EP0952422B9 - Simulator for muzzle loading gun - Google Patents

Abstract

The simulator (1) has a projection barrel (3) with an ejection opening (7) at the lower end to enable a round (8) to fall out. The outlet opening is closed by a closure device so that a grenade can not fall through it. The closure device has a release mechanism that can open the outlet opening. Controlled exiting of the grenade from the opening is guaranteed by a spring-elastic or braking arrangement. Independent claims are also included for a round and a grenade for a simulator.

Description

The present invention relates to a simulator for Muzzle-loading barrel weapons according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as suitable ammunition.

Simulation systems for training the operator military weapon systems offer various advantages and therefore gain increasing interest. Among others are clear less to no security measures necessary, while practicing on real, far-reaching weapon systems in addition to the strict safety measures for the practitioners even large areas, which are difficult to access find, have to be cordoned off to people and Avoid damage to property. After all, practicing in the Usually on simulators also associated with lower costs and can therefore be carried out more intensively. Can too situations are simulated with simulators in the Reality practiced only with great effort or not at all can be e.g. the influence of the weather, shooting in built-up area. For weapon systems with relatively expensive Ammunition such as B. muzzle-loading barrel weapons, what u. a. Mine, grenade and rocket launcher count is a special one Advantage of reusable ammunition.

Known projects for mine throwing simulators suffer a. in the fact that the simulation does not work on crucial points corresponds to reality, which makes dangerous Operating errors on real systems are provoked. After this Execution of a launch is in the known Constructions of the shot, d. H. the mine, grenade, Lighting grenade, etc., in the launch tube and must be removed be removed. For this it is proposed to use the shot a suitable tool back out of the pipe pull it out. For one thing, this manipulation is in the Reality extremely dangerous, on the other hand it is with such a mine launch simulator is also not possible, Practice rapid fire where the shots are as quick as possible to be fired one after the other.

Another suggestion is automatic Throwing out the grenades. One possibility is in Providing a very weak propellant charge, another in it a spring, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or similar. The first option is with Noise development and with the consumption of propellant charges connected, the other demands manual or motor Tensioning the spring or generating the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. A motorized clamping or For its part, printing requires a relatively strong one Energy source, which during realistic practice in the field in usually not available. All ejection techniques require security measures again, since each Grenade is thrown a few meters away. It exists also the risk that the expensive simulation grenade at unfavorable landing, e.g. B. on the tail fin, up to Unusability is damaged. But also those in the top Arranged detonators can be damaged during regular landings become. Finally, it should not be forgotten that the Practice mines / grenades again time consuming after the exercise must be sought and collected.

Patent US-2,801,586 describes use in one Mortar to make the caliber smaller. For use further specified a shot of the reduced caliber that can be shot with the insert. The shot is provided with a propellant charge inside. By changing the outlets for the propellant are the trajectory and range adjustable.

An object of the present invention is to provide a Muzzle loader gun simulator specifying the one realistic practice of the operation while avoiding allowed at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

Such a simulator for muzzle-loading guns is in Claim 1 specified, which define further claims preferred embodiments and especially for the suitable ammunition according to the invention.

Fig. 1

zeigt schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines Minenwerfersimulatars ;

Fig. 2

zeigt die Auswertungseinheit;

Fig. 3

zeigt schematisch einen Teilschnitt durch einen Minenwerfersimulator;

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Schusses für den Minenwerfersimulator;

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Ansicht von unten des Minenwerfersimulators gemäss Figur 4;

Fig. 6

zeigt das Blockschema der Elektronik in einem Simulationsschuss; und

Fig. 7

zeigt das Blockschema der Elektronik im Minenwerfersimulator.

The invention will be explained using an exemplary embodiment with reference to figures.

Fig. 1

schematically shows a side view of a mine thrower simulator;

Fig. 2

shows the evaluation unit;

Fig. 3

shows schematically a partial section through a mine thrower simulator;

Fig. 4

shows a side view of a shot for the mine thrower simulator;

Fig. 5

shows a view from below of the mine thrower simulator according to Figure 4;

Fig. 6

shows the block diagram of the electronics in a simulation shot; and

Fig. 7

shows the block diagram of the electronics in the mine detector simulator.

