EP2719992B1 - Decoy means, in particular for an improvised explosive device - Google Patents

Decoy means, in particular for an improvised explosive device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2719992B1
EP2719992B1 EP14150989.3A EP14150989A EP2719992B1 EP 2719992 B1 EP2719992 B1 EP 2719992B1 EP 14150989 A EP14150989 A EP 14150989A EP 2719992 B1 EP2719992 B1 EP 2719992B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chamber
temperature
fins
row
fluid
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP14150989.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2719992A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Falcou
Patrick Angeloni
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ECA SA
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ECA SA
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F41H11/16—Self-propelled mine-clearing vehicles; Mine-clearing devices attachable to vehicles
    • F41H11/32—Decoy or sacrificial vehicles; Decoy or sacrificial devices attachable to vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D13/00—Electric heating systems
    • F24D13/04—Electric heating systems using electric heating of heat-transfer fluid in separate units of the system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H11/00—Defence installations; Defence devices
    • F41H11/12—Means for clearing land minefields; Systems specially adapted for detection of landmines
    • F41H11/14—Explosive line charges, e.g. snakes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41J—TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS
    • F41J2/00—Reflecting targets, e.g. radar-reflector targets; Active targets transmitting electromagnetic or acoustic waves
    • F41J2/02—Active targets transmitting infrared radiation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of decoy devices, in particular for mines or explosive devices placed, buried or more generally arranged along the road.
  • IEDs improvised explosive devices
  • the invention relates, in general, decoy devices or lures for causing the triggering of explosive devices or mines buried or laid roadside.
  • the decoy devices may include means for the emission of radiation in the infrared spectrum so as to be detected by these devices or mines which include infrared sensors.
  • one solution is to mount, between two metal plates, an electrical resistance powered by a power source.
  • This device aims to reproduce an emissivity in the infrared range close to that of a tank to allow the triggering of roadside mines.
  • a zone of the panels may be slaved at a temperature of between 15 and 20 ° C. above ambient temperature, while an adjacent zone of the panels may be slaved to a lower temperature, for example between 5 and 10 ° C above room temperature.
  • the electrical energy supplied to the panels by the batteries may be insufficient to allow the triggering of roadside mines as soon as the tank moves at relatively high speeds, of the order of 50 kilometers. per hour.
  • the electrical energy that can be delivered by the batteries of the tank does not allow to obtain a sufficient temperature at the panels to allow triggering improvised explosive devices. Indeed, such devices generally explode when they detect a temperature higher than those recommended in this patent.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of prior devices.
  • the present invention aims to provide a decoy device, including land improvised explosive device, which is autonomous, economical and compact.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a decoy device whose temperature rise time, when it is started, is relatively low.
  • the invention also aims to provide a device for both the triggering of mines disposed along the road but also improvised explosive devices.
  • the device according to the invention is provided with a means for producing thermal energy comprising an air or water boiler and a means for emitting radiation in the infrared spectrum comprising a chamber supplied with fluid by the means thermal energy production.
  • the enclosure is provided with inner fins capable of promoting an accumulation of thermal energy inside thereof.
  • the boiler has a gas exhaust duct passing through the enclosure.
  • the device also comprises at least one detection means for determining the temperature of the enclosure or the temperature of the fluid between the production means and the transmission means, and a control unit able to control the operation of the means. generating heat energy at least as a function of the determined temperature.
  • the device further comprises an outdoor temperature sensor.
  • the control unit is able to control the production means so that the difference between the detected temperatures is greater than a predetermined threshold value and able to control that said difference is at least equal to said threshold value.
  • the inner fins extend perpendicularly to the inlet flow in the chamber of the fluid emitted by the thermal energy production means.
  • the inner fins may be arranged in the form of successive parallel rows or not, the fins of a row being spaced so as to define a space at least partially facing a fluid supply port of the enclosure.
  • the dimension of the space formed between the inner fins of a row decreases progressively from one row of fins to the other. The space between the fins is largest for the row in the vicinity of the supply port.
  • the enclosure has substantially smooth outer walls.
  • the enclosure may comprise at least one fluid outlet and optionally an associated closure valve.
  • the position of the closing flap can be changed manually or mechanically via the control unit.
  • a recirculation pipe stitched on the enclosure is provided to reinject partially or completely inside the boiler the fluid from the enclosure. This pipe extends between the enclosure and the boiler and is in fluid communication with them.
  • the means for detecting the temperature of the enclosure comprises a temperature sensor.
  • control unit is able to control the operation of the power generation means as a function of the difference between the measured temperatures.
  • FIG. 1 schematically a decoy device 10 mounted on a support mast 12, itself attached to a trailer 14 which is attached to the front part of a vehicle 16.
  • the support mast 12 may alternatively be fixed directly to the front of the vehicle 16.
  • the decoy device 10 is particularly adapted to allow, upstream of the passage of the vehicle 16, the triggering of a mine or improvised explosive device placed on a road or buried. In order to avoid destruction of the vehicle 16 during the explosion of the mine or the machine, the distance between the device 10 and the front of the vehicle 16 is sufficiently large.
  • the decoy device 10 comprises mainly a boiler 20 for the production of thermal energy and a transmission means 22 of infrared radiation supplied with fluid by the boiler.
  • the boiler 20 and the emitting means 22 are fixed by any appropriate means on a fairing 24 of support.
  • the support fairing 24 comprises flanges 26 and screws (not shown) for the adjustment in position and the fixing of the device 10 on the mast 12 (FIG. figures 1 and 2 ).
  • the transmitting means 22 is in a vertical position so as to be detectable by the sensor associated with the mine or explosive device.
  • the boiler 20 is used to heat a fluid, in this case air, and direct it towards the means 22 for the emission of radiation in the infrared spectrum likely to cause the triggering of a mine or an explosive device improvised.
  • the boiler 20 is connected to a tank 28 of fuel via a pipe 30.
  • the boiler 20 comprises a burner, a metering pump and a ventilation means (not shown).
  • the ventilation means draws air from an inlet mouth 32 formed at a lower end of the fairing 24 and rejects it to an exhaust pipe 41, after having mixed with the fuel pumped from the reservoir 28 and then passed through the burner.
  • the heated air at the outlet of the boiler 20 is conveyed by a pipe 37 for supplying the emission means 22.
  • the boiler 20 may have a length of 550 mm, and a width and a thickness of 200 mm. In this embodiment, the boiler is of the air type. Alternatively, it is however possible to provide a water boiler for supplying thermal energy to the emitting means 22.
  • the transmission means 22 is shown here in section, the portion of the transmission means 22 not shown in the figure being identical to that which will be described.
  • the transmission means 22 comprises a closed chamber 34 internally provided with fins 36a, 36b arranged in the form of successive parallel rows, here twelve in number.
