EP3693693B1 - Time-delayed projectile for a gun - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a time-delayed carrier projectile for a barrel weapon.

Such a carrier projectile is, for example, the widespread "SMArt 155" projectile from GIWS mbH. The missile uses a timed fuse and an ejector charge (usually pyrotechnics) to pyrotechnically eject a payload/submunition from the missile after a defined time.

From the U.S. 2014/0251173 A1 an inert axisymmetric projectile is known to be launched from a ship's gun and deliver submunitions to a target. The projectile includes a base, cage housing, submunitions pack and retaining ring. The cage body includes a plurality of cage pieces that are angled and attached to the base. The housing includes a payload section and a nose section with a through corridor between these sections. The submunitions pack is contained within the payload section and is radially confined by the casing. The retaining ring holds the cage parts together. On launch, aerodynamic pressure breaks the ring and causes the cage parts to unfold, freeing the ammunition pack for distribution.

From the U.S. 2008/0307994 A1 there is known a warhead comprising a first and a second part, the parts being arranged relative to one another along a longitudinal axis, the first part comprising a first explosive portion, a casing and a plurality of projectiles enclosed in the casing. The second part includes an element for controlling the work of the warhead as a function of a control signal. The fact that the warhead's function can be controlled means that the warhead can defeat a variety of different targets, making the warhead versatile.

The object of the invention is to specify an improved carrier projectile for a barrel weapon.

The object is achieved by a carrier projectile according to patent claim 1 for a barrel weapon with a barrel. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and other categories of the invention result from the further claims, the following description and the attached figures.

The support floor extends along a central longitudinal axis. The carrier floor includes a floor and, in particular, a leader band. As a rule, the guide band is arranged on the peripheral surface of the projectile base. The peripheral surface or direction relates to the central longitudinal axis. The peripheral surface thus points radially outwards with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis represents an axial direction of the carrier projectile. The projectile is also assigned an intended firing or flight direction after firing from the barrel weapon, which is directed in the axial direction.

The carrier floor contains a shell which is closed in an initial state and is connected to the floor. The initial state is the intended state of the carrier projectile between its manufacture and at least its firing. In the initial state, the floor and the shell enclose a receiving space for a payload.

The carrier projectile contains a holding means and a deceleration device acting on the holding means. The casing has at least two casing parts, the casing parts being held together as a casing in the initial state by means of the holding means, which is in a holding state. On the other hand, the shell parts are released from one another by means of the holding means when the holding means is brought into a released state by the delay device. The holding means then assumes the release state or is in this state when a firing of the Carrier projectile started deceleration process is finished in the delay device. The holding means and the delay device are designed to be purely electromechanical.

The shell parts are thus initially held together by the holding means in the holding state. When the carrier projectile is fired, the deceleration process begins in or with the aid of the deceleration device. Upon completion of the deceleration process, i. H. after a certain delay time has elapsed, the holding means is or is transferred from the holding state to the release state. The shell parts are now no longer held together by the holding means and can separate from one another. Thus, the receiving space is opened and released the payload. Only after the carrier projectile has left the barrel of the barrel weapon does the deceleration device have an "opening" effect on the holding means, which changes from the holding state to the release state and thus enables the shell to be broken down into the shell parts. The dimensioning of the components ensures that this only happens after the muzzle opening has been passed.

For example, construction splinters, braids or other active elements or active means or effectors can be used as payload.

When inserting or using the carrier bullet in a gun that is intended for use, the optional guide band seals the base of the bullet from the barrel. With regard to the intended firing or flight direction, the base of the projectile forms the rear and the casing the front part of the carrier projectile.

The deceleration process can certainly be dimensioned in such a way that as long as the carrier bullet is still in the barrel of the barrel weapon after firing, the casing remains closed and connected to the base of the bullet. Only after leaving the barrel are the casing and the base of the bullet separated from each other. Projectile base and casing are thus fastened or held to one another in the initial state or in a holding state (which lasts even after firing until the casing and base are separated).

In the course of the barrel weapon, the holding means is therefore still in the holding state. In the released state or the dismantled state of the carrier projectile, the casing parts are then detached from one another, in particular the casing or casing parts and the projectile base are also detached from one another. "Purely electromechanical" is to be understood in the sense that the components are purely mechanical and optionally equipped with electrics/electronics. This is then exclusively responsible for the timing or the accomplishment of the deceleration process and/or for the triggering and/or the drive of the rest of the mechanics.

In particular, the delay device is structurally designed to release the retaining means only in a distance range of the carrier projectile of at least 3m, in particular at least 5m, at least 7m or at least 10m from the point of exit from the barrel, i. H. release at a safe distance after exiting the barrel.

