EP2480345A2 - Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer - Google Patents

Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer

Info

Publication number
EP2480345A2
EP2480345A2 EP09740040A EP09740040A EP2480345A2 EP 2480345 A2 EP2480345 A2 EP 2480345A2 EP 09740040 A EP09740040 A EP 09740040A EP 09740040 A EP09740040 A EP 09740040A EP 2480345 A2 EP2480345 A2 EP 2480345A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
electroacoustic transducer
end caps
transducer according
electrodes
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09740040A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2480345B1 (en
Inventor
Rainer Busch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Atlas Elektronik GmbH
Original Assignee
Atlas Elektronik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Atlas Elektronik GmbH filed Critical Atlas Elektronik GmbH
Publication of EP2480345A2 publication Critical patent/EP2480345A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2480345B1 publication Critical patent/EP2480345B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
    • 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
    • B06B1/0644—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 a single piezoelectric element
    • B06B1/0655—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 a single piezoelectric element of cylindrical shape
    • 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

Definitions

  • Electroacoustic transducer in particular transmitting transducer
  • the invention relates to an electroacoustic transducer, in particular a transmitting transducer, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the distance of the two plate-shaped end caps is made by a piezoelectric actuator, which consists of a stack of hollow cylindrical, piezo-ceramic elements with in between arranged electrodes.
  • the two plate-like, annular or polygonal end caps are arranged on the front sides of the stack, and a tie rod passed through the hollow cylindrical piezoceramic elements and the end plates sets the stack under mechanical pressure.
  • the spanned between the end caps, concave curved lamellae are mounted with their ends at the periphery of the end caps with gap spacing in the circumferential direction side by side.
  • the concave curved lamellae are enclosed on the outside on their side facing away from the stack by a rubber sheath, which is attached to the end caps waterproof and the gaps between the lamellae waterproof covers.
  • a rubber sheath which is attached to the end caps waterproof and the gaps between the lamellae waterproof covers.
  • Such an electroacoustic transducer used as a transmitting transducer transmits in a relatively narrow band and can transmit only up to a certain water depth, e.g. 100 m, whereby its transmission behavior, since it is filled with air, is influenced by the depth of the water.
  • the stack of piezoelectric elements, the so-called. Piezo stack, and the tensioning device for this condition in the known electroacoustic transducer a relatively high weight, which makes him for certain types of use in the Underwater sound, eg for installation in towed antennas or towed bodies, makes unattractive.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a suitable in particular for underwater electroacoustic transducer, which is characterized by a low weight and sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture at sufficiently high acoustic power, in particular transmission power.
  • the electroacoustic transducer according to the invention has the advantage that the vibration excitation of the slats not by a heavy-weight stack of piezoelectric elements, which also still needs to be mechanically biased with a stable and heavy tie rods, but is produced by thin and lightweight composite modules that directly to attached to the slats.
  • the attachment of the composite modules to the preferably made of plastic slats is preferably carried out by up or lamination in the slat production, whereby the non-fluid-resistant composite modules are already protected in manufacturing technology simple manner against environmental influences, such as water or oil. Instead of laminating or laminating, it is also possible to consider sticking with a suitable adhesive.
  • the converter is characterized by a wider bandwidth than the well-known Barel Stave converter and is very well suited for use in acoustic underwater towed antennas because of its low weight and its easy-to-fit dimensions.
  • each composite module is aligned on the slats so that the piezoceramic fibers extend in the longitudinal direction of the slats.
  • the electrodes are with a DC voltage thus proves that at the adjacent to a film layer electrodes alternately a high and a low DC potential and at the opposite to the piezoceramic fibers electrodes on the two film layers each have the same potential.
  • an alternating voltage can be applied to the electrodes.
  • the piezoceramic fibers in the composite modules carry out expansions and contractions in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae in the same direction, as a result of which the lamellae, since they are mechanically fixed at the ends, curve more or less strongly and thus transversely to the transducer axis, ie in the radial direction , vibrate and create sound waves in the surrounding medium.
  • the moduli of elasticity of the slats and the number of composite modules present in each slat the acoustic power of the electroacoustic transducer is adjustable.
  • the distance between the end plates is made by means of a tube, on the two end faces of which the end plates are secured radially projecting beyond the tube.
  • the tube is made of a plastic material with inlaid carbon or glass fibers. If the end plates and the lamellae are also advantageously produced from the plastic material, then the entire converter can be manufactured completely cost-effectively from FRP material. Such a converter is robust and has a low weight.
  • each end cap has in its area bounded by the end face of the tube a preferably coaxial with the tube axis passage opening and the tube shell of the tube breakthroughs.
  • the end caps are supported over its circumference in the interior of an oil-filled or gel-filled hose of an underwater towed antenna on its hose wall and the enclosed by the hose wall on the one hand and the lamella covering shell on the other hand enclosed space is hermetically sealed and filled with the same oil or gel ,
  • the pull cable of the underwater towed antenna extending in the hose and the connection lines for the transducers and electronic components present in the hose can advantageously be passed centrally through the interior of the transducers.
  • the tube wall of the end plates supporting tube is occupied with a plurality of spaced apart in the circumferential and axial direction of the tube composite modules, which are fixedly connected to the tube wall, preferably laminated in this.
  • These composite modules are controlled in the same way as the composite modules assigned to the slats.
  • the drive causes the pipe to expand and contract in the longitudinal axis alternately, increasing the compression and stretching of the vanes caused by the composite modules in the vanes, thus increasing the acoustic power radiated by the transducer.
  • the composite modules may be disposed on the inside or outside or inside and outside, then preferably alternately, of the tube wall and are preferably laminated into the tube wall so as to oppose the surrounding medium of the tube, such as oil or gel, are protected.
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of an electro-acoustic transducer used in a hose of an underwater towed antenna, 2 shows a detail of a top view of the electroacoustic transducer in FIG. 1, FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded view of a composite module in the electroacoustic transducer in Fig. 1 and 2,
  • FIG. 4 shows a detail of a longitudinal section of a relative to the transducer shown in Fig. 1 modified electroacoustic transducer.
  • the illustrated in Fig. 1 in longitudinal section and in Fig. 2 fragmentary in plan view of electroacoustic transducer, which is preferably operated as transmitting transducer, has two spaced apart, eg plate-like end caps 11, 12 and spanned between the two end caps 11, 12, here concavely curved, oscillatory blades 13.
  • the two end caps 11, 12 are attached to the end face of a tube 14 so that they project radially beyond the tube 14.
  • the tube 14 consists for example of plastic with inserted carbon or glass fibers.
  • the end caps 11, 12 and the fins 13 are made of the same plastic material, so that the entire converter can be inexpensively made entirely of plastic.
  • the end caps 11, 12 are formed in the embodiment as a circular plate.
  • the end caps 11, 12 may also be designed as polygonal plates whose number of edges corresponds to the number of lamellae 13, wherein the lamella ends in each case on one of the edges extending between the flat surface of the end caps 11, 12 rest and are fixed.