  • the chamber 34 is made of light alloy and here has a parallelepipedal general shape.
  • the enclosure 34 could have a different general shape.
  • the enclosure 34 may have a height of 400 mm, a width of 800 mm and a thickness of 110 mm.
  • the device 10 may have a mass of about 30 kg.
  • the enclosure 34 has edges 34a, 34b and 34c, 34d opposite two by two. In this figure, the transmission means 22 is shown in a supposed vertical position.
  • the edges 34a, 34b thus constitute respectively upper and lower edges.
  • Enclosure 34 is supplied with hot air through line 37 which extends from boiler 20 and is fixedly mounted within a supply port 38 in upper edge 34a.
  • the horizontal inner fins 36a, 36b are arranged in the form of successive parallel rows.
  • the vertical spacing between two rows of immediately adjacent fins is constant.
  • the fins 36a, 36b extend between the edges 34c and 34d, being parallel to the edges 34a and 34b.
  • the fins 36a, 36b of the first row in the vicinity of the duct 37 occupy substantially the majority of the width of the enclosure 34 between the edges 34c, 34d.
  • a first fin 36a of this row extends from the edge 34c to the vicinity of an area located in the extension of the duct 37, ie opposite the supply orifice 38.
  • the second fin 36b extends horizontally in the extension of the first fin 36a being shifted laterally relative thereto until it comes to the vicinity of the edge 34d leaving a slight gap between it and said edge.
  • the fins 36a, 36b of the first row are spaced relative to each other so as to define a space 40 situated opposite the supply orifice 38.
  • the lateral dimension of the space 40 is substantially equal to the diameter of the supply port 38.
  • the space 40 allows the air flow to flow to the following rows of fins 36a, 36b.
  • the second row Downstream of the first row, considering the direction of air flow inside the chamber 34, the second row comprises a fin 36a extending from the edge 34c. It has a length slightly greater than that of the fin 36a of the first row.
  • the vane 36b of the second row has a length identical to that of the first row, however, being shifted towards the vane 36a of the second row so that the inter-fin space 40 of this row is slightly smaller than that of the first row. the first row.
  • a larger space is provided between the fin 36b of the second row and the edge 34d.
  • each of the following rows of fins with respect to the immediately preceding row is similar to that of the second row vis-à-vis the first row.
  • the space 40 between the fins 36a, 36b of the same row decreases progressively as one moves away from the supply port 38 so that for the last row of fins 36a and 36b located near the lower edge 34b, the space between the two fins is virtually zero.
  • the space between the fin 36b of the latter row and the edge 34d is substantially equal to the diameter of an outlet orifice 39 formed in the thickness of the lower edge 34b near the edge 34d.
  • the fins 36a, 36b of the different rows are arranged perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the air at the outlet of the pipe 37 so as to retain this flow of air in the chamber 34 while gradually orienting it towards the of the outlet orifice 39.
  • the arrangement of the fins 36a, 36b inside the enclosure 34 tends to promote the concentration of heat inside thereof to facilitate the emission of infrared radiation substantially greater than the ambient infrared radiation. This gives the appearance of an area or hot spot that can be detected by a mine or an improvised explosive device.
  • the outer walls of the enclosure 34 are substantially smooth, i.e. devoid of fins or other means promoting the removal of heat.
  • valve 42 To regulate the flow of hot air at the outlet of the enclosure 34, it comprises a valve 42 whose position can be modified manually or mechanically, for example as a function of the outside temperature, so as to vary the degree of opening of the outlet orifice 39. Alternatively, it is possible not to provide such a valve.
  • the enclosure 34 comprises, in replacement of the outlet orifice 39 or in combination with said orifice and its shut-off valve 42, a recirculation pipe in communication with the interior of the enclosure and reinjecting the hot air, or the water, coming from the enclosure inside the boiler.
  • a closed circuit operation is possible thanks to the use of an air or water boiler.
  • the exhaust pipe 41 of the gases from the boiler 20.
  • the exhaust pipe 41 extends through the upper edge 34a in the vicinity of the pipe 37 and opens through the lower edge 34b near the outlet orifice 39.
  • the exhaust pipe 41 contributes to the temperature rise of the enclosure 34 when the device 10 is started, thereby contributing to reducing the time required for the emission of the desired infrared radiation.
  • the decoy device 10 further comprises a control unit 46 fixed to the fairing 24 and ensuring the operational control of the boiler 20 as a function of the infrared radiation to be emitted.
  • the device 10 comprises a temperature sensor 48 mounted in the pipe 37 and able to measure the temperature of the hot air at the outlet of the boiler 20 which is conveyed towards the enclosure 34.
  • the device 10 also comprises a temperature sensor 50 mounted at the fairing 24 between the inlet mouth 32 and the inlet of the boiler 20 so as to measure the temperature of the outside air towards said boiler.
  • the temperature sensors 48, 50 are connected to the control unit 46 via connections 52, 54 shown schematically in dashed lines.
  • the control unit 46 includes, stored in memory, all the hardware and software means for carrying out the operation control of the boiler 20 from the measurements made by the sensors 48, 50.
  • the control unit 46 determines the difference between the temperature of the hot air entering the chamber 34 and the outside temperature, and compares it with a predetermined threshold value. If the temperature difference is below the threshold value, an alarm signal that can be visual or audible is triggered by the control unit 46 to signal a failure of the operation of the boiler 20.
  • the unit The control unit 46 can control the operation of the boiler 20 so as to maintain at a fixed value the difference between the temperature of the hot air entering the chamber 34 and the outside temperature.
  • control of the operation of the boiler and / or its control is performed from the temperature measurements of the hot air introduced into the chamber 34 and the outside air. It is conceivable that it is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide for mounting one or more temperature sensors directly in the enclosure 34 instead of the temperature sensor of the hot air mounted in the pipe 37 In the case of a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in the enclosure 34 at different locations, it is possible to provide that the control unit 46 averages the measured temperatures to obtain a value representative of the temperature. walls of the enclosure 34.
  • control unit 46 controls the operation of the boiler 20, and therefore that of the emission means 22, only as a function of the temperature of the chamber 34 determined by the sensor or sensors , ie without taking into consideration the temperature of the outside air.
  • the sensor or sensors for measuring the temperature of the hot air in the pipe 37 or in the enclosure 34 are temperature sensors.
  • an atmospheric pressure sensor mounted on the shroud 24 and connected directly to the boiler of in order to regulate its combustion according to the density of the air to be burned which decreases with altitude.
  • the means 22 makes it possible to obtain continuously at the level of the enclosure 34 a temperature substantially greater than that obtainable with other technologies with comparable energy supply, which makes it possible to generate a large temperature difference with the outside temperature of so that it can be detected by both a roadside mine and an explosive device improvised, and this, even when the speed of movement of the vehicle 16 is relatively high, of the order of 50 kilometers per hour.
  • the device 10 there is obtained a temperature rise time of the enclosure 34 relatively short and the device can operate autonomously for several tens of hours in a row. It is also relatively compact and lightweight.
  • the device 10 is pushed by a follower vehicle 16. It is easy to see that this vehicle 16 may be a transport vehicle or a teleoperated vehicle. As indicated above, the device 10 is particularly suitable for luring mines and improvised explosive devices. The device can however be used for other applications, for example to decoy infrared air missiles.

