Device for protecting a space and vehicle with such a device

Description

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of devices for protecting a gap separating rotating equipment and a base relative to which the equipment rotates. Such a prior art device is known from publication EP 1 591 744 A1.

[0002] In particular, the invention aims to prevent the blocking of rotating equipment such as a turret by a firing residue such as a cartridge case ejected by a weapon equipping the turret.

[0003] Shell casings are shooting waste which, if not disposed of properly, can cause malfunctions in the weapon that fires them or damage the vehicle from which they are fired.

[0004] Patent FR3061768 discloses a socket deflector which deflects the latter from their substantially horizontal trajectory to direct them downwards.

[0005] Ejecting casings from rotating equipment such as a turret causes the casings to be thrown back onto the roof of the vehicle. Casings remaining on the roof may roll towards rotating equipment located on the superstructure. This equipment may be the turret, or a radar, missile launcher, or other device rotating around a vertical axis and having a lower part overhanging above the roof of the vehicle.

[0006] It often happens that when the gap between this overhanging part of the roof and the roof is between the diameter and the radius of a socket, sockets become stuck between the roof and the rotating equipment. This causes damage by friction between the socket and the roof or the rotating equipment or even jams in the rotational movement of the rotating equipment.

[0007] Similarly, where the socket is located between the rotating equipment and a vehicle element projecting from the roof, the socket may block rotation of the equipment if, during rotation, the space between the projecting element and the rotating equipment is less than the dimensions of a socket.

[0008] The invention proposes to solve these problems of jamming of bushings or other elements which can penetrate into a gap separating rotating equipment and a base on which it is fixed.

[0009] Advantageously, and according to a particular embodiment, the invention makes it possible to recover a portion of the ejected cases when they have a reduced caliber.

[0010] The invention relates to a device for protecting a gap separating rotating equipment and a base relative to which the equipment is intended to rotate, the device comprising a plurality of flexible tabs intended to be fixed to the base and having a length between the height of the half-gap and the height of the gap, the tabs being intended to be distributed over an area of the base surrounding the equipment, the area extending under the equipment at the level of the gap.

[0011] Advantageously, the tabs are separated from each other by a distance D which is less than half the height of the interval H.

[0012] Advantageously, the tabs are secured by their base to a flexible support intended to be fixed to the base.

[0013] Advantageously, each tab has a bulge at its free end.

[0014] Advantageously, each tab has a rod or point shape.

[0015] Advantageously, each tab has a lamella shape.

[0016] The invention also relates to a military vehicle comprising at least one rotating equipment consisting of a turret which can rotate relative to a base formed by a roof of the vehicle, the turret being equipped with at least one weapon system comprising a device for deflecting the cartridges ejected by the weapon system, vehicle characterized in that it comprises at least one protection device according to one of the preceding characteristics, protection device fixed to the roof of the vehicle around the turret and making it possible to prevent the cartridges ejected from the weapon system from entering the gap separating the turret and the roof.

[0017] Advantageously, the turret comprises a first weapon system ejecting cases of a first caliber, the tabs of the protection device being separated from each other by a distance which is less than half the first caliber, the cases of the first caliber thus not being able to penetrate between the tabs.

[0018] Advantageously, the turret comprises a second weapon system ejecting cartridge cases of a second caliber, the tabs of the protective device being spaced apart from each other by a distance which is greater than the second caliber, the cartridge cases of the second caliber thus being able to penetrate between the tabs and be trapped by the protective device.

[0019] Advantageously, the device is centered on the bearing axis of the turret and extends over the roof of the vehicle between a first radius R1 less than or equal to the distance R1 separating the bearing axis from the outer edge of the turret closest to the bearing axis and a second radius R2 greater than or equal to the distance R2 separating the bearing axis from the outer edge of the turret furthest from the bearing axis.

[0020] The invention will be better understood by reading the attached description, a description made in light of the appended drawings, drawings in which: [ Fig.1a ] represents a partial view of a vehicle equipped with a turret onto which first and second ammunition cases are falling. Fig.1b ] depicts another partial view of a vehicle equipped with a turret undergoing a shell fall. Fig.2 ] represents a partial view of a vehicle equipped with a turret and a device according to the invention onto which ammunition cases fall. Fig.3 ] represents a detailed view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention. [ Fig.4 ] represents a detailed view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention. [ Fig.5 ] represents a detailed view of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention. [ Fig.6 ] represents a top view of a vehicle equipped with a device according to the invention.

[0021] According to the figure 1a , a military vehicle 100 comprises rotating equipment 200 of the turret type which comprises two weapon systems 201 and 202. The turret is mounted to rotate relative to a roof 101 of the vehicle around an axis 102. A gap H separates the lower face 203 of the turret 200 and the roof 101.

