EP0636850A1 - Mine-clearing system, in particular for pressure-plate type land mines - Google Patents

Mine-clearing system, in particular for pressure-plate type land mines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0636850A1
EP0636850A1 EP94401468A EP94401468A EP0636850A1 EP 0636850 A1 EP0636850 A1 EP 0636850A1 EP 94401468 A EP94401468 A EP 94401468A EP 94401468 A EP94401468 A EP 94401468A EP 0636850 A1 EP0636850 A1 EP 0636850A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
demining
mine
vehicle
pads
track
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP94401468A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Amberny
Joel Zelverte
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Giat Industries SA
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Giat Industries SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Giat Industries SA filed Critical Giat Industries SA
Publication of EP0636850A1 publication Critical patent/EP0636850A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F41H11/16—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles
    • F41H11/30—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles with rollers creating a surface load on the ground, e.g. steadily increasing surface load, for triggering purposes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F41H11/16—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles
    • F41H11/28—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles using brushing or sweeping means or dozers to push mines lying on a surface aside; using means for removing mines intact from a surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F41H11/16—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles
    • F41H11/32—Decoy or sacrificial vehicles; Decoy or sacrificial devices attachable to vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a demining system, in particular for surface mines of the pressure plate type, said system comprising demining means pushed by a motorized vehicle and which are intended to come into contact with a mine resting on the ground to make it explode.
  • the demining means are generally constituted by wheels staggered to cover a determined width of the ground. Each wheel is free to rotate and rolls on the ground, a mine having to be able to explode on contact and with the passage of a single wheel.
  • a mine equipped with a pressure plate requires for its explosion the application of pressure for a period which is representative of the pressure exerted by an infantryman marching at a normal pace or by a vehicle traveling at low speed, this duration being estimated to be of the order of 0.4 s.
  • the effectiveness of such a wheeled demining system is subject to a low demining speed, so that the passage time of a single wheel is long enough to detonate the mine, this speed being of course depending on the diameter of the wheel.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by means of a demining system which is capable of exerting a sufficient pressing force on a mine for a sufficiently long duration, while increasing the speed of demining and reducing the duration immobilization necessary for the rehabilitation of elements deteriorated following the explosion of a mine.
  • the invention proposes a demining system of the aforementioned type and which is characterized in that the demining means consist of an elongate deformable surface having an appropriate mass per unit of length to apply to the mine a sufficient continuous pressing force and long enough to detonate the mine when passing through said surface.
  • the elongate deformable surface is metallic and constituted by articulated pads.
  • the articulated pads form a caterpillar wound around two wheels, the shafts of rotation of these two wheels being supported in rotation by a chassis connected to the vehicle by a push bar.
  • the chassis which supports the wheels of the track includes a device for adjusting the tension of the track.
  • the pressure force exerted on a mine is generally equal to the weight of the chassis which supports the track, this weight being able to be increased by additional loads, if necessary.
  • the skids are suspended at low height from the ground, so as to come successively into contact with a mine resting on the ground, the pressure force exerted on the mine then being substantially equal to the weight a skate.
  • the pads are suspended from a support integral with the vehicle by means of flexible cables which allow the surface formed by the pads to deform in contact with a mine and / or d an obstacle such as a stone for example.
  • the suspended pads are preceded by a wheel mounted to rotate freely and the shaft of which is supported by the support or push bar. to which the skates are suspended.
  • the wheel which comes first into contact with a mine can immobilize the latter by driving it slightly into the ground, in the case of loose ground, and prevent the mine from being moved by the suspended skids .
  • the length of the demining surface formed by the tracks of the caterpillar or by hanging skids is chosen so as to find a compromise with a relatively rapid demining speed and without compromising the efficiency of the system. mine clearance.
  • the damage caused by the explosion of a mine on passing the demining surface is most often limited to the replacement of a few consecutive pads of the caterpillar (first embodiment) or of a few consecutive pads suspended on cables (second mode ), these operations do not require long downtimes.
  • the demining system comprises at least one module constituted by the pads of a caterpillar or by pads suspended above the ground, but it is possible to design a demining system with several modules arranged in staggered rows to ensure a demining operation over a larger width of land.
  • a demining system 1 according to the invention is in particular designed to demine a terrain on which mines 2 are based, in particular surface mines of the pressure plate type.
  • the demining system 1 consists of at least one module which is pushed by a motor vehicle 3.