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Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des dispositifs de leurrage, notamment pour mines ou engins explosifs posés, enterrés ou plus généralement disposés en bord de route.The present invention relates to the field of decoy devices, in particular for mines or explosive devices placed, buried or more generally arranged along the road.

Une des applications de l'invention concerne le leurre des engins explosifs improvisés contenant généralement des produits chimiques destructeurs, inflammables et/ou mortels qui sont couramment appelés EEI, ou IED « improvised explosive devices » en langue anglaise.One of the applications of the invention is the lure of improvised explosive devices generally containing destructive, flammable and / or deadly chemicals that are commonly referred to as IEDs, or IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in the English language.

Mais l'invention concerne, de manière générale, les dispositifs de leurrage ou leurres permettant de provoquer le déclenchement d'engins explosifs ou de mines enterrées ou posées en bord de route.But the invention relates, in general, decoy devices or lures for causing the triggering of explosive devices or mines buried or laid roadside.

Classiquement, de tels dispositifs sont utilisés pour provoquer l'explosion de ces mines ou engins explosifs à distance des véhicules de déminage.Conventionally, such devices are used to cause the explosion of these mines or explosive devices remotely demining vehicles.

Dans ce but, les dispositifs de leurrage peuvent comporter des moyens pour l'émission de rayonnements dans le spectre infrarouge de façon à être détectés par ces engins ou mines qui comportent des capteurs infrarouges.For this purpose, the decoy devices may include means for the emission of radiation in the infrared spectrum so as to be detected by these devices or mines which include infrared sensors.

Pour permettre l'émission de tels rayonnements, une solution consiste à monter, entre deux plaques métalliques, une résistance électrique alimentée par une source d'énergie.To allow the emission of such radiation, one solution is to mount, between two metal plates, an electrical resistance powered by a power source.

Afin d'assurer une émission de rayonnements infrarouges susceptibles de provoquer à la fois le déclenchement de mines et d'engins explosifs improvisés, il est toutefois nécessaire que la source d'alimentation en énergie électrique puisse disposer d'une puissance relativement élevée, de l'ordre de plusieurs kilowatts.In order to ensure the emission of infrared radiation which can cause both the triggering of mines and improvised explosive devices, it is nevertheless necessary for the source of electrical energy supply to have relatively high order of several kilowatts.

Ceci est incompatible avec un dispositif embarqué à bord d'un véhicule ou poussé par un véhicule de déminage devant de surcroît être utilisé pendant plusieurs heures. Par ailleurs, avec cette solution, le temps de montée en température du dispositif est relativement important.This is incompatible with a device on board a vehicle or pushed by a demining vehicle in addition to being used for several hours. Moreover, with this solution, the temperature rise time of the device is relatively important.

Pour fournir aux moyens d'émission de rayonnements infrarouges un apport d'énergie électrique suffisant pour permettre le déclenchement de mines et d'engins explosifs improvisés, il est possible d'utiliser un groupe électrogène. Toutefois, cette solution a pour inconvénients majeurs de présenter un encombrement relativement important et un poids élevé.To provide the means for emitting infrared radiation sufficient electrical energy to enable the triggering of mines and improvised explosive devices, it is possible to use a generator. However, this solution has the major drawbacks of having a relatively large footprint and a high weight.

On connaît encore, par le brevet européen 1 054 230 , un dispositif de leurrage relié à l'avant d'un char et comprenant principalement des panneaux verticaux sur lesquels sont prévus des conducteurs métalliques alimentés par les batteries électriques du char pour le pilotage de leur température.We still know, by the European patent 1 054 230 , a decoy device connected to the front of a tank and comprising mainly vertical panels on which are provided metal conductors powered by the electric batteries of the tank for controlling their temperature.

Ce dispositif vise à reproduire une émissivité dans le domaine infrarouge proche de celle d'un char pour permettre le déclenchement de mines de bord de route. A cet égard, une zone des panneaux peut être asservie à une température comprise entre 15 et 20°C au-dessus de la température ambiante, tandis qu'une zone voisine des panneaux pourra être asservie à une température inférieure, par exemple comprise entre 5 et 10°C au-dessus de la température ambiante.This device aims to reproduce an emissivity in the infrared range close to that of a tank to allow the triggering of roadside mines. In this respect, a zone of the panels may be slaved at a temperature of between 15 and 20 ° C. above ambient temperature, while an adjacent zone of the panels may be slaved to a lower temperature, for example between 5 and 10 ° C above room temperature.

Compte tenu de la dissipation thermique, l'énergie électrique fournie aux panneaux par les batteries peut se révéler insuffisante pour permettre le déclenchement de mines de bord de route dès que le char se déplace à des vitesses relativement élevées, de l'ordre de 50 kilomètres par heure.Given the heat dissipation, the electrical energy supplied to the panels by the batteries may be insufficient to allow the triggering of roadside mines as soon as the tank moves at relatively high speeds, of the order of 50 kilometers. per hour.

Par ailleurs, l'énergie électrique susceptible d'être délivrée par les batteries du char ne permet pas l'obtention d'une température suffisante au niveau des panneaux pour permettre le déclenchement d'engins explosifs improvisés. En effet, de tels engins explosent généralement lorsqu'ils détectent une température supérieure à celles préconisées dans ce brevet.Moreover, the electrical energy that can be delivered by the batteries of the tank does not allow to obtain a sufficient temperature at the panels to allow triggering improvised explosive devices. Indeed, such devices generally explode when they detect a temperature higher than those recommended in this patent.

La présente invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients des dispositifs antérieurs.The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of prior devices.

Plus particulièrement, la présente invention vise à prévoir un dispositif de leurrage, notamment pour engin explosif improvisé terrestre, qui soit autonome, économique et compact.More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a decoy device, including land improvised explosive device, which is autonomous, economical and compact.

La présente invention a également pour but de prévoir un dispositif de leurrage dont le temps de montée en température, lors de sa mise en marche, est relativement faible.The present invention also aims to provide a decoy device whose temperature rise time, when it is started, is relatively low.

L'invention vise encore à prévoir un dispositif permettant à la fois le déclenchement de mines disposées en bord de route mais également celui d'engins explosifs improvisés. De la même façon que la cible d'exercice connue par le brevet européen 0 640 809 , le dispositif selon l'invention est pourvu d'un moyen de production d'énergie thermique comportant une chaudière à air ou à eau et d'un moyen d'émission de rayonnements dans le spectre infrarouge comportant une enceinte alimentée en fluide par le moyen de production d'énergie thermique. L'enceinte est pourvue d'ailettes intérieures aptes à favoriser une accumulation d'énergie thermique à l'intérieur de celle-ci. De plus la chaudière comporte une conduite d'échappement de gaz transversant l'enceinte.The invention also aims to provide a device for both the triggering of mines disposed along the road but also improvised explosive devices. In the same way as the exercise target known by the European patent 0 640 809 the device according to the invention is provided with a means for producing thermal energy comprising an air or water boiler and a means for emitting radiation in the infrared spectrum comprising a chamber supplied with fluid by the means thermal energy production. The enclosure is provided with inner fins capable of promoting an accumulation of thermal energy inside thereof. In addition, the boiler has a gas exhaust duct passing through the enclosure.

