GB424631A - Improvements in devices for eliminating the air bubble formed when launching a torpedo under water by means of compressed air - Google Patents

Abstract

424,631. Launching torpedoes. DIAZ, M. G., and SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CONSTRUCCION NAVAL, 25, Calle de Sagasta, Madrid. July 20, 1933, No. 20526. Convention date, July 20, 1932. [Class 9 (ii)] An exhausting valve for returning the launching air from a torpedo tube into a submarine to avoid an external air bubble is opened by pneumatic means either a given time after the opening of the launching valve or when the pressure in the tube falls to a given value. In the form shown, the casing N of an exhausting valve V is connected at C to the breech end of the torpedo tube and at 30 to the inside of the submarine. When the torpedo is launched, the air pressure is transmitted through pipe 2, 3 to a cylinder P where it depresses a piston Q and removes a catch F from the stem v of a distributing piston valve D, which is moved to the left by a spring G. Air at a lower pressure than the launching air then passes from a source A-B through the valve D to a chamber B<1>, taking a given time to build up sufficient pressure there to open the exhausting valve V by its action through pipe 8, 9 on a piston E on the valve stem before the torpedo has left the tube. The air from the chamber B<1> then passes through pipe 10, 11 to another chamber B<2>, where after a further predetermined time interval it acquires sufficient pressure to return the piston valve D to the right, the chamber B<2> being connected to the left of the casing of the valve D by a pipe 12, 13. The catch F then relocks the stem v of the valve D, while the exhausting valve V again closes to prevent entrance of water into the submarine. In case of emergency, the valve D may be thrown to the right by hand operation of a lever P<2>. In a modification, instead of the chambers B<1>, B<2>, the left of the casing of the valve D is connected to the launching valve so as to receive air pressure when the torpedo is launched. This moves the valve D slightly to the left, allowing a spring catch to disengage itself. And when the pressure in the torpedo tube has fallen to a given value, the valve D is moved by a spring to its extreme left to allow low pressure air to pass to open the exhausting valve. The valve D is returned to the starting position by a hand operated lever. In a modification of the last arrangement, an air chamber into which pressure is gradually built up is provided to operate the hand lever to return the valve D automatically to the starting position.