EP0308343A1 - Alignment system for missile containers - Google Patents

Alignment system for missile containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0308343A1
EP0308343A1 EP88402342A EP88402342A EP0308343A1 EP 0308343 A1 EP0308343 A1 EP 0308343A1 EP 88402342 A EP88402342 A EP 88402342A EP 88402342 A EP88402342 A EP 88402342A EP 0308343 A1 EP0308343 A1 EP 0308343A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
orifice
container
module
bead
portions
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Granted
Application number
EP88402342A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0308343B1 (en
Inventor
Pierre-Jacques Truyman
Vincent Hartz
Jacques Pastural
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
Etat Francais
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
Etat Francais
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Publication of EP0308343A1 publication Critical patent/EP0308343A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
    • F41F3/00—Rocket or torpedo launchers
    • F41F3/04—Rocket or torpedo launchers for rockets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a missile container alignment system in a vertical launch module.
  • the ammunition is stored vertically in a frame, called "module”, adapted to receive for example 8 ammunition, several of these modules can be grouped to form a storage magazine and missile launching, especially aboard a ship.
  • module adapted to receive for example 8 ammunition
  • Each missile is housed in a container constituting both the launch tube and the protection during transport and handling.
  • the modules consist of a metallic lattice structure comprising a base plate on which the lower part of the containers rests and an upper plate for holding and guiding the upper end of the containers.
  • the upper plate is pierced with orifices (for example 8 for a module storing 8 munitions) through which the containers are lowered vertically, when the module is loaded, and which must ensure the maintenance and alignment of the upper part of the container a once it has been loaded into the module.
  • orifices for example 8 for a module storing 8 munitions
  • the lower plate which serves as a support for the containers, is pierced with circular gas exhaust orifices, when the missile is launched, these orifices being connected to an evacuation chimney.
  • the lower and upper plates are separated by a corresponding distance sensi the length of the container, about 4 to 6 meters.
  • the lower and upper plates themselves, also have large dimensions, for example of the order of 260 X 230 cm in the case of a module for 8 rounds.
  • the upper and lower plates of the module may not be perfectly parallel and / or may be more or less offset laterally with respect to each other.
  • the containers themselves may have differences in dimensions and / or a lack of parallelism or alignment between the two end structures, said low structure and high structure, which cooperate with the orifices or housings provided in the lower and upper plates of the module.
  • one of the parameters used by the missile guidance system is reference data relative to the module. It is therefore essential that the alignment of the containers in the module is respected with the greatest precision and is faithful to an average position. It is desirable that the angular deviation, in all directions, not more than ⁇ 0.5 milli radians.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback and to allow precise and faithful alignment of the containers in their module despite the inaccuracies that these modules can have during construction.
  • the invention relates to a system for aligning a missile container in a vertical launch module, said module comprising an upper plate pierced with orifices and a lower plate pierced with circular orifices, said plates being joined by a metallic lattice frame, said container comprising an envelope terminated by a low structure and a high structure, said system being characterized in that it comprises, for the alignment of each container, a ball bearing of the low structure on the edge of the circular orifice of the lower plate and a circular fitting of the upper structure into the orifice of the upper plate.
  • FIG. 1 Schematically shown in Figure 1 a vertical launch module for eight munitions.
  • This module essentially comprises a lower plate or base, 2 and an upper plate 4 called “fitted upper plate” which carries a certain number of devices (not shown) which are not part of the present invention.
  • a missile carrier container 7 which essentially comprises a tubular casing 8, housing the missile and serving as a launching tube, as well as a basic structure 10 and a high structure 12, these two structures being of substantially square section.
  • the basic structure 10 has a substantially conical skirt-shaped portion 14 for the evacuation of gases at the time of launch.
  • the container 7 rests, by its basic structure 10 on the lower plate 2, the skirt 14 engaging in a circular orifice 16 formed in the plate 2 to center the lower part of the container.
  • Conduits not shown, in the module, which communicate with the orifices 16 allow the escape of launch gases to the atmosphere.
  • the high structure 12 When the container is in place in the module, the high structure 12 is received with a slight clearance in an orifice 18, formed in the upper plate 4, of shape corresponding to the section of the high structure 12 of the container.
  • the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 4 are partially shown in FIG. 3, exaggerating the inaccuracies in the construction of the module, it being understood that the two plates are spaced apart by a distance H equal to the height of the module, that is to say, substantially the length of the container 7 ( Figures 1 and 2).
  • the plates 2 and 4 may not be parallel to each other (angle ⁇ in FIG. 3), the centers C and C ′ of the corresponding orifices two by two (16 and 18) may not be on the same veticale V, the spacing E between the plates may not be identical for two neighboring orifices, the centers C and C ′ of the orifices 16 and 18 may be eccentric with respect to their theoretical position on the plates 2 and 4.