  • the module supports demining means which are constituted by an elongate deformable surface 5 having a suitable mass per unit of length to apply to a mine 2 a sufficient pressing force and long enough to detonate this mine 2 when passing from the surface 5.
  • this surface 5 is metallic and constituted by shoes 6 articulated to allow this surface 5 to be able to deform.
  • the pads 6 form a caterpillar 8 wound around two wheels 10 and 11 mounted free in rotation around two shafts 10a and 11a, respectively.
  • the two shafts 10a and 11a are supported by a chassis 12 connected to the vehicle 3.
  • the chassis 12 comprises for example, on each side of the track 8, two bars 14 and 15 assembled to each other, telescopically, by means of a connecting device 17.
  • This device 17 thus makes it possible to adjust the distance separating the two wheels 10 and 11, that is to say to adjust the tension of the track 8.
  • the demining module formed by the track 8 is pushed by the motor vehicle 3 via a rigid connection structure comprising a push bar 20 which extends substantially parallel to the ground and which is articulated at 20a to the front of the vehicle chassis 3, and a fork 22 mounted between the push bar 20 and the track 8.
  • the fork which comprises a central arm 23 extended, at one end, by two lateral arms 24 parallel and spaced one of the another one slightly wider than the track 8.
  • the two arms 24 of the fork 22 span the track 8 and are respectively fixed to the two bars 14 arranged on either side of the track 8.
  • the central arm 23 is made integral with the push bar 20, with interposition of a device shock absorber 25 constituted by a spring for example.
  • the front wheel 10 mounts on a mine 2 resting on the ground and the pads 6 of the track 8 will apply alternately a pressing force on the mine 2.
  • the length of the caterpillar 8 and the speed of the vehicle 3 are such that the pressure force applied to the mine 2 by the pads 6 is sufficient and exerted long enough for a surface mine of the pressure plate type to explode when the crawler passes 8 pushed by the vehicle 3.
  • the pressure force exerted by the track 8 on the mine 2 is generally equal to the weight of the chassis 12 which supports the track 8, but this force can be increased by adding additional loads 28.
  • Such loads 28 are for example supported by the push bar 20, in the vicinity of the fork 22 which connects the bar 20 to the chassis 12 of the track 8.
  • a demining system comprising several modules M, each module comprising a track 8.
  • the modules are for example distributed in two rows with the tracks 8 arranged in staggered rows, so as to be able to clear a greater width of land.
  • the pads 6 are suspended, at low height from the ground, so as to come successively into contact with a mine 2 resting on the ground.
  • the pads 6 are mounted end to end by being articulated two by two by a pin 30 for example.
  • each shoe 6 is extended at one end by a central boss 31 pierced with a hole 32.
  • the shoe 6 is extended by two legs 33 spaced from one another and pierced with two axially aligned holes 34. The distance separating the two legs 33 makes it possible to freely engage a boss 31 of another pad 6, so as to align the holes 34 of the two legs 33 of a first pad with the hole 32 of the boss 31 of a second pad , in order to engage a pin 30 ensuring an articulated connection between the two pads 6.
  • Each shoe 6 also has a fixing lug 35 located for example at its boss 31. This lug 35 is used to fix one end of a flexible connecting cable 37, the other end of which is fixed to a lug 38 supported by a push bar 20 connected to the vehicle 3.
  • the push bar 20 supports, at the front of the pads 6, a wheel 40 which bears on the ground.
  • One end of a swinging arm 43 is attached to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40, while its other end is connected, in an articulated manner by a pin 30 for example, to the first pad 6 or pad located furthest to the front.
  • One end of a second swinging arm 45 is attached to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40, while its other end is articulated by means of a shaft 46 to the push bar.
  • a damping device 48 is mounted between the push bar 20 and the second oscillating arm 45, in the vicinity of the end of the latter which is adjacent to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40.
  • the wheel 40 mounts on a mine 2 resting on the ground with concomitant deformation of the damping device 48, and the mine 2 then comes successively into contact with each of the pads 6 located at the rear of the wheel 40.
  • a sufficient number of pads it is possible to exert on the mine 2 a sufficient pressure force of sufficient pressure so that the mine 2 can explode when one of the pads passes 6.
  • the pressure force exerted on the mine 2 is equal to the weight of each shoe 6.
  • the suspension of each shoe 6 by means of a cable 37 allows the mine clearance surface 5 to be deform the passage of a foreign body, such as a stone P, and follow the shape thereof without disturbing the operation of the demining system.
  • the wheel 40 located at the front of the suspended skids 6 can allow, when the terrain to be cleared is loose, to sink and immobilize the mine 2 in the ground to prevent it from being moved by the pads 6.
  • each module comprising a front wheel 40 and several pads 6 at the rear of that and located at a distance from the ground.
  • connection devices between a demining module constituted either by a caterpillar 8 or by an assembly consisting of a front wheel 40 followed by suspended skids 6, can have more or less complex structures, in particular depending on the number of modules used.
  • a demining system according to the invention can, thanks to its metallic structure, also detonate mines of a different type, such as for example magnetic, seismic or acoustic mines.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Straightening Metal Sheet-Like Bodies (AREA)
  • Road Repair (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)

