System and method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment.

Abstract

System and method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment. The system (1), intended for attaching equipment (2) in an ejectable manner to a support structure (3), comprises an attachment 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 successively assume a locked configuration in which the plunger (12) acts on the locking elements (22) to lock the equipment (2) to 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 equipment (2) to eject it from the support structure (3).said system (1) thus enabling the unlocking and ejection of the equipment (2) to be carried out in a sequential, reliable and secure manner. Figure for the abbreviation: 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 method for attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment from a support structure, for example, a missile intended to be ejectably attached to an aircraft firing installation. Prior art

[0002] In various fields such as aeronautics, aerospace, and defense, it is particularly advantageous to be able to attach and lock equipment or a sub-assembly to a support structure and to be able to unlock and separate them (i.e., eject the equipment) at a desired time. This is the case, for example, with boosters equipping flying vehicles such as rockets or with weapon systems (missiles, bombs, etc.) equipping aircraft.

[0003] Common devices for creating a separable connection between two parts are known, such as pins, separable or explosive nuts, jacks, or retractors. However, in certain cases, such as that of an air-launched missile, it is necessary to use a specific design to ensure proper 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 occur in a sequenced and reliable manner (i.e., not simultaneously and in the correct order). Unlocking without ejection can lead to a risk of collision between the equipment and the support structure.Similarly, an ejection without unlocking can lead to irreversible damage to the equipment and / or the support structure, or even a catastrophic event (such as the activation of an unejected missile).

[0004] Systems with multiple mechanisms for performing such sequencing are known. These systems generally include a mechanism for unlocking, a mechanism for sequencing, and a mechanism for ejection. Consequently, they have a complex design and kinematics and sometimes require multiple energy sources. These systems are therefore not optimal in terms of complexity, mass, reliability, and size.

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

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. It relates to an attachment and ejection system for equipment such as a missile, intended to be ejectably attached to a support structure, in particular an aircraft firing installation.

[0007] According to the invention, said system comprising at least: - a hooking body intended to be arranged at least partially between the equipment and the support structure to achieve the hooking; - a diver arranged in the gripping body in a mobile manner; - a displacement device configured to move the diver relative to the anchoring body; and - a plurality of locking elements on which the diver is configured to act while being moved by the displacement 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 in such a way as to securely link the equipment to the support structure; - an unlocked configuration in which the diver, by being moved by the displacement device, unlocks the locking elements so as to release the equipment from the support structure; and - an ejection configuration in which the diver, while continuing to be moved by the displacement device, comes into contact with the equipment and exerts a force on said equipment so as to effect an ejection of said equipment relative to the support structure.

[0008] Thus, thanks to the invention, a simple, lightweight, reliable, and compact solution is available for the sequential and secure unlocking and ejection of equipment from a support structure. Indeed, the system uses a single mechanism (involving a single movement) and a single energy source to simultaneously unlock and eject the equipment, making the system particularly reliable and preventing any undesirable (or even catastrophic) events that could result from unlocking the equipment without ejection, or vice versa.

[0009] Advantageously, the plunger includes 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 to slide within an internal space of the hooking body so as to form a cylinder.

[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 to slide within the internal space of the engagement body and a lower stage arranged to slide within the intermediate stage, one end of the lower stage being configured to act on the locking elements. Thus, a greater plunger stroke can be obtained while maintaining a compact design.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the displacement device corresponds to a pressure generator connected to the internal space of the hooking 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 pyrotechnic gas-generating cartridge, a fluid-generating cartridge, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device.

[0015] In addition, advantageously, the system includes a force limiter arranged on the plunger and having a reduced cross-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 hooking 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 area over which the displacement device (pressure generator) generates pressure, at least during the transition from the locked to the unlocked configuration. This makes it possible to control the diver's speed and prevent excessive impact of the diver 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] Moreover, advantageously, the locking elements correspond to one of the following: barrels, balls, rollers, wedges, keys.

