EP0517557A1 - Device to retain a loose underwater structure in case of an explosion - Google Patents

Device to retain a loose underwater structure in case of an explosion Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0517557A1
EP0517557A1 EP92401313A EP92401313A EP0517557A1 EP 0517557 A1 EP0517557 A1 EP 0517557A1 EP 92401313 A EP92401313 A EP 92401313A EP 92401313 A EP92401313 A EP 92401313A EP 0517557 A1 EP0517557 A1 EP 0517557A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
head
piston
explosion
downstream position
upstream
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
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EP92401313A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0517557B1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume M. Jestin
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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 EP0517557A1 publication Critical patent/EP0517557A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G7/00—Mine-sweeping; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63G7/02—Mine-sweeping means, Means for destroying mines
    • B63G7/08—Mine-sweeping means, Means for destroying mines of acoustic type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device
    • G10K11/006—Transducer mounting in underwater equipment, e.g. sonobuoys

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the blocking of a free structure (partially) underwater, in the event of an underwater explosion.
  • It relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to the explosion resistance of the diaphragms of an underwater acoustic transmitter.
  • Such a transmitter is used for dredging underwater mines and is integrated in a profiled vehicle.
  • the transmitter consists of two large diameter diaphragms set in motion by an electromagnetic motor.
  • the diaphragms are not physically coupled in their displacement. Stops limit their travel inwards and outwards.
  • the walls of the vehicle body are fixed structures which are not vulnerable as opposed to the diaphragms which constitute the mobile structures to be safeguarded.
  • the object of the invention is to avoid destruction of the transmitter by blocking the diaphragms during the duration of the effects of the underwater explosion in order to identify them with fixed structures.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an automatic blocking device, in the event of an explosion, of an underwater free structure having a substantially rectilinear path between an upstream (or high) position and a downstream position (or low).
  • the device of the invention comprises means for temporarily blocking said structure triggered directly by the rectilinear movement of the free structure following the explosion.
  • direct triggering by movement is meant that this triggering does not go through the detection of the explosion by means of a sensor but results from the only movement of the structure.
  • the blockage is temporary, that is, it only lasts for the time of the effects, always rapid, of the explosion.
  • the device of the invention comprises at least one fixed member supporting a movable head with a substantially rectilinear path, between an upstream position and a downstream position, the paths and the respective shapes of a part of the structure and of a part of the head being such that when passing from its upstream position to its downstream position, the structure interferes with the head and drives it from its own upstream position to its own downstream position, the structure and the head being , in their downstream position, nested so that the head prevents the free return of the structure from its downstream position to its upstream position, the fixed member comprising means for allowing passive movement of the head from an upstream position to a downstream position without significant resistance of the head when it is driven from upstream to downstream by the free structure under the effect of the explosion, and to allow a controlled movement of the head from a e downstream position to an upstream position with resistance very strong head against the drive exerted by the structure.
  • the fixed member comprises a cylinder body housing a piston secured to the head by means of a rod coaxial with the body, the piston separating the body into two closed chambers filled with a fluid (such as oil) and communicating by at least one orifice with relatively fast unidirectional flow and one orifice with relatively slow flow leaving a controlled passage of fluid in the opposite direction to that of the orifice with unidirectional flow.
  • a fluid such as oil
  • the orifice with unidirectional flow comprises a valve
  • the orifice with slow flow comprises a free piston
  • At least one of the orifices is provided in the piston.
  • a spring permanently biases one of the faces of the piston, towards its rest position (upstream position).
  • the invention applies to each of the two diaphragms of an underwater sound transmitter.
  • Each diaphragm 1 made of mechanically welded light alloy, consists of a hemispherical wall 2 (for example 0.75 m in diameter) bordered by a crown annular 3 and surmounted by a closing cap 4 fixed by means not shown.
  • the diaphragm 1 comprises a network of vertical ribs 5 which connect the wall 2 to a guide sleeve 6 which slides with lubrication on a fixed axis 7.
  • the diaphragm is set in motion by an electromagnetic coil 8 secured under the crown 3 by conventional means and plunging into the air gap of a non-detailed magnetic circuit block 14.
  • a flexible seal 9 taken between the crown 3 and the outer fixed part, provides sealing while allowing axial movement around a medium position.
  • the diaphragm stroke of approximately 20 mm on either side of the middle position is limited by elastomer stops 10 and 11, sampled and judiciously distributed.
  • the explosion effects cause alternating movements of the diaphragms at speeds up to 8.5 m / s.
  • the forces estimated on a diaphragm with a surface area of around 0.5 m2 at the time of the underwater explosion are of the order of 50 tonnes.
  • the propagation speed of the shock wave in seawater is approximately 1500 m / s.
  • the abnormal event is detected by the forces exerted on the diaphragm by the incident pressure wave. These efforts cause a significant displacement of the diaphragm towards the interior of the vehicle.
  • the diaphragm When the displacement is greater than a predetermined threshold (system geometry), the diaphragm is "supported" by a damping assembly consisting of a flexible stop and a device which ensures blocking.
  • a damping assembly consisting of a flexible stop and a device which ensures blocking.