According to the invention, a carrier projectile for barrel weapons with a delayed opening is thus obtained.

The carrier projectile therefore has a projectile (outer) shell that can be broken down into several parts (shell parts). This mechanism is able to open the projectile and release the projectile's payload. Various possible embodiments of the mechanism are conceivable. According to the invention, it is possible to produce ammunition that has a "shot-like effect" from barrel weapons. In particular, the effective area should not take place or lie directly after the pipe (after leaving the pipe).

Compared to shot or canister ammunition, there is a release of the payload at a safe distance from the weapon station (advantages through safety, better control of the effect). The weapon station is not endangered by the release of the payload directly after the muzzle. There is better control of the combat cone through defined release of the payload. The result is that allied troops can be overshooted or protected by advance pipe security. Compared to classic cargo projectiles with a time fuse and ejector charge, the carrier projectile described here does not necessarily require an expensive one Igniter (with pyrotechnics or electronics) and can also be used in particular in small calibers (medium caliber, from approx. 20mm). Furthermore, no chemical energy is stored in the projectile itself, which completely eliminates the risk of explosives. The question of IM properties (insensitive ammunition) does not even arise.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier projectile is a carrier projectile for a barrel weapon with a rifled barrel. The optional guide band is then used to transfer spin from the barrel to the carrier bullet. Thus, on the one hand, the carrier projectile is suitable for the majority of available barrel weapons. In addition, the general advantages of rifling also apply to the carrier projectile in question.

According to the invention, this results in a carrier system for barrel weapons (optionally with a rifled barrel/rifling) in order to carry a payload for braids or other active elements (e.g. construction fragments). This has a defined release time or place, which is not immediately after the run. According to the invention, it is possible to eject active agents (e.g. splinters or fletchlets) from a rifled barrel without opening the carrier projectile and releasing the active agents in the barrel. The invention allows implementation without having to resort to an (expensive) detonator. The invention also allows a reaction without having to store chemical energy. This leads to an advantage in IM issues, chemical compatibility and storage stability.

Compared to classic shot, which is fired from barrels that are not rifled, there is the advantage of being able to use rifled barrels. The effect is similar to canister ammunition, which opens directly after the barrel and releases its payload immediately behind the barrel.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding means and the delay device are purely mechanical and the delay process is driven by a movement of the carrier projectile during or after it is fired. The propulsion takes place, for example, through the launch shock, the acceleration or - if present - the spin of the carrier projectile. With others Words, the delay device is driven accordingly. This means that there is no need for any electrical equipment in the support floor, which further simplifies it and makes it less susceptible to faults.

According to the invention, the delay device is therefore designed without pyrotechnics and/or without stored chemical energy and/or without an igniter, in particular without a time igniter. The advantages of this have already been mentioned above.

In a preferred embodiment, the delay device is designed to be electromechanical. This allows a structurally particularly simple and reliable design of the delay device, so that disadvantages with regard to the general use of electrics compared to purely mechanical solutions are definitely outweighed.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the delay device is the only electromechanical element of the carrier projectile. A corresponding delay, in particular a time delay, can generally be implemented particularly easily and reliably electrically compared to a mechanical design.

According to the invention, at least two of the shell parts have a respective first positive-locking element. The first form-fitting element is part of the holding means. The holding means contains a central part which has a second form-fitting element for each of the first form-fitting elements. In the holding state, the first and second form-fitting elements are in form-fitting engagement in order to hold the casing parts together as a casing in the initial state. In the release state, the first and second form-fitting means are moved away from one another or are no longer engaged. The first and second form-fitting elements are or are held in engagement by the delay device before and during the deceleration process and are moved away from one another by the delay device at the end of the deceleration process.

A corresponding form-fitting connection can be implemented in many variants in order to suit the respective conditions in the supporting floor (e.g. Bullet size, weight, number of casing parts, type of payload, etc.) to be optimally adapted.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the central part can be moved along the central longitudinal axis relative to the casing and the base of the projectile, with a first longitudinal position corresponding to the holding state and a second longitudinal position corresponding to the release state. A corresponding axial movement can also be implemented or realized in many ways. In order to drive a corresponding movement, the launch shock and the acceleration and deceleration of the projectile in flight through the air are primarily available. Appropriate (electrical/)mechanical systems can be implemented particularly easily in this way. In the longitudinal direction, there is generally more freedom of movement for the central part compared to the transverse direction of the carrier floor.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the delay device contains a blocking element. The central part is spring-loaded, biased and movable relative to the locking element, the central part being held in the first longitudinal position by the locking element and being released for movement into the second longitudinal position. Corresponding blocking elements can be implemented in particular by arming mechanisms for projectiles known from practice. This means that tried and tested, reliable technology can be used in this regard.

