System and method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment.

Abstract

System and method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment. The system (1), intended for ejectably hanging an item of equipment (2) from a support structure (3), comprises a hooking body (4), a movable plunger (12), a displacement device (16) and a plurality of locking elements (22) on which the plunger (12) is configured to act, said system (1) being configured to take, successively, a locked configuration in which the plunger (12) acts on the locking elements (22) to lock the item of equipment (2) on the support structure (3), an unlocked configuration in which the plunger (12) is moved by the displacement device (16) to release the locking elements (22) and an ejection configuration in which the plunger (12) continues to be moved by the displacement device (16) so as to exert a force on the item of equipment (2) to eject it from the support structure (3),said system (1) thus making it possible to carry out the unlocking and ejection of the equipment (2) in a sequenced, reliable and secure manner. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2,

Description

Title of the invention: System and method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment relative to a support structure, for example a missile intended to be attached in an ejectable manner to a firing installation of an aircraft. State of the art

[0002] In various fields such as aeronautics, aerospace or defense, it is particularly interesting to be able to hook and lock equipment or a subassembly to a support structure and to be able to unlock and separate them (i.e. eject the equipment) at a desired time. This is, for example, the case of boosters equipping flying machines such as rockets or the case of weapons systems (missiles, bombs, etc.) equipping aircraft.

[0003] Conventional devices are known for making a separable connection between two parts, such as pins, separable or explosive nuts, jacks or retractors. However, in certain cases, such as that of an airborne missile, it is necessary to use a particular design to ensure suitable sequencing of the unlocking and ejection phases of the equipment relative to the support structure. Indeed, for safety reasons, it may be imperative that the unlocking and ejection of the equipment take place in a sequenced and reliable manner (i.e. not simultaneously and in the correct order). Unlocking without ejection may lead to a risk of collision between the equipment and the support structure.Similarly, an ejection without unlocking can result in irreversible damage to the equipment and / or supporting structure, or even a catastrophic event (such as activation of an unejected missile).

[0004] Systems are known that comprise several mechanisms for performing such sequencing. These systems generally comprise a mechanism dedicated to unlocking, a mechanism dedicated to sequencing and a mechanism dedicated to ejection. Consequently, they have a complex design and kinematics and sometimes require several energy sources. These systems are therefore suboptimal in terms of complexity, mass, reliability and size.

[0005] Thus, there is a need to find more satisfactory solutions. Statement of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks. It relates to a hooking and ejection system for equipment such as a missile, intended to be hooked in an ejectable manner to a support structure, in particular an aircraft firing installation.

[0007] According to the invention, said system comprising at least: - a hanging body intended to be arranged at least partly between the equipment and the support structure to carry out the hanging; - a diver arranged in the catching body in a mobile manner; - a moving device configured to move the plunger relative to the gripping body; and - a plurality of locking elements on which the plunger is configured to act when being moved by the moving device, is configured to take, successively, at least the following configurations: - a locked configuration in which the diver acts on the locking elements to lock them so as to securely connect the equipment to the support structure; - an unlocked configuration in which the diver, by being moved by the moving device, unlocks the locking elements so as to release the equipment relative to the support structure; and - an ejection configuration in which the plunger, while continuing to be moved by the movement device, comes into contact with the equipment and exerts a force on said equipment so as to eject said equipment relative to the support structure.

[0008] Thus, thanks to the invention, a simple, lightweight, reliable and space-saving solution is provided for performing the unlocking and ejection of equipment from a support structure in a sequenced and secure manner. Indeed, the system uses a single mechanism (involving a single movement) and a single energy source to perform both the unlocking and ejection of the equipment, which makes said system particularly reliable and makes it possible to avoid any undesirable (or even catastrophic) event that could result from unlocking the equipment without ejection or vice versa.

[0009] Advantageously, the plunger comprises an end provided with a head configured to be able to act on the locking elements when the plunger is moved.

[0010] In a particular embodiment, the plunger corresponds to a piston arranged in a sliding manner in an internal space of the gripping body so as to form a jack.

