EP0021870A1 - Device for coupling and uncoupling missiles to or from other missiles or carrier aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical and electrical coupling device for loads, in particular military. Such coupling consists of the combination of hooking means (70), wedging (12) and electrical connection agencies so that the locking of the hooking means leads simultaneously and automatically without the need to do call for adjustment operations, setting in all positions of the load carried with respect to the carrier load as well as their electrical connection. A plurality of loads can thus be made integral with one another with a view to carrying them under an aircraft and then be ejected one by one, starting with the one which is furthest from this aircraft.

Description

The invention relates to a mechanical and electrical coupling device for airborne loads, in particular military loads, such as projectiles. It also relates to projectiles equipped with such devices.

More specifically, the invention relates to such a coupling device capable of simultaneously ensuring the hooking and chocking functions of a plurality of charges, projectiles, for example, with a view to carrying them under aircraft, as well as their ejection one by one, starting with the one that is furthest from this aircraft.

One means of carrying multiple loads under an aircraft consists in attaching an intermediate part, generally called an "adapter", to a polyone, integral with the aircraft, which has a plurality of hooking locations for the loads to be transported. At each of these locations, there are installed the devices allowing, the attachment, the setting, the safety controls, and the ejection of the load. On planes flying at current speeds, a load ejection system. On planes flying at current speeds, an ejection system is generally installed in the adapter to eject the load downwards at a determined speed. At each location, the installation of the load successively requires attachment, then wedging (generally using wedging screws carried by arms), finally electrical or mechanical connection with the safety control members. The ejector, usually pyrotechnic, is included in the adapter at each location. It is actuated by a powder impeller. Because on these adapters, it is only possible to hang and eject a load per location, a mission requiring the successive release of a large number of loads (for example a release in a chain) poses problems considerable if the number of pylons is not sufficient or if some should be reserved for other uses.

The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks and relates to a coupling device integral with each of the loads comprising a combination of means cooperating with each other to accomplish the following four essential functions, namely: attachment of one load to another , the setting of each of the charges thus attached to the previous one, the electrical connection necessary for the implementation of the sequencers equipping these charges and the ejection one after the other of these charges thus superimposed, starting with the most charged away from the adapter.

The present invention relates more precisely to a mechanical and electrical coupling device for loads, in particular military, with a view to carrying them under aircraft, characterized in that it comprises a combination of attachment means, wedging, electrical connection and ejection ensuring the mechanical attachment of a plurality of loads of successive ranks n, (n - 1), (n - 2) ... (n) being the rank of the most distant load from the aircraft during prevail; these means cooperating with one another, on the one hand, ensuring simultaneously during the attachment phase and automatically without adjustment operation, the mechanical coupling and the electrical coupling between the different loads, for, on the other hand, during the phase of dropping these loads from the aircraft, their ejection one by one, that of rank (n) being ejected alone and in first position, followed by the rank load (n - 1) then the rank load (n - 2) and so on.

• - la figure 1 représente schématiquement deux charges assemblées au moyen d'un dispositif d'accouplement conforme à l'invention ;
• - la figure 2 représente schématiquement des détails agrandis d'éléments de la figure 1 ;
• - Les figures 3 à 7 représentent, vues en coupe ou de face, les parties essentielles de l'organe assurant l'accrochage et le calage des différentes charges les unes par rapport aux autres ;
• - la figure 8 représente un organe de liaison contenant notamment des éléments assurant la liaison électrique et l'éjection des charges ;
• - la figure 9 représente des schémas explicatifs.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the explanations which follow and of the appended figures among which:

• - Figure 1 schematically shows two loads assembled by means of a coupling device according to the invention;
• - Figure 2 schematically shows enlarged details of elements of Figure 1;
• - Figures 3 to 7 show, sectional or front views, the essential parts of the member ensuring the attachment and timing of the different loads relative to each other;
• - Figure 8 shows a connecting member containing in particular elements ensuring the electrical connection and the ejection of the charges;
• - Figure 9 shows explanatory diagrams.

For the sake of clarity, the same elements are given the same references in all the figures.

