A method and an apparatus for separating subcombat units

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and two alternative apparatuses for separating from one another such subcombat units (3, 4; 21, 22) as are transported by a rotation-stabilized carrier body (2) such as, for example, a shell to a predetermined target area where the subcombat units (3, 4; 21, 22) are ejected out of the carrier body (2) in older, after separation from one another, to be spread so that they each cover their predetermined portion of the relevant target area, and in which instance the rotation energy acting on specific bodies or masses (11-15, 18, 19) ejected together with the subcombat units out of the carrier body is utilized so as to generate axially directed separation forces acting concentrically in relation to the common centre axis of the subcombat units. By such means, there will be realized a separation between subcombat units without these running the risk of entering into a pendulum movement.

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for mutually separating such subcombat units as are transported, by a rotation-stabilized vehicle or body such as a shell, to a predetermined target area where the subcombat units are ejected from the carrier vehicle or body in order thereafter to be separated and spread so that they each cover their determined part of the target area. Such subcombat units may be of a plurality of different types. For example, they may be of the type which is described in Swedish printed application No. 464834 and thus include both a hollow charge effect unit and a target detector and special flip-out carrier surfaces which, after ejection from the carrier vehicle or shell, impart to the subcombat unit a helical trajectory towards ground level. In such subcombat units, it is, thus, vital that the subcombat units transported in one and the same shell are separated and spread in accordance with a predetermined pattern so that their different helical trajectories entail that they together will cover the largest possible target area without unnecessary overlap or interjacent areas which are not covered. In addition, the subcombat units must not impede one another. In many cases, it is moreover desirable that the subcombat units can be separated in such a manner that they retain their rotation, and that the rotation vector deviates minimally from the centre line. The reason for this may be an intention that the subcombat units are substantially to rotate about the centre line throughout the entire period up to the moment when they are to give effect. The subcombat unit which is described in the above-mentioned printed application is, as already mentioned, of the hollow charge effect type, but this particular factor is of no consequence in this context. Quite the contrary, the present invention relates to all subcombat units, including mines which are transported to the target area in a rotation-stabilized carrier body or vehicle and which are ejected therefrom either as a unit and which must thereafter be separated from one another in accordance with a predetermined pattern, or alternatively be separated from other parts by degrees as they depart from the carrier vehicle or body. It has previously been proposed in the art to separate subcombat units of the type contemplated here by means of small pyrotechnical charges, which, however, requires time-control igniters in order to give the desired separation pattern, and these do not always give the desired result. Another method of separating from one another such subcombat units as are transported by an artillery carrier body, launched from a barrel weapon, to a predetermined target area and released over said area is described in US-A-4,342,262 which disclosure forms the bass for the preambles of independent claims 1 and 8. The method described therein is however based on the use of a certain type of non rotating fin-stabilized carrier body which, when the subcombat units should be released, is split-open in two half-shells. On the contrary to said non-rotating carrier body according to US-A-4,342,262, our invention, as defines the text below, is entirely based on the use of the rotation energy from rotation stabilized carrier bodies to generate axially directed separation forces acting on the different subcombat units with the intention to make them separate from one another in a predetermined way. Intended for either non-rotating or rotation stabilized carrier bodies said two methods can not replace each other. In accordance with the present invention, use is now made of the rotation energy which acts on unspecific bodies or masses ejected together with the subcombat units so as to generate the desired separation force, this being moreover effected in such a manner that the rotation vector acting on the carrier projectile is retained given that it has been possible to cause the separation forces to act concentrically in relation to the common centre line of the subcombat units. To sum up, the present invention may thus be described as relating to a method of separating from one another such subcombat units as are transported by a rotation-stabilized carrier vehicle or body such as, for example, a shell, to a predetermined target area where the subcombat