  • a piston head of the device ensures with a toothing of the diaphragm a dog clutch (or meshing) by simultaneous displacements with concurrent axes.
  • the diaphragm is hooked during the crushing of the flexible stop.
  • Maintaining in the blocking position is greater than the duration of the destructive effects of underwater explosions. This duration is controlled by a hydraulic leak rate organized in the device.
  • the release of the diaphragm is caused by the relaxation of the flexible stop which urges it outwards. The displacement frees the head. The internal spring keeps the device in the rest position.
  • the different functions are autonomous and integrated into the device. To operate, it uses the energy of the explosion. We will now detail these means.
  • an immobilization device consisting of four similar blocks 12 mounted on a base plate 13 secured to the mass 14 of the electromagnetic motor .
  • Each block 12 comprises a cylindrical body 15 whose axis 16 is inclined by about 30 ° relative to the axis 17 of displacement of the diaphragm.
  • the seal is ensured by O-rings 25, 26 protected by anti-extrusion rings in order to save them under the high pressures generated during operation.
  • a series of 33 holes 27 passing through the piston 18 from one side communicates the annular chambers 28 and 29 formed on either side, and ensures the transfer of the oil present in these chambers when the diaphragm is taken over. (fast flow).
  • a valve 30 produced for example in the form of a flexible crown, bearing on a profiled stop 31, makes it possible to close the passages 27 by applying against their opening opening when the hydraulic pressure in the upper chamber 28 exceeds that of the chamber lower 29.
  • a free piston 32 is mounted with a predetermined annular clearance in a passage 33 passing through the piston 18 so as to ensure the controlled transfer of the oil from one chamber to the other, and in particular from the upper chamber 28 to the lower chamber 29, at a slow flow, when the diaphragm is released.
  • a compression spring 34 is supported on one face of the piston 18 and on the cover 24 to permanently urge the piston towards its rest position (retracted or downstream position).
  • Plugs 35 and 36 close orifices communicating respectively with the upper 28 and lower 29 chambers (through the piston rods for the latter) and allow the oil to be filled and boiled during assembly.
  • the lower piston rod 20 is extended by a head 31 of hard treated steel, oriented and secured to the rod 20 by a pin 38 whose head travels through a rectilinear lumen 39 of the body 15.
  • the movable head 31 has, on its peripheral region facing the crown 3 of the diaphragm, a profiled recess comprising a lower horizontal shoulder 40 and an upper horizontal shoulder 41.
  • the crown 3 for its part, has an interior border 42 possibly doubled and forming a toothing whose thickness between the upper and lower planes is slightly less than the distance between the shoulders 40 and 41 of the movable head 37.
  • the operation of the device according to the invention is as follows. The phases of detection and arming, immobilization, and release of the diaphragm will be described successively.
  • the diaphragm immobilizer only comes into action when the critical threshold (pressure wave due to an underwater explosion) for holding the diaphragm structure is reached.
  • the diaphragm 1 urged by the external pressure simultaneously comes into contact with the inner elastomer stop 11 and the plate 40 formed on the piston head 31 of the device.
  • the crushing of the annular stop 11 allows the piston 18 to be driven by means of the head 37 along a concurrent axis at 30 °.
  • the displacement of the piston 18 causes the oil to be transferred from the chamber 29 to the chamber 28 through the holes 27 by lifting the valve 30.
  • valve 30 This movement causes the valve 30 to close and authorizes the transfer of the oil only through the annular clearance formed between the free piston 32 and the orifice 33 of the flange of the piston 18.
  • the diaphragm 1 is thus held in this position during the alternating destructive effects which last at most a time of the order of 100 milliseconds.
  • This transfer of the oil takes place in a variable time from 3 to 10 seconds depending on the value of the crushing of the elastomer stopper 11. This crushing stroke is directly dependent on the effects of the explosion.
  • the diaphragm 1 is released without external intervention after release of the engagement.
  • the spring 34 completes the movement and maintains the piston 18 in the rest position.
  • the functional need for the delay required for blocking is 100 milliseconds.
  • the effective delay of 3 to 10 seconds largely covers the need.
  • the transmitter system is protected against overvoltages caused by the rapid displacement of the diaphragms in the magnetic field produced by the fixed coils.
  • the functional interruption of the transmitter for a few seconds is entirely compatible with the control system.
  • the threshold of effectiveness of the device is such that the explosion effects are not sufficient to request the device for immobilizing the diaphragm, it is that they are considered harmless for the structure.
  • the functional autonomy of the device uses the energy of the direct shock wave.
  • the "diaphragm detection and management" phase lasts two or three milliseconds.
  • the elastomer stop 11 and the immobilization device absorb the energy transmitted by the diaphragm which itself constitutes the detection wall.
  • the elastomer stopper gradually restores the rest of the energy accumulated during the release phase. This energy is dissipated by transferring the oil in the opposite direction.
  • the start of leakage formed around the free piston 32 controls this dissipation.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)

Abstract

An underwater structure (1), such as the diaphragm of an ultrasonic transmitter, can be retained in the event of an explosion by a device which comprises movable-head (37) fixed cylinders (15); the respective courses and forms of a part of the structure and of a part (40, 41) of the head (37) are such that, passing from its upstream position to its downstream position under the effect of the explosion, the structure (1) interferes with the head (37) and moves it so that the head (37) prevents the free return of the structure (1). <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne le blocage d'une structure libre (partiellement) sous-marine, en cas d'explosion sous-marine.The invention relates to the blocking of a free structure (partially) underwater, in the event of an underwater explosion.

