EP0262037A1 - System for ejecting by means of a liquid-propellant charge a projectile placed in a launching tube - Google Patents

System for ejecting by means of a liquid-propellant charge a projectile placed in a launching tube Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0262037A1
EP0262037A1 EP87402091A EP87402091A EP0262037A1 EP 0262037 A1 EP0262037 A1 EP 0262037A1 EP 87402091 A EP87402091 A EP 87402091A EP 87402091 A EP87402091 A EP 87402091A EP 0262037 A1 EP0262037 A1 EP 0262037A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
projectile
tube
liquid
piston
ejection device
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Granted
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EP87402091A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0262037B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marie Poussard
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Thomson Brandt Armements SA
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Thomson Brandt Armements SA
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A1/00—Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
    • F41A1/04—Missile propulsion using the combustion of a liquid, loose powder or gaseous fuel, e.g. hypergolic fuel

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the launching of projectiles such as shells placed in launching tubes, such as cannons, but more particularly mortars.
  • projectiles such as shells placed in launching tubes, such as cannons, but more particularly mortars.
  • the latter are distinguished from cannons, in that the ammunition or expelled projectile is introduced into the tube through the mouth of the latter.
  • the preparations and adjustments necessary to carry out a ballistic fire, in order to reach a precise objective include at least the following two operations: - positioning of the launch tube in site and in deposit to orient the trajectory of the projectile; - adjustment of the projectile charge as a function of the distance from the target to be reached.
  • This adjustment of the charge is carried out by eliminating certain elements of which the said charge is made up, so that only the quantity of charge necessary to deliver the desired initial speed is burned. This is done by the operator, of course before launch. It is done manually, and therefore requires a certain time, for example several seconds, which affects the effectiveness of the weapon system during combat.
  • One of the aims of the invention is to remedy this drawback by reducing the time for adjusting the propellant charge.
  • a first characteristic of the invention is to cause the propellant charge to be carried by the tube or by the devices annexed to it. It is therefore possible in this case to consider a heavier load adjustment device, that is to say more important or more sophisticated, and therefore more efficient at the rate of fire.
  • the implementation of this first characteristic leads to a second characteristic according to the invention, which is to use a liquid charge which can be easily dosed.
  • the object of the invention is a device for ejecting, by means of an adjustable propellant charge, a projectile, comprising a launching tube, in which the projectile is placed, and defining with this projectile a combustion chamber inside which the propellant charge acts, characterized in that the propellant charge is composed of a liquid, and in that the device comprises means for bringing a determined quantity of liquid into said combustion chamber and causing it to burn , in order to produce the gases necessary for the ejection of the projectile.
  • the device according to the invention comprises, as in the prior art, a tube 10 inside which there is a projectile 20 which can be introduced into the tube through the mouth of the latter.
  • the projectile no longer carries a propellant charge, but simply the military charge contained inside the warhead 22, a tail unit 23 and an ignition cartridge 21.
  • an energetic liquid which, like solid propellant, releases by its deflagration a very large amount of energy in the form of a volume of hot gases.
  • a liquid propellant can be used more generally as a liquid.
  • the operating principle envisaged is as follows.
  • the ignition cartridge 21 is initiated by the impact of the projectile at the bottom of the tube 10 or any other mechanical means.
  • This ignition cartridge no longer initiates the propellant charge, but has the function of increasing the pressure in the combustion chamber marked 1, which is delimited by the tube 10, the rear part of the projectile 20, the sealing of that -this being ensured by a seal 24.
  • the propellant charge constituted by the liquid, must be initiated to deflagrate and expel or eject the projectile out of the tube.
  • the means for loading the propellant charge further comprise a piston 2 sliding inside the tube 1 and a stop 5, these three elements delimiting a reservoir chamber 4 of determined volume which may contain a determined quantity of liquid.
  • the piston is equipped with injection means 3 which allow, during the operation of the ignition cartridge, the injection into the combustion chamber 1 of the liquid contained in the reservoir chamber 4.
  • the injection means 3 operate jointly with the descent of the piston 2 towards the stop 5 in which it slides. This descent is caused by the rise in pressure of the combustion chamber 1, by means of the combustion gases from the cartridge 21 striking the piston.