Le dispositif comporte également au moins un moyen de détection pour la détermination de la température de l'enceinte ou de la température du fluide entre le moyen de production et le moyen d'émission, et une unité de commande apte à contrôler le fonctionnement du moyen de production d'énergie thermique au moins en fonction de la température déterminée.The device also comprises at least one detection means for determining the temperature of the enclosure or the temperature of the fluid between the production means and the transmission means, and a control unit able to control the operation of the means. generating heat energy at least as a function of the determined temperature.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le dispositif comprend en outre un capteur de la température extérieure. L'unité de commande est apte à piloter le moyen de production de façon que l'écart entre les températures détectées soit supérieur à une valeur seuil prédéterminée et apte à contrôler que ledit écart est au moins égal à ladite valeur seuil.In one embodiment, the device further comprises an outdoor temperature sensor. The control unit is able to control the production means so that the difference between the detected temperatures is greater than a predetermined threshold value and able to control that said difference is at least equal to said threshold value.

Avantageusement, les ailettes intérieures s'étendent perpendiculairement au flux d'entrée dans l'enceinte du fluide émis par le moyen de production d'énergie thermique. Les ailettes intérieures peuvent être disposées sous forme de rangées successives parallèles ou non, les ailettes d'une rangée étant écartées de manière à délimiter un espace situé au moins en partie en regard d'un orifice d'alimentation en fluide de l'enceinte. Avantageusement, la dimension de l'espace ménagé entre les ailettes intérieures d'une rangée décroît progressivement d'une rangée d'ailettes à l'autre. L'espace entre les ailettes est le plus grand pour la rangée située au voisinage de l'orifice d'alimentation.Advantageously, the inner fins extend perpendicularly to the inlet flow in the chamber of the fluid emitted by the thermal energy production means. The inner fins may be arranged in the form of successive parallel rows or not, the fins of a row being spaced so as to define a space at least partially facing a fluid supply port of the enclosure. Advantageously, the dimension of the space formed between the inner fins of a row decreases progressively from one row of fins to the other. The space between the fins is largest for the row in the vicinity of the supply port.

Dans un mode de réalisation, l'enceinte comporte des parois extérieures sensiblement lisses.In one embodiment, the enclosure has substantially smooth outer walls.

L'enceinte peut comporter au moins un orifice de sortie du fluide et éventuellement un clapet de fermeture associé. La position du clapet de fermeture peut être modifiée manuellement ou mécaniquement par l'intermédiaire de l'unité de commande.The enclosure may comprise at least one fluid outlet and optionally an associated closure valve. The position of the closing flap can be changed manually or mechanically via the control unit.

Dans un mode de réalisation, une conduite de recirculation piquée sur l'enceinte est prévue pour réinjecter partiellement ou totalement à l'intérieur de la chaudière le fluide issu de l'enceinte. Cette conduite s'étend entre l'enceinte et la chaudière et est en communication fluidique avec elles.In one embodiment, a recirculation pipe stitched on the enclosure is provided to reinject partially or completely inside the boiler the fluid from the enclosure. This pipe extends between the enclosure and the boiler and is in fluid communication with them.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le moyen de détection de la température de l'enceinte comporte un capteur de température.In one embodiment, the means for detecting the temperature of the enclosure comprises a temperature sensor.

Dans un mode de réalisation, l'unité de commande est apte à contrôler le fonctionnement du moyen de production d'énergie en fonction de l'écart entre les températures mesurées.In one embodiment, the control unit is able to control the operation of the power generation means as a function of the difference between the measured temperatures.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation pris à titre d'exemple nullement limitatif et illustré par les dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 3 représentent schématiquement un dispositif de leurrage selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe en perspective d'un moyen d'émission de rayonnements infrarouges du dispositif des figures 1 à 3.
The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
  • the Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent a decoy device according to the invention, and
  • the figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of an infrared radiation emission means of the device of the Figures 1 to 3 .

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté schématiquement un dispositif 10 de leurrage monté sur un mât 12 de support, lui-même fixé sur une remorque 14 qui est attachée à la partie avant d'un véhicule 16. Comme illustré à la figure 2, le mât 12 de support peut alternativement être fixé directement à l'avant du véhicule 16.On the figure 1 schematically a decoy device 10 mounted on a support mast 12, itself attached to a trailer 14 which is attached to the front part of a vehicle 16. As shown in FIG. figure 2 , the support mast 12 may alternatively be fixed directly to the front of the vehicle 16.

Le dispositif 10 de leurrage est particulièrement adapté pour permettre, en amont du passage du véhicule 16, le déclenchement d'une mine ou d'engin explosif improvisé posé sur une route ou enterré. De manière à éviter une destruction du véhicule 16 lors de l'explosion de la mine ou de l'engin, la distance séparant le dispositif 10 et l'avant du véhicule 16 est suffisamment importante.The decoy device 10 is particularly adapted to allow, upstream of the passage of the vehicle 16, the triggering of a mine or improvised explosive device placed on a road or buried. In order to avoid destruction of the vehicle 16 during the explosion of the mine or the machine, the distance between the device 10 and the front of the vehicle 16 is sufficiently large.

Comme illustré plus visiblement à la figure 3, le dispositif 10 de leurrage comporte principalement une chaudière 20 pour la production d'énergie thermique et un moyen d'émission 22 de rayonnements infrarouges alimenté en fluide par la chaudière. La chaudière 20 et le moyen d'émission 22 sont fixés par tous moyens appropriés sur un carénage 24 de support. Le carénage 24 de support comporte des brides 26 et des vis (non représentées) pour le réglage en position et la fixation du dispositif 10 sur le mât 12 (figures 1 et 2). Le moyen d'émission 22 est dans une position verticale de manière à pouvoir être détecté par le capteur associé à la mine ou engin explosif.As illustrated more visibly at the figure 3 , the decoy device 10 comprises mainly a boiler 20 for the production of thermal energy and a transmission means 22 of infrared radiation supplied with fluid by the boiler. The boiler 20 and the emitting means 22 are fixed by any appropriate means on a fairing 24 of support. The support fairing 24 comprises flanges 26 and screws (not shown) for the adjustment in position and the fixing of the device 10 on the mast 12 (FIG. figures 1 and 2 ). The transmitting means 22 is in a vertical position so as to be detectable by the sensor associated with the mine or explosive device.

La chaudière 20 est utilisée pour réchauffer un fluide, ici de l'air, et le diriger vers le moyen 22 en vue de l'émission de rayonnements dans le spectre infrarouge susceptibles de provoquer le déclenchement d'une mine ou d'un engin explosif improvisé.The boiler 20 is used to heat a fluid, in this case air, and direct it towards the means 22 for the emission of radiation in the infrared spectrum likely to cause the triggering of a mine or an explosive device improvised.