In Figure 1, two loads are partially shown, attached to each other by means of a coupling device according to the invention. In fact this number is not limiting, and a succession of charges can thus be superimposed. They may in particular be projectiles, such as bombs intended to be transported under airplanes to then be dropped one by one. FIGS. 2a and 2b each represent a detail of FIG. 1. The first and the second bomb 1 and 2 are respectively called carrier bomb of rank (n - 1) and bomb carried of rank (n). The number (n) depends on the resistance criteria of the materials and the mechanical stresses involved. Only part of these bombs is represented with the exception of the front part (Av) and the rear part (Ar). The coupling device according to the invention is generally referenced 20. It essentially comprises a combination of mechanical attachment and setting means, electrical means for transferring the control signals, and ejection means. It is an integral part of the body of the load (in the example described). But it can be independent and is then connected to it solidly by any means that does not compromise the aerodynamic qualities of the assembly. In all cases, it is positioned near the center of gravity of the load.

The hooking and wedging means essentially comprise a connecting element 70 connecting together a male part 3 and a female part 6. The first part, in an exemplary embodiment comprises a pivotable cylinder 4 carrying balls 5 and a system of conductive pads 83 (Figure 2b) whose function will be described later. The second part 6, called the fixed base comprises, as shown in FIG. 2a, a cavity 7 delimited by a flange 8 interrupted by cells 9. It also comprises a set of mobile pads good conductors of electricity 82 intended to cooperate, as will be explained below, with the fixed pads 83 of the pivotable cylinder. The number and the arrangement of the balls 5 at the periphery of the attachment cylinder 4 on the one hand, the distribution of the cells 9 in the cavity 7 on the other hand, are such that at first the attachment cylinder of the bomb carried having rotated by a certain angle, can be introduced inside the cavity 7 of the bomb 2 carried, the balls then coinciding with the cells 9 along which they can slide and in a second time, the cylinder 4 ball holder 5 having returned to its initial position, the balls 5 are supported by the rim 8 of the cavity 7 then playing a supporting role for the balls 5. The attachment between the carrier bomb 1 and the carrier bomb 2 is thus assured. First means 10 are provided for rotation of the attachment cylinder 4, ball holder 5, while second means 11 ensure the displacement of wedging wedges 12 intended to cooperate with the oblique surfaces of a support 13. The bomb carried is then wedged in three directions, thanks to the combined action of the connection by the attachment cylinder, wedging wedges and first supports 13 and second fixed supports 15 whose shape substantially matches that of the body the bomb. As will be explained below, a housing 90 formed in a bracket 111 is provided for receiving a key whose rotation will cause that of the cylinder 4 ball holder 5.

These different means are now described in more detail by means of the following figures and more particularly of Figures 3 to 7.

Figures 3 and 4 schematically show, in section and from above the means 10 and 11 respectively intended to ensure the movement of the attachment cylinder 4 carrying the balls 5 and that of the wedging wedges 12. These means are shown in these figures in the configuration corresponding to the so-called rest state, that is to say that which corresponds to the storage of the bombs before hanging for the purpose of carrying. The carrier bomb 1 on which will be attached a first bomb 2 carried is equipped with a device according to the invention. In addition to the male part 3 with its latching cylinder 4 and its balls 5, cooperate a slide called upper slide referenced 21 on which the key inserted in the housing 90 can act and a slide referenced 22 connected integrally to the latching cylinder 4 and driving it in rotation. A finger 23 coordinates the movements of the upper slide 21 and of the slide 22 and is integral with a second slide called the lower slide referenced 24 attached to the casing 25 by means of studs 26 and 260 allowing its sliding between the casing and the head of these studs. This slider 24 has a light 27 which allows the slider 24 to slide at the level of the central stud 260 (Figure 3) all along the light 27. This slider 24 is also made integral with the two wedging wedges 12 which will follow its movement but which are returned to the initial so-called rest position by means of a return spring 29. In the example described, the device according to the invention is an integral part of the bomb, that is to say that the envelope 25 is confused with the shell (or body) of the bomb, but as has already been said, such a device can be produced in the form of an independent part. The slide 21 and the slide 22 each have a guide path 31 and 32 for the finger 23. They have the same profile which in the state of rest, however, does not overlap. Thus, the finger 23 is flush with the guide path 31 of the slide 21. The profile of this guide path 31 in plan view is not shown but it is the same as the profile of the guide path 32 of the second slide which is shown in Figure 4. This Figure 4 has been shown, seen from above, in a configuration where the upper slide 21 has been removed, this to facilitate description and understanding. In addition, the slide 22 has a second longitudinal guide path 33. Finally, the slide 21 and the slide 22 are held together by lugs 330 allowing relative movement in two parallel planes of one and on the other of these parts 21 and 22.