Abstract

Mine-clearing system, particularly for land mines (2) of the pressure-plate type, comprising land-clearing means pushed by a motorised vehicle (3). The mine-clearing means consist of a deformable elongate surface (5) having a master unit length suitable to apply a sufficient pressure force to the mine (2) for a sufficient period of time to cause the mine to explode as the said surface (5) passes over it. This surface consists, for example, of articulated metal shoes (plates) (6) forming a caterpillar track (8). <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un système de déminage, en particulier pour des mines de surface du type à plateau de pression, ledit système comprenant des moyens de déminage poussés par un véhicule motorisé et qui sont destinés à venir au contact d'une mine reposant sur le sol pour la faire exploser.The present invention relates to a demining system, in particular for surface mines of the pressure plate type, said system comprising demining means pushed by a motorized vehicle and which are intended to come into contact with a mine resting on the ground to make it explode.

Les moyens de déminage sont généralement constitués par des roues disposées en quinconce pour couvrir une largeur de terrain déterminée. Chaque roue est libre en rotation et roule sur le sol, une mine devant pouvoir exploser au contact et au passage d'une seule roue. Cependant, une mine équipée d'un plateau de pression nécessite pour son explosion l'application d'une pression pendant une durée qui est représentative de la pression exercée par un fantassin marchant à une allure normale ou par un véhicule roulant à faible vitesse, cette durée étant estimée comme étant de l'ordre de 0,4 s. Il en résulte que l'efficacité d'un tel système de déminage à roues est assujetti à une faible vitesse de déminage, pour que le temps de passage d'une seule roue soit suffisamment long pour faire exploser la mine, cette vitesse étant bien entendu fonction du diamètre de la roue.The demining means are generally constituted by wheels staggered to cover a determined width of the ground. Each wheel is free to rotate and rolls on the ground, a mine having to be able to explode on contact and with the passage of a single wheel. However, a mine equipped with a pressure plate requires for its explosion the application of pressure for a period which is representative of the pressure exerted by an infantryman marching at a normal pace or by a vehicle traveling at low speed, this duration being estimated to be of the order of 0.4 s. As a result, the effectiveness of such a wheeled demining system is subject to a low demining speed, so that the passage time of a single wheel is long enough to detonate the mine, this speed being of course depending on the diameter of the wheel.

En outre, un autre inconvénient d'un système de déminage à roues est de nécessiter une intervention relativement longue pour échanger les éléments de roues qui ont été détériorés suite à l'explosion d'une mine.In addition, another drawback of a wheeled demining system is that it requires a relatively long intervention to exchange the wheel elements which have been damaged following the explosion of a mine.

Le but de l'invention est de pallier les inconvénients précités grâce à un système de déminage qui soit capable d'exercer sur une mine une force de pression suffisante pendant une durée suffisamment longue, tout en augmentant la vitesse de déminage et en diminuant la durée d'immobilisation nécessaire à la remise en état des éléments détériorés suite à l'explosion d'une mine.The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by means of a demining system which is capable of exerting a sufficient pressing force on a mine for a sufficiently long duration, while increasing the speed of demining and reducing the duration immobilization necessary for the rehabilitation of elements deteriorated following the explosion of a mine.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un système de déminage du type précité et qui est caractérisé en ce que les moyens de déminage sont constitués par une surface allongée déformable ayant une masse appropriée par unité de longueur pour appliquer sur la mine une force de pression continue suffisante et suffisamment longtemps pour faire exploser la mine au passage de ladite surface.To this end, the invention proposes a demining system of the aforementioned type and which is characterized in that the demining means consist of an elongate deformable surface having an appropriate mass per unit of length to apply to the mine a sufficient continuous pressing force and long enough to detonate the mine when passing through said surface.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la surface allongée déformable est métallique et constituée par des patins articulés.According to another characteristic of the invention, the elongate deformable surface is metallic and constituted by articulated pads.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, les patins articulés forment une chenille enroulée autour de deux roues, les arbres de rotation de ces deux roues étant supportés en rotation par un châssis relié au véhicule par une barre de poussée.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the articulated pads form a caterpillar wound around two wheels, the shafts of rotation of these two wheels being supported in rotation by a chassis connected to the vehicle by a push bar.

Avantageusement, le châssis qui supporte les roues de la chenille comporte un dispositif pour assurer le réglage de la tension de la chenille.Advantageously, the chassis which supports the wheels of the track includes a device for adjusting the tension of the track.

Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, la force de pression exercée sur une mine est globalement égale au poids du châssis qui supporte la chenille, ce poids pouvant être augmenté par des charges additionnelles, si nécessaire.In this first embodiment, the pressure force exerted on a mine is generally equal to the weight of the chassis which supports the track, this weight being able to be increased by additional loads, if necessary.

Selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, les patins sont suspendus à faible hauteur du sol, de manière à venir successivement en contact avec une mine reposant sur le sol, la force de pression exercée sur la mine étant alors sensiblement égale au poids d'un patin.According to a second embodiment of the invention, the skids are suspended at low height from the ground, so as to come successively into contact with a mine resting on the ground, the pressure force exerted on the mine then being substantially equal to the weight a skate.

Selon une autre caractéristique de ce second mode de réalisation, les patins sont suspendus à un support solidaire du véhicule par l'intermédiaire de câbles flexibles qui permettent à la surface formée par les patins de se déformer au contact d'une mine et/ou d'un obstacle tel qu'une pierre par exemple.According to another characteristic of this second embodiment, the pads are suspended from a support integral with the vehicle by means of flexible cables which allow the surface formed by the pads to deform in contact with a mine and / or d an obstacle such as a stone for example.

Avantageusement, les patins suspendus sont précédés par une roue montée libre en rotation et dont l'arbre est supporté par le support ou barre de poussée auquel sont suspendus les patins.Advantageously, the suspended pads are preceded by a wheel mounted to rotate freely and the shaft of which is supported by the support or push bar. to which the skates are suspended.

Ainsi, la roue qui vient en premier au contact d'une mine peut immobiliser celle-ci en l'enfonçant légèrement dans le sol, dans le cas d'un terrain meuble, et éviter à la mine d'être déplacée par les patins suspendus.Thus, the wheel which comes first into contact with a mine can immobilize the latter by driving it slightly into the ground, in the case of loose ground, and prevent the mine from being moved by the suspended skids .

D'une manière générale, la longueur de la surface de déminage formée par les patins de la chenille ou par des patins suspendus, est choisie de manière à trouver un compromis avec une vitesse de déminage relativement rapide et sans nuire à l'efficacité du système de déminage.In general, the length of the demining surface formed by the tracks of the caterpillar or by hanging skids, is chosen so as to find a compromise with a relatively rapid demining speed and without compromising the efficiency of the system. mine clearance.

Les dégâts occasionnés par l'explosion d'une mine au passage de la surface de déminage se limitent le plus souvent au remplacement de quelques patins consécutifs de la chenille (premier mode de réalisation) ou de quelques patins consécutifs suspendus à des câbles (deuxième mode de réalisation), ces opérations ne nécessitant pas des durées d'immobilisation élevées.The damage caused by the explosion of a mine on passing the demining surface is most often limited to the replacement of a few consecutive pads of the caterpillar (first embodiment) or of a few consecutive pads suspended on cables (second mode ), these operations do not require long downtimes.

D'une manière générale, le système de déminage selon l'invention comprend au moins un module constitué par les patins d'une chenille ou par des patins suspendus au-dessus du sol, mais il est possible de concevoir un système de déminage avec plusieurs modules disposés en quinconce pour assurer une opération de déminage sur une plus grande largeur de terrain.In general, the demining system according to the invention comprises at least one module constituted by the pads of a caterpillar or by pads suspended above the ground, but it is possible to design a demining system with several modules arranged in staggered rows to ensure a demining operation over a larger width of land.

Un système de déminage selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages parmi lesquels on peut notamment citer :

  • la possibilité d'appliquer une force de pression suffisante sur une mine et pendant une durée suffisamment longue pour faire exploser la mine,
  • l'augmentation de la vitesse de déminage,
  • une meilleure protection du véhicule,
  • une surface articulée qui permet d'épouser la forme du terrain, et
  • une réduction des durées d'immobilisation du véhicule pour procéder à la réparation des dégâts occasionnés par l'explosion d'une mine.
A demining system according to the invention has many advantages, among which we can notably cite:
  • the possibility of applying a sufficient pressing force to a mine and for a sufficiently long time to detonate the mine,
  • increasing the demining speed,
  • better protection of the vehicle,
  • an articulated surface which allows it to follow the shape of the ground, and
  • a reduction in vehicle downtime to repair the damage caused by a mine explosion.