  • the alignment system provides for a ball bearing of the base structure 10 of the container on the bottom plate 2 (see FIG. 4) and a ball joint of the high structure 12 in the upper plate 4 (see FIG. 5).
  • FIG. 4 shows the lower plate 2 with one of its circular orifices 16 and the container 7 with its basic structure 10 and its casing 8.
  • the basic structure 10 comprises, at its circular lower part adapted to engage in the orifice 16, a bead or annular surface 20 with a spherical profile, of radius R and center A, while the upper edge Laughter of the orifice 16 has a conical surface 22 on which the spherical surface of the bead 20 comes to bear. There is thus produced a ball bearing allowing a slight angular deviation of the axis XX of the container relative to the perpendicular to the plate 2 .
  • the chimney 14 for exhausting the launch gases which extends downwards the base structure 10, is surrounded by a seal 24 housed in a groove 26 to seal the evacuation of the gases.
  • the elasticity of the seal 26 allows slight angular movements of the axis of the container without hampering the ball joint.
  • the edge 22 of the orifice 16 a spherical surface instead of a conical one, but the sphere of support line on the cone is sufficiently long (approximately 1.40 meters) to cause only moderate unit loads.
  • the half-angle at the top of the conical surface 22 is advantageously of the order of 40 to 50 ° and, in a particular example, the radius R of the spherical surface 20 is of the order of 300 to 400 mm.
  • the container once housed in the module, must have a well-defined radial orientation with regard to pivoting about its vertical axis XX while, of course, the circular circular support which has just been described does not provide this orientation. This is why there is provided on the upper face of the plate 2 a stopper or rod 26 which penetrates into a housing of suitable shape 28 formed in the lower surface of the structure 10. This ensures the correct radial orientation te and precise of the container. Of course, any other similar "polarizing" system can be used.
  • FIG. 5 Schematically shown in FIG. 5 is the system of rotary fitting of the upper structure 12 of the container 7 into the orifice 18 of the upper plate 4.
  • This rotary fitting is produced by means of a bead 30 with a rounded external surface, preferably having a profile substantially in the form of a spherical sector centered on the center G of the structure 12.
  • This bead is machined in the lower part of the structure 12 and ensures the centering of said structure 12 against the bearing edge 32 of l orifice 18 while allowing an inclination ß (exaggerated in FIG. 5) of the axis XX of the container with respect to the perpendicular PP to the upper plate 4.
  • An O-ring 34 at the upper part of the structure 12, ensures the seal at the level of the plate 4, despite the angular deviations ß .
  • the ball fitting which has just been described also constitutes a sliding fitting making it possible to take into account the differences in the spacing H of the plates 2.4 and in the height of the containers. .
  • the rotary fitting shown schematically in Figure 5 could be applied to the simple case where the structure 12 has a circular section and where, therefore, the orifice 18 is also circular.
  • the edge 32 for positioning the bead 30 would advantageously be constituted by 4 shims or keys 36 fixed below the plate 4, (as shown in FIG. 6 ) projecting inside the orifice 18 and against which the bead 30 comes to bear.
  • the module it suffices then to position (or machine) the face 32 of the keys 36 to easily obtain the desired alignment of the container in the module, despite the dimensional differences of that -this.
  • this alignment system also makes it possible to compensate for any eccentricity of the center C ′ of the orifice 18 and that, the contact of the bead 30 being made only on the face 32 of the keys 36, this bead does not need to 'be continuous over the entire periphery of the base of the high structure 12 but can be replaced by 4 portions of beads, with rounded surface, of small extension.
  • the end structures 10 and 12 of the container 7 have a square or square section with rounded corners.
  • the orifices 18 for introducing the containers into the module and for positioning the containers are also of generally square shape, as shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 7.
  • the hatched central part of FIG. 7 is a horizontal section of the high structure 12 made along the plane F of FIG. 8.
  • the bead portions 30 have, in plan, an arcuate shape of center C ′ and radius G (FIG. 7) and have, in vertical section, a rounded edge (FIG. 8) cooperating, in the manner of a sliding ball, with face 32, facing center C ′, keys 36.
  • the four bead portions 30 project radially outward and, for this purpose, portions 38 of the corners of the high structure 12 are machined to form portions of substantially cylindrical surfaces 40 recessed relative to the edges of the beads 30
  • One of these surfaces 40 has been shown in plan, in broken lines, in the lower right corner of FIG. 8, with a radius G ′ ⁇ G.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A missile container 7 is aligned in a vertical launching module comprising a lower plate 2 for the bearing of the lower structure 10 of the container and an upper plate for guiding and maintaining the upper structure of the container. The lower structure 10 rests in the manner of a ball joint on the frustoconical edge 22 of the orifice 16 of the lower plate 22 by means of a surface 20 in the form of a sector of a sphere machined in the structure 10, whilst the upper structure comprising portions in the form of a sector of a sphere is held by ball-socket engagement in the orifice of the upper plate of the module. This double ball-socket positioning affords an exact and true alignment of the container in the module. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un système d'alignement de conteneurs de missiles dans un module de lancement vertical.The present invention relates to a missile container alignment system in a vertical launch module.

