JP5054050B2 - Ultrasonic vibrator drive device and underwater detection device including the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving device for an ultrasonic transducer that outputs ultrasonic waves, and to an underwater detection device such as a fish finder or a sounding device equipped with the driving device.

  When an underwater detector equipped with an ultrasonic transducer is desired to output a plurality of ultrasonic waves while switching the ultrasonic transmission position, transmission frequency, directivity angle, etc., such as a dual-frequency fish detector There is. In order to meet such a demand, the underwater detection device includes an ultrasonic transducer driving device described in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Specifically, the driving device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a transmission circuit that outputs pulses of a plurality of types of frequencies, a transformer to which pulses output from the transmission circuit are applied to the low-voltage side, and resonance according to the frequency of the pulses. The resonance circuit is connected in series to each ultrasonic transducer, and a plurality of series bodies composed of the resonance circuit and the ultrasonic transducer are connected in parallel to the high voltage side of the transformer. .

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers connected to the high voltage side of the transformer are selectively driven according to the frequency of the pulse, and a desired ultrasonic transducer is controlled by controlling the pulse width. It is possible to drive. Thereby, for example, it can be suitably used as a driving device for an ultrasonic transducer mounted on an underwater detection device such as a two-frequency fish finder.

  However, in the above conventional configuration, since the isolation of each ultrasonic transducer is not ensured, only the desired ultrasonic transducer cannot be driven if the frequencies of the resonance circuits are close to or coincide with each other.

  Therefore, the transmission circuit and each ultrasonic transducer are connected in series via a switching element such as an FET (Field Effect Transistor), and only the desired ultrasonic transducer is driven by switching the switching element. Conceivable. However, in this case, since the underwater detection device generally drives the ultrasonic transducer with a high voltage of 1000 volts or more, it is necessary to use an expensive switching element for high withstand voltage, resulting in an increase in cost. .

  According to the present invention, even if the frequency of the drive signal is close or coincides, the drive signal output to the ultrasonic transducer and the output stop can be easily and reliably switched with inexpensive components. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic transducer drive device that can perform an underwater detection device and an underwater detection device including the same.

  The ultrasonic transducer drive device of the present invention is provided in a transmission unit that outputs a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and an output path of the drive signal from the transmission unit to the ultrasonic transducer, The high-voltage side winding includes a transformer connected in series to the output path, and a switch member that switches the low-voltage side winding of the transformer between a short circuit state and an open state.

  According to said structure, when a drive signal is output from a transmission part, this drive signal will advance an output path | route and will arrive at the high voltage | pressure side coil | winding of the transformer connected in series in the output path | route. The transformer is configured such that the low-voltage side winding can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state by a switch member. When the low-voltage side winding of the transformer is short-circuited by the switch member, the high-voltage side winding is also short-circuited as a result of impedance conversion of the transformer. Accordingly, since the impedance value of the high-voltage side winding is greatly reduced, the drive signal that has reached the high-voltage side winding reaches the ultrasonic transducer with almost no attenuation. As a result, the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the drive signal and vibrates and resonates at the frequency of the drive signal, so that an ultrasonic wave is output from the ultrasonic transducer.

  On the other hand, when the low voltage side winding of the transformer is opened by the switch member, the high voltage side winding has an impedance based on the relationship between the frequency of the drive signal and the inductance value L of the high voltage side winding. become. Therefore, the drive signal that reaches the high-voltage side winding can be greatly attenuated by the impedance of the high-voltage side winding. As a result, the driving of the ultrasonic transducer is greatly reduced, so that the output of the ultrasonic wave is stopped.

  In this way, the ultrasonic transducer drive device has a simple configuration of switching between the short-circuited state and the open-state of the transformer by the switch member, even if the frequency of the drive signal is close or coincides, It is possible to reliably switch between outputting the drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer and stopping the output.

  An ideal transformer has a relationship that the voltage is proportional to the number of turns and the current is inversely proportional to the number of turns. Therefore, since the voltage of the low-voltage side winding of the transformer is lower than the voltage of the high-voltage side winding in proportion to the number of turns, even if a high-voltage drive signal is used, the voltage of the low-voltage side winding Regarding the state, by adjusting the number of turns, it is possible to obtain a voltage state in which it is not necessary to use a special switch member for high pressure, that is, a low-pressure one, compared to when the drive signal is directly turned on and off. As a result, the ultrasonic vibrator driving device can use a transformer and a general switch member for low voltage, and therefore, the switch member can be switched between a short-circuited state and an open state of the transformer at a low cost. Can be obtained with simple parts.