D'autres avantages, caractéristiques et détails de l'invention ressortiront de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins annexés, donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de principe pour illustrer la structure d'un système de déminage selon une premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle selon la flèche II de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue semblable à celle de la figure 1 pour illustrer le principe de fonctionnement du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective pour illustrer une variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention illustré à la figure 1,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de principe pour illustrer un système de déminage selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 7 est une vue de détail d'un élément de déminage, et
  • les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues semblables à celle de la figure 1 pour illustrer le principe de fonctionnement du second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other advantages, characteristics and details of the invention will emerge from the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of example and in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a principle view for illustrating the structure of a demining system according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a partial view along arrow II of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 to illustrate the operating principle of the first embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view to illustrate a variant of the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 5 is a principle view for illustrating a demining system according to a second embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a demining element, and
  • Figures 8 and 9 are views similar to that of Figure 1 to illustrate the operating principle of the second embodiment of the invention.

Un système de déminage 1 selon l'invention est notamment conçu pour déminer un terrain sur lequel reposent des mines 2, en particulier des mines de surface du type à plateau de pression.A demining system 1 according to the invention is in particular designed to demine a terrain on which mines 2 are based, in particular surface mines of the pressure plate type.

Comme cela est illustré à la figure 1, le système de déminage 1 est constitué par au moins un module qui est poussé par un véhicule motorisé 3. Le module supporte des moyens de déminage qui sont constitués par une surface allongée déformable 5 ayant une masse appropriée par unité de longueur pour appliquer sur une mine 2 une force de pression suffisante et suffisamment longtemps pour faire exploser cette mine 2 au passage de la surface 5.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the demining system 1 consists of at least one module which is pushed by a motor vehicle 3. The module supports demining means which are constituted by an elongate deformable surface 5 having a suitable mass per unit of length to apply to a mine 2 a sufficient pressing force and long enough to detonate this mine 2 when passing from the surface 5.

D'une manière générale, cette surface 5 est métallique et constituée par des patins 6 articulés pour permettre à cette surface 5 de pouvoir se déformer.In general, this surface 5 is metallic and constituted by shoes 6 articulated to allow this surface 5 to be able to deform.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 1, les patins 6 forment une chenille 8 enroulée autour de deux roues 10 et 11 montées libres en rotation autour de deux arbres 10a et 11a, respectivement.According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the pads 6 form a caterpillar 8 wound around two wheels 10 and 11 mounted free in rotation around two shafts 10a and 11a, respectively.

Les deux arbres 10a et 11a sont supportés par un châssis 12 relié au véhicule 3. Le châssis 12 comprend par exemple, de chaque côté de la chenille 8, deux barres 14 et 15 assemblées l'une à l'autre, de manière télescopique, au moyen d'un dispositif de liaison 17. Ce dispositif 17 permet ainsi de régler la distance séparant les deux roues 10 et 11, c'est-à-dire de régler la tension de la chenille 8.The two shafts 10a and 11a are supported by a chassis 12 connected to the vehicle 3. The chassis 12 comprises for example, on each side of the track 8, two bars 14 and 15 assembled to each other, telescopically, by means of a connecting device 17. This device 17 thus makes it possible to adjust the distance separating the two wheels 10 and 11, that is to say to adjust the tension of the track 8.

Le module de déminage formé par la chenille 8 est poussé par le véhicule moteur 3 par l'intermédiaire d'une structure de liaison rigide comprenant une barre de poussée 20 qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement au sol et qui est articulée en 20a à l'avant du châssis du véhicule 3, et une fourche 22 montée entre la barre de poussée 20 et la chenille 8. La fourche qui comprend un bras central 23 prolongé, à une extrémité, par deux bras latéraux 24 parallèles et espacés l'un de l'autre d'une largeur légèrement supérieure à celle de la chenille 8.The demining module formed by the track 8 is pushed by the motor vehicle 3 via a rigid connection structure comprising a push bar 20 which extends substantially parallel to the ground and which is articulated at 20a to the front of the vehicle chassis 3, and a fork 22 mounted between the push bar 20 and the track 8. The fork which comprises a central arm 23 extended, at one end, by two lateral arms 24 parallel and spaced one of the another one slightly wider than the track 8.

Les deux bras 24 de la fourche 22 (figure 2) enjambent la chenille 8 et sont respectivement fixés aux deux barres 14 disposées de part et d'autre de la chenille 8. Le bras central 23 est rendu solidaire de la barre de poussée 20, avec interposition d'un dispositif amortisseur 25 constitué par un ressort par exemple.The two arms 24 of the fork 22 (FIG. 2) span the track 8 and are respectively fixed to the two bars 14 arranged on either side of the track 8. The central arm 23 is made integral with the push bar 20, with interposition of a device shock absorber 25 constituted by a spring for example.

