EP0881455B1 - Apparatus for expelling water in a torpedo launch tub of a sub-marine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for water discharge intended to equip a launching of objects from installed submerged tubes aboard a submarine or any other type of launcher or mobile or fixed submerged structure.

Known devices of this type are used in the military to launch objects at from submarine torpedo tubes.

These devices illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 are essentially composed of several tubes (a) torpedo launchers (b) (only one tube is shown on the figures) provided with shutters (c) at their ends and a side shutter (d). These torpedo tubes are connected to a delivery device of water by a launch box (e) which is located the outside of the thick hull (f) of the submarine (Figures 1 and 3) or inside when the size of the latter allows it (Figure 2). The box of launch (e) achieves a closed and sealed volume in which the water discharge device will discharge.

According to Figures 1 and 2, the device water discharge called "water-ram" is constituted, see for example document US-A-2837971, by a pneumatic cylinder (g), placed inside the thick hull of the submarine, resulting in a connection mechanical passing through the thick shell (f), the piston (h) of the hydraulic cylinder (i) placed outside. A high pressure compressed air tank fitted with a launch valve is placed near the cylinder pneumatic (g) and is used to supply the latter with energy required for launch. A conduit (j) extends the hydraulic cylinder to the hull exterior of the submarine and is used to channel water from sea taken from the marine environment during displacement hydraulic piston. Some devices water discharge are equipped with a pipe resistant to immersion pressure and have a shutter. A silencer is installed on the exhaust and the bleeding the pneumatic cylinder.

European patent application 0.151.980 describes and claims a variant of the "water-ram" which consists of replace the pneumatic cylinder, supplied with air compressed, by a hydraulic cylinder, supplied by a hydraulic fluid, which comes from an accumulator oleo.

Another variant, not put into service to date, replaces the pneumatic cylinder with a linear motor.

According to Figure 3, the delivery device water is a turbopump consisting of a turbine air (k) placed inside the thick shell of the submarine driving through a reducer (l), a pump (m) placed outside. A pipe (n) extends the pump (m) to the hull exterior of the submarine and is used to channel water from sea taken from the marine environment during pump operation. A compressed air circuit composed of an air tank (o) and a valve launch (p) powers the turbine (k) during the start-up of the device. A silencer is installed on the turbine exhaust.

The operating principle of these devices is briefly described below:

In the case of the use of a "water-ram" actuated by a pneumatic cylinder (Figures 1 and 2), during a launch, as soon as the valve opens launch, the hydraulic piston driven by the cylinder pneumatic powered by high pressure compressed air contained in the tank, discharges seawater via the launch box to the torpedo tube concerned, this one having its lateral opening opened. Pressurization at the rear of the torpedo tube allows hunting of the weapon outside the submarine.

In the case of a device using a turbopump (Figure 3), the valve opening launch supplies compressed air to the turbine which drives the pump through the reduction gear speed. The pump delivers the water taken from the medium sailor towards the back of the weapon via the casing launch and side openings of the torpedo tube. The hydraulic pressure thus established pushes the weapon out of the torpedo tube.

These devices widely used on submarines present their architecture and principle some disadvantages.

