EP0743502B1 - Method and device for dismantling carrier projectiles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a Device for the re-laboratoryization of floors, which one Variety of bomblets individually lockable against detonation one or more layers arranged, in which the Bomblets from a first floor to be disassembled Caliber in a second floor to be put together Caliber are brought, the floor to be disassembled is first prepared so that a first bomblet layer exposed.

Bomblet projectiles are artillery shells that a load from submunition, the daughter floors or Bomblets, wear. When in use, these bomblets are over an ejection charge initiated by the time fuse from the Projectile sleeve ejected. This usually happens on the bottom side, where predetermined breaking points of the grenade base attachment must be overcome. The bomblets, their mechanisms of action Splinter formation and shaped charge effect are solved automatically from their association. You are with one each equipped its own detonator, which by swirl and aerodynamic Action after releasing from the bandage is released. Bomblet detonators usually have an ignition system, at which an inert mass provides the necessary initial energy. The safe function is sufficient rapid deceleration of the bomblet on impact on a goal ahead, especially with soft and yielding Structures such as snow, wood or vegetation, is not necessarily given. To ensure functional reliability to ensure that bomb detonators have highly sensitive ignition elements.

It has already been described above that swirl and aerodynamic Effects for releasing bomb blasters in the Functional sequence can be used. Because of the small size the bomblets are usually no other backup or Unlocking mechanisms, such as clockwork, included. As a result, a bomb detonator contains one exposed Bomblets just a fuse, the trigger threshold is naturally at a very low level.

In the loading state within one floor there is another Assurance achieved in that the dressing arrangement by Positive locking of the igniter even in the event of failure makes the backup described above impossible.

For some purposes, the re-laboratoryization of floors expedient, because the bomble types are essentially identical and could in principle also be used for Bullets of different calibers can be used.

However, the delaborating of bomblet bullets already hides because of the described sensitivity of the ignition systems and the existence of only a backup after the solution of the Association's special security risks.

The laboratory regulations, which are also internal at Applicants used take this into account. Such Delaboratory regulation is the basis of the generic terms of Claims 1 and 9.

Projectile safety precautions can be found in US-A 4 253 375.

It is therefore the object of the present invention To provide methods for re-laboratoryizing projectiles, where the risks are minimized so that a risk-free Handling becomes possible.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 solved. Advantageous refinements are the subject of Subclaims.

According to the invention it is provided that the first bomblet layer in Attachment to a first according to the situation pattern of the Designed bomblets of the floor to be disassembled Bring the transport lid and hold it pneumatically will, under the bomblet ply after it comes out of the bullet case is removed, a bottom cover is brought, which is releasably attached the first transport cover is attached, the detonator each Bomblets is backed up, the Bomblets are singled out Bomblets at least partially on a second accordingly the location pattern of the bomblets of the floor to be assembled designed transport lid and arranged there pneumatically be held, the bottom cover is removed, the bomblet layer is lowered into the shell of the second floor and repeating the above steps so many times until either the last bomblet layer from the first Storey removed or a top bomblet layer in the second Projectile is used.

For safety reasons, an exposed one should be removed Bomblet location determined from the floor to be disassembled whether the detonator of each bomblet is secured. This can be safely operated by a television camera happen.

It is preferred for the method according to the invention that the pneumatic holding of the bomblet layers on the first or second transport cover through one at openings of the transport cover applied vacuum is made.

It is particularly preferred if on each of the transport covers an opening is provided for each bomblet, because then the possibility opens up through these openings To provide Bomblet with a locking pin so that its Ignition mechanism is blocked.

For handling reasons, it may be advantageous that the Transport lid is turned through 180 ° as soon as the bomblet layer is adhered to.

The process of re-processing bomblet bullets can are advantageously further developed in that for Repackaging storeys not required Bomblets are disposed of.

For this purpose, the detonator that activates the bomblet is activated Scale housing blasted off the shaped charge funnel fixing flare is milled out, the explosives removed, the ignition amplifier is ejected, the bomblet housing is washed out and eventually explosives, Ignition amplifier and detonator burned.

