1266858 九、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明大體而言係關於導彈技術，且更特定言之係關於 導彈發射器。 【先前技術】 導彈係由燃料及化學推進式引擎來推進的。化學推進式 引擎由當燃料燃燒時釋放出之向後喷出之氣體的反作用來 推進導彈。對本專利說明書來說，"導彈”定義為其軌道未 必為彈道且在飛行期間可改變（諸如由目標追蹤型雷達裝 置與控制元件改變）之拋射物。 已為若干類型之導彈研究了多單元導彈發射器（muiti_ cell missile launcher)e圖1為於先前技術種已知之安裝於 戰艦100之甲板的兩個此種多單元導彈發射器。在某些些 先前技術配置中，多單元導彈發射器安裝於甲板下方。每 :發射器均可放置、固持及發射複數個一單一類型之導彈 筒。基於武器平臺（諸如戰艦1〇〇)所需之性能選擇一種 種）類型之發射器。 ，圖2為-L〇ckheed-Martin MK41多單元導彈發射器之透 視圖，其為一於先前技術中已知之多單元導彈發射器之一 實例。該多單元導彈發射器中之每一單元相同（意即，該 發射器僅發射-種類型之導彈）。現代戰爭之—特徵為兩 ㈣朗中所使用之武时臺中獲得多功能性能。舉^ 一㈣或許需要在戰爭的—個階段期間發射地對地導 ，且在相同戰爭之一不同階段期間發射地對空導彈。現 106129.doc 1266858 在’藉由提供多種導彈發射系統 。/ 具有不同功能）而* / ^ 母導彈發射系統 /、碉个』力月b)而在系統平臺 功能。Λ 了枯4 十（4如哉艦100)上獲得多 力“了使武器平臺得到多功 5|，士卜道絲辦丄 b 而要夕種發射 态此導致增加之基礎設 花費。 二間而求及用於武器平臺之 圖2之多單元導彈發射器包 列’其中每-者包含，類型之導:射;1266858 IX. INSTRUCTIONS OF THE INVENTION: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to missile technology and, more particularly, to missile launchers. [Prior Art] Missiles are propelled by fuel and chemical propulsion engines. The chemical propulsion engine propels the missile by the reaction of the gas that is released backwards when the fuel is burned. For the purposes of this patent specification, "missiles" are defined as projectiles whose orbits are not necessarily ballistic and that can change during flight, such as by target tracking radar devices and control elements. Multiple units have been studied for several types of missiles. Muiti_ cell missile launcher e Figure 1 shows two such multi-unit missile launchers that were previously installed on the deck of warship 100. In some prior art configurations, multi-unit missile launchers Installed under the deck. Each: The launcher can place, hold and launch a plurality of single-type missile barrels. Select one type of transmitter based on the performance required by the weapon platform (such as the battleship 1〇〇). 2 is a perspective view of a -L〇ckheed-Martin MK41 multi-unit missile launcher, which is an example of a multi-unit missile launcher known in the prior art. Each unit of the multi-unit missile launcher is identical (meaning That is, the launcher only launches a type of missile. The modern warfare is characterized by the multi-functionality of the two-fourth (four) Langzhong used in the Wushitai. One (iv) may need to launch ground-to-ground guidance during the phase of the war and launch surface-to-air missiles during different phases of the same war. Now 106129.doc 1266858 in 'by providing multiple missile launch systems./ have different Function) and * / ^ mother missile launch system /, 』 』 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” |, Shi Dao Dao 丄b, but the evening of the launch state, which leads to increased infrastructure costs. The second unit of the multi-unit missile launcher package of Figure 2 for the weapon platform, each of which contains, the type of guide: shooting;