  • the volume of the reservoir chamber 4 decreases, the pressure inside this chamber rises, and the injection means 3 allow the passage of the liquid in the combustion chamber 1.
  • the dimensioning of the chambers 1 and 4, the times of lowering of the piston 2 on the stop 5 and the properties of combustion of the liquid are provided so that the liquid contained in the reservoir 3 is completely consumed before the projectile has left the launching tube 10.
  • the propellant charge is adjusted as follows.
  • the liquid is available at the inlet 9 of the stop 5 at a pressure sufficient for filling the reservoir chamber 4.
  • a reservoir 14 of liquid can therefore be provided outside the tube 10, the liquid being kept there at a sufficient pressure using, for example, compressed gas. It is thus possible, thanks to a valve 11 placed before the inlet 9 to fill at will the reservoir chamber 4.
  • the volume of this reservoir chamber is adjustable, that is to say that the piston 2 can be positioned in a determined manner to obtain a volume of liquid compatible with the shot to perform.
  • the filling pressures are around 5 to 20 bars, while the pressures delivered by the cartridge in the chamber are around 50 to 300 bars, the pressures in the chambers being able to vary from 1000 to 10,000 bars.
  • the piston positioning means are constituted by its central rod 17, allowing it to slide inside the stop 5, a positioning ring 19 slidably mounted around the rod 7 outside the reservoir chamber 4, and which can come into abutment on a widening 18 of the end of the rod 17.
  • a sheath 6 secured to the positioning ring 19 has at least one rack 8 formed on the outer surface of the latter, and in which comes to mesh a toothed wheel 7, actuable from the outside of the tube. The rotation of this toothed wheel causes the translation of the sleeve 6 and of the positioning ring 19.
  • the arrival of the propellant under pressure, between the stop 5 and the head of the piston 2 drives the latter towards the front.
  • the toothed wheel can be driven by an electric motor 12, itself controlled by means of a control wire 14, by a control console 15 on which the operator ur can prepare and control the setting of the tank chamber.
  • the means for positioning the ring 19 may be different from those which have just been described in the previous paragraph.
  • a hydraulic system with jacks can directly control the translation of the sleeve 6, always by means of a control device such as a console 15.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B represent, in two operating positions, a possible embodiment of the means 3 for injecting the liquid from the reservoir chamber 4 into the combustion chamber 1.
  • These means constitute an assembly resembling a valve.
  • the tube 10 the combustion chamber 1, the reservoir chamber 4 and the piston composed of several parts, including mainly the body of the piston marked 30.
  • This body has at least one bore 31 adjusted to the inside diameter of the tube and on which sealing means are provided, for example an O-ring 32.
  • the body is extended by the rod 37 inside which slides a distribution bar 38.
  • the hollow rod 37 has in a determined transverse plane at least one perforation 39 which places the interior of this hollow rod in communication with the reservoir chamber 4.
  • the distributor bar 38 is also pierced with at least one hole 40 with a transverse axis close to the axis of the hole 39.
  • This distributor bar is also pierced longitudinally so that a cavity 41 can be in communication with the hole 40 and opens in the direction of the combustion chamber 1.
  • the he diameters of the holes 39 and 40 do not overlap, so that the reservoir chamber 4 is not in communication with the cavity 41.
  • the distributor bar can slide in the hollow rod 37 so as to coincide the holes 39 and 40 (FIG. 3B), and in such a way as to put the reservoir chamber 4 into communication with the cavity 41.
  • this injection means is as follows.
  • the pressure rises in the combustion chamber 1 the latter tends to push back the distributor bar 38, previously positioned by a spring 46 bearing on the bottom of the distributor bar 38.
  • This translation therefore puts the cavity 41 into communication with the chamber tank 4 and at the same time, by detaching the distributor bar 38 relative to the cap 42, the combustion chamber 1 with the tank chamber 4.
  • the piston also being translated by the pressure build-up in the combustion chamber, the liquid contained in the reservoir chamber 4 passes through the holes 39 and 40, and the cavity 41 to arrive in the combustion chamber.
  • the projectile is inserted into the tube laterally or vertically through the bottom of the tube, but not through the mouth.
  • the pressure build-up inside the combustion chamber can then be caused by the remote-controlled triggering, or controlled from outside the tube, of an ignition cartridge which may have been fixed in the workshop to the projectile.
  • the volumes of the reservoir 4 and combustion 1 chambers will be modified according to the performance to be achieved by such a barrel.
  • the volume of the combustion chamber 1 can also be defined by the geometry of the ignition cartridge, the latter being specific to each type of ammunition.
  • the reservoir chamber 4, inside which the piston slides may have a diameter much greater than that of the actual barrel tube. This also applies to mortars.