[0011] Advantageously, the cylinder formed by the plunger and the hooking body corresponds to one of the following cylinders: a single-acting cylinder, a double-acting cylinder.

[0012] Furthermore, advantageously, the piston formed by the plunger corresponds to a telescopic piston comprising at least one hollow intermediate stage arranged in a sliding manner in the internal space of the gripping body and a lower stage arranged in a sliding manner in the intermediate stage, one of the ends of the lower stage being configured to be able to act on the locking elements. Thus, it is possible to obtain a greater plunger stroke while remaining compact.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the displacement device corresponds to a pressure generator connected to the internal space of the gripping body by an orifice and configured to be able to generate pressure on the plunger so as to move said plunger.

[0014] Advantageously, the displacement device corresponds to one of the following pressure generators: a gas-generating pyrotechnic cartridge, a fluid-generating cartridge, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device.

[0015] Furthermore, advantageously, the system comprises a force limiter arranged on the plunger and having a reduced section compared to that of said plunger, the force limiter being configured to close the orifice connecting the displacement device to the internal space of the gripping body by being housed in said orifice at least when the system is in the locked configuration.

[0016] Thus, the force limiter makes it possible to limit the surface on which the displacement device (pressure generator) generates pressure, at least when changing from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. This makes it possible to control the speed of the plunger and to avoid excessive impact of the plunger against the equipment.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, as a variant of the preferred embodiment, the displacement device corresponds to one of the following devices: an electrical device, an electromagnetic device.

[0018] Furthermore, advantageously, the locking elements correspond to one of the following elements: barrels, balls, rollers, wedges, keys.

[0019] Advantageously, in the unlocked configuration, there is a clearance between the part of the plunger intended to come into contact with the equipment in the ejection configuration and said equipment. This clearance makes it possible to ensure a delay during the sequencing between the unlocking and the ejection of the equipment.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a support structure, in particular a firing installation of an aircraft, on which equipment, in particular a missile, is intended to be attached in an ejectable manner.

[0021] According to the invention, the support structure comprises at least one attachment and ejection system as described above.

[0022] Advantageously, the support structure comprises at least two systems hooking and ejection systems arranged on either side of the equipment's center of gravity. Such a support structure equipped with several hooking and ejection systems provides better control over the ejection of the equipment.

[0023] The present invention further relates to a method for ejecting equipment ejectably attached to a support structure using at least one system as described above.

[0024] According to the invention, from a locked configuration in which the equipment is hooked and locked to the support structure, said method comprises at least the following series of successive steps: - an unlocking step for controlling the moving device so as to move the plunger so that it releases the locking elements and unlocks the equipment relative to the support structure; and - an ejection step for continuing to move the plunger using the moving device so that said plunger comes into contact with the equipment and exerts a force on said equipment to achieve the ejection of said equipment relative to the support structure.

[0025] Advantageously, the method comprises a hooking step, implemented prior to the unlocking step, to position the equipment on the support structure so that the system is arranged, at least in part, between said equipment and said support structure, and to move the plunger so that it acts on the locking elements to lock them so as to securely connect the equipment to the support structure. Brief description of the figures

[0026] The attached figures will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

[0027] [Fig.l] is a front view of a support structure on which equipment is hung using a hooking and ejection system according to a particular embodiment.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a side, sectional view of the system of [Fig.l] in a locked configuration.

[0029] [Fig. 3] is a side, sectional view of the system of [Fig. 1] in an unlocked configuration.

[0030] [Fig.4] is a side, sectional view of the system of [Fig.l] in an ejection configuration.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a side, sectional view of the system of [Fig.l] in an ejection configuration in which the equipment is spaced from the support structure.

[0032] [Fig.6] is a side view, in section, of the system of [Fig.l] in a confi ejection system and in an embodiment wherein said system comprises a telescopic plunger.