According to the invention, the second positive-locking elements (in particular the retaining ring, if present) are fixed in the initial state (in particular on the discharge mandrel, if present) by a tear-off means, the tear-off means being detachable by the firing shock. A suitable means of tearing off is, for example, a thread that can be torn off, an adhesive connection, a predetermined breaking point, a friction connection or the like, which fixes the retaining ring in the initial state on the retaining mandrel. In this way, the carrier projectile is protected from damage or malfunction during regular handling until it is fired.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the central part is or will be moved during the deceleration process by a movement of the projectile from the holding state to the release state. A corresponding projectile movement is in particular its acceleration, firing shock or - if present - its spin.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two of the shell parts have a respective spike-like extension that protrudes into the interior of the carrier projectile or into the receiving space. The extensions or a respective part of these form at least part of the first positive-locking elements. In the holding state, the extensions rest against one another and together form at least part of a drain mandrel. The drain mandrel or a part thereof forms at least part of the holding means. The holding means also has a holding ring which surrounds the drain mandrel in the holding state and thus holds the extensions together. The retaining ring or a part thereof forms at least part of the second form-fitting elements and the central part. In the release state, the retaining ring is or will be removed from the drain mandrel. The retaining ring is held on the payoff mandrel by the deceleration device before and during the deceleration process and is released from the payoff mandrel by the deceleration device at the end of the deceleration process. "Spiny" is to be understood in the sense that the appendages are parts of spines form, which then form the mandrel or at least a part of it in the assembled state, namely in the holding state, in its entirety. The delay is z. B. achieved by controlled frictional slipping off the mandrel.

In particular, a direction of movement of the retaining ring on the mandrel is directed counter to the direction of flight. i.e. from the holding state to the release state, the retaining ring performs a movement counter to the direction of flight along the mandrel. However, a movement in the opposite direction is also conceivable. The drain mandrel has in particular a free end which in this case points in the opposite direction to (or in the other case in) an intended flight direction of the carrier projectile. Because the retaining ring leaves the drain mandrel at the free end, the transition from the holding state to the release state takes place.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the drain mandrel extends concentrically to the central longitudinal axis. So this can be particularly easily assembled from extensions.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the retaining ring as the central part is or will be moved from the holding state to the release state during the deceleration process by a movement of the projectile along the discharge mandrel. A corresponding projectile movement is in particular its acceleration, firing shock or also—if present—its spin.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the delay device contains an internal thread on the retaining ring and a matching external thread on the drain mandrel. The retaining ring thus forms a drain nut which rotates along the internal thread in order to move from the holding state to the release state. A corresponding rotational drive can take place, in particular, by means of a rotational mass inertia of the retaining ring in relation to the discharge mandrel, which is rotated by twisting.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the retaining ring is fixed on the drain mandrel with respect to the central longitudinal axis with an axial spacing gap between the internal thread and the external thread. This embodiment can be in particular combine with the tear-off agent mentioned above. The tear-off occurs on a non-threaded section of the payoff mandrel to take advantage of the inertia of the retaining ring during the launch shock. Only after the distance gap has been covered does the retaining ring (its internal thread) engage with the external thread of the drain mandrel and the rotary drain movement begins. The same could also be achieved correspondingly with a distance to a friction-prone drainage surface.

The invention is based on the following findings, observations and considerations and also has the following embodiments. The embodiments are sometimes also referred to as “the invention” for the sake of simplicity. The embodiments can also contain parts or combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments or correspond to them and/or optionally also include embodiments that have not been mentioned before.

The invention is based on the fundamental idea of creating a carrier system in order to bring splinters or flechets out of a rifled barrel (similar to shot). At the same time, disassembly during the barrel should be ruled out.

The invention is based on the knowledge that hitherto, in practice, either projectiles with time fuses have been used, which pyrotechnically eject the payload after a defined point in time, and otherwise classic shotgun ammunition from smooth bores has been fired.

The invention is based on the basic concept of opening the projectile casing after a defined time, in particular either by running off a drain nut (retaining ring) on a threaded mandrel or by moving an unlocking rod (central part).

