System and method for hanging and ejecting ejectable equipment

Abstract

- Attachment and ejection system and method for ejectable equipment. - The system (1), intended to ejectably hang an 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 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 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.

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and 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. Etat de la technique

[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] Common devices are known for creating 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 specific design to ensure appropriate 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, ejection without unlocking may result in 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 are known that include multiple mechanisms for performing such sequencing. These systems typically include a dedicated unlocking mechanism, a dedicated sequencing mechanism, and a dedicated ejection mechanism. Consequently, they have complex design and kinematics and sometimes require multiple power sources. These systems are therefore suboptimal in terms of complexity, mass, reliability, and size.

[0005] Devices for supporting and ejecting a droppable load such as a tank or a missile are known, in particular from documents EP 0 070 275 B1 and FR 2 408 521 A1. However, these devices are not completely satisfactory, particularly with regard to the reliability of ejection.

[0006] Thus, there is a need to find more satisfactory solutions. Exposé de l'invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome 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.

[0008] According to the invention, said system comprising at least: a hooking body intended to be arranged at least partly between the equipment and the support structure to carry out the hooking; a plunger arranged in the hooking body in a movably manner; a displacement device configured to move the plunger relative to the hooking body; and a plurality of locking elements on which the plunger is configured to act by being moved by the displacement device, is configured to take, successively, at least the following configurations: a locked configuration in which the plunger 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 plunger, 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, by continuing to be moved by the moving 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.

[0009] 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 sequential 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 cylinder.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] This allows for a longer plunger stroke while remaining compact.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Thus, the force limiter makes it possible to limit the surface on which the displacement device (pressure generator) generates pressure, at least when moving from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. This makes it possible to control the speed of the diver and to avoid excessive impact of the diver against the equipment.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Additionally, advantageously, the locking elements correspond to one of the following: barrels, balls, rollers, wedges, keys.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to the invention, the support structure comprises at least one attachment and ejection system as described above.

[0024] Advantageously, the support structure comprises at least two attachment and ejection systems arranged on either side of the center of gravity of the equipment.

[0025] Such a support structure equipped with several attachment and ejection systems allows for better control of equipment ejection.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 ejecting 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 effect the ejection of said equipment relative to the support structure.

[0028] 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. Brève description des figures

[0029] The attached figures will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements. There figure 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. figure 2 is a side view, in section, of the system of the figure 1 in a locked configuration. The figure 3 is a side view, in section, of the system of the figure 1 in an unlocked configuration. The figure 4 is a side view, in section, of the system of the figure 1 in an ejection configuration. The figure 5 is a side view, in section, of the system of the figure 1 in an ejection configuration in which the equipment is moved away from the support structure. The figure 6 is a side view, in section, of the system of the figure 1 in an ejection configuration and in an embodiment in which said system comprises a telescopic plunger. The figure 7 is a block diagram of a method of attaching and ejecting ejectable equipment according to a particular embodiment. Description détaillée

[0030] A hooking and ejection system 1 (hereinafter system 1) making it possible to illustrate the invention is represented in a particular embodiment of the figure 1 to the figure 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 a piece of equipment 2 onto a support structure 3 and, when desired, it makes it possible to eject said piece of equipment 2.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Without limitation, the system 1 is particularly suitable for airborne applications. For example, as shown in the figure 1 , 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In the locked configuration, shown in the figure 2 , the equipment 2 is positioned on the support structure 3 and the system 1 creates a connection which securely locks said equipment 2 to said support structure 3.

[0035] In the unlocked configuration, shown in the figure 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.

[0036] Furthermore, in the ejection configuration, shown in the figure 4 and the figure 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.

[0037] It is worth noting the difference between the unlocking and ejecting 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 ejecting allows, in particular, the system 1 to sequence these two actions in a particularly reliable manner.

[0038] In the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In addition, 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

[0042] In the locked configuration ( figure 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 of 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 of the support structure 3 is configured to be inserted in a fitted manner into the cavity 6.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, shown in the figure 2 to the figure 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.

[0046] For example, in the particular embodiment shown in the figure 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.

