FR2776060A1 - MINE, IN PARTICULAR ANTICHAR OR ANTIHICLE, COMPRISING MEANS OF CONFIRMING THE PRESENCE OF A TARGET - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a mine (1), in particular anti-tank or anti-vehicle, comprising at least one explosive charge (3) intended to be initiated by a starting device (6), the triggering of which is controlled by an electronic circuit ( 20) connected to target detection means (25), mine characterized in that it comprises at least one means for confirming the presence of a target, means consisting of at least one confirmation detector (18, 19) which is deployed in the direction of the target by a projection means (23) when the approach of the target has been detected by the detection means (25).

Description

* 1:

  The technical field of the invention is that of mines, in particular anti-tank or anti-vehicle mines.

  Current anti-tank mines contain at least one explosive charge intended to be initiated by a priming device, such as a detonator primer. The explosive charge is generally a formed charge, such as a flat charge or a nucleating charge comprising a metallic coating applied to the explosive. The triggering of the ignition device is usually controlled by an electronic circuit or module connected to one or more target sensors (of technology

  magnetic, acoustic or seismic). Patent FR2475716 describes such an anti-tank mine.

  Although electronic modules are now complex enough to recognize a given type of target from a distance, there is a risk of seeing a mine react inadvertently during rough handling. Anti-vehicle mines therefore present a risk which is not negligible with regard to infantrymen, both during

  military operations than during mine clearance or depollution operations in areas mined after a conflict.

  It is the object of the invention to propose an anti-tank mine whose anti-vehicle efficiency is not reduced

  but which presents an increased level of security vis-à-vis infantrymen or civilian populations.

  The mine according to the invention therefore requires, to be initiated, not only a first detection of a target, but also confirmation of the vehicle nature of the detected target.30 Furthermore, this confirmation can only be carried out during a very short interval. reduced which corresponds to a bet

  in normal mine work. The mine quickly adopted a neutralized state.

  Thus the subject of the invention is a mine, in particular an anti-tank or anti-vehicle mine, comprising at least one explosive charge intended to be initiated by a priming device, the triggering of which is controlled by an electronic circuit connected to target detection means, mine characterized in that it comprises at least one means of

  confirmation of the presence of a target, means consisting of at least one confirmation detector which is deployed towards the target by projection means when the approach to the target has been detected by the detection means.

  Advantageously, the confirmation detector is integral with a housing, the projection means being constituted by a pyrotechnic ejection charge.10 The mine housing may be connected to the mine by a retaining wire sufficiently resistant to stop its travel. . The confirmation detector may include an accelerometer and / or a magnetic sensor or

electromagnetic.

  The confirmation detector may include an electrical contact.

  The mine will advantageously include at least two confirmation detectors of different types.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the housing contains the electronic circuit.

  The box may contain a source of electrical energy. The mine may include an electrical connection cable

  connected to the housing by a removable connector.

  According to an alternative embodiment, the length and the mechanical resistance of the electrical connection cable and / or of the connector will be defined so that the electrical connection is cut when the casing is ejected beyond

maximum height.

  The box may contain a remote control receiver.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the housing releases during its ejection a lock which maintains

  in the safety position a pyrotechnic chain interruption flap.

  Advantageously, after release of the lock, the pyrotechnic chain interruption flap will pass under the action of motor means, from its first safety position to a second armed position then to a third neutralization position in which it will ensure a chain interruption pyrotechnic. The mine may include means ensuring an irreversible locking of the flap when it is in its neutralization position.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of different embodiments,

  description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

  FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal section view of a first embodiment of an anti-tank mine according to the invention, FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show three stages of implementation of a mine according to the invention, FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the succession of operating stages of a mine according to the invention, FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a second embodiment of a chain interruption flap pyrotechnic used in the mine according to the invention, the flap being shown in the storage safety position, FIG. 5a shows this same flap in the safety position, FIG. 5b in the armed position and FIG. 5c in the neutralization position, 25 FIG. 6 represents a second embodiment of an anti-tank mine according to the invention, FIGS. 7a and 7b represent in two positions a vertical detector used in this second embodiment of the mine, FIGS. 8a and 8b represent the storage security lock used in this embodiment in the respectively active and inactive position, FIGS. 9a and 9b are partial transverse sections of the housing 17 along the plane marked AA in FIG. 1, FIG. 9c is a view of the end of the second lock,

  FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the mobile relay used in the variant of FIG. 6.