  Further, in the ultrasonic transducer drive device of the present invention, at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the transmission unit is plural, and the transformer transmits the drive signal from the transmission unit to the ultrasonic transducer. Provided in each output path, the switch member can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state of the transformer by a switch drive signal, and any one of the plurality of transformers is in a short circuit state, The switch drive control unit may be configured to output the switch drive signal to each of the switch members so that the rest is in an open state.

  According to said structure, at least one of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator and a transmission part is a plurality, and the 1st form with which a some ultrasonic transducer | vibrator has a several transmission part, and a several ultrasonic vibration A second configuration in which a single transmission unit exists for a child and a third configuration in which a plurality of transmission units exist for a plurality of ultrasonic transducers can be configured according to the use environment and application. The output path connects the transmitter and the ultrasonic transducer in a one-to-one relationship according to the usage environment and application, or one-to-n (plural), n (plural) to one, and n (plural). It is possible to tie them in a pair n (plural) relationship.

  Each output path is provided with a transformer in series. Each of these transformers can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state by a switch member. This switching is performed so that any one of the plurality of transformers is short-circuited and the rest is opened by a switch drive signal output from the switch drive control unit to the switch member. As a result, when a single ultrasonic transducer is configured in the first form in which a plurality of transmission units exist, an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal output from each transmission unit is applied to one ultrasonic transducer. It becomes possible to output from the sound wave vibrator. That is, for example, if each transmission unit outputs a drive signal having a different frequency, it is possible to output different ultrasonic waves from one ultrasonic transducer.

  In addition, when configured in the second form in which a single transmission unit exists for a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal output from one transmission unit is used for each ultrasonic wave. It is possible to output from the vibrator.

  Further, in the case of the third configuration in which a plurality of transmission units exist for a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, the transmission units and the ultrasonic transducers are connected in a one-to-one relationship, Since it is possible to connect n (plurality), n (plurality) pairs 1, and n (plurality) pairs n (plurality), it is possible to output ultrasonic waves by combining the first form and the second form. become.

  The ultrasonic transducer driving device of the present invention includes a single transmitter that can output the drive signal to two ultrasonic transducers, and the switch drive controller includes the switch An inversion circuit for inverting the drive signal is output, and the switch drive signal is output to one of the ultrasonic transducers, and at the same time, the switch drive signal inverted by the inversion circuit is output to the other ultrasonic transducer. It may be configured.

  According to the above configuration, since the switch drive signal can be used for driving the two ultrasonic transducers by the inverting circuit, the switch drive control unit can be configured simply, inexpensively and compactly. As a result, the driving device for the ultrasonic transducer can be simply and inexpensively configured, and the driving device can be downsized.

  The switch member in the ultrasonic transducer driving device of the present invention may be a field effect transistor.

  According to said structure, since a field effect transistor is comprised with the semiconductor element, it becomes smaller than the switch member provided with the mechanical drive mechanism. As a result, the driving device for the ultrasonic transducer can be simply and inexpensively configured, and the driving device can be downsized.

  The ultrasonic transducer driving device of the present invention may be provided in an underwater detection device. In other words, the underwater detection device of the present invention includes the ultrasonic vibrator driving device configured as described above. According to this configuration, the underwater detection device can be configured simply, inexpensively and compactly.

  The ultrasonic transducer driving device according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transducer mounting position, a directivity angle of the ultrasonic transducer, and a frequency of the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer. It may be provided in an underwater detection device that is mounted on a ship having a bottom condition that has at least one of these elements. In other words, the underwater detection device of the present invention may include a plurality of the ultrasonic transducers that are different from each other in at least one of the mounting position on the hull, the directivity angle, and the transmission frequency. Furthermore, in other words, the underwater detection device of the present invention includes the ultrasonic vibrator driving device configured as described above, and the attachment position of the ultrasonic vibrator, the directivity angle of the ultrasonic vibrator, and The ultrasonic frequency transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer may be used as an element, and may be mounted on a ship having a bottom condition that includes a plurality of at least one of these elements.

  According to the above configuration, the underwater detection device mounted on a ship having a complicated or special ship bottom condition can be configured simply, inexpensively, and compactly.

  According to the present invention, even if the frequency of the drive signal is close or coincides, the drive signal output to the ultrasonic transducer and the output stop can be easily and reliably switched with inexpensive components. Can do.

It is explanatory drawing of the drive device of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator. It is a block diagram of the underwater detection apparatus containing a drive device. It is a circuit diagram of a switch drive part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ship bottom of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ship bottom of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the ship bottom of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal output state of a drive device. It is explanatory drawing of the drive device of an ultrasonic transducer | vibrator.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic transducer driving apparatus and an underwater detection apparatus including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of the driving device 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 1 is configured to drive and stop the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 with a simple and inexpensive switch configuration to switch between output of ultrasonic waves and output stop. . In the present embodiment, the case where two ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 are driven and controlled will be described, but the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which one or more ultrasonic transducers are driven and controlled.