The attachment of the first carrier bomb 1 with the second bomb bomb 2 is produced in particular thanks to the cooperation of this slide and this slide whose movement is ensured by the finger 23 as is now described and illustrated by means of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Figure 5 shows, in sectional view, the position of the various elements constituting the attachment and wedging system itself, namely the slide and the slide 21 and 22, the finger 23 guided by the guide tracks 31, 32 , 33. The springs 29 and the wedging wedges 12, these elements being driven in movement by means of the key 102, when the key is in a position such that the finger 23 is unlocked. Figure 6 is a plan view of the same attachment and wedging system in an intermediate configuration according to the unlocking configuration and before locking, shown in the previous figure, during which the finger 23 guided in the curved guide paths 31 and 32 then placed in coincidence, rotates the slide 22 and the cylinder 4 which is integral with it.

For this, the key 100 which includes a control lever 101 and a bolt 102 capable of applying a force on the upper slide 21 on a curved part of the latter called, striker 103 by analogy with the bolt 102. As and as the operator presses the bolt 102 of the key 100 on the keeper 103 of the upper slide 21 in the direction of the arrow 104 (FIG. 5), the set of upper and lower slides 21 and 24 moves in the direction of the arrow 105. The finger 23 first guided by the longitudinal guide path 33 driving the lower slide 24 until the guide path 32 coincides with the guide path 31 of the upper slide 21, paths whose profiles are l both identical and curved as mentioned above. From this moment, it becomes possible for the operator to rotate, by acting on the control arm 101 of the key 100, the assembly of the upper slide and the slide 21 and 22 so as to rotate the cylinder 4 up to '' that the balls 5 are facing the cells 9 of the cavity 7 of the second bomb 2 which must be worn and attached to the first carrier bomb 1 in order to snap the balls onto the rim 8 of this cavity, thus ensuring the desired attachment. FIG. 6 schematically represents an intermediate configuration clearly showing the angle oC already existing between the longitudinal axis AB of the device and the longitudinal axis A'B 'of the upper slide and slide system. Simultaneously, the finger 23 has driven the lower slide 24 in a longitudinal movement in the direction of the arrow 105 compressing the return springs 29 and moving the wedges 12 towards the latching cylinder 5. According to arrow 106 (Figure 5 ), these wedging wedges are then in a position allowing the positioning at their level of the oblique surface of the fixed support 13 said oblique contact. When the operator proceeds to the last step, namely that of locking the second to the first bomb, by acting on the key in the opposite direction to that just described, each element returns to the position it occupied in the prior state known as rest described above. In particular, the receding wedging wedges are applied to the support 13, thus ensuring the wedging of the carried bomb maintained, moreover, both by the attachment system and the fixed support with curved contact 15. It is immobilized in all directions without the need for more or less sophisticated timing adjustments.

The key 100 and the housing 90 in which the operator inserts it to ensure the attachment or detachment of two bombs, such as. this has just been described, cooperate with each other so that this key can be removed from this housing only when the locking is effective, either that the device is in the so-called rest state during storage or has found this same state after the attachment of the carried bomb. Figures 7a and 7b illustrate this combination ensuring the verification of the locking.

In FIG. 7a, the upper slide and the slide occupy a position corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. The key 100 is inserted into the housing 90 provided for this purpose. The upper slide 21 and more particularly the keeper 103 of this slide on which the bolt 102 of the key 100 must come to bear is extended by a spout 110 In the rest position (Figure 7a), the key can be inserted or removed without difficulty, the housing 90 not being obscured by this beak 110. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, when the key has accomplished its function, that is to say when it has brought the slide and the slide 21 and 22 into the position in particular shown in Figures 6 and 7b, the operator can in no case remove the key: in fact, the housing 90 is partially obscured by the spout 110. So he must, or continue the maneuver or go back. Under these conditions, it is easy to monitor the correct locking of all the bombs attached to each other by means of the device according to the invention. It suffices to note that no key remains after assembly and if there was one left in error, to verify that it is possible to remove it and therefore to perform this action.