On sait que, dans le Système de Lancement Ver­tical (S.L.V.), les munitions sont stockées verticale­ment dans un cadre, dit "module", adapté à recevoir par exemple 8 munitions, plusieurs de ces modules pouvant être groupés pour former un magasin de stockage et de lan­cement de missiles, notamment à bord d'un navire.We know that, in the Vertical Launch System (SLV), the ammunition is stored vertically in a frame, called "module", adapted to receive for example 8 ammunition, several of these modules can be grouped to form a storage magazine and missile launching, especially aboard a ship.

Chaque missile est logé dans un conteneur cons­tituant à la fois le tube de lancement et la protection au transport et à la manutention.Each missile is housed in a container constituting both the launch tube and the protection during transport and handling.

Les modules sont constitués par une structure métallique en treillis comportant une plaque de base sur laquelle repose la partie inférieure desconteneurs et une plaque supérieure de maintien et de guidage de l'extrémi­té supérieure des conteneurs.The modules consist of a metallic lattice structure comprising a base plate on which the lower part of the containers rests and an upper plate for holding and guiding the upper end of the containers.

La plaque supérieure est percée d'orifices (par exemple 8 pour un module stockant 8 munitions) à travers lesquels sont descendus verticalement les conteneurs, au chargement du module, et qui doivent assurer le maintien et l'alignement de la partie haute du conteneur une fois qu'il a été chargé dans le module.The upper plate is pierced with orifices (for example 8 for a module storing 8 munitions) through which the containers are lowered vertically, when the module is loaded, and which must ensure the maintenance and alignment of the upper part of the container a once it has been loaded into the module.

La plaque inférieure, qui sert d'appui aux con­teneurs, est percée d'orifices circulaires d'échappement des gaz, au lancement du missile, ces orifices étant raccor­dés à une cheminée d'évacuation.The lower plate, which serves as a support for the containers, is pierced with circular gas exhaust orifices, when the missile is launched, these orifices being connected to an evacuation chimney.

Dans le module, les plaques inférieure et supé­rieure sont éloignées d'une distance correspondant sensi­ blement à la longueur du conteneur, soit environ 4 à 6 mètres.In the module, the lower and upper plates are separated by a corresponding distance sensi the length of the container, about 4 to 6 meters.

Les plaques inférieure et supérieure, elles­mêmes, ont également de grandes dimensions, par exem­ple de l'ordre de 260 X 230 cm dans le cas d'un modu­le pour 8 munitions.The lower and upper plates, themselves, also have large dimensions, for example of the order of 260 X 230 cm in the case of a module for 8 rounds.

Avec de telles dimensions, il est très diffi­cile de réaliser une structure rigide de liaison en treil­lis entre les deux plaques donnant au module une forme parfaitement parallélépipédique avec des cotes très pré­cises.With such dimensions, it is very difficult to produce a rigid lattice connection structure between the two plates giving the module a perfectly parallelepiped shape with very precise dimensions.

Il en résulte que, dans la pratique, les pla­ques supérieure et inférieure du module peuvent ne pas être parfaitement parallèles et/ou peuvent être plus ou moins décalées latéralement l'une par rapport à l'au­tre.As a result, in practice, the upper and lower plates of the module may not be perfectly parallel and / or may be more or less offset laterally with respect to each other.

En conséquence l'orifice inférieur et l'orifice supérieur destinés au passage, au guidage et au maintien de chaque conteneur individuels peuvent ne pas être ali­gnés, ce qui compromet l'alignement correct du conteneur dans le module.Consequently, the lower opening and the upper opening intended for the passage, guidance and maintenance of each individual container may not be aligned, which compromises the correct alignment of the container in the module.

De plus, les conteneurs eux-mêmes peuvent avoir des différences de cotes et/ou un défaut de parallélisme ou d'alignement entre les deux structures d'extrémité, dites structure basse et structure haute, qui coopérent avec les orifices ou logements prévus dans les plaques inférieure et supérieure du module.In addition, the containers themselves may have differences in dimensions and / or a lack of parallelism or alignment between the two end structures, said low structure and high structure, which cooperate with the orifices or housings provided in the lower and upper plates of the module.

Or, l'un des paramètres utilisés par le système de guidage du missile est une donnée de référence par rap­port au module. Il est donc essentiel que l'alignement des conteneurs dans le module soit respecté avec la plus grande précision et soit fidèle par rapport à une position moyenne. Il est souhaitable que l'écart angulaire, dans toutes les directions, ne soit pas supérieur à ± 0,5 milli radian.However, one of the parameters used by the missile guidance system is reference data relative to the module. It is therefore essential that the alignment of the containers in the module is respected with the greatest precision and is faithful to an average position. It is desirable that the angular deviation, in all directions, not more than ± 0.5 milli radians.

Jusqu'à présent, un alignement et une fidéli­té d'alignement satisfaisants ne pouvaient être obtenus, et souvent incomplètement, que par des usinages précis et couteux effectués sur les éléments constitutifs du mo­dule.Up to now, satisfactory alignment and fidelity of alignment could only be obtained, and often incompletely, by precise and costly machining carried out on the constituent elements of the module.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier à cet inconvénient et de permettre un alignement précis et fidèle des conteneurs dans leur module malgré les impré­cisions que ces modules peuvent présenter à la construc­tion.The object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback and to allow precise and faithful alignment of the containers in their module despite the inaccuracies that these modules can have during construction.

