Mine clearance machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a mine clearance machine, which must be attached to a motor vehicle in order to move along a minefield which needs to be cleared of mines, comprising: a mine clearance device (1), which acts in such a way that it (1) physically contacts the mines of the minefield and destroys them or causes them to explode; a support structure (2), in which the mine clearance device (1) is mounted; an arm (3), which is attached to the support structure (2) at a first end (3a) and which can be attached to the motor vehicle at a second end (3b); first attachment means, which attach the first end (3a) of the arm (3) to the support structure (2) and are designed in such a way that the support structure (2) is attached to the first end (3a) of the arm (3) in an articulated manner and so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (A-A) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm (3); second attachment means, which attach the second end (3b) of the arm to the motor vehicle and are designed in such a way that the second end (3b) of the arm is attached to the motor vehicle in an articulated manner and so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (B-B) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm (3); pivoting means, for pivoting the support structure (2) about the first pivot axis (A-A) and for changing the direction of travel, along which the mine clearance machine moves on the minefield, by means of such a rotation; and drive means, for driving the mine clearance device (1) and the pivoting means.

Description

[0001] MINING CLEARANCE MACHINE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a mine clearance machine, in particular a machine which must be connected to a motor vehicle in order to be moved along a minefield which must be cleared of mines.

[0004] There are generally two types of mine clearance: military and civilian mine clearance.

[0005] In the first case, the task is to create a safe path for troops and vehicles through the minefield. This must be done as quickly as possible, both for tactical reasons and because one can be attacked by the enemy during mine clearance. To carry out mine clearance, a mine-clearing device is connected to the front of a combat vehicle via an extension arm. The mine-clearing device destroys the mines or causes them to explode, but these explosions pose no danger to the vehicle driver, both because the vehicle is armored and because, thanks to the extension arm, the explosions do not occur too close to the vehicle or underneath it.

[0006] In the second case, however, the task is to completely clear the minefield of all mines present therein so that the field can be used again, e.g., for agriculture. For this purpose, in addition to the use of specially designed armored vehicles equipped with an extension arm and mine clearance equipment, such as the combat vehicles described above, non-armored, remote-controlled vehicles are also used. However, the production of both armored vehicles and remote-controlled vehicles is expensive, and their operation requires specially trained personnel, which makes their use problematic, particularly in poorer countries.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Document DE 34 33 217 A1 discloses a known mine-clearing machine that must be connected to a motor vehicle in order to be moved along a minefield that must be cleared of mines. This known mine-clearing machine comprises a mine-clearing arm, i.e., an arm that strikes the ground. The mine-clearing arm is mounted in a manner that can pivot in a horizontal plane and is guided in such a way that it can also oscillate in a vertical plane.

[0009] Document EP 2 327 951 A1 discloses another known mine clearance machine which has to be connected to a motor vehicle in order to be moved along a minefield which has to be cleared of mines.

[0010] This known mine clearance machine is articulated to the motor vehicle and includes control means which, by measuring certain typical angles between the components of the mine clearance machine and the components of the motor vehicle, enable the monitoring and maintenance of the correct trajectory of the motor vehicle.

[0011] Finally, document FR 3 123 425 A1 also discloses a mine-clearing machine which must be connected to a motor vehicle in order to be moved along a minefield which must be cleared of mines.

[0012] This known mine-clearing machine is, among the known machines mentioned, the one that represents the closest prior art to the mine-clearing machine according to the invention. However, with regard to the movements that this known mine-clearing machine is capable of performing on the minefield, these movements depend on the fact that, from this point of view, the mine-clearing machine behaves passively and is in a situation that is highly dependent on the motor vehicle; in fact, the distance traveled by the machine depends entirely on the distance traveled by the motor vehicle pushing the mine-clearing machine.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] In order to improve all this, the invention underlying the present invention consists in providing a mine clearance machine which, as an alternative to the previously mentioned armored vehicles and remotely controlled vehicles, is capable of clearing a minefield of mines at a cost that is significantly lower than the costs that have been usual up to now.

[0015] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a mine clearance machine having the features specified in claim 1. Thanks to the steering means provided according to the invention, it is possible to pivot the support structure of the mine clearance machine about a first pivot axis and thereby change the direction of travel along which the machine advances on the minefield. However, such a change in the direction of travel does not affect the motor vehicle connected to the mine clearance machine, so it is possible to drive the mine clearance machine and the motor vehicle carrying the driver on different field strips.In other words, the demining machine can drive on a strip of land in which the mines are present in order to clear this strip of land of mines, and the motor vehicle can, at the same time, drive on a strip of land which is parallel to the one on which the demining machine is driving and which is safe, for example because it has been cleared of mines beforehand or because there have never been any mines in it.