• l'installation de ces dispositifs de refoulement d'eau est réalisée au cours de la construction du sous-marin et avant la mise en place de la partie avant. Ces dispositifs restent installés pendant toute la durée de vie du bâtiment. L'ensemble vérin pneumatique-vérin hydraulique occupe un espace important de part et d'autre de la coque épaisse et nécessite la réalisation d'une ouverture de coque dans laquelle coulisse la tige du vérin pneumatique. Hors utilisation, le maintien en position "armé" du dispositif expose la liaison mécanique entre le vérin pneumatique et le piston hydraulique aux agressions du milieu marin (salissures et dépôt de concrétions),
• l'intégrité de la coque épaisse est assurée par des joints d'étanchéité dynamiques situés sur la tige du vérin pneumatique et l'état de surface de cette liaison est primordial, car il ne doit pas détériorer au cours de sa translation, les joints d'étanchéité assurant l'intégrité de la coque épaisse. Ceci impose une maintenance fréquente (manoeuvres périodiques à vide du dispositif en patrouille) pour conserver un état de surface suffisant pour ne pas agresser les joints,
• en cas de défaillance de cette étanchéité, rien ne s'oppose à l'envahissement par le milieu marin de l'intérieur du bâtiment dans le cas d'une disposition du conduit d'amenée d'eau non résistant et non équipé d'un obturateur de coque,
• le fonctionnement du dispositif provoque, pendant la chasse de l'arme, le déplacement à grande vitesse du vérin pneumatique et du piston hydraulique qui sont fortement imbriqués dans les structures internes et dans la coque épaisse du sous-marin. Ce mouvement induit des vibrations importantes source de bruit pouvant rendre le bâtiment détectable par l'ennemi. Pendant cette même phase, l'admission d'air comprimé dans la capacité motrice du vérin pneumatique provoque un bruit important,
• au cours de la mise au repos ou lors de la préparation du dispositif pour une nouvelle chasse succédant à un lancement, la purge de l'air comprimé contenu dans la capacité motrice du vérin pneumatique réalisée dans l'espace réduit que représente l'intérieur d'un sous-marin, provoque une augmentation de la pression de cette enceinte, ainsi qu'un refroidissement sensible de l'atmosphère du sous-marin, surtout lorsque plusieurs chasses sont effectuées dans un laps de temps relativement court. Cette purge provoque un bruit aérien à l'intérieur du sous-marin qui se propage en mer et crée ainsi une autre source d'indiscrétion du bâtiment.

For launching devices using a water-ram type water delivery device actuated by a pneumatic cylinder:

• the installation of these water delivery devices is carried out during the construction of the submarine and before the installation of the front part. These devices remain installed throughout the life of the building. The pneumatic cylinder-hydraulic cylinder assembly occupies a large space on either side of the thick shell and requires the creation of a shell opening in which the rod of the pneumatic cylinder slides. When not in use, keeping the device in the "armed" position exposes the mechanical connection between the pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic piston to attack by the marine environment (soiling and deposit of concretions),
• the integrity of the thick shell is ensured by dynamic seals located on the rod of the pneumatic cylinder and the surface condition of this connection is essential, as it must not deteriorate during its translation, the seals d sealing ensuring the integrity of the thick shell. This requires frequent maintenance (periodic vacuum maneuvers of the device on patrol) to maintain a sufficient surface condition so as not to attack the seals,
• in the event of failure of this seal, nothing prevents invasion by the marine environment of the interior of the building in the case of a provision of the non-resistant water supply duct not equipped with a hull shutter,
• the operation of the device causes, during the hunting of the weapon, the displacement at high speed of the pneumatic cylinder and of the hydraulic piston which are strongly nested in the internal structures and in the thick hull of the submarine. This movement induces significant noise source vibrations that can make the building detectable by the enemy. During this same phase, the admission of compressed air into the drive capacity of the pneumatic cylinder causes significant noise,
• during the resting period or during the preparation of the device for a new flush following a launch, the bleeding of the compressed air contained in the drive capacity of the pneumatic cylinder carried out in the reduced space represented by the interior d 'a submarine, causes an increase in the pressure of this enclosure, as well as a significant cooling of the atmosphere of the submarine, especially when several hunts are carried out in a relatively short period of time. This purge causes airborne noise inside the submarine which propagates at sea and thus creates another source of indiscretion of the vessel.

• l'installation d'une turbopompe impose la réalisation d'une ouverture de grande dimension dans la cloison avant du sous-marin. Le démontage pour entretien de la turbopompe ne peut se faire qu'à l'aide de dispositifs de manutention appropriés et nécessite un clair de passage à l'intérieur du bâtiment, ainsi qu'une ouverture de coque, capables du diamètre extérieur de la bride d'assemblage de la turbopompe à la cloison avant du sous-marin,
• l'intégrité de la coque épaisse est assurée par des éléments mécaniques de la pompe résistant à la pression d'immersion, mais également par des joints d'étanchéité dynamiques situés sur l'arbre d'entraínement de la pompe qui traverse la coque épaisse du sous-marin,
• en cas de défaillance de cette étanchéité, rien ne s'oppose à l'envahissement par le milieu marin de l'intérieur du bâtiment dans le cas d'une disposition du conduit d'amenée d'eau non résistant et non équipé d'un obturateur de coque,
• le fonctionnement de la turbine, outre la surpression et le refroidissement de l'atmosphère à l'intérieur du sous-marin dus à l'échappement de l'air détendu, crée des risques physiologiques graves vis-à-vis du personnel au cours de la détente pendant une durée très brève d'une masse d'air à haute pression. Cette détente brutale produit un bruit aérien très important qui, pour en atténuer les effets, nécessite la mise en place d'un silencieux de grande dimension.