L'invention a pour objet un système d'alignement d'un conteneur de missile dans un module de lancement ver­tical, ledit module comportant une plaque supérieure per­cée d'orifices et une plaque inférieure percée d'orifices circulaires, lesdites plaques étant réunies par une ossa­ture métallique en treillis, ledit conteneur comportant une enveloppe terminée par une structure basse et une structure haute, ledit système étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, pour l'alignement de chaque conteneur, un appui rotulaire de la structure basse sur le bord de l'orifice circulaire de la plaque inférieure et un emman­chement rotulaire de la structure haute dans l'orifice de la plaque supérieure.The invention relates to a system for aligning a missile container in a vertical launch module, said module comprising an upper plate pierced with orifices and a lower plate pierced with circular orifices, said plates being joined by a metallic lattice frame, said container comprising an envelope terminated by a low structure and a high structure, said system being characterized in that it comprises, for the alignment of each container, a ball bearing of the low structure on the edge of the circular orifice of the lower plate and a circular fitting of the upper structure into the orifice of the upper plate.

Grâce à ce système d'appui et de guidage à double rotule, en haut et en bas du conteneur, on peut obtenir un alignement précis et fidèle des conteneurs dans le module.Thanks to this double ball joint support and guidance system, at the top and bottom of the container, it is possible to obtain precise and faithful alignment of the containers in the module.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit et à l'examen des dessins annexés. Sur ces dessins :

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspec­tive d'un module pour le lancement vertical de missiles.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective, avec arrachement, d'un conteneur pour missile.
  • La figure 3 est une vue simplifiée, en coupe verticale, des plaques supérieure et inferieure du modu­le faisant ressortir les imprécisions de construction du module.
  • La figure 4 est une vue, moitié en coupe sui­vant un plan vertical et moitié en élévation, de la par­tie basse d'un conteneur chargé dans le module, illus­trant l'appui rotulaire.
  • La figure 5 est une vue schématique, partielle­ment en coupe suivant un plan vertical de la partie haute d'un conteneur chargé dans le module, illustrant l'emman­chement rotulaire.
  • La figure 6 est une vue partielle, en plan, de la plaque supérieure du module, représentée avec un orifi­ce circulaire pour illustrer le système de guidage rotu­laire supérieur.
  • La figure 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 6 illustrant le cas pratique où l'orifice de la plaque su­périeure est sensiblement carré.
  • La figure 8 est une vue partielle en coupe verti­cale, par un plan diagonal de la figure 7.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the appended drawings. In these drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a module for the vertical launch of missiles.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view, broken away, of a missile container.
  • Figure 3 is a simplified view, in vertical section, of the upper and lower plates of the module highlighting the inaccuracies of construction of the module.
  • Figure 4 is a view, half in section along a vertical plane and half in elevation, of the lower part of a container loaded in the module, illustrating the ball bearing.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view, partially in section along a vertical plane of the upper part of a container loaded in the module, illustrating the ball joint.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of the upper plate of the module, shown with a circular orifice to illustrate the upper rotary guide system.
  • Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 illustrating the practical case where the orifice of the upper plate is substantially square.
  • FIG. 8 is a partial view in vertical section, through a diagonal plane of FIG. 7.

On a représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1 un module de lancement vertical pour huit munitions. Ce module comprend essentiellement une plaque inférieure ou base, 2 et une plaque supérieure 4 dite "plaque supérieu­re équipée" qui porte un certain nombre d'équipements (non représentés) qui ne font pas partie de la présente inven­tion.Schematically shown in Figure 1 a vertical launch module for eight munitions. This module essentially comprises a lower plate or base, 2 and an upper plate 4 called "fitted upper plate" which carries a certain number of devices (not shown) which are not part of the present invention.

Une ossature treillis, en profilés métalliques, qui porte la référence générale 6 et qui a été représen­tée de façon simplifiée, réunit les plaque inférieure 2 et supérieure 4.A lattice frame, in metal profiles, which bears the general reference 6 and which has been shown in a simplified manner, joins the lower plate 2 and upper plate 4.

On a représenté sur la figure 2, également de façon schématique et avec arrachement, un conteneur porte-­missile 7 qui comprend essentiellement une enveloppe tubu­laire 8, abritant le missile et servant de tube de lance­ment, ainsi qu'une structure de base 10 et une structure haute 12, ces deux structures étant de section sensible­ment carrée.Is shown in Figure 2, also schematically and with cutaway, a missile carrier container 7 which essentially comprises a tubular casing 8, housing the missile and serving as a launching tube, as well as a basic structure 10 and a high structure 12, these two structures being of substantially square section.

La structure de base 10 présente une partie en forme de jupe sensiblement conique 14 pour l'évacuation des gaz au moment du lancementThe basic structure 10 has a substantially conical skirt-shaped portion 14 for the evacuation of gases at the time of launch.

En position verticale chargée dans le module, le conteneur 7 repose, par sa structure de base 10 sur la plaque inférieure 2, la jupe 14 s'engageant dans un orifice circulaire 16 ménagé dans la plaque 2 pour centrer la partie inférieure du conteneur. Des conduits non repré­sentés, dans le module, qui communiquent avec les orifices 16 permettent l'échappement à l'atmosphére des gaz de lan­cement.In the vertical position loaded in the module, the container 7 rests, by its basic structure 10 on the lower plate 2, the skirt 14 engaging in a circular orifice 16 formed in the plate 2 to center the lower part of the container. Conduits not shown, in the module, which communicate with the orifices 16 allow the escape of launch gases to the atmosphere.