Figur 1

ein erfindungsgemäßes Trägergeschoss in a) Seitenansicht und b) Draufsicht,

Figur 2

das Trägergeschoss aus Figur 1 a) im Längsschnitt und b) im Querschnitt,

Figur 3

ein Detail eines alternativen Trägergeschosses in einer Ansicht gemäß Fig. 2a,

Figur 4

einen Querschnitt durch ein alternatives Trägergeschoss,

Figur 5

das Trägergeschoss aus Figur 4 im Längsschnitt,

Figur 6

einen Sicherungsmechanismus bzw. Öffnungsmechanismus aus Figur 5 im Detail in Seitenansicht für den a) Haltezustand und den b) Lösezustand,

Figur 7

einen alternativen Sicherungs-/Öffnungsmechanismus aus Figur 5 im Detail in Draufsicht für den a) Haltezustand und den b) Lösezustand.

Further features, effects and advantages of the invention result from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention and the attached figures. A schematic principle sketch shows:

figure 1

a carrier projectile according to the invention in a) side view and b) top view,

figure 2

the carrier floor figure 1 a) in longitudinal section and b) in cross section,

figure 3

a detail of an alternative carrier floor in a view according to FIG Figure 2a ,

figure 4

a cross section through an alternative carrier floor,

figure 5

the carrier floor figure 4 in longitudinal section,

figure 6

a safety mechanism or opening mechanism figure 5 in detail in side view for the a) holding state and the b) release state,

figure 7

an alternative locking/opening mechanism figure 5 in detail in top view for the a) holding state and the b) release state.

figure 1 shows a carrier projectile 2 for a barrel weapon 4 (only indicated here) with a barrel 6 during acceleration in the barrel 6 after the carrier projectile 2 has been fired. Figure 1a shows a side view with barrel 6 cut open, Figure 1b a plan view in the direction of arrow Ib in Figure 1a . The carrier projectile 2 extends along a central longitudinal axis 8 and contains a projectile base 10 and a shell 12. A guide band 16 is attached to the peripheral surface 14 of the projectile base 10 (relative to the central longitudinal axis 8). This is used in the usual way to seal the base 10 from the barrel 6. The barrel 6 is a rifled barrel, which is why the guide band 16 is also used to transmit a twist from the barrel weapon 4 to the carrier projectile 2. The carrier projectile 2 is therefore a carrier projectile for a barrel weapon 4 with a rifled barrel 6.

figure 1 shows an initial state A of the carrier projectile 2, which this has held since its production. In the initial state A, the shell 12 is connected to the floor 10 . In addition, the cover 12 is closed. Shell 12 and floor 10 therefore enclose a receiving space 18 in the Figures 2-5 is recognizable. The accommodation space 18 is used to accommodate a payload not shown here, for example construction fragments, braids, etc.

In the example, the cover 12 has four cover parts 20a-d. The fact that the cover 12 is “closed” means that the cover parts 20a-d rest against one another without a gap and thus form the closed (outer) cover 12 in their entirety. The shell 12 is separable into its shell parts 20a-d, as will be explained further below. through this division or opening of the shell 12 or the carrier projectile 2, the payload located in the receiving space 18 is released.

Figure 2a shows a section along the plane Ila-Ila in Figure 1b through the carrier projectile 2. The carrier projectile 2 contains a holding means 22 and a deceleration device 24 which acts on the holding means 22. Holding means 22 and delay device 24 are designed purely mechanically, without pyrotechnics and without stored chemical energy and without an igniter (in particular without a time igniter). The deceleration device 24 is driven by a movement of the carrier projectile 2 during or after firing, as will be explained further below. The holding means 22 is in a holding state H in that it holds the shell parts 20a-d together in the form of the closed shell 12.

Each of the shell parts 20a-d has a respective first positive-locking element 26, and the holding means 22 has a central part 28. The central part 28 contains a second form-fitting element 30 for each of the first form-fitting elements 26. In the holding state H, the first form-fitting elements 26 and the second form-fitting elements 30 are in form-fitting engagement in order to hold the shell parts 20a-d together as a shell 12 in the initial state A.

In the example, the first positive-locking elements 26 are spike-like extensions 32 of the shell parts 20a-d, which protrude into the interior of the carrier projectile 2 or the receiving space 18 . In the holding state H, the extensions 32 rest against one another and together form a drain mandrel 34. The drain mandrel 34 is a first part of the holding means 22. The holding means 22 also has a holding ring 36 as a second part. This forms the respective second form-fitting elements 30 in the form of radially inner surface sections (90° circumferential segments). In the holding state H, the retaining ring 36 encompasses the discharge mandrel 34 and thus holds the extensions 32 and thus the casing parts 20a-d in a form-fitting manner on one another or together.