[0019] Advantageously, in the unlocked configuration, there is some play between the part of the diver intended to come into contact with the equipment in the ejection configuration and said equipment. This play ensures a delay during the sequencing between unlocking and ejecting the equipment.

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

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

[0022] Advantageously, the support structure includes at least two attachment and ejection systems arranged on either side of the equipment's center of gravity. Such a support structure with multiple attachment and ejection systems allows for better control of equipment ejection.

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

[0024] According to the invention, starting from a locked configuration in which the equipment is hooked and locked to the support structure, said method comprises at least the following sequence of successive steps: - an unlocking step to control the movement device so as to move the diver in such a way that it releases the locking elements and unlocks the equipment from the support structure; and - an ejection step to continue moving the diver using the displacement device so that said diver 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 includes 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 diver so that it acts on the locking elements to lock them in such a way as to securely link the equipment to the support structure. Brief description of the figures

[0026] The accompanying figures will clearly illustrate how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical reference numerals designate similar elements.

[0027] Fig. 1 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 view, in section, of the system of Fig. 1 in a locked configuration.

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

[0030] Fig. 4 is a side view, in section, of the system of Fig. 1 in an ejection configuration.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a side view, in section, of the system of Fig. 1 in an ejection configuration in which the equipment is moved away from the support structure.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a side view, in section, of the system of Fig. 1 in an ejection configuration and in an embodiment in which said system comprises a telescopic plunger.

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

[0034] A hooking and ejection system 1 (hereinafter referred to as system 1) illustrating the invention is shown in a particular embodiment from [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 5]. This system 1 allows two elements to be hooked together in an ejectable manner. In the particular embodiment considered, the system 1 allows equipment 2 to be hooked onto a support structure 3 and, when desired, allows said equipment 2 to be ejected.

[0035] In the context of the present invention, the verb "to attach" refers to the action of securely joining elements (such as parts or sub-assemblies) to one another. Conversely, the verb "to eject" refers to the action of separating elements that were previously joined together, by moving them apart. Thus, the expression "attached in an ejectable manner" means that the system 1 is configured to securely attach the equipment 2 to the support structure 3 and to be controlled so as to eject (or separate) the equipment 2 from the support structure 3 at a desired time.

[0036] Without limitation, system 1 is particularly suitable for airborne applications. For example, as shown in [Fig. 1], equipment 2 can correspond to an ejectable (or jettisonable) device such as a missile, and the support structure 3 can correspond to an aircraft firing installation. An example of such an application will be detailed below.

[0037] To achieve 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 locks said equipment 2 securely to said support structure 3.

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

[0040] Furthermore, 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 important to note the difference between the unlocking and ejection functions. In the unlocked configuration, the equipment 2 is no longer permanently attached to the support structure 3, but it is not necessarily separated from it. As explained below, the distinction between unlocking and ejection allows, in particular, the system 1 to sequence these two actions in a highly reliable manner.

[0042] In the particular embodiment shown in [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 5], the system 1 comprises a hook body 4 arranged on the support structure 3. More specifically, the hook body 4 comprises an elongated cylindrical section 5 which is arranged in a bore 7 of the support structure 3. The bore 7 is a through hole opening into an internal part of the support structure 3 on one side and into a part intended to receive the equipment 2 on the other side. The cylindrical section 5 has a diameter adapted so that it can be inserted with a tight fit into the bore 7.

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

[0044] Furthermore, the hook body 4 includes 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 that is oriented towards the inner part of the support structure 3. The system 1 includes a plurality of screws 10 for fixing the hook body 4 to the support structure 3. The screws 10 are arranged through the shoulder 8 and screwed into the support structure 3 at the bearing surface 9. The screws 10 thus arranged ensure a translational stop of the hook body 4 during the ejection of the equipment 2. In other embodiments, other conventional means of translational stopping may be considered as alternatives to the screws 10.

[0045] Furthermore, the cylindrical section 5 has a suitable length so that, when the hooking body 4 is fixed to 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 this end, the equipment 2 has 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 opening outwards from the support structure 3 is configured to be inserted in a tight fit into the cavity 6.

