System for controlling the setting of a projectile in a weapon barrel and control method implemented by such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control system (1) for positioning a projectile in a weapon tube (10) and a method implemented by this system (1). The system (1) comprises a measuring device (2) for positioning against the tube (10) and connected to a processing module (3). The measuring device (2) measures the deformation of the tube (10) at at least one measurement location. The processing module (3) compares the measured deformation at at least one measurement location with a threshold deformation value for the tube (10), and it is connected to positioning status indication means (4) to indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the measured deformation is equal to or greater than the threshold deformation value, and otherwise that there is a risk of the projectile detaching.

Description

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of systems enabling control of the positioning of a projectile in the tube of a weapon.

[0002] In large caliber weapon systems (caliber greater than 75mm), the projectile is generally separated from its propellant charge.

[0003] During loading, the projectile is first inserted into a chamber of the weapon and pushed towards a cone of cone, a zone where the chamber diameter narrows to the diameter of the barrel. This cone of cone thus forms the junction between the weapon's combustion chamber, which has a larger diameter than the projectile, and the rifled section of the weapon. The projectile is pushed until it is wedged at the cone of cone by its band or a ridge on its body, thus sealing the barrel of the weapon at this point.

[0004] This seal guarantees, on the one hand, a nominal pressure rise of the propellant firing gases behind the projectile, and on the other hand, the immobilization of the projectile in the weapon before firing.

[0005] Patent DE19737078 describes a device for checking the presence of a projectile in a weapon, a device which includes sonic sensors coupled to a sound source and which determines by comparison with a reference sound signature whether the weapon is loaded or not.

[0006] However, the device as described by this patent does not detect whether the projectile is correctly loaded, that is to say, correctly wedged or hooked in the forcing cone of the weapon.

[0007] However, it is essential to be able to check the quality of the projectile's attachment in the forcing cone before triggering the shot.

[0008] Indeed, if the projectile is not properly secured in the forcing cone, it can detach from the cone. In this case, the projectile risks falling towards the chamber of the weapon, especially when the weapon is pointed at a positive elevation, particularly beyond thirty degrees.

[0009] This could cause the projectile to fall out of the weapon if the breech is open, and therefore fall on an operator, or fall on the propellant charge elements located in the chamber if the breech is closed.

[0010] Even if the projectile does not detach but the quality of the positioning is insufficient, leaks of propellant gas are to be feared due to a lack of sealing between the projectile and the tube.

[0011] All these events are highly detrimental to the safety of surrounding property and people.

[0012] The invention proposes to solve this safety problem by ensuring quality control of the projectile's placement in the weapon's forcing cone and by informing the operators and / or the weapon system of the quality of this placement.

[0013] The invention thus relates to a system for controlling the positioning of a projectile in a tube of a weapon comprising a forcing cone intended to radially clamp the projectile, which control system comprises a processing module, means for indicating the positioning status and a measuring device intended to be placed against the tube of the weapon, at the forcing cone, the measuring device being connected to the processing module, which is capable of receiving and processing a signal from the measuring device, the control system being characterized in that the measuring device is a deformation measuring device configured to measure a deformation of the tube of the weapon at at least one measuring location at the forcing cone after the projectile has been loaded into the tube,by the fact that the processing module is configured to compare the deformation measured by the measuring device at at least one measuring location to a tube deformation threshold value stored in the processing module, and by the fact that the processing module is connected to the positioning status indication means so that the indication means indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the deformation measured at at least one measuring location is equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value, and that there is a risk of projectile detachment if the deformation measured at at least one measuring location is less than the deformation threshold value.

[0014] Thus, the solution proposed by the present invention relies on the use of a deformation measuring device capable of measuring the deformation of the weapon's barrel at the forcing cone and comparing the measured deformation to a threshold deformation value corresponding to the expected deformation of the barrel for correct loading. The indicator means inform the user whether the loading is correct or whether a stall has occurred or is likely to occur.

[0015] Advantageously, the strain measurement device includes at least one strain gauge and a measuring housing receiving measuring electronics to which at least one strain gauge is connected.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the deformation measurement device comprises several, for example three, deformation gauges intended to be distributed around the weapon tube, equidistant or not from each other, at the right of the forcing cone, each deformation gauge being configured to measure a deformation of the tube at a respective deformation location, the processing module being further configured to compare to the deformation threshold value a deformation measured by each of the deformation gauges and to cause the indication means to indicate that the positioning is correct if all the deformations measured by the deformation gauges are equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value and that there is a risk of projectile detachment if at least one of the measured deformations is less than the deformation threshold value.