Elle concerne plus particulièrement, mais non exclusivement, la tenue aux explosions des diaphragmes d'un émetteur acoustique sous-marin.It relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to the explosion resistance of the diaphragms of an underwater acoustic transmitter.

Un tel émetteur est utilisé pour le dragage de mines sous-marines et est intégré dans un véhicule profilé.Such a transmitter is used for dredging underwater mines and is integrated in a profiled vehicle.

L'émetteur est constitué de deux diaphragmes de grand diamètre mis en mouvement par un moteur électromagnétique. Les diaphragmes ne sont pas attelés matériellement dans leur déplacement. Des butées limitent leur course vers l'intérieur et l'extérieur.The transmitter consists of two large diameter diaphragms set in motion by an electromagnetic motor. The diaphragms are not physically coupled in their displacement. Stops limit their travel inwards and outwards.

Les explosions sous-marines provoquent des réactions d'ondes positives et négatives, des déplacements alternés violents des diaphragmes. Ces chocs provoquaient jusqu'ici leur destruction et mettaient en péril le véhicule et par extension l'existence du système complet.The underwater explosions cause positive and negative wave reactions, violent alternating movements of the diaphragms. These shocks have so far destroyed them and endangered the vehicle and by extension the existence of the complete system.

Les parois du corps de véhicule sont des structures fixes non vulnérables par opposition aux diaphragmes qui constituent les structures mobiles à sauvegarder.The walls of the vehicle body are fixed structures which are not vulnerable as opposed to the diaphragms which constitute the mobile structures to be safeguarded.

L'objet de l'invention est d'éviter la destruction de l'émetteur en bloquant les diaphragmes pendant la durée des effets de l'explosion sous-marines afin de les identifier à des structures fixes.The object of the invention is to avoid destruction of the transmitter by blocking the diaphragms during the duration of the effects of the underwater explosion in order to identify them with fixed structures.

Plus généralement, l'objet de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de blocage automatique, en cas d'explosion, d'une structure libre sous-marine ayant un trajet sensiblement rectiligne entre une position amont (ou haute) et une position aval (ou basse).More generally, the object of the invention is to provide an automatic blocking device, in the event of an explosion, of an underwater free structure having a substantially rectilinear path between an upstream (or high) position and a downstream position (or low).

Le dispositif de l'invention comporte des moyens de blocage temporaire de ladite structure déclenchés directement par le mouvement rectiligne de la structure libre consécutif à l'explosion. On entend par déclenchement direct par le mouvement, que ce déclenchement ne passe pas par la détection de l'explosion au moyen d'un capteur mais résulte du seul mouvement de la structure. Le blocage est temporaire, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne dure que le temps des effets, toujours rapides, de l'explosion.The device of the invention comprises means for temporarily blocking said structure triggered directly by the rectilinear movement of the free structure following the explosion. By direct triggering by movement is meant that this triggering does not go through the detection of the explosion by means of a sensor but results from the only movement of the structure. The blockage is temporary, that is, it only lasts for the time of the effects, always rapid, of the explosion.

Dans une forme de réalisation avantageuse, le dispositif de l'invention comporte au moins un organe fixe supportant une tête mobile à trajet sensiblement rectiligne, entre une position amont et une position aval, les trajets et les formes respectives d'une partie de la structure et d'une partie de la tête étant tels qu'en passant de sa position amont à sa position aval, la structure interfère avec la tête et l'entraîne de sa propre position amont vers sa propre position aval, la structure et la tête étant, dans leur position aval, imbriquées de telle sorte que la tête empêche le libre retour de la structure de sa position aval vers sa position amont, l'organe fixe comportant des moyens pour autoriser un mouvement passif de la tête depuis une position amont vers une position aval sans résistance de la tête notable quand elle est entraînée d'amont en aval par la structure libre sous l'effet de l'explosion, et pour autoriser un mouvement contrôlé de la tête depuis une position aval vers une position amont avec une résistance très forte de la tête à l'encontre de l'entraînement exercé par la structure.In an advantageous embodiment, the device of the invention comprises at least one fixed member supporting a movable head with a substantially rectilinear path, between an upstream position and a downstream position, the paths and the respective shapes of a part of the structure and of a part of the head being such that when passing from its upstream position to its downstream position, the structure interferes with the head and drives it from its own upstream position to its own downstream position, the structure and the head being , in their downstream position, nested so that the head prevents the free return of the structure from its downstream position to its upstream position, the fixed member comprising means for allowing passive movement of the head from an upstream position to a downstream position without significant resistance of the head when it is driven from upstream to downstream by the free structure under the effect of the explosion, and to allow a controlled movement of the head from a e downstream position to an upstream position with resistance very strong head against the drive exerted by the structure.

