WO2019101682A1 - Launching apparatus for discharging a projectile - Google Patents

Launching apparatus for discharging a projectile Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019101682A1
WO2019101682A1 PCT/EP2018/081746 EP2018081746W WO2019101682A1 WO 2019101682 A1 WO2019101682 A1 WO 2019101682A1 EP 2018081746 W EP2018081746 W EP 2018081746W WO 2019101682 A1 WO2019101682 A1 WO 2019101682A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
launching
valve
cylinder
pressure
pilot chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/081746
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tommy Ramberg
Original Assignee
Restech Norway As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Restech Norway As filed Critical Restech Norway As
Publication of WO2019101682A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019101682A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/56—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing discrete solid bodies
    • F42B12/68—Line-carrying missiles, e.g. for life-saving
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/26—Cast or life lines; Attachments thereto; Containers therefor; Rescue nets or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F41B11/60—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas
    • F41B11/62—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns characterised by the supply of compressed gas with pressure supplied by a gas cartridge
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
    • F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
    • F41B11/723—Valves; Arrangement of valves for controlling gas pressure for firing the projectile only
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F41B11/00—Compressed-gas guns, e.g. air guns; Steam guns
    • F41B11/70—Details not provided for in F41B11/50 or F41B11/60
    • F41B11/72—Valves; Arrangement of valves
    • F41B11/724—Valves; Arrangement of valves for gas pressure reduction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
    • F41F1/00—Launching apparatus for projecting projectiles or missiles from barrels, e.g. cannons; Harpoon guns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a launching apparatus as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and a method using such an apparatus.
  • a launching apparatus for launching a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like is known.
  • patent publication WO 82/01860 discloses a launching apparatus comprising a launching tube which is connected to a source of compressed air via a main valve.
  • Patent publication CN103171747 discloses an apparatus comprising a source of compressed air, a launching tube with a pilot chamber and a main chamber.
  • the source of compressed air and the launching tube is divided by an adjustable valve for regulating the pressure in the main chamber and a trigger valve mechanism for activating a main piston via the pilot chamber.
  • the apparatus disclosed in WO 00/76588 Al uses an activation valve to guide pressurized air from a low-pressure chamber to a channel within a piston to initiate flow of air into a launching tube.
  • a reduction valve is placed further upstream of the apparatus to separate a high-pressure chamber from the low-pressure chamber.
  • the invention concerns a launching apparatus suitable for discharging a projectile connected to a line such as a lifeline or similar.
  • the launching apparatus comprises a pressure storage assembly which includes one or more pressure cylinders for compressed fluid, a valve housing connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly and a launching assembly connected in fluid communication with the valve housing.
  • the launching assembly comprises a launching cylinder connected to the valve housing, a pilot chamber and a launching piston movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder.
  • the launching cylinder contains at least one launching chamber.
  • the launching piston comprises a launching piston end arranged at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing and an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber.
  • At least one launching valve seat of the launching piston end is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat on an inner surface of the launching chamber located distal to the valve housing.
  • the opposite piston end forms a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber, the pressure seal having a larger cross-sectional area than the pressure seal established between the at least one launching valve seat and the at least one chamber valve seat.
  • the launching assembly further comprises a projectile assembly connected in closable fluid communication with the launching assembly at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing and a trigger valve mechanism connected in closable fluid communication with the pilot chamber.
  • the trigger valve mechanism is configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber when exposed to an external force, i.e. to guide most or all of the pressurized fluid within the pilot chamber establishing a pressure above atmospheric pressure to a volume outside the pressure cylinder.
  • the launching piston displays at least one pilot chamber port configured to establish a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber when the launching piston is in a position where the pilot chamber encloses the at least one pilot chamber port and an open fluid communication between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber when the launching piston is in a position where the at least one pilot chamber port is situated outside the pilot chamber.
  • the trigger valve mechanism may advantageously be configured to establish a closable fluid communication between the pilot chamber and a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder during vent.
  • the trigger valve mechanism is arranged within the valve housing and where the valve housing further displays at least one valve housing ventilation port establishing open fluid communication between the trigger valve mechanism and the pilot chamber and at least one valve housing outlet port establishing open fluid communication between the trigger valve mechanism and the volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
  • the trigger valve mechanism may further comprise a tubular trigger valve body arranged perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder and/or the pressure cylinder, a trigger valve pin movable within the tubular trigger valve body and a trigger valve spring configured to exert a force on the trigger valve pin, for thereby to prevent a flow between the pilot chamber and a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
  • the term trigger valve spring includes any form of resilient means.
  • the terms perpendicular or near perpendicular should be interpreted as allowing some deviation from a pure perpendicular direction, for example up to 15° deviation from a right-angle between the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder / the launching cylinder and the longitudinal direction of the trigger valve body.
  • the trigger valve pin preferably displays at least one ventilation hole configured to prevent fluid from being compressed when force is exerted on the trigger valve pin.
  • the launching apparatus may further comprise an activation mechanism configured to exert the force on an end of the trigger valve pin situated outside the pressure cylinder and the launching cylinder, for example by a manually operable trigger configured to pivot around a trigger pivot point.
  • the launching apparatus further comprises a reduction valve assembly arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber.
  • the reduction valve assembly is preferably arranged at least partly within the valve housing, more preferably fully within.
  • the reduction valve assembly may display at least one high pressure inlet port in closable fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and at least one low pressure outlet port in open fluid communication with the pilot chamber.
  • the reduction valve assembly may further comprise a tubular reduction valve housing arranged perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder, a reduction valve sealing pin movable within the tubular reduction valve housing and a reduction valve spring configured to exert a force on the reduction valve sealing pin to achieve a predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber.
  • reduction valve spring includes any form of resilient means.
  • perpendicular or near perpendicular should be interpreted as allowing some deviation from a pure perpendicular direction, for example up to 15° deviation from a right-angle between the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder / the launching cylinder and the longitudinal direction of the reduction valve housing.
  • the reduction valve assembly may further comprise a pressure adjustment device configured to exert an adjustable force on the reduction valve sealing pin, thereby setting the predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber.
  • Both the reduction valve assembly and the trigger valve mechanism may in an advantageous configuration be arranged within the valve housing at equal distance or near equal position along the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
  • the invention also includes a method for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline by use of a launching apparatus comprising a pressure storage assembly including a pressure cylinder for compressed fluid, a valve housing connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly, a launching assembly connected in fluid communication with the valve housing, the launching assembly comprising a launching cylinder connected to the valve housing, the launching cylinder containing at least one launching chamber, a pilot chamber, a launching piston movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder, the launching piston comprising a launching piston end arranged at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing, wherein at least one launching valve seat of the launching piston end is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat on an inner surface of the launching chamber located distal to the valve housing, and an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber forming a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber, the pressure seal having a
  • the method comprises the following steps:
  • the launching apparatus may further comprise a reduction valve assembly arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber and the method may further comprise the step
  • the invention further includes use of the above described launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like from and/or to a floating vessel.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention, including a projectile mounted thereon.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the launching apparatus of Fig. 1, excluding the projectile, the projectile line and the launching tube onto which the projectile is mounted.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross sectional side view of a projectile, a projectile line and a launching tube adapted for a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a cross sectional side view of a trigger valve mechanism and a reduction valve assembly mounted within a main valve housing of a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross sectional side view of a reduction valve assembly mounted within a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a cross sectional side view of a trigger valve mechanism mounted within a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGs. 1-6 illustrate a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention, where Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the complete launching apparatus, while the remaining figures show cross sectional views of different parts of the launching apparatus .