En fonctionnement, comme schématiquement représenté à la figure 3, la roue avant 10 monte sur une mine 2 reposant sur le sol et les patins 6 de la chenille 8 vont appliquer tour à tour une force de pression sur la mine 2. La longueur de la chenille 8 et la vitesse du véhicule 3 sont telles que la force de pression appliquée sur la mine 2 par les patins 6 est suffisante et exercée suffisamment longtemps pour qu'une mine de surface du type à plateau de pression puisse exploser au passage de la chenille 8 poussée par le véhicule 3.In operation, as schematically shown in Figure 3, the front wheel 10 mounts on a mine 2 resting on the ground and the pads 6 of the track 8 will apply alternately a pressing force on the mine 2. The length of the caterpillar 8 and the speed of the vehicle 3 are such that the pressure force applied to the mine 2 by the pads 6 is sufficient and exerted long enough for a surface mine of the pressure plate type to explode when the crawler passes 8 pushed by the vehicle 3.

Suite à l'explosion de la mine 2, les dégâts occasionnés se limitent généralement au remplacement de un ou deux patins 6.Following the explosion of mine 2, the damage caused is generally limited to the replacement of one or two skids 6.

La force de pression exercée par la chenille 8 sur la mine 2 est globalement égale au poids du châssis 12 qui supporte la chenille 8, mais cette force peut être augmentée en ajoutant des charges additionnelles 28. De telles charges 28 sont par exemple supportées par la barre de poussée 20, au voisinage de la fourche 22 qui relie la barre 20 au châssis 12 de la chenille 8.The pressure force exerted by the track 8 on the mine 2 is generally equal to the weight of the chassis 12 which supports the track 8, but this force can be increased by adding additional loads 28. Such loads 28 are for example supported by the push bar 20, in the vicinity of the fork 22 which connects the bar 20 to the chassis 12 of the track 8.

En se reportant à la figure 4, il est représenté un système de déminage comprenant plusieurs modules M, chaque module comprenant une chenille 8. Les modules sont par exemple répartis sur deux rangées avec les chenilles 8 disposés en quinconce, de manière à pouvoir déminer une largeur de terrain plus importante.Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a demining system comprising several modules M, each module comprising a track 8. The modules are for example distributed in two rows with the tracks 8 arranged in staggered rows, so as to be able to clear a greater width of land.

Selon un second mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 5 à 9, les patins 6 sont suspendus, à faible hauteur du sol, de manière à venir successivement au contact d'une mine 2 reposant sur le sol.According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, the pads 6 are suspended, at low height from the ground, so as to come successively into contact with a mine 2 resting on the ground.

En se reportant à la figure 5, les patins 6 sont montés bout à bout en étant articulés deux à deux par une goupille 30 par exemple. Comme visible à la figure 6, chaque patin 6 est prolongé, à une extrémité, par un bossage central 31 percé d'un trou 32. A son extrémité opposée, le patin 6 se prolonge par deux pattes 33 espacées l'une de l'autre et percées de deux trous 34 axialement alignés. La distance séparant les deux pattes 33 permet d'engager librement un bossage 31 d'un autre patin 6, de manière à aligner les trous 34 des deux pattes 33 d'un premier patin avec le trou 32 du bossage 31 d'un second patin, afin d'engager une goupille 30 assurant une liaison articulée entre les deux patins 6.Referring to Figure 5, the pads 6 are mounted end to end by being articulated two by two by a pin 30 for example. As visible at the Figure 6, each shoe 6 is extended at one end by a central boss 31 pierced with a hole 32. At its opposite end, the shoe 6 is extended by two legs 33 spaced from one another and pierced with two axially aligned holes 34. The distance separating the two legs 33 makes it possible to freely engage a boss 31 of another pad 6, so as to align the holes 34 of the two legs 33 of a first pad with the hole 32 of the boss 31 of a second pad , in order to engage a pin 30 ensuring an articulated connection between the two pads 6.

Chaque patin 6 comporte également une patte de fixation 35 située par exemple au niveau de son bossage 31. Cette patte 35 sert à fixer une extrémité d'un câble de liaison flexible 37 dont l'autre extrémité est fixée à une patte 38 supportée par une barre de poussée 20 reliée au véhicule 3.Each shoe 6 also has a fixing lug 35 located for example at its boss 31. This lug 35 is used to fix one end of a flexible connecting cable 37, the other end of which is fixed to a lug 38 supported by a push bar 20 connected to the vehicle 3.

La barre de poussée 20 supporte, à l'avant des patins 6, une roue 40 qui prend appui sur le sol.The push bar 20 supports, at the front of the pads 6, a wheel 40 which bears on the ground.