For launching devices using a turbopump:

• the installation of a turbopump requires the creation of a large opening in the front bulkhead of the submarine. Disassembly for maintenance of the turbopump can only be done using appropriate handling devices and requires a clear passage inside the building, as well as a hull opening, capable of the outside diameter of the flange assembly of the turbopump to the front bulkhead of the submarine,
• the integrity of the thick shell is ensured by mechanical elements of the pump resistant to immersion pressure, but also by dynamic seals located on the drive shaft of the pump which passes through the thick shell of the submarine,
• in the event of failure of this seal, nothing prevents invasion by the marine environment of the interior of the building in the case of a provision of the non-resistant water supply duct not equipped with a hull shutter,
• the operation of the turbine, in addition to the overpressure and cooling of the atmosphere inside the submarine due to the exhaust of the relaxed air, creates serious physiological risks for personnel during the expansion for a very short time of a mass of high pressure air. This sudden expansion produces a very significant air noise which, to mitigate the effects, requires the installation of a large silencer.

The object of the present invention is to remedy to the disadvantages of these devices known in modifying the architecture of the delivery device, so as to get better use of the pneumatic energy which makes it possible to ensure a operation with reduced noise level and without the drawbacks inherent in air relaxation compressed in a reduced space.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate the through the thick hull by a movable element in translation or rotation likely to compromise the integrity of the thick shell.

Another object of the invention is also to remove the periodic cleaning operations from the pneumatic cylinder rod.

Another object of the invention is also to propose a water delivery device whose maintenance does not require prolonged immobilization of the submarine.

The present invention achieves these goals and for this purpose relates to a delivery device of water intended to equip a launch facility objects, including a torpedo, mine or missile, from at least one tube integrated into an immersed structure, mobile or fixed, in particular a submarine, which tube is provided with at least one end shutter and one lateral shutter connecting it hydraulically to delivery device by a launch box filled with water, secured to the hull of the submarine, and constituting a closed and sealed volume in which the water is pumped back to the tube, under the action of a leading pneumatic cylinder acting on a hydraulic cylinder driven via water contained in the box and previously removed from the marine environment by a supply conduit, characterized by what the subwoofer is fixedly located outside of the shell and in that the pneumatic cylinder and the cylinder hydraulic constituting the delivery device are removable and independent to take place in or be dissociated from said box, without intervention on the hull, only means of fluid or electrical connection and the launch proper through the hull.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the device has a pressurized gas tank in direct connection with the piston of the pneumatic cylinder leading to train him on the move, without conduit intermediate, which piston is connected to a piston of annular discharge forming a concentric crown around the pneumatic cylinder and able to move linearly, simultaneously with the piston thereof, in a corresponding concentric chamber of the cylinder hydraulic.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the pneumatic piston connection leading to the piston hydraulic driven consists of a stirrup connected by its center at a perpendicular protruding end of said driving piston and connected by its free ends to tie rods parallel to this one and in connection with the concentric driven discharge piston, for constitute a movable hitch with respect to pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder chambers.