So that the holding means 22 reaches a release state L, the retaining ring 36 moves in the direction of arrow 38 along the discharge mandrel 34 and finally leaves its free end 40. From this moment on, the extensions 32 are no longer held together and the release state L is reached. The movement of the retaining ring 36 from its original position in the initial state A to the release state L (sliding off the free end 40) represents the deceleration process V, which is accomplished by the deceleration device 24. This is done as follows:
The delay device 24 includes an internal thread 42 on the retaining ring 36 and an external thread 44 on the discharge mandrel 34, which is composed of respective threaded parts on the extensions 32. The retaining ring 38 thus forms a drain nut for the external thread 44. The drain nut, and thus the drive of the delay device 24, is drained in that the casing 12 and thus the drain mandrel 34 assume a twist after firing, i.e. begin to twist about the central longitudinal axis 8 to rotate. Due to its mass inertia, the retaining ring 36 does not absorb any corresponding rotational movement. The drain mandrel 34 therefore begins to rotate in the manner of a threaded rod in the retaining ring 36, whereupon the latter is screwed or moved in the direction of the arrow 38 along the drain mandrel 34. The holding state H is still maintained. The retaining ring 36 only leaves the discharge mandrel 34 at the free end 40 after it has completely passed through the internal thread 42, with the holding state H changing to the release state L.

The intended rifling speed or number of revolutions of the carrier projectile 2 about the central longitudinal axis 8 after an intended firing, the number of threads of the internal thread 42 and external thread 44, the thread pitch, etc. are structurally coordinated so that the deceleration process V (expiry of the payoff nut on the payoff mandrel 34) requires a desired time. In connection with the known intended flight speed of the carrier projectile 2, a desired distance from the barrel weapon 4 or the firing point can be dimensioned at which the release state L is or will be reached and the casing 12 is thus opened and the payload is released. In particular, it can be ensured in this way that an opening in barrel 6 is ruled out.

figure 2 thus shows a drain nut (retaining ring 36) on a thread (external thread 44) in the carrier projectile 2. The projectile casing 12 also consists of four outer segments (casing parts 20a-d) here, which are held together by the drain nut. After the launch shock, the drain nut runs in Direction of arrow 38 the external thread 44 down. Once the screw (pivot 34) clears the internal threads 42, the projectile casing 12 is no longer held together and releases the payload. The run-off direction (arrow 38) does not necessarily have to point against the direction of flight (as in the example shown). The air resistance, which generates a braking force on the carrier projectile 2, could alternatively (not shown here) favor a process in the direction of flight (against arrow 38). The friction between the internal and external threads 42,44 may have to be reduced by means of lubricants, such as Teflon coating of the surface.

figure 3 shows schematically an alternative drain mandrel 34 in a representation according to FIG Figure 2a in detail. The drain mandrel 34 with the external thread 44 forms according to figure 2 a thread core formed of several elements (protrusions 32). In this case, the elements are connected to the projectile casing 12 . The threaded core holds the casing 12 together with the drain nut (retaining ring 36). The drain nut (retaining ring 36) holds the projectile casing 14 together until drained.

Here is alternative to 2 the retaining ring 36 is fixed in the initial state A on the drain mandrel 34 by a tear-off means 46. The latter is symbolized here by a thread of a tear-off thread. The release is done by the launch shock. Here, the mandrel is accelerated in the opposite direction of arrow 38 . Due to its mass inertia, the retaining ring 36 endeavors to maintain its position and the thread cannot withstand the axial force and tears off or slips axially. In order to create sufficient axial freedom of movement for the retaining ring 36 for this purpose, the retaining ring 36 is fixed to the tear-off means 46 with a spacing gap 50 between the internal thread 42 and the external thread 44 . The tear-off means 46 (tear-off thread) is designed in such a way that it does not impede the actual thread (internal thread 42 and external thread 44) when it runs off. The internal thread 42 is therefore the drain thread of the drain nut. The male thread 44 is the drain thread on the thread core.

The retaining ring 36 is located (this also applies to figs 1 and 2 ) in a first longitudinal position L1 (indicated by a range arrow), relative to the central longitudinal axis 8 on the discharge mandrel 34, in order to bring about the holding state H.

As soon as it has left the mandrel 34, it is in a second longitudinal position L2 in order to bring about the release state L.

• Schritt 1: Zuerst reißt das Abreißmittel 46 (Abreißgewinde) beim Abschussschock ab, welches durch eine Gewindesicherung am ungewollten Lösen gehindert wird.
• Schritt 2: Es kommt zu einem Ablaufen der Ablaufmutter durch die Nicht-Drallübertragung vom drehbeschleunigten Trägergeschoss 2 auf die Ablaufmutter. Grund für die Nicht-Drallübertragung auf die Ablaufmutter ist, dass es keine feste Verbindung nach dem Abreißen mehr zwischen restlichem Trägergeschoss 2 und Ablaufmutter gibt. Der Schock bzw. das Abreißen ist abgeschlossen, bevor die Drehbeschleunigung abgeschlossen ist. Die noch anstehende Drehbeschleunigung und Massenträgheit der Ablaufmutter während des Abschussvorgangs startet die Drehbewegung der Ablaufmutter.