  • the juxtaposed, the tube 14 surrounding lamellae 13 are outside, ie on its side facing away from the tube 14 outside, enclosed by a fluid-tight, elastic shell 16 which covers the gap 15 between the slats 13 liquid-tight.
  • the sheath 16 is attached to the end caps 11, 12 in a fluid-tight manner.
  • each blade 13 For vibrational excitation of the clamped between the end caps 11, 12 slats 13 at least one composite module 7 is fixed to each blade 13.
  • a plurality of composite modules are arranged on each blade 13, wherein the composite modules 17 are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the fins 13.
  • the solid connection of the composite modules 17 with the slats 13 takes place, for example, by gluing or laminating the composite modules, the composite modules 17 being arranged on the outside or inside or on the outside and inside of the slats 13.
  • the composite modules 17 are arranged alternately on each lamella 13 on the inside and outside of the lamellae 13 and laminated into the lamella 13, which is carried out during the manufacturing process of the lamellae 13.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged exploded view of the structure of a composite module 17 schematically outlined.
  • the composite module 17 has two congruent film layers 18, 19 of electrically insulating material, on whose mutually facing layer surfaces in each case an electrode structure 20 or 21 arranged, for example printed, is.
  • an electrode structure 20 or 21 arranged, for example printed, is.
  • dashed lines For visualization of arranged on the lower layer surface of the top in Fig. 3 film layer 18 electrode structure 20, this is shown by dashed lines.
  • piezoceramic fibers 22 are arranged, which are spaced apart and preferably aligned parallel to each other.
  • the elongate piezoceramic fibers 22 have, for example, a square or rectangular cross section.
  • the gaps between the piezoceramic fibers 22 are filled with an electrically insulating material, for example with a polymer or epoxy, which is not shown in Fig. 3 for clarity, resulting in a coherent composite or composite layer.
  • the two electrode structures 20 are identical.
  • Each electrode structure 20 or 21 has two identically formed comb-like structural parts 23, 24 with a conductor track 25 or 26 extending in the direction of the piezoceramic fibers 22 and electrodes 27, 28 which extend in one piece, finger-like and preferably parallel to one another.
  • the two comb-like structural parts 23, 24 engage each other with their electrodes 27, 28, so that in each case one Electrode 27 of the one structural part 23 and an electrode 28 of the other structural part 24 of the electrical structures 20 and 21 are adjacent and parallel to each other.
  • Electrodes 27, 28 are therefore also referred to as "interdigitated electrods".
  • the two film layers 18, 19 are arranged in mirror image with mutually facing electrode structures 20, 21 on the piezoceramic fibers 22, wherein only the electrodes 27, 28 (and not the interconnects 25, 26) contact the piezoceramic fibers 22 on their opposite longitudinal sides.
  • the two film layers 18, 19 with electrode structures 20, 21 resting on the piezoceramic fibers 22 are firmly connected to one another.
  • Such a composite module 17 is known and described, for example, in EP 1 983 584 A2, where it is referred to as "piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator".
  • the composite modules 17 connected to the slats 13 are aligned with the slats 13 in such a way that the piezoceramic fibers 22 run in the longitudinal direction of the slats 13.
  • the two structural parts 23, 24 of each electrode structure 20, 21 applied with a DC voltage so that alternately on a film layer 18 and 19 adjacent electrodes 27, 28 alternately a high and a low DC potential and at the opposite to the piezoceramic fibers 22 opposite electrodes 26 and 27 of the two film layers 18, 19 each have the same DC potential.
  • the DC voltage is an AC voltage superimposed so that the former is not exceeded.
  • the electroacoustic transducer emits sound waves 29 in the radial direction, as shown symbolically in FIG. 1. Due to the small dimensions of the transducer with respect to the wavelengths of the sound waves emitted by it at an operating frequency of, for example, 2 kHz, the transducer has an omnidirectional radiation behavior with broadband sound radiation.
  • the two film layers 18, 19 further, similar film layers with just such electrode structures 20, 21 rest, where In the case of between two film layers, there is always one layer of piezoceramic fibers 22 in the arrangement described.
  • ⁇ For use in underwater towed antennas are then preferably circular end caps 11, 12 in its bounded by the end face of the tube 14 area with a through hole 30, which is preferably introduced as a coaxial bore, and the tube 14 in its tubular jacket 141 with openings 31st , eg in the form of slits or circular or elliptical holes.
  • the electro-acoustic transducer is inserted into a hose 32 of an underwater towed antenna so that the end caps 11, 12 are supported on the hose wall of the hose 32 over their circumference. In Fig. 1, this is shown for an electroacoustic transducer.
  • a plurality of such electroacoustic transducers are arranged one behind the other in the hose in the manner described.
  • a usually centrally in the hose 32 extending, not shown here traction cable of the underwater towed antenna is guided by the hollow, enclosed by the tube 14 interior of the converter, as well as the electrical connection lines for the converter.
  • the tube 32 is filled with oil or gel and closed at the end.
  • the at each transducer between the two end caps 11, 12 extending and bounded by the tube wall of the tube 32 and the fins 13 envelope 6 limited space 33 is hermetically sealed and filled with the same oil or gel as the rest of the tube 32. This is ensures that between the hose 32 consecutively arranged transducers no acoustic short circuit can occur.
  • the slats 13 may also be convexly curved. But then the converter is less suitable for installation in the hose of an underwater towed antenna, but is quite suitable for other purposes. It is also possible to refrain from a curvature of the slats 13 and to execute the slats 13 stretched flat. The effect of the conversion of the stretching movement of the lamellae 7 into a radial bulging movement is thereby reduced, so that the acoustic power of the transducer decreases.

Abstract

An electroacoustic transducer, in particular a transmitting transducer for sonar systems, is disclosed, comprising two end caps (11, 12) that are arranged at a fixed distance from each other, multiple bars (13) which are braced between the two end caps (11, 12) and the ends of which are attached to the end caps (11, 12) next to each other in the peripheral direction, and an elastic shell (16) that externally encloses the bars (13). In order to significantly reduce the weight of the transducer and simplify production, composite modules (17) are attached to the bars (13) so as to excite vibrations. Each composite module (17) has electrode structures that include spaced-apart electrodes and are arranged on at least two film layers made of insulating material, and spaced-apart piezoceramic fibers which are arranged between the film layers and are contacted by the electrodes on opposite longitudinal sides.