Abstract

The device has loading means for bringing the liquid charge into a combustion chamber in order to detonate it and cause the projectile to be ejected. Before firing, this charge is stored in a reservoir chamber delimited by the tube, a piston sliding inside the latter and in a stop placed in the tube. The initial position of the piston is preadjustable by adjustment means controlled from outside. The expansion of the gases coming from the cartridge of the projectile causes a pressure rise in the combustion chamber and the penetration of the liquid contained in the reservoir through the piston which then descends in the stop (5). The liquid penetrates into the chamber (1) and detonates. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne le lancement de projectiles tels que des obus placés dans des tubes de lancement, tels que des canons, mais plus particulièrement des mortiers. Ces derniers se distinguent des canons, en ce que la munition ou le projectile expulsé est introduit dans le tube par la bouche de ce dernier.The invention relates to the launching of projectiles such as shells placed in launching tubes, such as cannons, but more particularly mortars. The latter are distinguished from cannons, in that the ammunition or expelled projectile is introduced into the tube through the mouth of the latter.

Les préparatifs et réglages nécessaires pour effectuer un tir balistique, afin d'atteindre un objectif précis, comprennent au moins les deux opérations suivantes:
- positionnement du tube de lancement en site et en gisement pour orienter la trajectoire du projectile;
- réglage de la charge du projectile en fonction de la distance de l'objectif à atteindre.The preparations and adjustments necessary to carry out a ballistic fire, in order to reach a precise objective, include at least the following two operations:
- positioning of the launch tube in site and in deposit to orient the trajectory of the projectile;
- adjustment of the projectile charge as a function of the distance from the target to be reached.

Ce réglage de la charge s'effectue en éliminant certains éléments dont est constituée ladite charge, de manière à ce que seule la quantité de charge nécessaire à délivrer la vitesse initiale voulue soit brûlée. Cette opération s'effectue par l'opérateur, bien entendu avant le lancement. Elle s'effectue manuellement, et demande donc un certain temps, par exemple plusieurs secondes, ce qui nuit à l'efficacité du système d'arme pendant le combat.This adjustment of the charge is carried out by eliminating certain elements of which the said charge is made up, so that only the quantity of charge necessary to deliver the desired initial speed is burned. This is done by the operator, of course before launch. It is done manually, and therefore requires a certain time, for example several seconds, which affects the effectiveness of the weapon system during combat.

Un des buts de l'invention est de remédier à cet inconvénient en diminuant le temps de réglage de la charge propulsive.One of the aims of the invention is to remedy this drawback by reducing the time for adjusting the propellant charge.

Une première caractéristique de l'invention est de faire porter la charge propulsive par le tube ou par les dispositifs annexes à celui-ci. Il est donc possible dans ce cas d'envisager un dispositif de réglage de la charge plus lourd, c'est-à-dire plus important ou plus sophistiqué, et donc plus performant au niveau de la cadence de tir. La mise en oeuvre de cette première caractéristique amène une deuxième caractéristique selon l'invention, qui est d'utiliser une charge liquide qui peut être facilement dosée.A first characteristic of the invention is to cause the propellant charge to be carried by the tube or by the devices annexed to it. It is therefore possible in this case to consider a heavier load adjustment device, that is to say more important or more sophisticated, and therefore more efficient at the rate of fire. The implementation of this first characteristic leads to a second characteristic according to the invention, which is to use a liquid charge which can be easily dosed.

L'objet de l'invention est un dispositif d'éjection, au moyen d'une charge propulsive réglable, d'un projectile, comprenant un tube de lancement, dans lequel est placé le projectile, et définissant avec ce projectile une chambre de combustion à l'intérieur de laquelle agit la charge propulsive, caractérisé en ce que la charge propulsive est composée d'un liquide, et en ce que le dispositif comprend des moyens pour amener une quantité déterminée de liquide dans ladite chambre de combustion et la faire brûler, afin de produire les gaz nécessaires à l'éjection du projectile.The object of the invention is a device for ejecting, by means of an adjustable propellant charge, a projectile, comprising a launching tube, in which the projectile is placed, and defining with this projectile a combustion chamber inside which the propellant charge acts, characterized in that the propellant charge is composed of a liquid, and in that the device comprises means for bringing a determined quantity of liquid into said combustion chamber and causing it to burn , in order to produce the gases necessary for the ejection of the projectile.

L'invention et ses caractéristiques seront mieux comprises à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, et qui est annexée des figures suivants:

  • - Fig.1, un schéma d'un dispositif d'éjection selon l'invention;
  • - Fig.2, un schéma d'une réalisation possible des moyens de chargement selon l'invention;
  • - Figs.3A et 3B, deux schémas d'une réalisation possible d'un détail des moyens de chargement, en particulier des moyens d'injection du liquide dans la chambre de combustion dans deux positions de fonctionnement.
The invention and its characteristics will be better understood on reading the description which follows, and which is annexed to the following figures:
  • - Fig.1, a diagram of an ejection device according to the invention;
  • - Fig.2, a diagram of a possible embodiment of the loading means according to the invention;
  • - Figs.3A and 3B, two diagrams of a possible embodiment of a detail of the loading means, in particular of the means for injecting the liquid into the combustion chamber in two operating positions.

En référence à la figure 1, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend, comme dans l'art antérieur, un tube 10 à l'intérieur duquel figure un projectile 20 qui peut être introduit dans le tube par la bouche de ce dernier. Selon l'invention, le projectile ne porte plus de charge propulsive, mais simplement la charge militaire contenue à l'intérieur de l'ogive 22, un empennage 23 et une cartouche d'allumage 21. On se propose d'effectuer le chargement de la charge propulsive par le bas du tube. On prévoit d'utiliser comme matière première énergétique pour constituer cette charge propulsive, un liquide énergétique qui, comme le propergol solide, libère par sa déflagration une très grande quantité d'énergie sous forme d'un volume de gaz chauds. On peut utiliser comme liquide, d'une manière plus générale, un ergol liquide.Referring to Figure 1, the device according to the invention comprises, as in the prior art, a tube 10 inside which there is a projectile 20 which can be introduced into the tube through the mouth of the latter. According to the invention, the projectile no longer carries a propellant charge, but simply the military charge contained inside the warhead 22, a tail unit 23 and an ignition cartridge 21. It is proposed to charge the propellant charge from the bottom of the tube. It is planned to use as energetic raw material to constitute this propellant charge, an energetic liquid which, like solid propellant, releases by its deflagration a very large amount of energy in the form of a volume of hot gases. A liquid propellant can be used more generally as a liquid.