Une extrémité d'un bras oscillant 43 est rapportée sur l'arbre de rotation 41 de la roue 40, alors que son autre extrémité est reliée, de manière articulée par une goupille 30 par exemple, au premier patin 6 ou patin situé le plus à l'avant. Une extrémité d'un second bras oscillant 45 est rapportée sur l'arbre de rotation 41 de la roue 40, alors que son autre extrémité est articulée au moyen d'un arbre 46 à la barre de poussée. Un dispositif amortisseur 48 est monté entre la barre de poussée 20 et le second bras oscillant 45, au voisinage de l'extrémité de celui-ci qui est adjacente à l'arbre de rotation 41 de la roue 40.One end of a swinging arm 43 is attached to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40, while its other end is connected, in an articulated manner by a pin 30 for example, to the first pad 6 or pad located furthest to the front. One end of a second swinging arm 45 is attached to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40, while its other end is articulated by means of a shaft 46 to the push bar. A damping device 48 is mounted between the push bar 20 and the second oscillating arm 45, in the vicinity of the end of the latter which is adjacent to the rotation shaft 41 of the wheel 40.

En fonctionnement, comme cela est représenté sur les figures 7 et 8, la roue 40 monte sur une mine 2 reposant sur le sol avec déformation concomitante du dispositif amortisseur 48, et la mine 2 vient ensuite successivement en contact avec chacun des patins 6 situés à l'arrière de la roue 40. Avec un nombre de patins suffisant, il est possible d'exercer sur la mine 2 un effort de pression suffisant de pression suffisamment long pour que la mine 2 puisse exploser au passage de l'un des patins 6. D'une manière générale, l'effort de pression exercé sur la mine 2 est égal au poids de chaque patin 6. La suspension de chaque patin 6 au moyen d'un câble 37, permet à la surface de déminage 5 de se déformer au passage d'un corps étranger, telle qu'une pierre P, et de suivre la forme de celle-ci sans perturber le fonctionnement du système de déminage.In operation, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the wheel 40 mounts on a mine 2 resting on the ground with concomitant deformation of the damping device 48, and the mine 2 then comes successively into contact with each of the pads 6 located at the rear of the wheel 40. With a sufficient number of pads, it is possible to exert on the mine 2 a sufficient pressure force of sufficient pressure so that the mine 2 can explode when one of the pads passes 6. In general, the pressure force exerted on the mine 2 is equal to the weight of each shoe 6. The suspension of each shoe 6 by means of a cable 37 allows the mine clearance surface 5 to be deform the passage of a foreign body, such as a stone P, and follow the shape thereof without disturbing the operation of the demining system.

Selon ce second mode de réalisation, la roue 40 située à l'avant des patins suspendus 6 peut permettre, lorsque le terrain à déminer est meuble, d'enfoncer et d'immobiliser la mine 2 dans le sol pour éviter qu'elle ne soit déplacée par les patins 6.According to this second embodiment, the wheel 40 located at the front of the suspended skids 6 can allow, when the terrain to be cleared is loose, to sink and immobilize the mine 2 in the ground to prevent it from being moved by the pads 6.

Comme dans le cas du premier mode de réalisation, il est possible de réaliser un système de déminage comprenant plusieurs modules répartis en plusieurs rangées avec les patins disposés en quinconce, chaque module comprenant une roue avant 40 et plusieurs patins 6 à l'arrière de celle-ci et situés à distance du sol.As in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to produce a demining system comprising several modules distributed in several rows with the pads arranged in staggered rows, each module comprising a front wheel 40 and several pads 6 at the rear of that and located at a distance from the ground.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux deux modes de réalisation précédents qui ont été décrits uniquement à titre d'exemple. En particulier, les dispositifs de liaison entre un module de déminage constitués soit par une chenille 8 soit par un ensemble constitué d'une roue avant 40 suivi de patins 6 suspendus, peuvent présenter des structures plus ou moins complexes, notamment en fonction du nombre de modules utilisés. Enfin, il est à noter également qu'un système de déminage conforme à l'invention peut, grâce à sa structure métallique, faire également exploser des mines d'un type différent, comme par exemple des mines magnétiques, sismiques ou acoustiques.Of course, the invention is not limited to the two preceding embodiments which have been described only by way of example. In particular, the connection devices between a demining module constituted either by a caterpillar 8 or by an assembly consisting of a front wheel 40 followed by suspended skids 6, can have more or less complex structures, in particular depending on the number of modules used. Finally, it should also be noted that a demining system according to the invention can, thanks to its metallic structure, also detonate mines of a different type, such as for example magnetic, seismic or acoustic mines.

