EP3569968B1 - Launcher device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a launcher battery for a launcher device for launching ammunition or ordnance provided with incendiary charges, the launcher battery comprising a plurality of combined launch tubes which are each loaded with ammunition or ordnance and which are each closed with a cover.

Such a launcher device allows, for example, missiles that are combined in a launcher battery to be fired quickly. For this purpose, the launcher battery comprises a plurality of launch tubes, each of which is equipped with a rocket, for example. This launcher battery, which is used as a prefabricated unit in a corresponding device of the launcher facility, which is mounted on a vehicle, for example, includes several, for example six, separate launch tubes. These are tightly closed with a lid to protect the ammunition that has been brought in. To launch a rocket, its primer is ignited, whereupon the rocket is shot out of the launch tube. The problem can arise that a cover of an adjacent launch tube of the launcher battery can be damaged or destroyed by the output jet of the rocket fired in a single shot or by the ground covering being whirled up or the like. This can lead to a considerable risk due to incorrect exit balistics of the rocket assigned to this launch tube which is closed with the damaged or destroyed cover. For example, the rocket can miss its target by a considerable distance, it can leave the training area or the like, for example when training ammunition is fired.

Attempts have been made to detect any damage to adjacent closure caps optically, ie by viewing the images, using video recordings taken with an external camera, i.e. a sufficiently far distance from the vehicle, during firing, for example when training rockets are being fired. In particular, when training ammunition is fired, a visual inspection can also be carried out by personnel. Irrespective of which verification variant is selected, certain rapid firing sequences such as ripple firing, i.e. multiple firings in quick succession, are not possible for this reason.

From the JP H11 287598 A and from the GB 2 290 856 A Launcher batteries with devices for detecting damage to the launch tube are known.

The invention is therefore based on the problem of specifying a launcher battery that is improved in comparison.

To solve this problem, in a launcher battery of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention provides a device for detecting damage to the covers closing the launch tubes, the device being designed to detect light incident on the respective launch tube resulting from damage to the cover.

The invention also includes a launcher device with such a launcher battery. Such launcher devices are claimed in the dependent claims and are described below together with the launcher batteries according to the invention.

Basically, the launcher device is characterized by a device provided on it, that is to say integrated into the device, for detecting any damage to such a cover. This device can be used almost immediately after firing ammunition or a corresponding weapon to determine whether one or more adjacent covers have been affected, so that, based on this information, either further firing can be continued, or the firing of further ammunition is prohibited until a thorough check has been made or any replacement of the launcher battery has been made. Since the device automatically supplies the corresponding information immediately after firing, it is consequently possible to be able to fire quick sequences of shots if the covers are undamaged, so that this can also be done either in practice or in real life. The disadvantages mentioned at the outset are thus advantageously no longer present in the launcher device according to the invention.

The invention provides that the device for detecting incident light resulting from damage to the cover in the respective launch tube is trained. Each launch tube is hermetically sealed, with the closure on one side being via this cap. If the cover is damaged, for example a hole is burned in or hammered in or the like, light can penetrate the respective launch tube via this damage point. This incidence of light can be ambient light when shooting during the day. But it can also be the light emitted by the burning primer of the rocket that has just been fired. If such an incidence of light is now detected by means of the light-sensitive detection device, damage detection is possible with certainty.

According to a first alternative of the invention, the device for detecting any incidence of light can be based on sensor elements. This means that at least one sensor element that detects incident light and communicates with a control and/or display device external to the tube is provided in each launch tube. According to the invention, a light-sensitive sensor element is installed in the respective launch tube, which communicates in a corresponding manner with a control and/or display device external to the tube, to which the corresponding sensor data are given. Depending on the recorded result, either a continuation of the automatically controlled sealing operation is possible in the case of a connection to a control device, or an interruption in the case of a damage being recorded. A corresponding visual indication, for example, of whether the closure occurred without damage or caused damage is also possible on the display device, for example a corresponding monitor.

As an alternative to integrating a sensor element on the launch tube side, it is also conceivable to arrange or insert an optical waveguide in each launch tube, which is connected to a sensor element that detects incident light and communicates with a control and/or display device external to the tube. According to this embodiment of the invention, the sensor element is not integrated directly into the tube, but is arranged externally to the launch tube. An optical fiber runs from the sensor element into the interior of the pipe. Incident light can be guided to the sensor element via this optical waveguide, which then sends a corresponding signal to the control and/or display device. At If the lid is undamaged, no signal is given so that firing can continue.