  Specifically, the drive device 1 includes a transmission unit 11 that outputs a drive signal that drives at least one ultrasonic transducer 21, and a drive signal output path 6 from the transmission unit 11 to the ultrasonic transducer 21. The high-voltage side winding 31b is connected to the output path 6 in series, and the switch member 33 switches the low-voltage side winding 31a of the transformer 31 between a short circuit state and an open state.

  The ultrasonic transducer 21 is formed of a disk-shaped piezoelectric ceramic element polarized in the thickness direction, and has a function of performing mutual conversion between an electric signal such as a drive signal and an ultrasonic wave. Yes. The ultrasonic transducer 21 may be dedicated to a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves, or may be used both for a transmitter and for a receiver that receives reflected waves of ultrasonic waves.

  Further, the “drive signal” for driving the ultrasonic transducer 21 is not particularly limited in the frequency and output value (W) of the drive signal as long as it is a frequency at which the ultrasonic transducer 21 is resonated. When applied to an underwater detection device such as a detector or a sounding instrument, it is preferable that the drive voltage is set to a voltage of about 800 Vpp to 2000 Vpp so as to obtain an output value of about 1 kW or 2 kW.

  The transmission unit 11 can apply all configurations capable of outputting a drive signal having a desired frequency at an arbitrary timing. For example, the transmission unit 11 includes a transmission circuit that outputs pulses of a plurality of types of frequencies, a transformer to which a pulse output from the transmission circuit is applied to the high voltage side, and a resonance circuit that resonates according to the frequency of the pulse. The driving signal may be output from the resonance circuit. Alternatively, the transmission unit 11 has a full bridge circuit or a half bridge circuit using a switching element, and drives the switching element by a drive signal formed by a PDM control method or a PWM control method, thereby generating a drive signal. It may be configured to output.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the transmission unit 11 includes a driver I / F 111, a driver circuit 112, a TX amplifier circuit 113, and a transmission side matching circuit 114. The driver I / F 111 generates a drive signal for controlling the driver circuit 112 based on a clock signal corresponding to the reference signal input from the control unit 16 and a digital control signal for controlling switching. The drive signal is a PWM control method signal, and the generation of the drive signal is digitally performed based on a digital control signal corresponding to the RAMP signal and the analog control signal when processing is performed in an analog manner. When the PWM control method is processed in an analog manner, a drive signal is formed by comparing a sawtooth RAMP signal with an analog control signal corresponding to a desired ultrasonic wave.

  The driver I / F 111 is connected to the driver circuit 112 so that a drive signal can be output. The driver circuit 112 includes a half bridge circuit including two FETs. When a drive signal is input to the half-bridge circuit, the driver circuit 112 forms a predetermined drive pulse signal by switching the FET, and level-shifts the drive pulse signal to a predetermined value by the conversion circuit, thereby driving signal Is converted into a sinusoidal drive signal and output. The driver circuit 112 is connected to the TX amplifier circuit 113 so that a drive signal can be output. The TX amplifier circuit 113 amplifies the drive signal and outputs it to the transmission side matching circuit 114. The transmission side matching circuit 114 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 21 through the transmission / reception switching circuit 20, the output path 6, and the transformer 31 so that a drive signal can be output.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission unit 11 configured as described above is connected to a transformer 31 so that a drive signal can be output. The transformer 31 has a winding ratio of the low-voltage side winding 31a and the high-voltage side winding 31b so that the low-voltage side winding 31a is less than the withstand voltage of the general-purpose switch member 33, for example, 500 Vpp or less. . For example, when the drive voltage is 1000 Vpp, the winding ratio between the low-voltage side winding 31a and the high-voltage side winding 31b is set to 1: 2.

  This is because the ideal transformer 31 has a relationship that the voltage is proportional to the number of turns and the current is inversely proportional to the number of turns. Therefore, since the voltage of the low-voltage side winding 31a of the transformer 31 is lower than the voltage of the high-voltage side winding 31b in proportion to the number of turns, even when a high-voltage drive signal is used, Regarding the voltage state of the line 31a, by adjusting the number of turns, a voltage state for lower voltage than that in which the drive signal is directly turned on / off, that is, a voltage state that does not require the use of the special switch member 33 for high voltage is set. Because you can.

  The switch member 33 connected to the low-voltage side winding 31a of the transformer 31 is a semiconductor switch such as a field effect transistor (FET) having a withstand voltage of 500 Vpp or less. Thereby, since the switch member 33 is composed of a semiconductor element and is smaller than a component such as a relay having a mechanical drive mechanism, the drive device 1 can be configured easily and inexpensively. The drive device 1 can be reduced in size. As a result, since the drive device 1 can use the transformer 31 and the general switch member 33 for low voltage, a configuration in which the switch member 33 switches between a short-circuited state and an open state of the transformer 31 is inexpensive. It will be obtained with simple parts.