Claims (13)

Système de déminage, en particulier pour des mines de surface du type à plateau de pression, ledit système comprenant des moyens de déminage poussés par un véhicule motorisé et qui sont destinés à venir au contact d'une mine reposant sur le sol pour la faire exploser, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de déminage sont constitués par une surface allongée déformable (5) ayant une masse appropriée par unité de longueur pour appliquer sur ladite mine (2) une force de pression continue suffisante et pendant un temps suffisant pour faire exploser la mine (2) au passage de ladite surface (5).Demining system, in particular for surface mines of the pressure plate type, said system comprising demining means pushed by a motorized vehicle and which are intended to come into contact with a mine resting on the ground to detonate it , characterized in that the demining means consist of an elongate deformable surface (5) having an appropriate mass per unit of length to apply to said mine (2) a sufficient continuous pressing force and for a sufficient time to detonate the mine (2) at the passage of said surface (5). Système de déminage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite surface allongée déformable (5) est métallique et constituée par des patins articulés (6).Demining system according to claim 1, characterized in that said elongate deformable surface (5) is metallic and constituted by articulated pads (6). Système de déminage selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits patins (6) forment une chenille (8) enroulée autour de deux roues (10,11).Demining system according to claim 2, characterized in that said pads (6) form a track (8) wound around two wheels (10,11). Système de déminage selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les deux roues (10,11) de la chenille (8) sont montées libres en rotation autour de deux arbres (10a,11a), respectivement, et en ce que lesdits arbres (10a,11a) sont supportés par un châssis (12) relié au véhicule (3).Demining system according to claim 3, characterized in that the two wheels (10,11) of the track (8) are mounted to rotate freely around two shafts (10a, 11a), respectively, and in that said shafts ( 10a, 11a) are supported by a chassis (12) connected to the vehicle (3). Système de déminage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le châssis (12) de support des roues (10,11) de la chenille (8) est relié au véhicule (3) par un dispositif de liaison rigide (12) comprenant une barre de poussée (20) reliée au véhicule (3) et une fourche (22) reliée au châssis (12)Demining system according to claim 4, characterized in that the chassis (12) for supporting the wheels (10,11) of the track (8) is connected to the vehicle (3) by a rigid connection device (12) comprising a push bar (20) connected to the vehicle (3) and a fork (22) connected to the chassis (12) Système de déminage selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que le châssis (12) comporte un dispositif (17) pour assurer le réglage de la tension de la chenille (8).Demining system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the chassis (12) includes a device (17) for adjusting the tension of the track (8). Système de déminage selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les patins (6) sont suspendus, à faible hauteur du sol, à un support (20) relié au véhicule (3).Demining system according to claim 2, characterized in that the skids (6) are suspended, at low height from the ground, on a support (20) connected to the vehicle (3). Système de déminage selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens pour suspendre les patins (6) sont constitués par des câbles flexibles (37).Demining system according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for suspending the pads (6) consist of flexible cables (37). Système de déminage selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que deux patins consécutifs (6) sont reliés l'un à l'autre par une articulation (30), et en ce qu'il est prévu au moins un câble (37) au niveau de chaque articulation (30).Demining system according to claim 8, characterized in that two consecutive pads (6) are connected to each other by a joint (30), and in that at least one cable (37) is provided at the level of each joint (30). Système de déminage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le support (20) des patins (6) est constituée par une barre de poussée reliée au véhicule (3).Demining system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the support (20) of the skids (6) consists of a push bar connected to the vehicle (3). Système de déminage selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend également une roue libre (40) en appui sur le sol, située à l'avant de la surface de déminage (5) et supportée en rotation par la barre de poussée (20) reliée au véhicule (3).Demining system according to claim 10, characterized in that it also comprises a free wheel (40) bearing on the ground, situated at the front of the demining surface (5) and supported in rotation by the push bar (20) connected to the vehicle (3). Système de déminage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins deux rangées de chenilles (8) disposées en quinconce, lesdites chenilles (8) étant simultanément poussées par le véhicule (3).Demining system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least two rows of tracks (8) staggered, said tracks (8) being simultaneously pushed by the vehicle (3). Système de déminage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins deux rangées de patins disposés en quinconce, lesdits patins (6) étant simultanément poussés par le véhicule (3).Demining system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least two rows of pads arranged in staggered rows, said pads (6) being simultaneously pushed by the vehicle (3).
EP94401468A 1993-07-30 1994-06-28 Mine-clearing system, in particular for pressure-plate type land mines Withdrawn EP0636850A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR9309412 1993-07-30
FR9309412A FR2708729B1 (en) 1993-07-30 1993-07-30 Demining system, in particular for surface mines of the pressure plate type.

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EP (1) EP0636850A1 (en)
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Also Published As

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FR2708729A1 (en) 1995-02-10
US5431082A (en) 1995-07-11
IL110479A (en) 1998-04-05
FR2708729B1 (en) 1995-09-22

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