Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
  • F41F7/00—Launching-apparatus for projecting missiles or projectiles otherwise than from barrels, e.g. using spigots
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
  • F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
  • F42B5/145—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile for dispensing gases, vapours, powders, particles or chemically-reactive substances
  • F42B5/15—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile for dispensing gases, vapours, powders, particles or chemically-reactive substances for creating a screening or decoy effect, e.g. using radar chaff or infrared material
  • F42B5/155—Smoke-pot projectors, e.g. arranged on vehicles
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B4/00—Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination or signal purposes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for launching smoke hand grenades, in particular launching in salvos for own protection of vehicles.
• the invention relates to that kind of device which is described in the preamble of the attached patent claim No. 1.
• the present invention relates to a smoke launcher which was developed in connection with a user need for battle vehicles which are not originally fitted with smoke grenade launchers.
• a main requirement is for a low- cost, light and free-standing launcher which may be mounted on e.g. tracked vehicles, lorries etc. without cost consuming modifications of the vehicles itself.
• the launcher will moreover be able to use a type of smoke ammunition already existing which is simple and cheap to make.
• the aim of the present invention was to provide a lightweight smoke launcher which which can be produced at low cost and which may rapidly establish a smoke cloud to screen vehicles not equipped with their own smoke screen equipment .
• the principles behind the invention is firing of a smoke hand grenade from a launcher. This is something new and quite special. The aim may be achieved simply by throwing the grenades out by means of the high pressure gases from a gas generator.
• smoke hand grenades are a relatively cheap ammunition compared with the type of ammunition usually intended for launching from today's launchers. A further benefit is achieved through less complex ammunition logistics.
• the gas generator of the launcher is a single unit which produces gas by reaction of a standard blank cartridge or a separate base fuze.
• Two important details of the invention are, firstly, that the grenades are secured by means of a simple function which is integrated in the preferably manually operated firing mechanism and, secondly, that the same operation also activates and fires the gas generator.
• the invention relates to a device of the kind mentioned initially which is according to the invention characterised by the features evident from the characterising clause of the Attached patent claim No. l.
• Figure 1 is a schematic plan, partly in section, of a base plate on which is mounted a launching device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show on a smaller scale most of the elements incorporated in Figure 1, viewed, however, from three different angles, i.e. as a sideways view, a base plan (partly) and an end- on view, respectively.
• Figure 3 shows on the same scale as in Figure 1 an end- on view, partly in section, further details of the device according to the invention where elements forming part of the device are shown in a passive position.
• Figure 4 is a sketch, partly in section, similar to Figure 3 where elements forming part of the device are shown in a starting, activating position.
• Figure 5 shows in details by a sketch similar to Figures 3 and 4, and shows some elements of the device in a further activated position.
• Figures 6A and 6B show in an expanded sketch details respectively of a threaded socket and a bayonet socket comprising a breech block.
• Figure 7 shows in an expanded view details of a hammer / striker cock.
• Figure 8 shows together with Figures 9A and 9B as well as with Figures 10A and 10B how several launching devices may be activated simultaneously.
• Figure 11 shows an outline of principle for an example of transmission of power from motor to base pipe by means of an electric motor.
• Figure 12 shows details of the outline of principle according to Figure 11.
• Figure 13 shows together with Figure 14 an alternative example of a breech block and attachment of the launching pipe.
• Figures 15A and 15B show a further example of power transmission from motor to base pipe.
• Figure 16 shows a schematic plan, partly in section, of a base plate on which is mounted a launching device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 17 is an end-on view, partly in section, in which the device is in a closed or passive position.
• Figures 18, 19 and 20 are end-on views similar to Figure 17 and show the device respectively in a partially detached position, a partially ready position and a firing position.
• Figure 21 is an end-on view similar to Figures 17 to 20 and shows part of the charging procedure for the device.
• Figures 22A and 22B show respectively in sketches viewed from below and sideways how an embodiment of the firing mechanism may be executed.
• Figure 23 is a perspective sketch showing a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, with a special form of base plate.
• Figure 24 shows on a larger scale a sideways view partly in section of details of the embodiment according to Figure 23, in particular as regards the individual launching pipes.
• the device itself is attached to a base plate 1, see in particular Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
• the base plate 1 shown in the figures are designed for mounting on the roof at the font of a tracked vehicle, in particular of the type Bv 206.
• a base plate which may be of standard design, will be attached to a mounting plate specifically designed with a view to the type of vehicle on which the launcher is to be used.
• the launcher may e.g. consist of four launching pipes 3, see Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, connected to a base pipe 4 , Figures 1 and 2.
• a ring is fitted having a protrusion 5, see Figure 1, into which the safety arch of the hand grenade 6 indicated in Figure 1 is to be guided when charging.
• the launching pipes 3 are attached to the base pipe 4 by a transition pipe 7 , see Figures 1 and 2.
• a transition pipe 7 see Figures 1 and 2.