Lorsque le conteneur est en place dans le module, la structure haute 12 est reçue avec un faible jeu dans un orifice 18, ménagé dans la plaque supérieure 4, de forme correspondant à la section de la structure haute 12 du con­teneur.When the container is in place in the module, the high structure 12 is received with a slight clearance in an orifice 18, formed in the upper plate 4, of shape corresponding to the section of the high structure 12 of the container.

Pour mieux faire ressortir la difficulté d'un ali­ gnement précis des conteneurs dans le module, on a repré­senté partiellement sur la figure 3 la plaque inférieure 2 et la plaque supérieure 4 en exagérant les imprécisions de construction du module, étant entendu que les deux plaques sont écartees d'une distance H égale à la hauteur du modu­le, c'est-à-dire, sensiblement la longueur du conteneur 7 (figures 1 et 2).To better highlight the difficulty of a friend precise indication of the containers in the module, the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 4 are partially shown in FIG. 3, exaggerating the inaccuracies in the construction of the module, it being understood that the two plates are spaced apart by a distance H equal to the height of the module, that is to say, substantially the length of the container 7 (Figures 1 and 2).

Les plaques 2 et 4 peuvent ne pas être parallè­les entre elles (angle α figure 3), les centres C et C′ des orifices correspondants deux à deux (16 et 18) peuvent ne pas être sur une même veticale V, l'écartement E entre les plaques peut ne pas être identique pour deux orifices voisins, les centres C et C′ des orifices l6 et 18 peuvent être excentrés par rapport à leur position théorique sur les plaques 2 et 4.The plates 2 and 4 may not be parallel to each other (angle α in FIG. 3), the centers C and C ′ of the corresponding orifices two by two (16 and 18) may not be on the same veticale V, the spacing E between the plates may not be identical for two neighboring orifices, the centers C and C ′ of the orifices 16 and 18 may be eccentric with respect to their theoretical position on the plates 2 and 4.

Pour permettre un alignement précis et fidèle des conteneurs dans le module, le système d'alignement suivant l'invention prévoit un appui rotulaire de la structure de base 10 du conteneur sur la plaque inférieu­re 2 (voir figure 4) et un emmanchement rotulaire de la structure haute 12 dans la plaque supérieure 4 (voir figu­re 5).To allow precise and faithful alignment of the containers in the module, the alignment system according to the invention provides for a ball bearing of the base structure 10 of the container on the bottom plate 2 (see FIG. 4) and a ball joint of the high structure 12 in the upper plate 4 (see FIG. 5).

On a représenté sur la figure 4, la plaque infé­rieure 2 avec l'un de ses orifices circulaires 16 et le conteneur 7 avec sa structure de base 10 et son enveloppe 8.FIG. 4 shows the lower plate 2 with one of its circular orifices 16 and the container 7 with its basic structure 10 and its casing 8.

La structure de base 10 comporte, à sa partie inférieure circulaire adaptée à s'engager dans l'orifi­ce l6, un bourrelet ou surface annulaire 20 à profil sphé­rique, de rayon R et de centre A, tandis que le bord supé­ rieur de l'orifice 16 présente une suface conique 22 sur laquelle vient prendre appui la surface sphérique du bour­relet 20. On réalise ainsi un appui rotulaire autorisant un léger écart angulaire de l'axe X-X du conteneur par rap­port à la perpendiculaire à la plaque 2.The basic structure 10 comprises, at its circular lower part adapted to engage in the orifice 16, a bead or annular surface 20 with a spherical profile, of radius R and center A, while the upper edge Laughter of the orifice 16 has a conical surface 22 on which the spherical surface of the bead 20 comes to bear. There is thus produced a ball bearing allowing a slight angular deviation of the axis XX of the container relative to the perpendicular to the plate 2 .

La cheminée 14 d'échappement des gaz de lance­ment, qui prolonge vers le bas la structure de base 10, est entourée d'un joint 24 logé dans une gorge 26 pour assurer l'étanchéité à l'évacuation des gaz. L'élastici­té du joint 26 autorise les légers déplacements angulai­res de l'axe du conteneur sans entraver l'articulation rotulaire.The chimney 14 for exhausting the launch gases, which extends downwards the base structure 10, is surrounded by a seal 24 housed in a groove 26 to seal the evacuation of the gases. The elasticity of the seal 26 allows slight angular movements of the axis of the container without hampering the ball joint.

Bien entendu, pour réaliser l'appui rotulaire décrit ci-dessus, on pourrait également prévoir, pour le bord 22 de l'orifice 16, une surface sphérique au lieu de conique mais la ligne d'appui sphère sur cône est suf­fisamment longue (environ 1,40 mètres) pour n'entraîner que des charges unitaires modérées. Le demi-angle au sommet de la surface conique 22 est avantageusement de l'ordre de 40 à 50° et, dans un exemple particulier, le rayon R de la surface sphérique 20 est de l'ordre de 300 à 400 mm.Of course, to produce the ball bearing described above, one could also provide, for the edge 22 of the orifice 16, a spherical surface instead of a conical one, but the sphere of support line on the cone is sufficiently long (approximately 1.40 meters) to cause only moderate unit loads. The half-angle at the top of the conical surface 22 is advantageously of the order of 40 to 50 ° and, in a particular example, the radius R of the spherical surface 20 is of the order of 300 to 400 mm.