含包含_發射單元中 之導引導彈類型指定的數據及資訊。 中’導彈筒經改裝以固持小於此等導彈筒之 以導斤大小的導彈。然而，此方式導致空間浪費及該發 射：統之火力減小。另夕卜，該導彈筒之大小限制了可用之 導彈大小’從而限制了現存之導彈發射器之彈性。 因此’存在對避免或減輕此等問題中之某些或全部之導 彈發射器的需要。 【發明内容】 本發明提供一可重新組態以發射不同類型與大小之導彈 的導彈發射线。詳言之，本發明之說明性實施例使用可 麦大小之容器來放置與固持不同類型之導彈筒。另外，該 說明性實施例使用一控制器，其包含該可重新組態發射器 可為其組態之每一導彈類型之資訊資料集。此減輕了在先 前技術中與發射多種導彈類型有關之某些問題。 該說明性實施例包含：一導彈筒、一包含於該導彈筒中 之導彈、一放置與固持複數個導彈筒類型中之任一者的可 jl29.doc 1266858 重新組態容器、一用於在任一允許之發射器組態中自導彈 筒中排出煙霧的可重新組態排氣系統及一用於控制複數個 導彈類型之控制器。 【實施方式】 圖3為一根據該說明性實施例之海軍發射系統之一代表 圖。儘管可重新組態之多單元導彈發射器3〇2(下文稱其為 "可重新組態發射器”302)安裝於戰艦10〇之甲板上，但是熟 φ 習此項技術者在閱讀本揭示内容後會清楚瞭解如何製造與 使用本發明之替代實施例，在該等替代實施例中可重新組 態發射器302安裝於戰艦1〇〇之甲板下面，在陸地上使用， 或者安裝於另一類型之運載工具上（例如，卡車、有執 車、潛水艇、太空車、衛星等）。 圖4為根據該說明性實施例之可重新組態發射器3〇2之一 方塊圖。儘管圖4僅展示了一四個發射單元之一維陣列， 但是熟習此項技術者在閱讀本揭示内容後可清楚瞭解如何 • 製造與使用本發明之替代實施例，在該等替代實施例中發 射系統302包含一單一可重新組態發射單元、一任意個數 之可重新組態發射單元之一維陣列或者一任意個數之可重 新組態發射單元之二維陣列。 可重新組態發射器302包含A型發射單元4〇4ι、兩個B型 發射單元4042與4044、C型發射單元4〇43、排氣系統4〇6、 電纜410及多導彈控制器408。導彈型號A、b、c代表三種 不同的未指定之導彈類型，其每一者具有一不同導彈筒大 小 〇 106129.doc 1266858 排氣系統406經由排氣出口與發射單元404!至4044之全體 相連，使得排氣系統406排出發射單元扣^至扣、中之一者 或全體在發射導彈期間所產生之廢煙霧。下面參照圖7與8 詳細描述排氣系統406。 多導彈控制器408包含多個資料集，其中每一資料集包 含對控制與發射可重新組態發射器302為其所組態之每一 導彈類型所指定的資料及資訊。多導彈控制器4〇8經由電 纜410連接至發射單元404】至4044中之每一者，以提供多導 彈控制器408與每一發射單元之間之雙向通信。下面參照 圖6詳細描述多導彈控制器408。 圖5為根據该說明性實施例之發射單元4 〇 4 i之方塊圖， 其中i為集合{1…4}中之一正整數。發射單元4〇4丨包含容器 512i、導彈筒514i、導彈516i、及排氣出口 518i。 谷器512i放置與固持導彈筒514i，該導彈筒包括導彈 516i。排氣出口 518i提供一路徑，導彈516i在發射期間所產 生之廢煙霧可經由該路徑自發射單元4〇4i中排出。容器 5 12丨之大小決定導彈筒5i4i之類型。不同類型之導彈包含 於不同大小之導彈筒中。因此，&了使可重新組態發射器 302容納不同導彈類型，容器512i之大小可重新組態，同時 排氣出口 518i之位置亦可重新組態。下面參照圖7詳細描述 容器512丨及排氣出口 518丨之可重新組態特徵。 圖6為根據該說明性實施例之多導彈控制器4〇8之方塊 圖。多導彈控制器408包含處理器62〇及記憶體⑵。記憶 體622包含N個資料集624!，其中丨為集合{卜川中之一正 106129.doc 1266858 正數。每一資料集624;包括對控制與發射可重新組態發射 器3 0 2可為其組態之N種導彈類型中之一者指定的資料及資 訊。 圖7為根據該說明性實施例之發射單元4〇4丨之横截面 圖。發射單元40七包含導彈筒514i、排氣出口 518i、平臺 720、可移動支撐722# 722i+i、導彈、導彈筒連接器 724i及導彈筒至導彈之控制管纜726i。 • 平臺720及可移動支撐7221與722i+i放置與支撐導彈筒 514。可改變可移動支撐722|與721+1之位置，使得其二者 間之間隙容納一不同於導彈筒5 1七之導彈筒，並因此容納 一不同於導彈516i之導彈。可移動支撐7221與721+1之移動 可使用液壓系統、電馬達或手動構件來達成。熟習此項技 術者會清楚瞭解如何定位可移動支撐722!與722i+i。 可重新組態發射器302之總大小為固定的且兩個相鄰發 射單元404丨與404i;tl之間可共用可移動支撐722中之每一 | 者。因此，當發射單元40七之大小改變時，相鄰發射單元 4〇4M或404m之大小亦改變。舉例而言，當可移動支撐 722i移向左邊以使能夠在容器512i中放置一較大之導彈筒 時，可移動支撐722i與722U1(未圖示）二者間之開口變小。 因此，改變了可放置於容器512M中之導彈筒的類型。在 某些組態中，可重新組態發射器302具有小於4個的發射單 元’而在其它組態中，可重新組態發射器302具有多於4個 的發射單元。 導彈筒51七在一端包括一飛行全程罩，且在另一端包括 106129.doc -10· 1266858 一導彈筒後板。該導彈筒後板在導彈516^點燃時開啟或爆 裂，以使排氣出口 5 1 8i能夠自導彈5 16i排出廢煙霧。排氣 出口 5 1 8丨排出廢煙務進入廢氣莱集至728中’在此處它們金 來自其它發射單元之廢煙霧混合。熟習此項技術者會清楚 瞭解如何製造與使用在導彈516丨點火時提供至排氣出口 5 18i之通道的導彈筒後板。排氣出口 518丨之位置可經重新 組態以容納可重新組態發射器302為其所組態之導彈類型 中之任一者。 導彈51弋經由電纜410與多導彈控制器408通信。電參覽 410經由電纜連接器7261、導彈筒連接器7241及導彈筒至導 彈之控制管纜連接至導彈5 14i。在該說明性實施例中，電 纜連接器726為一通用連接器，其可與可重新組態發射器 302所適合之每一導彈筒類型有關之任何導彈筒連接器配 合連接。在某些實施例中，電纜410包括複數個電纜連接 器’其每一個對應於可重新組態發射器302所適合之導彈 筒類型中之每一類型。 圖8為根據該說明性實施例之排氣系統406之橫截面圖。 排氣系統406包含廢氣彙集室728、排氣出口 518!(其中i為 集合{1…5}中之一正整數）及排氣上氣道83〇。發射單元 4〇4〗至4〇44中之每一者包括一排氣出口 518〗至Η%，使得 在該單元中一導彈發射期間所產生之廢煙霧被導入廢氣彙 集室728中。一額外排氣出口 51 85提供至排氣上氣道830之 通道以排出廢氣彙集室728中之廢煙霧。排氣上氣道830為 廢’煙霧提供出口以將其排到包圍可重新組態發射器302之 106129.doc 1266858 大氣中。 在本I明之某些實施例中’排氣系統4 〇 6包括複數個排 虱上氣道830。在本發明之某些實施例中，排氣上氣道位 於可重新組態發射器830之内部，意即，位於兩個發射單 元（諸如發射單元4042與4043)之間。在本發明之某些實施 例中，平臺720包含通孔，其允許廢煙霧直接經由平臺720 排入並排出廢氣彙集室728，消除了離散排氣出口 5ΐ8ι至Contains data and information specifying the type of guided missile in the _ launch unit. The medium-missile cylinders have been modified to hold missiles smaller than the size of these missiles. However, this approach results in wasted space and the launch: the firepower of the system is reduced. In addition, the size of the missile barrel limits the available missile size' thereby limiting the flexibility of existing missile launchers. Therefore, there is a need to avoid or mitigate some or all of these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a