In the figure 3 The drain nut (retaining ring 36) shown is thus unlocked during the firing shock and runs down the external thread 44 in the direction of arrow 38. The external thread 44 or the discharge mandrel 34 is a component composed of several (here four) elements (extensions 32), which are each connected to the (here four) segments (casing parts 20a-d) of the carrier projectile casing 12. This is held together at the bullet tip only by the drain nut. After the screw has run out (drain mandrel 34 with external thread 44), the carrier projectile casing 12 is opened and thus releases the payload. The function sequence is described below:

• Step 1: First, the tear-off means 46 (tear-off thread) tears off during the firing shock, which is prevented from unintentionally loosening by a thread lock.
• Step 2: The run-off nut runs off due to the non-spin transfer from the accelerated carrier projectile 2 to the run-off nut. The reason for the non-transmission of twist to the runoff nut is that there is no longer a fixed connection after the tearing off between the remaining carrier floor 2 and the runoff nut. The shock or tear off is complete before the spin is complete. The rotary acceleration and mass inertia of the drain nut that is still present during the firing process starts the rotary movement of the drain nut.

Step 2 (alternative): An alternative step 2, not shown, is as follows: Instead of realizing the drain nut only via the non-twist transmission, there is the possibility of driving the drain nut (e.g. via gears) with an eccentric rotor . This principle is used in most SADs (Safety and Arming Units) known from practice. A rotor mounted eccentrically on one axis (centre of gravity outside the center of the projectile) is accelerated outwards by the rotation of projectile 2. Here the rotation of the rotor turns (if necessary) via a translation (if necessary with a brake) that Drain nut over a selected flight time from the carrier thread (drain mandrel) and thus opens the projectile 2 and releases the payload.

The figures 2 and 3 thus show a first opening concept I "tear-off nut". A second opening concept II ("unlocking bar") show the Figures 4 to 7 .

The figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of a holding means 22 and a delay device 24. figure 5 is a longitudinal section through the supporting floor 2, figure 4 a cross-section along the plane IV-IV in figure 5 .

Here, the first positive-locking element 26 is a recess 52 with a round cross section in a respective web 54, which extends radially inward from the respective casing part 20a-d into the interior of the projectile. The recess is open radially inward in an area smaller than its greatest width and thus forms an undercut in the radial direction. In the holding state H, a second form-fitting element 30 lies in the recess 52 in a form-fitting manner in the radial direction or circumferential direction. The positive-locking elements 30 are one-piece areas or sections of a central part 56 in the form of an unlocking rod. In order to get from the initial state A to the release state L, the central part 56 is moved in the direction of the arrow 38 . This is partially indicated by dashed lines. In this way, the first and second positive-locking elements 26, 30 disengage and the shell parts 20a-d are released, and the shell 12 can open. The first and second positive-locking elements 26, 30 thus form a holding means 22 or an unlocking mechanism according to FIG figure 4 . The web 54 forms a connecting element of the positive connection to the projectile casing 12.

As long as there is still positive engagement (holding state H), the central part 56 is in the longitudinal positions L1 (indicated by the area arrow). As soon as the dashed longitudinal position L2 is reached, the release state L is reached.

In order to drive the movement of the central part 56, a spring force element 58 is provided, which pretensions the central part 56 in the direction of the arrow 38 in a spring-loaded manner. The delay device 24 in the form of a safety mechanism causes the delay process V and ensures that the central part 56 only after the Delay time is moved from the holding state H in the direction of arrow 38 in the release state L.

The opening mechanism II (opening concept II) thus functions via the unlocking rod (central part 56), which holds the projectile casing 12 together until it is released. The unlocking rod holds the projectile casing 14 together by means of a form fit, as shown in figure 4 is shown. There is a safety mechanism (delay device 24) at the upper end of the unlocking rod. This is released when the shock is fired and releases an opening 60 (driven in particular by the spin) after a defined time or flight distance. The unlocking rod can move into this opening 60 with the aid of a spring (spring force element 58). Sliding the unlocking bar (in the direction of arrow 38) disengages the unlocking mechanism figure 4 opened and the carrier projectile 2 opens due to the twist and releases the payload.