[0047] Furthermore, the latching body 4 has an internal space 11 in which a plunger 12 is slidably arranged. The plunger 12 is a piston that can be retracted and extended relative to the internal space 11, so as to form a cylinder. The plunger 12 is specifically configured to be movable so as to act on elements that become wedged 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 hook body 4 form a single-acting cylinder. In other embodiments, it is possible to consider that the plunger 12 and the hook body 4 form a double-acting cylinder.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, shown from [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 5], the plunger 12 corresponds to a simple piston. However, in other embodiments, the plunger 12 may correspond to a multi-stage telescopic piston.

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

[0051] The telescopic plunger 12 allows for a large range of motion and a compact design. In other embodiments (not shown), the plunger 12 may have more or fewer than two stages depending on the range of motion required for the application.

[0052] The internal space 11 extends along the length of the latching 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 opening 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 latching body 4 (towards the part intended to receive the equipment 2). In the locked configuration, the open end 15 opens into the cavity 6 of the equipment 2.

[0053] To move the plunger 12, the system 1 includes a displacement device 16 schematically represented 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 such as an electric actuator or one that moves the plunger 12 by means of an electromagnetic field.

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

[0055] The pressure generator 16 is connected to the internal space 11 via a conventional link 17 connected to the port 14. This pressure generator 16 is configured to generate 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 hooking body 4.

[0056] Preferably, the pressure generator 16 is a self-contained system that can be pre-programmed or remotely controlled. By way of exception, it may be a pyrotechnic gas-generating cartridge, a fluid-generating cartridge, a pneumatic system, or a hydraulic system.

[0057] The diver 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 diver 12 is configured to be subjected to the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16. The end 19 of the diver 12, for its part, has 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 to the end 19 of the plunger 12 by means of 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 includes locking elements 22 housed in openings 23 of the hook body 4. The openings 23 are located at the end of the cylindrical section 5 extending outside the support structure 3. The locking elements 22 are movable within the openings 23. In particular, they are configured to be able to either protrude partially outside the hook body 4 or be completely housed inside it. Moreover, they are crimped so as to be captive within the hook body 4 and therefore cannot be lost when the equipment 2 is ejected.

[0060] In the particular embodiment shown from [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 keys.

[0061] In the locked configuration ([Fig. 2]), the latching body 4 is partially positioned within the cavity 6 of the equipment 2, and the plunger 12 is retracted into the internal space 11. In this position, the head 20 has a shape configured to act on the locking elements 22, namely to hold them partially extended through the openings 23. The locking elements 22, thus held, protrude outwards from the latching body 4 into a groove 24 in the cavity 6. Consequently, the locking elements 22 prevent the equipment 2 from translating along the longitudinal direction of the latching body 4. The equipment 2, thus blocked, is therefore locked to the support structure 3 by the system 1.

[0062] In the particular embodiment shown from [Fig.2] to [Fig.5], system 1 ensures in particular the connection and locking between equipment 2 and the support structure 3. However, in other embodiments, other systems may be used in addition to system 1 depending on the application considered (for example a system to pre-stress 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 schematically represented 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 portion of the head 20 is positioned opposite the locking elements 22, so that the latter can be lodged in the latching body 4. The groove 24 of the cavity 6 may, in particular, have a suitable shape, such as a chamfer 25, to help push the locking elements 22 inside the latching body 4 during the ejection of the equipment 2.

[0064] When the locking elements 22 are housed in the latching 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 eject the equipment 2 from the support structure 3, said ejection can nevertheless 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 diver 12 is not in contact with equipment 2. Indeed, in this unlocked configuration, there is a play 26 between a contact surface 28 of the head 20 of the diver 12 and a bottom 27 of the cavity 6. The contact surface 28 corresponds to the part of the diver 12 which is intended to come into contact with the bottom 27 to effect the ejection of 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, schematically represented by an arrow F in [Fig. 5]. Since the equipment 2 is no longer 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 thus the ejection of the equipment 2.