[0017] This approach takes advantage of the fact that, during correct positioning, the deformation of the weapon tube is axisymmetric. Therefore, if a measured deformation is below the threshold value, even at just one measurement location, it indicates a risk of projectile detachment. This independent processing for each measurement location further enhances the reliability of the control system.

[0018] The distribution of deformation gauges around the weapon may take into account any limitations imposed by the clutter of the weapon's immediate environment.

[0019] Advantageously, the system includes an induction power supply for the measuring device, the power supply being intended to be connected to a remote power supply for the weapon, where appropriate the power supply being intended to be mounted on the weapon against the measuring housing so as to power at least one strain gauge and the measuring electronics.

[0020] This inductive power supply limits the amount of equipment subjected to stress during firing. Indeed, only the strain gauges and the processing module are attached to the weapon and bear its recoil.

[0021] Advantageously, the power supply device is connected, on the one hand, by induction to the processing module, the latter being received in the measuring box, and, on the other hand, to the indication means so as to allow the processing module to cause the indication means to indicate to the user the state of positioning of the projectile.

[0022] Preferably, the system includes a central unit, intended to be located away from the weapon, comprising the processing module or connected to the processing module, if necessary via the power supply device, and configured to keep in memory a history of cases of risk of detachment and / or to command the prohibition of firing by a firing control in the event that the processing module determines that there is a risk of detachment of the projectile.

[0023] The means of indication may be a light, an audible warning device and / or a screen.

[0024] Thus, a correct loading can be indicated by a simple green light, and a projectile detachment by a simple red light, with or without an alarm. The discretion required for firing, especially a first shot, necessitates the use and placement of signaling devices adapted to this constraint, particularly those visible from only one viewpoint, for example with a reduced beam.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for checking the positioning of a projectile in the tube of a weapon, implemented by a system as defined above and characterized by the fact that: after loading the projectile into the tube, the deformation measuring device measures a deformation of the tube at at least one measurement location at the right of the forcing cone and transmits it to the processing module; and the processing module compares the deformation measured at at least one measurement location to a threshold value of tube deformation, and causes the indication means to indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the deformation measured at at least one measurement location is equal to or greater than the threshold value of deformation and that there is a risk of the projectile coming loose if the deformation measured at at least one measurement location is less than the threshold value of deformation.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the process is implemented by a control system comprising several strain gauges as described above, process in which the processing module compares to the threshold value of strain a strain measured by each of the strain gauges and causes the indication means to indicate that the positioning is correct if all the strains measured by the strain gauges are equal to or greater than the threshold value of strain and that there is a risk of projectile detachment if at least one of the measured strains is less than the threshold value of strain.

[0027] Advantageously, the process is activated following information about the projectile being put into position and deactivated after firing, thus allowing verification that the projectile has left, or after unloading the projectile.

[0028] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is made in light of the accompanying drawings, drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] shows an overall schematic view of the control system according to the present invention, the weapon tube being shown in longitudinal section; [ Fig. 2 ] shows a detailed schematic view of the control system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [ Fig. 3 ] shows a cross-sectional view of the positioning of the strain gauges in the particular embodiment of the Figure 2 .

[0029] If we refer first to the Figure 1 , we can see that a control system 1 for the positioning of a projectile 100 in a weapon tube 10 according to the present invention is connected to a large caliber weapon tube 10 (caliber greater than 75 mm).

[0030] The weapon tube 10 has a bore 11 which is separated into two parts, on the one hand a chamber 12 intended to receive a projectile 100 and a propellant charge 101 and on the other hand a rifled part 13 intended to impart a gyroscopic movement to the projectile 100 fired by this tube 10.

[0031] The chamber 12 has an internal diameter D2 greater than the internal diameter D1 of the grooved part 13. The progressive connection of the two diameters D1, D2 and between the chamber 12 and the grooved part 13 takes place in a zone called the forcing cone 14.

[0032] This forcing cone 14 allows a belt 102 of the projectile 100, located between a base 103 and a ogive 104, to ensure the seal against the propellant gases coming from the initiation of the charge 101.

[0033] The belt 102 is made, for example, of a malleable metal alloy capable of conforming by creep to the profile of the tube 10, in particular by occupying the grooves of the grooved part 13.

[0034] If the projectile 100 does not have a belt, it may have one or more ridges having the dimensional and material characteristics satisfactory to ensure a seal between the forcing cone 14 and the projectile 100.