The locking and wedging hooking function has just been described, but according to another characteristic of the invention, such a device also comprises a connecting element (reference 70 in FIG. 1) between the cylinder 4 with ball bearing and the cavity 7, an element containing the electrical transfer members on the one hand and the ejection means on the other hand.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such a connecting element 70. The two charges (in the example describing the bomb 1 carrier and the bomb 2 carried), are shown. The separation surface at the level of the cylinder 4 ball-carrier of the bomb 2 carried, is symbolized by the dotted line 78. Firstly, the system for the transfer of electrical orders is first described. Any female part 6 referenced 6a in the case of the bomb 1 and 6b in the case of the bomb 2 comprises a plurality of movable studs 82a and 82b. In the example described, there are four of them distributed uniformly over a ring 85a and 85b, two of which are only visible in FIG. 9. Fixed contact pads 83b (the fixed pads belonging to the bomb 1 only appear not appear in Figure 8) in the same number as the movable contact pads 82a are provided and distributed in the same way on a ring belonging to the cylinder 4 ball holder. The arrangement of these movable pads and these fixed pads are such that they cooperate with each other to ensure, when they are applied respectively against each other, good electrical contact. In FIG. 8, the crown 85a belongs to the cavity 6a of the carrier bomb 1 and the movable studs 82a (symbolized by the presence of the springs 850 come to bear on the fixed contacts 83b of the ball-bearing cylinder 5 of the bomb carried 2 At the lower end of the connecting element 70 are also represented the movable studs 82b carried by the crown 85b belonging to the cavity 6b of the bomb being carried 2. The connecting member 70 also includes a sequencer 159 which receives the electrical orders emitted by the pilot of the aircraft and leading to the adapter attached to the pylon of this aircraft The orders pass as follows, illustrated diagrammatically by means of FIGS. 9a and 9b.

In Figure 9a two bombs are attached to each other, one carrier 1 (of rank n - 1) being in the upper position, the other carried 2 of rank (n) being in the position lower (this number of two is given only as an example). In FIG. 9b, a single bomb remains attached to the adapter of the carrier vehicle (not shown). The signal S is applied to the first movable contact pad 150, in the case of FIG. 9a, it follows the conductive path formed by the spring 151, the tip 152 applying to the fixed contact 153, the second spring 154, the tip 155 being applied to the second fixed contact 156 connected to the sequencer 159 by the spring 161, the contact 158 is closed as opposed to the contact 160 which is open. The sequencer 157 is off and therefore receives no pulse in this sequence. As a result, only the sequencer 159 will be activated and able to deliver the control signals ensuring the smooth running of the rest of the programmed operations. In the case where only one bomb is still attached, the contact 160 is on the contrary in the closed position and this signal is therefore applied to sequencer 157 which can thus play its role. In the example described as mentioned above, there are four fixed and movable studs. Three of these pads are used to control the sequencers and the fourth to trigger a pyrotechnic charge 170 as shown in FIG. 8. The electrical transfer circuit intended to control the firing of this pyrotechnic charge 170 follows the same process as that which has just been described for the various sequencers: namely that only the pyrotechnic charge of the lowest bomb (bomb of rank n) is ignited; the bomb of rank (n - 1) being able to be ignited only when the bomb of rank (n) was itself ejected. The firing of a pyrotechnic charge, for example the charge 170 of FIG. 8 causes the movement of a piston 171 which then performs two functions, the first consisting in closing a switch 190 allowing the sequencer to issue the different orders of command initially programmed, the second to release the balls 5 when the hollow imprint 193 of the piston is embedded in the imprint in relief 194 of the female part of the upper bomb 1. The balls being retracted no longer support the bomb carried farthest from the aircraft which is then ejected with a speed depending on the pyrotechnic charge involved.

All the charges thus attached, are successively ejected one after the other, the lower charge of rank (n) always being before that of rank (n - 1) which is before that of rank (n - 2) and so on.

The invention applies in particular to weapons systems requiring the successive dropping of a large number of military charges such as bombs or various projectiles.