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

[0068] The design of system 1 ensures the sequencing of the unlocking and ejection functions. Indeed, system 1 is configured so that the ejection of equipment 2 necessarily follows its unlocking. Furthermore, the clearance 26 provides a delay, corresponding to a safety margin, to prevent the unlocking and ejection of equipment 2 from occurring simultaneously. This safety margin can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the length of the plunger 12 and / or the depth of the cavity 6 when dimensioning the clearance 26.

[0069] Thus, thanks to system 1, a simple, lightweight, reliable and compact solution is available for the sequential and secure unlocking and ejection of equipment 2 from the support structure 3. Indeed, system 1 uses a single mechanism (involving a single movement) and a single energy source (namely the pressure generator 16) to simultaneously unlock and eject equipment 2. Moreover, it prevents any undesirable (or even catastrophic) event that could result from unlocking equipment 2 without ejection, or vice versa.

[0070] Furthermore, in 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 axis ejection points that are coaxial. This significantly limits the risk of blockage when ejecting equipment 2 and makes system 1 particularly reliable.

[0071] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown in [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 5], the system 1 includes a force limiter 31 arranged on the end 18 of the plunger 12. The force limiter 31 has a reduced cross-section compared to that of the plunger 12. The force limiter 31 is specifically 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 into the locked configuration. The force limiter 31 thus housed in the orifice 14 makes it possible to limit the surface area on which the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 is applied. In this way, as long as a portion 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, a limitation of the force can be obtained over a longer or shorter stroke.

[0072] Thus, the force limiter 31 prevents the diver 12 from moving too quickly, which can contribute to the correct sequencing of the unlocking and ejection of the equipment 2. This can also prevent an excessive shock between the diver 12 and the equipment 2 during contact to achieve ejection.

[0073] In the embodiment shown from [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 to 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 in the same way everywhere. Or again, some systems 1 can be arranged inclinedly on the support structure 3 to push the equipment 2 at a particular angle.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, the equipment 2 is considered to have an elongated sensitive shape (for example, a missile) and 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 allows the ejection of the equipment 2 to be controlled with a reduced number of attachment and ejection systems.

[0076] Furthermore, depending on the application, the system 1 can be configured to eject the equipment 2 by imparting a greater or lesser initial velocity. For example, the pressure generator 16 can be configured to generate a greater or lesser pressure, enabling the diver 12 to move more or less quickly and thus to move the equipment 2 away with a greater or lesser speed.

[0077] Within the framework of the present invention, the system 1 as described above is configured to implement a method P for attaching and ejecting the equipment 2. In a particular embodiment, represented schematically in [Fig.6], the method P comprises the following sequence of successive steps: an attachment step E0, an unlocking step E1 and an ejection step E2.

[0078] Prior to steps E1 and E2, step E0 is implemented to attach the equipment 2 to the support structure 3. This attachment consists, firstly, of placing the equipment 2 on the support structure 3, in particular of 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 in such a way as to leave one end of the hooking body 4 protruding, intended to be inserted into the cavity 6.

[0079] Once the latching 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 latching body 4 so as to push out the locking elements 22 into the groove 24 of the cavity 6. Such retraction of the plunger 12 inside the latching 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 El and E2 are implemented.

[0082] Step El allows, firstly, the unlocking of the equipment 2. This step El consists of commanding the pressure generator 16 to generate a pressure in the internal space 11. The diver 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 moving the diver 12 towards the equipment 2. Initially, the diver 12 travels a distance corresponding to the game 26, then, in a second step, the head 20 comes into contact with the bottom 28 of the cavity 6. The system 1 is then in the ejection configuration shown in [Fig.4],

[0084] Once the diver 12 is in contact with the equipment 2, the pressure generated by the pressure generator 16 enables the diver 12 to exert force on the equipment 2 to move it away from the support structure 3. The diver 12 pushes the equipment 2 away from the support structure 3 until said diver 12 is fully deployed. The impulse thus given to the equipment 2 allows it to be ejected. The 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 to rest against the stop 29. Then, the intermediate stage 12A is moved until it comes to rest against the stop 30. The system 1 is then in the ejection configuration of [Fig. 6].