Description

Elektroakustischer Wandler, insbesondere Sendewandler  Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer
Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektroakustischen Wandler, insbesondere einen Sendewandler, nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. The invention relates to an electroacoustic transducer, in particular a transmitting transducer, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Bei einem bekannten, als "Barrel Stave Projector" bezeichneten, elektroakustischen Wandler für den Einsatz in tieffrequenten Sonarsystemen (US 6,535,459 B1) ist der Abstand der beiden plattenförmigen Endkappen von einem piezoelektrischen Aktuator hergestellt, der aus einem Stapel hohlzylindrischer, piezo- keramischer Elemente mit dazwischen angeordneten Elektroden besteht. Die beiden plattenartigen, kreisringförmigen oder mehrkantigen Endkappen sind an den Stirnseiten des Stapels angeordnet, und ein durch die hohlzylindrischen pie- zokeramischen Elemente und die Endplatten hindurchgeführter Zuganker setzt den Stapel unter mechanischem Druck. Die zwischen den Endkappen aufgespannten, konkav gekrümmten Lamellen sind mit ihren Enden am Umfang der Endkappen mit Spaltabstand in Umfangsrichtung gesehen nebeneinander befestigt. Die konkav gekrümmten Lamellen sind außen auf ihrer vom Stapel abgekehrten Seite von einer Gummihülle umschlossen, die an den Endkappen wasserdicht befestigt ist und die Spalten zwischen den Lamellen wasserdicht abdeckt. Ein solcher als Sendewandler eingesetzter, elektroakustischer Wandler sendet relativ schmalbandig und kann nur bis zu einer bestimmten Wassertiefe, z.B. ca. 100 m, eingesetzt werden, wobei sein Sendeverhalten, da er luftgefüllt ist, von der Wassertiefe beeinflusst wird. In a known, called "Barrel Stave Projector", electroacoustic transducer for use in low-frequency sonar systems (US 6,535,459 B1), the distance of the two plate-shaped end caps is made by a piezoelectric actuator, which consists of a stack of hollow cylindrical, piezo-ceramic elements with in between arranged electrodes. The two plate-like, annular or polygonal end caps are arranged on the front sides of the stack, and a tie rod passed through the hollow cylindrical piezoceramic elements and the end plates sets the stack under mechanical pressure. The spanned between the end caps, concave curved lamellae are mounted with their ends at the periphery of the end caps with gap spacing in the circumferential direction side by side. The concave curved lamellae are enclosed on the outside on their side facing away from the stack by a rubber sheath, which is attached to the end caps waterproof and the gaps between the lamellae waterproof covers. Such an electroacoustic transducer used as a transmitting transducer transmits in a relatively narrow band and can transmit only up to a certain water depth, e.g. 100 m, whereby its transmission behavior, since it is filled with air, is influenced by the depth of the water.
Der Stapel von piezoelektrischen Elementen, das sog. Piezostack, und die Spannvorrichtung für diesen bedingen bei dem bekannten elektroakustischen Wandler ein relativ hohes Gewicht, was ihn für bestimmte Einsatzarten in der Unterwasserschalltechnik, z.B. für den Einbau in Schleppantennen oder Schleppkörpern, unattraktiv macht. The stack of piezoelectric elements, the so-called. Piezo stack, and the tensioning device for this condition in the known electroacoustic transducer a relatively high weight, which makes him for certain types of use in the Underwater sound, eg for installation in towed antennas or towed bodies, makes unattractive.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen insbesondere für den Unterwassereinsatz geeigneten elektroakustischen Wandler anzugeben, der bei ausreichend hoher akustischer Leistung, insbesondere Sendeleistung, sich durch ein geringes Gewicht auszeichnet und kostengünstig zu fertigen ist. The invention has for its object to provide a suitable in particular for underwater electroacoustic transducer, which is characterized by a low weight and sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture at sufficiently high acoustic power, in particular transmission power.
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 die Schwingungsanregung der Lamellen nicht durch einen schwergewichtigen Stapel aus piezoelektrischen Elementen, der zudem noch mit einem stabilen und schweren Zuganker mechanisch vorgespannt werden muss, sondern durch dünne und leichte Composite-Module erzeugt wird, die direkt an den Lamellen befestigt sind. Die Befestigung der Composite-Module an den vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff hergestellten Lamellen erfolgt vorzugsweise durch Auf- oder Einlami- nieren bei der Lamellenherstellung, wodurch die nichtfluidresistenten Composite- Module bereits in fertigungstechnisch einfacher Weise gegen Umgebungseinflüsse, wie Wasser oder Öl, geschützt sind. Anstelle von Ein- oder Auflaminieren kann auch ein Aufkleben mit einem geeigneten Kleber in Betracht gezogen werden. Der Wandler zeichnet sich durch eine größere Bandbreite als die bekannten Barel Stave-Wandler aus und eignet sich wegen seines geringen Gewichts und seinen leicht anzupassenden Abmessungen sehr gut für den Einsatz in akustischen Unterwasser-Schleppantennen. The electroacoustic transducer according to the invention has the advantage that the vibration excitation of the slats not by a heavy-weight stack of piezoelectric elements, which also still needs to be mechanically biased with a stable and heavy tie rods, but is produced by thin and lightweight composite modules that directly to attached to the slats. The attachment of the composite modules to the preferably made of plastic slats is preferably carried out by up or lamination in the slat production, whereby the non-fluid-resistant composite modules are already protected in manufacturing technology simple manner against environmental influences, such as water or oil. Instead of laminating or laminating, it is also possible to consider sticking with a suitable adhesive. The converter is characterized by a wider bandwidth than the well-known Barel Stave converter and is very well suited for use in acoustic underwater towed antennas because of its low weight and its easy-to-fit dimensions.
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.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist jedes Composite- Modul an den Lamellen so ausgerichtet, das die Piezokeramikfasern in Längsrichtung der Lamellen verlaufen. Die Elektroden sind mit einer Gleichspannung so belegt, dass an den auf einer Filmschicht nebeneinanderliegenden Elektroden abwechselnd ein hohes und ein niedriges Gleichspannungspotential und an den an den Piezokeramikfasern einander gegenüberliegenden Elektroden auf den beiden Filmschichten ein jeweils gleiches Potential liegt. Zur Schwingungsanregung der Lamellen ist auf die Elektroden eine Wechselspannung aufschaltbar. Bei Anlegen der Wechselspannung führen die Piezokeramikfasern in den Com- posite-Modulen gleichsinnige Expansionen und Kontraktionen in Längsrichtung der Lamellen aus, wodurch sich die Lamellen, da sie endseitig mechanisch festgelegt sind, mehr oder weniger stark krümmen und damit quer zur Wandlerachse, also in Radialrichtung, schwingen und im umgrenzenden Medium Schallwellen erzeugen. Durch die Wahl der Elastizitätsmodule der Lamellen und die Anzahl der in jeder Lamelle vorhandenen Composite-Module ist die akustische Leistung des elektroakustischen Wandlers einstellbar. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each composite module is aligned on the slats so that the piezoceramic fibers extend in the longitudinal direction of the slats. The electrodes are with a DC voltage thus proves that at the adjacent to a film layer electrodes alternately a high and a low DC potential and at the opposite to the piezoceramic fibers electrodes on the two film layers each have the same potential. To vibrate the lamellae, an alternating voltage can be applied to the electrodes. When the alternating voltage is applied, the piezoceramic fibers in the composite modules carry out expansions and contractions in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae in the same direction, as a result of which the lamellae, since they are mechanically fixed at the ends, curve more or less strongly and thus transversely to the transducer axis, ie in the radial direction , vibrate and create sound waves in the surrounding medium. By selecting the moduli of elasticity of the slats and the number of composite modules present in each slat, the acoustic power of the electroacoustic transducer is adjustable.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Abstand zwischen den Endplatten mittels eines Rohrs hergestellt, an dessen beiden Stirnseiten die Endplatten radial über das Rohr überstehend befestigt sind. Vorzugsweise besteht das Rohr aus einem Kunststoffmaterial mit eingelegten Kohlenstoffoder Glasfasern. Werden vorteilhaft auch die Endplatten und die Lamellen aus dem Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt, so kann der gesamte Wandler kostengünstig komplett aus GFK-Material gefertigt werden. Ein solcher Wandler ist robust und weist ein geringes Gewicht auf. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distance between the end plates is made by means of a tube, on the two end faces of which the end plates are secured radially projecting beyond the tube. Preferably, the tube is made of a plastic material with inlaid carbon or glass fibers. If the end plates and the lamellae are also advantageously produced from the plastic material, then the entire converter can be manufactured completely cost-effectively from FRP material. Such a converter is robust and has a low weight.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist jede Endkappe in ihrem von der Stirnseite des Rohrs eingegrenzten Bereich eine vorzugsweise mit der Rohrachse koaxiale Durchgangsöffnung und der Rohrmantel des Rohrs Durchbrüche auf. Die Endkappen stützen sich über ihren Umfang im Inneren eines mit Öl oder Gel gefüllten Schlauchs einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne an dessen Schlauchwand ab und der von der Schlauchwand einerseits und der die Lamellen überdeckenden Hülle andererseits eingeschlossene Zwischenraum ist hermetisch abgeschlossen und mit dem gleichen Öl oder Gel gefüllt. Durch diese konstruktiven Maßnahmen lässt sich vorteilhaft in einer Unterwasser- Schleppantenne ein in den Schlauch der Schleppantenne mit einbezogener Sendeten aus mehreren in Längsrichtung des Schlauchs hintereinander angeordneten Wandlern der beschrieben Art realisieren. Durch das hohle Innere der Wandler können vorteilhaft das im Schlauch verlaufende Zugseil der Unterwasser-Schleppantenne und die Anschlussleitungen für die im Schlauch vorhandenen Wandler und Elektronikbaustein zentral durch das Innere der Wandler hindurchgeführt werden. Das hermetische Abschließen des öl- oder gelgefüllten, sich zwischen den Endkappen erstreckenden, von Schlauchwand und Hülle eingeschlossenen Zwischenraums verhindert einen akustischen Kurzschluss zwischen den mehreren im Sendeteil vorhandenen Wandlern. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each end cap has in its area bounded by the end face of the tube a preferably coaxial with the tube axis passage opening and the tube shell of the tube breakthroughs. The end caps are supported over its circumference in the interior of an oil-filled or gel-filled hose of an underwater towed antenna on its hose wall and the enclosed by the hose wall on the one hand and the lamella covering shell on the other hand enclosed space is hermetically sealed and filled with the same oil or gel , These constructive measures can be advantageous in an underwater towed antenna in the hose of the towed antenna with included Transmit from several realized in the longitudinal direction of the hose successively arranged transducers of the type described. Due to the hollow interior of the transducers, the pull cable of the underwater towed antenna extending in the hose and the connection lines for the transducers and electronic components present in the hose can advantageously be passed centrally through the interior of the transducers. The hermetic sealing of the oil- or gel-filled space extending between the end caps, enclosed by the tube wall and the sheath, prevents an acoustic short circuit between the several transducers present in the transmitting part.
Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Rohrwand des die Endplatten tragenden Rohrs mit mehreren, in Umfangs- und Achsrichtung des Rohrs voneinander beabstandeten Composite-Moduien belegt, die fest mit der Rohrwand verbunden, vorzugsweise in diese einlaminiert sind. Diese Com- posite-Module werden in gleicher Weise wie die den Lamellen zugeordneten Composite-Module angesteuert. Die Ansteuerung bewirkt ein wechselweise Expansion und Kontraktion des Rohrs in Längsachse und verstärkt das von den Composite-Moduien in den Lamellen bewirkte Stauchen und Dehnen der Lamellen, so dass die vom Wandler abgestrahlte akustische Leistung größer wird. Wie bei den Lamellen können die Composite-Module auf der Innen- oder Außenseite oder auf Innen- und Außenseite, dann vorzugsweise abwechselnd, der Rohrwand angeordnet sein und sind vorzugsweise in die Rohrwand einlaminiert, so dass sie gegen das umgebende Medium des Rohrs, wie Öl oder Gel, geschützt sind. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tube wall of the end plates supporting tube is occupied with a plurality of spaced apart in the circumferential and axial direction of the tube composite modules, which are fixedly connected to the tube wall, preferably laminated in this. These composite modules are controlled in the same way as the composite modules assigned to the slats. The drive causes the pipe to expand and contract in the longitudinal axis alternately, increasing the compression and stretching of the vanes caused by the composite modules in the vanes, thus increasing the acoustic power radiated by the transducer. As with the lamellae, the composite modules may be disposed on the inside or outside or inside and outside, then preferably alternately, of the tube wall and are preferably laminated into the tube wall so as to oppose the surrounding medium of the tube, such as oil or gel, are protected.
Die Erfindung ist anhand von in den Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen im Folgenden näher beschrieben. Es zeigen in schematischer Darstellung: The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In a schematic representation:
Fig. 1 einen Längsschnitt eines elektroakustischen Wandlers, eingesetzt in einen Schlauch einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne, Fig. 2 ausschnittweise eine Draufsicht des elektroakustischen Wandlers in Fig. 1 , 1 is a longitudinal section of an electro-acoustic transducer used in a hose of an underwater towed antenna, 2 shows a detail of a top view of the electroacoustic transducer in FIG. 1, FIG.
Fig. 3 eine vergrößerte Explosionsdarstellung eines Composite-Moduls im elektroakustischen Wandler in Fig. 1 und 2, 3 is an enlarged exploded view of a composite module in the electroacoustic transducer in Fig. 1 and 2,
Fig. 4 ausschnittweise einen Längsschnitt eines gegenüber dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Wandler modifizierten elektroakustischen Wandlers.. 4 shows a detail of a longitudinal section of a relative to the transducer shown in Fig. 1 modified electroacoustic transducer.