[0035] The control system 1 according to the present invention mainly comprises a deformation measurement device 2, a processing module 3 and means for indicating the state of being in position 4.

[0036] In the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 2 et 3 , the strain measurement device 2 comprises several, here three, strain gauges J1, J2, J3, namely a first gauge J1, a second gauge J2 and a third gauge J3.

[0037] The three strain gauges J1, J2, J3 are fixed to the tube 10, each at a respective measuring location opposite the forcing cone 14. The angular distribution of the three strain gauges J1, J2, J3 is not equal. In particular, the angular separation between the first gauge J1 and the second gauge J2 is less than the angular separation between the second gauge J2 and the third gauge J3. If we consider the weapon tube 10 oriented in a horizontal direction and divide it into two opposing upper and two opposing lower quarters, the first J1 and second J2 gauges are positioned in the same upper quarter of the weapon tube 10, and the third gauge J3 is positioned in a diametrically opposite lower quarter.

[0038] In practice, the immediate environment of the weapon tube will be taken into account when positioning the deformation gauges.

[0039] As can be seen on the Figure 2 , the three strain gauges J1, J2, J3 are connected to a measuring electronic 20 received in a measuring box 5 mounted on the weapon tube 10.

[0040] The measuring electronics 20 compares the signal returned by each strain gauge J1, J2, J3 independently of each other to a stored strain threshold value.

[0041] The measuring electronics 20 and the strain gauges J1, J2, J3 are well known in themselves and it therefore does not appear necessary to describe them in more detail.

[0042] The measurement electronics 20 is connected to the processing module 3 so that it can communicate to it the measurement signals from the strain gauges J1, J2, J3.

[0043] As depicted on the Figure 2 , the processing module 3 is also received here in the measuring housing 5.

[0044] The processing module 3 is configured to interpret the signal provided by the measuring electronics 20. In particular, the processing module 3 checks that all gauges J1, J2, J3 report a strain signal greater than or equal to a strain threshold value, which is the value of the axisymmetric strain measured at the forcing cone 14 when a projectile 100 is correctly positioned in the weapon tube 10. This strain threshold value has been determined experimentally and is stored in a memory of the processing module 3.

[0045] If this is the case, the alignment is deemed satisfactory, and a command to display a correct alignment is sent to the positioning status indicator 4, or user interface (e.g., green indicator light), with which the processing module 3 communicates. Conversely, if at least one gauge J1, J2, or J3 does not report a deformation greater than or equal to the deformation threshold value, then the processing module 3 commands the indicator 4 to display an incorrect alignment (e.g., red indicator light). It is thus possible to provide a user with information confirming the alignment is correct via the indicator 4.

[0046] The processing module 3 may, for example, include at least one of a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) type programmable logic component.

[0047] The indication means 4 may be a screen and / or indicator lights with or without an alarm and are arranged remotely from the weapon tube 10.

[0048] Communication between the processing module 3 and the indication means 4 is here via a power supply device 6 ( Figure 2 ). The power supply device 6 thus allows both data and power transmission.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment illustrated on the Figure 2 The power supply unit 6 is an inductor mounted on the weapon tube 10 against the measuring unit 5 and connected to a remote power supply (not shown) located away from the weapon. Thus, data and power transmission is inductive, without contact. This transmission method limits the amount of equipment subjected to firing stresses. Indeed, only the strain gauges J1, J2, J3, the processing module 3, and the inductor are fixed to the weapon and subject to its recoil.

[0050] It will be possible to provide system 1 with continuous monitoring of the loading status. This monitoring will begin with a signal indicating that projectile 100 is in position, provided, for example, by the weapon's fire control system or by the system controlling the loading of projectile 100. It can stop after firing, thus allowing verification that projectile 100 has been launched, or it can stop after the possible unloading of projectile 100 from chamber 12.

[0051] The detection of a non-compliant positioning may also, in addition to displaying the non-compliance information, trigger a ban on firing.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment illustrated on the Figure 2, the processing module 3 communicates with a central unit 7 via the power supply device 6. Thus, the deformation signal received by the processing module 3 can be transmitted to the central unit 7 in order to be exploited, in particular to establish a history of the cases of projectile detachment 100 or for the control of the fire control of the weapon.

[0053] The central unit 7 is also configured to communicate with the indication means 4 of the control system 1 or with another interface.

[0054] It should be noted that the control system 1 according to the invention is non-intrusive with respect to the weapon, since the gauges J1, J2, and J3 are positioned against the tube 10 without any machining being necessary. The invention therefore allows for adaptation to existing equipment without major modifications.