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

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

[0088] In the context of the specific application to a missile, the present invention provides a unique interface between the system 1 and the missile (namely the cavity 6) that is not located on an external skin of the missile. This is particularly advantageous since the external skin of missiles can be relatively sensitive and it may be important to have an external skin that is as continuous and / or smooth as possible (for example, for hypersonic missiles).

[0089] System 1, as described above, thus offers numerous advantages. In particular: - it comprises a single mechanism with a single energy source, which significantly reduces the complexity, size and mass of system 1; - it features a simple kinematic that simultaneously unlocks and ejects equipment 2; - it allows for easy and reliable sequencing of unlocking and ejection steps in a secure manner; - it helps to limit the risks associated with equipment 2 becoming jammed during its ejection; and - it is particularly suited to the constraints related to the airborne use of a jettisonable device or weapon such as a missile.

Claims

1. Demands Attachment and ejection system for equipment (2) intended to be ejectably attached to a support structure (3), in particular an aircraft firing installation, said system (1) comprising at least: - a hooking body (4) intended to be arranged at least in part between the equipment (2) and the support structure (3) to achieve the hooking; - a diver (12) arranged in the hooking body (4) in a mobile manner; - a displacement device (16) configured to move the diver (12) relative to the hooking body (4); and - a plurality of locking elements (22) on which the plunger (12) is configured to act when being moved by the displacement device (16), the system (1) being configured to take, successively, at least the following configurations: - a locked configuration in which the diver (12) acts on the locking elements (22) to lock them in such a way as to securely link the equipment (2) to the support structure (3); - an unlocked configuration in which the diver (12), being moved by the displacement device (16), unlocks the locking elements (22) so as to release the equipment (2) from the support structure (3); and - an ejection configuration in which the diver (12), while continuing to be moved by the displacement device (16), comes into contact with the equipment (2) and exerts a force on said equipment (2) so as to effect an ejection of said equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3), characterized in that, in the unlocked configuration, there is a gap (26) between the part of the diver (12) intended to come into contact with the equipment (2) in the ejection configuration and said equipment (2), the game (26) being configured to sequence the unlocking and ejection configurations.

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 locking elements (22) when the plunger (12) is moved.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the plunger (12) corresponds to a piston arranged slidably in an internal space (11) of the hooking body (4) so ​​as to form a cylinder, 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 hooking body (4) corresponds to a single-acting cylinder.

5. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the cylinder formed by the plunger (12) and the hooking body (4) corresponds to a double-acting cylinder.

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

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the displacement device (16) corresponds to a pressure generator connected to the internal space (11) of the hooking 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).

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

9. System according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a force limiter (31) arranged on the plunger (12) and having a reduced cross-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 hooking body (4) by being housed in said orifice (4) at least when the system is in the locked configuration.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the displacement device (16) corresponds to one of the following devices: an electrical device, an electromagnetic device.

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

12. Support structure, in particular an aircraft firing installation, on which equipment (2), in particular a missile, is intended to be ejectably attached, 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. A method for ejecting equipment (2) attached in an ejectable manner to a support structure (3) by means of at least one system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said method (P) comprising, from a locked configuration in which the equipment (2) is attached and locked to the support structure (3), at least the following sequence of successive steps: - an unlocking step (E1) to control the displacement device (16) so as to move the plunger (12) so that it releases the locking elements (22) and unlocks the equipment (2) from the support structure (3); and - an ejection step (E2) to continue moving the diver (12) using the displacement device (16) so that said diver (12) comes into contact with the equipment (2) and exerts a force on said equipment (2) to achieve the ejection of said equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3), characterized in that at the end of the unlocking step (El), there is a clearance (26) between the part of the diver (12) intended to come into contact with the equipment (2) at the ejection step (E2) and said equipment (2), the clearance (26) being configured to sequence the unlocking step (El) and the ejection step (E2).

15. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a hooking step (EO), carried out 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 link the equipment (2) to the support structure (3).

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