  • a center line axis C of the main part of the launching apparatus is shown in Figs. 1-4.
  • the direction parallel and perpendicular to the center line axis C will be referred to as the longitudinal and radial direction, respectively.
  • the launching apparatus comprises four main components, a pressure storage assembly 100, an activation assembly 200, a launching assembly 300, a reduction valve assembly 400 and a projectile assembly 500.
  • the activation assembly 200 may be further divided into two main parts, an internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ arranged between the air cylinder assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 and an external activation mechanism 200” arranged outside the air cylinder assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300.
  • the pressure storage assembly 100 comprises a compressed air cylinder 1 and a closing valve 2 connected to an inlet fitting 3 by means of a threaded connector wheel 4.
  • the compressed air cylinder 1 and the closing valve 2 may be protected by a cover tube 5, an endcap 6 and a bumper 7.
  • the latter absorbs shock from the apparatus recoiling during operation.
  • the inlet fitting 3 is connected to a main valve housing 8 via a support fitting 9 with larger threads to distribute shock loads during rough handling.
  • the main valve housing 8 divides the pressure storage assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 and contains the internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ and the reduction valve assembly 400 inserted radially into the housing 8.
  • the reduction valve assembly 400 displays one or more inlet ports 11 and one or more outlet ports 12, both extending in the longitudinal direction into the reduction valve assembly 400.
  • the outer end of the reduction valve assembly 400 i.e. the end most distant from the center line axis C of the launching apparatus, comprises an adjustment screw 13 holding a powerful reduction valve spring 14 against a reduction valve piston 15 with an O-ring 16 creating a seal between the piston 15 and a bore 17 within a reduction valve housing 18 arranged at the end of the piston 15 distant from the adjustment screw 13.
  • the end of the piston 15 distant to the screw 13 is connected to a reduction valve sealing pin 19 with a conical shape 20 with a sealing pin valve seat 20a located a distance from a gasket 21 comprising an interfacing gasket valve seat 20b.
  • the gasket 21 is arranged on the side of the conical shape 20 situated distant from the center line axis C.
  • a sealing nut 23 is arranged on the end of the sealing pin 19 towards the center line axis C having equal or near equal surface area to the valve seats 20a, 20b, and a O -Ring 22 is arranged between the sealing pin 19 and the sealing nut 23, thereby ensuring that an input pressure exerted via the inlet port(s) 11 applies equal force in both directions, i.e. towards and away from the center line axis C of the apparatus, and thus minimizes variations in output pressure despite varying input pressure.
  • Both the reduction valve piston 15 and reduction valve sealing pin 19 is free to move in the radial direction.
  • the spring 14 compresses and the sealing pin 19 is thus pulled into the gasket 21 , thereby forming a pressure seal between the inlet port 11 and outlet port 12.
  • Turning the adjustment screw 13 will increase or decrease the force acting on the piston 15 and thus increase or decrease the pressure on the outlet port 12.
  • the pressure seal is thus controllable by the user, enabling accurate pressure regulation between the pressure storage assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 further described below.
  • the outlet port 12 is connected via a chamber inlet port 25 within the main valve housing 8 to a pilot chamber 24 within the launching assembly 300.
  • the pilot chamber 24 is formed as a bore into the main valve housing 8 on the longitudinal side located distant from the compressed air cylinder 1.
  • a large chamber spring 26 of the launching assembly 300 is arranged inside the pilot chamber 24, centered on the center line axis C, and holds at its end distant to the main valve housing 8 a main piston 27.
  • the chamber spring 26 ensured that the main piston 27 remains in a closed state during filling of the pilot chamber 24 by the air cylinder 1 via the reduction valve assembly 400.
  • the main piston 27 has a conical front at its main piston end 28 distant to the main valve housing 8 comprising a main valve seat 28a.
  • an O-ring 29 is fitted into a groove 30 that has one or more ports 31 connecting the pilot chamber 24 to a main chamber 32 radially surrounding the main piston 27 and enclosed by a main cylinder 34 threaded onto the main valve housing 8.
  • the O-ring 29 acts as a one-way valve preventing air from returning from the main pressure chamber 32 to the pilot chamber 24.
  • the seal has a larger diameter and surface area than the main valve seat 28a, thereby ensuring a higher pressure at the opposite end of the main piston 27 when the valve is in its closed state.
  • the main cylinder 34 has a conical inner front at the main cylinder end 34a distant from the main valve housing 8, which end 34a comprises a chamber valve seat 28b interacting the main valve seat 28a.
  • the pilot chamber 24 is further connected via a ventilation port 36 to an internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ fitted radially into the main valve housing 8.
  • the trigger valve mechanism 200’ acts as a valve comprising a tubular trigger valve body 37 radially extending into a trigger valve bore 43, a tubular trigger valve nut 40 arranged partly within the trigger valve body 37 at the body’s end located distant from the center line axis C, a trigger valve pin 41 extending radially through the center of both the trigger valve body 37 and the trigger valve nut 40 and a trigger valve spring 42 surrounding the trigger valve pin 41.
  • One end of the spring 42 in Fig.
  • the trigger valve body 37 further displays one or more trigger valve inlet ports 38 in pressure communication with the ventilation port 36 and one or more trigger valve outlet ports 39 in pressure communication with a main valve housing outlet port 50 within the main valve housing 8 (see Fig. 2) connecting the outlet port(s) 39 to a space between the air cylinder 1 and the cover tube 5 of the pressure storage assembly 100.
  • the trigger valve pin 41 is free to slide in the trigger valve body bore 43 when a radial force is exerted on the trigger valve pin 41 to the extent that the force of the spring
  • the trigger valve pin 41 further comprises three O-ring seals 44, a bottom O-ring 44a, and middle O-ring 44b and a top O ring 44c, all arranged on the side of the trigger valve spring 42 facing towards the center line axis C.
  • the terms‘bottom’,‘middle’ and‘top’ relate to the positions in Fig. 6, where bottom and top is defined as distal and near the trigger valve spring 42, respectively.
  • the bottom O-ring 44a and middle O-ring 44b form a seal in the closed state, i.e. when there is no pressure communication between the trigger valve inlet port 38 and the trigger valve outlet port 39. Such a closed state is shown in Fig. 4.
  • the middle O-ring 44b slides past a groove 46 within the trigger valve body 37, causing the pressurized fluid (for example air) from the pilot chamber 24 to be directed in between the trigger valve pin core 44”, the trigger valve body 37 and the top O-ring 44c arranged just below the end of the trigger valve spring 42.
  • the fluid is further guided out the trigger valve outlet port 39 and through the main valve housing outlet port 50.
  • the pilot chamber 24 is thus vented, creating an under pressure relative to the main pressure chamber 32, further causing the main piston 27 to be abruptly shifted in direction towards the main valve housing 8.
  • the space between the main valve seat 28b and the chamber valve seat 28b is created, and pressurized fluid may flow from the main pressure chamber 32 into a projectile assembly 500 described in further detail below.
  • the top O-ring 44c prevents air from going up to the trigger valve pin shaft 4G.
  • a ventilation hole 49 in the bottom of the trigger valve mechanism 200’ prevents fluid from being compressed when the trigger valve pin 41 is pushed down.