Avantageusement, l'organe fixe comporte un corps de cylindre logeant un piston solidaire de la tête par l'intermédiaire d'une tige coaxiale au corps, le piston séparant le corps en deux chambres fermées remplies d'un fluide (tel que de l'huile) et communiquant par au moins un orifice à débit relativement rapide unidirectionnel et un orifice à débit relativement lent laissant un passage contrôlé de fluide dans le sens contraire de celui de l'orifice à débit unidirectionnel.Advantageously, the fixed member comprises a cylinder body housing a piston secured to the head by means of a rod coaxial with the body, the piston separating the body into two closed chambers filled with a fluid (such as oil) and communicating by at least one orifice with relatively fast unidirectional flow and one orifice with relatively slow flow leaving a controlled passage of fluid in the opposite direction to that of the orifice with unidirectional flow.

Avantageusement, l'orifice à débit unidirectionnel comporte un clapet, et l'orifice à débit lent comporte un piston libre.Advantageously, the orifice with unidirectional flow comprises a valve, and the orifice with slow flow comprises a free piston.

Avantageusement, au moins l'un des orifices est prévu dans le piston.Advantageously, at least one of the orifices is provided in the piston.

Avantageusement, un ressort sollicite en permanence l'une des faces du piston, vers sa position de repos (position amont).Advantageously, a spring permanently biases one of the faces of the piston, towards its rest position (upstream position).

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description suivante d'un exemple particulier de réalisation. On se référera aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 rassemble deux demi-coupes axiales à travers un diaphragme et le dispositif de l'invention, respectivement à l'état libre (demi-coupe de gauche) et bloqué (demi-coupe de droite).
  • La figure 2 représente plus en détail le dispositif de l'invention en position de blocage.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description of a particular embodiment. Reference is made to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 brings together two axial half-sections through a diaphragm and the device of the invention, respectively in the free state (left half-cut) and blocked (right half-cut).
  • Figure 2 shows in more detail the device of the invention in the locked position.

Dans le cas particulier illustré, l'invention s'applique à chacune des deux diaphragmes d'un émetteur sonore sous-marin.In the particular case illustrated, the invention applies to each of the two diaphragms of an underwater sound transmitter.

Chaque diaphragme 1, réalisé en alliage léger mécano-soudé se compose d'une paroi hémisphérique 2 (par exemple de 0,75 m de diamètre) bordée par une couronne annulaire 3 et surmontée d'une calotte de fermeture 4 fixée par des moyens non représentés. Intérieurement, le diaphragme 1 comporte un réseau de nervures verticales 5 qui relient la paroi 2 à un manchon de guidage 6 qui coulisse avec lubrification sur un axe fixe 7. Le diaphragme est mis en mouvement par une bobine électromagnétique 8 assujettie sous la couronne 3 par des moyens classiques et plongeant dans l'entrefer d'un bloc circuit magnétique 14 non détaillé. Un joint souple 9 pris entre la couronne 3 et la partie fixe extérieure, assure l'étanchéité tout en permettant le déplacement axial autour d'une position moyenne. La course de diaphragme d'environ 20 mm de part et d'autre de la position moyenne est limitée par des butées en élastomère 10 et 11, échantillonnées et réparties judicieusement.Each diaphragm 1, made of mechanically welded light alloy, consists of a hemispherical wall 2 (for example 0.75 m in diameter) bordered by a crown annular 3 and surmounted by a closing cap 4 fixed by means not shown. Internally, the diaphragm 1 comprises a network of vertical ribs 5 which connect the wall 2 to a guide sleeve 6 which slides with lubrication on a fixed axis 7. The diaphragm is set in motion by an electromagnetic coil 8 secured under the crown 3 by conventional means and plunging into the air gap of a non-detailed magnetic circuit block 14. A flexible seal 9 taken between the crown 3 and the outer fixed part, provides sealing while allowing axial movement around a medium position. The diaphragm stroke of approximately 20 mm on either side of the middle position is limited by elastomer stops 10 and 11, sampled and judiciously distributed.

Ces éléments sont connus et n'est donc pas besoin d'être décrits plus amplement.These elements are known and therefore need not be described further.

Les effets d'explosion provoquent des déplacements alternés des diaphragmes à des vitesses pouvant atteindre 8,5 m/s.The explosion effects cause alternating movements of the diaphragms at speeds up to 8.5 m / s.

Les efforts estimés sur un diaphragme d'une surface voisine de 0,5 m² au moment de l'explosion sous-marine sont de l'ordre de 50 tonnes.The forces estimated on a diaphragm with a surface area of around 0.5 m² at the time of the underwater explosion are of the order of 50 tonnes.

La vitesse de propagation de l'onde de choc dans l'eau de mer est de 1500 m/s environ.The propagation speed of the shock wave in seawater is approximately 1500 m / s.

Le problème à résoudre selon l'invention consiste à :

  • détecter l'évènement anormal produit par l'onde de choc d'explosion.
  • Immobiliser les diaphragmes avant et pendant les effets destructeurs de l'explosion.
  • Libérer les diaphragmes à l'issue de la période critique afin de permettre à nouveau le fonctionnement du système.
The problem to be solved according to the invention consists in:
  • detect the abnormal event produced by the explosion shock wave.
  • Immobilize the diaphragms before and during the destructive effects of the explosion.
  • Release the diaphragms at the end of the critical period in order to allow the system to function again.