L e principe de fonctionnement envisagé est le suivant. La cartouche d'allumage 21 est initiée, par l'impact du projectile au fond du tube 10 ou tout autre moyen mécanique. Cette cartouche d'allumage n'initie plus la charge propulsive, mais a pour fonction de faire monter la pression dans la chambre de combustion repérée 1, qui est délimitée par le tube 10, la partie arrière du projectile 20, l'étanchéité de celui-ci étant assurée par un joint 24. C'est à ce moment précis que la charge propulsive, constituée par le liquide, doit être initiée pour déflagrer et expulser ou éjecter le projectile hors du tube. A cet effet, les moyens de chargement de la charge propulsive comprennent en outre un piston 2 coulissant à l'intérieur du tube 1 et une butée 5, ces trois éléments délimitant une chambre réservoir 4 de volume déterminé pouvant contenir une quantité déterminée de liquide. Le piston est équipé de moyens d'injection 3 qui permettent, lors du fonctionnement de la cartouche d'allumage, l'injection dans la chambre de combustion 1 du liquide contenu dans la chambre réservoir 4. Les moyens d'injection 3 fonctionnement conjointement à la descente du piston 2 vers la butée 5 dans laquelle il coulisse. Cette descente est provoquée par la montée en pression de la chambre de combustion 1, au moyen des gaz de combustion de la cartouche 21 percutant le piston. Le volume de la chambre réservoir 4 diminue, la pression à l'intérieur de cette chambre monte, et les moyens d'injection 3 permettent le passage du liquide dans la chambre de combustion 1. Le dimensionnement des chambres 1 et 4, les temps de descente du piston 2 sur la butée 5 et les propriétés de combustion du liquide sont prévues pour que le liquide contenu dans le réservoir 3 soit entièrement consommé avant que le projectile n'ait quitté le tube de lancement 10.The operating principle envisaged is as follows. The ignition cartridge 21 is initiated by the impact of the projectile at the bottom of the tube 10 or any other mechanical means. This ignition cartridge no longer initiates the propellant charge, but has the function of increasing the pressure in the combustion chamber marked 1, which is delimited by the tube 10, the rear part of the projectile 20, the sealing of that -this being ensured by a seal 24. It is at this precise moment that the propellant charge, constituted by the liquid, must be initiated to deflagrate and expel or eject the projectile out of the tube. To this end, the means for loading the propellant charge further comprise a piston 2 sliding inside the tube 1 and a stop 5, these three elements delimiting a reservoir chamber 4 of determined volume which may contain a determined quantity of liquid. The piston is equipped with injection means 3 which allow, during the operation of the ignition cartridge, the injection into the combustion chamber 1 of the liquid contained in the reservoir chamber 4. The injection means 3 operate jointly with the descent of the piston 2 towards the stop 5 in which it slides. This descent is caused by the rise in pressure of the combustion chamber 1, by means of the combustion gases from the cartridge 21 striking the piston. The volume of the reservoir chamber 4 decreases, the pressure inside this chamber rises, and the injection means 3 allow the passage of the liquid in the combustion chamber 1. The dimensioning of the chambers 1 and 4, the times of lowering of the piston 2 on the stop 5 and the properties of combustion of the liquid are provided so that the liquid contained in the reservoir 3 is completely consumed before the projectile has left the launching tube 10.

Entre chaque tir, le réglage de la charge propulsive se fait de la manière suivante. Le liquide est disponible à l'entrée 9 de la butée 5 à une pression suffisante pour le remplissage de la chambre réservoir 4. Un réservoir 14 de liquide peut donc être prévu à l'extérieur du tube 10, le liquide y étant maintenu à une pression suffisante au moyen, par exemple de gaz comprimé. Il est ainsi possible, grâce à une vanne 11 placée avant l'entrée 9 de remplir à volonté la chambre réservoir 4. D'un autre côté, le volume de cette chambre réservoir est réglable, c'est-à-dire que le piston 2 peut être positionné d'une manière déterminée pour obtenir un volume de liquide compatible avec le tir à effectuer. A titre indicatif, on signale que les pressions de remplissage sont del'ordre de 5 à 20 bars, tandis que les pressions délivrées par la cartouche dans la chambre sont de l'ordre de 50 à 300 bars, les pressions dans les chambres pouvant varier de 1000 à 10.000 bars.Between each shot, the propellant charge is adjusted as follows. The liquid is available at the inlet 9 of the stop 5 at a pressure sufficient for filling the reservoir chamber 4. A reservoir 14 of liquid can therefore be provided outside the tube 10, the liquid being kept there at a sufficient pressure using, for example, compressed gas. It is thus possible, thanks to a valve 11 placed before the inlet 9 to fill at will the reservoir chamber 4. On the other hand, the volume of this reservoir chamber is adjustable, that is to say that the piston 2 can be positioned in a determined manner to obtain a volume of liquid compatible with the shot to perform. As an indication, it is reported that the filling pressures are around 5 to 20 bars, while the pressures delivered by the cartridge in the chamber are around 50 to 300 bars, the pressures in the chambers being able to vary from 1000 to 10,000 bars.