La chaudière 20 est reliée à un réservoir 28 de carburant par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite 30. La chaudière 20 comporte un brûleur, une pompe doseuse et un moyen de ventilation (non représentés). Le moyen de ventilation aspire de l'air depuis une bouche d'entrée 32 ménagée à une extrémité inférieure du carénage 24 et le rejette vers une conduite d'échappement 41, après l'avoir mélangé avec le carburant pompé depuis le réservoir 28 puis passé à travers le brûleur. L'air réchauffé en sortie de la chaudière 20 est véhiculé par une conduite 37 pour l'alimentation du moyen d'émission 22. A titre indicatif, la chaudière 20 peut présenter une longueur de 550 mm, et une largeur et une épaisseur de 200 mm. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la chaudière est du type à air. Alternativement, il est toutefois possible de prévoir une chaudière à eau pour l'alimentation en énergie thermique du moyen d'émission 22.The boiler 20 is connected to a tank 28 of fuel via a pipe 30. The boiler 20 comprises a burner, a metering pump and a ventilation means (not shown). The ventilation means draws air from an inlet mouth 32 formed at a lower end of the fairing 24 and rejects it to an exhaust pipe 41, after having mixed with the fuel pumped from the reservoir 28 and then passed through the burner. The heated air at the outlet of the boiler 20 is conveyed by a pipe 37 for supplying the emission means 22. As an indication, the boiler 20 may have a length of 550 mm, and a width and a thickness of 200 mm. In this embodiment, the boiler is of the air type. Alternatively, it is however possible to provide a water boiler for supplying thermal energy to the emitting means 22.

On va maintenant décrire, en référence à la figure 4, le moyen d'émission 22 de rayonnements infrarouges. Le moyen d'émission 22 est représenté ici en coupe, la partie du moyen d'émission 22 non illustrée sur la figure étant identique à celle qui va être décrite.We will now describe, with reference to the figure 4 , the emission means 22 of infrared radiation. The transmission means 22 is shown here in section, the portion of the transmission means 22 not shown in the figure being identical to that which will be described.

Le moyen d'émission 22 comporte une enceinte 34 fermée pourvue intérieurement d'ailettes 36a, 36b disposées sous forme de rangées successives parallèles, ici au nombre de douze. L'enceinte 34 est réalisée en alliage léger et présente ici une forme générale parallélépipédique. Bien entendu, l'enceinte 34 pourrait présenter une forme générale différente. Alternativement, il pourrait également être possible de prévoir des ailettes non parallèles. A titre indicatif, l'enceinte 34 peut présenter une hauteur de 400 mm, une largeur de 800 mm et une épaisseur de 110 mm. Le dispositif 10 peut présenter une masse d'environ 30 kg. L'enceinte 34 comporte des bords 34a, 34b et 34c, 34d opposés deux à deux. Sur cette figure, le moyen d'émission 22 est représenté dans une position supposée verticale. Les bords 34a, 34b constituent donc respectivement des bords supérieur et inférieur. L'enceinte 34 est alimentée en air chaud par l'intermédiaire de la conduite 37 qui s'étend à partir de la chaudière 20 et est montée fixement à l'intérieur d'un orifice d'alimentation 38 ménagé dans le bord supérieur 34a.The transmission means 22 comprises a closed chamber 34 internally provided with fins 36a, 36b arranged in the form of successive parallel rows, here twelve in number. The chamber 34 is made of light alloy and here has a parallelepipedal general shape. Of course, the enclosure 34 could have a different general shape. Alternatively, it may also be possible to provide non-parallel fins. As an indication, the enclosure 34 may have a height of 400 mm, a width of 800 mm and a thickness of 110 mm. The device 10 may have a mass of about 30 kg. The enclosure 34 has edges 34a, 34b and 34c, 34d opposite two by two. In this figure, the transmission means 22 is shown in a supposed vertical position. The edges 34a, 34b thus constitute respectively upper and lower edges. Enclosure 34 is supplied with hot air through line 37 which extends from boiler 20 and is fixedly mounted within a supply port 38 in upper edge 34a.

Comme indiqué précédemment, les ailettes 36a, 36b intérieures horizontales sont disposées sous forme de rangées successives parallèles. L'espacement vertical ménagé entre deux rangées d'ailettes immédiatement adjacentes est constant.As indicated above, the horizontal inner fins 36a, 36b are arranged in the form of successive parallel rows. The vertical spacing between two rows of immediately adjacent fins is constant.

Les ailettes 36a, 36b s'étendent entre les bords 34c et 34d, en étant parallèles aux bords 34a et 34b. Les ailettes 36a, 36b de la première rangée située au voisinage de la conduite 37 occupent sensiblement la majeure partie de la largeur de l'enceinte 34 entre les bords 34c, 34d. Une première ailette 36a de cette rangée s'étend à partir du bord 34c jusqu'au voisinage d'une zone située dans le prolongement de la conduite 37, i.e. en regard de l'orifice d'alimentation 38. La seconde ailette 36b s'étend horizontalement dans le prolongement de la première ailette 36a en étant décalée latéralement par rapport à celle-ci jusqu'à venir au voisinage du bord 34d en laissant subsister un léger espace entre elle et ledit bord. Les ailettes 36a, 36b de la première rangée sont écartées l'une par rapport à l'autre de manière à délimiter un espace 40 situé en regard de l'orifice d'alimentation 38. La dimension latérale de l'espace 40 est sensiblement égale au diamètre de l'orifice d'alimentation 38. L'espace 40 permet au flux d'entrée d'air de se diriger vers les rangées d'ailettes 36a, 36b suivantes.The fins 36a, 36b extend between the edges 34c and 34d, being parallel to the edges 34a and 34b. The fins 36a, 36b of the first row in the vicinity of the duct 37 occupy substantially the majority of the width of the enclosure 34 between the edges 34c, 34d. A first fin 36a of this row extends from the edge 34c to the vicinity of an area located in the extension of the duct 37, ie opposite the supply orifice 38. The second fin 36b extends horizontally in the extension of the first fin 36a being shifted laterally relative thereto until it comes to the vicinity of the edge 34d leaving a slight gap between it and said edge. The fins 36a, 36b of the first row are spaced relative to each other so as to define a space 40 situated opposite the supply orifice 38. The lateral dimension of the space 40 is substantially equal to the diameter of the supply port 38. The space 40 allows the air flow to flow to the following rows of fins 36a, 36b.