  The switch member 33 may be configured with either a mechanical configuration or an electrical configuration as long as the low-voltage side winding 31a of the transformer 31 is switched between a short-circuit state and an open state. Further, the switch member 33 may be manually switchable by an operator, or may be automatically switched by a switch drive signal, and a manual switching operation and an automatic switching operation can be selected. May be.

  As the switch member 33 having a manual mechanical configuration, a changeover switch having a mechanical contact such as a toggle switch or a rotary switch can be exemplified. Moreover, as the switch member 33 having an automatic mechanical configuration, a relay that opens and closes a mechanical contact with a coil can be exemplified. Moreover, as the switch member 33 having an automatic electrical configuration, a semiconductor switch such as the above-described field effect transistor (FET) can be exemplified.

  The driving device 1 is configured to automatically and alternately output a plurality of ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the drive device 1 includes a transmission unit 11 that outputs a drive signal that drives the two ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, and an output path 6 of the drive signal from the transmission unit 11 to the ultrasonic transducer 21.・ Transformers 31 and 32 that are respectively provided in 7 and in which the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b are connected in series to the output paths 6 and 7, and the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 are connected by a switch drive signal. Switch members 33 and 34 that switch between a short-circuit state and an open state, and a switch drive control unit 12 that outputs a switch drive signal to each switch member 33 and 34 are provided. The transformers 31 and 32 and the switch members 33 and 34 constitute a switching unit 3 that switches the operating states of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 alternately (in order). Details of the switching unit 3 will be described later.

  The switch drive control unit 12 includes a control unit 16 that controls the operation of the entire drive device 1 and a switch drive unit 17 to which a switch signal is input from the control unit 16. The switch signal is in the form of a square wave signal in which a high level and a low level are switched at regular intervals.

  The switch drive unit 17 to which the switch signal is input has an inverting circuit 18 having the switch signal as an opposite phase. The switch driving unit 17 includes the inverting circuit 18 and thus has a function of outputting a switch signal as an in-phase switch drive signal and simultaneously outputting an opposite-phase switch drive signal. In other words, the switch drive unit 17 has a function of dividing one switch signal into two switch drive signals that are symmetrical with respect to the time axis and outputting them. As a result, the switch drive control unit 12 causes the switch members 33 and 34 to output switch drive signals having opposite phases to each other from the switch drive unit 17, thereby causing the transformers 31 and 32 to be alternately short-circuited. The vibrators 21 and 22 are alternately switched between an operation state and an operation stop state. A detailed configuration of the switch driving unit 17 will be described later.

  Further, the driving device 1 includes a receiving unit 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving unit 13 is configured to convert an ultrasonic reception signal received by the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 into a signal form suitable for digital processing and output the signal to the control unit 16. Yes. That is, the reception unit 13 includes a reception-side matching circuit 134, a preamplifier 133 that amplifies an analog reception signal input via the reception-side matching circuit 134, and a band that removes noise components other than the frequency band of the reception signal. A pass filter (BPF) 132 and an A / D converter 131 that samples a signal in the reception frequency band at a predetermined sampling period and converts the signal into a digital signal are included.

  The receiving unit 13 and the transmitting unit 11 constitute a transmitting / receiving unit 19. The transmission / reception unit 19 may be shared by the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, or may be dedicated for each ultrasonic transducer 21 and 22. That is, the transmission / reception unit 19 may be provided corresponding to each of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22.

  Furthermore, the driving device 1 includes a transmission / reception switching circuit 20. The transmission / reception switching circuit 20 is connected to the transmission unit 11 and the reception unit 13 described above. The output signals of the TX amplification circuit 113 input via the transmission-side matching circuit 114 during the transmission period are the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22. The signals output from the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 during the reception period are guided to the preamplifier 133 via the reception side matching circuit 134 as reception signals. Thereby, the drive device 1 can use the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 for both transmission and reception.