The mine thrower simulator 1 according to the invention is the same externally a "real" mine thrower: on the base plate 2 the launch tube 3 is pivoted. The upper part of the The launch tube 3 is via a sighting and adjusting unit 4 movably attached to a support 5. As for the Simulation of the alignment of the launch tube 3 u. a. by an electronic compass in the alignment measurement unit 6 is measured, the simulator is in the range of Compasses largely made of anti-magnetic material, in particular the base plate 2 and the launch tube 3 in order not to disturb the earth's magnetic field. As such a material can e.g. B. aluminum, an alloy thereof or brass serve.

The launch tube 3 has the outlet opening at the lower end 7 on, out of the grenade 8 after being above by the practitioner was inserted, again from the launch tube 3 below fall out. The low head largely avoids this Damage to the grenade 8. In addition, under the Failure opening 7 a padding, for. B. a mat, be designed to further increase the danger to the grenades 8 reduce.

The alignment measuring unit 6 already mentioned comprises one electronic magnetic compass for direction (azimuth) and Protractor (inclinometer) to determine the elevation and the tilting of the launch tube 3. The Alignment unit is located with a Radio data transmission unit 9 and a GPS unit 10 for Determining the position of the simulator on a carrier 11, which is attached to the launch tube 3.

Determination of geographic position and elevation and tilting can be done easily with standard components done with sufficient accuracy. Is problematic however, the determination of the direction. In numerous tests was only able to achieve sufficient accuracy with the specified magnetic compass sensor can be achieved. This however, does not rule out that others will in the future Sensor types are used, if necessary also under corresponding reduction in requirements. As a limit 10 artillery units were assumed for accuracy corresponding to a spread of ≤ 10 m at 1 km range or ½ ° angular resolution on the launch tube.

Inside the launch tube 3 is the Evaluation unit 12 with misalignment device and one Battery 13 as power supply for the mine thrower simulator. All of these measuring and control modules 6, 9, 10, 12, 13 are among themselves by power supply, signal and Data lines 21 connected.

The misalignment device, e.g. B. in the manner of a Eccentric gear, also establishes the connection between Launch tube 3 and the bearing ball 14, which on the Base plate 2 rests. After a shot, the Misalignment device from the evaluation unit 12 activated to align the launch tube too change. The misalignment, i. H. the effect the shock of a real mine launcher when fired, simulated.

Data determined by the launcher evaluation unit 12 wirelessly from the transmitter unit 15 when it is launched Evaluation device 16 (Fig. 2) transmitted. The Evaluation device 16 is usually in the care the trainer and serves on the one hand to monitor the correct operation of the mine detector simulator and leads to others the calculation of the trajectory and the virtual Point of impact of the shot. The device 16 can e.g. B. one with a corresponding receiving unit portable computer ("laptop").

Fig. 3 shows a section of the mine thrower simulator 1 in enlarged view. In the launch tube 3 is a grenade 8 just sliding down lower end an optical transmitter 17, via which in the Grenade 8 contains shot control data as light signals 18 can send out. The light signals 18 are from the optical Receiver 19 detected and to the launcher control 12 Evaluation forwarded. Because the transmitter 17 has a cone of light of a suitably chosen opening angle increases Intensity of the light signal detected by the receiver 19 the approach of the grenade 8. This distance dependency the intensity is used, one in the tube 3 to detect grenades sliding down (in contrast to a inserted into the tube end before firing, but still grenade detained). The disappearance of the light signal when the grenade 8 falls out of the drop opening 7 can serve as a trigger for the simulation of the launch, d. H. as equivalent to the ignition of the propellant charge real grenade.

In the area of the outlet opening 7 there are baffles 20, the grenade 8 even with almost vertical alignment the launch tube 3 out of the tube. The Baffles 20 have a passage for the light signal 18 or open a window.

The Fig. 4 and 5 show an enlarged grenade 8. They consists essentially of the body 31, the igniter 32 and the tail 33 with additional charge plate 34. The igniter 32 is, like a real grenade, in the body 31 screwed. Via a mark on the detonator end that is screwed into the body 31, the body 31 arranged shot control 35 (Fig. 7) recognize which Detonator type exists (impact, delay, time detonator etc.). It can be used with the same type of grenade the usual types of ammunition and uses are shown , where appropriate by the shot control 35 or in the evaluation device 16 also illegal combinations be recognized, e.g. B. an impact detonator in one Lighting grenade.