Selon l'invention, l'évènement anormal est détecté par les efforts exercés sur le diaphragme par l'onde de pression incidente. Ces efforts provoquent un déplacement important du diaphragme vers l'intérieur du véhicule.According to the invention, the abnormal event is detected by the forces exerted on the diaphragm by the incident pressure wave. These efforts cause a significant displacement of the diaphragm towards the interior of the vehicle.

Lorsque le déplacement est supérieur à un seuil prédéterminé (géométrie du système), le diaphragme est "pris en charge" par un ensemble amortisseur constitué d'une butée souple et d'un dispositif qui assure le blocage.When the displacement is greater than a predetermined threshold (system geometry), the diaphragm is "supported" by a damping assembly consisting of a flexible stop and a device which ensures blocking.

Une tête de piston du dispositif assure avec une denture du diaphragme un crabotage (ou engrènement) par des déplacements simultanés à axes concourants.A piston head of the device ensures with a toothing of the diaphragm a dog clutch (or meshing) by simultaneous displacements with concurrent axes.

L'accrochage du diaphragme se fait pendant l'écrasement de la butée souple.The diaphragm is hooked during the crushing of the flexible stop.

Le maintien en position blocage est supérieur à la durée des effets destructeurs des explosions sous-marines. Cette durée est contrôlée par un débit de fuite hydraulique organisé dans le dispositif.Maintaining in the blocking position is greater than the duration of the destructive effects of underwater explosions. This duration is controlled by a hydraulic leak rate organized in the device.

La libération du diaphragme est provoquée par la détente de la butée souple qui le sollicite vers l'extérieur. Le déplacement libère la tête. Le ressort interne maintient le dispositif en position repos.The release of the diaphragm is caused by the relaxation of the flexible stop which urges it outwards. The displacement frees the head. The internal spring keeps the device in the rest position.

Les différentes fonctions sont autonomes et intégrées au dispositif. Pour fonctionner, il utilise l'énergie de l'explosion. On va maintenant détailler ces moyens.The different functions are autonomous and integrated into the device. To operate, it uses the energy of the explosion. We will now detail these means.

Ainsi, conformément à l'invention, il est prévu, à l'intérieur de la coupole constituant le diaphragme 1, un dispositif d'immobilisation constitué de quatre blocs semblables 12 montés sur une plaque de base 13 solidaire de la masse 14 du moteur électromagnétique.Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided, inside the dome constituting the diaphragm 1, an immobilization device consisting of four similar blocks 12 mounted on a base plate 13 secured to the mass 14 of the electromagnetic motor .

Chaque bloc 12 comprend un corps cylindrique 15 dont l'axe 16 est incliné d'environ 30° par rapport à l'axe 17 de déplacement du diaphragme. Le corps 15, qui a la fonction d'un cylindre hydraulique, renferme un piston 18 coulissant grâce à deux demi-tiges 19 et 20 dans des alésages 21 et 22 prévus respectivement dans le fond 23 du corps et dans un couvercle 24 fermant le corps et fixé à celui-ci. L'étanchéité est assurée par des joints toriques 25,26 protégés par des bagues anti-extrusion afin de les épargner sous les hautes-pressions engendrées lors du fonctionnement.Each block 12 comprises a cylindrical body 15 whose axis 16 is inclined by about 30 ° relative to the axis 17 of displacement of the diaphragm. The body 15, which has the function of a hydraulic cylinder, contains a piston 18 sliding thanks to two half-rods 19 and 20 in bores 21 and 22 provided respectively in the bottom 23 of the body and in a cover 24 closing the body and fixed to it . The seal is ensured by O-rings 25, 26 protected by anti-extrusion rings in order to save them under the high pressures generated during operation.

Une série de 33 trous 27 traversant le piston 18 de part en part fait communiquer les chambres annulaires 28 et 29 formées de part et d'autre, et assure le transfert de l'huile présente dans ces chambres lors de la prise en charge du diaphragme (débit rapide).A series of 33 holes 27 passing through the piston 18 from one side communicates the annular chambers 28 and 29 formed on either side, and ensures the transfer of the oil present in these chambers when the diaphragm is taken over. (fast flow).

Un clapet 30 réalisé par exemple sous forme d'une couronne souple, prenant appui sur une butée profilée 31, permet de fermer les passages 27 en s'appliquant contre leur orifice débouchant lorsque la pression hydraulique dans la chambre supérieure 28 dépasse celle de la chambre inférieure 29.A valve 30 produced for example in the form of a flexible crown, bearing on a profiled stop 31, makes it possible to close the passages 27 by applying against their opening opening when the hydraulic pressure in the upper chamber 28 exceeds that of the chamber lower 29.