  4, Referring to FIG. 1, an anti-tank or anti-vehicle mine 1 according to the invention comprises a body 2 produced by

  plastic example and inside which is placed an explosive charge 3 on which is applied a metallic coating 4 substantially conical.

  The body 2 is closed at its rear end by a cover 16.

  The explosive charge is intended to be initiated by a detonator relay 5, itself triggered by a primer

  electric initiation detonator 6.

  Relay and primer are integral with a weapon security device 7 which here comprises a shutter 8 for interrupting the pyrotechnic chain which is slidably mounted in a support. The armament security device is placed in the center of a containment block 58 made of plastic. The device is shown here in its storage safety position in which the flap 8 is interposed between the primer 6 and the relay 5. The flap 8 is pushed towards its arming position by motor means 9 (here a spring ). We can plan

  advantageously delay means making it possible to give the shutter a stroke having well-defined speed and duration characteristics. We could, for example, have a watch plate of which a pinion will mesh on a rack carried by the flap 8.

  The shutter is held in the safety position by a first latch 10 which is a radial rod, one end of which bears on the shutter. The other end 10b of the rod is widened and is held by a tube 11 of a mine launch system (shown here in dotted lines). An ejection spring 12 is placed in a housing 13 of the body 2 and it is compressed between the body 2 and the end 10b of the rod. The function of this spring 12 is to eject the lock rod 10 from the mine during the dispersion of the latter on the

  field, thereby releasing one of the arming safety device locks 7.

  5 ..! Such a general anti-tank mine structure is known in particular from patents FR2475716 and US4252062 to which we can

  see in particular for the description of the mine body and the radial latch. 5 The flap 8 includes a light 14 which is intended to allow communication between the primer 6 and the relay 5

  when the shutter is in the armed position. The shutter is capable of translating beyond its armed position so that it again ensures an interruption of the pyrotechnic chain (FIG. 2c). It will thus adopt a so-called neutralized position in which means (known and not shown, such as spring blades) will maintain it in the neutralized position and prevent any return of the flap in the armed position.15 A second latch 15, having the form of a rod arranged longitudinally, enters the arming safety device 7 and into the lumen 14 of the flap 8. This latch keeps the flap in the safety position, even after release of the first latch 10.20 The second latch 15 passes through the explosive charge 3 and the coating 4 and it enters a substantially cylindrical housing 17 and disposed in abutment on the load coating 4. The housing 17 contains one or more means for confirming the presence of a target. Here two means are shown diagrammatically: an accelerometer 18 and a coil 19 of a magnetic detector. The housing 17 also contains an integrated electronic circuit 20 for signal processing as well as an energy source 21, such as a lithium battery, intended to supply energy to both the electronic circuit 20 and the primer 6. The housing also contains an inflammatory primer 22 as well as a gas generating composition 23 (e.g.

  an Aluminum / Copper Oxide (AlCuO) composition).

  A multi-conductor electrical connection cable 24 makes it possible to connect the detonator primer 6 to the electronic circuit 20.

  The same cable also connects to the electronic circuit 20 a target detection coil 25, disposed around the

  armament security device 7. This cable also connects the electronic circuit 20 to a switch (not shown) which is actuated by the ejection of the lock rod 10 and which ensures the energization of the electronic circuit when the mine is dispersed .

  The electrical connection between the cable 24 and the circuit 20 is ensured by means of a removable connector 26.