[0033] [Fig.7] is a block diagram of a method of attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment according to a particular embodiment. Detailed description

[0034] A hooking and ejection system 1 (hereinafter system 1) for illustrating the invention is shown in a particular embodiment from [Fig.l] to [Fig.5]. This system 1 makes it possible to hook two elements together in an ejectable manner. In the particular embodiment considered, the system 1 makes it possible to hook an item of equipment 2 onto a support structure 3 and, when desired, it makes it possible to eject said item of equipment 2.

[0035] In the context of the present invention, the verb "to hang" designates the action of securely connecting elements (such as parts or subassemblies) to each other. Conversely, the verb "to eject" designates the action of separating elements that were previously connected together, by moving them away from each other. Thus, by the expression "hanging in an ejectable manner", it is meant that the system 1 is configured to be able to securely fix the equipment 2 to the support structure 3 and to be able to be controlled so as to eject (or separate) the equipment 2 from the support structure 3 at a desired time.

[0036] In a non-limiting manner, the system 1 is particularly suitable for airborne applications. For example, as shown in [Fig.l], the equipment 2 may correspond to an ejectable (or droppable) device such as a missile and the support structure 3 may correspond to a firing installation of an aircraft. An example of such an application will be detailed below.

[0037] To carry out the attachment and ejection of the equipment 2, the system 1 is arranged on the support structure 3 so as to be able to be positioned partly between the equipment 2 and said support structure 3. The system 1 thus arranged is configured to be able to take, successively, at least the following configurations: a locked configuration, an unlocked configuration and an ejection configuration.

[0038] In the locked configuration, shown in [Fig.2], the equipment 2 is positioned on the support structure 3 and the system 1 makes a connection which securely locks said equipment 2 to said support structure 3.

[0039] In the unlocked configuration, shown in [Fig. 3], the system 1 unlocks the connection between the equipment 2 and the support structure 3 so that said equipment 2 is no longer securely connected to said support structure 3.

[0040] Further, in the ejection configuration, shown in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the system 1 separates the equipment 2 from the support structure 3 by exerting a force on said equipment 2 so as to move it away from the support structure 3.

[0041] It is appropriate to note the difference between the unlocking and ejection functions. Indeed, in the unlocked configuration, the equipment 2 is no longer integrally linked to the support structure 3 but it is not necessarily separated from the latter. As explained below, the distinction between unlocking and ejection allows, in particular, the system 1 to sequence these two actions in a particularly reliable manner.

[0042] In the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the system 1 comprises a hooking body 4 arranged on the support structure 3. More precisely, the hooking body 4 comprises a cylindrical section 5 of elongated shape which is arranged in a bore 7 of the support structure 3. The bore 7 corresponds to a through hole opening towards an internal part of the support structure 3 on one side and towards a part intended to receive the equipment 2 on the other side. The cylindrical section 5 has a diameter adapted so as to be able to be inserted in a fitted manner into the bore 7.

[0043] In other embodiments, the gripping body 4 may have various prismatic shapes adapted according to the application considered and intended to be inserted into a bore 7 of corresponding shape. For example, the gripping body 4 may comprise a section of square, triangular or hexagonal section.

[0044] Furthermore, the gripping body 4 comprises a hat-shaped shoulder 8 located at one of its ends. The shoulder 8 is configured to bear against a bearing surface 9 of the bore 7, arranged at the end of said bore 7 which is oriented towards the internal part of the support structure 3. The system 1 comprises a plurality of screws 10 for fixing the gripping body 4 to the support structure 3. The screws 10 are arranged in a through manner in the shoulder 8 and screwed into the support structure 3 at the level of the bearing surface 9. The screws 10 thus arranged make it possible to ensure a translational stop of the gripping body 4 during the ejection of the equipment 2. In other embodiments, other usual means of translational stop can be envisaged as an alternative to the screws 10.

[0045] Furthermore, the cylindrical section 5 has a length adapted so that, when the hooking body 4 is fixed on the support structure 3, one end of the cylindrical section 5 protrudes towards the part intended to receive the equipment 2.

