EP1035401B1 - Launching device for firing multiple charges - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus includes an adaptor which includes a control unit and is releasably fixed in the launcher tube of a launching drum. A stack of active devices is releasably connected to the adaptor, both mechanically and electrically. In the assembled state, when the stack is connected to the adaptor, active devices can be launched individually in sequence or together, under the control of the control unit. The time spacing between shots is adjustable. An Independent claim is included for a projectile system with at least one launching drum.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for firing a plurality of active bodies and a use thereof Launch system.

In particular, for the realization of protective measures, it is common necessary to shoot a variety of active bodies. there serve the active body usually the targeted generating a artificial fog over a certain period of time as important Measure to camouflage military objectives or deception of these Targets attacking objects. For example, in EP 0 588 015 A1 is a camouflage technique for protecting one with a thermal imaging device equipped tank against a hostile, also with one Thermal imaging device equipped further tanks known in which a unilaterally transparent, infrared fog is generated, so that the protective tanks from the attacking tank by one Tarnwand is separated, the only from the tank to be protected is transparent.

British Patent Application GB 2 188 920 A discloses a pyrotechnic assembly having an outer Housing comprising a variety of pyrotechnic Contains elements. This includes the outer housing a cylindrical housing for a series pyrotechnic Elements that are arranged one above the other, and Activating agent for each pyrotechnic element. The Activation agents are arranged to suit each Element of the series in succession with a predetermined Enable time delay between each activation. In this case, the activating agent can be a pyrotechnic Delay element comprise.

Schaltanordnungen for firing of fake target sub-bodies in a freely selectable time sequence from a cartridge tube Igniting each with an electric lighter with a Ignition circuit and each connected to a submunition Ejector charges are also well known. So revealed, For example, US 5,429,052 such a switching arrangement with automatic, successive Zündimpulsweiterschaltung.

Object of the present invention is the launch of a Variety of active bodies caliber independent with simplified To allow contact management and reduced installation costs.

This object is achieved by a device for Shooting a variety of active bodies solved, the one Adapter comprising a control unit and in a launch tube a throwing cup is detachably fixable, and an active body package, the the active body comprises and detachable with the adapter, mechanically and electrically, is connectable, wherein in assembled state in which the active body package with the Adapter is connected, active body of the active body package over the control unit of the adapter individually in sequence, wherein the Time interval between the shoot of two consecutive Each active body is adjustable, or at least in part are simultaneously verschießbar.

It can be provided according to the invention that the Control unit a battery, contact rings, at least one circuit board for an electronic circuit as well as, preferably resilient, Includes pins and used in an adapter housing and there tight and releasably attachable.

In addition, the invention proposes that the Pack of active components with the adapter mechanically via a Clamp connection, snap connection or the like connectable is, and by mechanically connecting the active body package with the adapter automatically creates an electrical circuit between the Packing body and the adapter is closable.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that the Package of active body electrically with the adapter by contacting the Contact pins of the control unit of the adapter by means of this complementary contact points of the active body package is connectable, and the contact points in electrical connection with at least a means for expelling active bodies from the Shock pack stand.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the Pack of implements includes at least one launch tube, and in each Launching tube two or more active body in the firing direction in series are arranged, with four active bodies per firing tube preferred are.

The invention also proposes that each active body a propellant charge with a lighter, such as a squib or the like, in connection with the control unit of the adapter in assembled state of active body package and adapter, assigned.

It can be provided that the propellant charges for the Shaped body of each launcher within the concerned Launching tube are arranged, and the lighter of the propellant charges are arranged outside of the respective launch tube.

As an alternative development according to the invention proposed that the propellants together with lighter for the Active body of each launch tube of the active body package in one common propellant strip are arranged, and over the Propellant strip an electrical contact of the lighter to Control unit of the adapter is buildable, preferably under Interposition of at least one board for an electronic Circuit with the contact points.