1. 1. bis zur Freigabe durch den Entsicherungsmechanismus (Verzögerungseinrichtung 24) hält die Entriegelungsstange die Geschosshülle durch einen Formschluss zusammen, wie er in Figur 4 dargestellt ist. Bis zur Freigabe ist die Höhenposition der Entriegelungsstange (Längsposition L1) festgelegt.
2. 2. bei Abschuss des Geschosses wird der Sicherungsmechanismus (Verzögerungseinrichtung 24) durch den Abschussschock entsichert (mögliche bekannte Ausführungsformen eines Sicherungsmechanismus sind bezüglich der Figuren 6 und 7 näher beschrieben).
3. 3. Es erfolgt die Freigabe des Sicherungsmechanismus insbesondere durch den anstehenden Drall (in der Regel bewegt sich ein Rotor in "In-Line-Stellung").
4. 4. die Sicherungseinrichtung gibt die Öffnung 60 für die Entriegelungsstange frei, die sich damit in Richtung des Pfeils 38 bewegt und bei Erreichen der Längsposition L2 die Geschossaußenhülle 12 freigibt bzw. öffnet.
5. 5. nach Freigabe der Geschossaußenhülle 12 wird diese durch den Drall geöffnet und gibt die Nutzlast frei.

The functional sequence is as follows:

1. 1. until it is released by the unlocking mechanism (deceleration device 24), the unlocking rod holds the projectile casing together with a positive fit, as shown in figure 4 is shown. The height position of the unlocking bar (longitudinal position L1) is fixed until it is released.
2. 2. when the projectile is fired, the safety mechanism (deceleration device 24) is released by the firing shock (possible known embodiments of a safety mechanism are Figures 6 and 7 described in more detail).
3. 3. The safety mechanism is released, in particular due to the impending spin (usually a rotor moves into the "in-line position").
4. 4. The safety device releases the opening 60 for the unlocking rod, which thus moves in the direction of the arrow 38 and releases or opens the outer shell 12 of the projectile when it reaches the longitudinal position L2.
5. 5. After the projectile shell 12 has been released, it is opened by the spin and releases the payload.

The delay devices 24 according to Figures 6 and 7 are known from practice in the form of SADs with regard to their basic principle and are therefore only briefly explained:
figure 6 shows a first variant of a delay device 24 from figure 5 in side view (arrow VI in figure 5 ). The delay device 24 is designed in the manner of a spherical rotor 62 . The ball rotor 62 has a bore 66 and is located in a housing 64.

Figure 6a shows the initial state A or holding state H. A locking ring 68 prevents the ball rotor 62 from any movement. The firing shock accelerates the deceleration device 24 in the direction of the arrow 38 and the deceleration process V starts. Due to its inertia, the retaining ring 68 gets into the in Figure 6b shown position and releases the ball rotor 62 for movement. Due to the movement dynamics of the carrier projectile 2, the spherical rotor 62 is aligned in Figure 6b shown position. As a result, the bore 66 is aligned with the central part 56 and this can move in the direction of the arrow 38 through the opening 60 and into the bore 66 . The deceleration process V is thus ended.

figure 7 points in the direction of arrow VII in figure 5 a second variant of a delay device 24 from figure 5 in the form of an eccentric rotor. Here, too, a swivel rotor 70 in the form of a metal plate is mounted in a housing 64 so as to be rotatable about an axis 72 eccentrically to the central longitudinal axis 8 . The swivel rotor 70 itself has a center of gravity 74 that is eccentric with respect to the axis 72 . Figure 7a again shows the initial state A or holding state H. The opening 60 is here covered by the tilting rotor 70 (therefore indicated by dashed lines), so that the central part 56 rests on the tilting rotor 70 and cannot get into the opening 60 . Due to the spin of the carrier projectile 2, the center of gravity 74 moves due to the centrifugal force in Figure 7b shown position, wherein the tilt rotor 70 about the axis 72 relative pivoted to the housing 64. Finally, a bore 66 in tilt rotor 70 aligns with opening 60 and core 56 can enter.

Ball rotor 62 and swivel rotor 70 therefore each form a blocking element 76 which prevents the central part 56 in the holding state H from reaching the release state L.

Another concept not shown in the figures is that of an electronic "security device": this is ultimately a combination of mechanical and electronic security. The mechanical part corresponds to a classic safety device that swivels in, for example. The electronics ensure an additional release so that a programmed release time is possible.