Der in Fig. 1 im Längsschnitt und in Fig. 2 ausschnittweise in Draufsicht dargestellte elektroakustische Wandler, der vorzugsweise als Sendewandler betrieben wird, weist zwei im Abstand voneinander angeordnete, z.B. plattenartige Endkappen 11 , 12 und zwischen den beiden Endkappen 11 , 12 aufgespannte, hier konkav gekrümmte, schwingungsfähige Lamellen 13 auf. Die beiden Endkappen 11 , 12 sind an der Stirnseite eines Rohrs 14 so befestigt, dass sie radial über das Rohr 14 überstehen. Das Rohr 14 besteht z.B. aus Kunststoff mit eingelegten Kohlenstoff- oder Glasfasern. Vorzugsweise werden die Endkappen 11 , 12 und die Lamellen 13 aus dem gleichen Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt, so dass der gesamte Wandler kostengünstig komplett aus Kunststoff gefertigt werden kann. Die Endkappen 11 , 12 sind im Ausführungsbeispiel als kreisrunde Platte ausgebildet. Längs deren Umfang sind die Lamellen 13 nebeneinander mit dazwischen verbleibenden Spalten 15 angeordnet und mit ihren Enden an den Endkappen 11 , 12 befestigt. Die Endkappen 11 , 12 können aber auch als Mehrkantplatten ausgeführt sein, deren Kantenzahl der Anzahl der Lamellen 13 entspricht, wobei die Lamellenenden jeweils auf einer der zwischen den Kanten sich erstreckenden, ebenen Fläche der Endkappen 11 , 12 aufliegen und befestigt sind. Die nebeneinander angeordneten, das Rohr 14 umgebenden Lamellen 13 sind außen, d.h. auf ihrer vom Rohr 14 abgekehrten Außenseite, von einer fluiddichten, elastischen Hülle 16 umschlossen, die die Spalte 15 zwischen den Lamellen 13 flüssigkeitsdicht abdeckt. Die Hülle 16 ist endseitig fluiddicht an den Endkappen 11 , 12 befestigt. Zur Schwingungsanregung der zwischen den Endkappen 11 , 12 aufgespannten Lamellen 13 ist an jeder Lamelle 13 mindestens ein Composite-Modul 7 festgelegt. Vorzugsweise sind an jeder Lamelle 13 eine Mehrzahl von Composite- Modulen angeordnet, wobei die Composite-Module 17 in Längsrichtung der Lamellen 13 voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind. Die feste Verbindung der Composite-Module 17 mit den Lamellen 13 erfolgt beispielsweise durch Aufkleben oder Auflaminieren der Composite-Module, wobei die Composite-Module 17 auf der Außen- oder Innenseite oder auf der Außen- und Innenseite der Lamellen 13 angeordnet sind. Im Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Composite-Module 17 auf jeder Lamelle 13 abwechselnd auf der Innen- und Außenseite der Lamellen 13 angeordnet und in die Lamelle 13 einlaminiert, was beim Herstellungsprozess der Lamellen 13 mit vorgenommen wird. The illustrated in Fig. 1 in longitudinal section and in Fig. 2 fragmentary in plan view of electroacoustic transducer, which is preferably operated as transmitting transducer, has two spaced apart, eg plate-like end caps 11, 12 and spanned between the two end caps 11, 12, here concavely curved, oscillatory blades 13. The two end caps 11, 12 are attached to the end face of a tube 14 so that they project radially beyond the tube 14. The tube 14 consists for example of plastic with inserted carbon or glass fibers. Preferably, the end caps 11, 12 and the fins 13 are made of the same plastic material, so that the entire converter can be inexpensively made entirely of plastic. The end caps 11, 12 are formed in the embodiment as a circular plate. Along the circumference of the slats 13 are arranged side by side with remaining therebetween gaps 15 and secured with their ends to the end caps 11, 12. But the end caps 11, 12 may also be designed as polygonal plates whose number of edges corresponds to the number of lamellae 13, wherein the lamella ends in each case on one of the edges extending between the flat surface of the end caps 11, 12 rest and are fixed. The juxtaposed, the tube 14 surrounding lamellae 13 are outside, ie on its side facing away from the tube 14 outside, enclosed by a fluid-tight, elastic shell 16 which covers the gap 15 between the slats 13 liquid-tight. The sheath 16 is attached to the end caps 11, 12 in a fluid-tight manner. For vibrational excitation of the clamped between the end caps 11, 12 slats 13 at least one composite module 7 is fixed to each blade 13. Preferably, a plurality of composite modules are arranged on each blade 13, wherein the composite modules 17 are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the fins 13. The solid connection of the composite modules 17 with the slats 13 takes place, for example, by gluing or laminating the composite modules, the composite modules 17 being arranged on the outside or inside or on the outside and inside of the slats 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the composite modules 17 are arranged alternately on each lamella 13 on the inside and outside of the lamellae 13 and laminated into the lamella 13, which is carried out during the manufacturing process of the lamellae 13.
In Fig. 3 ist in Explosionsdarstellung vergrößert der Aufbau eines Composite- Moduls 17 schematisch skizziert. Das Composite-Modul 17 weist zwei deckungsgleiche Filmschichten 18, 19 aus elektrisch isolierendem Material auf, auf deren einander zugekehrten Schichtflächen jeweils eine Elektrodenstruktur 20 bzw. 21 angeordnet, z.B. aufgedruckt, ist. Zur Visualisierung der auf der unteren Schichtfläche der in Fig. 3 oberen Filmschicht 18 angeordneten Elektrodenstruktur 20 ist diese strichliniert dargestellt. Zwischen den Filmschichten 18, 19 sind Piezokeramikfasern 22 angeordnet, die voneinander beabstandet und vorzugsweise parallel zueinander ausgerichtet sind. Die langgestreckten Piezokeramikfasern 22 weisen z.B. einen quadratischen oder rechteckigen Querschnitt auf. Die Zwischenräume zwischen den Piezokeramikfasern 22 sind mit einem elektrisch isolierenden Material, z.B. mit einem Polymer oder Epoxid, ausgefüllt, was in Fig. 3 der Übersichtlichkeithalber nicht dargestellt ist, wodurch sich eine zusammenhängende Composite- oder Verbundschicht ergibt. Die beiden Elektrodenstrukturen 20 sind identisch ausgebildet. Jede Elektrodenstruktur 20 bzw. 21 weist zwei identisch ausgebildete, kammartige Strukturteile 23, 24 mit einer in Richtung der Piezokeramikfasern 22 sich erstreckenden Leiterbahn 25 bzw. 26 und davon einstückig abgehenden, fingerartigen und vorzugsweise zueinander parallel ausgerichteten Elektroden 27, 28 auf. Die beiden kammartigen Strukturteile 23, 24 greifen mit ihren Elektroden 27, 28 ineinander, so dass jeweils eine Elektrode 27 des einen Strukturteils 23 und eine Elektrode 28 des anderen Strukturteils 24 der Elektrostrukturen 20 bzw. 21 benachbart sind und parallel zueinander verlaufen. Solchermaßen angeordnete Elektroden 27, 28 werden daher auch als "interdigitated electrods" bezeichnet. Die beiden Filmschichten 18, 19 sind spiegelbildlich mit einander zugekehrten Elektrodenstrukturen 20, 21 auf die Piezokeramikfasern 22 aufgelegt, wobei ausschließlich die Elektroden 27, 28 (und nicht die Leiterbahnen 25, 26) die Piezokeramikfasern 22 auf deren voneinander abgekehrten Längsseiten kontaktieren. Die beiden Filmschichten 18, 19 mit auf den Piezokeramikfasern 22 aufliegenden Elektrodenstrukturen 20, 21 sind fest miteinander verbunden. Ein solches Composite-Modul 17 ist bekannt und z.B. in der EP 1 983 584 A2 beschrieben und dort als "Piezoelectric macro- fiber composite actuator" bezeichnet. Die mit den Lamellen 13 verbundenen Composite-Module 17 sind an den Lamellen 13 so ausgerichtet, dass die Piezokeramikfasern 22 in Längsrichtung der Lamellen 13 verlaufen. Wie in Fig. 3 eingezeichnet ist, sind die beiden Strukturteile 23, 24 einer jeden Elektrodenstruktur 20, 21 mit einer Gleichspannung beaufschlagt, so dass an den auf einer Filmschicht 18 bzw. 19 nebeneinanderliegenden Elektroden 27, 28 abwechselnd ein hohes und ein niedriges Gleichspannungspotential und an den an den Piezokeramikfasern 22 einander gegenüberliegenden Elektroden 26 bzw. 27 der beiden Filmschichten 18, 19 das jeweils gleiche Gleichspannungspotential liegt. Der