In the case of such an optical waveguide arrangement, it is conceivable for each optical waveguide to be connected to a separate sensor element. In this configuration, each optical fiber (it is sufficient if an optical waveguide is assigned to a launch tube) leads to a separate sensor element. Each sensor element is then communicatively coupled to the control and/or display device in a suitable manner. Alternatively, it is conceivable that several or all of the optical waveguides are connected to a common sensor element. This sensor element is then able to resolve any signals from the individual optical waveguides, so that it is not only detected that a cover is damaged, but also a differentiation as to which cover is damaged.

A photodiode is preferably used as the sensor element, ie an electronic component that enables a very sensitive signal detection and thus a very sensitive detection of incident light.

The assignment of individual sensor elements to the individual launch tubes or individual optical waveguides to the individual launch tubes and thus the separate detection of the condition or functional status of each individual launch tube is particularly useful insofar as knowledge is obtained about which launch tube can no longer be used due to any damage to the cover. In the case of a launcher battery comprising six launch tubes, the control device is then able, for example, to decide which of the remaining five rockets, for example, can still be launched. These firing tubes can then be controlled accordingly, the firing tube with the defective cover is no longer controlled.

The respective sensor element is to be arranged in the launch tube as stated, and the optical waveguide is also to be inserted into the launch tube. This is expediently done on or in the pipe wall, with the sensor element or the optical waveguide preferably being arranged adjacent to the cover or opening out adjacent to the cover in the case of the optical waveguide. The photodiode can, for example be used in a small indentation in the pipe wall, the optical waveguide can, for example, end flush with the pipe wall. The arrangement as close as possible to the cover is expedient, as that is where the light falls, so that even very small damage or open areas where only very little light enters can still be reliably detected.

The sensor element or elements can communicate with the control and/or display device either by wire. This means that they are connected via a corresponding connection cable to the control and/or display device, which is provided, for example, in the driver's cab of the vehicle on which the projector device is mounted. Alternatively, wireless communication with the control and/or display device is also possible, for example via a Bluetooth connection or another wireless communication standard. As stated, the logic is such that the control and/or display device clearly detects and outputs which firing tube has already been fired, so that it is also clear which sensor element signal is no longer relevant. Because sensor elements of firing tubes that have already been fired, the lids of which are inevitably open, of course permanently deliver a corresponding signal. These signals can then be correspondingly suppressed or not taken into account, so that only the signals from the sensor elements that are assigned to launch tubes that have not yet been fired are taken into account.

In the case of wired communication, the sensor element(s) communicating by wire can be connected via connecting lines to a common connecting device which can be detachably connected to a second connecting device which is connected to the control and/or display device via a connecting line. A corresponding line coupling is therefore provided.

The two connection devices can either be connected manually, which means that when the launcher battery is inserted, the corresponding connections are plugged in manually by the staff. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the two connection devices also automatically when inserting the launcher battery in a Battery receptacle, which is part of the launcher device, can be connected. There is therefore an automatic line coupling according to the "plug and play" principle, and any manual connection activities are not required according to this embodiment.

In the case of wireless communication, it is conceivable that the wirelessly communicating sensor element(s) are connected to a transmitting device provided on the launcher battery, via which the sensor signals can be transmitted to the control and/or display device or a receiving device assigned to it. In this case, therefore, the communication takes place via a corresponding transmission and reception arrangement.

As described, it is expedient if the control and/or display device detecting or displaying any damage is arranged in a driver's cab of a vehicle transporting the launcher battery. The driver or the shooter operating the launcher device, protected in the driver's cab, can use this to receive and process the corresponding information or, if the information content is appropriate, take action.

The nature of this action can be different, depending on how the firing operation is controlled. If damage to a cover is detected, further launching operations can be automatically interrupted. In this case, the control and/or display device automatically intervenes in the further shooting operation and automatically stops it. This interruption can, for example, be lifted again after a corresponding inspection by the staff and the firing can be continued or the like. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that further firing operation is manually interrupted. In this case, the shooter receives corresponding visual or textual information on the display device, for example, and can then intervene on the control side and interrupt further firing operations.

In addition to the launcher itself, the invention also relates to a battery for such a launcher. This comprises a plurality of chamfered launch tubes, each loaded with ammunition or ordnance, and each with are closed with a lid. This launcher battery is characterized in that a device is provided for detecting damage to the covers closing the launch tubes.