En référence à la figure 2, les moyens de positionnement du piston sont constitués par sa tige centrale 17, lui permettant de coulisser à l'intérieur de la butée 5, une bague de positionnement 19 montée coulissante autour de la tige 7 en dehors de la chambre réservoir 4, et pouvant venir en butée sur un élargissement 18 de l'extrémité de la tige 17. Un fourreau 6 solidaire de la bague de positionnement 19 possède au moins une crémaillère 8 pratiquée sur la surface extérieure de ce dernier, et dans laquelle vient s'engréner une roue dentée 7, actionnable de l'extérieur du tube. La rotation de cette roue dentée provoque la translation du fourreau 6 et de la bague de positionnement 19. L'arrivée de l'ergol sous pression, entre la butée 5 et la tête du piston 2, entraîne ce dernier vers l'avant. En positionnant ainsi le piston 2 par l'intermédiaire de son pied 18, on fixe la longueur de la tige 17 à l'intérieur de la chambre réservoir 4, et par là même, le volume de cette chambre réservoir.Referring to Figure 2, the piston positioning means are constituted by its central rod 17, allowing it to slide inside the stop 5, a positioning ring 19 slidably mounted around the rod 7 outside the reservoir chamber 4, and which can come into abutment on a widening 18 of the end of the rod 17. A sheath 6 secured to the positioning ring 19 has at least one rack 8 formed on the outer surface of the latter, and in which comes to mesh a toothed wheel 7, actuable from the outside of the tube. The rotation of this toothed wheel causes the translation of the sleeve 6 and of the positioning ring 19. The arrival of the propellant under pressure, between the stop 5 and the head of the piston 2, drives the latter towards the front. By thus positioning the piston 2 by means of its foot 18, the length of the rod 17 is fixed inside the reservoir chamber 4, and thereby the volume of this reservoir chamber.

De nouveau en référence à la figure 1, la roue dentée peut être entraînée par un moteur électrique 12, commandé lui-même par, l'intermédiaire d'un fil de commande 14, par un pupitre de commande 15 sur lequel l'opérate ur peut préparer et commander le réglage de la chambre réservoir.Again with reference to FIG. 1, the toothed wheel can be driven by an electric motor 12, itself controlled by means of a control wire 14, by a control console 15 on which the operator ur can prepare and control the setting of the tank chamber.

Les moyens de positionnement de la bague 19 peuvent être différents de ceux qui viennent d'être décrits dans le paragraphe précédent. En effet, un système hydraulique à vérins peut commander directement la translation du fourreau 6, toujours par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de commande tel qu'un pupitre 15.The means for positioning the ring 19 may be different from those which have just been described in the previous paragraph. In fact, a hydraulic system with jacks can directly control the translation of the sleeve 6, always by means of a control device such as a console 15.

Les figures 3A et 3B représentent, dans deux positions de fonctionnement, une réalisation possible des moyens d'injection 3 du liquide de la chambre réservoir 4 vers la chambre de combustion 1. Ces moyens constituent un ensemble s'apparentant à une soupape. On retrouve sur cette figure le tube 10, la chambre de combustion 1, la chambre réservoir 4 et le piston composé de plusieurs parties, dont principalement le corps du piston repéré 30. Ce corps comporte au moins un alésage 31 ajusté au diamètre intérieur du tube et sur lequel on a prévu des moyens d'étanchéité, par exemple un joint torique 32. Le corps se prolonge par la tige 37 à l'intérieur de laquelle coulisse une barre de distribution 38. La tige creuse 37 possède dans un plan transversal déterminé au moins une perforation 39 qui met l'intérieur de cette tige creuse en communication avec la chambre réservoir 4. La barre distributrice 38 est également percée d'au moins un trou 40 d'axe transversal voisin de l'axe du trou 39. Cette barre distributrice est également percée longitudinalement de manière à ce qu'une cavité 41 puisse être en communication avec le trou 40 et débouche en direction de la chambre de combustion 1. A la position de repos de la barre distributrice (figure 3A), les diamètres des trous 39 et 40 ne se chevauchent pas, de telle sorte qui la chambre réservoir 4 n'est pas en communication avec la cavité 41. La barre distributrice peut coulisser dans la tige creuse 37 de manière à mettre en coïncidence les trous 39 et 40 (figure 3B), et de telle manière de mettre en communication la chambre réservoir 4 avec la cavité 41.FIGS. 3A and 3B represent, in two operating positions, a possible embodiment of the means 3 for injecting the liquid from the reservoir chamber 4 into the combustion chamber 1. These means constitute an assembly resembling a valve. We find in this figure the tube 10, the combustion chamber 1, the reservoir chamber 4 and the piston composed of several parts, including mainly the body of the piston marked 30. This body has at least one bore 31 adjusted to the inside diameter of the tube and on which sealing means are provided, for example an O-ring 32. The body is extended by the rod 37 inside which slides a distribution bar 38. The hollow rod 37 has in a determined transverse plane at least one perforation 39 which places the interior of this hollow rod in communication with the reservoir chamber 4. The distributor bar 38 is also pierced with at least one hole 40 with a transverse axis close to the axis of the hole 39. This distributor bar is also pierced longitudinally so that a cavity 41 can be in communication with the hole 40 and opens in the direction of the combustion chamber 1. In the rest position of the distributor bar (FIG. 3A), the he diameters of the holes 39 and 40 do not overlap, so that the reservoir chamber 4 is not in communication with the cavity 41. The distributor bar can slide in the hollow rod 37 so as to coincide the holes 39 and 40 (FIG. 3B), and in such a way as to put the reservoir chamber 4 into communication with the cavity 41.