units are ejected from the carrier body in order, after separation from one another, to be spread out so that they each cover their predetermined portion of the pertinent target area, and in which event the rotation energy acting on specific bodies or masses ejected together with the subcombat units from the carrier body is used so as to generate concentrically acting, axially directed separation forces in relation to the common centre axis of the subcombat units. This separation effect may, according to the present invention, be generated with the aid of two different apparatuses, which implies that the present invention also encompasses these particular embodiments. Moreover, ejection of the subcombat units may take place either in such a manner that the parts are separated off according as they depart from the carrier body, or alternatively all subcombat units can be ejected out in such a manner that they depart from the carrier body as a continuous unit which does not begin to be separated into its different component parts until it is completely outside the carrier body. Irrespective of which of these alternatives is selected, both of these variations are based on the fact that the available rotation energy is utilized for a radial displacement away from the common centre axis of the subcombat units by bodies or masses disposed concentrically about this axis and whose radial displacement is deflected into axially directed separation forces acting between the subcombat units. According to the first variation on this fundamental principle, the radially displaceable body or masses are given the form of wedges which are disposed concentrically about the centre axis and are displaceable radially away from the centre axis after ejection of the subcombat units out of the carrier body, and whose axially thickest portions are turned inwardly towards the centre where, in the initial position, they are located in a space adapted therefor while their radially outer thinner portions which account for the major portion of their mass closely abut between those parts which are to be separated, e.g. two subcombat units or alternatively one subcombat unit and a shell bottom and, moreover, closely abut along their outer periphery against the inner wall of the carrier shell. In one particularly preferred embodiment of these wedges, they are in the form of a circular wheel composed of a plurality of independent segments, the major mass of the wheel lying along its thinner outer periphery, while the greatest thickness in the axial direction, i.e. its cuneiform portion consists of wedge-shaped projections directed radially in towards the centre axis. The wheel configuration is superior, since it prevents any displacement inwardly towards the centre of the mutually completely free wedges, while outward displacement is prevented by the abutment of the wedges against the inside of the carrier shell. However, it is not necessary that the closed wheel form be created only by the wedges. For example, separate interlays may be present between the wedges, or heels or the like included in the adjacent subcombat unit. When the wedge segments are thrown outwardly by the centrifugal force, their inner, cuneiform projections will urge themselves in between the subcombat units along that periphery where the original, thinner peripheral parts of the wedge segments were located, and in such instance the subcombat units are actuated in the axial direction and the desired axial separation is realized with insignificant alteration of the rotation of the parts. Certain of these wedge segments may, moreover, be provided with catches or similar means which ensure that the subcombat units are held together until such time as their wedges have begun to leave their places. If the outer periphery of the wedges in the initial position abuts against the inside of the carrier body, an efficient locking of the entire system will be achieved, since it is, moreover, locked inwardly in that the outer parts of the wedge segments together form enclosed annular unit. In the second variation of the present invention, displaceable part masses are employed instead of wedges, each one of these being united with a first shaft which is radial in relation to the rotation and in its turn is pivotally connected in its innermost region to two shafts disposed on either side of the first shaft with one axial main direction, but at an angle which is less than 90 relative to the first shaft and whose outer ends are rotatably but non-displaceably in engagement with each respective sub-combat unit proximal their outer periphery. A number, preferably at least three, of these part mass devices are distributed about the distribution periphery between the pertinent subcombat units. In this second variation of the present invention, the different parts act as a gear system, in which event the radial displacement of the part masses initiated by the centrifugal force gives a similarly radial displacement of the first shaft which, in its turn, displaces its pivotal connection with the two remaining shafts so at the angle between the shafts increases, in which event the subcombat units or the like against which both of the second shafts abut with be forced away from one another. This variation of the