Le conteneur, une fois logé dans le module, doit avoir une orientation radiale bien déterminée en ce qui concerne un pivotement autour de son axe vertical XX alors que, bien entendu, l'appui circulaire rotulaire qui vient d'être décrit n'assure pas cette orientation. C'est pour­quoi on prévoit sur la face supérieure de la plaque 2 un taquet ou pige 26 qui pénètre dans un logement de forme appropriée 28 ménagé dans la surface inférieure de la struc­ture 10. On est ainsi assuré de l'orientation radiale correc­ te et précise du conteneur. Bien entendu tout aure sys­tème analogue de "détrompeur" peut être utilisé.The container, once housed in the module, must have a well-defined radial orientation with regard to pivoting about its vertical axis XX while, of course, the circular circular support which has just been described does not provide this orientation. This is why there is provided on the upper face of the plate 2 a stopper or rod 26 which penetrates into a housing of suitable shape 28 formed in the lower surface of the structure 10. This ensures the correct radial orientation te and precise of the container. Of course, any other similar "polarizing" system can be used.

On a représenté schématiquement sur la figure 5 le système d'emmanchement rotulaire de la structure supé­rieure 12 du conteneur 7 dans l'orifice 18 de la plaque supérieure 4. Cet emmanchement rotulaire est réalisé au moyen d'un bourrelet 30 à surface extérieure arrondie, de préférence ayant un profil sensiblement en forme de secteur sphérique centré sur le centre G de la structu­re 12. Ce bourrelet est usiné dans la partie inférieure de la structure 12 et assure le centrage de ladite struc­ture 12 contre le bord d'appui 32 de l'orifice 18 tout en permettant une inclinaison ß (exagérée sur la figu­re 5) de l'axe XX du conteneur par rapport à la perpen­diculaire P-P à la plaque supérieure 4. Un joint torique 34, à la partie supérieure de la structure 12, assure l'étanchéité au niveau de la plaque 4, malgré les écarts angulaires ß.Schematically shown in FIG. 5 is the system of rotary fitting of the upper structure 12 of the container 7 into the orifice 18 of the upper plate 4. This rotary fitting is produced by means of a bead 30 with a rounded external surface, preferably having a profile substantially in the form of a spherical sector centered on the center G of the structure 12. This bead is machined in the lower part of the structure 12 and ensures the centering of said structure 12 against the bearing edge 32 of l orifice 18 while allowing an inclination ß (exaggerated in FIG. 5) of the axis XX of the container with respect to the perpendicular PP to the upper plate 4. An O-ring 34, at the upper part of the structure 12, ensures the seal at the level of the plate 4, despite the angular deviations ß .

Grâce à la hauteur h du bord d'appui 32, l'em­manchement rotulaire qui vient d'être décrit constitue aussi un emmanchement glissant permettant de prendre en compte les écarts sur l'écartement H des plaques 2,4 et sur la hauteur des conteneurs.Thanks to the height h of the bearing edge 32, the ball fitting which has just been described also constitutes a sliding fitting making it possible to take into account the differences in the spacing H of the plates 2.4 and in the height of the containers. .

L'emmanchement rotulaire représenté schématique­ment sur la figure 5 pourrait s'appliquer au cas simple où la structure 12 a une section circulaire et où, par conséquent, l'orifice 18 est également circulaire. Dans un tel cas, pour simplifier l'usinage de l'orifice 18, le bord 32 de positionnement du bourrelet 30 serait avanta­geusement constitué par 4 cales ou touches 36 fixées en dessous de la plaque 4, (comme il est représenté sur la figure 6) faisant saillie à l'intérieur de l'orifice 18 et contre lesquelles vient porter le bourrelet 30. A la construction du module il suffit alors de positionner (ou d'usiner) la face 32 des touches 36 pour obtenir facilement l'alignement souhaité du conteneur dans le module, malgre les écarts de cotes de celui-ci.The rotary fitting shown schematically in Figure 5 could be applied to the simple case where the structure 12 has a circular section and where, therefore, the orifice 18 is also circular. In such a case, to simplify the machining of the orifice 18, the edge 32 for positioning the bead 30 would advantageously be constituted by 4 shims or keys 36 fixed below the plate 4, (as shown in FIG. 6 ) projecting inside the orifice 18 and against which the bead 30 comes to bear. When the module is constructed, it suffices then to position (or machine) the face 32 of the keys 36 to easily obtain the desired alignment of the container in the module, despite the dimensional differences of that -this.

On voit que ce système d'alignement permet également de compenser tout excentrement du centre C′ de l'orifice 18 et que, le contact du bourrelet 30 se faisant seulement sur la face 32 des touches 36, ce bourrelet n'a pas besoin d'être continu sur toute la périphérie de la base de la structure haute 12 mais peut être remplacé par 4 portions de bourrelets, à surface arrondie, de faible extension.We see that this alignment system also makes it possible to compensate for any eccentricity of the center C ′ of the orifice 18 and that, the contact of the bead 30 being made only on the face 32 of the keys 36, this bead does not need to 'be continuous over the entire periphery of the base of the high structure 12 but can be replaced by 4 portions of beads, with rounded surface, of small extension.