• Le diamètre du piston hydraulique est augmenté pour que sa vitesse de déplacement pendant la chasse soit réduite par rapport à celle d'un piston hydraulique d'un système connu.
• Le vérin pneumatique est directement alimenté par le réservoir de gaz sous pression, ce qui élimine les tuyautages et appareils de distribution créant des pertes de charges et des singularités sources de bruit. De plus, la vitesse du gaz sous pression au cours de sa détente sera celle du déplacement du piston hydraulique.
• Le vérin pneumatique fonctionne suivant le principe d'un accumulateur oléo-pneumatique sans qu'il soit nécessaire, dans un enchaínement de plusieurs chasses successives, de purger le gaz comprimé puisque le retour en position "armé" du dispositif est réalisé par le rechargement en fluide hydraulique de la capacité retour du vérin pneumatique à l'aide d'une pompe haute pression. Le déplacement du piston pneumatique comprime ainsi à nouveau le volume de gaz.
• L'ensemble constitué par le vérin pneumatique et le vérin hydraulique, imbriqués l'un dans l'autre, est placé à l'extérieur de la coque épaisse du sous-marin sans qu'il y ait d'autres liaisons avec celle-ci que celles de type mécanique de fixation, de type fluide et électrique pour les servitudes et la surveillance de cet ensemble.
• L'ensemble ainsi réalisé est fixé à la structure extérieure du sous-marin par des liaisons mécaniques de type élastique, de façon à réduire la transmission des vibrations à la coque du sous-marin.
• Hormis la phase d'utilisation du dispositif de refoulement d'eau, de durée très brève, qui place la tige du piston pneumatique en position sortie, celle-ci est maintenue en position rentrée par le remplissage en fluide hydraulique de la capacité retour du vérin pneumatique, donc soustraite aux agressions du milieu marin.
• Le dispositif de refoulement d'eau peut être désolidarisé du sous-marin par les seuls démontages des liaisons mécaniques de fixation et des liaisons des circuits de fluides et électriques avec un minimum de travaux permettant ainsi une maintenance plus facile en atelier ou le remplacement d'un ensemble complet dans un minimum de temps.
• Les matériels installés à l'intérieur de la coque épaisse occupent un espace limité et ne réclament pas de dispositifs particuliers pour leur manutention.

Other advantages will become apparent during the description which follows, for example:

• The diameter of the hydraulic piston is increased so that its speed of movement during hunting is reduced compared to that of a hydraulic piston of a known system.
• The pneumatic cylinder is directly supplied by the pressurized gas tank, which eliminates pipes and distribution devices creating pressure losses and singular sources of noise. In addition, the speed of the gas under pressure during its expansion will be that of the displacement of the hydraulic piston.
• The pneumatic cylinder operates according to the principle of an oleo-pneumatic accumulator without it being necessary, in a sequence of several successive flushes, to purge the compressed gas since the return to the "armed" position of the device is achieved by recharging in hydraulic fluid of the pneumatic cylinder return capacity using a high pressure pump. The displacement of the pneumatic piston thus again compresses the volume of gas.
• The assembly constituted by the pneumatic cylinder and the hydraulic cylinder, nested one inside the other, is placed outside the thick hull of the submarine without there being any other connections with it. as those of mechanical fixing type, of fluid and electric type for the easements and the surveillance of this set.
• The assembly thus produced is fixed to the external structure of the submarine by mechanical connections of the elastic type, so as to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the hull of the submarine.
• Except for the use phase of the water delivery device, of very short duration, which places the rod of the pneumatic piston in the extended position, it is maintained in the retracted position by filling with hydraulic fluid the return capacity of the jack. pneumatic, therefore immune to attacks from the marine environment.
• The water discharge device can be separated from the submarine by the only dismantling of the mechanical fixing connections and the connections of the fluid and electrical circuits with a minimum of work, thus allowing easier maintenance in the workshop or the replacement of a complete set in a minimum of time.
• The materials installed inside the thick hull occupy a limited space and do not require special devices for their handling.

Other characteristics will emerge further during the description which follows and which must be considered in isolation or according to all their possible technical combinations.

• les figures 1, 2 et 3 représentent des exemples de réalisation illustrant l'art antérieur ;
• la figure 4 est une vue d'ensemble en coupe selon la ligne A-A de la figure 7 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue partielle de la figure 4 à échelle agrandie ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de détail de la figure 4 montrant un clapet de purge à flotteur équipant le piston hydraulique ;
• la figure 7 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne B-B de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue du dispositif selon l'invention dans une phase de maintenance ;
• les figures 9, 10a, 10b et 11 sont des schémas de principe du fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention au cours de différentes phases.

This description, given by way of nonlimiting example, will make it easier to understand how the invention can be implemented, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

• Figures 1, 2 and 3 show exemplary embodiments illustrating the prior art;
• Figure 4 is an overall sectional view along line AA of Figure 7;
• Figure 5 is a partial view of Figure 4 on an enlarged scale;
• Figure 6 is a detail view of Figure 4 showing a float purge valve fitted to the hydraulic piston;
• Figure 7 is a sectional view along line BB of Figure 4;
• Figure 8 is a view of the device according to the invention in a maintenance phase;
• Figures 9, 10a, 10b and 11 are block diagrams of the operation of the device according to the invention during different phases.

Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 show an example for implementing the invention on board a submarine equipped with torpedo tubes.

In this configuration which corresponds to the "rest" situation of the device, torpedo tubes 1 with the throwing weapon 5 are shown equipped with their rear 2 and front 3 shutters which can be opened or closed, as well as their lateral shutter 4. The latter which can be opened or closed, plugs water inlet ports 7. These ports connect internal volume 8 of the torpedo tube having its lateral shutter 4 opened with the internal capacity 10 of a box of launch 9. Note that in the example shown, the launch box 9 is connected to the thick hull 11 of the submarine and thus achieves a closed and sealed volume, but the same function can be ensured by any other provision of the launch.

The capacity 10 of the launch box 9 communicates with the volume 12 of a hydraulic cylinder 13 thanks to its open lower part, as well as lights 14 arranged on the side wall of the jack 13. The latter is connected to the launch box 9 by a flange 35 fixed by elastic connections 36. A sealing device 37 isolates capacities 10 and 12 from the outside environment.

Inside the cylinder 13, is placed in a way concentric a pneumatic cylinder 26 whose flange 27 receives a compressed gas tank 28. Seals 29 seal between the internal volumes of the cylinder 26 and reservoir 28 and the outside environment.

A compressed gas circuit composed of pipes 51a, 51b connects the internal volume of the reservoir 28 with a source of production and distribution of compressed gas from the submarine. A valve 52 allows this circuit to be isolated.

An envelope 25 inside which finds a thermal insulator 54, surrounds the cylinder tire 26 so as to hinder trade thermal by conduction and convection between gas relaxed and cooled from tank 28 during a flush and the outside environment. The temperature of the expanded gas must not cool the wall on which the hydraulic piston 15 of cylinder 13, in order to avoid ice formation likely to prevent the return in position of the latter.

The movement of the pneumatic piston 20 of the cylinder 26 is transmitted to the concentric hydraulic piston 15 of circular shape, or any other shape adapted to that of cylinder 13, and annular via a stirrup 21 and tie rods 17 (at least two).

The tie rods 17 are guided in translation by bearings 18, integral with supports 19 fixed to the jack 13. Each level is associated with a braking 16 of the tie rods 17 when they reach the end launch race. The cylinder 13 and the casing 25 pneumatic cylinder 26, the walls of which are coated of a material adapted to the friction conditions in the marine environment, serve as a concentric guide to the piston 15. Dynamic sealing between volume 12 concentric and the external environment is provided by seals 22 and 23, the seal located on the volume side 12 being of preferably scraper type.

According to Figure 6, the piston 15 is equipped with float drain valves 24 interposed between the connections to tie rods 17. In the position shown, these valves, in addition to purging the air trapped in the volume 12, allow, when the piston 15 returns in "armed" position after a launch, to supply the 12 volume of water from the outside environment.

The capacity 31 of the pneumatic cylinder 26 contains a hydraulic fluid and can be ported with a discharge box 6 via a circuit comprising the flange 30 on which is connected the piping 32 a, b, c, d and through the device combining a valve 33 which can be opened or closed, and a means for regulating the flow rate 34 of the hydraulic fluid discharged to the discharge box 6 during the displacement of the piston 20. The movement of the latter is braked at the end of the launch stroke by a device 55 integrated in the flange 30.

A hydraulic fluid circuit composed of pipes 29 a, b, c allows, thanks to a pump 56, to discharge the hydraulic fluid contained in the body discharge 6 to capacity 31, so as to cause displacement of the piston 20 from its end position launch towards the "armed" position, which also as a consequence of compressing the volume of expanded gas of the reservoir 28. A valve 53 makes it possible to isolate this circuit outside of its use phase and a non-return valve 38 prevents pressurization of the circuit upstream of the valve.

Above the hydraulic cylinder 13, is disposed a support 39 fixed by elastic connections 40 to a structure 41 secured to the launch box 9. This support ensures the resumption of the efforts developed by the pneumatic cylinder and it has for this purpose a link 50 immobilizing the body of the jack 26.

A water supply channel 42 fitted with a grid 43 connects the outer shell 49 to the support 39. A seal flexible 44 ensures the continuity of the hull profile exterior.