[0016] Thanks to this possibility, even a simple tractor can be used as a motor vehicle, significantly reducing the cost of civilian demining and increasing demining capacity in poor countries just as significantly. The tractor is a motor vehicle that is easily found anywhere in the world, so thanks to the invention, to clear a minefield of mines, all that is needed is to bring the inventive demining machines to the scene, since the motor vehicles that are then to be coupled to the demining machines, i.e., the tractors, can be found on site. It is obvious that all this is considerably easier than bringing the well-known heavy armored vehicles or technologically advanced remote-controlled vehicles to the scene.

[0017] If the arm is telescopic, as provided for by the invention, the maximum arm length can be adjusted during demining operations to ensure the maximum possible safety distance between the demining machine and the motor vehicle, and the minimum arm length can be adjusted during parking or transferring the machine to ensure the minimum space required. The maximum arm length also makes it possible to clear mines in areas where driving is difficult, such as river banks, since the maximum arm length allows the motor vehicle to remain on drivable ground while the demining machine is on the river bank.

[0018] Two hydraulic cylinders are provided as steering means. At each end, one of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to the support structure and the other to the arm. Furthermore, the two hydraulic cylinders are arranged on opposite sides of the arm's longitudinal axis. This arrangement allows the support structure to rotate and the direction of travel of the mine clearance machine to be changed by extending the rod of one of the hydraulic cylinders and simultaneously retracting the rod of the other hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] The drive means for driving the hydraulic cylinders, i.e., for extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder rods, comprise a pump. The pump is connected to the two hydraulic cylinders via first hydraulic lines and supplies them, but not only to them, as will be explained in more detail below, with pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pump is driven by the motor vehicle to which the mine clearance machine is connected.

[0020] During mine clearance, the demining machine slides across the minefield by means of skids, but to transfer it from one place of use to another, the machine also comprises a frame and a plurality of wheels. The frame is mounted on the support structure so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis, and each wheel is mounted on the frame. Therefore, if, as in the case of the invention, pivoting means are provided for pivoting the frame, the latter can be pivoted into a raised position, in which the wheels are off the ground and the machine rests on the ground by means of its skids, or into a lowered position, in which the wheels rest on the ground and the machine can be towed along roads.

[0021] Short description of the drawings

[0022] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the mine clearance machine according to the invention, which are explained purely by way of example but not in a restrictive manner with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, schematically show: Fig. 1 is a side view of the mine clearance machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine of Fig. 1 in the case of a first embodiment of the mine clearance device of the mine clearance machine; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the front of the front part of the machine of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 3, but in the case of a second embodiment of the mine clearance device of the mine clearance machine; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the rear of the front part of the machine of Figs. 3 and 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rear part of the machine of Fig.3 and 4, also showing an exemplary motor vehicle to which the mine clearance machine can be connected in order to be moved along the minefield; Figures 7-10 show, in plan view and in sequence, the situations in which the mine clearance machine and the motor vehicle find themselves during the maneuver to change direction of travel and to make the motor vehicle travel on a strip of field which does not coincide with the strip of field on which the mine clearance machine is traveling.

[0023] Best way to carry out the invention

[0024] The figures depict a mine-clearing machine. The machine doesn't have its own motor for movement, so in order to move along the minefield that needs to be cleared of mines, it must be connected to a motorized vehicle that pushes it.

[0025] The machine comprises a mine clearance device 1 , a support structure 2 and an arm 3

[0026] The mine clearance device 1 is mounted in the support structure 2 and acts in such a way that it comes into physical contact with the mines buried in the minefield in order to destroy them or cause them to explode. To stop and deflect the pressure wave and mine fragments generated by the mine explosion, the mine clearance device 1 is arranged, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, particularly within a part 2b of the support structure 2 designed as an open housing.

[0027] The machine also includes an arm 3, which is connected to the support structure 2 at a first end 3a by means of first connecting means and connectable to the motor vehicle at a second end 3b by means of second connecting means. In this way, the motor vehicle can push or pull the mine clearance machine.

[0028] The mine clearance device 1 is a known device and comprises a rotor 1a mounted in the support structure 2 for rotation about its own longitudinal axis, and milling elements 1b; 1b' mounted on the rotor 1a so that they rotate together with the rotor 1a about its longitudinal axis. Thanks to this rotation, the milling elements 1b; 1b' penetrate the minefield and come into physical contact with the mines buried therein. This physical contact is so violent that the mines explode or are damaged and can no longer explode.