Cependant, dans la pratique, et comme il est représenté sur la figure 2, les structures d'extrémi­té 10 et 12 du conteneur 7 ont une section carrée ou carrée à coins arrondis. Dans ce cas, les orifices 18 d'introduction des conteneurs dans le module et de po­sitionnement des conteneurs sont également de forme gé­nérale carrée, comme il est représenté sur la figure 1 et sur la figure 7.However, in practice, and as shown in FIG. 2, the end structures 10 and 12 of the container 7 have a square or square section with rounded corners. In this case, the orifices 18 for introducing the containers into the module and for positioning the containers are also of generally square shape, as shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 7.

Sur cette dernière figure on a représenté, com­me sur la figure 6, les touches 36 de positionnement qui sont fixées, en dessous de la plaque 2, suivant les dia­gonales de l'orifice, c'est-à-dire dans les angles à coins arrondis de cet orifice carré 18 qui est centré sur le cen­tre C′.In this last figure, there is shown, as in Figure 6, the positioning keys 36 which are fixed, below the plate 2, along the diagonals of the orifice, that is to say in the corner angles rounding of this square hole 18 which is centered on the center C ′.

La partie centrale hachurée de la figure 7 est une coupe horizontale de la structure haute 12 faite suivant le plan F de la figure 8.The hatched central part of FIG. 7 is a horizontal section of the high structure 12 made along the plane F of FIG. 8.

Les portions de bourrelet 30 ont, en plan, une forme en arc de cercle de centre C′ et de rayon G (figu­re 7) et ont, en coupe verticale, un bord arrondi (figu­re 8) coopérant, à la façon d'une rotule glissante, avec la face 32, tournée vers le centre C′, des touches 36.The bead portions 30 have, in plan, an arcuate shape of center C ′ and radius G (FIG. 7) and have, in vertical section, a rounded edge (FIG. 8) cooperating, in the manner of a sliding ball, with face 32, facing center C ′, keys 36.

Les quatre portions de bourrelet 30 sont en sail­lie radialement vers l'extérieur et, dans ce but, des por­tions 38 des angles de la structure haute 12 sont usinées pour former des portions de surfaces sensiblement cylindri­ques 40 en retrait par rapport aux bords des bourrelets 30. Une de ces surfaces 40 a été représentée en plan, en traits interrompus, dans l'angle inférieur droit de la figure 8, avec un rayon G′< G.The four bead portions 30 project radially outward and, for this purpose, portions 38 of the corners of the high structure 12 are machined to form portions of substantially cylindrical surfaces 40 recessed relative to the edges of the beads 30 One of these surfaces 40 has been shown in plan, in broken lines, in the lower right corner of FIG. 8, with a radius G ′ <G.

Après la construction du module, il suffit d'en­gager en place un conteneur servant de gabarit et de posi­tionner ou d'usiner les bords 32 des touches 36 jusqu'à obtenir l'alignement désiré du conteneur dans le module, cet alignement étant fidèlement retrouvé ensuite au char­gement de tout nouveau conteneur, grâce au système d'ap­pui et de guidage à double rotule qui vient d'être décrit.After the construction of the module, it suffices to place in place a container serving as a template and to position or machine the edges 32 of the keys 36 until the desired alignment of the container in the module is obtained, this alignment being faithfully found. then loading any new container, thanks to the support and guidance system with double ball joint which has just been described.

Claims (8)