missile launch line that can be reconfigured to launch missiles of different types and sizes. In particular, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses a sized container to hold and hold different types of missile cartridges. Additionally, the illustrative embodiment uses a controller that includes a set of information for each missile type that the reconfigurable transmitter can configure. This alleviates some of the problems associated with launching multiple missile types in the prior art. The illustrative embodiment includes: a missile cartridge, a missile contained in the missile cartridge, a type of a plurality of missile cartridges placed and held, and a reconfigurable container, one for use in either A reconfigurable exhaust system that allows smoke to escape from the missile barrel in a transmitter configuration and a controller for controlling a plurality of missile types. [Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a representative diagram of a naval transmitting system according to this illustrative embodiment. Although the reconfigurable multi-unit missile launcher 3〇2 (hereinafter referred to as the “reconfigurable launcher” 302) is installed on the deck of the battleship 10〇, it is familiar to the reader. The disclosure will clearly understand how to make and use an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the reconfigurable transmitter 302 is mounted below the deck of the battleship, on land, or on another One type of vehicle (eg, truck, truck, submarine, space vehicle, satellite, etc.) Figure 4 is a block diagram of a reconfigurable transmitter 3〇2 in accordance with this illustrative embodiment. Figure 4 shows only one of the four arrays of firing cells, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention, in which alternative embodiments are disclosed. System 302 includes a single reconfigurable transmitting unit, a one-dimensional array of any number of reconfigurable transmitting units, or a two-dimensional array of any number of reconfigurable transmitting units. The newly configured transmitter 302 includes an A-type transmitting unit 4〇4ι, two B-type transmitting units 4042 and 4044, a C-type transmitting unit 4〇43, an exhaust system 4〇6, a cable 410, and a multi-missile controller 408. The missile Models A, b, and c represent three different unspecified missile types, each of which has a different missile barrel size 〇 106129.doc 1266858 The exhaust system 406 is connected to the entire firing units 404! through 4044 via an exhaust outlet. The exhaust system 406 is caused to exhaust waste fumes generated by the launch unit to one of the buckles, or all of them during the launch of the missile. The exhaust system 406 is described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The multiple missile controller 408 includes a plurality of A data set, each of which contains information and information assigned to each of the missile types configured for the control and launch reconfigurable transmitter 302. The multi-missile controller 4〇8 is connected to the launch via cable 410 Each of the units 404] to 4044 provides bidirectional communication between the multi-missile controller 408 and each of the transmitting units. The multi-missile controller 408 is described in detail below with