present invention can also be locked in that the part masses, up to the point when the subcombat units are ejected out of the carrier body, abut against the inside thereof. Both the variation with the wedges and the variation employing the gear system can be used in both that alternative according to which the parts are separated according as they depart from the carrier body and in which all parts are ejected out as a unit which is separated into different parts only when this unit has wholly departed from the carrier body. Whichever of these variations is relevant is primarily a question of who and at what speed the ejection is to take place, since a very rapid ejection entails that all subcombat units, and even the shell bottom, will depart from the carrier body as a unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The present invention is defined in the appended Claims, while the different variations thereof are described in greater detail hereinbelow, with particular reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings: Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through a shell containing two subcombat units; Fig. 2 is an oblique projection of complete double-action wedge set in the form of a number of wedge segments; Fig. 3 is an oblique projection of the wedge segments according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an oblique projection of a complete, single-sided wedge set in the form of a number of wedge segments; Fig. 5 is an oblique projection of one of the wedge segments according to Fig. 4 Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through the shell of Fig. 1 in that position where the ejection of the subcombat units has commenced; Fig. 7 shows a detail on a larger scale marked VII from Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram clarifying the second variation of the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section through a shell with a different ejection function which gives an ejection of all subcombat units and the shell bottom as a unit. The figure shows the position in which the ejection has commenced. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In Figs. 1-7 and 9, corresponding parts and details have been given the same reference numerals. However, Fig. 9 includes a number of details which carry their own references. Figs. 1 and 6 show a shell 1 in whose cylindrical portion 2 two subcombat units 3 and 4, respectively are ejectably disposed. A fuze 5 is disposed in the nose of the shell. The fuze determines when the subcombat units are to be ejected and then initiates a gas-generating ejection charge 6 which in turn displaces a ram 7 in a direction towards the rear end 8 of the shell where it first ejects the shell bottom 9 out of the cylindrical portion of the shell and thereafter the two subcombat units 3 and 4, respectively. By utilizing an ejection arrangement of the above-intimated type, it is possible to avoid the complication that the gases from the ejection charge 6 act directly on the subcombat units. The ram 7 is first accelerated so as to impart to the shell bottom 9 and the subcombat units 3 and 4 respectively sufficient ejection velocity. Thereafter, the ram is retarded and retained in the shell body, while the subcombat units continue out of the shell as a result of inertia. Between the subcombat units 3 and 4 there is disposed a first set of separation bodies or separation wedges of the type illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. As is apparent from Fig. 2, the separation wedges shown in this figure together form a closed ring or annulus 10 consisting of a number of wedge segments of two types 11 and 12, respectively. Each wedge segment consists of an outer portion 13 and 14, respectively, which all together form a closed unit and which contain the major portion of the mass, as well as projections 15 extending in a direction towards but not fully reaching the centre. Before the subcombat units (and for that matter also) the shell bottom) have been shot out of the cylindrical portion 2 of the shell, the wedge segments are prevented from moving outwardly by the inside of the shell and, in this case, inwardly in that they together form a closed ring. As is apparent from the figures, the wedge-shaped projections are, in this variation, double-sided cuneiform and, in the initial position, these lie in specifically adapted cavities. The wedge segments 11 are provided, along parts of their outer region 13, with catches 16 which grasp in corresponding grips 17 in the subcombat units and whose function is most clearly apparent from Fig. 7. With that type of ejection ram for the subcombat units as is shown in Figs. 1 and 6, there is, namely a risk that the cylinders are separated inside the carrier shell because the wedges are forced by centrifugal force against the inside of the carrier shell and that the friction generated would, in such instance, retard the second, inner, or forward subcombat unit seen in the direction of flight, while the first ejected or rear subcombat unit which is not retarded would separate from the retarded unit in an uncontrolled manner. This can, be prevented employing the above-described catch. Between the rear, first ejected subcombat unit 4 and the shell bottom 9 there are disposed