Cette dernière est obstruée à la position de repos, ceci de manière étanche grâce à un système d'étanchéité 43 de la barre distributrice, à un chapeau 42 solidaire du piston 30. A la périphérie de ce chapeau 42 sont pratiqués des trous d'échappement 44 débouchant sur le système d'étanchéité 43 de la barre distributrice 38 entourant la cavité 41. De cette manière, et à la position de repos, la chambre de combustion 1 n'est pas en communication avec la cavité 41.The latter is obstructed in the rest position, this in a leaktight manner thanks to a sealing system 43 of the distributor bar, to a cap 42 secured to the piston 30. At the periphery of this cap 42 are made exhaust holes 44 leading to the sealing system 43 of the distributor bar 38 surrounding the cavity 41. In this way, and in the rest position, the combustion chamber 1 is not in communication with the cavity 41.

Le fonctionnement de ce moyen d'injection est le suivant. Lorsque la pression monte dans la chambre de combustion 1 cette dernière a tendance à repousser la barre distributrice 38, positionnée préablement par un ressort 46 prenant appui sur le fond de la barre distributrice 38. Cette translation met donc en communication la cavité 41 avec la chambre réservoir 4 et en même temps, par décollement de la barre distributrice 38 par rapport au chapeau 42, la chambre de combustion 1 avec la chambre réservoir 4. De plus, le piston étant également translaté par la montée en pression dans la chambre de combustion, le liquide contenu dans la chambre réservoir 4 passe par les trous 39 et 40, et la cavité 41 pour arriver dans la chambre de combustion.The operation of this injection means is as follows. When the pressure rises in the combustion chamber 1, the latter tends to push back the distributor bar 38, previously positioned by a spring 46 bearing on the bottom of the distributor bar 38. This translation therefore puts the cavity 41 into communication with the chamber tank 4 and at the same time, by detaching the distributor bar 38 relative to the cap 42, the combustion chamber 1 with the tank chamber 4. In addition, the piston also being translated by the pressure build-up in the combustion chamber, the liquid contained in the reservoir chamber 4 passes through the holes 39 and 40, and the cavity 41 to arrive in the combustion chamber.

Toutes les opérations sont automatisées. La variation de portée, obtenue en jouant conjointement sur les deux paramètres angle de tir et valeur discrète de la charge propulsive est remplacée par un réglage continu de la quantité d'ergol introduit dans la chambre, permettant ainsi un balayage continu des portées possibles. La quantité d'ergol nécessaire a été déterminée à l'avance.All operations are automated. The range variation, obtained by playing jointly on the two parameters firing angle and discrete value of the propellant charge is replaced by a continuous adjustment of the quantity of propellant introduced into the chamber, thus allowing a continuous scanning of the possible ranges. The amount of propellant needed was determined in advance.

Ces moyens d'injection décrits en référence à cette figure 3 ne sont qu'un exemple de réalisation, d'autres solutions pouvant être adaptées à cette fonction.These injection means described with reference to this FIG. 3 are only an embodiment, other solutions that can be adapted to this function.