Un piston libre 32 est monté avec un jeu annulaire prédéterminé dans un passage 33 traversant le piston 18 de manière à assurer le transfert contrôlé de l'huile d'une chambre vers l'autre, et notamment de la chambre supérieure 28 vers la chambre inférieure 29, à débit lent, lors de la libération du diaphragme.A free piston 32 is mounted with a predetermined annular clearance in a passage 33 passing through the piston 18 so as to ensure the controlled transfer of the oil from one chamber to the other, and in particular from the upper chamber 28 to the lower chamber 29, at a slow flow, when the diaphragm is released.

Un ressort de compression 34 s'appuie sur une face du piston 18 et sur le couvercle 24 pour solliciter en permanence le piston vers sa position de repos (position rétractée ou aval).A compression spring 34 is supported on one face of the piston 18 and on the cover 24 to permanently urge the piston towards its rest position (retracted or downstream position).

Des bouchons 35 et 36 ferment des orifices communiquant respectivement avec les chambres supérieure 28 et inférieure 29 (à travers les tiges de piston pour cette dernière) et permettent le remplissage et le débullage de l'huile au montage.Plugs 35 and 36 close orifices communicating respectively with the upper 28 and lower 29 chambers (through the piston rods for the latter) and allow the oil to be filled and boiled during assembly.

La tige de piston inférieure 20 est prolongée par une tête 31 en acier traité dur, orientée et solidarisée par rapport à la tige 20 par un pion 38 dont la tête parcourt une lumière rectiligne 39 du corps 15.The lower piston rod 20 is extended by a head 31 of hard treated steel, oriented and secured to the rod 20 by a pin 38 whose head travels through a rectilinear lumen 39 of the body 15.

La tête mobile 31 comporte sur sa région périphérique tournée vers la couronne 3 du diaphragme, un renfoncement profilé comprenant un épaulement horizontal inférieur 40 et un épaulement horizontal supérieur 41.The movable head 31 has, on its peripheral region facing the crown 3 of the diaphragm, a profiled recess comprising a lower horizontal shoulder 40 and an upper horizontal shoulder 41.

La couronne 3, quant à elle, comporte une bordure intérieure 42 éventuellement doublée et formant une denture dont l'épaisseur entre les plans supérieur et inférieur est légèrement inférieure à l'écart entre les épaulements 40 et 41 de la tête mobile 37.The crown 3, for its part, has an interior border 42 possibly doubled and forming a toothing whose thickness between the upper and lower planes is slightly less than the distance between the shoulders 40 and 41 of the movable head 37.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif conforme à l'invention est le suivant. On décrira successivement les phases de détection et d'armement, d'immobilisation, et de libération du diaphragme.The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows. The phases of detection and arming, immobilization, and release of the diaphragm will be described successively.

Le dispositif d'immobilisation du diaphragme entre en action seulement lorsque le seuil critique (onde de pression due à une explosion sous-marine) pour la tenue de la structure diaphragme est atteint.The diaphragm immobilizer only comes into action when the critical threshold (pressure wave due to an underwater explosion) for holding the diaphragm structure is reached.

En cas de choc d'explosion sous-marine, le diaphragme 1 sollicité par la pression extérieure (onde de choc) entre simultanément en contact avec la butée intérieure en élastomère 11 et le plat 40 ménagé sur la tête 31 de piston du dispositif.In the event of an underwater explosion shock, the diaphragm 1 urged by the external pressure (shock wave) simultaneously comes into contact with the inner elastomer stop 11 and the plate 40 formed on the piston head 31 of the device.

L'écrasement de la butée annulaire 11 permet l'entrainement du piston 18 par l'intermédiaire de la tête 37 suivant un axe concourant à 30°.The crushing of the annular stop 11 allows the piston 18 to be driven by means of the head 37 along a concurrent axis at 30 °.

Le déplacement du piston 18 provoque le transfert de l'huile de la chambre 29 vers la chambre 28 par les trous 27 en soulevant le clapet 30.The displacement of the piston 18 causes the oil to be transferred from the chamber 29 to the chamber 28 through the holes 27 by lifting the valve 30.

L'engrènement complet de la denture 42 avec la tête de piston 31 s'effectue simultanément, jusqu'à la position aval maximale.The complete meshing of the toothing 42 with the piston head 31 takes place simultaneously, up to the maximum downstream position.

Lorsque la sollicitation de l'onde directe provoquée par l'explosion change de sens, le diaphragme 1 est aspiré vers l'extérieur. De ce fait, il entraîne le piston 18 dans l'autre sens avec l'aide de la détente de la butée en élastomère 11.When the stress of the direct wave caused by the explosion changes direction, the diaphragm 1 is sucked out. As a result, it drives the piston 18 in the other direction with the aid of the expansion of the elastomer stop 11.

Ce déplacement provoque la fermeture du clapet 30 et n'autorise le transfert de l'huile qu'à travers le jeu annulaire ménagé entre le piston libre 32 et l'orifice 33 de la collerette du piston 18.This movement causes the valve 30 to close and authorizes the transfer of the oil only through the annular clearance formed between the free piston 32 and the orifice 33 of the flange of the piston 18.

Le diaphragme 1 se trouve ainsi tenu dans cette position pendant les effets alternés destructeurs qui durent au maximum un temps de l'ordre de 100 millisecondes.The diaphragm 1 is thus held in this position during the alternating destructive effects which last at most a time of the order of 100 milliseconds.