single-sided cuneiform separation bodies 18 and 19 respectively, whose design, apart from the single-sided wedge shape and lack of catches, wholly corresponds with the variations illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. These differences between the separation bodies or wedges depend, on the one hand, on different available spaces and, on the other hand, on the fact that, on optimation of a design, it may be motivated to give them different detail design appearances. However, the separation effect is fundamentally the same. When the separation bodies or wedges have passed out from the shell body, the separation bodies will, by centrifugal force, be flung outwardly, in which event the wedge-shaped projections force apart the subcombat units or the one subcombat unit and the shell bottom, respectively. As a result of the symmetry created by the separation parts, the resultant of the separating forces will pass through the centre of the shell, which entails that the axis of rotation is not influenced, implying that no pendulum-initiated forces act on the pertinent subcombat units. In the position illustrated in Fig. 6, the ram 7 has completed its action and imparted to the subcombat units 3 and 4, respectively, a sufficient ejection velocity. The ram 7 can be arrested and the shell bottom 9 has departed from the cylindrical portion 2 of the shell. The separation bodies or the wedges 18 and 19, respectively, have departed from the inside of the shell body and been thrown outwardly by rotation forces and begin to force apart the shell bottom from the subcombat unit 4. The schematic illustration of a variation apparatus illustrated in Fig. 8 shows the rear portion of the cylindrical part 20 of a shell. The figure shows that position when the first 21 of two subcombat units 21 and 22, respectively, have departed from the interior of the shell. The separation mechanism described hereinbelow is one of several, and preferably at least three mechanisms disposed symmetrically in relation to the circumference of the subcombat units. The apparatus according to the present invention consists of a part mass 26 disposed at the outer end of a first, radially disposed shaft 23 at whose inner end two other shafts 24, 25 are pivotally connected on each side but in the same plane of division so that they make an angle which is preferably greater than 45 but definitely less than 90 with the first shaft 23. The outer ends of the shaft 24 and 25 abut non-displaceably but rotatively against the subcombat units 21 and 22, respectively, close to their outer periphery. When the ejection of the subcombat units 21 and 22, respectively, has reached the position illustrated in Fig. 8, the mass 26 has become free of the inside of the shell casing 20 and begun to be forced outwardly by rotation forces, in which event the pivotal point between the shaft 23, 24 and 25 move outwardly and the angle between the shafts increase towards 90 , in which event the subcombat units are forced away from one another. Since there are several symmetrically disposed linkage mechanisms of the above-described type, the separation will influence the rotation of the subcombat units but insignificantly. The abutment of the shafts 24 and 25, respectively, against the subcombat units 21 and 22, respectively, may be in the form of balls which rest in specifically adapted recesses. After completed separation of the subcombat units, the linkage mechanisms (like the wedges) are flung radially outwardly by the centrifugal forces, for which reason they will never come in a position to impede the subcombat units. The shell 1 illustrated in Fig. 9 is fitted with a fuze 5 which, at the time position illustrated on the figure, has just initiated the gas-generating pyrocharge 6' which forces the ram 7' towards the subcombat unit 3. In this alternative, there is no braking arrest for the ram 7' as a specific bottom position, but the ram accompanies the subcombat unit out of the carrier body. In addition, the gas generation of the ejection charge is selected such that the ram 7', the subcombat units 3 and 4 and the shell bottom 9' (which is here provided with a so-called base-bleed unit 9''), are ejected out as a unit or pack in which the different parts are separated from one another in the previously described manner only once the "pack" has wholly departed from the carrier body. The pressure from the gas generator 6' is, namely, so large that the inertia forces of the shell bottom 9' and the subcombat units will be sufficient to prevent the wedges 18, 19 from acting. Only when the ram 7' has passed the end surface of the carrier shell 2 and the pressure (and thereby the force) has been rapidly reduced, will the wedges 18 and 19 separate the bottom 9' and the subcombat units 3 and 4 from one another. After the separation, the different parts will adopt wholly individual fall trajectories towards the ground. As described previously, the separation wedges are a guarantee that the separation between the parts take place without the subcombat units assuming a pendulum motion. The present invention should not be considered as restricted to that described above and shown on the Drawings, many modifications being conceivable without departing from the scope of the appended Claims.