Gleichspannung ist eine Wechselspannung so überlagert, dass erstere nicht unterschritten wird. Infolge der anliegenden Wechselspannung führen die Piezokeramikfasern 22 in allen Composite-Modulen 17 gleichsinnige Längsdehnungen und Längskontraktionen aus, wodurch der Krümmungsradius der konkaven Lamellen 13 sich abwechselnd vergrößert und verkleinert und somit die Lamellen 13 in Radialrichtung "atmen". Dadurch strahlt der elektroakustische Wandler Schallwellen 29 in Radialrichtung ab, wie dies in Fig. 1 symbolisiert dargestellt ist. Durch die geringen Abmessungen des Wandlers gegenüber der Wellenlänger der von ihm bei einer Arbeitsfrequenz von z.B. 2 kHz abgestrahlten Schallwellen besitzt der Wandler ein omnidirektionales Abstrahlverhalten mit breitbandiger Schallabstrahlung. Auf den beiden Filmschichten 18, 19 können weitere, gleichartige Filmschichten mit ebensolchen Elektrodenstrukturen 20, 21 aufliegen, wo- bei zwischen jeweils zwei Filmschichten immer eine Schicht von Piezokeramikfa- sern 22 in der beschriebenen Anordnung vorhanden ist. In Fig. 3 is an enlarged exploded view of the structure of a composite module 17 schematically outlined. The composite module 17 has two congruent film layers 18, 19 of electrically insulating material, on whose mutually facing layer surfaces in each case an electrode structure 20 or 21 arranged, for example printed, is. For visualization of arranged on the lower layer surface of the top in Fig. 3 film layer 18 electrode structure 20, this is shown by dashed lines. Between the film layers 18, 19 piezoceramic fibers 22 are arranged, which are spaced apart and preferably aligned parallel to each other. The elongate piezoceramic fibers 22 have, for example, a square or rectangular cross section. The gaps between the piezoceramic fibers 22 are filled with an electrically insulating material, for example with a polymer or epoxy, which is not shown in Fig. 3 for clarity, resulting in a coherent composite or composite layer. The two electrode structures 20 are identical. Each electrode structure 20 or 21 has two identically formed comb-like structural parts 23, 24 with a conductor track 25 or 26 extending in the direction of the piezoceramic fibers 22 and electrodes 27, 28 which extend in one piece, finger-like and preferably parallel to one another. The two comb-like structural parts 23, 24 engage each other with their electrodes 27, 28, so that in each case one Electrode 27 of the one structural part 23 and an electrode 28 of the other structural part 24 of the electrical structures 20 and 21 are adjacent and parallel to each other. Thus arranged electrodes 27, 28 are therefore also referred to as "interdigitated electrods". The two film layers 18, 19 are arranged in mirror image with mutually facing electrode structures 20, 21 on the piezoceramic fibers 22, wherein only the electrodes 27, 28 (and not the interconnects 25, 26) contact the piezoceramic fibers 22 on their opposite longitudinal sides. The two film layers 18, 19 with electrode structures 20, 21 resting on the piezoceramic fibers 22 are firmly connected to one another. Such a composite module 17 is known and described, for example, in EP 1 983 584 A2, where it is referred to as "piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuator". The composite modules 17 connected to the slats 13 are aligned with the slats 13 in such a way that the piezoceramic fibers 22 run in the longitudinal direction of the slats 13. As shown in Fig. 3, the two structural parts 23, 24 of each electrode structure 20, 21 applied with a DC voltage, so that alternately on a film layer 18 and 19 adjacent electrodes 27, 28 alternately a high and a low DC potential and at the opposite to the piezoceramic fibers 22 opposite electrodes 26 and 27 of the two film layers 18, 19 each have the same DC potential. The DC voltage is an AC voltage superimposed so that the former is not exceeded. As a result of the applied AC voltage lead the piezoceramic fibers 22 in all composite modules 17 in the same direction longitudinal expansions and Längskontraktionen, whereby the radius of curvature of the concave slats 13 are alternately increased and decreased and thus the slats 13 in the radial direction "breathe". As a result, the electroacoustic transducer emits sound waves 29 in the radial direction, as shown symbolically in FIG. 1. Due to the small dimensions of the transducer with respect to the wavelengths of the sound waves emitted by it at an operating frequency of, for example, 2 kHz, the transducer has an omnidirectional radiation behavior with broadband sound radiation. On the two film layers 18, 19 further, similar film layers with just such electrode structures 20, 21 rest, where In the case of between two film layers, there is always one layer of piezoceramic fibers 22 in the arrangement described.
Für den Einsatz in Unterwasser-Schleppantennen sind die dann bevorzugt kreisrunden Endkappen 11 , 12 in ihrem von der Stirnseite des Rohrs 14 umgrenzten Bereich mit einer Durchgangsöffnung 30, die vorzugsweise als koaxiale Bohrung eingebracht ist, und das Rohr 14 in seinem Rohrmantel 141 mit Durchbrüchen 31 , z.B. in Form von Schlitzen oder kreisrunden oder elliptischen Löchern, versehen. Der elektroakustische Wandler ist in einen Schlauch 32 einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne so eingesetzt, dass sich die Endkappen 11 , 12 über ihren Umfang an der Schlauchwand des Schlauchs 32 abstützen. In Fig. 1 ist dies für einen elektroakustischen Wandler dargestellt. Zur Bildung des akustischen Sendeteils einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne sind mehrere solcher elektroakusti- scher Wandler im Schlauch hintereinander in der beschriebenen Weise angeordnet. Ein üblicherweise zentral im Schlauch 32 verlaufendes, hier nicht dargestelltes Zugseil der Unterwasser-Schleppantenne ist durch das hohle, vom Rohr 14 umschlossene Innere der Wandler geführt, ebenso wie die elektrischen Anschlussleitungen für die Wandler. Der Schlauch 32 ist mit Öl oder Gel gefüllt und endseitig verschlossen. Der bei jedem Wandler zwischen den beiden Endkappen 11 , 12 sich erstreckende und von der Schlauchwand des Schlauchs 32 und der die Lamellen 13 umschließenden Hülle 6 begrenzte Zwischenraum 33 ist hermetisch abgeschlossen und mit dem gleichen Öl oder Gel gefüllt wie der übrige Schlauch 32. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, dass zwischen im Schlauch 32 hintereinander angeordneten Wandlern kein akustischer Kurzschluss auftreten kann. For use in underwater towed antennas are then preferably circular end caps 11, 12 in its bounded by the end face of the tube 14 area with a through hole 30, which is preferably introduced as a coaxial bore, and the tube 14 in its tubular jacket 141 with openings 31st , eg in the form of slits or circular or elliptical holes. The electro-acoustic transducer is inserted into a hose 32 of an underwater towed antenna so that the end caps 11, 12 are supported on the hose wall of the hose 32 over their circumference. In Fig. 1, this is shown for an electroacoustic transducer. To form the acoustic transmission part of an underwater towed antenna, a plurality of such electroacoustic transducers are arranged one behind the other in the hose in the manner described. A usually centrally in the hose 32 extending, not shown here traction cable of the underwater towed antenna is guided by the hollow, enclosed by the tube 14 interior of the converter, as well as the electrical connection lines for the converter. The tube 32 is filled with oil or gel and closed at the end. The at each transducer between the two end caps 11, 12 extending and bounded by the tube wall of the tube 32 and the fins 13 envelope 6 limited space 33 is hermetically sealed and filled with the same oil or gel as the rest of the tube 32. This is ensures that between the hose 32 consecutively arranged transducers no acoustic short circuit can occur.