En aval de la première rangée, en considérant le sens de circulation de l'air à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 34, la deuxième rangée comprend une ailette 36a s'étendant à partir du bord 34c. Elle présente une longueur légèrement supérieure à celle de l'ailette 36a de la première rangée. L'ailette 36b de la seconde rangée présente une longueur identique à celle de la première rangée en étant toutefois décalée vers l'ailette 36a de la seconde rangée de manière que l'espace 40 inter-ailettes de cette rangée soit légèrement inférieur à celui de la première rangée. Ainsi, un espace plus important est ménagé entre l'ailette 36b de la deuxième rangée et le bord 34d.Downstream of the first row, considering the direction of air flow inside the chamber 34, the second row comprises a fin 36a extending from the edge 34c. It has a length slightly greater than that of the fin 36a of the first row. The vane 36b of the second row has a length identical to that of the first row, however, being shifted towards the vane 36a of the second row so that the inter-fin space 40 of this row is slightly smaller than that of the first row. the first row. Thus, a larger space is provided between the fin 36b of the second row and the edge 34d.

La disposition de chacune des rangées d'ailettes suivantes par rapport à la rangée immédiatement précédente est similaire à celle de la seconde rangée vis-à-vis de la première rangée. Ainsi, l'espace 40 entre les ailettes 36a, 36b d'une même rangée décroît progressivement à mesure que l'on s'éloigne de l'orifice d'alimentation 38 de manière à ce que pour la dernière rangée d'ailettes 36a et 36b située à proximité du bord inférieur 34b, l'espace entre les deux ailettes soit quasiment nul. L'espace entre l'ailette 36b de cette dernière rangée et le bord 34d est sensiblement égal au diamètre d'un orifice 39 de sortie ménagé dans l'épaisseur du bord 34b inférieur au voisinage du bord 34d. La demanderesse a déterminé que la prévision d'un espace 40 inter-ailettes ayant une forme générale en V et décroissant à mesure que l'on s'éloigne de l'orifice d'alimentation 38 permet une meilleure répartition de la chaleur à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 34. Ainsi, on obtient une température relativement homogène de l'enceinte 34.The disposition of each of the following rows of fins with respect to the immediately preceding row is similar to that of the second row vis-à-vis the first row. Thus, the space 40 between the fins 36a, 36b of the same row decreases progressively as one moves away from the supply port 38 so that for the last row of fins 36a and 36b located near the lower edge 34b, the space between the two fins is virtually zero. The space between the fin 36b of the latter row and the edge 34d is substantially equal to the diameter of an outlet orifice 39 formed in the thickness of the lower edge 34b near the edge 34d. The Applicant has determined that the provision of an inter-fin space 40 having a general V shape and decreasing as one moves away from the supply port 38 allows a better distribution of heat inside. of enclosure 34. Thus, a relatively homogeneous temperature of chamber 34 is obtained.

Les ailettes 36a, 36b des différentes rangées sont disposées perpendiculairement à la direction d'écoulement de l'air à la sortie de la conduite 37 de manière à retenir ce flux d'air dans l'enceinte 34 tout en l'orientant progressivement en direction de l'orifice 39 de sortie. La disposition des ailettes 36a, 36b intérieures dans l'enceinte 34 tend à favoriser la concentration de chaleur à l'intérieur de celle-ci de façon à faciliter l'émission d'un rayonnement infrarouge sensiblement supérieur au rayonnement infrarouge ambiant. On obtient ainsi l'apparition d'une zone ou point chaud pouvant être détecté par une mine ou un engin explosif improvisé. Bien entendu, il pourrait être possible de prévoir une disposition différente des ailettes 36a, 36b tendant également à favoriser la concentration de chaleur. En outre, de façon à limiter la dissipation thermique du moyen d'émission 22, les parois extérieures de l'enceinte 34 sont sensiblement lisses, i.e. dépourvues d'ailettes ou d'autres moyens favorisant l'évacuation de chaleur.The fins 36a, 36b of the different rows are arranged perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the air at the outlet of the pipe 37 so as to retain this flow of air in the chamber 34 while gradually orienting it towards the of the outlet orifice 39. The arrangement of the fins 36a, 36b inside the enclosure 34 tends to promote the concentration of heat inside thereof to facilitate the emission of infrared radiation substantially greater than the ambient infrared radiation. This gives the appearance of an area or hot spot that can be detected by a mine or an improvised explosive device. Of course, it could be possible to provide a different arrangement of fins 36a, 36b also tending to promote the concentration of heat. In addition, so as to limit the heat dissipation of the emitting means 22, the outer walls of the enclosure 34 are substantially smooth, i.e. devoid of fins or other means promoting the removal of heat.

Pour régler le débit d'air chaud en sortie de l'enceinte 34, celle-ci comporte un clapet 42 dont la position peut être modifiée manuellement ou mécaniquement, par exemple en fonction de la température extérieure, de façon à faire varier le degré d'ouverture de l'orifice 39 de sortie. Alternativement, il est possible de ne pas prévoir un tel clapet.To regulate the flow of hot air at the outlet of the enclosure 34, it comprises a valve 42 whose position can be modified manually or mechanically, for example as a function of the outside temperature, so as to vary the degree of opening of the outlet orifice 39. Alternatively, it is possible not to provide such a valve.

Dans une variante de réalisation, il est également possible de prévoir un fonctionnement en circuit fermé du dispositif. Dans ce but, l'enceinte 34 comporte, en remplacement de l'orifice 39 de sortie ou en association dudit orifice et de son clapet 42 de fermeture, une conduite de recirculation en communication avec l'intérieur de l'enceinte et réinjectant l'air chaud, ou l'eau, issu de l'enceinte à l'intérieur de la chaudière. Un tel fonctionnement en circuit fermé est possible grâce à l'utilisation d'une chaudière à air ou à eau.In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to provide a closed circuit operation of the device. For this reason, the enclosure 34 comprises, in replacement of the outlet orifice 39 or in combination with said orifice and its shut-off valve 42, a recirculation pipe in communication with the interior of the enclosure and reinjecting the hot air, or the water, coming from the enclosure inside the boiler. Such a closed circuit operation is possible thanks to the use of an air or water boiler.

A l'intérieur de l'enceinte 34 serpente la conduite d'échappement 41 des gaz issus de la chaudière 20. La conduite d'échappement 41 s'étend à travers le bord supérieur 34a au voisinage de la conduite 37 et débouche à travers le bord inférieur 34b à proximité de l'orifice 39 de sortie. La conduite d'échappement 41 participe à la montée en température de l'enceinte 34 lors du démarrage du dispositif 10, contribuant ainsi à réduire le temps nécessaire à l'émission du rayonnement infrarouge souhaité.Inside the enclosure 34 winds the exhaust pipe 41 of the gases from the boiler 20. The exhaust pipe 41 extends through the upper edge 34a in the vicinity of the pipe 37 and opens through the lower edge 34b near the outlet orifice 39. The exhaust pipe 41 contributes to the temperature rise of the enclosure 34 when the device 10 is started, thereby contributing to reducing the time required for the emission of the desired infrared radiation.

En se référant de nouveau à la figure 3, le dispositif 10 de leurrage comporte encore une unité de commande 46 fixée au carénage 24 et assurant le contrôle de fonctionnement de la chaudière 20 en fonction du rayonnement infrarouge à émettre.Referring again to the figure 3 , the decoy device 10 further comprises a control unit 46 fixed to the fairing 24 and ensuring the operational control of the boiler 20 as a function of the infrared radiation to be emitted.