[0046] In the locked configuration ([Fig.2]), the equipment 2 is positioned and held in place on the support structure 3 by the system 1. To do this, the equipment 2 comprises a cavity 6 corresponding to a blind hole opening outwards from said equipment 2. The equipment 2 is positioned so that the cavity 6 is opposite the bore 7. The end of the cylindrical section 5 of the hooking body 4 outwardly closing the support structure 3 is configured to be fittedly inserted into the cavity 6.

[0047] Furthermore, the gripping body 4 comprises an internal space 11 in which a plunger 12 is arranged in a sliding manner. The plunger 12 corresponds to a piston that can be retracted and deployed in particular relative to the internal space 11, so as to form a jack. The plunger 12 is in particular configured to be able to be moved so as to act on elements that become blocked in the cavity 6, thus locking the equipment 2, as detailed below.

[0048] In the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the plunger 12 and the gripping body 4 form a single-acting cylinder. In other embodiments, it is possible to envisage that the plunger 12 and the gripping body 4 form a double-acting cylinder.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, shown in [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 5], the plunger 12 corresponds to a single piston. However, in other embodiments, the plunger 12 may correspond to a telescopic piston having several stages.

[0050] For example, in the particular embodiment shown in [Fig.6], the plunger 12 corresponds to a telescopic piston comprising two stages. In this particular embodiment, the plunger 12 comprises a hollow intermediate stage 12A arranged in a sliding manner in the internal space 11 of the gripping body 4 and a lower stage 12B arranged in a sliding manner inside the intermediate stage 12A.

[0051] The telescopic plunger 12 makes it possible to obtain a large amplitude of movement and a reduced bulk. In other embodiments (not shown), the plunger 12 may comprise more or less than two stages depending on the amplitude of movement necessary for the application in question.

[0052] The internal space 11 extends along the length of the hooking body 4, between the shoulder 8 and the end of the cylindrical section 5 projecting outwards from the support structure 3. This internal space 11 comprises a closed end 13 provided with an orifice 14 on the side of the shoulder 8 and an open end 15 which is opposite the closed end 13 and which opens outwards from the hooking body 4 (towards the part intended to receive the equipment 2). In the locked configuration, the open end 15 opens inside the cavity 6 of the equipment 2.

[0053] To move the plunger 12, the system 1 comprises a displacement device 16 represented schematically by a square from [Fig.2] to [Fig.6]. In a preferred embodiment, the displacement device 16 corresponds to a pressure generator. However, in other embodiments, it may be an electrical or electromagnetic displacement device. For example, it may be a conventional displacement device of the electric jack type or one for moving the diver 12 by electromagnetic field.

[0054] In the remainder of the description, reference will be made to the pressure generator 16, it being understood that it could be another displacement device as described above.

[0055] The pressure generator 16 is connected to the internal space 11 via a usual connection 17 connected to the orifice 14. This pressure generator 16 is configured to generate a pressure in the internal space 11 so as to push the plunger 12 towards the open end 15, in particular towards the outside of the gripping body 4.

[0056] Preferably, the pressure generator 16 corresponds to an autonomous system which can be pre-programmed or remotely controlled. In a non-limiting manner, it can be a gas-generating pyrotechnic cartridge, a fluid-generating cartridge, a pneumatic system or even a hydraulic system.

[0057] The plunger 12 comprises a first end 18 arranged towards the closed end 13 of the internal space 11 and a second end 19 arranged towards the open end 15. The end 18 of the plunger 12 is configured to be subjected to the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16. The end 19 of the plunger 12, for its part, comprises a head 20 configured to be able to lock the equipment 2.

[0058] In the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.6], the head 20 corresponds to an added part fixed coaxially on the end 19 of the plunger 12 using a screw 21. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the head 20 may correspond to a particular shape of the plunger 12 made directly in the body of the latter.