According to the invention, this device is designed to detect the incidence of light in the respective launch tube resulting from damage to the cover. For this purpose, at least one sensor element that detects incident light and communicates with a control and/or display device external to the tube can be provided in each launch tube. Alternatively, an optical waveguide can also be arranged in or guided in each launch tube, which is connected to a sensor element that detects incident light and that in turn communicates with a control and/or display device external to the tube.

In this case, each optical waveguide can be connected to a separate sensor element; alternatively, several or all optical waveguides can also be connected to a common sensor element, resulting in bundling.

A photodiode is preferably used as the sensor element, although other light-sensitive sensor elements can also be used.

The sensor element or the optical waveguide is expediently arranged on or in the pipe wall, preferably adjacent to the cover, so that even a very small incidence of light can be reliably detected.

Communication means for wired or wireless communication with an external control and/or display device can also be assigned to the sensor element or elements. Signal communication is possible via these means of communication.

In the case of wired communication, the sensor element(s) communicating by wire can be connected via connecting lines to a common connecting device, which can be detachably connected to a second connecting device, which can be connected via a connecting line to the control and/or Display device is connected, can be connected. This wire or line connection can either be closed manually, which means that the first connection device is designed for manual connection, alternatively the first connection device can also be designed for automatic connection when the launcher battery is inserted into a battery holder.

In the case of wireless communication, the sensor elements can be connected to a transmitting device, via which the sensor signals can be transmitted to the control and/or receiving device or to a receiving device assigned to it.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Werfereinrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Werferbatterie für eine Werfereinrichtung aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Abschussrohres mit eingebrachter Rakete und daran angeordneter Erfassungseinrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine Teilansicht eines Abschussrohres mit angeordnetem Deckel und rohrseitig integriertem Sensorelement,

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 4 jedoch mit rohrseitig integriertem Lichtwellenleiter,

Fig. 6

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Werferbatterie mit rohrseitig integrierten Sensorelementen, sowie Verbindungsleitungen und gemeinsamer Anschlusseinrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine Prinzipdarstellung ähnlich Fig. 6 jedoch mit gebündelten Lichtwellenleitern, zugehörigem Sensorelement und Anschlusseinrichtung, und

Fig. 8

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Werfereinrichtung mit integrierten Werferbatterien und im Führerhaus befindlicher Steuerungs- und/oder Anzeigeeinrichtung.

Further advantages and details of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. show:

1

a schematic diagram of a launcher device according to the invention,

2

a schematic diagram of a launcher battery according to the invention for a launcher device 1 ,

3

a schematic diagram of a launch tube with a missile inserted and a detection device arranged on it,

4

a partial view of a launch tube with a cover in place and a sensor element integrated on the tube side,

figure 5

a view accordingly 4 but with fiber optic cable integrated on the pipe side,

6

a schematic diagram of a turret battery with sensor elements integrated into the pipe, as well as connecting lines and a common connection device,

7

a schematic representation similar 6 but with bundled optical fibers, associated sensor element and connection device, and

8

a schematic representation of a launcher device with integrated launcher batteries and located in the driver's cab control and / or display device.

1 shows a launcher device 1 according to the invention, comprising a vehicle 2, here a tracked vehicle, with an attached receiving device 3 for two launcher batteries 4 in the example shown. Such a launcher battery is in 2 shown in an enlarged view. It comprises six separate launch tubes 5, each, see for example 3 , Are equipped with ammunition 6, a rocket 7 in the example shown. The launch tubes 5 are hermetically sealed on both sides with corresponding covers 8, ie hermetically sealed, so that the ammunition 6 is protected.

Such a launcher battery 4 is placed with its rear end 9 ahead in the corresponding receptacle 3 coming from the front, i.e. in 2 Coming from the right, used, that is, in the insertion position, the cover 8 above the rocket 7, see 1 , exposed to the right. Firing is also done towards this side. This means that when a rocket is fired from one of the launch tubes 5, it exits to the right. This inevitably means that the launch jet of the rocket 7 hits the adjacent covers 8 of the launch tubes 5 that have not yet been fired, or floor covering whirled up during launch, etc. This can result in one of the still intact covers 8 being damaged, so that the Firing of the rocket 7 introduced in this launch tube 5 can be problematic.