Der in Fig. 4 auschnittweise im Längsschnitt dargestellte, elektroakustische Wandler ist gegenüber dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten und zuvor beschriebenen, elektroakustischen Wandler insoweit modifiziert, als Composite-Module 17 der vorstehend beschriebenen Bauart auch dem Rohr 14 zugeordnet und in Umfangsund Axialrichtung des Rohrs 14 mit der Rohrwand 141 fest verbunden sind. Die feste Verbindung von Composite-Modul 17 und Rohrwand 141 erfolgt vorzugweise durch Auf- oder Einiaminieren kann aber auch durch Aufkleben mit einem geeigneten Kleber vorgenommen werden. Im Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 4 sind die Composite-Module 17 auf der Innenseite der Rohrwand 141 einlaminiert. Sie können aber auch auf der Außenseite der Rohrwand 141 oder auf der Innen- und Außenseite der Rohrwand 141 angeordnet sein und auch - wie dies für die Lamellen 13 in Fig. 1 dargestellt ist - abwechselnd auf der Innen- und Außenseite der Rohrwand 141 liegen. Die dem Rohr 14 und den Lamellen 13 zugeordneten Composite-Module 17 werden in der gleichen Weise angesteuert. Zusätzlich zu der bereits zu Fig. 1 beschriebenen Expansion und Kontraktion der endseitig festgelegten Lamellen 13, was zu einer Veränderung der Ausbauchung der Lamellen 13 führt, dehnt und verkürzt sich auch das Rohr 14, wodurch der Effekt der Veränderung der Krümmung der Lamellen 13 verstärkt wird, die Lamellen 13 mit vergrößerter Amplitude in Radialrichtung schwingen und der Wandler eine größere akustische Leistung abstrahlt. The auschnittweise in Fig. 4 shown in longitudinal section, electroacoustic transducer is compared to that shown in Fig. 1 and previously described, electroacoustic transducer modified insofar as composite modules 17 of the type described above also associated with the pipe 14 and in the circumferential and axial direction of the pipe 14th are firmly connected to the pipe wall 141. The firm connection of composite module 17 and pipe wall 141 is preferably carried out by Aufi or Einiaminieren but can also be made by sticking with a suitable adhesive. In the embodiment of Fig. 4 are the composite modules 17 laminated on the inside of the tube wall 141. But they can also be arranged on the outside of the tube wall 141 or on the inside and outside of the tube wall 141 and also - as shown for the fins 13 in Fig. 1 - are alternately on the inside and outside of the tube wall 141. The tube 14 and the fins 13 associated composite modules 17 are driven in the same manner. In addition to the already described to Fig. 1 expansion and contraction of the fixed ends fins 13, which leads to a change in the bulge of the fins 13, and expands and shortens the tube 14, whereby the effect of changing the curvature of the fins 13 is enhanced , the blades 13 swing with increased amplitude in the radial direction and the transducer emits a greater acoustic power.
In Abwandlung der beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele können die Lamellen 13 auch konvex gekrümmt sein. Dann allerdings eignet sich der Wandler weniger zum Einbau in den Schlauch einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne, ist aber durchaus für andere Zwecke einsetzbar. Möglich ist es auch, von einer Krümmung der Lamellen 13 abzusehen und die Lamellen 13 gestreckt eben auszuführen. Der Effekt der Umsetzung der Streckbewegung der Lamellen 7 in eine radiale Ausbauchbewegung reduziert sich aber dadurch, so dass die akustische Leistung des Wandlers sinkt. In a modification of the described embodiments, the slats 13 may also be convexly curved. But then the converter is less suitable for installation in the hose of an underwater towed antenna, but is quite suitable for other purposes. It is also possible to refrain from a curvature of the slats 13 and to execute the slats 13 stretched flat. The effect of the conversion of the stretching movement of the lamellae 7 into a radial bulging movement is thereby reduced, so that the acoustic power of the transducer decreases.
Alle in der vorstehenden Beschreibung sowie in den Ansprüchen genannten Merkmale sind erfindungsgemäß sowohl einzeln als auch in beliebiger Kombination miteinander einsetzbar. Die Erfindung ist daher nicht auf die beschriebenen bzw. beanspruchten Merkmalskombinationen beschränkt. Vielmehr sind alle Kombinationen von Einzelmerkmalen als offenbart zu betrachten. All mentioned in the foregoing description and in the claims features according to the invention can be used individually as well as in any combination with each other. The invention is therefore not limited to the described or claimed feature combinations. Rather, all combinations of individual features are to be regarded as revealed.

Claims

Ansprüche  claims
Elektroakustischer Wandler, insbesondere Sendewandler für Sonarsyste- me, mit zwei im Abstand voneinander angeordneten Endkappen (11 , 12) mit mehreren, zwischen den Endkappen (11, 12) aufgespannten, insbesondere konkav gekrümmten Lamellen (13), die endseitig and den Endkappen ( 1 , 12) in Umfangsrichtung nebeneinander festgelegt und zu Schwingungen anregbar sind, und mit einer die Lamellen (13) außen umschließenden, elastischen Hülle (16), Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer for Sonarsyste- me, with two spaced end caps (11, 12) with a plurality of, between the end caps (11, 12) spanned, in particular concave curved lamellae (13), the end and the end caps (1 , 12) are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction and can be excited to oscillate, and with an elastic sheath (16) enclosing the lamellae (13) on the outside,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
zur Schwingungsanregung an jeder Lamelle (13) mindestens ein Composi- te-Modul (17) festgelegt ist, das auf mindestens zwei Filmschichten (18, 19) aus isolierendem Material angeordnete Elektrodenstrukturen (20, 21) mit voneinander beabstandeten, vorzugsweise parallelen Elektroden (27, 28) und zwischen den Filmschichten (18, 19) angeordnete, voneinander beabstandete, vorzugsweise parallele Piezokeramikfasern (22) aufweist, die auf ihren voneinander abgekehrten Längsseiten von Elektroden (27, 28) kontaktiert sind. for vibration excitation at least one composite module (17) is fixed to each lamella (13), the electrode structures (20, 21) arranged on at least two film layers (18, 19) of insulating material and having spaced-apart, preferably parallel electrodes (27 , 28) and arranged between the film layers (18, 19), spaced apart, preferably parallel piezoceramic fibers (22) which are contacted on their mutually remote longitudinal sides of electrodes (27, 28).