[0059] Furthermore, the system 1 comprises locking elements 22 housed in openings 23 of the hooking body 4. The openings 23 are located at the end of the cylindrical section 5 projecting outside the support structure 3. The locking elements 22 are movable in the openings 23. In particular, they are configured to be able to either partially protrude outside the hooking body 4, or to be completely housed inside it. In addition, they are crimped so as to be captive in the hooking body 4 and therefore captive during ejection of the equipment 2.

[0060] In the particular embodiment shown in [Fig.2] to [Fig.6], the locking elements 22 correspond to barrels. However, in other embodiments (not shown), they may be other locking elements such as balls, rollers, wedges or even keys.

[0061] In the locked configuration ([Fig.2]), the gripping body 4 is positioned partly in the cavity 6 of the equipment 2 and the plunger 12 is retracted inside the internal space 11. In this position, the head 20 has a shape configured to act on the locking elements 22, namely to keep them partly out through the openings 23. The locking elements 22, thus maintained, protrude towards the outside of the hooking body 4 in a groove 24 of the cavity 6. Consequently, the locking elements 22 block the equipment 2 in translation in the longitudinal direction of the hooking body 4. The equipment 2 thus blocked is therefore linked, in a locked manner, to the support structure 3, by the system 1.

[0062] In the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the system 1 ensures in particular the connection and the locking between the equipment 2 and the support structure 3. However, in other embodiments, other systems can be used in addition to the system 1 depending on the application considered (for example a system for prestressing the equipment 2 against the support structure 3, once said equipment 2 is locked).

[0063] In the unlocked configuration ([Fig. 3]), the pressure generator 16 generates pressure in the internal space 11, as shown schematically by arrows E from [Fig. 3] to [Fig. 6]. The pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 is configured to move the plunger 12 so as to release the locking elements 22. Indeed, due to the movement of the plunger 12, a narrower part of the head 20 is opposite the locking elements 22, so that the latter can be housed in the gripping body 4. The groove 24 of the cavity 6 may in particular have a suitable shape, such as a chamfer 25, to contribute to pushing the locking elements 22 inside the gripping body 4 when the equipment 2 is ejected.

[0064] When the locking elements 22 are housed in the gripping body 4, they no longer protrude and, consequently, the equipment 2 is no longer blocked in translation. The equipment 2 is therefore unlocked and can be separated from the support structure 3. Although the system 1 is configured to actively carry out the ejection of the equipment 2 relative to the support structure 3, said ejection can still be initiated elsewhere as soon as the equipment 2 is unlocked, for example passively by the action of gravity.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig. 3], the system 1 is configured so that, in the unlocked configuration, the plunger 12 is not in contact with the equipment 2. Indeed, in this unlocked configuration, there is a clearance 26 between a contact surface 28 of the head 20 of the plunger 12 and a bottom 27 of the cavity 6. The contact surface 28 corresponds to the part of the plunger 12 which is intended to come into contact with the bottom 27 to carry out the ejection of the equipment 2.

[0066] In the ejection configuration ([Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6]), the plunger 12 continues to be moved by the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 so as to come into contact with the equipment 2. In particular, the contact surface 28 of the head 20 is pressed against the bottom 27 of the cavity 6. Under the action of the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16, the plunger 12 is configured to exert a force on the equipment 2, represented schematically by an arrow F in [Fig.5]. The equipment 2 no longer being locked, the force exerted by the plunger 12 allows it to be moved away from the support structure 3 so as to achieve their separation and therefore the ejection of the equipment 2.

[0067] As shown in [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the system 1 comprises a stop 29 delimiting the end of travel of the plunger 12. In the case of a plunger 12 corresponding to a telescopic piston, the system 1 comprises a stop for each stage of the piston. For example, in [Fig.6], the system 1 comprises a stop 29A arranged at one end of the intermediate stage 12A (delimiting the end of travel of the lower stage 12B) and a stop 29B arranged in the internal space 11 of the gripping body 4 (delimiting the end of travel of the intermediate stage 12A).

