FR2867557A1 - Cartridge for use in civilian aircraft, has projectile comprising block placed on non metallic envelope, and piston placed in booster tube and between projectile and propulsion load, using ring - Google Patents

Abstract

The cartridge has a projectile (200) with a block placed in a non metallic envelope. A booster tube (100) propels the projectile in a preset direction. A propulsion load (210) emerges from a chamber of the tube. A piston (150) is placed in the booster tube and between the projectile and the load, using a ring. The piston includes a traversing passage to transmit the initiation between the load and a pyrotechnic delay of the projectile.

Description

The present invention relates primarily to the field of devices

  radiation emitters, in particular devices emitting infrared radiation.

  The invention is however not limited to this particular application. The invention is generally applicable to the implementation of charges ejected from a cartridge sleeve or equivalent.

  Many radiation emitting devices, especially in the infrared range, have already been proposed.

  However known devices are not always satisfactory, either because they do not include security means avoiding inadvertent operation of the cartridges, either because they incorporate such means but in this case to the detriment of their reliability.

  The main object of the present invention is to propose a new device making it possible to improve the situation.

  This object is achieved in the context of the present invention by means of a cartridge comprising a launching tube, an ejectable projectile comprising at least one charge at least partly made of an energetic material and an initiation delay, a propulsive means associated with the launcher tube and adapted to propel said projectile on command, a piston placed in the launcher tube between said projectile and the propulsion means, the launcher tube and the piston comprising means capable of ensuring the separation of the piston and the projectile when the latter comes out of the launcher tube, the piston comprising at least one through passage capable of transmitting an initiation between the propellant means and the delay of initiation of said projectile, as well as means which prohibit an initiation transmission between the delay and the charge before the separation piston and projectile.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the launcher tube and the piston comprise complementary means capable of preventing the exit of the piston from the launcher tube.

  Moreover, most known devices generate mechanical pollution in that they release parts or sub-assemblies, in particular metal, which can degrade and create injuries in the mechanical and human environment. These metal subassemblies appear essential to protect the infrared radiation generating material in its initial phase of expulsion to prohibit, including for safety reasons, its combustion before output of the launcher tube.

  As a non-limiting example, it would be desirable to have today, on civil aircraft, infrared protection means. However, this area has not experienced the expected and desired result in that it is out of the question to install on civil aircraft devices likely to impact on facilities, homes or aircraft, or even to release metal parts that can to be sucked by the engines of the plane.

  To solve this problem, preferably in the context of the present invention, the projectile is made entirely of non-metallic material or if it comprises metal elements, these are adapted to not develop particles of mass greater than 5g.

  Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. schematic in longitudinal section of a device according to the present invention, in the initial state, - Figures 2, 3 and 4 show similar views in longitudinal section of the same device at three successive stages of its operation, respectively in position of storage, at the time of the exit of the projectile and after projectile exit, - Figure 5 shows, in a longitudinal sectional view, an alternative embodiment of the device according to the present invention, - Figures 6, 7 and 8 show three. variants of means for retaining the piston inside the launcher tube, and - Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a variant of initiation delay of the device according to the present invention.

  In the following description will be described devices or cartridges according to the present invention having charges capable of generating infrared radiation. The present invention is however not limited to this particular application. It generally extends to the implementation of charges adapted to generate any type of radiation and more generally to any type of charges comprising energetic materials, such as smoke materials or detonating or explosive charges.

  The device shown in the appended figures comprises a launcher tube 100 and an infrared radiation generating projectile 200.

  Alternatively, however, the projectile 200 may be adapted to emit another type of radiation.

  The launcher tube 100 comprises a rectilinear sheath of constant section 110 provided at its rear end with a base 120 forming an impeller. The launcher tube 100 may be made of any suitable material, for example metal, such as aluminum, or thermoplastic material.

  The launcher tube 100 is preferably monodirectional, i.e., it is adapted to propel the projectile 200 in a single direction and not to simultaneously propel projectiles in two opposite directions. However, in a variant, the invention can also be applied to bidirectional launching tubes, that is to say adapted to launch simultaneously two projectiles in respectively opposite directions.

  The base 120 is fixed by any appropriate means on the sheath 110, for example by crimping or gluing. It houses a primer not shown in the accompanying figures to simplify the illustration, for example either a percussion-controlled primer or a primer electrically controlled, and a propulsion charge also not shown in the accompanying figures, which opens into the tube chamber 100. The primer and the propulsion charge are placed in the housing referenced 122 of the base 120.