• two round irons 8 At the underside of the base pipe 4 are attached two round irons 8 , Figure 2 being hinged in two bearings 9, see Figures 2, 3 and 5 so designed that when the launching pipes 3 are turned backwards (by more than 90°, a wing being attached to the axle will slip over an edge 10, see Figures 2 and 5, so that the base pipe 4 with the launching pipes 3 may be detached / dismantled from the base plate l.
• a gas generator comprising a chamber 11, see Figure 1, and a breech block 12, see Figures 1, 2 And 6.
• a ignition pin 13 mounted in the breech block 12
• a wing 15 mounted on the breech block 12
• the breech block 12 is attached to the chamber 14a either by means of respectively threads 16 or a bayonet socket 17 , see Figure 6A respectively 6B.
• the device is protected from outside effects by a cover 18, see Figures 2, 3 and 4, having a spring loaded lid 19, see Figures 3 and 4, which is tipped upwards when the pipes are raised/turned up into their firing position.
• a branch guard 20 see Figures 3 and 4.
• the cover 18 is fitted with a hinge 21, see Figure 1, at one end.
• an angle profile 22 is arranged, see Figure 2, which will, at the pull of a handle 23 in a locking arch 24, Figure 2, slip under a crossbar in the locking arch 24, see Figure 2, which will subsequently lock the lid/cover when the springs 25, Figure 2, pull back the locking arch 24.
• the striking device 26 comprises a hammer/cock 27, see Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 which is attached to an axle 28, see Figures 1, 2, 4 and 7 and will by means of a striking spring 29, Figures 1, 4 and 7, provides the cock with a striking direction towards the ignition pin.
• a tension wing 30 is attached, see Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7, which turns the axle and the cock up into its strike position when the wing of the breech block which lies below the tension wing, is forced upwards by the turning movement of the base pipe/breech block.
• levers For mechanically activating two launchers on one vehicle also just one lever may be used. This may be done as e.g. shown in Figures 8, 9A, 9B and 10.
• the arch 31, Figure 3 can then be connected to the struts 32a and 32b, Figures 8, 9A, 9B and 10 connected by a lever 33, Figure 8, which is turned 60° in one direction or the other, depending on the launcher which it is desired to activate.
• the lever 33 which may be operated from inside the vehicle, is attached to an axle 34, passing through the roof of the vehicle and through a coupling housing 35, Figure 10, and continuing to two stable bearing supports 36, Figures 9 and 10, attached to a box enveloping the coupling housing.
• the axle passes through three discs where the primary disc 37 , Figures 9 and 10, is attached to the axle.
• Figure 9B anti- clockwise.
• Figure 10A the primary disc will still engage with the secondary disc 38a, Figures 8, 9 and 10, and turn it in the same direction.
• the strut 32a being hinged to the lifting arch 31, Figures 3 and 4, will then be given a movement inwards towards the launcher 39, Figure 8, whereby the pipes are raised and the launching activated.
• Activating the launcher by means of an electric motor can e.g. be done as shown in the outlines of principles in Figures 11 and 12.
• An eccentric tap on a wheel from a gear box will at one rotation turn an arm 50 connected to the end of the base pipe 4, up into a position for launching of the grenades, and back again, in one continuous movement (2 to 3 sees.) .
• the movement of the raiser arm, i.e. the pipes, when the latter are in their launching position, is so slow that launching will take place in the course of fractions of a second.
• the actual control of that movement may be done in a simple manner e.g. with an electrical mechanical device with a twist switch controlled by the wheel on the gear box as well as a starter button/changeover switch and a power switch on a panel in the vehicle.
• Figures 13 and 14 show an alternative example of a breech block and attachment of launching pipe.
• Figures 15A and 15B show an example of power transmission from motor to base pipe.
• Shown in Figures 16 to 22A and 22B is a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.
• the device is attached to a base plate 101, Figures 16 and 20, fitted with mounting attachments (not shown) to the vehicle, and arches 10, la, Figure 20, for pulling out the safety pin.
• the actual launcher consists of four or more launching pipes 102, Figure 16, with a centred hole 103, Figure 16, in the bottom, furthermore a base pipe 104 supported at each end 104a a gas generator consisting of a breech block 105, and a hammer mechanism 105a, Figure 16 and Figures 22A and 22B.
• mounting pieces 106 with a through-going canal 107 to a canal in the base pipe 108.
• a lid 109 Figure 17
• a lever 110 connected to a pulling mechanism 111 which can be pulled back via a wire 112 to raise the lid 109, and the pipes by means of a pulley 113 with a handle 113a mounted e.g. in the driver's cabin of a tracked vehicle.
• the launcher is being charged by first opening the lid 109 without the pipes being raised. This is done by first lifting the lid (by means of a handle not shown in the drawing) while at the same time the hook 115 is being pulled forward by hand, so that it does not engage with a deflected sheet 116, attached to one of the pipes.
• the lid is raised to its vertical position where it is blocked,
• the grenade is then passed into the pipes while at the same time the safety levers on the grenade are guided into a sheath on the outside of each pipe (not shown) .