Reference List

2

carrier floor

4

pipe weapon

6

run

8th

central longitudinal axis

10

floor

12

Covering

14

peripheral surface

16

guide band

18

recording room

20a-d

shell part

22

holding means

24

delay device

26

first form-fitting element

28

central part

30

second form-fitting element

32

extension

34

drain mandrel

36

retaining ring

38

Arrow

40

free end

42

inner thread

44

external thread

46

tear-off agent

50

clearance gap

52

recess

54

web

56

central part

58

spring element

60

opening

62

ball rotor

64

Housing

66

drilling

68

locking ring

70

tilt rotor

72

axis

74

main emphasis

76

blocking element

A

initial state

H

holding state

L

release state

V

deceleration process

L1,2

first/second longitudinal position

Claims (12)

1. Carrier projectile (2) for a gun (4) having a barrel (6) which extends along a central longitudinal axis (8),

   - having a projectile base (10),

   - having a body (12) which is closed in an initial state (A) and is connected to the projectile base (10),

   - the projectile base (10) and the body (12) enclosing a receiving space (18) for a payload in the initial state (A),

   - having a holding means (22) and having a deceleration mechanism (24) acting on the holding means (22),

   - the body (12) having at least two body parts (20a-d),

   - the body parts (20a-d) being held together as a body (12) in the initial state (A) by means of the holding means (22) which is located in a holding state (H), and

   - the body parts (20a-d) being released from one another by means of the holding means (22), when the holding means (22) is moved into a release state (L) by the deceleration mechanism (24),

   - the holding means (22) adopting the release state (L) when a deceleration process (V) started when the carrier projectile (2) is fired ends in the deceleration mechanism (24),

   - the holding means (22) and the deceleration mechanism (24) being purely mechanical and optionally fitted with electrics/electronics if necessary, and therefore being designed without pyrotechnics and/or without stored chemical energy and/or without fuses,

   - at least two of the body parts (20a-d) each having a first form-fitting element (26) of the holding means (22), and the holding means (22) containing a central part (28, 56), which has a second form-fitting element (30) for each of the first form-fitting elements (26), and the first (26) and second form-fitting elements (30) being in form-fitting engagement in the holding state (H), in order to hold the body parts (20a-d) together as a body (12) in the initial state (A),

   the first (26) and second form-fitting elements (30) being moved away from one another in the release state (L),

   the first (26) and second form-fitting elements (30) being engaged before and during the deceleration process (V) by the deceleration mechanism (24) and being moved away from one another at the end of the deceleration process (V) by the deceleration mechanism (24),

   the second form-fitting elements being fixed in the initial state (A) by a tear-off means (46),

   the tear-off means (46) being releasable by the firing shock.
2. Carrier projectile (2) according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the carrier projectile (2) is a carrier projectile (2) for a gun (4) having a rifled barrel (6).
3. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the holding means (22) and the deceleration mechanism (24) have a purely mechanical design and the deceleration process (24) is driven by a movement of the carrier projectile (2) during or after the firing thereof.
4. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the deceleration mechanism (24) has an electromechanical design.
5. Carrier projectile (2) according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that
   the deceleration mechanism (24) is the only electromechanical element of the carrier projectile (2).
6. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the central part (28,56) is movable along the central longitudinal axis (8), a first longitudinal position (L1) corresponding to the holding state (H) and a second longitudinal position (L2) corresponding to the release state (L).
7. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the deceleration mechanism (24) contains a locking element (76), and the central part (28,56) is pretensioned in a spring-loaded manner with respect to the locking element (76) and is movable, the central part (28,56) being held by the locking element (76) in the holding state (H) in the first longitudinal position (L1) and being released in the release state (L) to move into the second longitudinal position (L2).
8. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the central part (28,56) is moved during the deceleration process (V) by a movement of the carrier projectile (2) from the holding state (H) to the release state (L).
9. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that

   at least two of the body parts (20a,b) have a mandrel-like extension (32) in each case which projects into the inside of the carrier projectile (2), the extensions (32) bearing against one another in the holding state (H) and together forming at least part of a discharge mandrel (34) which forms part of the holding means (22),

   and the holding means (22) has a retaining ring (36) which engages around the discharge mandrel (34) in the holding state (H) and thereby holds the extensions (32) against one another, the retaining ring (36) being removed from the discharge mandrel (34 ) in the release state (L),

   the retaining ring (36) being held on the discharge mandrel (34) before and during the deceleration process (V) by the deceleration device (24) and being released from the discharge mandrel (34) at the end of the deceleration process (V) by the deceleration mechanism (24) .
10. Carrier projectile (2) according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that
    the discharge mandrel (34) extends concentrically to the central longitudinal axis (8).
11. Carrier projectile (2) according to one of Claims 9 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the deceleration mechanism (24) contains an internal thread (42) on the retaining ring (36) and a matching external thread (44) on the discharge mandrel (34).
12. Carrier projectile (2) according to claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the retaining ring (36) is fixed on the discharge mandrel (34) along the central longitudinal axis (8) with a spacing gap (50) between the internal thread (42) and the external thread (44).

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