Lorsque les effets perturbateurs à hautes pressions disparaissent, la seule action sur le diaphragme 1 est l'effort de restitution provoqué par la butée en élastomère 11.When the disturbing effects at high pressures disappear, the only action on the diaphragm 1 is the restoring force caused by the elastomer stop 11.

Elle transmet sa sollicitation sur le dispositif par l'intermédiaire de l'accrochage de denture 42, de la tête mobile 37 du piston, et du piston 18 pour provoquer le transfert de l'huile à travers le jeu ménagé autour du piston libre 32.It transmits its stress on the device by means of the teeth attachment 42, the movable head 37 of the piston, and the piston 18 to cause the transfer of the oil through the clearance provided around the free piston 32.

Ce transfert de l'huile s'effectue dans un temps variable de 3 à 10 secondes selon la valeur de l'écrasement de la butée en élastomère 11. Cette course d'écrasement est directement fonction des effets de l'explosion.This transfer of the oil takes place in a variable time from 3 to 10 seconds depending on the value of the crushing of the elastomer stopper 11. This crushing stroke is directly dependent on the effects of the explosion.

Le diaphragme 1 se trouve libéré sans intervention extérieure après libération de l'engrènement.The diaphragm 1 is released without external intervention after release of the engagement.

Le ressort 34 achève le mouvement et maintient le piston 18 en position de repos.The spring 34 completes the movement and maintains the piston 18 in the rest position.

Le besoin fonctionnel de la temporisation nécessaire au blocage est de 100 millisecondes. La temporisation effective de 3 à 10 secondes couvre largement le besoin.The functional need for the delay required for blocking is 100 milliseconds. The effective delay of 3 to 10 seconds largely covers the need.

Le système émetteur est protégé contre les surtensions provoquées par le déplacement rapide des diaphragmes dans le champ magnétique produit par les bobines fixes. L'interruption fonctionnelle de l'émetteur de quelques secondes est tout à fait compatible avec le système de commande.The transmitter system is protected against overvoltages caused by the rapid displacement of the diaphragms in the magnetic field produced by the fixed coils. The functional interruption of the transmitter for a few seconds is entirely compatible with the control system.

Le seuil d'efficacité du dispositif est tel que les effets d'explosion ne sont pas suffisants pour solliciter le dispositif d'immobilisation du diaphragme, c'est qu'ils sont considérés comme innoffensifs pour la structure.The threshold of effectiveness of the device is such that the explosion effects are not sufficient to request the device for immobilizing the diaphragm, it is that they are considered harmless for the structure.

L'utilisation de l'énergie recueillie sur le diaphragme peut s'analyser de la façon suivante.The use of energy collected on the diaphragm can be analyzed in the following way.

L'autonomie fonctionnelle du dispositif utilise l'énergie de l'onde de choc directe.The functional autonomy of the device uses the energy of the direct shock wave.

La phase "détection et prise en charge du diaphragme" dure deux ou trois millisecondes.The "diaphragm detection and management" phase lasts two or three milliseconds.

Durant cette phase, la butée en élastomère 11 et le dispositif d'immobilisation absorbent l'énergie transmise par le diaphragme qui constitue lui-même la paroi de détection.During this phase, the elastomer stop 11 and the immobilization device absorb the energy transmitted by the diaphragm which itself constitutes the detection wall.

La dissipation d'une partie de l'énergie accumulée est instantanément effectuée dans le dispositif lors de cette phase détection par :

  • * le frottement dur transversal entre la denture 42 et la tête 37 de piston.
  • * Le frottement de coulissement de la tête 37 sur le corps 15.
  • * le transfert précipité de l'huile à travers la série de trous 27.
Part of the accumulated energy is dissipated instantly in the device during this detection phase by:
  • * the hard transverse friction between the teeth 42 and the piston head 37.
  • * The sliding friction of the head 37 on the body 15.
  • * the precipitated transfer of the oil through the series of holes 27.

La butée en élastomère restitue progressivement le reste de l'énergie accumulée lors de la phase libération. Cette énergie est dissipée par le transfert de l'huile en sens inverse.The elastomer stopper gradually restores the rest of the energy accumulated during the release phase. This energy is dissipated by transferring the oil in the opposite direction.

Le début de fuite ménagé autour du piston libre 32 contrôle cette dissipation.The start of leakage formed around the free piston 32 controls this dissipation.