• the rings which are fastened to the safety pins of the grenades are then hooked on to the arches 101a, Figure 20, in the base plate.
• the gas generator is subsequently charged by first removing the breech block with the ignition pin attached to the end of the base pipe.
• a blank cartridge e.g. a 7.62 mm red plastic cartridge 117, Figure 16, is passed into the breech block and retained by means of the groove in the metal bushing of the cartridge.
• the breech block with the driving cartridge is then passed into the chamber 118, Figure 16, on the base pipe and locked in a simple manner by means of a bayonet socket.
• the cock of the hammer mechanism will during this operation rest 105a, Figure 16 and Figures 22A and 22B, against the bottom plate and will thus be out of the way.
• the lid is subsequently tipped forwards down towards the bottom plate by a spring.
• the lid is first lifted by means of a pulling mechanism 113, 113a, Figure 17, inside the vehicle.
• the hook 115 engages with the plate 116, the launching pipes will also start to rise.
• the safety pins are pulled out of the ignition mechanism of the grenades, and the cock 105a, Figures 22A and 22B, is raised up towards its correct position and simultaneously being tightened by means of a raising and tightening lever 119.
• the lug 121 tightening the cock will be turned so that it releases the cock which will then hit against the ignition pin 120, Figure 16, in the breech block.
• the blank cartridge will thereby be reacted, and the grenades are launched by the gunpowder gases creating a high pressure in the base plate and the distribution pipes to the bottom of each launching pipe.
• the safety lever is then released when the grenades have left the pipe, and the hammer mechanism ignites a retarder which will after a certain time ignite the charge which blows up the grenade in air with subsequent formation of a smoke cloud.
• Shown in Figures 23 and 24 is a further embodiment of a device according to the present invention.
• a block 238 Used in this embodiment as carrier of the individual launching pipes is a block 238 in which seats have been machined for the individual launching pipes 203, so that the pipes obtain angles which provide a desired sideways spreading of the grenades to be launched from the individual pipes. If the said block 238 is to be attached to a vehicle, a bracket (not shown) will be used, so that the desired angle of elevation is provided.
• Each launching pipe 203 is protected by a lid 239, see in particular Figure 24, the said lid 239 being attached to an arm 240 in which is incorporated a movable locking pin 241.
• the arm 240 may turn on an axle 242 to which also a small wing 243 is attached which can be affected by a gas piston 244.
• the gas piston 244 will provide a torque on the axle 242 which will entail a opening of the lid 239 which in turn causes a ring 245 with its pertaining safety pin 245A on the hand grenade 206 in the pipe 203 to be pulled out.
• the safety wing on the grenade 206 will, however, still be retained, because the launching pipe 203 is equipped with double walls while at the same time the safety wing is passed down between the outer and the inner pipe.
• a springy pin 246 will retain the lid 239 in its closed position, preferably with a certain pre-tension, When the gas piston 244 is activated, the springy pin 246 will be displaced and then across a dead point. When the said pin 246 has passed the dead point, it will assist in opening the lid 239 and subsequently ensure that the lid 239 is kept open.
• the block 238 may preferably be executed with two gas canals 247 and 248.
• the first gas canal 247 may have a connection to the launching pipes 203, while the other gas canal 248 may have branches to each gas cylinder or gas piston 244 which is to open the respective lids 239 which in turn will pull out the ring 245 and pertaining safety pin 245A for the respective grenade 206.
• the two gas canals 247 and 248 each have their own chamber with breech blocks for firing of a blank cartridge.
• the firing unit for the said gas cylinders or gas pistons 244, here referred to as a a first chamber, may suitably be mounted in a hole 249, while a second firing unit, here referred to as a second chamber, may also be placed between the two middle firing pipes 203 (not shown) .
• a firing unit may consist of a block where the blank cartridge is fastened, an ignition pin, ignition piston, and a solenoid which will make contact with the ignition piston when current is supplied.
• the activation initiating launching may appropriately take place from a switch suitably placed inside the vehicle.
• Connected to the switch may be two circuits, a first circuit being first activated for firing of the cartridge in the first chamber, following which the lids 239 of all launching pipes 206 are tipped up while at the same time the respective grenades 206 have their safety catch released.
• the second circuit will automatically be activated by means of a time delay for firing the cartridge in the second chamber, which entails that the grenades 203 are ejected from their respective launching pipes 203 by means of the smoke gas from the said second chamber.
• the lids 209 may thereafter be closed, e.g. manually or by means of other suitable devices.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
• Remote Sensing (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)
• Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=26648694

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

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• 1997
  • 1997-02-11 NO NO970621A patent/NO970621D0/no unknown
  • 1997-09-10 EP EP97941292A patent/EP0927329A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1997-09-10 WO PCT/NO1997/000242 patent/WO1998012495A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1997-09-10 IL IL12902197A patent/IL129021A0/xx unknown
  • 1997-09-10 AU AU43234/97A patent/AU721278B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1997-09-10 KR KR1019997002292A patent/KR20010032431A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1997-09-10 CA CA002265786A patent/CA2265786A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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