GB1221461A - Device for interlocking a container with a missile to a launching device - Google Patents

Abstract

1,221,461. Releasable fastenings. MESSER SCHMITT-BOLKOW BLOHM. G.m.b.H. 23 May, 1968 [24 May, 1967], No. 24720/68. Heading E2A. [Also in. Divisions F3 and F4] A device 1 for mounting a launching tube for a guided missile on a launching device comprises a receiver 2 having two pairs of claws 30, 31; 32, 33, one pair at each end. The claws of each pair being mounted for movement towards and away from one another such that they may grip and release a launching. tube. The claws 30, 31, 32 33 are preferably resiliently mounted as on the ends of ap air of torsion bars 16 and are actuated to grip the firing tube under the action of energy storage means, e.g. springs 53. The claws in their movement from the open to the locking position pass through an intermediate position in which the claws may be held by a spring loaded ball and socket device (Fig. 4, not shown) in the actuating linkage and a bearing 20 of the receiver respectively. A firing tube having a longitudinal bead containing the service connections to the rocket end with a wedge shaped forward, and can, in the intermediate position of the claws, be urged between the claws to position the claws in cut out portions of the bead (Fig. 6, not shown). Electrical coupling means is also provided. In the construction shown the actuating means comprises a bridge 40 secured to a traction tube 47 and having pins 42, 44 which ride in diametrically opposite driving grooves 23, 24 in a pair of cylinders 22, one cylinder being connected to each torsion bar 16. The bridge 40 is moved between its two end positions by a manual actuating device and is held in both positions by a releasable catch 56 which co-operates with a guide ring 72 in the claw open position when a pressure plate by the action of a pin of the traction tube compresses springs 53. The bridge is further secured to a pair of guide bars 76 which through the sliding connection of 4 pins 81 of an electrical connecting plug 75 and slots 78 therein raises the plug 75 to provide the electrical coupling. The driving groove engaging pins 42, 44 may be actuated by fluid pressure operated, opposed pistons (Fig. 5, not shown) microswitches controlling the actuation by operated cam bars connected to the bridge. A lever may be provided on a claw at each end of the device to allow a locked tube to be removed from the device.