[0022] The first weapon system 201 fires ammunition of a first caliber C1 called medium caliber, the medium caliber designating a diameter of ammunition between 12.7 mm and 40 mm. The second weapon system 202 fires ammunition of a second caliber C2 called small caliber, the small caliber designating a diameter of ammunition less than 12.7 mm (ammunition not shown).

[0023] At the end of each firing of a first round, the first weapon system 201 ejects a first casing 301 with a maximum diameter which is substantially equal to the first caliber C1.

[0024] Likewise, at the end of each firing of a second munition, the second weapon system 202 ejects a second casing 302 with a maximum diameter substantially equal to the second caliber C2.

[0025] As visible on the figure 1a , the first 301 cartridges have a first caliber C1 which is slightly higher than the value of the interval H.

[0026] These dimensional characteristics of the first socket 301 relative to the interval H cause the first sockets 301 to tend to become stuck between the roof 101 of the vehicle 100 and the lower face 203 of the turret 200 above the roof 101.

[0027] These jams can cause damage to the vehicle 100.

[0028] According to the figure 1b , it can be seen that the first sockets 301 can also be stuck, during the rotation of the turret 200, between the turret 200 and another element 105 of the vehicle 100 located projecting relative to the roof 101, such as for example a ventilation grille, an episcope or an access hatch.

[0029] In this case, local structural or functional damage to turret 200, vehicle 100 or element 105 is to be feared.

[0030] According to the figure 2 , a vehicle 100 comprises rotating equipment of the turret type 200. The roof 101 of the vehicle 100 comprises a protection device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] This protective device 1 comprises a plurality of flexible tabs 10 extending perpendicular to the roof 101, therefore here vertically in the position of the vehicle on horizontal ground, and which will be better seen at figures 3 And 4 . It is noted that these tabs 10 can, according to one embodiment, be secured by their base to a support 12 so as to form a mat 1 which will be fixed to the roof 101 of the vehicle which forms a base 101.

[0032] To figures 3 And 4we can see that the tabs 10 have a length L between the height H of the interval and half the height of the interval. Thus the tabs 10 do not rub on the turret 200 which reduces the forces undergone by the turret 200 and the wear of the tabs.

[0033] This dimensional choice allows that any first 301 case of caliber C1 (caliber close to height H) which is positioned on the device 1 has its axis M located above the lower face 203 of the turret 200.

[0034] A first socket 301 which is thus placed on the device 1 is pushed by the turret 200 during its rotation without ever being able to pass in whole or in part under the turret 200.

[0035] This choice of a length L of the tabs greater than H / 2 ensures that no sleeve with a diameter close to the height H of the gap will be able to enter even partially into the gap. Only objects with a diameter less than HL (therefore less than H / 2) could possibly enter the gap. But their small size ensures that they will not be able to hinder the movements of the turret. These small objects can also be trapped and immobilized by the tabs which are separated from each other by a distance close to H / 2 as specified below.

[0036] Furthermore, to ensure that the first casings 301 remain on the device 1 after their ejection from the weapon, the tabs 10 must be separated from each other by a distance D less than half the value of the interval H, that is to say at a distance D substantially less than half the caliber C1 of the first casing 301.

[0037] By preventing the first socket 301 from sinking between the tabs 10, the risk of this first socket passing partly under the turret 200 as visible in the figure is avoided. figure 2 .

[0038] In order to ensure effective protection of the interval H, the device 1 will extend over a substantially annular zone of the roof 101 surrounding the turret 200, a zone whose minimum radius will be less than or equal to the radius R1 separating the bearing axis 102 of the turret 200 and the outer edge of the lower face 203 located closest to this bearing axis 102 (see figure 6 ). Device 1 will therefore be positioned partly under turret 200.

[0039] Furthermore, the maximum radius of the annular zone covered by the protection device 1 will be greater than or equal to the radius R2 separating the bearing axis 102 of the turret 200 and the outer edge of the lower face 203 furthest from this bearing axis 102 (see figure 6 ). This avoids any blockage whatever the dimensions of the turret.

[0040] The tabs 10 and the possible support 12 may be manufactured with an elastomer comprising rubber or silicone for example. Thus, the device 1 as a whole will be able to be placed on a roof 101 having surface irregularities such as bumps and dents 101a ( figure 3 ), whose surface it will match.

[0041] On the other hand, the flexibility of the tabs 10 allows them to flex when the lower face 203 of the turret passes above the roof 101 and the device 1 is cluttered with foliage and other possible debris, which does not damage the turret 200 or the roof 101.

[0042] It is also noted that the tabs 10 placed on the external edge of the device 1 form a step 1b ( figure 3 ) which prevents the 301 sockets located on the roof 101 from coming close to the turret 200, thus again avoiding jamming problems.

[0043] For this it is also necessary, as visible in the figure 6 , that the outer edge of the area covered by the device 1 (outer edge forming this step 1b) has a radius greater than or equal to the radius R2 separating the bearing axis 102 and the outer edge of the lower face 203 furthest from this bearing axis.