For this purpose, according to the invention, each launch tube 5 is provided with a device 10 for detecting damage to the respective cover 8 closing the launch tube 5 in the firing direction. In 3 shows the principle of such a launch tube 5 provided with a device 10 . This device 10 is designed to block any incidence of light in the launch tube 5 capture. Such an incidence of light can only be given by damage to the cover 8 after the preceding firing of a rocket from the corresponding launcher battery 4 . If any incidence of light in the associated launch tube 5 is detected by the device 10, it can be assumed with certainty that the corresponding cover 8 is damaged, whereupon action can then be taken.

4 shows a first exemplary embodiment of such a device 10. Shown is the launch tube 5 and the attached cover 8, which sits hermetically sealed on the launch tube 5. In the tube wall of the launch tube 5, a sensor element 12 is inserted in a bore 11 adjacent to the cover 8, comprising a photodiode 13, which is directed toward the interior of the tube. The sensor element 12 is hermetically sealed, that is, it is accommodated in the bore 11 so as to prevent any incidence of light. The sensor element 12 can be connected via a connecting line 14 with an associated connector plug 15 to a connection device (not shown in detail) via which wired or wireless communication is then established with a control and/or display device 16, which is only shown here as an example and which, for example, controls the automatic firing mode , possible.

Although in 4 a connecting plug 15 is shown, it is also possible to route the connecting line 14 to a transmitting device 17, shown here only in dashed lines, via which the signal from the sensor element 12 can be transmitted wirelessly to the control and/or display device 16. Both wired and wireless communication operation is possible.

figure 5 shows an alternative of a corresponding detection device 10. The launch tube 5 and the cover 8 are again shown. The optical waveguide 18 is coupled to a sensor element 20 here. Any light captured via the optical waveguide 18, which as mentioned can only penetrate if the cover 8 is damaged, is thus passed via the optical waveguide 18 to the sensor element 20, for example again comprising one or more photodiodes. This sensor element 20 can now in turn be connected to a connecting plug 15 via a connecting line 14 or alternatively, as shown in dashed lines, with a transmission device 17 for wireless communication with the control and/or display device 16, which is only shown here as an example.

In the embodiment according to 4 several optical waveguides 18 open out at the sensor element 20. A separate optical waveguide 18 is assigned to each launch tube 5, which means that in this embodiment the optical waveguides 18 of all, for example, six launch tubes 5 of a launcher battery 4 are bundled and routed to a common sensor element 20. This is designed in such a way that it can resolve exactly which optical waveguide 18 the signal comes from, ie which launch tube 5 is associated with it. The resolution on the part of the sensor element 20 or also on the part of the control and/or display device 16 is such that it can be detected which firing tube 5 was fired, ie which is missing the cover 8 and which has not yet been fired. Since the sensor elements 12 or via the optical waveguides 18 naturally supply a light signal when firing has taken place, this sensor signal can be suppressed in this way and only the signals from the firing tubes 5 that have not yet been fired can be taken into account. If an incidence of light is detected in relation to a launch tube 5 that has not yet been fired, damage can again be reliably detected.

6 shows a schematic diagram of a launcher battery 4 comprising three launch tubes 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is assumed that each launch tube 5 is provided with a sensor element 12, i.e. a separate photodiode or the like, with the respective sensor element 12 being connected via a connecting line 14 to a connecting plug 15 connected is. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting plugs 15 are attached in bundles to a connection device 21 . This connecting device 21 is now used as an interface for connecting a further connecting line 22, which is routed to the control and/or display device 16, for example. It is therefore provided as a pure line connection for communicating the corresponding sensor signals. Alternatively, shown in dashed lines, it is possible to integrate a transmission device 17 into the connection device 21, via which wireless communication with the control and/or display device 16 can take place.

7 shows the design of an alternative launcher battery 4, again comprising three launch tubes 5, each of which is hermetically sealed via the cover 8. In this configuration, an optical waveguide 18 is inserted into the launch tube 5 in each case. The optical waveguides 18 are bundled and end in a common coupling or plug connector 23 which is connected to a connection device 21 . The sensor element 20 is assigned here, which carries out the corresponding signal detection and, if necessary, also resolution and assignment to the individual launch tubes 5 . In turn, a connecting line 22 leads from the connection device 21 and is used to connect to the control and/or display device 16 . Alternatively, a transmission device for wireless communication of the corresponding sensor signals detected by the sensor element 20 or also resolved and assigned in a pipe-specific manner to the control and/or display device 16 can also be integrated here, shown in dashed lines.