Claims (17)

1. Mechanical and electrical coupling device for loads, in particular military loads, with a view to carrying them under aircraft, characterized in that it comprises a combination of attachment means, wedging, electrical connection and ejection ensuring attachment mechanics of a plurality of loads of successive rank n, (n - 1), (n - 2) ... (n) being the rank of the load farthest from the aircraft during the carriage, these means cooperating between them to, on the one hand, ensure simultaneously during the attachment phase, the mechanical coupling and the electrical coupling, this being done automatically without adjustment operation, between the different loads, to, on the other hand, ensure during the release phase from the aircraft of these loads thus coupled, their ejection one by one, that of rank n being ejected alone and 'in the first position followed by the load of rank (n - 1) then of the load of rank (n - 2) and so on. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment means comprise a male part in the form of a cylinder movable in rotation (4) around its axis, carrying balls (5) regularly distributed over its periphery, and a female part constituted by a fixed base (6) in which is hollowed out a cavity (7) delimited by a flange itself interrupted by cells (9), the ball-bearing cylinder of a row load (n) said load load being intended to be introduced into the cavity of the load of rank (n - 1) said load load so that the balls can firstly slide in the corresponding cells and then, secondly, be retained by the edge of this same cavity and thus lock the load carried the load. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized on the one hand, in that during this first time, first means integral with the cylinder of the load carried are actuated in a first direction ensuring the rotation of this cylinder until the marbles come position themselves opposite the cells of the cavity of the load carrier, and on the other hand in that, during this second time, as soon as the cylinder of the load carried is introduced into the cavity of the load carrier, these same first means are operated in the opposite direction to the first. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that these first means comprise an upper slide (21) and a slide (22), arranged parallel to each other, each having the same guide path having a curved profile, these two paths (31, 32) being placed face to face thanks to the action of a guide finger (23) whose displacement along this curved profile causes the rotation of the ball-bearing cylinder of the bomb carried in the first direction first, then, then in the opposite direction. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second means secured to the wedging means, and actuated at the same time as the first means secured to the ball-bearing cylinder. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that these second means comprise a lower slide (24) sliding longitudinally in the same direction as the first means, this slide causing the displacement of at least two wedging wedges (12) belonging to the load carried, located on either side of this slide, having an oblique plane, and intended to each cooperate with the oblique surface of a first support integral with the carrying bomb. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that this lower slide (24), when it is moved in a first direction acts in traction on each of the wedging wedges (12) thus tending to compress their return spring (29 ) during the phase of introduction of the cylinder of the bomb carried in the cavity of the carrier bomb, and when it is displaced in the direction. reverse to release the return spring (29) so that the oblique plane of each wedge wedge (12) comes to apply force on the oblique surface first press. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that a second support is provided, whose fixed support surface substantially matches the external profile of the load. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical connection means consist of a combination of fixed studs (83) secured to the ball-bearing cylinder and movable studs (82) secured to the base , whose respective arrangement is such that when the cylinder of the mounted bomb is introduced and locked in the cavity of the carrying bomb, the movable studs of the latter provide a conductive path with the fixed studs of the cylinder concerned. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that these fixed and mobile pads are respectively four in number, three serving to transmit the electrical signals to the sequencers belonging to each of the loads concerned and the third serving to transmit the electrical signals to the means ejection. 11. Device according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that a signal S applied to the input of an electrical circuit constituted by one of these conductive paths is transmitted directly to the terminals of the sequencer and of the means of ejection of the load of rank (n) excluding the terminals of the sequencers and of the means of ejection of the loads of lower rank. 12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that a switch is positioned in the open position in each of the circuits of the carrier bombs of rank (n - 2) ... (n - 1) and in the closed position in each of the circuits of the last bomb carried in rank n. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejection means consist of a piston (171) whose longitudinal movement allows the release of the balls and the unlocking of the carrier and carried loads. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the movement of the piston (171) controls the closing of an interrup command controller (190) governing the triggering of the operations programmed in the sequencer of the load concerned. 15. Device according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that this piston (171) is actuated by means of a pyrotechnic charge. 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implementation of the hooking, wedging and electrical connection means is ensured by means of a key (100) which cannot be inserted or removed from its housing only when the carrier load concerned is in the so-called rest state, ie distant from the load carried, or when the locking of these two loads is actually carried out. 17. Projectiles containing a military charge, characterized in that it is equipped with a device according to one of the preceding claims. r

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