  • the activation assembly 200 further comprises an external activation mechanism 200”, in Figs. 1 and 2 shown mounted on an end of a main valve housing protrusion 8a radially protruding the part of the main valve housing 8 arranged radially within the pressure storage assembly 100 and launching assembly 300.
  • the external activation mechanism 200 comprises a cylindrical tube 51, a safety slide 53 movably arranged within the cylindrical tube 51 , a safety button 52 attached to an end of the safety slide 53 and an end of the cylindrical tube 51 , an activation spring 54 pushing the safety button 52 in direction out of the cylindrical tube 51, and a trigger 55 pivotally connected to the main valve housing protrusion 8a by a screw 56.
  • the trigger 55 comprises a trigger interfacing surface 57 configured to abut the end of the safety slide 53 distant from the safety button 52 when the launching apparatus is in a non-activation position as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the safety slide 53 is free to move within the cylindrical tube 51 once the force of the activation spring 54 has been overcome by exerting a pressure on the safety button 52 in a direction contracting the activation spring 54.
  • the abutment of the trigger 55 on the safety slide 53 prevents the trigger 55 from rotating sufficient to exert radial pressure on the end of the trigger valve pin 41 distant from the central line axis C.
  • a slanted surface 58 on the trigger 55 i.e. slanted relative to the direction of cylindrical tube 51, is arranged immediately adjacent to the trigger interfacing surface 57 towards the side of the cylindrical tube 51 distant to the safety button 52.
  • the slanted surface 58 ensures that the safety slide 53 pushes the trigger 55 down once it has been released, thereby abutting a valve pin interface 59 at the top end of the trigger valve pin shaft 4G.
  • the exertion of a force on the safety slide 53 towards the end of the cylindrical tube 51 distant to the safety button 52 allows the trigger to pivot clockwise when pulled, causing the trigger valve pin 41 to slide down the trigger valve nut 40 and trigger valve body 37, opening up a fluid passage between the trigger valve inlet port(s) 38 and the trigger valve outlet port(s) 39.
  • the end of the main cylinder 34 distal to the main valve housing 8 is a threaded main cylinder end 60 onto which a launching tube 61 is connected having the central line axis C at its center (see Figs. 2 and 3).
  • a projectile 69 arrangeable onto the launching tube 61, comprises an inner tube 63, an end plug 62 held in place by friction within an end of the inner tube 63 at the threaded main cylinder end 60, an outer tube 65 partly surrounding both the launching tube 61 during use, stabilizing fins 66 connected to, and radially protruding from, the outer tube 65 and a projectile tip 64 arranged at an end of the inner tube 63 distant to the threaded main cylinder end 60 and which further is connected to the outer tube 65.
  • the inner tube 63 and the end plug 62 are both adapted to be fitted inside the launching tube 61.
  • a suitable projectile line 67 is arranged inside the inner tube 63 and is held in place by the end plug 62.
  • the fixing to the end plug 62 is achieved by guiding the line 67 through a through - going end plug channel 62a as illustrated in Fig. 3. A portion of the line 67 is guided between the projectile 69 and the outer side of the launching tube 61 from near the end plug 62 to the projectile tip 64, back between the inside wall of the launching tube 61 and the inner tube 63 of the projectile 69, through the end plug channel 62a of the end plug 62 and finally within the inner tube 63 to the projectile 64 where it is fixed by suitable fixing means.
  • the other end of the projectile line 67 is tied off to a secure point.
  • the launching apparatus works in the following manner:
  • the launching tube 61 is attached to the main cylinder 34 via the threaded main cylinder end 60, and the projectile 69 is loaded onto the launching tube 61.
  • the closing valve 2 is opened and compressed air (or any other suitable fluid) of for example 200 bar or 300 bar is released from the air cylinder 1 into the main valve housing 8 through the inlet fitting 3 and support fitting 9.
  • the air is directed into the reduction valve assembly 400 through the inlet port 11, thereby applying a pressure force onto the reduction valve sealing pin 19.
  • the pressure force is exerted onto the O-ring 22 on one side of the sealing pin 19 and, at the same time, an equal, or near equal, pressure force onto the reduction valve piston 15.
  • the inlet of the air thus results in a compression of the reduction valve spring 14, while simultaneously pulling the sealing pin 19 up towards the gasket 21.
  • the set pressure in the main chamber 32 also applies a force on the main piston seat 28a of the main piston end 28.
  • the launching / fire procedure is in one embodiment as follows:
  • the safety button 52 is pressed into the cylindrical tube 51 with a force overcoming the strength of the activation spring 54.
  • the safety slide 53 moves back towards the opposite end of the cylindrical tube 51 , thereby allowing the trigger 55 to pivot clockwise around the pivot point 56.
  • the pivot movement causes the trigger 55 to exert a pressure force on the valve pin interface 59, pushing the trigger valve pin 41 down in direction towards the reduction valve assembly 400 positioned at the same longitudinal position within the main valve housing 8.
  • the middle O-ring 44b on the trigger valve pin 41 thereby slides past the groove 46 on the trigger valve body 37, allowing air to be guided along the trigger valve pin 41 within the trigger valve body 37 and through the trigger valve outlet port 39 and the main valve housing outlet port 50 (Fig. 2).
  • the pressure on the main piston 27 in the main chamber 32 applies a greater force onto the O-ring 33 than the main valve seat 28 due to the dissimilar cross-sectional areas.
  • the main piston 27 is thus forced to move back rapidly, causing air to escape into the launching tube 61.
  • a great force is hence applied to the end plug 62, forcing the projectile 69 rapidly out from its fire position onto the launching tube 61.
  • the friction between the projectile line 67 and the end plug 62 causes the end plug 62 to fall out and the projectile line 67 is being pulled out until the full length has been used up and/or the projectile 69 lands on the water and/or ground and/or hits an obstacle.
  • the inventive launching apparatus differs from prior art launching apparatus by inter alia integrating the reduction valve assembly 400 into the apparatus.
  • This particular arrangement has several advantageous over the prior art, such as being less space consuming and allowing that fewer parts is used in the construction, resulting in lower cost and complexity.
  • the arrangement with the O-ring 29 on the main piston 27 allows for a simpler trigger valve mechanism since both the pilot chamber 24 and the main chamber 32 can be pressurized from behind the main piston 27 instead of being pressurized separately. In addition to lower the complexity, this helps ensure that the main piston 27 is properly seated onto the main valve seat 28, preventing air from leaking out the main valve seat 28 while filling.
  • the trigger valve 200’ does not have to close off the supply from the reduction valve assembly 400 to the main chamber 32 in contrast to prior art launching apparatus, causing a yet simpler construction with fewer parts.
  • a pilot chamber must be closed off from the reduction valve supply and the main chamber for the apparatus to work.
  • connection between the reduction valve piston 15 and the reduction valve sealing pin 19 is rigid. This is an advantage since the occurrence of a slight leak around the gasket 21 and the sealing pin 19 would pull the sealing pin 19 further into the gasket 21 and enlarging the sealing pin valve seat 20a against the gasket valve seat 20b until it seals up. Dangerous pressure buildups may hence be prevented, improving the safety for the user.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a line and a method for using such a launching apparatus. The apparatus comprises a pressure storage assembly, a valve housing, a launching, a trigger valve mechanism assembly and a projectile assembly. The launching assembly comprises a launching cylinder containing a launching chamber, a pilot chamber and a launching piston movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder. The trigger valve mechanism is configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber when exposed to an external force. Prior to discharge the launching chamber is filled through the pilot chamber.