On envisage également d'adapter le système selon l'invention, non pas à des mortiers, mais à des canons. Dans ce cas, le projectile est inséré dans le tube latéralement ou verticalement par le bas du tube, mais pas par la bouche. La montée en pression à l'intérieur de la chambre de combustion peut alors être provoquée par le déclenchement télécommandé, ou commandé de l'extérieur du tube, d'une cartouche d'allumage qui peut avoir été fixée en atelier au projectile. Dans cette application au canon, les volumes des chambres réservoir 4 et de combustion 1 seront modifiés en fonction des performances devant être atteintes par un tel canon. Le volume de la chambre de combustion 1 peut également être défini par la géométrie de la cartouche d'allumage, cette dernière étant spécifique à chaque type de munition. En particulier, la chambre réservoir 4, à l'interieur de laquelle coulisse le piston, pourra avoir un diamètre bien supérieur à celui du tube canon proprement dit. Cette remarque est aussi valable pour les mortiers. It is also envisaged to adapt the system according to the invention, not to mortars, but to cannons. In this case, the projectile is inserted into the tube laterally or vertically through the bottom of the tube, but not through the mouth. The pressure build-up inside the combustion chamber can then be caused by the remote-controlled triggering, or controlled from outside the tube, of an ignition cartridge which may have been fixed in the workshop to the projectile. In this application to the barrel, the volumes of the reservoir 4 and combustion 1 chambers will be modified according to the performance to be achieved by such a barrel. The volume of the combustion chamber 1 can also be defined by the geometry of the ignition cartridge, the latter being specific to each type of ammunition. In particular, the reservoir chamber 4, inside which the piston slides, may have a diameter much greater than that of the actual barrel tube. This also applies to mortars.

Claims (12)

1. Dispositif d'éjection, au moyen d'une charge propulsive réglable, d'un projectile, comprenant un tube de lancement dans lequel est placé le projectile et définissant avec ce projectile une chambre de combustion dans laquelle agit la charge propulsive, dispositif caractérisé en ce que la charge propulsive est constituée d'un liquide déflagrant, et en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de chargement pour amener une quantité déterminée de liquide dans ladite chambre de combustion et pour la faire brûler, afin de produire les gaz nécessaires à l'éjection du projectile.1. Device for ejecting, by means of an adjustable propellant charge, a projectile, comprising a launching tube in which the projectile is placed and defining with this projectile a combustion chamber in which the propellant charge acts, device characterized in that the propellant charge consists of an explosion-proof liquid, and in that it comprises charging means for bringing a determined quantity of liquid into said combustion chamber and for causing it to burn, in order to produce the gases necessary for projectile ejection. 2. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de chargement comprennent en outre un réservoir de liquide extérieur au tube, un piston coulissant de manière étanche à l'intérieur dudit tube et définissant avec ce dernier et le projectile ladite chambre de combustion, une butée placée à l'intérieur du tube et délimitant avec ce dernier et ledit piston one chambre réservoir dans laquelle est introduit le liquide avant le déclenchement de l'éjection.2. Ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading means further comprise a reservoir of liquid outside the tube, a piston sliding in leaktight manner inside said tube and defining with the latter and the projectile said combustion chamber, a stop placed inside the tube and delimiting with the latter and said piston one reservoir chamber into which the liquid is introduced before the initiation of ejection. 3. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de réglage de la position du piston.3. Ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of the piston. 4. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que le piston possède une tige coulissant à travers la butée et terminé par un pied, les moyens de positionnement dudit piston comprenant une bague de positionnement montée coulissante autour de ladite tige en dehors de la chambre réservoir et positionné longitudinalement par un fourreau placé à l'intérieur du tube et dont la translation peut être commandée de l'extérieur.4. Ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the piston has a rod sliding through the stop and terminated by a foot, the means for positioning said piston comprising a positioning ring slidably mounted around said rod outside of the reservoir chamber and positioned longitudinally by a sheath placed inside the tube and whose translation can be controlled from the outside. 5. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication, 4, caractérisé en ce que le fourreau est commandé en translation par un vérin, lui-même commandé de l'extérieur du tube.5. Ejection device according to claim, 4, characterized in that the sheath is controlled in translation by a jack, itself controlled from the outside of the tube. 6. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce qui le fourreau possède sur sa surface extérieure une crémaillère dans laquelle vient s'engréner une roue dentée dont la rotation est commandée de la'extérieur par l'opérateur.6. Ejection device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sheath has on its outer surface a rack in which is meshed with a toothed wheel whose rotation is controlled from the outside by the operator. 7. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite roue dentée est commandée par un moteur électrique lui-même commandé par un pupitre de commande.7. Ejection device according to claim 6, characterized in that said toothed wheel is controlled by an electric motor itself controlled by a control console. 8. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le liquide est introduit dans ladite chambre réservoir par l'intermédiaire d'une vanne extérieure au tube permettant l'arrivée du liquide dans la chambre réservoir par l'intermédiaire d'une entrée à travers la butée.8. Ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the liquid is introduced into said reservoir chamber by means of a valve external to the tube allowing the arrival of the liquid in the reservoir chamber by means of an entry through the stop. 9. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce le piston possède des moyens d'éjection du liquide contenu dans la chambre réservoir pour que celui-ci pénètre dans la chambre de combustion, cette injection étant provoquée par la compression du liquide dans la chambre réservoir dû au déplacement du piston vers la butée provoqué par l'augmentation de pression dans la chambre de combustion que cause la détente des gaz issus de la cartouche du projectile.9. Ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the piston has means for ejecting the liquid contained in the reservoir chamber so that it enters the combustion chamber, this injection being caused by the compression of the liquid in the reservoir chamber due to the displacement of the piston towards the stop caused by the increase in pressure in the combustion chamber caused by the expansion of the gases from the projectile cartridge. 10. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce le projectile étant introduit à l'intérieur du tube par la bouche de ce dernier, le dispositif d'éjection est un mortier, la détente des gaz de la cartouche du projectile étant provoquée par la percussion de cette dernière sur le piston.10. Ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile being introduced inside the tube by the mouth of the latter, the ejection device is a mortar, the expansion of the gases from the cartridge of the projectile being caused by the percussion of the latter on the piston. 11. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le projectile étant introduit par le bas du tube, le dispositif d'éjection constituant un canon, la détente des gaz de la cartouche du projectile est télécommandé ou commandé mécaniquement de l'extérieur du tube.11. Ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile being introduced from the bottom of the tube, the ejection device constituting a barrel, the expansion of the gases in the cartridge of the projectile is remotely controlled or mechanically controlled from the outside the tube. 12. Dispositif d'éjection selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'éjection sont constitués par un ensemble constituant une soupape à l'intérieur du piston, laquelle soupape étant sensible à la monteé en pression des gaz détonation de la cartouche du projectile dans la chambre de combustion permettant ainsi, conjointement à la descente du piston vers la butée, le passage du liquide de la chambre réservoir vers la chambre de combustion.12. Ejection device according to claim 9, characterized in that the ejection means are constituted by an assembly constituting a valve inside the piston, which valve being sensitive to the rise in pressure of the detonation gases of the cartridge of the projectile in the combustion chamber thus allowing, together with the descent of the piston towards the stop, the passage of the liquid from the reservoir chamber to the combustion chamber.
EP19870402091 1986-09-23 1987-09-18 System for ejecting by means of a liquid-propellant charge a projectile placed in a launching tube Expired - Lifetime EP0262037B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8613285 1986-09-23
FR8613285A FR2604247B1 (en) 1986-09-23 1986-09-23 EJECTION DEVICE USING A LIQUID PROPULSIVE LOAD OF A PROJECTILE PLACED IN A LAUNCHING TUBE.