A circuit composed of pipes 45 a, b and valve 46 which can be opened or closed, allows equipping volumes 12 and 10 with the external environment or to isolate them from this environment.

In this embodiment, the device for water discharge is installed in the part upper part of the submarine, but any other provision performing the same functions may be considered. The electrical circuits for monitoring the device are not shown.

According to FIG. 8, removable connectors 47 and 48, inserted between the elements of the pipes 32 and 51, are placed in such a way that they allow, after have been dismantled, the passage of the assembly 13, 26 to through openings in the upper part of the box 9, structure 41 and the outer shell 49.

The operation of the device is as follows:

According to Figure 9 corresponding to the situation of the device before launch, the torpedo tube 1 with the throwing weapon 5 has been previously filled of water and the pressure of the internal volume 8 balanced by compared to the pressure of enclosure 10. Then the shutters 3 and 4 having been opened, the valve balancing 46 is closed.

The pneumatic piston 20 connected to the piston concentric hydraulic 15 is maintained in the position I by capacity 31 filled with fluid hydraulic, the latter being unable to flow towards the discharge box 6 when the valve 33 is held closed.

The capacity 36 of the tank 28 is filled with gas at the pressure corresponding to the conditions of launch.

According to Figure 10a corresponding to the position of launch, the opening of the valve 33 authorized by the pipes 32 a, b, c and d, the discharge to the discharge box 6 and through the regulation of the flow rate 34 of the hydraulic fluid contained in capacity 31 by moving up to the position II of the pneumatic piston 20 pushed by the gas under pressure contained in the reservoir 28. The piston concentric hydraulic 15 driven by the piston pneumatic 20 pushes water from volume 12 to volume 10 of the launch box 9 and thus supplies water under pressure through the water inlet orifices 7, the volume 8 of the torpedo tube 1 until causing the departure of the throwing weapon and the feeding of this volume during the course of the weapon until its exit torpedo tube.

When the hydraulic piston 15 reaches the position II, braking devices 16 and 55 incorporated in guides 18 and the flange respectively 30 begin to act and slow the movement of pistons 15 and 20 between positions II and III. stopping movement is caused by contact with piston 20 with the flange 30. During the displacement of the piston 15 between positions II and III, the latter discovers gradually the lights 14 of the hydraulic cylinder 13, so as to supply the volume 10 of the launch of water from the outside environment so as not to cause the water hammer due to the sudden stop of the moving water column.

According to FIG. 10b, another embodiment is shown and can be considered to ensure this last function: lights 14 are deleted and the passage of water from the outside environment to capacities 12 and 10, when the piston 15 slows down, is ensured by the opening of float valves 24 of which their characteristics (passage section, difference pressure causing their opening) are adapted to this use (see Figure 6).

Finally, according to Figure 11 corresponding to the return in the "armed" position of the device, the shutter 4 of the torpedo tube just launched is closed, as well as the launch valve 33. The valve balancing 46 is open again.

The opening of valve 53 and the start-up of the pump 56 supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure, taken from the discharge tank 6 and by through the pipes 29 a, b c, 32a, b, c, la air cylinder capacity 31 26. The pressure generated by the pump is such that given the driving section of the pneumatic piston 20 on the fluid side hydraulic lower than the section of this same piston gas side under pressure, the thrust caused by the pressurization of the capacity 31 is greater than the thrust due to partially expanded pressurized gas in tank 28. Moving to position I of the piston 20 driving the piston 15 is then produced, as well as the compression of the gas contained in the tank 28.

During the return of the piston 15 to position I, the float valves 24 act as check valves non-return and allow the passage of the water withdrawn in the external environment towards capacity 12 of the jack hydraulics 13.

When the piston 20 is again in position I, valve 53 is closed and the device is ready for a new launch after the gas pressure compressed in reservoir 28 has been adjusted to nominal pressure.

The device which has just been described finds also its application in the ejection of lures or any other type of countermeasures, as well as in ejection of recoverable submarine powered bodies or the ejection of inert bodies for load shedding operations.