Description

Title:
LAUNCHING APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING A PROJECTILE
Technical Field:
The present invention relates to a launching apparatus as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and a method using such an apparatus.
Background and prior art:
A launching apparatus for launching a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like is known. For example, patent publication WO 82/01860 discloses a launching apparatus comprising a launching tube which is connected to a source of compressed air via a main valve.
Patent publication CN103171747 discloses an apparatus comprising a source of compressed air, a launching tube with a pilot chamber and a main chamber. The source of compressed air and the launching tube is divided by an adjustable valve for regulating the pressure in the main chamber and a trigger valve mechanism for activating a main piston via the pilot chamber.
In contrast, the apparatus disclosed in WO 00/76588 Al uses an activation valve to guide pressurized air from a low-pressure chamber to a channel within a piston to initiate flow of air into a launching tube. A reduction valve is placed further upstream of the apparatus to separate a high-pressure chamber from the low-pressure chamber. All of the mentioned prior art apparatus represents solutions that is complex and costly, and have potential safety hazards during operation. For example, none of them disclose a solution that prevents return of pressurized air to the pilot chamber, thereby necessitating closing off the supply to the main/launching chamber. In the solutions of WO 82/01860 and CN103171747, use of a reduction valve is absent. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solution that eliminate or at least mitigate the above mentioned disadvantageous.
Summary of the invention:
The present invention is set forth and characterized in the main claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.
In particular, the invention concerns a launching apparatus suitable for discharging a projectile connected to a line such as a lifeline or similar. The launching apparatus comprises a pressure storage assembly which includes one or more pressure cylinders for compressed fluid, a valve housing connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly and a launching assembly connected in fluid communication with the valve housing.
The launching assembly comprises a launching cylinder connected to the valve housing, a pilot chamber and a launching piston movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder. The launching cylinder contains at least one launching chamber.
The launching piston comprises a launching piston end arranged at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing and an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber. At least one launching valve seat of the launching piston end is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat on an inner surface of the launching chamber located distal to the valve housing. Further, the opposite piston end forms a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber, the pressure seal having a larger cross-sectional area than the pressure seal established between the at least one launching valve seat and the at least one chamber valve seat.
The launching assembly further comprises a projectile assembly connected in closable fluid communication with the launching assembly at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing and a trigger valve mechanism connected in closable fluid communication with the pilot chamber. The trigger valve mechanism is configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber when exposed to an external force, i.e. to guide most or all of the pressurized fluid within the pilot chamber establishing a pressure above atmospheric pressure to a volume outside the pressure cylinder.
Furthermore, the launching piston displays at least one pilot chamber port configured to establish a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber when the launching piston is in a position where the pilot chamber encloses the at least one pilot chamber port and an open fluid communication between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber when the launching piston is in a position where the at least one pilot chamber port is situated outside the pilot chamber.
The trigger valve mechanism may advantageously be configured to establish a closable fluid communication between the pilot chamber and a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder during vent.
In an embodiment of the invention, the trigger valve mechanism is arranged within the valve housing and where the valve housing further displays at least one valve housing ventilation port establishing open fluid communication between the trigger valve mechanism and the pilot chamber and at least one valve housing outlet port establishing open fluid communication between the trigger valve mechanism and the volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
The trigger valve mechanism may further comprise a tubular trigger valve body arranged perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder and/or the pressure cylinder, a trigger valve pin movable within the tubular trigger valve body and a trigger valve spring configured to exert a force on the trigger valve pin, for thereby to prevent a flow between the pilot chamber and a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder. The term trigger valve spring includes any form of resilient means. Further, the terms perpendicular or near perpendicular should be interpreted as allowing some deviation from a pure perpendicular direction, for example up to 15° deviation from a right-angle between the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder / the launching cylinder and the longitudinal direction of the trigger valve body. The trigger valve pin preferably displays at least one ventilation hole configured to prevent fluid from being compressed when force is exerted on the trigger valve pin.
The launching apparatus may further comprise an activation mechanism configured to exert the force on an end of the trigger valve pin situated outside the pressure cylinder and the launching cylinder, for example by a manually operable trigger configured to pivot around a trigger pivot point.
In another embodiment of the invention the launching apparatus further comprises a reduction valve assembly arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber. The reduction valve assembly is preferably arranged at least partly within the valve housing, more preferably fully within.
The reduction valve assembly may display at least one high pressure inlet port in closable fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and at least one low pressure outlet port in open fluid communication with the pilot chamber.
The reduction valve assembly may further comprise a tubular reduction valve housing arranged perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder, a reduction valve sealing pin movable within the tubular reduction valve housing and a reduction valve spring configured to exert a force on the reduction valve sealing pin to achieve a predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber. The term reduction valve spring includes any form of resilient means. Further, the terms perpendicular or near perpendicular should be interpreted as allowing some deviation from a pure perpendicular direction, for example up to 15° deviation from a right-angle between the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder / the launching cylinder and the longitudinal direction of the reduction valve housing. The reduction valve assembly may further comprise a pressure adjustment device configured to exert an adjustable force on the reduction valve sealing pin, thereby setting the predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber.
Both the reduction valve assembly and the trigger valve mechanism may in an advantageous configuration be arranged within the valve housing at equal distance or near equal position along the longitudinal direction of the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
The invention also includes a method for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline by use of a launching apparatus comprising a pressure storage assembly including a pressure cylinder for compressed fluid, a valve housing connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly, a launching assembly connected in fluid communication with the valve housing, the launching assembly comprising a launching cylinder connected to the valve housing, the launching cylinder containing at least one launching chamber, a pilot chamber, a launching piston movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder, the launching piston comprising a launching piston end arranged at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing, wherein at least one launching valve seat of the launching piston end is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat on an inner surface of the launching chamber located distal to the valve housing, and an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber forming a pressure seal between the pilot chamber and the at least one launching chamber, the pressure seal having a larger cross-sectional area than the pressure seal established between the at least one launching valve seat and the at least one chamber valve seat, a projectile assembly connected in closable fluid communication with the launching assembly at the end of the launching cylinder distal to the valve housing and a trigger valve mechanism connected in closable fluid communication with the pilot chamber, the trigger valve mechanism being configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber when exposed to an external force, i.e. to guide most or all of the pressurized fluid within the pilot chamber establishing a pressure above atmospheric pressure to a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder.
The method comprises the following steps:
- opening up a fluid communication between the pressure cylinder and the at least one launching assembly via the pilot chamber by means of at least one closing valve and
- exerting an external force on the trigger valve mechanism, thereby creating an open fluid communication between the pilot chamber and a volume outside the pressure cylinder and/or the launching cylinder. The launching apparatus may further comprise a reduction valve assembly arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber and the method may further comprise the step
- adjusting the flow between the pressure cylinder and the pilot chamber using at least one pressure adjustment device constituting part of the reduction valve assembly.
The invention further includes use of the above described launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like from and/or to a floating vessel.
In the following description, numerous specific details are introduced to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the claimed launching apparatus and the method thereof. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that these embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other components, systems, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown, or are not described in detail, to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
Brief description of the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention, including a projectile mounted thereon.