  A sufficient length of electric cable 24 will be provided and placed on the covering 4 so that the cable 24 does not hinder the deployment of the housing 17 as will be explained below. The housing 17 will advantageously be kept in abutment on the coating by a connecting means, for example a thin plastic cover 27 fixed by clipping on the body 2 of the mine. This cover will also prevent the ingress of moisture into the mine and will protect the electric cable 24. It will also be possible to provide a point of glue between the coating and the housing 17 to reinforce the support or even provide another connection means. for example a clipping of the housing onto a clip secured to the covering. The lower part of the housing 17 has a cylindrical part 28 of reduced diameter on which is wound a retaining wire 29. One end of this wire is integral with the housing and the other is made integral with a central part of the covering 4, by example by means of a screw to ensure the dismantling of the case. The end of the second latch 15 is made integral with the

  housing 17 by an unlockable connecting means.

  This connecting means is shown in more detail in Figures 9a and 9b.

  The housing 17 has a transverse groove 30 inside which the unlockable connecting means 31 is disposed. This comprises two blades of rectangular section made of spring steel 32a, 32b, the ends of which are integral with two support buttons 33a , 33b overmolded. The rod 15 of the second lock (FIG. 9c) has a rounded end S15a as well as an annular groove 34 in which the spring leaves 32a, 32b are housed. When the housing 17 is put in place on the mine, the rod of the second lock 15 enters the housing 17 and its rounded end 15a separates the spring blades 32a, 32b. These return to their original position in the throat

  34 and secure the second latch 15 and the housing 17.

  When it is desired to dismantle the housing 17 (for example for an operation to neutralize the mine or to change the battery 21), it is possible to separate the

  housing and the second latch 15 by exerting a force in the directions F1 and F2 on the support buttons 33a, 33b.

  The effect of such an action is to deform the spring blades 32a and 32b (see FIG. 9b) and thus to release the rod from the second lock 15. The operation of the mine according to the invention will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of the

  Figure 3 and Figures 2a, 2b and 2c.

  The mine is first of all set up on the ground in the usual way (manual laying or dispersion).

  The laying operation led to the ejection of the first lock 10 and the mine is therefore in the waiting state for a

  El target or standby state (Figure 3).

  The electronic circuit 20 then processes in a conventional manner the information transmitted to it by the coil.

  target detection 25. The variations in the magnetic field are therefore measured and compared with reference values30 put in memories or registers of the electronic circuit.

  When a target 35 whose magnetic signature corresponds to one of those stored in memory is detected (Tl test), the electronic circuit 20 controls, not the initiation of the explosive charge as in mines

  according to the prior art, but the initiation of the igniter 22 which ignites the gas-generating composition 23.

  The box 17 then breaks the thin cover 27 and is ejected vertically in the direction of the target 35 (step E2), and it unwinds behind it the electric cable 24

  and the retaining wire 29 (Figure 2b).

  This ejection has two consequences: on the one hand the second lock 15 is driven by the housing 17. The flap 8 of the armament security device is therefore released (step E3) and it passes through the action of the motor means 9 from its safety position to an armed position (step E4) in which the detonator primer 6 is aligned with the relay 5.10 - on the other hand the housing 17 approaches the target 35 in the direction F and it comes to impact so target

  (the vehicle floor) at a distance from the mine in the range of 0.5 m to 0.8 m.

  Ejecting the housing also ensures the

  clearing of the earth in front of the mine in the case of a buried mine.

  Approaching the housing 17 and the target causes the appearance of signals supplied by the detection means which it contains. The magnetic detector 19 records a variation in the magnetic field making it possible to confirm the magnetic mass of the target. The signal generated is compared to signals stored in memory to validate the magnetic signature of the target. Upon impact on the target, the accelerometer 18 will record a level of deceleration allowing the hardness of the floor of the vehicle to be appreciated, this signal will also be compared with values stored in memory. The electronic circuit 20 will process the signals supplied by the confirmation detectors and carry out a test of

confirmation (T2 test).

  It will consider that the presence of target is confirmed if the deceleration signal is correct and if the magnetic signal is also correct. In this case an initiation order is sent to the detonator primer 6 (step E6)

  If the flap is still in the armed position (test T3), the mine will be initiated (step E8).