[0044] These characteristics make it possible to position the step 1b formed by the edge of the device 1 at a distance from the lower face 203 of the turret 200.

[0045] In order to increase the resistance of the upper ends of the tabs 10 to possible friction by the turret 200, the ends may include bulges 11 of material.

[0046] The person skilled in the art may advantageously choose a spacing D separating two neighboring tabs 10 (the spacing D being measured between the tabs or between the bulges 11 possibly present) which is greater than the caliber C2 of a second small caliber 302 cartridge case ejected by the second weapon system 202.

[0047] In this way the second cases 302 falling back onto the device 1 are trapped between the tabs 10 and can be recovered later. The caliber C2 of the second cases 302 being notably lower than that C1 of the first cases 301 and at the height H of the gap, the trapped second cases 302 cannot interfere with the turret 200.

[0048] The tabs 10 can extend vertically by adopting different shapes such as the shape of a cylindrical or prismatic rod as in figure 4 or a conical point as in the figure 3 .

[0049] Another embodiment visible at the figure 5 , consists of providing tabs 10 which have the shape of slats 13 perpendicular to the support 12 (or to the roof 101 on which the device is fixed), slats which extend in directions parallel to the support 12 or to the roof 101 (horizontal directions here). Each slat 13 may have a linear profile as in figure 5 but may also present a sinusoidal profile.

[0050] As in the figure 4 the person skilled in the art may choose to position the device 1 close to other elements 105 of the vehicle 100 which do not exceed the height of the tabs 10. This makes it possible to locate any first ejected cartridge cases 301 above the element 105 in question, which avoids causing jamming between the turret and the element 105 as shown in FIG. figure 1b .

[0051] Thus, the invention makes it possible both to resolve the problems of the first casings getting stuck between the roof of a vehicle and rotating equipment and also to recover some of the second ejected casings.

[0052] The invention has been described in application to a military vehicle equipped with weapons systems.

[0053] It is clear that the device for protecting a gap between rotating equipment and a base could be implemented in other contexts, for example with a rotating element such as a robot body relative to a base, such as a support on which the robot is placed. The tabs will then be sized according to the height of the gap in question relative to that of the objects or residues that one seeks to keep away from the gap.

Claims

1. - A device (1) for protecting a space between a piece of rotating equipment (200) and a base (100) relative to which the piece of equipment (200) is intended to rotate, characterised in that the device (1) includes a plurality of flexible tabs (10) for attachment to the base (100) and having a length L between the height of half the space (H) and the height of the space (H), wherein the tabs (10) are to be distributed over an area of the base (100) that surrounds the piece of equipment (200), wherein the area extends below the piece of equipment (200) at the space (H).

2. - The device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the tabs (10) are spaced apart by a distance D that is less than half the height of the space H.

3. - The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the tabs (10) are connected at their bases to a flexible support (12) for attachment to the base (100).

4. - The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each tab (10) has a bulge (11) at its free end.

5. - The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each tab (10) is rod-shaped or pointed.

6. - The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each tab (10) is in the shape of a slat (13).

7. - A military vehicle including at least one piece of rotating equipment (200) consisting of a turret (200) that can rotate relative to a base (100) formed by a roof (101) of the vehicle (100), wherein the turret (200) is equipped with at least one weapon system (201, 202) including a device for deflecting the cartridge cases (301, 302) ejected by the weapon system, the vehicle being characterised in that it includes at least one protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protection device (1) is affixed to the roof of the vehicle (101) around the turret (200) and prevents the cartridge cases (301, 302) ejected by the weapon system (201, 202) from entering the space (H) between the turret (200) and the roof (101).

8. - The military vehicle according to claim 7, characterised in that the turret (200) includes a first weapon system (201) that ejects cartridge cases (301) of a first calibre, wherein the tabs (10) of the protection device (1) are spaced apart by a distance of less than half the first calibre, wherein the cartridge cases (301) of the first calibre (C1) thus cannot penetrate between the tabs (10).

9. - The military vehicle according to claim 8, characterised in that the turret (200) includes a second weapon system (202) that ejects cartridge cases (302) of a second calibre (C2), wherein the tabs (10) of the protection device (1) are spaced apart by a distance (D) that is greater than the second calibre (C2), and the cartridge cases (302) of the second calibre (C2) can thus penetrate between the tabs (10) and be trapped by the protection device (1).

10. - The military vehicle according to any of one claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the device (1) is centred on the relative bearing axis (X) of the turret (200) and extends on the roof (100) of the vehicle (100) between a first radius R1 less than or equal to the distance R1 between the relative bearing axis (X) and the outer edge of the turret (200) that is closest to the relative bearing axis (X), and a second radius R2 greater than or equal to the distance R2 between the relative bearing axis (X) and the outer edge of the turret (200) that is farthest from the relative bearing axis (X).