Fig. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the launching apparatus of Fig. 1, excluding the projectile, the projectile line and the launching tube onto which the projectile is mounted.
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional side view of a projectile, a projectile line and a launching tube adapted for a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional side view of a trigger valve mechanism and a reduction valve assembly mounted within a main valve housing of a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional side view of a reduction valve assembly mounted within a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 6 is a cross sectional side view of a trigger valve mechanism mounted within a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Detailed description of the invention
Figs. 1-6 illustrate a launching apparatus in accordance with the invention, where Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the complete launching apparatus, while the remaining figures show cross sectional views of different parts of the launching apparatus . A center line axis C of the main part of the launching apparatus is shown in Figs. 1-4. Hereinafter, the direction parallel and perpendicular to the center line axis C will be referred to as the longitudinal and radial direction, respectively.
With particular reference to Figs. 1-3 the launching apparatus comprises four main components, a pressure storage assembly 100, an activation assembly 200, a launching assembly 300, a reduction valve assembly 400 and a projectile assembly 500. The activation assembly 200 may be further divided into two main parts, an internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ arranged between the air cylinder assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 and an external activation mechanism 200” arranged outside the air cylinder assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300.
The pressure storage assembly 100 comprises a compressed air cylinder 1 and a closing valve 2 connected to an inlet fitting 3 by means of a threaded connector wheel 4. To prevent damage during launching, the compressed air cylinder 1 and the closing valve 2 may be protected by a cover tube 5, an endcap 6 and a bumper 7. The latter absorbs shock from the apparatus recoiling during operation. The inlet fitting 3 is connected to a main valve housing 8 via a support fitting 9 with larger threads to distribute shock loads during rough handling. The main valve housing 8 divides the pressure storage assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 and contains the internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ and the reduction valve assembly 400 inserted radially into the housing 8. The reduction valve assembly 400 displays one or more inlet ports 11 and one or more outlet ports 12, both extending in the longitudinal direction into the reduction valve assembly 400.
With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the outer end of the reduction valve assembly 400, i.e. the end most distant from the center line axis C of the launching apparatus, comprises an adjustment screw 13 holding a powerful reduction valve spring 14 against a reduction valve piston 15 with an O-ring 16 creating a seal between the piston 15 and a bore 17 within a reduction valve housing 18 arranged at the end of the piston 15 distant from the adjustment screw 13. The end of the piston 15 distant to the screw 13 is connected to a reduction valve sealing pin 19 with a conical shape 20 with a sealing pin valve seat 20a located a distance from a gasket 21 comprising an interfacing gasket valve seat 20b. The gasket 21 is arranged on the side of the conical shape 20 situated distant from the center line axis C. A sealing nut 23 is arranged on the end of the sealing pin 19 towards the center line axis C having equal or near equal surface area to the valve seats 20a, 20b, and a O -Ring 22 is arranged between the sealing pin 19 and the sealing nut 23, thereby ensuring that an input pressure exerted via the inlet port(s) 11 applies equal force in both directions, i.e. towards and away from the center line axis C of the apparatus, and thus minimizes variations in output pressure despite varying input pressure.
Both the reduction valve piston 15 and reduction valve sealing pin 19 is free to move in the radial direction. When pressure from the inlet port 11 is exerted on the piston 15, the spring 14 compresses and the sealing pin 19 is thus pulled into the gasket 21 , thereby forming a pressure seal between the inlet port 11 and outlet port 12. Turning the adjustment screw 13 will increase or decrease the force acting on the piston 15 and thus increase or decrease the pressure on the outlet port 12. The pressure seal is thus controllable by the user, enabling accurate pressure regulation between the pressure storage assembly 100 and the launching assembly 300 further described below.
With again reference to Fig. 2, the outlet port 12 is connected via a chamber inlet port 25 within the main valve housing 8 to a pilot chamber 24 within the launching assembly 300. The pilot chamber 24 is formed as a bore into the main valve housing 8 on the longitudinal side located distant from the compressed air cylinder 1. A large chamber spring 26 of the launching assembly 300 is arranged inside the pilot chamber 24, centered on the center line axis C, and holds at its end distant to the main valve housing 8 a main piston 27. The chamber spring 26 ensured that the main piston 27 remains in a closed state during filling of the pilot chamber 24 by the air cylinder 1 via the reduction valve assembly 400. The main piston 27 has a conical front at its main piston end 28 distant to the main valve housing 8 comprising a main valve seat 28a. At the end of the main piston 27 near the main valve housing 8 an O-ring 29 is fitted into a groove 30 that has one or more ports 31 connecting the pilot chamber 24 to a main chamber 32 radially surrounding the main piston 27 and enclosed by a main cylinder 34 threaded onto the main valve housing 8. The O-ring 29 acts as a one-way valve preventing air from returning from the main pressure chamber 32 to the pilot chamber 24.
An O-ring 33 arranged within the circumference of the main piston 27 within the bore of the pilot chamber 24 creates a seal between the main piston 27 and the main valve housing 8. The seal has a larger diameter and surface area than the main valve seat 28a, thereby ensuring a higher pressure at the opposite end of the main piston 27 when the valve is in its closed state. The main cylinder 34 has a conical inner front at the main cylinder end 34a distant from the main valve housing 8, which end 34a comprises a chamber valve seat 28b interacting the main valve seat 28a.
As seen in Fig. 2, the pilot chamber 24 is further connected via a ventilation port 36 to an internal trigger valve mechanism 200’ fitted radially into the main valve housing 8. With further reference to Figs. 4 and 6, the trigger valve mechanism 200’ acts as a valve comprising a tubular trigger valve body 37 radially extending into a trigger valve bore 43, a tubular trigger valve nut 40 arranged partly within the trigger valve body 37 at the body’s end located distant from the center line axis C, a trigger valve pin 41 extending radially through the center of both the trigger valve body 37 and the trigger valve nut 40 and a trigger valve spring 42 surrounding the trigger valve pin 41. One end of the spring 42, in Fig. 4 and 6 located near the center line axis C, abuts the end of the trigger valve body 37 and the other end of the spring 42, in Figs. 4 and 6 located distal to the center line axis C, abuts a trigger valve pin protrusion 4la protruding radially from the trigger valve pin 41. The parts of the trigger valve pin
41 located at each side of the trigger valve pin protrusion 41 a distant and near the center line axis C are referred to as the trigger valve pin shaft 41’ and the trigger valve pin core 41”, respectively. The trigger valve body 37 further displays one or more trigger valve inlet ports 38 in pressure communication with the ventilation port 36 and one or more trigger valve outlet ports 39 in pressure communication with a main valve housing outlet port 50 within the main valve housing 8 (see Fig. 2) connecting the outlet port(s) 39 to a space between the air cylinder 1 and the cover tube 5 of the pressure storage assembly 100.
The trigger valve pin 41 is free to slide in the trigger valve body bore 43 when a radial force is exerted on the trigger valve pin 41 to the extent that the force of the spring
42 is overcome.
With particular reference to Fig. 6, the trigger valve pin 41 further comprises three O-ring seals 44, a bottom O-ring 44a, and middle O-ring 44b and a top O ring 44c, all arranged on the side of the trigger valve spring 42 facing towards the center line axis C. The terms‘bottom’,‘middle’ and‘top’ relate to the positions in Fig. 6, where bottom and top is defined as distal and near the trigger valve spring 42, respectively. The bottom O-ring 44a and middle O-ring 44b form a seal in the closed state, i.e. when there is no pressure communication between the trigger valve inlet port 38 and the trigger valve outlet port 39. Such a closed state is shown in Fig. 4.