It is preferred that the one launch tube of the Propellant packages associated propellant bar outside and runs parallel to the longitudinal center axis of this launch tube and with the same releasably connectable, and propellant gases over lateral holes in the launch tube of the active body package in the same can occur to shoot of active bodies.

According to the invention it can also be provided that each lateral hole in the launch tube of the active body package in a Gas space below an active body in this launch tube empties.

According to the invention it is further preferred that in each launch tube the active body package a sensor, preferably in the region of Last from this launch tube to be fired body, arranged and electrically connected to the control unit of the adapter is connectable.

With the invention it is further proposed that two or more Launcher tubes parallel to each other in a package of active substance are arranged, and the launcher pipes over a common Plate, which stands for an electrical connection of the launcher pipes Preferably, the at least one board for an electrical Circuit located with the contact points, connectable to each other are.

A specific embodiment of the invention is characterized characterized in that four launcher tubes per package are provided, preferably two launch tubes are arranged side by side in a row.

It is proposed with the invention that the active body Launch tube for launch tube are verschießbar.

Furthermore, the invention provides a litter system with at least one Litter beakers by the use of a Device is characterized.

It can be provided that the active body outside the Launching tube of the throwing cup are arranged when the adapter in the litter cup and the active body package on the adapter are attached.

Finally, the invention also proposes that the Adapter in the launch tube of the throwing cup can be clamped, as above a screw connection, and for maintenance or for Shot of conventional ammunition from the launch tube of To remove throwing cup is.

The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that by interposing an adapter between a Litter cup and a package of active body, first, the for Shedding active bodies available volume can be significantly increased, second, a caliber dependence is overcome with, third, no pollution in the area of Kontaktkopfes within the throwing plant occurs and fourthly the Handling and wiring is simplified. this leads to Overall, significant cost savings, namely in particular by saving the need for use different throwing cup to shoot a certain Number and / or a particular type of active bodies and by Reduction of maintenance costs. Also, the scope of a Throwing system according to the invention due to their modularity increased, which is tactically and strategically particularly advantageous.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung mit Adapter und darauf aufgesetztem Wirkkörperpaket gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf das Wirkkörperpaket gemäß Figur 1 von dem dem Adapter abgewandten Ende aus;

Figur 3

eine Teilschnittansicht von Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine Teilschnittansicht durch den Adapter von Figur 1; und

Figur 5

eine Teilschnittansicht durch das Wirkkörperpaket von Figur 1.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which an embodiment of the invention with reference to schematic drawings is explained in detail. Showing:

FIG. 1

a perspective view of a device with adapter and attached thereto active body package according to the invention;

FIG. 2

a plan view of the active body package according to Figure 1 from the adapter facing away from the end;

FIG. 3

a partial sectional view of Figure 1;

FIG. 4

a partial sectional view through the adapter of Figure 1; and

FIG. 5

a partial sectional view through the active body package of Figure 1.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the invention comprises Device as essential elements an adapter 10 and a Packing body 20, the electrically and mechanically with each other are detachably connectable.

The adapter 10 according to FIG. 4 is constructed as follows:

Within an adapter housing 11 is a control unit via Fixing screws 17a, 17b, 17c fixable, as in Figure 3 indicated. The control unit is in turn made of resilient Contact pins 12 on a contact pin carrier 13 in contact with an electronic control on boards 14a, 14b, 14c, the in turn, are electrically connected to a battery 16.

The control unit is also on their contact rings 15a, 15b of externally controlled via a throw cup 1. For this purpose is the adapter 10 in the launch tube of the throwing cup 1 of such below used that the control unit, apart from the Contact pins 12 on the contact pin carrier 13, within the Launching tube of the throwing cup 1 is arranged, namely in the Area between the points A and B of Figure 4. Here is the Adapter 10 in the launch tube of the throwing cup 1 clamped fixable, namely via an adapter screw 18th

The active substance package 20 according to the invention is like FIG. 5 follows built up:

An active body package housing 21 has a clamping groove 22 for a mechanical connection with the adapter housing 11, wherein in Figure 1 and 3 of the assembled state of adapter 10 and Packing body 20 is shown.