[0068] The design of the system 1 makes it possible to guarantee the sequencing of the unlocking and ejection functions. Indeed, the system 1 is configured so that the ejection of the equipment 2 is necessarily successive to its unlocking. In addition, the clearance 26 makes it possible to obtain a delay, corresponding to a safety margin, to prevent the unlocking and ejection of the equipment 2 from taking place simultaneously. In particular, a more or less long safety margin can be obtained by appropriately choosing the length of the plunger 12 and / or the depth of the cavity 6 when dimensioning the clearance 26.

[0069] Thus, thanks to the system 1, there is a simple, lightweight, reliable and space-saving solution for performing the unlocking and ejection of the equipment 2 in a sequenced and secure manner relative to the support structure 3. Indeed, the system 1 uses a single mechanism (involving a single movement) and a single energy source (namely the pressure generator 16) to perform both the unlocking and the ejection of the equipment 2. In addition, it makes it possible to avoid any undesirable (or even catastrophic) event that could result from unlocking the equipment 2 without ejection, or vice versa.

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiments of [Fig.2] to [Fig.6], the movement of the plunger 12 is linear, which makes it possible to obtain an unlocking axis and an ejection axis which are coaxial. This significantly limits the risk of blockage when it is desired to eject the equipment 2 and makes the system 1 particularly reliable.

[0071] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the system 1 comprises a force limiter 31 arranged on the end 18 of the plunger 12. The force limiter 31 has a reduced section compared to that of the plunger 12. The force limiter 31 is in particular adapted to be housed in the orifice 14 of the internal space 11 so as to close said orifice 14 when the plunger 12 is retracted in the locked configuration. The force limiter 31 thus housed in the orifice 14 makes it possible to limit the surface on which the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 is applied. In this way, as long as a part of the force limiter 31 is housed in the orifice 14, the force exerted on the plunger 12 is limited, which makes it possible to control the speed of movement of said plunger 12. Depending on the length of the part of the force limiter 31 intended to be housed in the orifice 14, it is possible to obtain a limitation of the force over a more or less long stroke.

[0072] Thus, the force limiter 31 makes it possible to avoid excessively rapid movement of the plunger 12, which can contribute to the correct sequencing of the unlocking and ejection of the equipment 2. This can also avoid excessive shock between the plunger 12 and the equipment 2 during contact to effect ejection.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], the system 1 has an elongated shape and is configured so that the plunger 12 can be moved linearly along the longitudinal direction of the system 1. However, in other embodiments, the system 1 may have other configurations allowing other types of movement for the plunger 12.

[0074] Furthermore, the support structure 3 can be equipped with a plurality of systems 1. The systems 1 can then be distributed uniformly with respect to the surface of the equipment 2 so as to obtain an ejection substantially parallel with the support structure 3. Conversely, the systems 1 can be configured to obtain an ejection angle between the equipment 2 and the support structure 3. For example, the stroke of the plunger 12 can be different from one system 1 to another so as not to push the equipment 2 everywhere in the same way. Or again, certain systems 1 can be arranged in an inclined manner on the support structure 3 to push the equipment 2 with a particular angle.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, it is considered that the equipment 2 has a sensitive elongated shape (for example a missile) and that the support structure 3 is equipped with two systems 1 arranged along the longitudinal axis of the equipment 2 on either side of the center of gravity of the equipment 2. This configuration makes it possible to control the ejection of the equipment 2 with a reduced number of attachment and ejection systems.

[0076] Furthermore, depending on the application considered, the system 1 can be configured to eject the equipment 2 by giving it a greater or lesser initial speed. For example, the pressure generator 16 can be configured to generate a greater or lesser pressure making it possible to move the plunger 12 more or less quickly and therefore to move the equipment 2 away with greater or lesser speed.

[0077] In the context of the present invention, the system 1 as described above is configured to implement a method P for carrying out the attachment and ejection of equipment 2. In a particular embodiment, shown schematically in [Fig.6], the method P comprises the following series of successive steps: a hooking step EO, an unlocking step El and an ejection step E2.