A facility for the re-laboratoryization of floors that are used for Implementation of the method according to the present invention is suitable, is characterized by at least a first Transport cover with a plant area for a bomblet layer according to a first location pattern in the one to be disarmed Storey, at least a second transport cover with one Investment area for a bomblet layer according to a second layer pattern on the floor to be put together, at least one Bottom cover, which is detachable on the first or second Transport cover is to be fastened in such a way that the bomblet layer is firmly held between the transport cover and the base cover, and a device for at least temporarily holding the Bomblet layer in contact with the respective transport cover.

Other structural components of the facility will be completed by a feed hydraulic formed the bomblet bandage Advance or retract so far within the projectile sleeve, that a bomblet layer is exposed or the same in the Projectile sleeve is returned.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport cover has Openings through which a vacuum or vacuum is applied the investment area can be abandoned. The negative pressure or that Vacuum is applied by a suction manipulator, which the device for at least temporarily holding the Form the bomblet layer in contact with the respective transport cover can.

The transport cover for each bomblet is also advantageous a nest of form, which is formed by a bombardment of the bomblet in the is to be closed essentially vacuum-tight, being in each Form nest one of the openings opens.

It is particularly advantageous if these openings are arranged in this way are that a locking pin for each Backup of the respective bomblet can be performed.

Figur 1

eine erste Station zur Umlaborierung von Geschossen zur Durchführung des Verfahrens gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine zweite Station für die Umlaborierung von Geschossen gemäß dem Verfahren der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Figur 3

eine Detailansicht einer Bombletlage eines zu delaborierenden Geschosses und des Transportdeckels im Schnitt; und

Figur 4

eine Vorrichtung zum Entsorgen von Bomblets, die nicht zum Umlaborieren benötigt werden.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows

Figure 1

a first projectile re-laboratory station for carrying out the method according to the present invention;

Figure 2

a second projectile re-laboratory station according to the method of the present invention;

Figure 3

a detailed view of a Bombletlage a projectile to be disassembled and the transport cover in section; and

Figure 4

a device for the disposal of bomblets that are not required for re-laboratorying.

Bomblet projectiles, often also as grenade projectiles inscribed, have bomblets in layers in a shell arranged on, the bottom layer of the bomblets for securing bandages with metal bowls of the same internal configuration of a bomblet. The bullet head is screwed to the shell. This screw connection is usually additionally secured by an adhesive. In the mouth hole of the projectile head are the mouth hole bushing with Ejection charge used. When it comes to storage and transportation Lifting ring locking screw screwed into the mouth thread.

To unlock such a projectile, the lip screw must be used solved and the ejection charge removed will. This is done in a conventional way and can be done with conventional means. This is followed by Unscrew the aluminum ogive. To threading Avoid heating the interface preferably at temperatures below 80 ° C. It it is advisable to loosen the thread first and into the Thread gap a mixture of a suitable solvent and Instilling alcohol. After a temporary exposure time the thread can be loosened completely.

From the remaining fuselage floor, the base plate is now away. Because of the considerable effort to solve the Threaded connection must have a corresponding device have sufficient clamping and driving forces. The voltage must be circular in any case to ensure is that there are no forces on the deformation of the shell to act on the bomblet bandage.

Then the opened floor is placed in a device brought, which makes it possible to layer the bomblet bandage in To move towards the bottom opening. The introduction of force happens via the expulsion plate attached to the head. The required expulsion force is preferably hydraulic applied, a low-frequency pulsing with low Amplitude makes it easier to overcome the initial one Resistance.

Now the metal bowls already mentioned, which are for the Association protection are intended to be removed.

The first bomblet layer is thus exposed on the ignition side.

For security reasons, it should now be determined preferably with an image processing system, whether one of the Bomblet detonator has armed. If the Security status is determined positively, the bomblet location be removed from the projectile sleeve.

FIG. 1 shows a projectile sleeve 10 that is still filled, from which the base plate is already removed. The metal bowls 12 for securing the first bomblet plate are exposed and can be removed by a suction lifter 30. Of the Suction lifter 30 is pivotable, as it is by the Double arrow A is indicated, such that the siphon Can place metal bowls 12 in a container 40.