  If necessary, a flap or protective film 126 may be interposed between the aforementioned propellant charge and the internal chamber of the tube 100.

  As can be seen in the appended figures, a piston 150 is placed in the bottom of the tube chamber 100, adjacent to the base 120.

  The piston 150 has a complementary section of the tube 100. It is preferably made of metal. It preferably comprises an O-ring 152 or equivalent on its periphery, suitable for sealing between the periphery of the piston 150 and the inner wall of the tube 100 in order to avoid transmission of gas at this level. The seal 152 thus avoids inadvertent initiation of the material placed in the projectile 200 by the gases generated by the load placed in the housing 122.

  In contrast the piston 150 has a through channel 154 whose function will be specified later. Initially this channel 154 is closed by the flap or protective film 126.

  It will also be noted that the tube 100 is preferably provided at its mouth, that is to say opposite its base 120, with an inner ring 130. The ring 130 forms a local diameter narrowing for the tube 100. It serves a dual function: firstly it serves as a stop limiting the movement of the piston 150 and secondly it serves as a damper for the piston 150. The ring 130 can give rise to many modes of production. According to the representation given in Figure 1, the ring 130 is integral with the tube 100. Alternatively, it may be a separate part, held on the mouth of the tube by any suitable means, for example by the peripheral flange 104 of the front transverse wall 102 of the tube.

  Preferably the tube 100 is initially closed transversely, at its end opposite the base 120, by a partition or front wall 102 made of material.

  In this case, however, preferably the partition 102 is divided between a circular central seal 106 of the same section as the projectile 200 and the aforementioned peripheral rim 104, by a precut line 105.

  Alternatively the tube 100 may be initially closed at its mouth by a plug 1060, for example plastic, and preferably provided with an O-ring seal 1062 periphery, as shown in Figure 5. The plug 1060 can be held on the tube 100 by any appropriate means, for example by crimping or gluing.

  The ring 130 has an internal diameter which is preferably the same as that of the flange 104.

  The projectile 200 comprises at least one roll 210 of material capable of generating infrared radiation (or another type of radiation depending on the desired effect) during its combustion. The bread 210 may be placed in a non-metallic envelope, for example a cellulose casing or composite material or equivalent capable of being immediately disintegrated during an impact or combustion. If it comprises metallic elements, as indicated previously preferably, these are adapted not to generate particles of mass greater than 5g.

  However, preferably, the bread 210 of the projectile is self-supporting, that is to say that it has no external envelope.

  Preferably all the materials composing the projectile 200 are adapted to be consumed.

  In the accompanying figures there is shown a single cylindrical roll 210. Where appropriate the projectile 200 can however accommodate a plurality of stacked elementary loaves.

  If necessary the bread 210 or the stack of breads 210 may comprise stiffening fibers.

  More precisely, the projectile 200 illustrated in the appended figures comprises cords 220 of priming composition distributed in longitudinal grooves formed in the outer surface of the projectile 200.

  The section or caliber of the projectile 200 is complementary (slightly smaller) to the section of the passage defined by the peripheral rim 104. It is therefore smaller than that of the piston 150 which is complementary to the internal section of the tube 110.

  The projectile 200 also has a pyrotechnic delay 230 at its rear end, opposite the passage 154.

  If necessary, the device may comprise a flexible wedging disc 160 between the top of the projectile 200 and the closure cap 106, as seen in FIG. 1. Such a wedge disk may comprise a steel insert whose The goal is to gradually cut the sheath 110 in order to isolate and separate the cap 106.

  As has been explained previously, in the context of the present invention, the device comprises means which prohibit an initiation transmission to the bread 210 before the separation of the piston 150 and the projectile 200.

  Such means can be the subject of many embodiments.

  They preferably comprise mechanical screen means integral with the piston 150 and initially placed between the delay 230 and the load 210. Such a mechanical screen preferably has a geometry complementary to that of a housing formed between the delay 230 and the load. 210. It provides sealing functions at this level. This screen preferably covers orifices formed in a housing that houses the delay.

  According to the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the piston 150 is provided on its front face with a cylindrical skirt 158 centered on the longitudinal axis of the projectile 200, which is engaged in an annular chamber formed between a cylindrical housing 232 housing the pyrotechnic delay 230 and the rear portion of the bread 210. The housing 232 also has a plurality of through holes 234 equidistributed angularly.

