to each other by a wiring.

Claims (8)

  1. An electroacoustic transducer, for underwater use, having a body (10) composed of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic, and having an electrode pair, comprising two flat electrodes (11, 12) which are arranged on mutually averted end faces (101, 102) of the ceramic body (10) and at least one of which is structured such that the coating density of the ceramic body (10) decreases from the body center to the body edge, characterized in that the structuring is carried out such that the electrode (11) is subdivided by a plurality of circumferential gaps (15) into concentric electrode sections (111 to 1111) with a width which decreases as the distance of the electrode sections (111 to 1111) from the central electrode section (111) increases, the distances between the center lines of the gaps (15) are constant, and the gaps (15) have a width which increases towards the electrode edge, and the electrode sections (111 to 1111) which are separated by the gaps are electrically connected to one another.
  2. The transducer as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection between the electrode sections (111 to 1111) is made by a preferably radially running web (16) which is composed of electrically conductive material and makes contact with all the electrode sections (111 to 1111) .
  3. The transducer as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the web (16) is subdivided into a plurality of web sections (161, 162, 163), and the web sections (161, 162, 163) are arranged shifted through any desired circumferential angle with respect to one another.
  4. The transducer as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the other electrode (12) of the electrode pair has the same dimensions and, on the other end face (102) of the ceramic body (10), is arranged to be coincident with the first electrode (11) .
  5. The transducer as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two electrodes (11, 12) in the electrode pair are structured identical, and are arranged to be coincident with one another on the two end faces (101, 102) of the ceramic body (10).
  6. The transducer as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrodes (11, 12) are circular, and the circumferential gaps represent annular gaps (15).
  7. The transducer as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ceramic body (10) is composed of a composite ceramic.
  8. The transducer as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the composite ceramic is a 1-3 composite which has a multiplicity of small ceramic rods (13) or ceramic threads which are aligned parallel to one another and are embedded at a distance from one another in a polymer, and their end surfaces can be made contact with by means of the electrodes (11, 12), on the mutually averted end faces of the ceramic body (10) .
EP07711877A 2006-04-03 2007-03-09 Electroacoustic transducer Not-in-force EP2001604B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006015493A DE102006015493B4 (en) 2006-04-03 2006-04-03 Electroacoustic transducer
PCT/EP2007/002071 WO2007115625A2 (en) 2006-04-03 2007-03-09 Electroacoustic transducer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2001604A2 EP2001604A2 (en) 2008-12-17
EP2001604B1 true EP2001604B1 (en) 2011-10-26

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EP07711877A Not-in-force EP2001604B1 (en) 2006-04-03 2007-03-09 Electroacoustic transducer

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US (1) US7800284B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2001604B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE530263T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006015493B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2007115625A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007115625A3 (en) 2008-04-03
DE102006015493A1 (en) 2007-10-11
EP2001604A2 (en) 2008-12-17
DE102006015493B4 (en) 2010-12-23
WO2007115625A2 (en) 2007-10-18
US20090174288A1 (en) 2009-07-09
US7800284B2 (en) 2010-09-21
WO2007115625B1 (en) 2008-07-03
ATE530263T1 (en) 2011-11-15

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