Within the active body housing 21 are four launcher tubes 23, 23 ', 23 ", 23"' arranged in two rows parallel to each other, see Figure 2, of which in Figure 5 only one to see in sectional view is.

Within each firing tube 23 are in the firing direction behind four active bodies 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d each with a arranged therebelow gas space 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d used. Below the lowest gas space 25d is the launch tube 23rd closed by a bottom cover 26. The bottom lid 26 is with a board 27 in connection, on which an electrical Circuit and pads 28 for electrical contact with the contact pins 12 on the contact pin carrier 13 of the adapter 10 are applied.

Each discharge tube 23 has in the region of the gas spaces 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d a lateral bore 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, to a To provide connection to a propellant strip 29, which parallel to Launch tube 23 extends and with the same over a variety of Threaded bolt 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d is connected. In the Propellant strips 29 are for each active body 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d in the launch tube 23, a propellant charge 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d together Squib 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d arranged. The squibs 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are in turn on the board 27 and the contact points 28 of the active body package 20 with the control unit within the Adapters 10 in the assembled state of adapter 10 and Packing body 20 in electrical connection, as in Figure 3 indicated.

Finally, the active body package 20 still has one Temperature sensor 34 in the last of the launch tube 23rd to be fired active body 24 d on. This temperature sensor 34 is also on the board 27 together with the contact points 28 with the Control unit in the adapter 10 electrically connected when the Packing body 20 on the adapter 10 in the shown in Figure 3 Way is set up.

A launcher according to the invention with the above described device is for example as follows for the Aufschuss of a variety of active bodies can be built:

The control unit 12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15a, 15b, 16 is, in the Figures 3 and 4 from below, inserted into the adapter housing 11 and there by means of the three fastening screws 17a, 17b, 17c fixed. The tightness within the adapter housing 10 opposite Environmental influences are caused by not shown O-rings guaranteed. The adapter housing 11 is in the launch tube of the Inserted throw cup 1 and finally the arrangement of the Adapters 10 within the pitch cup 1 on the tightening of the Adapter screw 18 fixed. The thus mounted adapter 10 must be off the throw cup 1 only for regular maintenance or for Firing conventional ammunition are removed again.

In the Wirkkörperpaketgehäuse 21 are the four launch tubes 23, 23 ', 23 ", 23"', each with attached propellant charge bar 29 and loaded therein active bodies 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d used. The four launcher tubes 23, 23 ', 23 ", 23"' on the Board 27 carrying bottom cover 26 of the active body package 20th connected with each other.

On the adapter 10 in the litter cup 1 is the active body package 20, in Figure 1 and 3 from above, plugged until the clamping groove 22 for provides a firm mechanical connection and the contact points 28 of the active body package 20, the contact pins 12 of the adapter 10th to contact. In this case, the arrangement of the contacts 12, 28 relative to Clamping groove 22 chosen such that a wrong contact not is possible.

Thus, over a single litter cup 1 by the magnification the space for the active bodies 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d due to Interposition of the adapter 10 now sixteen active body 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d of four launcher tubes 23, 23 ', 23 ", 23"' selectable, to be, for example, a desired one Tarnwand at a selected distance above a selected one Build up time.

If, for example, a shoot of the active body 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d planned only the launch tube 23 in a first step, so a corresponding signal is the contact rings 15a, 15b of the Adapters 10 and supplied via the electronic control the same and the board 27 of the active body package 20 to the corresponding Zündpillen 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d forwarded. By Initiation of a squib, for example, the squib 32a, can be Ignite the corresponding propellant charge 31a, so that propellant charge gas via the corresponding bore 30a in the associated gas space 25a enters and builds up a pressure until finally the Active body 24a in the firing direction above this gas space 25a is fired from the launch tube 23. The same applies to the closure of the three remaining active bodies 24b, 24c, 24d. Of the Charge state of the launch tube 23 is during the Verschusses via the temperature sensor 34 verifiable.