[0078] Prior to steps E1 and E2, step E0 is implemented to hang the equipment 2 on the support structure 3. This hanging consists, first of all, in placing the equipment 2 on the support structure 3, in particular in inserting the hooking body 4 into the cavity 6 of the equipment 2. Indeed, as explained above, the system 1 is fixed to the support structure 3 so as to leave one end of the hooking body 4 intended to be inserted into the cavity 6 protruding.

[0079] Once the gripping body 4 is inserted into the cavity 6 and the equipment 2 is positioned as desired on the support structure 3, the equipment 2 is locked. To do this, the plunger 12 is retracted inside the gripping body 4 so as to cause the locking elements 22 to come out into the groove 24 of the cavity 6. Such retraction of the plunger 12 inside the gripping body 4 can be achieved by a mechanism not shown in the figures. The system 1 is then in the locked configuration of [Fig.2].

[0080] After locking the equipment 2, a prestressing step can be implemented by a prestressing system (not shown) in order to press the equipment 2 against the support structure 3.

[0081] When it is desired to eject the equipment 2 from the support structure 3, steps E1 and E2 are implemented.

[0082] Step E1 makes it possible, first of all, to unlock the equipment 2. This step E1 consists of controlling the pressure generator 16 to generate a pressure in the internal space 11. The plunger 12, subjected to this pressure, is moved so as to release the locking elements 22 which can enter inside the hooking body 4. The system 1 is then in the unlocked configuration of [Fig.3].

[0083] Once the equipment 2 is unlocked, step E2 allows the ejection of said equipment 2. This step E2 consists of continuing to generate pressure in the internal space 11 so as to continue to move the plunger 12 towards the equipment 2. In a first step, the plunger 12 travels a distance corresponding to the clearance 26, then, in a second step, the head 20 comes into contact against the bottom 28 of the cavity 6. The system 1 is then in the ejection configuration shown in [Fig.4],

[0084] Once the plunger 12 is in contact with the equipment 2, the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 allows the plunger 12 to exert a force on the equipment 2 to move it away from the support structure 3. The plunger 12 pushes the equipment 2 away from the support structure 3 until said plunger 12 is completely closed. fully deployed. The impulse thus given to equipment 2 allows it to be ejected. System 1 is then in the ejection configuration of [Fig.5].

[0085] In the particular embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the telescopic plunger 12 is moved as follows. The lower stage 12B is moved first until it comes into abutment against the stop 29. Then, the intermediate stage 12A is moved until it comes into abutment against the stop 30. The system 1 is then in the ejection configuration of [Fig. 6].

[0086] The system 1, as described above, can be used in various applications. In particular, it can be adapted for a large number of applications requiring the dropping of an object.

[0087] For example, the system 1 can be adapted to hang a missile (equipment 2) on a firing installation (support structure 3) of an aircraft. Thus, as shown in [Fig.l], the missile can be hung and locked using the system 1 by being pressed against wedging supports 34 of a holding structure 33. When it is desired to release (or eject) the missile, the unlocking and ejection steps E1 and E2 described above are implemented.

[0088] In the context of the particular application to a missile, the present invention makes it possible to benefit from an interface between the system 1 and the missile (namely the cavity 6) which is unique and which is not located on an external skin of the missile. This is particularly interesting insofar as the external skin of the missiles can be relatively sensitive and where it can be important to have an external skin as continuous and / or smooth as possible (for example for hypervelocity missiles).

[0089] System 1, as described above, thus has numerous advantages. In particular: - it includes a single mechanism with a single energy source, which significantly reduces the complexity, size and mass of the system 1; - it has a simple kinematics that performs both the unlocking and the ejection of the equipment 2; - it allows easy sequencing of unlocking and ejection steps in a reliable and secure manner; - it limits the risks associated with equipment 2 becoming jammed when the latter is ejected; and - it is particularly suited to the constraints linked to the airborne use of a device or a droppable weapon such as a missile.