Claims (13)

1. Water expulsion device intended for equipping an installation for launching objects, in particular torpedoes, mines or missiles (5) from at least one tube (1) incorporated in a mobile or fixed immersed structure, in particular a submarine, the said tube (1) being provided with at least one end shutter (3) or a lateral shutter (7) connecting it hydraulically to the expulsion device via a launch chamber (9) filled with water, secured to the hull (11) of the submarine, and constituting a closed watertight volume in which water is ejected to the tube (1) under the action of a driving pneumatic ram (20) acting on a hydraulic ram (13) driven by means of the water contained in the chamber (9) and taken in previously from the marine environment through a supply conduit, characterized in that the chamber (9) is situated in a fixed manner outside the hull (11) and in that the pneumatic ram (26) and the hydraulic ram (13) constituting the expulsion device are detachable and independent so that they can be located in the said chamber or be separated therefrom, without any operation on the hull (11), only fluid or electrical connecting means and the actual launch tubes (1) passing through the hull (11).
2. Expulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a pressurised gas reservoir (28) connected directly to the piston (20) of the driving pneumatic ram (26) so as to bring about its movement, without an intermediate conduit, the said piston (20) being linked to an annular expulsion piston (15) forming a concentric ring around the said pneumatic ram (26) and being capable of moving linearly, simultaneously with the piston (20) thereof, in a corresponding concentric chamber of the hydraulic ram (13).
3. Expulsion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the linkage of the driving pneumatic piston (20) to the driven hydraulic piston (13) consists of a stirrup (21) linked by its centre to one perpendicular emerging end of the said driving piston (20) and linked by its free ends to tie rods (17) parallel thereto and linked to the concentric driven expulsion piston (15), so as to constitute an integral coupling that is displaceable with respect to the chambers of the pneumatic (26) and hydraulic (13) rams.
4. Expulsion device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pneumatic ram (26) receives the compressed gas reservoir (28) directly via a flange (27) and seals (29) providing watertightness between the internal volumes of the ram (26) and the reservoir (28) and the external environment.
5. Expulsion device according to claim 2, characterized in that a compressed gas circuit consisting of tubes (51a, 51b) brings the internal volume (36) of the reservoir (28) into communication with a source of production and distribution of compressed gas of the submarine.
6. Expulsion device according to claim 3, characterized in that the piston (15) is equipped with vent float valves (24) interposed between the linkages of the tie rods (17) enabling not only the air confined to the volume (12) of the hydraulic ram (13) to be purged, but also enabling the said volume to be supplied with water when the piston (15) returns to the "armed" position after a launch.
7. Expulsion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume (31) of the pneumatic ram (26) contains a hydraulic fluid and may be put into communication with a discharge chamber (6) via a circuit including a flange (30) onto which the pipes (32a, 32b, 32c) are connected, and through the device combining a valve (33) which may be open or closed and a means for regulating the flow (34) of hydraulic fluid ejected to the discharge chamber (6) during displacement of the piston (20).
8. Expulsion device according to claim 7, characterized in that a hydraulic fluid circuit composed of pipes (29a, 29b, 29c) enables the hydraulic fluid contained in the discharge chamber (6) to be ejected by means of a pump (56) to the volume (31) so as to produce the movement of the piston (20) from its end of launch position to its "armed" position, which also has the consequence of compressing the volume of gas expanded in the reservoir (28) of the piston (20).
9. Expulsion device according to claim 8, characterized in that a valve (53) enables the circuit (29a, 29b, 29c) to be isolated, outside its utilisation phase, and a non-return valve (38) prevents the circuit upstream to the said valve from being put under pressure.
10. Expulsion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support (39) is positioned above the hydraulic ram (13) and is attached by elastic linkages (40) to a structure (41) secured to the launch chamber (9).
11. Expulsion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a water inlet channel (42) equipped with a grille (43) connects the outer hull (49) to the support (39), a flexible seal (44) providing continuity of the profile of the outer hull (49).
12. Expulsion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a circuit composed of pipes (45a, 45b) and a valve (46), which may be open or closed, enables the volumes (12 and 10) of the hydraulic ram (13) and the launch chamber (9) respectively to be placed at an equal pressure with the external environment or to be isolated from this environment.
13. Expulsion device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is installed in the upper part of the submarine, detachable connections (47 and 48) being interposed between the tubes (32 and 51) enabling the assembly (13, 26), after having been detached, to pass through openings in the upper part of the chamber (9) of the structure (41) and the outer hull (49).

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