  If the flap is no longer in the armed position but has taken its 9. neutral position (step E5), the initiation of the primer has no effect on the mine (step E9). If during the T2 test only one of the two signals is correct or if none of the signals is correct, the detonator primer is not initiated (step E7). Meanwhile, the flap will move to the neutralized position (step E5) and the mine will be on the ground in an excellent level of safety since with an armament security device in the neutralized position.10 Thus the mine is only dangerous during the relatively short period of time during which the flap is in the armed position. The drive means will be dimensioned so that the mine is only in the armed position for 20 to 40 milliseconds. Such sizing will be easy to ensure, for example by means of a suitable watch plate or by using a micro motor actuating the flap by a pinion / rack link and controlled by the electronic circuit 20. In addition, during this time interval reduced, the mine can only be initiated if the presence of a well-defined target is confirmed by the confirmation detectors contained in the housing 17. Thus if unfortunate manipulation, for example during a demining operation, causes the ejection of

  box 17, it will not meet a target and will separate from the mine (Figure 2c) without causing its detonation.

  It is then easy to distinguish neutralized mines from others. In addition, if the casing is ejected by a person, the impact of the casing on this person will not give a level of deceleration similar to that caused by a vehicle floor. The mine will therefore not be initiated. It will also be noted that a confirmation box according to the invention will have a mass of the order of 50 g maximum, it will be ejected with a speed of the order of 30 m / s, its

  kinetic energy will then be 22.5 joules which has little impact on a human being.

  The retaining wire 29 makes it possible to prevent the housing 17 10. from moving away vertically by more than one meter. Such an arrangement makes it possible to limit the risk of impact of the housing on a person placed near the mine. The electrical connection cable 24 will advantageously be dimensioned so that it is broken if the housing 17 moves more than 0.8 m from the mine. Thus, there will be, after unlucky triggering of the housing, a physical separation between the body of the mine containing the explosive charge and the detection electronics and the energy source contained in the housing 17. The level of safety obtained is then reinforced since , on the one hand the shutter took its position of

  neutralization at the level of the explosive part of the mine and on the other hand the control electronics is disconnected from the mine.

  Various variants are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

  It is therefore possible to vary the number of confirmation detectors placed in the housing: a single detector,

  two or more. The greater the number of detectors, the greater the security provided by the system.

  It is also possible to vary the nature of the confirmation detectors: magnetic field sensor,

  inductive sensor, switch, piezoelectric pad. 25 It is possible to replace the ejection charge from the housing with a telescopic rod.

  It is possible to have other electronic components in the housing, for example a receiver

  remote control allowing to remotely modify the 30 mine operating algorithms or to activate or deactivate the mine remotely.

  It is also possible to implement a weapon security device of different design.

  FIG. 4 thus shows an arming security device 7 in which the flap 8 is mounted to rotate about an axis 36. The flap is again held in the security position by a first latch 10 and a second latch 15. The flap 8 is rotated by means 1! Timed motors constituted by a watch plate 37 of known type. The shutter includes a light 38 in an arc (see FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c). It also includes two notches 39 and 40 arranged at its periphery and which are intended to cooperate with spring blades 41 and 42 secured to the safety device 7. During the storage of the mine and while waiting for a target, the flap occupies the position shown in Figure 5a. Once the locks 10 and 15 have been removed, the watch plate drives the shutter 8 in rotation about its axis along the arrow Z. 1 milliseconds after the release of the second lock

  15, the flap goes into the armed position, the detonator primer 6 is then located opposite the relay 5 (FIG. 5b).

  at 50 milliseconds after the release of the second latch 15, the shutter switches to the neutralized position (figure c). In this position, the shutter constitutes a barrier separating the primer 6 and the relay. The leaf spring 41 cooperates with the notch 40 thus preventing any return of the shutter to its armed position. The leaf spring 42 cooperates with the notch 39 so as to prevent any further rotation likely to lead to a new armed state. The flap is therefore completely immobilized in rotation relative to the device. The mine is therefore neutralized, no reset of the system being possible without dismantling. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a

mine according to the invention.