(Details of switching unit 3)
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the switching unit 3 includes a transformer 31 connected to one electrode end and the other electrode end of one ultrasonic transducer 21 of the two ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22. 31 and transformers 32 and 32 respectively connected to one electrode end and the other electrode end of the other ultrasonic transducer 22. The high-voltage side windings 31 b and 32 b of the transformers 31 and 32 are connected to the transmission unit 11 via the transmission / reception switching circuit 20. On the other hand, switch members 33 and 34 are connected to the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32, respectively. The transformers 31 and 32 and the switch members 33 and 34 have the same function, performance, and configuration, and are in the same connection state.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each switch member 33, 34 includes two FETs 51, 52. The FETs 51 and 52 are connected to the ground while the drain terminals 51a and 52a are connected to each other. The source terminal 51 b of one FET 51 is connected to one end side of the low-voltage side winding 31 a of the transformer 31. The source terminal 52 b of the other FET 52 is connected to the other end side of the low-voltage side winding 31 a of the transformer 31. Further, the gate terminals 51 c and 52 c of the FETs 51 and 52 are connected to the switch driving unit 17. As a result, the switch members 33 and 34 are controlled so that the FETs 51 and 52 are switched between the operation state and the stop state by the switch drive signal from the switch drive unit 17, so that the low-voltage side winding 31 a is switched between the short-circuit state and the open state. It is possible to switch to control.

(Details of switch drive unit 17)
The switch drive unit 17 that outputs a switch drive signal to the switch members 33 and 34 includes an FET driver unit 171, a level detection unit 172, and a protection unit 173. The FET driver unit 171 includes a dual gate driver 1711 having a negative / positive output voltage amplitude function. The dual gate driver 1711 has a function corresponding to the inverting circuit 18 of FIG. The dual gate driver 1711 receives an input terminal 1711a to which a switch signal is input, a first output terminal 1711b for outputting a switch drive signal having the same phase as the switch signal, and a switch drive signal having an opposite phase to the switch signal. And a second output terminal 1711c for outputting.

  The first output terminal 1711 b is connected to a switch member 33 that drives and controls one ultrasonic transducer 21. The second output terminal 1711c is connected to a switch member 34 that drives and controls the other ultrasonic transducer 22. Thus, when the switch signal is input to the input terminal 1711a, the dual gate driver 1711 outputs a switch drive signal having the same phase as the switch signal from the first output terminal 1711b to the switch member 33, and at the same time, A switch drive signal having a phase opposite to that of the signal is output from the second output terminal 1711c to the switch member 34.

  A switch signal is input from the level detector 172 to the input terminal 1711a of the dual gate driver 1711. The level detection unit 172 includes a comparison circuit 1721. The comparison circuit 1721 compares the input signal (switch signal) from the protection unit 173 with a reference voltage, and outputs a switch signal that is a voltage signal binarized into a high level and a low level.

  A protection unit 173 is connected to the input side of the level detection unit 172. The protection unit 173 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 1731. The voltage monitoring circuit 1731 has a function of generating a reset signal when the power supply voltage is momentarily interrupted or dropping, and generating a power-on reset when the power supply returns to normal. Then, the protection unit 173 monitors the voltage state of the input signal (switch signal) from the control unit 16 in FIG. 2, and outputs only the input signal within a predetermined voltage range to the level detection unit 172 as a switch signal. It has become.

(Configuration of the underwater detection device 4)
The drive device 1 configured as described above is mounted on the underwater detection device 4. Here, “underwater” includes the sea, lakes, ponds, rivers, and the like. The underwater detection device 4 includes a detection device main body 43, a signal cable serving as an output path 6, 7 and the like, and one or more, for example, two ultrasonic transducers 21 · connected to the detection device main body 43 via the signal cable. 22. The detection device main body 43 includes a hollow housing 41 formed in a flat plate shape and a support base 42 that supports the housing 41. The support base 42 pivotally supports the back side of the housing 41 and holds the housing 41 so as to be inclined at an arbitrary inclination angle with respect to the vertical direction. In addition, the support base 42 can be fixed using a bolt or the like at an arbitrary installation location such as a desk.

  The housing 41 incorporates the drive device 1. A display unit 15 and an operation unit 14 are provided on the front side of the housing 41. The display unit 15 is formed of a liquid crystal panel, a plasma panel, or the like, and can display an underwater image based on ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 in two. The operation unit 14 has operation members such as a plurality of buttons, and allows various functions installed in the underwater detection device 4 to be changed by manual operation. For example, the operation unit 14 enables an operation for changing the frequency of the drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, an operation for changing the two-divided screen of the display unit 15 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the like. .

  The underwater detection device 4 does not have to be a fixed type, and may be a portable type that is portable. In this case, it is effective when fishing from the land. In addition to the underwater detection device 4, the drive device 1 can be mounted on all devices that measure the distance to an object via a medium that propagates ultrasonic waves. For example, the driving device 1 may be mounted on a distance measuring device using air as a medium used for measuring a distance to a mountain, a building, a wall, or the like. Furthermore, the drive device 1 can be mounted on all ultrasonic output devices for the purpose of outputting ultrasonic waves.