Claims: A method of separating from one another such subcombat units (3, 4 and 21, 22, respectively) as are transported by a rotation-stabilized (1) carrier body such as, for example, a shell to a predetermined target area where the subcombat units (3, 4 and 21, 22, respectively) are ejected out of the carrier body (1) in order, after separation from one another, to be spread so that they each cover a predetermined portion of the pertinent target area, characterized in that the rotation energy acting on specific masses or bodies (11 15, 18 19, 22) ejected together with the subcombat units (3, 4 and 21, 22, respectively) after ejection out of the carrier body (2) is utilized so as to generate axially directed separation forces acting concentrically in relation to the common centre axis of the subcombat unit. The method as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said rotation energy is utilized for a radial displacement away from the common centre axis of the subcombat units of masses or bodies (11-15, 18, 19, 22) concentrically disposed about this axis and whose radial displacement is deflected into axially directed separation forces acting between the subcombat units (3, 4 and 21, 22, respectively). The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said deflection of radially displaced masses into axially directed separation forces is realized in that said masses (11-15, 18-19) are given the form of wedges (11-15, 18, 19) which are disposed concentrically between the end walls of the subcombat units (3, 4) concentrically about the centre axis and are displaceable after ejection of the subcombat units out of the carrier body radially away from the centre axis. The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that said deflection of radially displaceable masses (22) into axially directed separation forces is realized by means of a linkage gearing (23-25). The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1-4, characterized in that the inside of the carrier body (1, 20) is utilized to block said displaceable masses (11-15, 18, 19, 22) until such time as the subcombat units have departed therefrom. The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that all subcombat units (3, 4) and the shell bottom (9, 9') are ejected out of the carrier body (1) under such conditions that they depart from the latter as a unit whose parts are not separated until after this unit has wholly departed from the carrier body (1). The method as claimed in any one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that the subcombat units (3, 4) and the shell bottom (9, 9') are ejected out of the carrier body under such conditions that their different parts are separated according as they depart from the carrier body. An apparatus for carrying into effect the method as claimed in any one of Claims 1-7, comprising a carrier body (1, 20), e.g. a shell intended to be rotationally-stabilized fired towards a determined target area over which subcombat units (3, 4, 21, 22, respectively) enclosed in the carrier body (1, 20) are ejected by ejection means (7) housed in the carrier body, whereafter the subcombat units (3, 4-21, 22) are to be separated from one another in order to cover their predetermined portion of a contemplated target area, characterized in that there are disposed, between pertinent subcombat units (3, 4 and 21, 22, respectively) and possible other parts (9) which are to be deflected therefrom, masses or bodies (11-15, 18, 22) radially displaceable in relation to the common centre axis of the subcombat units by rotation forces acting thereon, the displacement of said masses or bodies being, by means adapted therefor, deflected into axial separation forces acting between adjacent parts. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that said masses or bodies (11-15, 18, 19) consist of wedges disposed between said parts concentrically along the periphery thereof whose thickest portions (15) are turned to face inwardly towards the centre where they are located in the initial position in a space (u) adapted therefor, while their radially outer, thinner portions (11-14) closely abut between said parts (3, 4). The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, characterized in that said wedges (11-15, 18, 19) together form the configuration of a circular wheel made up of a plurality of independent segments and whose major mass lies along its thinner outer periphery (13, 14) while its largest thickness and cuneiform portion consists of projections (15) radially directed in towards the centre axis. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, characterized in that at least some of said independent segments (11) display means (16) along their outer periphery for interconnection of adjacent parts (3, 4) until such time as the segment has left its place. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that said masses are distributed among at least 3 separation devices symmetrically and concentrically disposed about said centre axis, each one of said means comprising a part mass (22), a first radial shaft (23) connected therewith, two second and third shafts (24, 25) pivotally connected with the inner end of said first shaft and resting on its respective point proximal to the periphery of the relevant subcombat unit (21, 22), each one of said second and third shafts forming an angle which is greater than 45 but less than 90 with said radial shaft (23). The apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 8-12, characterized in that said masses (11 15, 18, 19, 22) rest against the inside of the carrier body (1, 20) until such time as the subcombat units have departed from the carrier body.

Inventors: HOLM ANDERS, JOHANSSON STEN, JOHNSSON STIG, PAULSSON LARS, HOLM, ANDERS, JOHANSSON, STEN, JOHNSSON, STIG, PAULSSON, LARS
Applicants: BOFORS AB
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F42B12
IPC codes: F42B12