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EP0262037A1 true EP0262037A1 (en) 1988-03-30
EP0262037B1 EP0262037B1 (en) 1991-05-08

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2684438A1 (en) * 1988-06-07 1993-06-04 Thomson Brandt Armements CANON USING A LIQUID PROPULSIVE LOAD.
FR2944347A1 (en) * 2009-04-10 2010-10-15 Tda Armements Sas Mortar for throwing projectile along curve path, has adjusting valve lowering pressure at interior of chamber, where valve is controlled based on pressure setpoint and measure is carried out by senor
CN110017727A (en) * 2019-05-20 2019-07-16 中国人民解放军军事科学院国防工程研究院 A kind of high-speed single hull emission test device
CN112179219A (en) * 2020-08-24 2021-01-05 南京理工大学 Liquid propellant gun filling system and working method thereof

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2677741B1 (en) * 1988-06-17 1994-03-04 Thomson Brandt Armements CANNON WITH INJECTION REGENERATING LIQUID FUEL.
CN114485262B (en) * 2022-01-29 2024-03-29 重庆零壹空间航天科技有限公司 System for verifying missile oblique launching reliability

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1523317A (en) * 1923-06-07 1925-01-13 Turner Clifford Powderless machine gun
GB2077888A (en) * 1980-06-16 1981-12-23 Gen Electric Coaxial dual hollow piston regenerative liquid propellant gun
EP0140331A1 (en) * 1983-11-02 1985-05-08 General Electric Company In-line annular piston fixed bolt regenerative liquid propellant gun
EP0161448A2 (en) * 1984-04-10 1985-11-21 General Electric Company In-line annular piston fixed bolt regenerative variable charge liquid propellant gun with variable hydraulic control of piston

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1523317A (en) * 1923-06-07 1925-01-13 Turner Clifford Powderless machine gun
GB2077888A (en) * 1980-06-16 1981-12-23 Gen Electric Coaxial dual hollow piston regenerative liquid propellant gun
EP0140331A1 (en) * 1983-11-02 1985-05-08 General Electric Company In-line annular piston fixed bolt regenerative liquid propellant gun
EP0161448A2 (en) * 1984-04-10 1985-11-21 General Electric Company In-line annular piston fixed bolt regenerative variable charge liquid propellant gun with variable hydraulic control of piston

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2684438A1 (en) * 1988-06-07 1993-06-04 Thomson Brandt Armements CANON USING A LIQUID PROPULSIVE LOAD.
FR2944347A1 (en) * 2009-04-10 2010-10-15 Tda Armements Sas Mortar for throwing projectile along curve path, has adjusting valve lowering pressure at interior of chamber, where valve is controlled based on pressure setpoint and measure is carried out by senor
CN110017727A (en) * 2019-05-20 2019-07-16 中国人民解放军军事科学院国防工程研究院 A kind of high-speed single hull emission test device
CN112179219A (en) * 2020-08-24 2021-01-05 南京理工大学 Liquid propellant gun filling system and working method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2604247A1 (en) 1988-03-25
FR2604247B1 (en) 1990-10-19
EP0262037B1 (en) 1991-05-08

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