Figure 2 shows schematically the process for removing a Bombletlage 14 from the projectile sleeve 10 A feed hydraulic system 50 is attached to the side of the projectile head, which the entire bomblet association towards the Bottom opening of the projectile sleeve 10 moves until the first Bombletlage 14 is exposed. From a magazine 60 for transport lids becomes a closer in connection with Figure 3 descriptive transport cover 20 removed and on a Suction manipulator 52 held. Suction manipulator 52 and transport cover 20 then drive over the first bomblet layer; you will be so far lowered that the first bomblet layer is in contact with the Transport cover 20 comes. The bomblets of the bomblet layer 14 are then pneumatic, with the help of the suction manipulator 52 the transport blanket 20 held. Then a magazine 62 for bottom cover a bottom cover 28 removed and under the Bombletlage 14 brought. This bottom cover 28 becomes form-fitting, via a snap lock or another suitable detachable connection with the transport cover 20 connected. This creates a for handling and transportation secure package that has the same fuse as the Loading of the bomblet floor included.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed representation of the bomblet layer 14 and the transport cover 20, such as a bandage protection for the Bombletlage 14 is reached. For every bomblet of the bomblet layer 14, of which only one is shown in the drawing, a mold cavity 22 is provided in the transport cover 20, in that the bomblet is to be used on the ignition side. Every nest of form 22 is to the side of the suction manipulator 52 Transport cover 20 provided with an opening 24 which on Mold cavity 22 is arranged such that through this opening 24th a locking pin for the ignition mechanism of a bomblet can be used. The suction manipulator 52 lies over a Seal 52 on the transport lid 20, wherein between Suction manipulator 52 and transport cover 20 one with all Holes 24 communicating space remains free. To this room a vacuum is applied so that 22 in each mold cavity Vacuum is generated, the corresponding Bomblet in Transport cover 20 holds. For this purpose, the mold nest 22 is on the edge designed so that it has a substantially dense contact surface or form edge with a bomblet. Bomblet layer 14 can thus together with the transport cover 20 of the Suction manipulator 52 can be removed from the projectile sleeve. Under the bomblet layer 14 there is a bottom cover 28 which by means of a locking clip 29 on a on the transport lid 20 provided approach 26 takes effect. The suction manipulator 52 can then be removed from the transport cover 20 so that the Holes 24 are exposed and through these holes 24 for each Bomblet the locking pin can be inserted. Transport cover 20 and bottom cover 28 can then safely from each other be separated so that the bomblet layer 14 is exposed and the Bomblets can be separated. The delaborating process for a bomblet layer is over.

Basically, the process just described could happen so often be repeated until all the bomblet layers come out of the shell are removed. This happens simultaneously or subsequently Filling an empty projectile sleeve, for example one other caliber, with the occasional bomblets in one second transport cover are used, which is basically has the same structure as the transport cover just described 20, with a mold cavity 22 for each bomblet Bore 24 is provided. The location pattern of the mold nests 22 and with it the Bomblets is chosen however so that it belongs to the Projectile sleeve of the projectile to be assembled is adapted. The isolated bomblets with safety pin are in such Transport cover that the different arrangement of the bomblets take into account, inserted and by attaching the Bottom cover secured so that the locking pin again can be removed.

Then a suction manipulator 52 takes the transport cover again on, the bottom cover is removed and the bomblet layer becomes driven over the projectile sleeve to be equipped. The suction manipulator with the transport lid and the bomblet layer drained to the projectile sleeve. The appropriately set up Hydraulic feed 50 picks up the bomblet position from Transport cover is released so that the bomblet layer now lowered into the projectile sleeve with the aid of the hydraulic feed can be. The next bomblet layer can then be fed will.

The delaborating and refitting steps are so frequent repeated until either the last bomblet layer from the first Storey removed or a top bomblet layer in the second Projectile is inserted.

Then the preparations described above are made, to disassemble another floor, or the assembled one Projectile is refurbished by the last bomblet layer with metal bowls, the bottom cover on the Put on the floor, the ogive is screwed on and the Ejection charge inserted and the mouth screw is screwed in.

It is possible that occasional bomblets will be finally disposed of need to be used on other floors not possible.