Claims

Claims

1. Attachment and ejection system for equipment (2) intended to be attached in an ejectable manner to a support structure (3), in particular a firing installation of an aircraft, said system (1) comprising at least: - a hooking body (4) intended to be arranged at least partly between the equipment (2) and the support structure (3) to carry out the hooking; - a plunger (12) arranged in the hooking body (4) in a movable manner; - a moving device (16) configured to move the plunger (12) relative to the gripping body (4); and - a plurality of locking elements (22) on which the plunger (12) is configured to act by being moved by the moving device (16), characterized in that the system (1) is configured to take, successively, at least the following configurations: - a locked configuration in which the plunger (12) acts on the locking elements (22) to lock them so as to securely connect the equipment (2) to the support structure (3); - an unlocked configuration in which the plunger (12), by being moved by the moving device (16), unlocks the locking elements (22) so as to release the equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3); and - an ejection configuration in which the plunger (12), while continuing to be moved by the moving device (16), comes into contact with the equipment (2) and exerts a force on said equipment (2) so as to eject said equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the plunger (12) comprises an end (19) provided with a head (20) configured to be able to act on the elements of locking (22) when the plunger (12) is moved.

3. System according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the plunger (12) corresponds to a piston arranged in a sliding manner in an internal space (11) of the gripping body (4) so ​​as to form a jack, one end (19) of the plunger (12) being configured to be able to act on the locking elements (22).

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the cylinder formed by the plunger (12) and the gripping body (4) corresponds to one of the following cylinders: a single-acting cylinder, a double-acting cylinder.

5. System according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the piston formed by the plunger (12) corresponds to a telescopic piston comprising at least one hollow intermediate stage (12A) arranged in a sliding manner in the internal space (11) of the gripping body (4) and a lower stage (12B) arranged in a sliding manner in the intermediate stage (12A), one of the ends of the lower stage (12B) being configured to be able to act on the locking elements (22).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement device (16) corresponds to a pressure generator connected to the internal space (11) of the gripping body (4) by an orifice (14) and configured to be able to generate pressure on the plunger (12) so as to move said plunger (12).

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the displacement device (16) corresponds to one of the following pressure generators: a gas-generating pyrotechnic cartridge, a fluid-generating cartridge, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device.

8. System according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises a force limiter (31) arranged on the plunger (12) and having a reduced section compared to that of said plunger (12), the force limiter (31) being configured to close the orifice (14) connecting the displacement device (16) to the internal space (11) of the gripping body (4) by being housed in said orifice (4) at least when the system is in the locked configuration.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement device (16) corresponds to one of the following devices: an electrical device, an electro- magnetic.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking elements (22) correspond to one of the following elements: barrels, balls, rollers, wedges, keys.

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in the unlocked configuration, there is a clearance (26) between the part of the plunger (12) intended to come into contact with the equipment (2) in the ejection configuration and said equipment (2), the clearance (26) being configured to sequence the unlocking and ejection configurations.

12. Support structure, in particular a firing installation of an aircraft, on which equipment (2), in particular a missile, is intended to be attached in an ejectable manner, characterized in that it comprises at least one attachment and ejection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Support structure according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises at least two attachment and ejection systems (1) arranged on either side of the center of gravity of the equipment (2).

14. Method for ejecting equipment (2) ejectably attached to a support structure (3) using at least one system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that from a locked configuration in which the equipment (2) is attached and locked to the support structure (3), said method (P) comprises at least the following series of successive steps: - an unlocking step (El) for controlling the movement device (16) so as to move the plunger (12) so that it releases the locking elements (22) and unlocks the equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3); and - an ejection step (E2) for continuing to move the plunger (12) using the movement device (16) so that said plunger (12) comes into contact with the equipment (2) and exerts a force on said equipment (2) to carry out the ejection of said equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a hooking step (EO), implemented prior to the unlocking step (El), to position the equipment (2) on the support structure (3) so that the system (1) is, at least in part, arranged between said equipment (2) and said support structure (3), and to move the plunger (12) so that it acts on the locking elements (22) to lock them so as to securely connect the equipment (2) to the support structure (3).

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