respect to Figure 6. Figure 5 is in accordance with this illustrative embodiment A block diagram of the transmitting unit 4 〇 4 i , where i is a positive integer of the set {1...4}. The transmitting unit 4〇4丨 includes a container 512i, a missile barrel 514i, a missile 516i, and an exhaust outlet 518i. The 512i places and holds a missile barrel 514i that includes a missile 516i. The exhaust outlet 518i provides a path through which waste fumes generated by the missile 516i during launch can be discharged from the launch unit 4〇4i. The size determines the type of missile barrel 5i4i. Different types of missiles are included in different sizes of missile barrels. Therefore, & reconfigurable transmitter 302 accommodates different missile types, the size of container 512i can be reconfigured while row The position of the gas outlet 518i can also be reconfigured. The reconfigurable features of the container 512 and the exhaust outlet 518 are described in detail below with reference to FIG. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a multiple missile controller 4〇8 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. The multi-missile controller 408 includes a processor 62 and a memory (2). Memory 622 contains N data sets 624!, where 丨 is a set { one of Buchuan's positive 106129.doc 1266858 positive number. Each data set 624 includes information and information specified for one of the N types of missiles that can be configured for the control and launch reconfigurable transmitters 320. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a firing unit 4〇4丨 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. The launching unit 40 includes a missile barrel 514i, an exhaust outlet 518i, a platform 720, a movable support 722# 722i+i, a missile, a missile barrel connector 724i, and a missile tube to missile control cable 726i. • The platform 720 and the movable supports 7221 and 722i+i are placed and supported by the missile barrel 514. The position of the movable support 722| and 721+1 can be changed such that the gap therebetween accommodates a missile barrel different from the missile barrel 517 and thus accommodates a missile different from the missile 516i. The movement of the movable supports 7221 and 721+1 can be achieved using a hydraulic system, an electric motor or a manual member. Those skilled in the art will have a clear understanding of how to position the movable support 722! and 722i+i. The total size of the reconfigurable transmitter 302 is fixed and each of the movable supports 722 can be shared between two adjacent transmitting units 404A and 404i; Therefore, when the size of the transmitting unit 40 is changed, the size of the adjacent transmitting unit 4〇4M or 404m also changes. For example, when the movable support 722i is moved to the left to enable placement of a larger missile barrel in the container 512i, the opening between the movable supports 722i and 722U1 (not shown) becomes smaller. Thus, the type of missile barrel that can be placed in the container 512M is changed. In some configurations, the reconfigurable transmitter 302 has fewer than four transmitting units' while in other configurations, the reconfigurable transmitter 302 has more than four transmitting units. The missile barrel 51 has a flight full hood at one end