1 - Système d'alignement d'un conteneur de mis­sile dans un module de lancement vertical, ledit module comportant une plaque supérieure percée d'orifices et une plaque inférieure percée d'orifices circulaires, lesdites plaques étant réunies par une ossature métallique en treil­lis, ledit conteneur comportant une enveloppe terminée par une structure basse et par une structure haute, ledit sys­tème étant caracterisé en ce qu'il comprend, pour l'aligne­ment de chaque conteneur (7), un appui rotulaire (20) de la structure basse (10) sur le bord (22) de l'orifice cir­culaire (16) de la plaque inférieure (2) et un emmanche­ment rotulaire (30) de la structure haute (12) dans l'ori­fice (18) de la plaque supérieure (4).1 - Alignment system of a missile container in a vertical launch module, said module comprising an upper plate pierced with orifices and a lower plate pierced with circular orifices, said plates being joined by a metallic lattice frame, said container comprising an envelope terminated by a low structure and by a high structure, said system being characterized in that it comprises, for the alignment of each container (7), a ball bearing (20) of the low structure (10 ) on the edge (22) of the circular orifice (16) of the lower plate (2) and a ball joint (30) of the upper structure (12) in the orifice (18) of the upper plate (4) . 2 - Système suivant la revendication 1, caracté­risé en ce que la structure basse (10) du conteneur (7) comporte un bourrelet annulaire (20) adapté à coopérer en appui avec le bord (22) de l'orifice circulaire (16) et en ce que l'un au moins desdits éléments, bourrelet (20) ou bord (22), présente une surface de révolution à génératrice en arc de cercle, notamment une surface de secteur sphérique, ces deux eléments (20-22) formant, en coopération, l'appui rotulaire précité.2 - System according to claim 1, characterized in that the low structure (10) of the container (7) comprises an annular bead (20) adapted to cooperate in abutment with the edge (22) of the circular orifice (16) and in that at least one of said elements, bead (20) or edge (22), has a surface of revolution with a generator in an arc of a circle, in particular a surface of spherical sector, these two elements (20-22) forming, in cooperation, the aforementioned ball joint support. 3 - Système suivant la revendication 2, carac­térisé en ce que le bourrelet (20) faisant partie de la structure basse (10) a un profil sphérique de rayon R cen­tré sur l'axe XX du conteneur (7)et en ce que le bord (22) de l'orifice (16) de la plaque inférieure (2) a un profil tronconique.3 - System according to claim 2, characterized in that the bead (20) forming part of the low structure (10) has a spherical profile of radius R centered on the axis XX of the container (7) and in that the edge (22) of the orifice (16) of the lower plate (2) has a frustoconical profile. 4 - Système suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 3 caractérisé en ce que la structure haute (12) por­te au moins des portions de bourrelet (30) faisant sail­lie radialement vers l'extérieur et ayant, un profil ar­rondi, notamment un profil en forme de secteur sphéri­que, adapté à prendre appui contre des portions de sur­faces verticales (32) bordant l'orifice (18) de la pla­que supérieure (4), lesdites portions de bourrelet (30) formant avec lesdites portions de surface (32) un gui­dage rotulaire et glissant.4 - System according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the high structure (12) carries at least portions of bead (30) projecting radially outward and having a rounded profile, in particular a profile shape of a spherical sector, adapted to bear against portions of vertical surfaces (32) bordering the orifice (18) of the upper plate (4), said bead portions (30) forming with said surface portions (32) a swivel and sliding guide. 5 - Système suivant la revendication 4, carac­térisé en ce que les surfaces d'appui verticales (32) sont constituées par les extrémités de touches (36) rap­portées en-dessous de la plaque supérieure (4), lesdites extrémités (32) débordant à l'intérieur de l'orifice (18) et leur position pouvant être ajustée par usinage ou par réglage de la position des touches (36).5 - System according to claim 4, characterized in that the vertical bearing surfaces (32) are constituted by the ends of keys (36) attached below the upper plate (4), said ends (32) projecting to the interior of the orifice (18) and their position which can be adjusted by machining or by adjusting the position of the keys (36). 6 - Système suivant la revendication 5, carac­térisé en ce que l'orifice (18) et la structure haute (12) ont une forme carrée à coins arrondis ; en ce qu'il est prévu quatre touches (36) disposées dans les coins de l'orifice (18) ; et en ce que les quatre portions de bourrelet (30) correspondantes sont usinées suivant des arcs de cercle de rayon G dans les quatre angles de la structure (12).6 - System according to claim 5, characterized in that the orifice (18) and the high structure (12) have a square shape with rounded corners; in that four keys (36) provided in the corners of the orifice (18) are provided; and in that the four corresponding bead portions (30) are machined according to arcs of a circle of radius G in the four corners of the structure (12). 7 - Système suivant la revendication 6, carac­térisé en ce que des portions d'angle (38) de la struc­ture (12) situées au-dessus des portions de bourrelet (30) sont usinées suivant des arcs de cercle de rayon G′< G pour former des surfaces (40) en retrait par rap­port aux portions de bourrelet (30).7 - System according to claim 6, characterized in that corner portions (38) of the structure (12) located above the bead portions (30) are machined according to circular arcs of radius G ′ <G to form recessed surfaces (40) relative to the bead portions (30). 8 - Système suivant l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la structure basse (10) et la structure haute (12) portent l'une et l'autre un joint périphérique d'étanchéité (24-34) adapté à por­ter contre la paroi de l'orifice correspondant (16-18), sans entraver les mouvements rotulaires du conteneur (7) par rapport au module.8 - System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the low structure (10) and the high structure (12) both carry a peripheral sealing gasket (24-34) suitable for carrying against the wall of the corresponding orifice (16-18), without hampering the rotational movements of the container (7) relative to the module.
EP19880402342 1987-09-17 1988-09-16 Alignment system for missile containers Expired - Lifetime EP0308343B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8712863 1987-09-17
FR8712863A FR2620809B1 (en) 1987-09-17 1987-09-17 MISSIL CONTAINER ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

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EP0308343A1 true EP0308343A1 (en) 1989-03-22
EP0308343B1 EP0308343B1 (en) 1992-09-09

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EP19880402342 Expired - Lifetime EP0308343B1 (en) 1987-09-17 1988-09-16 Alignment system for missile containers

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EP (1) EP0308343B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2034325T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2620809B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL9400447A (en) * 1993-03-24 1994-10-17 Fmc Corp Dual rocket holder.
US10408567B1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2019-09-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy. Modular missile launcher

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2807194A (en) * 1954-08-09 1957-09-24 John Radtke Rocket launching device
US4470336A (en) * 1982-08-05 1984-09-11 General Dynamics, Pomona Division Armored missile launch/shipping container

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2807194A (en) * 1954-08-09 1957-09-24 John Radtke Rocket launching device
US4470336A (en) * 1982-08-05 1984-09-11 General Dynamics, Pomona Division Armored missile launch/shipping container

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL9400447A (en) * 1993-03-24 1994-10-17 Fmc Corp Dual rocket holder.
US10408567B1 (en) * 2019-03-29 2019-09-10 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy. Modular missile launcher

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0308343B1 (en) 1992-09-09
FR2620809A1 (en) 1989-03-24
ES2034325T3 (en) 1993-04-01
FR2620809B1 (en) 1990-01-12

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