The corresponding operations are shown in Figure 4. With the help of a power-operated chisel 70, the scale housing 162 of the Bomblets 16 blasted off. Then the on Bomblet housing 160 lying flare 168 with the help of a Milling cutter 72, so that the shaped charge funnel 166th can be removed. The now exposed explosives 170 comes with a form cutter that is not in the drawing is shown removed. An also not shown The ejection tool is used to eject the ignition amplifier 172. Then the inner contour of the remaining housing 160 washed out. The explosives of the bomblet, namely Explosives 170, ignition amplifier 172 and detonator finally burned in a rotary kiln. The housing can then be disposed of in the usual way.

The described procedure enables safe dismantling sharp bomblets and re-laboring in Bullets of other calibers as well as safe disposal bomblets that are no longer required. The whole process is accessible to the robot controller so that the worker who Disassembly and restocking is secured.

Claims (12)

1. A method of reloading projectiles containing a plurality of bomblets in one or more layers (14), said bomblets being adapted to be secured individually against detonation, in which method bomblets from a projectile of a first calibre for dismantling are brought into a projectile of a second calibre for assembly, the projectile for dismantling first being so prepared as to expose a first bomblet layer (14),
   characterised in that

   a) the first bomblet layer (14) is brought into abutment against a first transportation lid (20) which is devised to correspond to the layer pattern of the bomblets in the projectile for dismantling, and is held pneumatically against said transportation lid (20),

   b) a base lid (28) is brought beneath the bomblet layer (14) and is releasably fixed on the first transportation lid (20),

   c) the fuse of each bomblet is rendered safe,

   d) the bomblets are separated,

   e) the bomblets are disposed at least partially on a transportation lid devised to correspond to the layer pattern of the bomblets of the projectile for assembly,

   f) the bomblet layer is lowered into the shell of the projectile for assembly; and

   g) steps a), f) are repeated until either the last bomblet layer has been removed from the projectile for dismantling or a top bomblet layer has been inserted into the projectile for assembly.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that before an exposed bomblet layer (14) is removed from the projectile for dismantling a check is made as to whether the fuse of each bomblet has been rendered safe.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pneumatic retention of the bomblet layers on the first or second transportation lid is effected by means of a vacuum applied to openings (24) of the transportation lid (20).
4. A method according to claim 3, characterised in that an opening (24) is provided on each of the transportation lids (20) for each bomblet.
5. A method according to claim 4, characterised in that each of the openings (24) is so disposed in the respective transportation lid (20) that a bomblet can be provided with a locking pin through said opening (24).
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the transportation lid (20) is turned through 180° after step a).
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that bomblets not required for reloading projectiles for assembly are disposed of.
8. A method according to claim 7, characterised in that in the case of each bomblet:

   the fuse casing (162) activating the fuse is cut off;

   the beaded zone (168) which fixes the hollow charge cone (166) is cut out;

   the explosive (170) is removed;

   the booster (172) is ejected;

   the bomblet casing (160) is washed out; and

   explosive (170), booster (172) and detonator are incinerated.
9. Apparatus for reloading projectiles containing a plurality of bomblets in one or more layers (14), said bomblets being adapted to be secured individually against detonation, in which method bomblets from a projectile of a first calibre for dismantling are brought into a projectile of a second calibre for assembly, more particularly performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised by

   at least one first transportation lid (20) having an abutment zone for a bomblet layer (14) in accordance with a first layer pattern of the bomblets in the projectile for dismantling,

   at least one second transportation lid having an abutment zone for a bomblet layer according to a second layer pattern in the projectile for assembly;

   at least one base lid (28) which is to be so fixed releasably on the first and second transportation lid or lids (20) that the bomblet layer (14) is held fast between the transportation lid (20) and the base lid (28); and

   a device (52) for at least temporarily holding the bomblet layer in abutment against the respective transportation lid.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the transportation lid (20) has openings (24) through which a negative pressure or vacuum can be applied to the abutment zone.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the transportation lid (20) for each bomblet has a shaped nest (22) which can be closed by an abutment edge of the bomblet so as to be substantially vacuum-tight, one of the openings (24) leading into each nest (22).
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, chareacterised in that the openings (24) are so arranged that a locking pin for rendering the respective bomblet safe can be passed through each such opening.

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