  This mode differs essentially from the previous one by the fact that the mine is "double-sided", that is to say that it

  comprises two shaped charge coatings 4a, 4b each coating being applied to an explosive block 3a, 3b.35 The mounting of such a mine is facilitated by the division of the mine body into two shells 2a, 2b.

  A double-sided mine is easier to disperse on the ground since it is likely to function properly-

  regardless of its position on the ground.

  The patent US4252062 describes such a double-sided mine and reference will be made to the description of this patent, in particular for

  the particular structure of the priming means authorizing the operation of the mine from a single electric detonator primer 6.

  These priming means comprise two priming relays 43a, 43b each disposed in the vicinity of a coating and which are intended to cooperate with a movable relay 44 slidably mounted with clearance in an axial tube 45. This relay is shown in detail at Figure 10. It has two small

  relay loads 59a, 59b each disposed at one end of the relay tube 44 and connected by a transmission cord 60 bonded to a generator of the tube. The hole 62 visible in FIG. 10 allows the rod of the first lock 10 to pass.

  In the storage safety position, the mobile relay is in the middle position shown in FIG. 6. It is immobilized in this position by the first latch 10 which passes through it radially by the hole 62 to also immobilize the chain interruption flap. pyrotechnic 8. When the mine is dispersed, the first lock 10 is ejected radially by its spring 12 and the movable relay slides by the action of earth's gravity to come and adopt a position in which it is in contact with the coating provided facing the ground. In this position one of the relay charges 59a or 59b is located opposite the detonator initiator 6, and the other charge

  relay is opposite one of the priming relays 43a or 43b.

  The firing of the detonator primer 6 will cause the initiation of one of the relays 59a, 59b which will initiate the priming relay 43a or 43b via the transmission cord 60 and the other relay 59a or 59b .35 So whatever its position on the ground, the explosive charge of the mine is initiated by the relay

  disposed closest to the ground and which causes the movement of the coating oriented towards the target.

  According to the invention, this mine is provided with two boxes 17a, 17b each containing means for confirming the presence of a target. Each box is placed in abutment on a load coating (4a, 4b) as described previously with reference to FIG. 1. Each box contains as previously described an electronic circuit 20, a power source 21 and one or

  several confirmation detectors (such as an accelerometer 1810 and a coil 19).

  Each case also has an igniter primer

  22 and a gas generating composition 23.

  Each box is connected by an electric cable 24a, 24b to the detonator primer 6, to the target detection coil 25 and to electrical switch means (not shown) which are actuated during the ejection of the first lock 10 and which ensure that each box is powered up. Thus each box can autonomously detect a target and trigger the initiation of the mine.20 In addition to this structure common to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1, each box contains a vertical detector 46. A mode particular embodiment of such a detector is shown in Figures 7a and 7b. It is constituted by a known type of switch usually called "reed switch". Such a switch comprises a pair of magnetizable contacts 47a, 47b enclosed in a glass bulb 48 and a sliding magnet 49 in the form of a ring disposed around the bulb. 30 A plastic guide tube 50 facilitates the sliding of the magnet and guides it relative to the bulb. The entire switch is arranged in a housing 51 set on a base 52 on which the contacts 53a, 53b of the switch come out. 35 Depending on the position of this switch relative to the vertical, the magnet occupies the either of the positions shown in Figures 7a and 7b. In one of the positions of the magnet, the contacts 47a and 47b are distant from each other (Figure 7a) and in the other position the contacts are in mutual contact (Figure 7b). Thus by providing each electronic circuit 20 with such a vertical detector, it is made capable of knowing its own position relative to the ground. The electronic circuits will be programmed or designed by a person skilled in the art so that only the electronic circuit 20 secured to the housing 17 which is on the coating intended to be set in motion by the mine is

activated.