and 106129.doc -10· 1266858 a missile barrel rear plate at the other end. The rear panel of the missile barrel is opened or bursted when the missile 516 is ignited so that the exhaust outlet 5 1 8i can discharge waste smoke from the missile 5 16i. Exhaust outlet 5 1 8丨Exhaust waste smoke into the exhaust gas collection to 728' where they are mixed with waste fumes from other launching units. Those skilled in the art will be well aware of how to make and use a rear barrel of a missile barrel that provides access to the exhaust outlet 5 18i when the missile is 516 ignited. The position of the exhaust outlet 518丨 can be reconfigured to accommodate any of the missile types that the reconfigurable transmitter 302 is configured for. The missile 51 is in communication with the multi-missile controller 408 via cable 410. The electrical access 410 is coupled to the missile 5 14i via a cable connector 7261, a missile barrel connector 7241, and a missile tube to missile control cable. In the illustrative embodiment, cable connector 726 is a universal connector that can be mated with any of the missile cartridge connectors associated with each type of missile cartridge to which reconfigurable transmitter 302 is adapted. In some embodiments, cable 410 includes a plurality of cable connectors' each of which corresponds to each of the types of missile cartridges to which reconfigurable transmitter 302 is adapted. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of exhaust system 406 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. The exhaust system 406 includes an exhaust collection chamber 728, an exhaust outlet 518! (where i is a positive integer of one of the sets {1...5}), and an exhaust upper air passage 83〇. Each of the transmitting units 4〇4′′ to 4〇44 includes an exhaust outlet 518〗 to Η% such that waste fumes generated during the launch of a missile in the unit are introduced into the exhaust collecting chamber 728. An additional exhaust outlet 51 85 provides access to the upper exhaust passage 830 to exhaust waste fumes in the exhaust collection chamber 728. The exhaust upper air passage 830 provides an outlet for the waste's smoke to vent to the atmosphere of 106129.doc 1266858 surrounding the reconfigurable launcher 302. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the exhaust system 4 〇 6 includes a plurality of upper air passages 830. In some embodiments of the invention, the upper air passage of the exhaust is located inside the reconfigurable transmitter 830, that is, between two transmitting units, such as transmitting units 4042 and 4043. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the platform 720 includes a through hole that allows waste fumes to be discharged directly into and out of the exhaust collection chamber 728 via the platform 720, eliminating discrete exhaust outlets 5ΐ8ι