When the trigger pin 41 is pushed down, for example by an external activation mechanism 200’ as further described in further detail below, the middle O-ring 44b slides past a groove 46 within the trigger valve body 37, causing the pressurized fluid (for example air) from the pilot chamber 24 to be directed in between the trigger valve pin core 44”, the trigger valve body 37 and the top O-ring 44c arranged just below the end of the trigger valve spring 42. The fluid is further guided out the trigger valve outlet port 39 and through the main valve housing outlet port 50. The pilot chamber 24 is thus vented, creating an under pressure relative to the main pressure chamber 32, further causing the main piston 27 to be abruptly shifted in direction towards the main valve housing 8. The space between the main valve seat 28b and the chamber valve seat 28b is created, and pressurized fluid may flow from the main pressure chamber 32 into a projectile assembly 500 described in further detail below.
The top O-ring 44c prevents air from going up to the trigger valve pin shaft 4G. A ventilation hole 49 in the bottom of the trigger valve mechanism 200’ prevents fluid from being compressed when the trigger valve pin 41 is pushed down.
As mentioned above, the activation assembly 200 further comprises an external activation mechanism 200”, in Figs. 1 and 2 shown mounted on an end of a main valve housing protrusion 8a radially protruding the part of the main valve housing 8 arranged radially within the pressure storage assembly 100 and launching assembly 300. The external activation mechanism 200”comprises a cylindrical tube 51, a safety slide 53 movably arranged within the cylindrical tube 51 , a safety button 52 attached to an end of the safety slide 53 and an end of the cylindrical tube 51 , an activation spring 54 pushing the safety button 52 in direction out of the cylindrical tube 51, and a trigger 55 pivotally connected to the main valve housing protrusion 8a by a screw 56. The trigger 55 comprises a trigger interfacing surface 57 configured to abut the end of the safety slide 53 distant from the safety button 52 when the launching apparatus is in a non-activation position as shown in Fig. 2. The safety slide 53 is free to move within the cylindrical tube 51 once the force of the activation spring 54 has been overcome by exerting a pressure on the safety button 52 in a direction contracting the activation spring 54. The abutment of the trigger 55 on the safety slide 53 prevents the trigger 55 from rotating sufficient to exert radial pressure on the end of the trigger valve pin 41 distant from the central line axis C.
A slanted surface 58 on the trigger 55, i.e. slanted relative to the direction of cylindrical tube 51, is arranged immediately adjacent to the trigger interfacing surface 57 towards the side of the cylindrical tube 51 distant to the safety button 52. The slanted surface 58 ensures that the safety slide 53 pushes the trigger 55 down once it has been released, thereby abutting a valve pin interface 59 at the top end of the trigger valve pin shaft 4G. Hence, the exertion of a force on the safety slide 53 towards the end of the cylindrical tube 51 distant to the safety button 52 allows the trigger to pivot clockwise when pulled, causing the trigger valve pin 41 to slide down the trigger valve nut 40 and trigger valve body 37, opening up a fluid passage between the trigger valve inlet port(s) 38 and the trigger valve outlet port(s) 39. The end of the main cylinder 34 distal to the main valve housing 8 is a threaded main cylinder end 60 onto which a launching tube 61 is connected having the central line axis C at its center (see Figs. 2 and 3). A projectile 69, arrangeable onto the launching tube 61, comprises an inner tube 63, an end plug 62 held in place by friction within an end of the inner tube 63 at the threaded main cylinder end 60, an outer tube 65 partly surrounding both the launching tube 61 during use, stabilizing fins 66 connected to, and radially protruding from, the outer tube 65 and a projectile tip 64 arranged at an end of the inner tube 63 distant to the threaded main cylinder end 60 and which further is connected to the outer tube 65. The inner tube 63 and the end plug 62 are both adapted to be fitted inside the launching tube 61. A suitable projectile line 67 is arranged inside the inner tube 63 and is held in place by the end plug 62. The fixing to the end plug 62 is achieved by guiding the line 67 through a through - going end plug channel 62a as illustrated in Fig. 3. A portion of the line 67 is guided between the projectile 69 and the outer side of the launching tube 61 from near the end plug 62 to the projectile tip 64, back between the inside wall of the launching tube 61 and the inner tube 63 of the projectile 69, through the end plug channel 62a of the end plug 62 and finally within the inner tube 63 to the projectile 64 where it is fixed by suitable fixing means. The other end of the projectile line 67 is tied off to a secure point.
The launching apparatus works in the following manner:
The launching tube 61 is attached to the main cylinder 34 via the threaded main cylinder end 60, and the projectile 69 is loaded onto the launching tube 61. The closing valve 2 is opened and compressed air (or any other suitable fluid) of for example 200 bar or 300 bar is released from the air cylinder 1 into the main valve housing 8 through the inlet fitting 3 and support fitting 9.
The air is directed into the reduction valve assembly 400 through the inlet port 11, thereby applying a pressure force onto the reduction valve sealing pin 19. The pressure force is exerted onto the O-ring 22 on one side of the sealing pin 19 and, at the same time, an equal, or near equal, pressure force onto the reduction valve piston 15. The inlet of the air thus results in a compression of the reduction valve spring 14, while simultaneously pulling the sealing pin 19 up towards the gasket 21.
When the spring 14 has been compressed enough for the sealing pin 19 to form a seal with the gasket 21, the right pressure has been reached, for example 70 bar or 75 bar. Air is from there directed into the pilot chamber 24 through the chamber inlet port 25 and applies pressure to the back of the main piston 27, i.e. the side of the main piston facing the main valve housing 8. Air is further directed through the ports 31 in the main piston 27 and into the main chamber 30, thereby reaching the set pressure of the reduction valve assembly 400.
The set pressure in the main chamber 32 also applies a force on the main piston seat 28a of the main piston end 28.
At the same time air moves from the pilot chamber 24 to the internal trigger valve mechanism or trigger valve 200’ through the ventilation port 36. The bottom O-ring 44a and middle O-ring 44b on the trigger valve pin 41 prevents air from being released. The closing valve 2 is then closed and the launching apparatus is ready to fire.
The launching / fire procedure is in one embodiment as follows:
The safety button 52 is pressed into the cylindrical tube 51 with a force overcoming the strength of the activation spring 54. As a result, the safety slide 53 moves back towards the opposite end of the cylindrical tube 51 , thereby allowing the trigger 55 to pivot clockwise around the pivot point 56. The pivot movement causes the trigger 55 to exert a pressure force on the valve pin interface 59, pushing the trigger valve pin 41 down in direction towards the reduction valve assembly 400 positioned at the same longitudinal position within the main valve housing 8. The middle O-ring 44b on the trigger valve pin 41 thereby slides past the groove 46 on the trigger valve body 37, allowing air to be guided along the trigger valve pin 41 within the trigger valve body 37 and through the trigger valve outlet port 39 and the main valve housing outlet port 50 (Fig. 2).
The pressure within the pilot chamber 24 and the outlet port 12 of the reduction valve assembly 400 rapidly decreases and the reduction valve piston 15 and the sealing pin 19 is forced back in direction towards the center line axis C by the reduction valve spring 14, thereby resetting itself to an unpressurized position.