8 Finally, FIG. 1 shows a basic illustration of a launcher device 1, in which two launcher batteries 4, here each comprising four launch tubes 5, are accommodated in the receptacle 3 by way of example. These launch tubes 5 are all equipped with the appropriate devices 10 for cap damage detection. For the launcher batteries 4 according to 8 a corresponding connecting device 21 is provided on the battery side in each case, which is connected via corresponding connecting lines 26 to a second connecting device 27 provided on the receptacle 3, which, for example, includes the actual evaluation electronics. A further connection line 28 leads from this second connection device 27 to the control and/or display device 16 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is accommodated in the driver's cab 24, in which a person P operating the launcher device 1, for example, is seated. The person P sitting in the driver's cab can, for example, be given an optical signal display on the corresponding display device, which indicates any damage, or which also permanently displays the functionality of the launcher batteries 4 or the like. The control and/or display device 16 itself may be able to intervene automatically in the turret operation if damage is detected, i.e. to interrupt it, i.e. the control and/or display device 16 is either additionally designed to control the entire launcher operation, or it communicates with a corresponding control device that performs this.

As shown by the arrow I, a preferably wireless communication link to an external control station 25 is also possible, at which, for example, an optical signal check on a corresponding display is possible. In this way, a corresponding signal can also be recorded from an external location.

Reference List

1

throwing device

2

vehicle

3

recording facility

4

launcher battery

5

launch tube

6

ammunition

7

rocket

8th

Lid

9

rear end

10

Furnishings

11

drilling

12

sensor element

13

photodiode

14

connection line

15

connector plug

16

display device

17

transmission device

18

optical fiber

19

free end

20

sensor element

21

connection device

22

connection line

23

connector

24

cab

25

control station

26

connection line

27

connection device

28

connection line

P

person

I

Arrow

Claims (12)

1. Launcher battery for a launcher device for launching ammunition (6) or weapons provided with primers, wherein the launcher battery comprises a plurality of combined launch tubes (5) that are each loaded with ammunition (6) or a weapon, and that are each closed off by a cover (8), wherein provision is made for a device (10) for detecting damage to the covers (8) closing off the launch tubes (5),
   characterized in that
   the device (10) is designed to detect an incidence of light into the respective launch tube (5) resulting from damage to the cover (8).
2. Launcher battery according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   at least one sensor element (12) detecting an incidence of light is provided in each launch tube (5).
3. Launcher battery according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   an optical waveguide (18) is arranged in or inserted into each launch tube (5) and is connected to a sensor element (20) detecting an incidence of light.
4. Launcher battery according to Claim 3,
   characterized in that
   each optical waveguide (18) is connected to a separate sensor element (20), or in that several or all of the optical waveguides (18) are connected to a common sensor element (20).
5. Launcher battery according to one of Claims 2 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the sensor element (12) or the optical waveguide (18) is arranged on or in the tube wall.
6. Launcher battery according to Claim 5,
   characterized in that
   the sensor element (12) or the optical waveguide (18) is arranged adjacent to the cover (8) or opens out adjacent to the cover (8).
7. Launcher device comprising a launcher battery according to either of Claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that
   at least one sensor element (12) detecting an incidence of light is provided in each launch tube (5) and communicates with a control and/or display device (16) outside the tube.
8. Launcher device comprising a launcher battery according to one of Claims 3 to 6,
   characterized in that
   an optical waveguide (18) is arranged in or inserted into each launch tube (5) and is connected to a sensor element (20) detecting an incidence of light, which sensor element communicates with a control and/or display device (16) outside the tube.
9. Launcher device according to either of Claims 7 and 8,
   characterized in that
   the one or more sensor elements (12, 20) communicate with the control and/or display device (16) in a wired or wireless manner.
10. Launcher device according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the one or more sensor elements (12, 20) communicating in a wired manner are connected, via connecting lines (14), to a common connection device (21) that is able to be connected releasably to a second connection device (27) that is connected, via a connecting line (28), to the control and/or display device (16).
11. Launcher device according to Claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the two connection devices (21, 27) need to be connected manually, or in that the two connection devices (21, 27) are connected automatically when the launcher battery (4) is inserted into a battery receptacle.
12. Launcher device according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the one or more sensor elements (12, 20) communicating in a wireless manner are connected to a transmission device (17) provided on the launcher battery, via which transmission device the sensor signals are able to be transmitted to the control and/or display device (16) or to a reception device assigned thereto.

Images