  On storage the skirt 158 of the piston covers the orifices 234 and prohibits the initiation of the bread 210, by the relay 230. It is so as long as the projectile 200 is not separated from the piston 150.

  On the contrary, as seen in FIG. 4, when the projectile 200 is separated from the piston 150, the orifices 234 are discovered and allow fire to be transmitted to the bread 210.

  Those skilled in the art will understand that the presence of such means 158 prohibiting initiation bread transmission 210 before the separation of the piston 150 and the projectile 200, allows both to ensure high reliability and optimal use of the radiation emitted since the emission of the radiation begins only after exit of the projectile 200. The cartridge according to the present invention offers great security because it prohibits the implementation of the energy charge 210 as the projectile 200 is placed in the tube 100 of the cartridge.

  The operation of the device which has just been described is essentially as follows.

  At rest, the bread of infrared material 210 is perfectly protected in the socket 110 of the launcher tube 100.

  When an appropriate command is generated, for example as a result of the detection of a threat, the initiator and hence the propulsion charge, placed in the chamber 122, are initiated. This charge generates gases which induce the rupture of the flail 126, then the displacement towards the front of the piston 150 and consequently of the projectile 200 after shearing of the rupture line 105.

  As previously indicated, the seal 152 prohibits any initiation of the lateral surface of the projectile 200.

  In addition, the skirt 158 prohibits any initiation of the delay 230.

  After displacement in the launcher tube 100, the piston 150 reaches the ring 130 as seen in FIG. 3. Its stroke is then stopped.

  By cons as seen in Figure 4 the projectile 200 is propelled out of the launcher. And when the projectile 200 is thus separated from the piston 150, the skirt 158 releases the openings 234. The bread 210 is then initiated by the delay 230 and then generates infrared radiation.

  As indicated above the bread 210 having no metal particles and the piston 150 being confined in the tube 100 by the ring 130, it avoids any risk of mechanical pollution of the environment, unlike known devices of the prior art.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the projectile is adapted so that the individual mass of the scattered residual particles does not exceed 5g.

  FIG. 9 schematically illustrates, in longitudinal section, a particular embodiment of the delay 230 according to the present invention adapted to avoid the rear diffusion of fire or hot gases, once the projectile 200 separated from the piston. 150. According to this embodiment, the housing 232 which houses the pyrotechnic delay 230 has a local internal constriction 236 and furthermore houses in front of the latter a ball or any equivalent element 235 whose diameter is between the internal diameter of the housing 232 and the free diameter of the narrowing 236. Initially, the ball 235 is distant from the narrowing 236. This is free and allows a fire transmission, from the load placed in the chamber 122 to the delay 230. On the contrary, once the delay 230 has been initiated, the hot gases developed by the latter urge the ball 235 to bear against the narrowing 236 to close the latter.

  The gases developed by the delay 230 then develop towards the load 210 through the orifices 234 formed in the wall of the housing 232 in front of the ball 235.

  The housing 232 is itself fixed on the load 210 by any appropriate means, for example by gluing, crimping, screwing, etc.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments, but extends to any variant within its spirit.

  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show three embodiments of means for confining the piston 150 inside the launcher tube 100.

  According to Figure 6, these means are formed of a groove 1112 5 formed in the front portion of the launcher tube 100 and for receiving the seal 152 of the piston 150.

  According to FIG. 7, these means are formed of a part 1114, for example of stamped steel, which is adapted to cooperate with the groove 1112. This part 1114 can either be initially arranged in the groove 1112 to form a stop at the piston 150 or be integral with the piston 150, in which case the piece 1114 accompanies the piston 150 in its stroke and stops in the groove 1112 when it reaches the latter.

  According to FIG. 8, the means limiting the stroke of the piston 150 are formed of point deformations 1116 inwardly of the wall of the tube 100 to abut the piston 150.

  Embodiments of the device according to the present invention have been described in which the piston 150 is confined inside the launcher tube 100 by the ring 130. This ring thus causes the piston 150 and the projectile 200 to separate. an alternative embodiment also according to the present invention, it can however provide a device in which the piston 150 is allowed to exit the launcher tube 100, means being further provided to ensure the separation of the piston 150 and the projectile 200 when the last fate of the launcher tube 100. Such means may for example be formed by means capable of braking the piston 150 when it reaches the mouth outlet of the launcher tube 100, the projectile 200 continuing its trajectory by inertia.