The additional charge plate 34, the simulation shot simple, preferably additional charges simulated platelets are in recordings between two each Guide wing 36 are inserted. So that the shot control 35 can see how many additional charge plates were plugged in, from which the flight distance is calculated, there is a sensor 37 between each two guide vanes 36 for the additional charge plates. The sensors 37 can e.g. B. work optically (reflex light barrier) or inductively. in the In the case of inductive sensors, the plates 34 consist Metal or from a metallized carrier material

At the lower end of the tail 33 is the transmitter 17th arranged.

From the representation of this exemplary Simulation shot also results in an ejection due to reduced propellant charge to additional ones Difficulties encounter: Even a reduced propellant charge would generate high temperatures in the tail, which after the Powder burns are very hot and are under high pressure and the shot control 35 in the Grenade is subjected to great acceleration, which means the shot control 35, the sensors 37 and the transmitter 17 in Could be affected and accordingly Resistant to high temperatures, pressure and acceleration would have to be executed.

6 shows a block diagram of the shot control 35. It comprises a central processing unit 41, which essentially consists of a microcontroller. A capacitor of extremely high capacitance, e.g. B. known gold cap capacitors. Because of the low energy available, the shot control is only switched on by an inclination sensor 42 when the grenade is at an angle to the horizontal which is in the range of the elevation of the mine thrower simulator (e.g. 45 ° to 90 °).

The energy source is preferred during storage the grenade in a special transport container (not shown) charged. The transport container has this u. a. via a battery. The energy transfer can by electrical contacts on the grenade 8 and in the container or z. B. done wirelessly by induction.

Since the energy of the energy source 43 is designed such that essentially used up after a shot, the unrealistic, immediate reuse of the Grenade prevented after its "launch". Rather, then a grenade after the shot back into the Put the transport container back and leave it there until the energy source is recharged.

In the case of energy sources of higher capacity, it is for a realistic simulation is needed that the grenade either deactivated after a launch or a special one Generated signal that indicates the grenade was reused.

The central unit 41 controls the data transmission Transmitter 17, which generates the light signals 18.

Additional, optional sensors 44 may also be present his. For example, a brightness sensor could be replaced by the Darkness in tube 3 serve to launch in Cooperation with the inclination sensor 42 to recognize, or an acceleration sensor that detects the "launch" by the Impact of the grenade 8 on the launcher tube bottom, the Discharge device or the base plate with or without Combination with the inclinometer 42 recognizes. In the further it is also conceivable to have others built into the grenade Sensors, e.g. B. switches, optical, inductive or capacitive sensors, alone or in combination use to detect whether the grenade is in the Launch tube is located. ,

The launcher control 51 (Fig. 7) consists of the Evaluation unit 12 to which the sensors for position 10 (GPS unit), Elevation / Tilt 52 (inclinometer) and Direction 53 (compass) are connected. The receipt of the Light signals from a grenade 8 in the launch tube 3 is used Light detector 19, whose output signals are both a measure of the removal of the grenade 8, d. H. whose position in Launch tube 8, as well as the information about the grenade wear that are emitted by the shot control.

The launch data, i.e. all the data needed to to calculate the firing are via the sending unit 15 transmitted to the evaluation device 16. As energy source 54 serves a battery or a rechargeable battery.

The mine thrower simulator can still be operated via the control unit 55 can be set to different, real types of advertisers that z. B. are characterized by the caliber.

A typical exercise sequence should be shown: The mine thrower simulator is set up and on a target directed. The trainer controls continuously happening by means of the data provided by the Evaluation device can be displayed. Depending on the (virtual) the target to be aimed and the shooting targets Mine thrower simulator aligned and the necessary number Grenade is laid out by the shooter. Raising the Grenades and inclination according to the pipe inclination leads to activation of the shot control 35, however only when a detonator is screwed in and (virtual) is sharp. While sliding down in the launch tube 3 the characteristic data of the grenade to the Thrower control 51 communicates this together with the Data on the alignment of the launch tube with the Evaluation device 16 transmitted. The evaluation device uses this data to calculate the trajectory and impact and / or gives a message in the event of unauthorized operating states out.

The grenade falls out of the discharge opening 7 to deactivate them, be it due to lack of energy or in that the shot control after simulating a shot blocked itself. It is conceivable that also a data transmission especially for this purpose from Mine cannon simulator on the grenade in the launch tube takes place.

Since the described mine thrower simulator is neither a Firing noise generated - even if this is realistic Simulation if necessary, albeit with essential reduced volume, thanks to a noise generator can be produced - grenades are still ejected, can be practiced anywhere with this device z. B. also in built-up areas or in halls.