(Configuration of ship 5)
The underwater detection device 4 is mounted on a ship 5. Examples of the ship 5 include various types such as small fishing boats, pleasure boats, large cruisers, and tankers. In the vessel 5 on which the underwater detection device 4 is mounted, a detection device main body 43 is installed in the wheelhouse. In addition, ultrasonic vibrators 21 and 22 are provided on the bottom of the ship 5.

  The ship 5 includes, as elements, the mounting positions of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, the directivity angles of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22. Yes. The ship 5 has a plurality of at least one of the above elements.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the ship 5 has ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 installed at the same place on the bottom of the ship 5, and each element that the directivity angle is different at the same frequency is defined as the ship bottom condition. There is a case. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the ship 5 may have a bottom condition for each element to be attached to different places (the bow and stern of a large ship) at the same frequency in the traveling direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ship 5 is attached to the same transmitter / receiver (ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22) and the same direction in the traveling direction in different directions (45 ° direction on the starboard side, 45 ° on the starboard side). Each element may have a bottom condition.

(Operation of the driving device 1)
In the above configuration, the operation of the driving device 1 when the ship 5 detects underwater by the underwater detection device 4 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first, by operating the operation unit 14, the ultrasonic frequency used in each of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 is set to a desired value, and the detection range (detection accuracy). And the detection distance), the display form of the display unit 15 and the like are set. When a detection start button (not shown) in the operation unit 14 is pressed, underwater detection by the underwater detection device 4 is started.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, a predetermined reference signal is output from the control unit 16 and has a frequency corresponding to the reference signal and has a drive voltage in an AC state of about 800 Vpp to 2000 Vpp. A signal is output from the transmitter 11 at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined time. When a drive signal is output from the transmission unit 11, the drive signal travels through the output paths 6 and 7 to the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b of the transformers 31 and 32 connected in series in the output paths 6 and 7. To reach.

  At this time, a voltage of about 800 Vpp to 2000 Vpp is applied to the high-voltage side windings 31 b and 32 b of the transformers 31 and 32. You can choose. Therefore, even when the general-purpose transformers 31 and 32 are used, the transformers 31 and 32 are not damaged early by the drive signal.

  In addition, the transformers 31 and 32 are configured such that the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a are less than the withstand voltage of a general-purpose product, for example, 500 Vpp or less. Turn ratio is set. Therefore, the FETs 51 and 52, which are the switch members 33 and 34 connected to the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a, can be damaged early due to the influence of the drive signal even when a general one for low voltage is used. Absent.

  The setting of the winding ratio between the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a and the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b is performed according to the following procedure. That is, when the drive signal is set to 1000 Vpp, the L value of the high-voltage side windings 31 b and 32 b is about 900Ω and the impedance of the ultrasonic transducer 21 is set to reduce the low-voltage side windings 31 a and 32 a to 500 Vpp or less. Since the value is about 100Ω, by applying 900 Vpp to the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b, the winding ratio between the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b and the low voltage side windings 31a and 32a is set to 2: 1. Then, the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a become 450 Vpp. Therefore, in this case, the winding ratio between the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b and the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a is set to 2: 1.

  In the transformers 31 and 32, the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state by switch members 33 and 34. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, the switch drive signals from the switch drive unit 17 are input to the switch members 33 and 34 while alternately switching between the on state (high level) and the off state (low level). Has been. Further, the switch drive signals input to the switch members 33 and 34 are in a state in which the phases are different by 180 degrees, that is, in mutually opposite phases. Thereby, when the low voltage side winding 31a of one transformer 31 is short-circuited by one switch member 33, the low voltage side winding 32a of the other transformer 32 is opened by the other switch member 34. .

  When the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 are short-circuited by the switch members 33 and 34, as a result of impedance conversion of the transformers 31 and 32, the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b are also short-circuited. It becomes a state. Accordingly, since the impedance value of the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b is greatly reduced, the drive signal reaching the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b reaches the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 with almost no attenuation.

  On the other hand, when the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 are opened by the switch members 33 and 34, the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b are connected to the frequency of the drive signal and the high-voltage side windings 31b and 31b. The impedance is based on the relationship with the inductance value L of 32b. Therefore, the drive signal that has reached the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b is greatly attenuated by the impedance of the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b. As a result, the driving of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 is significantly reduced, and the output of the ultrasonic waves is stopped.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 are alternately driven at a predetermined time interval by the drive signal for a fixed time, and vibrate at the frequency of the drive signal. The ultrasonic waves of a certain time from 21 and 22 are alternately output at predetermined time intervals. When ultrasonic waves reflected from objects such as sand, rocks, and fish existing in the water are received by the ultrasonic vibrators 21 and 22, they are converted into electrical reception signals by the ultrasonic vibrators 21 and 22. The The received signal is taken into the control unit 16 through the receiving unit 13 if the impedance value of the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b of the transformers 31 and 32 is significantly reduced. Then, underwater information obtained alternately by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the underwater detection device 4 in two screens.