  According to one variant, the casing 232 has at least one through orifice 234 initially covered by the skirt 158.

Claims (30)

  Cartridge characterized in that it comprises a launcher tube (100), an ejectable projectile (200) comprising at least one filler (210) at least partly made of an energetic material and an initiation delay (230). , a propellant means associated with the launcher tube (100) and adapted to propel said projectile (200) on command, a piston (150) placed in the launcher tube (100) between said projectile (200) and the propulsion means, the launcher tube (100) and the piston (150) comprising means (130) adapted to ensure separation of the piston (150) and the projectile (200) when the latter leaves the launcher tube (100), the piston (150) comprising least one through passage (154) capable of transmitting an initiation between the propellant means and the initiation delay (230) of said projectile (200), as well as means (158) which prohibit an initiation transmission between the delay (230) ) and the load (210) before the separation of the piston (150) and the projectile (200).   2. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the launcher tube (100) and the piston (150) comprise complementary means adapted to prohibit the exit of the piston (150) from the launcher tube (100).   3. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the launcher tube (100) is provided at its mouth, a local narrowing diameter (130).   4. Cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the constriction (130) is formed of a ring.   5. Cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the narrowing is formed of point deformations (1116) inwardly of the wall of the tube (100) to form a stop piston (150).   6. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the launcher tube (100) comprises a groove (1112) formed in front of the launcher tube (100) and intended to receive an element such as a seal (152) or a ring (1114) integral with the piston (150), when the latter reaches the mouth of the launcher tube (100).   7. Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston (150) is adapted to exit the launcher tube (100) and the cartridge comprises means for separating the piston (150) and the projectile (200). when the latter exits the launcher tube (100).   8. Cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means capable of braking the piston (150) when it reaches the mouth outlet of the launcher tube (100), the projectile (200) continuing its trajectory by inertia.   9. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one filler capable of generating radiation.   10. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one filler capable of generating infrared radiation.   11. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (158) forming a mechanical screen, integral with the piston (150) and initially placed between the delay (230) and the load (210). ).   12. Cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanical screen (158) has a complementary geometry of a housing formed between the delay (230) and the load (210).   13. Cartridge according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the mechanical screen (158) initially covers orifices (234) formed in the wall of a housing housing the delay (230).   14. Cartridge according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the mechanical screen (158) performs a sealing function between the delay (230) and the load (210).   15. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the piston (150) is provided on its front face with a cylindrical skirt (158) centered on the longitudinal axis of the projectile (200), which skirt is engaged in an annular chamber formed between a cylindrical housing (232) housing the pyrotechnic delay (230) and the rear portion of the bread (210).   16. Cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that the housing (232) has at least one through hole (234) initially covered by the skirt (158).   17. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it comprises means (234) adapted to prevent the rearward diffusion of fire or hot gases, once the projectile (200) separate piston (150).   18. Cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the housing (232) which houses the pyrotechnic delay (230) has a local internal narrowing (236) and furthermore houses a ball or an equivalent element in front of the latter ( 235) whose diameter is between the internal diameter of the housing (232) and the free diameter of the narrowing (236).   19. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the projectile (200) is made entirely of non-metallic material.   20. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the projectile (200) is adapted so that the individual mass of the residual particles does not exceed 5g.   21. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that all the materials constituting the projectile (200) are adapted to be consumed.   22. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the bread (210) of the projectile is self-supporting.   23. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the bread (210) of material capable of generating infrared radiation comprises longitudinal strings of priming composition (220).   24. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the launcher tube (100) comprises a rectilinear sheath of constant section (110) provided at its rear end with a base (120) forming an impeller.   25. Cartridge according to claim 24, characterized in that the base (120) houses a primer (122) and a propellant charge (124) which opens into the tube chamber (100).   26. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the piston (150) has a complementary section of the tube 10 (100).   27. Cartridge according to claim 26, characterized in that the piston (150) has a seal (152) on its periphery, suitable for sealing between the periphery of the piston (150) and the inner wall of the tube (100). ).   28. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the tube (100) is initially closed transversely at an end opposite a base (120), by a partition or front wall (102) of material .   29. Cartridge according to claim 28, characterized in that the partition (102) is divided between a central circular seal (106) of the same section as the projectile (200) and a peripheral rim (104), by a precut line (105).   30. Cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a paillet or protective film (126) interposed between the propellant means and the inner chamber of the tube (100) which houses the projectile ( 200).