Claims (8)

Dispositif de blocage d'une structure (1) libre sous-marine, en cas d'explosion, ladite structure ayant un trajet sensiblement rectiligne, entre une position amont et une position aval,
   caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de blocage temporaire de ladite ouverture déclenchés directement par le mouvement rectiligne de la structure libre consécutif à l'explosion.Device for blocking a free underwater structure (1), in the event of an explosion, said structure having a substantially rectilinear path, between an upstream position and a downstream position,
characterized in that it comprises means for temporarily blocking said opening triggered directly by the rectilinear movement of the free structure following the explosion. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte au moins un organe fixe (15) supportant une tête mobile (37) à trajet sensiblement rectiligne, entre une position amont et une position aval, les trajets et les formes respectives d'une partie (42) de la structure et d'une partie (40,41) de la tête (37) étant tels qu'en passant de sa position amont à sa position aval, la structure (1) interfère avec la tête (37) et l'entraîne de sa propre position amont vers sa propre position aval, la structure (1) et la tête (37) étant, dans leur position aval, imbriquées de telle sorte que la tête (37) empêche le libre retour de la structure (1) de sa position aval vers sa position amont, l'organe fixe (15) comportant des moyens (18,27,32) pour autoriser un mouvement passif de la tête (37) depuis une position amont vers une position aval sans résistance de la tête (37) notable quand elle est entraînée d'amont en aval par la structure libre (1) sous l'effet de l'explosion, et pour autoriser un mouvement contrôlé de la tête (37) depuis une position aval vers une position amont avec une résistance très forte de la tête (37) à l'encontre de l'entraînement exercé par la structure (1).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one fixed member (15) supporting a movable head (37) with a substantially rectilinear path, between an upstream position and a downstream position, the paths and the respective shapes of a part (42) of the structure and a part (40,41) of the head (37) being such that when passing from its upstream position to its downstream position, the structure (1) interferes with the head (37 ) and drives it from its own upstream position to its own downstream position, the structure (1) and the head (37) being, in their downstream position, nested so that the head (37) prevents the free return of the structure (1) from its downstream position to its upstream position, the fixed member (15) comprising means (18,27,32) for allowing passive movement of the head (37) from an upstream position to a downstream position without resistance of the head (37) notable when it is driven from upstream to downstream by the free structure (1) under the effect of the explosion, and to allow a controlled movement of the head (37) from a downstream position to an upstream position with a very strong resistance of the head (37) against the drive exerted by the structure (1). Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'organe fixe comporte un corps (15) de cylindre logeant un piston (18) solidaire de la tête (37) par l'intermédiaire d'une tige (26) coaxiale au corps, le piston séparant le corps en deux chambres fermées (28,29) remplies d'un fluide et communiquant par au moins un orifice (27) à débit relativement rapide unidirectionnel et un orifice (33) à débit relativement lent laissant un passage contrôlé de fluide dans le sens contraire de celui de l'orifice à débit unidirectionnel.Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixed member comprises a cylinder body (15) housing a piston (18) secured to the head (37) by means of a rod (26) coaxial with the body, the piston separating the body into two closed chambers (28,29) filled with a fluid and communicating by at least one orifice (27) with relatively rapid unidirectional flow and an orifice (33) with relatively slow flow leaving a controlled passage of fluid in the opposite direction to that of the unidirectional flow orifice. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que l'orifice (27) à débit unidirectionnel comporte un clapet (30).Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the orifice (27) with unidirectional flow comprises a valve (30). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que l'orifice (33) à débit lent comporte un piston libre (32).Device according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the slow-flow orifice (33) comprises a free piston (32). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins l'un des orifices est prévu dans le piston (18).Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the orifices is provided in the piston (18). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'un ressort (34) sollicite en permanence l'une des faces du piston.Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a spring (34) permanently stresses one of the faces of the piston. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il s'applique au maintien d'un diaphragme (1) d'émetteur acoustique sous-marin.Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it applies to the maintenance of an underwater acoustic transmitter diaphragm (1).
EP19920401313 1991-06-07 1992-05-14 Device to retain a loose underwater structure in case of an explosion Expired - Lifetime EP0517557B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9106966A FR2677323B1 (en) 1991-06-07 1991-06-07 DEVICE FOR LOCKING A FREE UNDERWATER STRUCTURE IN THE EVENT OF AN EXPLOSION.
FR9106966 1991-06-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0517557A1 true EP0517557A1 (en) 1992-12-09
EP0517557B1 EP0517557B1 (en) 1994-11-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920401313 Expired - Lifetime EP0517557B1 (en) 1991-06-07 1992-05-14 Device to retain a loose underwater structure in case of an explosion

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EP (1) EP0517557B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69200678T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2677323B1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3539980A (en) * 1968-11-29 1970-11-10 Dynamics Corp America Underwater electroacoustic transducer which resists intense pressure
DE2511992B1 (en) * 1975-03-19 1976-05-26 Blohm Voss Ag VIBRATION GENERATOR, ESPECIALLY FOR A DEVICE FOR CLEARING ACOUSTICALLY ADDABLE SEEMINES
US4704709A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-11-03 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Transducer assembly with explosive shock protection

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3539980A (en) * 1968-11-29 1970-11-10 Dynamics Corp America Underwater electroacoustic transducer which resists intense pressure
DE2511992B1 (en) * 1975-03-19 1976-05-26 Blohm Voss Ag VIBRATION GENERATOR, ESPECIALLY FOR A DEVICE FOR CLEARING ACOUSTICALLY ADDABLE SEEMINES
US4704709A (en) * 1985-07-12 1987-11-03 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Transducer assembly with explosive shock protection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69200678D1 (en) 1994-12-22
FR2677323B1 (en) 1993-09-03
EP0517557B1 (en) 1994-11-17
FR2677323A1 (en) 1992-12-11
DE69200678T2 (en) 1995-03-30

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