EP0021870B1 - Device for coupling and uncoupling missiles to or from other missiles or carrier aircraft - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for coupling and then separating airborne projectiles according to the preamble of claim 1. 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 projectiles, with a view to carrying them under aircraft, as well as their ejection one by one, starting by the one which 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 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 chocking (generally using chock screws carried by arms), finally the 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.

In order to eliminate the drawbacks inherent in existing ejection mechanisms, it has already been proposed and described in US Patent No. 3, 787. 012 a device according to the preamble of claim 1 which incorporated into a projectile, allows to couple, then to sequentially separate a plurality of all identical projectiles. According to this document, the device described comprises a hooking means which comprises, diametrically opposite, a male part in the form of a cylinder which carries balls regularly spaced at its periphery and a female part constituted by a fixed base comprising a rim which provides a continuous circular groove intended for the embedding of the balls of the male part of the adjacent projectile. A first drawback of this attachment means results from the need for precise manufacture of the elements to jointly ensure the mutual attachment and wedging of the projectiles; a second drawback lies in the relative complexity of producing the male part which further comprises a movable collar for retaining the balls.

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and aims to provide a coupling and separation device comprising a combination of means which cooperate with each other to accomplish the following four essential functions, namely: the attachment of a load one under the other, the mutual mechanical setting of each of these charges thus attached, the electrical connections between the carrier vehicle and the various electrical members of the projectiles and, the sequential separation of these charges thus superimposed, starting with the charge farther from the adapter fixed under the carrier vehicle or aircraft.

The object of the invention is a device for coupling and then sequentially separating a plurality of all identical projectiles carried by an aircraft, this device comprising a hooking means which comprises diametrically opposite, a male part, movable in rotation around its axis, which carries regularly spaced balls at its periphery and a female part constituted by a fixed base in which a cavity is delimited by a rim interrupted by cells intended for the engagement of the balls of the male part of the underlying projectile, the ball-bearing cylinder comprising a rotational drive means which cooperates with first and second fixed supports located on the directly adjacent projectile to provide a means for mutual setting of the projectiles. According to another characteristic, the ball-bearing cylinder comprises a movable concentric piston, the axial movement of which allows the radial movement of the balls and consequently the separation of the projectiles.

According to yet another characteristic, the male and female parts of the attachment means respectively comprise electrical contacts and retractable conductive pads to ensure the electrical connections between the aircraft and various electrical members placed in the projectiles.

• - 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 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 they can be independent and is then connected to it solidly by any means which 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 rather conductive 83 (Figure 2b) whose function will be described later. The second part 6, known as the fixed base, comprises, as shown in FIG. 2a, a cavity 7 delimited by a flange 8 interrupted by cells 9. It also includes a set of mobile pads which are good conductors of electricity intended to cooperate, as will be explained below, with the fixed studs 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 support 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 intended respectively 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 carrying bomb 1 on which a first carried bomb 2 will be hung is equipped with a device according to the invention. In addition to the male part 3 with its attachment cylinder 4 and its balls 5, cooperate a slide called upper slide referenced 21 on which can act the key inserted in the housing 90 and a plate or slide referenced 22 connected integrally to the cylinder hooking 4 and causing it to rotate. 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 includes 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 have each a guide path (a slit) 31 and 32 for the finger 23. They have the same profile which in the rest state does not however 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 carrying bomb 1 with the second carried bomb 2 is achieved in particular thanks to the cooperation of this slide and this slide whose movement is ensured by the finger 23 like this 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 timing 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 'in that the balls 5 are facing the cells 9 of the cavity 7 of the second bomb 2 which must be carried and attached to the first carrier bomb 1 for the purpose of snap-fastening of the balls on the rim 8 of this cavity, thus ensuring the desired attachment. FIG. 6 schematically represents an intermediate configuration clearly showing the angle a 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 4. 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, as 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 returned to the same state after the attachment of the carried bomb. Figures 7a and 7b illustrate this combination ensuring 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 spout 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 in the position shown in particular in FIGS. 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 either 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 remains a forgotten one by mistake, 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 pluts 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 do not appear on 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 being 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 the 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 rant bomb (n - 1) can only be ignited when the row bomb (n) has itself been 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) being always 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 (13)

1. Device allowing the coupling and subsequent sequential separation of a plurality of identical projectiles (1, 2) carried by an airplane, said device comprising engaging means comprising, in diametrically opposed positions, a male portion shaped as a cylinder (4) provided with balls (5) regularly spaced about its periphery, and a female portion formed of a stationary base (6) in which a cavity (7) is defined by a rim (8), characterized in that the rim (8) of the base is interrupted by recesses (9) for engaging the balls of the ball carrier cylinder of the projectile therebeneath, and in that the ball carrier cylinder which is rotationally movable about its axis comprises rotational driving means cooperating with first (13) and second stationary supports (15) located on the projectile (1, 2) which is immediately adjacent, for providing mutual keying means of the projectiles.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (5) of the ball carrier cylinder (4) project outwardly of the same through accommodations forming stopping means towards the outside of the balls.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first supports (13) comprise bearing surfaces the shape of which is substantially that of the projectile body, and the second supports (15) comprise oblique bearing surfaces.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotational driving means of the ball carrier cylinder (4) comprises a plate (22) which is mechanically joined with the ball carrier cylinder and comprises a circular slot (32) and an axial contiguous slot (33), a slider (21) being located on said plate and also comprising a circular slot (31), the slots being traversed by a finger (23) carried by a second slider (24) joined with the body of the projectile, said second slider being subjected to the action of resilient means (29) for urging the finger (23) into the axial slot (33) of the rotational driving plate (22) of the ball carrier cylinder, to provide locking means of the latter.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second slider (24) carries keying wedges (12) comprising oblique bearing surfaces corresponding to the oblique bearing surfaces of the first supports (13).

6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the driving plate (22) of the ball carrier cylinder (4) comprises an accommodation (90) for receiving a key (100) provided with an actuating lever (101) and a bolt (102) the movement of which causes the movement of the first slider (21).

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball carrier cylinder comprises a concentric movable piston (171) the section of which vertically beneath the balls is substantially equal to the axial gap between these balls.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the concentric movable piston is axially movable under the action of a gas generator (pyrotechnic charge 170) fired by an electrical control signal (S) provided from the airplane to cause the sequential separation of the projectiles.

9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball carrier cylinder (4) comprises at least one stationary electrical contact (83) and the female base (6) comprises at least one conductive retractable corresponding pin (82) for establishing an electrical connection between the electrical control signal (S) and each of the gas generators associated with the pistons of the ball carrier cylinders.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the retractable conductive pin (82) comprises a contacting surface within its inside portion and facing a conductive member (158, 160); which is electrically connected to the gas generator (170).

11. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the projectiles being equipped with a sequencer (157, 159), the ball carrier cylinder (4) comprises a plurality of electrical contacts (83), and the female base (6) comprises retractable conductive pins (82) in corresponding manner.

12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom of the female base (6) comprises a relieved embossing (194) and the head of the movable piston comprises a corresponding recessed embossing (193).

13. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the movable concentric piston drives an inverting member (190) the electrical contacts of which are connected to the inputs of a sequencer (159).

Images