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 1 , An electroacoustic transducer according to claim 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
das mindestens eine Composite-Modul (17) an der Lamelle (13) so ausgerichtet ist, dass die Piezokeramikfasern (22) in Längsrichtung der Lamellen (13) verlaufen, und dass die Elektroden (27, 28) mit einer Gleichspannung so belegt sind, dass an den auf einer Filmschicht (18 bzw. 19) nebeneinanderliegenden Elektroden (27, 28) abwechselnd ein hohes und niedriges Gleichspannungspotential und an den an den Piezokeramikfasern (22) einander gegenüberliegenden Elektroden (27 bzw. 28) auf den beiden Filmschichten (18, 19) ein jeweils gleiches Gleichspannungspotential liegt, und dass auf die Elektroden (27, 28) eine Wechselspannung aufschaltbar ist. the at least one composite module (17) is aligned on the lamella (13) such that the piezoceramic fibers (22) extend in the longitudinal direction of the lamellas (13) and that the electrodes (27, 28) are so covered with a direct voltage in that a high and low DC voltage potential is alternately applied to the electrodes (27, 28) adjacent to one another on a film layer (18, 19) and to the electrodes (27, 28) on the two film layers (18, 28) opposite one another on the piezoceramic fibers (22). 19) each have the same DC potential, and that an alternating voltage can be applied to the electrodes (27, 28).
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass An electroacoustic transducer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
die Festigung der Composite-Module (17) an den Lamellen durch Ein- oder Auflaminieren vorgenommen ist. the consolidation of the composite modules (17) on the slats is carried out by lamination or lamination.
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, An electroacoustic transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
jede Lamelle (13) mit mehreren Composite-Modulen (17) belegt ist, die in Längsrichtung der Lamellen (13) voneinander beabstandet angeordnet sind. each lamella (13) is covered with a plurality of composite modules (17), which are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the lamellae (13).
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 4, An electroacoustic transducer according to claim 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
die mehreren Composite-Module (17) aufeinanderfolgend an der äußeren oder inneren oder abwechselnd auf voneinander abgekehrten Seiten der Lamellen (13) angeordnet sind. the plurality of composite modules (17) are arranged successively on the outer or inner or alternately facing away from each other sides of the slats (13).
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, An electroacoustic transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
die Lamellen (13) aus Kunststoffmaterial mit eingelagerten Glas- oder Kohlenstofffasern bestehen. the lamellae (13) made of plastic material with embedded glass or carbon fibers.
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, An electroacoustic transducer according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
der Abstand zwischen den Endkappen (1 , 12) mittels eines vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff mit eingelagerten Kohlenstoff- oder Glasfasern bestehenden Rohrs (14) hergestellt ist, an dessen beiden Stirnseiten die vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff bestehenden Endkappen (1 , 12) radial über das Rohr (14) überstehend befestigt sind. the distance between the end caps (1, 12) is made by means of a preferably made of plastic with embedded carbon or glass fibers tube (14), at its two end faces, preferably made of plastic end caps (1, 12) radially through the tube (14 ) are mounted projecting.
Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 7, Electroacoustic transducer according to claim 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass characterized in that
jede Endkappe (11, 12) in ihrem von der Stirnseite des Rohrs (14) eingegrenzten Bereich eine vorzugsweise mit der Rohrachse koaxiale Durch- gangsöffnung (30) und die Rohrwand (141) des Rohrs (14) Durchbrüche (31) aufweist. each end cap (11, 12) in its region bounded by the end face of the tube (14) has a preferably coaxial with the tube axis. having passage opening (30) and the tube wall (141) of the tube (14) has openings (31).
9. Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 8, 9. An electroacoustic transducer according to claim 8,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass  characterized in that
die Endkappen (11 , 12) sich über ihren Umfang im Inneren eines mit Öl oder Gel gefüllten Schlauchs (32) einer Unterwasser-Schleppantenne an dessen Schlauchwand abstützen und dass der zwischen beiden Endkappen ( , 12) sich erstreckende, von der Schlauchwand und der die Lamellen überdeckenden Hülle (16) begrenzte Zwischenraum (33) hermetisch abgeschlossen und mit dem gleich Öl oder Gel gefüllt ist.  the end caps (11, 12) are supported around its circumference in the interior of an oil or gel filled hose (32) of an underwater towed antenna on its hose wall and that between the two end caps (12, 12) extending from the hose wall and the Slats covering cover (16) limited space (33) hermetically sealed and filled with the same oil or gel.
10. Elektroakustischer Wandler nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, 10. An electroacoustic transducer according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass  characterized in that
die Rohrwand (141) des Rohrs (14) mit mehreren in Umfangs- und Achsrichtung des Rohrs (14) voneinander beabstandeten Composite-Module (17) belegt ist, die fest mit der Rohrwand (141) verbunden, vorzugsweise in die Rohrwand (141) einlaminiert, sind.  the tube wall (141) of the tube (14) is occupied by a plurality of composite modules (17) which are spaced from each other in the circumferential and axial direction of the tube (14) and which are firmly connected to the tube wall (141), preferably into the tube wall (141). laminated are.
11. Elektroakustischer Wandler nach Anspruch 10, 11. An electroacoustic transducer according to claim 10,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass  characterized in that
die Composite-Module (17) auf der Außenseite oder Innenseite der Rohrwand (141) oder auf der Außen- und Innenseite der Rohrwand oder vorzugweise wechselweise, auf der Außen- und Innenseite der Rohrwand (141) angeordnet sind.  the composite modules (17) on the outside or inside of the tube wall (141) or on the outside and inside of the tube wall or preferably alternately, on the outside and inside of the tube wall (141) are arranged.
EP09740040.2A 2009-09-22 2009-09-22 Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer Active EP2480345B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/DE2009/001333 WO2011035745A2 (en) 2009-09-22 2009-09-22 Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2480345A2 true EP2480345A2 (en) 2012-08-01
EP2480345B1 EP2480345B1 (en) 2013-08-28

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EP09740040.2A Active EP2480345B1 (en) 2009-09-22 2009-09-22 Electroacoustic transducer, in particular transmitting transducer

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US (1) US20120213036A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2480345B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20120068935A (en)
DE (1) DE112009005266A5 (en)
WO (1) WO2011035745A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20120213036A1 (en) 2012-08-23
DE112009005266A5 (en) 2012-11-15
WO2011035745A2 (en) 2011-03-31
EP2480345B1 (en) 2013-08-28
KR20120068935A (en) 2012-06-27
WO2011035745A3 (en) 2011-06-03

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