In a real mine thrower, the grenades are in the Launch tube braked by an air cushion located under them in the launch tube because of the necessarily relative forms a tight seal with the pipe wall. Because of the Such an air cushion in the ejection opening Do not train the simulator. For a more realistic flextime the grenades in the pipe, especially for practicing Rapid fire, the grenades can rub against the pipe wall be increased by appropriate measures such. B. at least in some places a tighter fit, special Material pairing or attaching or fitting for example felt surfaces or similar material on or in the Surface sections of the grenades that are in line with the pipe wall Come into contact, and / or in the pipe wall. It is also conceivable, the outlet opening 7 closed with a lid to keep the grenade braked on the launcher tube or let it bounce without braking and preferably the lid after the typical delay time between throw-in and open the grenade. Opening the lid can e.g. B. by the action of the weight of the grenade, with an auxiliary drive (motor) or the saved The energy of the sliding grenade take place. By a suitable shape of the lid can also serve to the grenade relatively gentle and defined from the launcher tube to remove.

The lid can also be closed by an electromagnet be held so that the control of the Mine detector simulator by an electrical signal Can release the lid. Under the weight of the grenade, possibly reinforced by their kinetic energy the lid is pushed open and the grenade slides out. The lid is then automatically activated by a return spring closed again.

A possible alternative to controlled opening could be consist in the fact that the closing spring is designed that the lid moves itself under the weight of the Grenade opens. It is also sufficient if the Cover the outlet opening only so far that the Grenades can no longer fall out of the pipe.

In the case of simulators for mine launchers that are not automatic fire, but one from the outside in the launch tube located grenade is shot, for. B. via a Rip cord, must be such a cover or equivalent Closure device be present. Only by pressing on the one hand the simulation is triggered on the one hand another released the lid, so the grenade can fall out.

This can slow down the grenade when falling out Return spring element can be designed so strong that an effective braking effect on the grenade by pinching between the launch tube and flap. In addition, the Cover another kind of guide, e.g. B. in the manner of a short Pipe piece, and / or a friction increasing Have lining (felt strips; feather strips) to the Reduce the falling speed of the grenades.

Variants of the exemplary embodiment are accessible to the expert from the description without the Leave the scope of the invention as claimed.

For example, one after one is also conceivable Echo method, e.g. B. by means of ultrasound, working Detection unit to be arranged in the pipe, the presence and movement of a grenade in the launch tube independently allowed to determine, and / or inductive sensors for this on the launch tube.

With regard to the different external shape different Ammunition types, especially between light and Explosive ordnance, it can also be beneficial to the body to make it changeable, e.g. B. by an interchangeable Coat.

The measuring and evaluation units available on the simulator can also be arranged differently, is conceivable for example the arrangement of all parts in the launch tube, so that, if anything, only the antenna of the transmitter unit 15 must be attached outside. It is also conceivable that To mount compass in another suitable place e.g. B. the base plate 2, but then with a suitable Measuring device, e.g. B. an optical encoder between the base plate 2 and the bearing ball 14 of the launcher tube, the Angular difference measured and in the evaluation be taken into account. It is also conceivable that the Reactivating or charging the grenades, e.g. B. how proposed in the transport container, also the possibility consists of reprogramming the grenades, e.g. B. as an explosive or light ammunition. This would only programmable ammunition for the simulation of all possible real ammunition types are sufficient. Programming, possibly even connecting a fresh one Energy source, could also be changed by changing the jacket (see above) of the body.

Claims (19)

1. Simulator (1) for front-loaded barrel weapons, preferably for mine or grenade launchers, characterised in that the lower end of the launcher tube (3) is provided with an outlet opening (7) allowing a respective projectile (8) to drop out.
2. Simulator (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the outlet opening (7) is closed by a closure device at least to such a degree that a grenade cannot fall through the outlet opening, and in that the closure device is provided with a release device which allows to open the closure device and thus the outlet opening (7).
3. Simulator (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the closure device in the open condition is pushed into the closed position by pressure means, preferably by elastic spring elements, and/or comprises means which exert a braking action on the exiting grenade in order to ensure a controlled dropout of the grenade from the outlet opening (7) .
4. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one guiding means (20) is provided, more particularly in the form of a ramp extending to the lower end of the outlet opening (7), in order to ensure a disturbance-free dropout of the projectiles (8) from the outlet opening.
5. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that braking means, more particularly at least one area or several areas providing increased friction, or restrictions are disposed in the launcher tube (3) in order to adapt the falling time of a projectile (8) in the launcher tube (3) to realistic conditions.
6. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the launcher tube (3) and/or the support (2) of the mine thrower are provided with measuring means, more particularly with one or several among:

   a position measuring device (10), more particularly one which operates according to the GPS method, in order to determine the geographic position;

   an inclination measuring device (6; 52) in order to determine the elevation of the launcher tube; and

   a direction measuring device (6; 53), preferably one that operates according to the compass principle;

   in order to determine the actual alignment of the launcher tube (3).
7. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that receiving means (19) for data signals are provided at the lower end of the launcher tube, particularly for electromagnetic, acoustic, and/or optical radiation (18), in order to receive a data signal transmitted by a projectile (8) in the launcher tube.
8. Simulator (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the receiving means (19) are capable of generating a signal at least one parameter of which, particularly the amplitude, is a function of the position of the projectile (8) in the tube and/or of the presence of a projectile (8) in the launcher tube, in order to release a firing simulation by the detection of a projectile descending in the launcher tube.
9. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that means (19) for the detection of a projectile are provided, preferably within the launcher tube at the lower end thereof, in order to determine the presence and preferably also the approximate position and/or movement of a projectile in the tube.
10. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the launcher tube (3) is provided with a displacing device allowing to disadjust the launcher tube (3) and thus to simulate the effect of real fire with respect to the alignment.
11. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a control device (51) is provided which allows to monitor at least one and preferably all of the following operating conditions:

    the firing of a projectile;

    the alignment of the launcher tube, particularly its elevation, tilting and/or direction;

    the geographic position;

    the type of ammunition used for each shot.
12. Simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that a sensor responding to the magnetic field of the earth is coupled to the launcher tube (3) in order to determine the direction of the tube, and in that the metallic parts of the simulator are at least preponderantly made of an antimagnetic material, more particularly of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy, in order to avoid a local perturbation of the earth magnetic field.
13. Projectile (8) for a simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it comprises transmitting means (17) as well as a control unit (41), the control unit being capable of transmitting data signals (18) by means of the transmitting means whose content indicates the type of ammunition simulated by the projectile (8).
14. Projectile (8) according to claim 13, characterised in that it is essentially composed of the tail surfaces (33), the body (31), and of the fuse (32), of which at least the fuse is detachably mounted, thus allowing to simulate the function and/or the shape of different types of ammunition for mine throwers by exchanging the body (31) and/or the fuse (33).
15. Projectile (8) according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the intensity of the emitted data signal (18) decreases as the distance of the projectile (8) increases, thus allowing to determine the distance of the projectile (8) from a receiving means (19) of the data.
16. Projectile (8) according to one of claims 13 to 15 or for a simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it includes at least one device, preferably 4 to 8 devices which are capable of receiving additional charge simulation units (34), and comprises means (37) for the detection of the additional charge simulation units in order to be able to determine the number of attached additional charge simulation units (34).
17. Projectile (8) according to claim 16, characterised in that the additional charge simulation units (34) essentially consist of small plates that are attachable to the tail surfaces (33) resp. to the neck of the projectile, in that the projectile comprises attachments for a certain maximum number of additional charge simulation units (34), and in that a detector (37), more particularly an inductive, capacitive, or optical detector, is provided for each attachment, thus allowing to detect the presence of an additional charge simulation unit (34) in each respective attachment.
18. Projectile (8) according to one of claims 13 to 17 or for the simulator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the projectile (8) comprises a projectile control unit (41) and detection means (42, 44), the detection means (42, 44) allowing to detect a simulated firing of the projectile and to transmit the corresponding information to the projectile control unit (41), in that the projectile comprises first transmitting means (17) for the transmission of a signal (18), and in that the projectile control unit (41) transmits a first signal when fired for the first time, and an information which differs from the signal transmitted at the first shot, or no signal, when fired for the second time and/or consecutively, thus allowing to determine whether the same projectile (8) is being used several times in succession.
19. Projectile (8) according to claim 18 and container for at least one projectile, characterised in that the condition of the projectile control unit prior to being fired for the first time is restored when the projectile is placed in the container, the latter comprising second connecting means that are capable of contacting complementary third connecting means in the projectile, and in that the resetting procedure is enabled by the contact and/or the signals exchanged during the contact of the second and the third connecting means.

Images