  As described above, each box 17a, 17b carries a rod 15a, 15b forming a second lock for the flap 8. The structure of these locks is more particularly visible in FIGS. 8a and 8b.15 The flap 8 is secured to a armament security device 7 of the type described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5a to 5c. The shutter also has a flat 54 which cooperates with a pin 55 to immobilize the rotating shutter. The pin 55 is cylindrical and carries at each end a stud 56a, 56b which penetrates into a bore 57a,

57b of a rod 15a, 15b.

  The diameter of each stud 56a, 56b is less than the diameter of its bore 57a, 57b by about 1 mm.

  The different parts are arranged so that the two rods 15a and 15b are coaxial along the axis YY 'and that the pin is offset with respect to this axis and is in abutment against the bores 57a and 57b at the level of generatrices of the nipples 56a, 56b (Figure 8a). When one of the rods 15a or 15b is withdrawn in the vertical direction D as a result of the ejection of its confirmation box 17 (FIG. 8b), the pin 55 is no longer held. It switches according to arrow K and the flap can then rotate in the direction Z, driven by its watch plate.35 The clearance between pins 56a, 56b and bores 57a, 57b and the length of the pins will be chosen so that the flap 8 can rotate without being hindered by the pin 55. The confirmation boot used in this embodiment are identical, which is advantageous from the point of view of modularity of manufacture. It is of course possible to design a mine in which the functions will be shared between the housing 17a and the housing 17b. We could for example provide only a single electronic circuit 20, a single energy source

  and / or a single vertical detector for the two boxes. The latter will communicate with each other by means of the electrical connection cables 24a, 24b. However, it is essential to have confirmation detectors in each box.

  Various variants are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, the electronic circuit and the power source could be placed outside the box, for example at the level of the security and arming device and only the confirmation detectors and the ejection means left in the boxes. However, an advantage of the embodiments described

  previously is that it is possible to store confirmation boxes and mines separately.

  This facilitates maintenance operations (replacement of batteries), upgrading (modification of detection algorithms) and increases the modularity and safety of the mine. It is indeed possible to define different confirmation boxes, comprising a plus or

  fewer detectors, and to associate them with the mines available in stock according to operational needs.

Claims (9)

  1-Mine (1), in particular anti-tank or anti-vehicle, comprising at least one explosive charge (3) intended to be initiated by a priming device, the triggering of which is controlled by an electronic circuit connected to target detection means, mine characterized in that it comprises at least one means for confirming the presence of a target, means constituted by at least one confirmation detector (18,19) which is deployed towards the target by a projection means when target approach has   has been detected by the detection means.   2-mine according to claim 1, characterized in that the confirmation detector is integral with a housing (17),   the projection means being constituted by a pyrotechnic ejection charge (23).   3-mine according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing (17) is connected to the mine (1) by a wire   holding (29) strong enough to stop its travel. 20 4- Mine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the confirmation detector comprises a   accelerometer. 5-mine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the confirmation detector comprises a sensor magnetic or electromagnetic.   6-mine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the confirmation detector comprises a contact electric.   7-mine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized   in that it comprises at least two confirmation detectors of different natures.   8-mine according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the housing (17) contains the electronic circuit (20).   9-mine according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the housing (17) contains an energy source electric (21).   -Mine according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized   in that it comprises an electrical connection cable (24) connected to the housing (17) by a removable connector (26). 11-mine according to claim 10, characterized in that the length and the mechanical resistance of the electrical connection cable (24) and / or of the connector (26) are defined so that the electrical connection is cut during   ejection of the housing (17) beyond a maximum height. 12-mine according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the housing (17) contains a receiver remote control.   13-Mine according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the housing (17) releases during its ejection a   latch (15) which maintains in the safety position a flap (8) for interrupting the pyrotechnic chain.   14-mine according to claim 13, characterized in that, after release of the lock (15), the flap (8) for interrupting the pyrotechnic chain passes, under the action of motor means (9,37), from its first safety position to a second armed position then to a third position   neutralization in which it ensures an interruption of the pyrotechnic chain.   -Mine according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises means (39,40,41,42) ensuring a   irreversible locking of the flap (8) when it is in its neutralization position.