Dans ce but, le dispositif 10 comporte un capteur de température 48 monté dans la conduite 37 et apte à mesurer la température de l'air chaud en sortie de la chaudière 20 qui est véhiculé vers l'enceinte 34. Le dispositif 10 comporte également un capteur de température 50 monté au niveau du carénage 24 entre la bouche d'entrée 32 et l'entrée de la chaudière 20 de façon à mesurer la température de l'air extérieur se dirigeant vers ladite chaudière. Les capteurs de température 48, 50 sont raccordés à l'unité de commande 46 par l'intermédiaire de connexions 52, 54 illustrées schématiquement en pointillés.For this purpose, the device 10 comprises a temperature sensor 48 mounted in the pipe 37 and able to measure the temperature of the hot air at the outlet of the boiler 20 which is conveyed towards the enclosure 34. The device 10 also comprises a temperature sensor 50 mounted at the fairing 24 between the inlet mouth 32 and the inlet of the boiler 20 so as to measure the temperature of the outside air towards said boiler. The temperature sensors 48, 50 are connected to the control unit 46 via connections 52, 54 shown schematically in dashed lines.

L'unité de commande 46 comprend, stockés en mémoire, tous les moyens matériels et logiciels permettant de procéder au contrôle de fonctionnement de la chaudière 20 à partir des mesures faites par les capteurs 48, 50. A cet égard, l'unité de commande 46 détermine l'écart entre la température de l'air chaud entrant dans l'enceinte 34 et la température extérieure, et le compare à une valeur seuil prédéterminée. Si l'écart de température est inférieur à la valeur seuil, un signal d'alarme pouvant être visuel ou encore sonore est déclenché par l'unité de commande 46 pour signaler une défaillance du fonctionnement de la chaudière 20. En variante, l'unité de commande 46 peut piloter le fonctionnement de la chaudière 20 de façon à maintenir à une valeur fixe l'écart entre la température de l'air chaud entrant dans l'enceinte 34 et la température extérieure.The control unit 46 includes, stored in memory, all the hardware and software means for carrying out the operation control of the boiler 20 from the measurements made by the sensors 48, 50. In this respect, the control unit 46 determines the difference between the temperature of the hot air entering the chamber 34 and the outside temperature, and compares it with a predetermined threshold value. If the temperature difference is below the threshold value, an alarm signal that can be visual or audible is triggered by the control unit 46 to signal a failure of the operation of the boiler 20. In a variant, the unit The control unit 46 can control the operation of the boiler 20 so as to maintain at a fixed value the difference between the temperature of the hot air entering the chamber 34 and the outside temperature.

Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, le contrôle du fonctionnement de la chaudière et/ou son pilotage s'effectue à partir des mesures de température de l'air chaud introduit dans l'enceinte 34 et de l'air extérieur. On conçoit qu'il est également possible, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, de prévoir de monter un ou plusieurs capteurs de température directement dans l'enceinte 34 en remplacement du capteur de température de l'air chaud monté dans la conduite 37. Dans le cas d'une pluralité de capteurs de température montés dans l'enceinte 34 à différents endroits, il est possible de prévoir que l'unité de commande 46 réalise une moyenne des températures mesurées afin d'obtenir une valeur représentative de la température des parois de l'enceinte 34.In the embodiment described, the control of the operation of the boiler and / or its control is performed from the temperature measurements of the hot air introduced into the chamber 34 and the outside air. It is conceivable that it is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide for mounting one or more temperature sensors directly in the enclosure 34 instead of the temperature sensor of the hot air mounted in the pipe 37 In the case of a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in the enclosure 34 at different locations, it is possible to provide that the control unit 46 averages the measured temperatures to obtain a value representative of the temperature. walls of the enclosure 34.

Dans une variante de réalisation, il est également possible de déterminer la température de l'enceinte 34 au moyen d'abaques ou cartographies mémorisées dans l'unité de commande 46 et obtenues à partir d'expérimentations préalables à partir des mesures de température de l'air chaud introduit à l'intérieur de celle-ci, de la température de l'air extérieur, et de la vitesse du véhicule 16 auquel est attaché le dispositif 10.In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to determine the temperature of the chamber 34 by means of charts or maps stored in the control unit 46 and obtained from preliminary experiments from the measurements of temperature of the hot air introduced inside thereof, the temperature of the outside air, and the speed of the vehicle 16 to which the device 10 is attached.

Alternativement, il est encore possible de prévoir que l'unité de commande 46 pilote le fonctionnement de la chaudière 20, et donc celui du moyen d'émission 22, uniquement en fonction de la température de l'enceinte 34 déterminée par le ou les capteurs, i.e. sans prendre en considération la température de l'air extérieur.Alternatively, it is still possible to provide that the control unit 46 controls the operation of the boiler 20, and therefore that of the emission means 22, only as a function of the temperature of the chamber 34 determined by the sensor or sensors , ie without taking into consideration the temperature of the outside air.

Dans les modes de réalisation décrits, le ou les capteurs prévus pour la mesure de température de l'air chaud dans la conduite 37 ou dans l'enceinte 34 sont des capteurs de température. Alternativement, pour mesurer la température de l'enceinte 34 ou de l'air à l'intérieur de la conduite 37, il pourrait être possible de prévoir un capteur infrarouge de thermographie apte à détecter le rayonnement infrarouge émis et à le transformer en signal électrique afin que l'unité de commande 46 détermine la température de l'enceinte 34 ou de l'air à l'intérieur de la conduite 37.In the embodiments described, the sensor or sensors for measuring the temperature of the hot air in the pipe 37 or in the enclosure 34 are temperature sensors. Alternatively, to measure the temperature of the chamber 34 or of the air inside the pipe 37, it could be possible to provide an infrared thermography sensor capable of detecting the infrared radiation emitted and transforming it into an electrical signal. so that the control unit 46 determines the temperature of the enclosure 34 or the air inside the pipe 37.

Lorsque le dispositif 10 est destiné à être utilisé en altitude, par exemple au-delà de 1500 mètres, il est possible de prévoir de façon additionnelle un capteur de pression atmosphérique (non représenté) monté sur le carénage 24 et connecté directement à la chaudière de manière à pouvoir réguler sa combustion en fonction de la densité de l'air à brûler qui diminue avec l'altitude.When the device 10 is intended to be used at altitude, for example beyond 1500 meters, it is possible to additionally provide an atmospheric pressure sensor (not shown) mounted on the shroud 24 and connected directly to the boiler of in order to regulate its combustion according to the density of the air to be burned which decreases with altitude.