[0055] It is understood that the particular embodiment just described has been given by way of example and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the present invention, which is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. - A system (1) for controlling the positioning of a projectile (100) in a gun barrel (10) comprising a forcing cone (14) intended to wedge the projectile (100) radially, which control system (1) comprises a processing module (3), means (4) for indicating the positioning state and a measuring device (2) intended to be placed against the gun barrel (10), in line with the forcing cone (14), the measuring device (2) being connected to the processing module (3), which is capable of receiving and processing a signal coming from the measuring device (2), the control system (1) being characterised in that the measuring device (2) is a deformation measuring device configured to measure a deformation of the gun barrel (10) at least at one measurement location in line with the forcing cone (14) after the projectile (100) has been loaded into the barrel (10), in that the processing module (3) is configured to compare the deformation measured by the measuring device (2) at the at least one measurement location with a threshold deformation value of the barrel (10) in memory in the processing module (3), and in that the processing module (3) is connected to the means (4) for indicating the positioning state so as to cause the indicating means (4) to indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the deformation measured at the at least one measurement location is equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value and that there is a risk that the projectile (100) unwedges if the deformation measured at the at least one measurement location is less than the deformation threshold value.

2. - The system (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the deformation measuring device (2) comprises at least one strain gauge (J1, J2, J3) and a measurement housing (5) receiving measurement electronics (20) to which the at least one strain gauge (J1, J2, J3) is connected.

3. - The system (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the deformation measuring device (2) comprises several strain gauges (J1, J2, J3), for example three, intended to be distributed around the gun barrel, equidistant or not from one another, in line with the forcing cone (14), each strain gauge (J1, J2, J3) being configured to measure a deformation of the barrel (10) at a respective deformation location, the processing module (3) further being configured to cosmpare to the deformation threshold value a deformation measured by each of the strain gauges (J1, J2, J3) and to cause the indicating means (4) to indicate that positioning is correct if all the deformations measured by the strain gauges (J1, J2, J3) are equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value and there is a risk the projectile (100) unwedges if at least one of the measured deformations is less than the deformation threshold value.

4. - The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises a power supply device (6), by induction, for the measuring device (2), the power supply device (6) being intended to be connected to a electrical power supply remote of the gun, where applicable the power supply device (6) being intended to be mounted on the gun barrel (10) against the measurement housing (5) so as to power the at least one strain gauge (J1, J2, J3) and the measurement electronics (20).

5. - The system (1) according to claim 4 taken in dependence on claim 3, characterised in that the power supply device (6) is connected, on the one hand, by induction, to the processing module (3), the latter being received in the measurement housing (5), and, on the other hand, to the indicating means (4) so as to allow the processing module (3) to cause the indicating means (4) to indicate the positioning state of the projectile (100) to the user.

6. - The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it comprises a central unit (7), intended to be remote from the gun, comprising the processing module (3) or connected to the processing module (3), where applicable via the power supply device (6), and configured to store in memory a history of the cases of risk of unwedging and / or to order the prohibition of firing by a firing control system in the event the processing module (3) determines that there is a risk the projectile (100) unwedges.

7. - The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the indicating means (4) are an indicator light, a buzzer and / or a screen.

8. - A method for controlling the positioning of a projectile (100) in a gun barrel (10), implemented by a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and characterised in that: - after loading the projectile (100) into the barrel (10), the deformation measuring device (2) measures a deformation of the barrel (10) at least at one measurement location in line with the forcing cone (14) and transmits it to the processing module (3); and - the processing module (3) compares the deformation measured at the at least one measurement location with a deformation threshold value of the barrel (10), and causes the indicating means (4) to indicate to a user that the positioning is correct if the deformation measured at the at least one measurement location is equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value and there is a risk the projectile (100) unwedges if the deformation measured at the at least one measurement location is less than the deformation threshold value.

9. - The method according to claim 8, implemented by a control system (1) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 7 when taken in dependence on claim 3, characterised in that the processing module (3) compares, with the deformation threshold value, a deformation measured by each of the strain gauges (J1, J2, J3) and causes the indicating means (4) to indicate that the positioning is correct if all the deformations measured by the strain gauges (J1, J2, J3) are equal to or greater than the deformation threshold value and that there is a risk the projectile (100) unwedges if at least one of the deformations measured is less than the threshold deformation value.

10. - The method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterised in that it is activated following information as to the positioning of the projectile (100) and deactivated after firing, thus making it possible to verify that the projectile (100) has left, or else after the projectile (100) has been unloaded.

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