Of course, the four launcher tubes 23, 23 ', 23 ", 23 "'one after the other, at a certain time interval to each other, in groups or simultaneously to shoot their respective active body 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are driven so that for the first time the possibility exists, even over several seconds a smoke screen necessary for camouflage or shooting build.

The in the above description, in the drawings and in The claims disclosed features of the invention can both individually as well as in any combination for the Realization of the invention in its various Embodiments be essential.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

projectile

10

adapter

11

adapter housing

12

pin

13

Contact pin carrier

14a, 14b, 14c

circuit board

15a, 15b

contact ring

16

battery

17a, 17b, 17c

fixing screw

18

adapter screw

20

Submunitions cluster

21

Submunitions cluster housing

22

clamping groove

23, 23 ', 23 ", 23"'

launching tube

24a, 24b, 24c, 24d

submunitions

25a, 25b, 25c, 25d

headspace

26

bottom cover

27

circuit board

28

contact point

29

Propellant bar

30a, 30b, 30c, 30d

drilling

31a, 31b, 31c, 31d

propellant

32a, 32b, 32c, 32d

squib

33a, 33b, 33c, 33d

threaded bolt

34

sensor

Claims (10)

1. A device for ejecting a multiplicity of submunitions, comprising an adapter (10) including a control unit (12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15a, 15b, 16) and adapted for releasable fastening in an ejection barrel of a discharger, and a submunitions cluster (20) including said submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) and adapted for releasable connection, both mechanical and electrical, with said adapter (10), wherein in the assembled condition in which said submunitions cluster (20) is connected with said adapter (10), submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) may be ejected from said submunitions cluster (20) by way of said control unit (12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15a, 15b, 16) of said adapter (10) sequentially one by one, the period between ejection of two consecutive submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) being adjustable, or at least in part simultaneously.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that said submunitions cluster (20) is adapted for mechanical connection with said adapter (10) by means of a clamp connection, snap connection or the like, and an electrical circuit between said submunitions cluster (20) and said adapter (10) is adapted to be closed automatically by mechanically connecting said submunitions cluster (20) with said adapter (10).
3. A device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said submunitions cluster (20) includes at least one ejection barrel (23, 23', 23", 23"'), and in each ejection barrel (23) two or more submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) are serially arranged in the expelling direction, four submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) per ejection barrel (23) being preferred.
4. A device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one propellant charge (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) including igniting means such as a primer (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) or the like, which is connected with said control unit (12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15a, 15b, 16) of said adapter (10) in the assembled condition of submunitions cluster (20) and adapter (10), is associated to each submunition (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that said propellant charges for said submunitions of each ejection barrel are arranged inside the respective ejection barrels, and said means for igniting said propellant charges are arranged outside the respective ejection barrels.
6. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that said propellant charges (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) together with igniting means (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) for said submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of each ejection barrel (23) of said submunitions cluster (20) are arranged in a common propellant charge rail (29), and via said propellant charge rail (29) an electrical contact of said igniting means (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) with said control unit (12, 13, 14a, 14b, 14c, 15a, 15b, 16) of said adapter (10) may be established, preferably by intermediary arrangement of at least one circuit board (27) for an electronic circuit with said contact locations (28).
7. A device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two or more ejection barrels (23, 23', 23", 23"') are arranged in parallel with each other in a submunitions cluster (20), and said ejection barrels (23, 23', 23", 23"') are adapted for mutual connection by way of a common panel having arranged on it an electrical connection of said ejection barrels (23, 23', 23", 23"'), preferably a circuit board (27) for an electrical circuit with said contact locations (28).
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that four ejection barrels (23, 23', 23", 23"') per submunitions cluster (20) are provided, with preferably two ejection barrels (23, 23', 23', 23') each being arranged in laterally aligned arrangement.
9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that said submunitions (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) are adapted for being ejected ejection barrel (23, 23', 23", 23"') by ejection barrel (23, 23', 23", 23"').
10. Discharging unit including at least one discharger and one device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

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