Le moyen 22 permet d'obtenir en continu au niveau de l'enceinte 34 une température sensiblement supérieure à celle pouvant être obtenue avec d'autres technologies à énergie fournie comparable, ce qui permet de générer un écart de température important avec la température extérieure de manière à pouvoir être détecté aussi bien par une mine disposée en bord de route que par un engin explosif improvisé, et ce, même lorsque la vitesse de déplacement du véhicule 16 est relativement élevée, de l'ordre de 50 kilomètres par heure. En outre, avec le dispositif 10, on obtient un temps de montée en température de l'enceinte 34 relativement court et le dispositif peut fonctionner de façon autonome pendant plusieurs dizaines d'heures d'affilée. Il est par ailleurs relativement compact et léger.The means 22 makes it possible to obtain continuously at the level of the enclosure 34 a temperature substantially greater than that obtainable with other technologies with comparable energy supply, which makes it possible to generate a large temperature difference with the outside temperature of so that it can be detected by both a roadside mine and an explosive device improvised, and this, even when the speed of movement of the vehicle 16 is relatively high, of the order of 50 kilometers per hour. In addition, with the device 10, there is obtained a temperature rise time of the enclosure 34 relatively short and the device can operate autonomously for several tens of hours in a row. It is also relatively compact and lightweight.

Dans l'application décrite, le dispositif 10 est poussé par un véhicule 16 suiveur. On conçoit aisément que ce véhicule 16 peut être un véhicule de transport ou encore un véhicule téléopéré. Comme indiqué précédemment, le dispositif 10 est particulièrement adapté au leurre de mines et d'engins explosifs improvisés. Le dispositif peut toutefois être utilisé pour d'autres applications, par exemple pour leurrer des missiles aériens infrarouges.In the application described, the device 10 is pushed by a follower vehicle 16. It is easy to see that this vehicle 16 may be a transport vehicle or a teleoperated vehicle. As indicated above, the device 10 is particularly suitable for luring mines and improvised explosive devices. The device can however be used for other applications, for example to decoy infrared air missiles.

Claims (10)

  1. Decoy system, notably for terrestrial mines or improvised explosive devices, characterized in that it comprises:
    - a means (20) of producing heat energy comprising an air or water boiler,
    - a means (22) of emitting radiation in the infrared spectrum comprising a chamber (34) that is fed with fluid by the production means (20), the chamber (34) being provided with internal fins (36a, 36b) able to promote a build-up of heat energy inside said chamber, the boiler comprising an exhaust duct (41) for gases passing through the chamber (34),
    - at least one detection means (48) for determining the temperature of the chamber (34) or the temperature of the fluid between the production means (20) and the emission means (22), and
    - a control unit (46) able to control the operation of the means (20) of producing heat energy at least according to the determined temperature.
  2. System according to Claim 1, also comprising an outside temperature sensor (50), the control unit (46) being able to drive the production means (20) so that the difference between the detected temperatures is greater than a predetermined threshold value and able to check that said difference is at least equal to said threshold value.
  3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the internal fins (36a, 36b) extend perpendicularly to an inlet stream of the fluid into the chamber (34).
  4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the internal fins (36a, 36b) are arranged in the form of successive parallel rows, the fins of one row being separated so as to delimit a space (40) located at least partly facing an orifice (38) feeding the chamber with fluid.
  5. System according to Claim 4, in which the dimension of the space (40) provided between the internal fins (36a, 36b) of a row decreases progressively from one row of fins to another, the space between the fins being greatest for the row located in the vicinity of the feed orifice (38).
  6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the chamber (34) comprises substantially smooth outer walls.
  7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the chamber (34) comprises at least one fluid outlet orifice (39) .
  8. System according to Claim 7, in which the chamber (34) includes a valve (42) for closing the outlet orifice.
  9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a recirculation duct for the fluid from the chamber linked to the heat energy production means.
  10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the means (48) of detecting the temperature of the chamber comprises a temperature sensor.
EP14150989.3A 2009-04-03 2010-03-29 Decoy means, in particular for an improvised explosive device Not-in-force EP2719992B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0952203A FR2944100B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2009-04-03 SINKING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE MACHINE.
EP10158116.3A EP2236976B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-03-29 Decoy means, in particular for a improvised explosive device

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10158116.3A Division EP2236976B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-03-29 Decoy means, in particular for a improvised explosive device

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EP2719992A1 EP2719992A1 (en) 2014-04-16
EP2719992B1 true EP2719992B1 (en) 2015-07-15

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EP10158116.3A Not-in-force EP2236976B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-03-29 Decoy means, in particular for a improvised explosive device
EP14150989.3A Not-in-force EP2719992B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-03-29 Decoy means, in particular for an improvised explosive device

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US (2) US8699865B2 (en)
EP (2) EP2236976B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20100110743A (en)
FR (1) FR2944100B1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2615202B1 (en) 2015-11-05 2018-03-15 Ontech Security Sl WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVE DETECTOR AND DETECTION METHOD
CN107289817A (en) * 2017-08-09 2017-10-24 北京元恒大通科技有限公司 Thermal infrared emitter and decoy
WO2021007606A1 (en) * 2019-07-18 2021-01-21 Deakin University Structure for simulating a thermal image

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2178049A (en) * 1936-04-08 1939-10-31 Mouton Augustin Electrical heating apparatus of the storage type
US2655346A (en) * 1949-07-25 1953-10-13 Rolls Royce Heat exchanger with tube matrix
US3825059A (en) * 1970-07-13 1974-07-23 Laing Nikolaus Method for charging a heat storage vessel
US4088183A (en) * 1977-03-30 1978-05-09 Agency Of Industrial Science & Technology Thermal energy storage tank
US4467179A (en) * 1982-05-17 1984-08-21 Intertherm Inc. Portable electric baseboard heater having an integral handle
DE3725163A1 (en) * 1987-07-29 1989-02-16 Schatz Oskar HEAT STORAGE, IN PARTICULAR LATENT HEAT STORAGE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE HEATERS SUPPLIED BY HEAT EXHAUST
DE3832534A1 (en) * 1988-09-24 1990-04-05 Tad Ges Fuer Elektronik System The invention is a target which can be heated by hot air
DE4020860C2 (en) * 1990-06-29 1995-04-06 Schatz Oskar Method of manufacturing a heat accumulator
DE9112639U1 (en) 1991-10-11 1992-01-02 Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH, 8012 Ottobrunn Exercise goal
DE4328576C2 (en) * 1993-08-25 1997-04-30 Daimler Benz Aerospace Ag Practice goal
DE19621032A1 (en) * 1996-05-22 1997-11-27 Schatz Thermo System Gmbh Heat accumulator for motor vehicle with external and internal container
FR2793877B1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2002-05-17 Giat Ind Sa Luring device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2944100A1 (en) 2010-10-08
US8699865B2 (en) 2014-04-15
US9036985B1 (en) 2015-05-19
EP2236976B1 (en) 2014-01-15
US20110170845A1 (en) 2011-07-14
EP2236976A1 (en) 2010-10-06
US20150159980A1 (en) 2015-06-11
KR20100110743A (en) 2010-10-13
FR2944100B1 (en) 2016-02-12
EP2719992A1 (en) 2014-04-16

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