(Overview)
As described above, the driving device 1 of the present embodiment includes the transmission unit 11 that outputs a drive signal for driving one or more ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, and the transmission unit 11 to the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22. Transformers 31 and 32 that are provided in the output paths 6 and 7 of the drive signal and in which the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b are connected in series to the output paths 6 and 7, and the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 Switch members 33 and 34 for switching between a short circuit state and an open state.

  According to the above configuration, when a drive signal is output from the transmission unit 11, the drive signal travels through the output paths 6 and 7 and the high voltages of the transformers 31 and 32 connected in series in the output paths 6 and 7. It reaches the side windings 31b and 32b. In the transformers 31 and 32, the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state by switch members 33 and 34. When the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 are short-circuited by the switch members 33 and 34, as a result of the impedance conversion of the transformers 31 and 32, also in the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b. A short circuit occurs. Accordingly, since the impedance value of the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b is greatly reduced, the drive signal reaching the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b reaches the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 with almost no attenuation. As a result, the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 are driven by the drive signal, and as a result of vibrating at the frequency of the drive signal, ultrasonic waves are output from the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22.

  On the other hand, when the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 are opened by the switch members 33 and 34, the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b are connected to the frequency of the drive signal and the high-voltage side windings 31b and 31b. The impedance is based on the relationship with the inductance value L of 32b. Therefore, the drive signal reaching the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b can be greatly attenuated by the impedance of the high voltage side windings 31b and 32b. As a result, the driving of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 is significantly reduced, and the output of the ultrasonic waves is stopped.

  Thus, the drive device 1 is a case where the frequency of the drive signal is close or coincides with a simple configuration in which the switch members 33 and 34 are switched between the short circuit state and the open state of the transformers 31 and 32. In addition, it is possible to reliably switch between outputting the drive signal to the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 and stopping the output.

  The ideal transformers 31 and 32 have a relationship that the voltage is proportional to the number of turns and the current is inversely proportional to the number of turns. Accordingly, the voltage of the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a of the transformers 31 and 32 is lower than the voltage of the high-voltage side windings 31b and 32b in proportion to the number of turns. However, for the voltage state of the low-voltage side windings 31a and 32a, it is necessary to use a special switch member for a low voltage, that is, a high voltage, rather than directly turning on and off the drive signal by adjusting the number of turns. There can be no voltage state. As a result, since the drive device 1 can use the transformers 31 and 32 and the general switch members 33 and 34 for low voltage, the switch members 33 and 34 can cause the transformers 31 and 32 to be short-circuited and opened. A configuration of switching between states can be obtained with inexpensive parts.

  In addition, the driving device 1 includes a single transmission unit 11 that can output a driving signal to the two ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, and the switch driving control unit 12 inverts the switch driving signal. The inverter circuit 18 is configured to output the switch drive signal to one ultrasonic transducer 21 and simultaneously output the switch drive signal inverted by the inverter circuit 18 to the other ultrasonic transducer 22.

  According to the above configuration, the switch drive signal can be used to drive the two ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 by the inverting circuit 18, so that the switch drive control unit 12 can be configured simply, inexpensively, and compactly. it can. As a result, the drive device for the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 can be configured easily and inexpensively, and the drive device can be downsized.

  Further, the switch members 33 and 34 in the driving device 1 are configured to be field effect transistors. According to this configuration, since the field effect transistor is formed of a semiconductor element, the size of the field effect transistor is smaller than that of the switch members 33 and 34 having a mechanical drive mechanism. In addition to being able to be configured easily and inexpensively, the drive device 1 can be downsized.

  Furthermore, the drive device 1 is provided in the underwater detection device 4. In other words, the underwater detection device 4 includes the drive device 1. According to this configuration, the underwater detection device 4 can be configured simply, inexpensively and compactly.

  Furthermore, the drive device 1 is mounted on the ship 5 having a predetermined ship bottom condition while being provided in the underwater detection device 4. In other words, the underwater detection device 4 includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22 that differ in at least one element among the attachment position of the ship 5 to the hull, the directivity angle, and the transmission frequency. In other words, the ship 5 with a predetermined ship bottom condition is equipped with the underwater detection device 4 provided with the drive device 1. The “predetermined ship bottom condition” refers to the attachment position of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, the directivity angle of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22, and the frequency of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers 21 and 22. Having as an element means having at least one of these elements. According to this configuration, the underwater detection device 4 mounted on the ship 5 having complicated or special ship bottom conditions can be configured simply, inexpensively, and compactly.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the case where the switch drive control unit 12 operates the two ultrasonic vibrators 21 and 22 alternately is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the drive device 1 is provided with the one transmission part 11, it is not limited to this.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in the drive device 1, at least one of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and the transmission units 11 is plural, and the transformers 31... Transmit drive signals from the transmission units 11 to the ultrasonic transducers 21. Each of the output paths 6 is provided with a switch member 33 which can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state of the transformers 31 by a switch drive signal, and the switch drive control unit 112 includes a plurality of transformers 31. The switch drive signal may be output to each of the switch members 33... So that any one of the switches is in a short circuit state and the rest is in an open state. The switch drive control unit 112 outputs a switch drive signal to each switch member 33 so that one of the plurality of transformers 31 is sequentially short-circuited and the rest is opened. It may be. In this case, it is possible to sequentially output ultrasonic waves corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal from one ultrasonic transducer 21.