The pressure on the main piston 27 in the main chamber 32 applies a greater force onto the O-ring 33 than the main valve seat 28 due to the dissimilar cross-sectional areas. The main piston 27 is thus forced to move back rapidly, causing air to escape into the launching tube 61. A great force is hence applied to the end plug 62, forcing the projectile 69 rapidly out from its fire position onto the launching tube 61. Once the projectile 69 leaves the launching tube 61, the friction between the projectile line 67 and the end plug 62 causes the end plug 62 to fall out and the projectile line 67 is being pulled out until the full length has been used up and/or the projectile 69 lands on the water and/or ground and/or hits an obstacle. The inventive launching apparatus differs from prior art launching apparatus by inter alia integrating the reduction valve assembly 400 into the apparatus. This particular arrangement has several advantageous over the prior art, such as being less space consuming and allowing that fewer parts is used in the construction, resulting in lower cost and complexity.
Furthermore, the arrangement with the O-ring 29 on the main piston 27 allows for a simpler trigger valve mechanism since both the pilot chamber 24 and the main chamber 32 can be pressurized from behind the main piston 27 instead of being pressurized separately. In addition to lower the complexity, this helps ensure that the main piston 27 is properly seated onto the main valve seat 28, preventing air from leaking out the main valve seat 28 while filling.
Since the O-ring 29 on the main piston 27 prevents air from going back from the main chamber 32 into the pilot chamber 24, the trigger valve 200’ does not have to close off the supply from the reduction valve assembly 400 to the main chamber 32 in contrast to prior art launching apparatus, causing a yet simpler construction with fewer parts. On comparable prior art apparatus, a pilot chamber must be closed off from the reduction valve supply and the main chamber for the apparatus to work.
The connection between the reduction valve piston 15 and the reduction valve sealing pin 19 is rigid. This is an advantage since the occurrence of a slight leak around the gasket 21 and the sealing pin 19 would pull the sealing pin 19 further into the gasket 21 and enlarging the sealing pin valve seat 20a against the gasket valve seat 20b until it seals up. Dangerous pressure buildups may hence be prevented, improving the safety for the user.
In the preceding description, various aspects of the launching apparatus according to the invention have been described with reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the apparatus, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie within the scope of the present invention. List of reference numerals / letters:
1 Compressed air cylinder / pressure cylinder
2 Closing valve
3 Inlet fitting
4 Threaded connector wheel
5 Cover tube
6 Endcap
7 Bumber / shock absorbing device
8 Main valve housing / valve housing
8a Main valve housing protrusion / valve housing protrusion
9 Support fitting
11 High pressure inlet port (within reduction valve assembly 400)
12 Low pressure outlet port (within reduction valve assembly 400)
13 Adjustment screw (within reduction valve assembly 400) / pressure adjustment device
14 Reduction valve spring
15 Reduction valve piston
16 O-ring (within reduction valve assembly 400)
17 Bore (within reduction valve assembly 400)
18 Reduction valve housing
19 Reduction valve sealing pin
20 Conical shape (within reduction valve sealing pin 19)
20a Sealing pin valve seat (within reduction valve sealing pin 19)
20b Gasket valve seat (within gasket 21)
21 Gasket (arranged at the sealing pin 19)
22 O-ring (adjacent to reduction valve sealing pin 19)
23 Sealing nut (within reduction valve assembly 400)
24 Pilot chamber
25 Chamber inlet port
26 Chamber spring
27 Main piston / launching piston
28 Main piston end / launching piston end (distal to main valve housing 8)
28a Main valve seat / launching valve seat (at main / launching piston end 28)
28b Chamber valve seat (interacting with main / launching valve seat 28a)
29 O-ring (near the end of the main piston 27 near the main valve housing 8)
30 Groove (for O-ring 29)
31 Port (connected to the pilot chamber 2), pilot chamber port
32 Main / launching chamber (surrounding the main / launching piston 27)
33 O-ring (within the main piston 27 near the pilot chamber 24)
34 Main cylinder / launching cylinder
34a Conical end of main / launching cylinder
36 Valve housing ventilation port
37 Trigger valve body
38 Trigger valve inlet port
39 Trigger valve outlet port 0 Trigger valve nut
1 Trigger valve pin
1 a Trigger valve pin protrusion
G Trigger valve pin shaft
1” Trigger valve pin core
2 Trigger valve spring
3 Trigger valve bore
4 O-rings (of trigger valve pin)
4a Bottom O-ring
4b Middle O-ring
4c Top O-ring
6 Groove (within the trigger valve body 37)
9 Ventilation hole (within trigger mechanism 200’)
0 Valve housing outlet port
1 Cylindrical tube (of activation mechanism 200”)
2 Safety button (of activation mechanism 200”)
3 Safety slide (of activation mechanism 200”)
4 Activation spring (of activation mechanism 200”)
5 Trigger (of activation mechanism 200”)
6 Trigger pivot point / pivot screw
7 Trigger interfacing surface (on the trigger 55)
8 Slanted surface (of the trigger 55)
9 Valve pin interface (at the distant end of the trigger valve pin shaft 41’)0 Threaded main cylinder end
1 Launching tube (of projectile assembly 500)
2 End plug (of projectile 69)
2a Through-going end plug channel
3 Inner tube (of projectile 69)
4 Projectile tip (of projectile 69)
5 Outer tube (of projectile 69)
6 Stabilizing fins (of projectile 69)
7 Projectile line
9 Projectile
00 Pressure storage assembly
00 Activation assembly
00’ Trigger valve mechanism / internal trigger valve mechanism / trigger valve00” External activation mechanism / activation mechanism
00 Launching assembly
00 Reduction valve assembly
00 Projectile assembly
Centre line axis of launching apparatus excluding components situated radially beyond the main cylinder 34

Claims

1. A launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a line, comprising
- a pressure storage assembly (100) comprising a pressure cylinder (1) for compressed fluid,
- a valve housing (8) connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly (100),
- a launching assembly (300) connected in fluid communication with the valve housing (8),
the launching assembly (300) comprising
- a launching cylinder (34) connected to the valve housing (8), the launching cylinder (34) containing at least one launching chamber (32),
- a pilot chamber (24),
- a launching piston (27) movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder (34), the launching piston (27) comprising
a launching piston end (28) arranged at the end of the launching cylinder (34) distal to the valve housing (8), wherein at least one launching valve seat (28a) of the launching piston end (28) is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat (28b) on an inner surface of the launching chamber (32) located distal to the valve housing (8), and
an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber (24) forming a pressure seal between the pilot chamber (24) and the at least one launching chamber (32), the pressure seal having a larger cross-sectional area than the pressure seal established between the at least one launching valve seat (28a) and the at least one chamber valve seat (28b), and
- a projectile assembly (500) connected in closable fluid communication with the launching assembly (300) at the end of the launching cylinder (34) distal to the valve housing (8),
characterized in that
the launching apparatus further comprises a trigger valve mechanism (200’) connected in closable fluid communication with the pilot chamber (24), the trigger valve mechanism (200’) being configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber (24) when exposed to an external force, and further that
the launching piston (27) displays at least one pilot chamber port (31) configured to
establish a pressure seal between the pilot chamber (24) and the at least one launching chamber (32) when the launching piston (27) is in a position where the pilot chamber (24) encloses the at least one pilot chamber port (31) and a fluid communication between the pilot chamber (24) and the at least one launching chamber (32) when the launching piston (27) is in a position where the at least one pilot chamber port (31) is outside the pilot chamber (24).
2. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the trigger valve mechanism (200’) is further configured to establish a closable fluid communication between the pilot chamber (24) and a volume outside the pressure cylinder (1) and the launching cylinder (34) during vent.
3. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trigger valve mechanism (200’) is arranged within the valve housing (8), wherein the valve housing (8) further displays
at least one valve housing ventilation port (36) establishing fluid
communication between the trigger valve mechanism (200’) and the pilot chamber (24) and
at least one valve housing outlet port (50) establishing fluid communication between the trigger valve mechanism (200’) and a volume outside the pressure cylinder (1) and the launching cylinder (34).
4. The launching apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trigger valve mechanism (200’) further comprises
a tubular trigger valve body (37) arranged perpendicular or near
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder (34),
a trigger valve pin (41) movable within the tubular trigger valve body (37) and
a trigger valve spring (42) configured to exert a force on the trigger valve pin (41) preventing a flow between the pilot chamber (24) and a volume outside the pressure cylinder (1) and the launching cylinder (34).
5. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the trigger valve pin (41) displays at least one ventilation hole (49) configured to prevent fluid from being compressed when force is exerted on the trigger valve pin
(41).
6. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the launching apparatus further comprises
an activation mechanism (200”) configured to exert the force on an end of the trigger valve pin (41) situated outside the pressure cylinder (1) and the launching cylinder (34).
7. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the activation mechanism (200”) comprises a manually operable trigger (55).
8. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the manually operable trigger (55) is configured to pivot around a trigger pivot point (56).
9. The launching apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the launching apparatus further comprising
a reduction valve assembly (400) arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder (1) and the pilot chamber (24).
10. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the reduction valve assembly (400) is arranged within the valve housing (8).
11. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reduction valve assembly (400) displays
at least one high pressure inlet port (11) in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder (1) and
at least one low pressure outlet port (12) in fluid communication with the pilot chamber (24).
12. The launching apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 9-11,
characterized in that the reduction valve assembly (400) comprises
a tubular reduction valve housing (18) arranged perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder (34),
a reduction valve sealing pin (19) movable within the tubular reduction valve housing (18) and
a reduction valve spring (14) configured to exert a force on the reduction valve sealing pin (19) to achieve a predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder (1) and the pilot chamber (24).
13. The launching apparatus in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the reduction valve assembly (400) further comprises
a pressure adjustment device (13) configured to exert an adjustable force on the reduction valve sealing pin (19), thereby setting the predetermined reduction of flow between the pressure cylinder (1) and the pilot chamber (24).
14. The launching apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 9-13,
characterized in that both the reduction valve assembly (400) and the trigger valve mechanism (200’) are arranged within the valve housing (8), perpendicular or near perpendicular to the longitudinal direction the launching cylinder (34), and at equal distance or near equal position along the longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder (34).
15. A method of discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline by use of a launching apparatus comprising
- a pressure storage assembly (100) comprising a pressure cylinder (1) for compressed fluid,
- a valve housing (8) connected in closable fluid communication with the pressure storage assembly (100),
- a launching assembly (300) connected in fluid communication with the valve housing (8),
the launching assembly (300) comprising
- a launching cylinder (34) connected to the valve housing (8), the launching cylinder (34) containing at least one launching chamber (32),
- a pilot chamber (24),
- a launching piston (27) movable along a longitudinal direction of the launching cylinder (34), the launching piston (27) comprising
a launching piston end (28) arranged at the end of the launching cylinder (34) distal to the valve housing (8), wherein at least one launching valve seat (28a) of the launching piston end (28) is configured to form a releasable pressure seal against at least one chamber valve seat (28b) on an inner surface of the launching chamber (32) located distal to the valve housing (8), and
an opposite piston end arranged within the pilot chamber (24) forming a pressure seal with the at least one launching chamber (32), the pressure seal having a larger cross-sectional area than the pressure seal established between the at least one launching valve seat (28a) and the at least one chamber valve seat (28b),
- a projectile assembly (500) connected in closable fluid communication with the launching assembly (300) at the end of the launching cylinder (34) distal to the valve housing (8) and
- a trigger valve mechanism (200’) connected in closable fluid communication with the pilot chamber (24), the trigger valve mechanism (200’) being configured to vent a pressure within the pilot chamber (24) when exposed to an external force, and further that the method comprises the steps:
- opening up a fluid communication between the pressure cylinder (1) and the at least one launching assembly via the pilot chamber (24) by means of at least one closing valve (2) and
- exerting an external force on the trigger valve mechanism (200’), thereby creating an open fluid communication between the pilot chamber (24) and a volume outside the pressure cylinder (1) and the launching cylinder (34).
16. The method in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the launching apparatus further comprises a reduction valve assembly (400) arranged in fluid communication with the pressure cylinder (1) and the pilot chamber (24), wherein the method further comprises the step
- adjusting the flow between the pressure cylinder (1) and the pilot chamber (24) using at least one pressure adjustment device (13) constituting part of the reduction valve assembly (400).
17. The method in accordance with claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the launching apparatus is in accordance with any of claims 1 -14. 18. Use of a launching apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1-14 for discharging a projectile (69 connected to a lifeline or the like from and/or to a floating vessel.
PCT/EP2018/081746 2017-11-23 2018-11-19 Launching apparatus for discharging a projectile WO2019101682A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NO20171873 2017-11-23
NO20171873A NO20171873A1 (en) 2017-11-23 2017-11-23 Launching apparatus for discharghing a projectile

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1982001860A1 (en) 1980-12-02 1982-06-10 Olav Hallaraune Launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like
WO2000076588A1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Sergei Nikolaevich Isakov Portable pneumatic line-throwing gun
DE202007013115U1 (en) * 2007-09-19 2007-12-13 Chi, Hsien-Tung Rope throwing device
CN103171747A (en) 2013-04-07 2013-06-26 李存扣 Lifesaving throwing device
US20140331984A1 (en) * 2013-05-09 2014-11-13 Gaither Tool Company, Inc. Quick-Release Valve Air Gun
WO2015011437A2 (en) * 2013-07-24 2015-01-29 Bcb International Limited Air cannon and associated launch canister for a line-fouling system

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2581758A (en) * 1946-08-20 1952-01-08 Ind Ideas Inc Harpoon cannon
RU2003367C1 (en) * 1992-09-23 1993-11-30 Товарищество с ограниченной ответственностью "Иста" Device for throwing rescue ropes

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1982001860A1 (en) 1980-12-02 1982-06-10 Olav Hallaraune Launching apparatus for discharging a projectile connected to a lifeline or the like
WO2000076588A1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Sergei Nikolaevich Isakov Portable pneumatic line-throwing gun
DE202007013115U1 (en) * 2007-09-19 2007-12-13 Chi, Hsien-Tung Rope throwing device
CN103171747A (en) 2013-04-07 2013-06-26 李存扣 Lifesaving throwing device
US20140331984A1 (en) * 2013-05-09 2014-11-13 Gaither Tool Company, Inc. Quick-Release Valve Air Gun
WO2015011437A2 (en) * 2013-07-24 2015-01-29 Bcb International Limited Air cannon and associated launch canister for a line-fouling system

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NO20171873A1 (en) 2019-04-01

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