5 1 85 〇 應瞭解，上述實施例僅為說明本發明，且熟習此項技術 ^可叹计出上述實施例的許多變型而不偏離本發明之範 可。舉例而言，在本專利說明㈣，提供了大量具體細節 Μ給本發明之說明性實施例提供詳盡之描述及更好的理 解。然而，熟習此項技術者應認識到即使沒有該等細節中 ，一或多個亦可實施本發明，或用其它方法、材料、組件 等實施本發明。 此外，在某些情況下，不詳細展示或描述眾所周知之結 冓材料或運作以避免遮蔽該等說明性實施 瞭解圖中所展示之各種會r 〜樣應 ‘之各種實轭例為說明性的，且不必按比例 繪製。說明書通篇蔣β _ 一個實施例”或"一實施例” 些實施例”意謂一盥嗲（笠、杳#，丨士 J ^ ^ 構、材料或特徵包括於士a… 行疋特點、結 匕括於本發明至少一個實施例中，而未必 在所有實施例中。因此， 未 語"在-個實施例中"在，書 方出現之短 之實鈿例。此外’特定特點、結構、材料 106129.doc -12- 1266858 或特徵可在-或多個之實施例中以任意適當之方式組厶。 因此期望此等變型應包括於以下中請專利範圍及其均;物 之範轉中。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1為根據先前技術之海軍發射器系統之代表圖。 圖2為根據先前技術之多單元導彈發射器之透視圖。 圖3為根據該說明性實施例之海軍發射器系統之代 圖。 圖4為根據該說明性實施例之可重新組態發射器3〇2之方 塊圖。 圖5為根據該說明性實施例之發射單元之方塊圖。 圖6為根據該說明性實施例之多導彈控制器之方塊圖。 圖7為根據該說明性實施例之發射單元之橫截面圖。 圖8為根據該說明性實施例之排氣系統之橫截面圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 100 戰艦 302 可重新組態多單元導彈發射器 404i 發射單元（A型） 4042 發射單元（B型） 4〇43 發射單元（C型） 4044 發射單元（B型） 406 排氣系統 408 多導彈控制器 410 電纜 106129.doc 1266858 512i 容器 514i 導彈筒 516i 導彈 518i 排氣出口 620 處理器 622 記憶體 624i 導彈的指定資料集 720 平臺 722i 可移動支撐 724i 導彈筒連接器 726i 導彈筒至導彈之控制管纜/電纜連接器 728 廢氣彙集室 830 排氣上氣道5 1 85 〇 It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and that many variations of the above-described embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the detailed description of the present invention is intended to provide a It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the invention may be practiced otherwise, or by other methods, materials, components or the like. In addition, in some instances, various well-known conjugates that do not show or describe well-known crucible materials or operations in order to avoid obscuring the illustrative implementations are understood to be illustrative. And not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the specification, Jiang β _ an embodiment "or" an embodiment "some embodiments" means a 盥嗲 (笠, 杳 #, 丨 J J ^ ^ structure, material or feature including Yu Shi a... The present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention, and is not necessarily in all embodiments. Therefore, the phrase "in the embodiment" is a short example of the occurrence of the book. Features, structures, materials 106129.doc -12- 1266858 or features may be grouped in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is therefore contemplated that such variations should be included in the following patent claims and their BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a representation of a naval transmitter system in accordance with the prior art. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a multi-unit missile launcher in accordance with the prior art. Figure 3 is a diagram of a multi-unit missile launcher in accordance with the prior art. 4 is a block diagram of a reconfigurable transmitter 3〇2 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a transmitting unit in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. 6 is a multi-channel according to the illustrative embodiment Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a firing unit in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exhaust system in accordance with the illustrative embodiment. [Main Component Symbol Description] 100 Battleship 302 Reconfigurable multi-unit missile launcher 404i launch unit (type A) 4042 launch unit (type B) 4〇43 launch unit (type C) 4044 launch unit (type B) 406 exhaust system 408 multiple missile controller 410 cable 106129.doc 1266858 512i Container 514i Missile barrel 516i Missile 518i Exhaust outlet 620 Processor 622 Memory 624i Missile's designated data set 720 Platform 722i Movable support 724i Missile barrel connector 726i Missile tube to missile control cable/cable connection 728 exhaust collection chamber 830 exhaust upper air passage
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