  In this case, since at least one of the ultrasonic transducers 21 and the transmission units 11 is plural, the first form in which the plural ultrasonic transducers 21 have a plurality of transmission units 11. A second configuration in which a single transmission unit 11 exists for the ultrasonic transducers 21 and a third configuration in which a plurality of transmission units 11 exist for the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21. It can be configured according to the application. Further, the output paths 6... Connect the transmission unit 11 and the ultrasonic transducer 21 in a one-to-one relationship according to the use environment and application, or one-to-n (plural), n (plural) -to-one, It is possible to connect n (plurality) to n (plurality).

  Each of the output paths 6 is provided with a transformer 31 in series, and each of the transformers 31 can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state by a switch member 33. This switching is performed so that one of the plurality of transformers 31 is short-circuited and the rest is opened by a switch drive signal output from the switch drive control unit 12 to each switch member 33. Done. As a result, when a single ultrasonic transducer 21 is configured in a first form in which a plurality of transmission units 11... Are present, an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal output from each transmission unit 11. Sound waves can be output from one ultrasonic transducer 21. That is, for example, if each transmission unit 11... Outputs drive signals having different frequencies, different ultrasonic waves can be output from one ultrasonic transducer 21.

  Further, in the case of being configured in the second form in which a single transmission unit 11 exists for a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21..., Ultrasonic waves corresponding to the frequency of the drive signal output from one transmission unit 11 Can be output from each ultrasonic transducer 21.

  Further, when the plurality of ultrasonic transducers 21 are configured in a third form in which a plurality of transmission units 11 are present, the transmission units 11 and the ultrasonic transducers 21 are in a one-to-one relationship. Since it is possible to tie in a relationship, or in a relationship of 1 to n (plural), n (plural) to 1, n (plural) to n (plural), the above first and second forms Combined ultrasonic output is possible.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but only specific examples have been illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. Specific configurations and the like can be appropriately changed in design. It should be noted that the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  The present invention can be used for all devices that output ultrasonic waves.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drive apparatus 3 Switching part 4 Underwater detection apparatus 5 Ship 6 * 7 Output path 11 Transmission part 12 Switch drive control part 13 Reception part 14 Operation part 15 Display part 16 Control part 17 Switch drive part 18 Inversion circuit 19 Transmission / reception part 20 Transmission / reception switching Circuits 21 and 22 Ultrasonic vibrator 31 Transformers 31a and 32a Low-voltage side windings 31b and 32b High-voltage side windings 33 and 34 Switch member 42 Support base

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-210408 (FIG. 1)

Claims (6)

A transmission unit that outputs a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer;
A transformer provided in the output path of the drive signal from the transmitter to the ultrasonic transducer, and a high-voltage side winding connected in series to the output path;
A drive device for an ultrasonic transducer, comprising: a switch member that switches a low-voltage side winding of the transformer between a short circuit state and an open state. A plurality of at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the transmission unit;
The transformer is provided in each output path of the drive signal from the transmission unit to the ultrasonic transducer,
The switch member can be switched between a short circuit state and an open state of the transformer by a switch drive signal.
The switch drive control unit that outputs the switch drive signal to each of the switch members so that any one of the plurality of transformers is in a short circuit state and the rest is in an open state. 2. The drive device for an ultrasonic transducer according to 1. A single transmitter that is capable of outputting the drive signal to the two ultrasonic transducers;
The switch drive control unit includes an inverting circuit that inverts the switch drive signal, and outputs the switch drive signal to one of the ultrasonic transducers, and at the same time the switch drive signal inverted by the inverting circuit to the other The ultrasonic transducer drive device according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is output to the ultrasonic transducer.   4. The ultrasonic transducer driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switch member is a field effect transistor. 5.   An underwater detection device comprising the ultrasonic transducer driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The underwater detection device according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of the ultrasonic transducers having at least one element among a mounting position to the hull, a directivity angle, and a transmission frequency.

Images