[0047] The telescopic plunger 12 makes it possible to obtain a large range of movement and a reduced footprint. In other embodiments (not shown), the plunger 12 may have more or less than two stages depending on the range of movement required for the application in question.

[0048] 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.

[0049] To move the plunger 12, the system 1 comprises a moving device 16 represented schematically by a square of the figure 2 to the figure 6 . In a preferred embodiment, the displacement device 16 corresponds to a pressure generator. However, in other embodiments, it may be an electric or electromagnetic displacement device. For example, it may be a conventional displacement device of the electric jack type or one making it possible to move the plunger 12 by electromagnetic field.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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 produced directly in the body of the latter.

[0055] 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 protruding 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.

[0056] In the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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.

[0057] In the locked configuration ( figure 2 ), the hooking 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 along 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.

[0058] In the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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).

[0059] In the unlocked configuration ( figure 3 ), the pressure generator 16 generates a pressure in the internal space 11, as schematically represented by arrows E of the figure 3 to the figure 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.

[0060] When the locking elements 22 are housed in the hooking 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.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in the figure 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.

[0062] In the eject configuration ( figure 4 , figure 5 And figure 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 on the figure 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.

[0063] As depicted from the figure 2 to the figure 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, on the figure 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] Thus, thanks to the system 1, we have 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.

[0066] Furthermore, in embodiments of the figure 2 to the figure 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 one wishes to eject the equipment 2 and makes the system 1 particularly reliable.

[0067] Furthermore, in the particular embodiment shown of the figure 2 to the figure 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 into 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.

[0068] 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 carry out the ejection.

[0069] In the depicted embodiment of the figure 2 to the figure 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.

[0070] Furthermore, the support structure 3 may be equipped with a plurality of systems 1. The systems 1 may then be distributed uniformly relative to the surface of the equipment 2 so as to obtain an ejection substantially parallel to the support structure 3. Conversely, the systems 1 may be configured to obtain an ejection angle between the equipment 2 and the support structure 3. For example, the stroke of the plunger 12 may be different from one system 1 to another so as not to push the equipment 2 everywhere in the same way. Or, some systems 1 may be arranged in an inclined manner on the support structure 3 to push the equipment 2 at a particular angle.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 the equipment 2. In a particular embodiment, shown schematically on the figure 6 , the method P comprises the following series of successive steps: a hooking step E0, an unlocking step E1 and an ejection step E2.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 the figure 2 .

[0076] 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.

[0077] When it is desired to eject the equipment 2 from the support structure 3, steps E1 and E2 are implemented.

[0078] 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 the figure 3 .

[0079] 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 the figure. figure 4 .

[0080] 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 deployed. The momentum thus given to the equipment 2 allows it to be ejected. The system 1 is then in the ejection configuration of the figure 5 .

[0081] In the particular embodiment shown in the figure 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 the figure 6 .

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 the figure 1 , the missile can be hooked 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] System 1, as described above, thus has many advantages. In particular: it comprises a single mechanism with a single energy source, which significantly reduces the complexity, size and mass of the system 1; it has simple kinematics which performs both the unlocking and the ejection of the equipment 2; it makes it possible to easily carry out a sequencing of the unlocking and ejection steps in a reliable and secure manner; it makes it possible to limit the risks linked to jamming of the equipment 2 during the ejection of the latter; 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

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 attachment; - a plunger (12) arranged in the hooking body (4) in a movable manner; - a displacement device (16) configured to move the plunger (12) relative to the hooking 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), the system (1) being 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 effect an ejection of said equipment (2) relative to the support structure (3),; 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.

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 one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in thatthe 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 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 one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in thatthe 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).

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 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).

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe 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.

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 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.

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the moving 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 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 systems (1) for attachment and ejection 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, 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 series of successive steps: - an unlocking step (E1) 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 moving 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), characterized in thatat the end of the unlocking step (E1), there is a clearance (26) between the part of the plunger (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 (E1) and the ejection step (E2).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a hooking step (E0), implemented prior to the unlocking step (E1), 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).