[0029] The milling elements 1b; 1b' protrude downwards from a part 2b of the support structure 2, which is designed as an open housing, so that they can penetrate into the minefield, and the further they protrude, the greater the penetration depth. In general, it is conceivable for the machine to rest directly on the ground with its support structure 2 and for it to therefore slide on the minefield by means of the lower surface of the support structure 2. According to the invention, however, it is preferred that the machine also comprises skids 4 which are connected to the support structure 2 so that during mine clearance the machine can slide on the minefield by means of the skids 4. The presence of the skids 4 also enables the height of the support structure 2 from the ground to be adjusted, which corresponds to the adjustment of the penetration depth of the milling elements 1b; 1b'.Each runner 4 has a plurality of elongated holes 16 through which fastening screws extend, which are fastened to the supporting structure 2. The fastening screws can slide in the elongated holes 16 until they reach the desired position, in which they are then fixed in position by means of clamping screw nuts.

[0030] In Figs. 3 and 4, two different known embodiments of a mine clearance device 1 are visible, which differ due to the type of milling elements 1 b; 1 b' provided.

[0031] In the first embodiment, see Fig. 3, each milling element 1b consists of a chain attached at one end to the rotor 1a and a weight attached to the other end of the chain. In the second embodiment, see Fig. 4, each milling element 1b' consists of a rigid milling body.

[0032] With reference to the first connecting means, these are designed such that the support structure 2 is connected to the first end 3a of the arm 3 in an articulated and pivotable manner about a first pivot axis A-A, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm 3 and vertical. Fig. 5 shows a possible embodiment of the first connecting means, which consists of a bolt 17 fastened to the support structure 2 and a hollow cylinder 18 fastened to the first end 3a of the arm 3. The bolt 17 is arranged within the hollow cylinder 18 and this enables mutual rotation of the two 17, 18.

[0033] It may also be provided that the support structure 2 comprises a rotating plate 2a, in which case the first connecting means connect the first end 3a of the arm 3 to the rotating plate 2a, and therefore the pin 17 is fixed to the rotating plate 2a. The rotating plate 2a allows any pivoting of the support structure 2 so that it can adapt to any height differences in the minefield that are transverse to the direction of travel of the machine.

[0034] Similarly, the second connecting means are designed such that the second end 3b of the arm 3 is connected to the motor vehicle in an articulated and pivotable manner about a second pivot axis BB perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm 3 and vertical. Fig. 6 shows a possible embodiment of the second connecting means, which consists of a trailer coupling 19, allowing quick and easy connection of the machine to an easily located motor vehicle such as a tractor.

[0035] The machine also includes steering and drive means. The steering means allow the support structure 2 to pivot about the first pivot axis AA and, through such rotation, to change the direction along which the mine clearance machine is moved across the minefield. The drive means, on the other hand, serve to drive the mine clearance device 1 and the steering means, but not only these, as will be explained below.

[0036] The steering means, see Fig. 2, comprise two hydraulic cylinders 5. Of the two ends of each of the hydraulic cylinders 5, one is connected to the support structure 2 and the other to the arm 3 and the two hydraulic cylinders 5 are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the arm 3. In this way, to pivot the support structure 2 in one pivoting direction, it is sufficient to extend the rod of one of the hydraulic cylinders 5 and simultaneously retract the rod of the other hydraulic cylinder 5 and, to pivot the support structure 2 in the opposite pivoting direction, it is sufficient to do the reverse. Referring, however, to the drive means, these comprise, see Fig. 2, a pump 6 connected to the two hydraulic cylinders 5 by means of first hydraulic lines 7. It is envisaged that the pump 6 is driven by the motor vehicle connected to the machine, e.g., see Fig.6, from the cardan shaft 22 of a tractor.

[0037] The mine clearance machine also comprises, see Fig. 5, a frame 8 and a plurality of wheels 9. The frame 8 is mounted on the support structure 2 for rotation about a horizontal pivot axis CC, and each of the wheels 9 is mounted on the frame 8. The machine also includes pivoting means for pivoting the frame 8 about the pivot axis CC. These pivoting means consist of further hydraulic cylinders 10, which are connected to the pump 6 by means of second hydraulic lines 11. The previously described drive means, i.e. the pump 6, also have the task of driving the further hydraulic cylinders 10. Of the two ends of each of the further hydraulic cylinders 10, one is connected to the frame 8 and the other to the support structure 2. In this way, in order to pivot the frame 8 about the pivot axis CC and to move the wheels 9 into their raised position visible in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 or into their lowered position shown in Fig.1 shown in dashed lines and visible in Fig. 5, it is sufficient to retract or extend the rods of the other hydraulic cylinders 10.

[0038] Finally, as previously explained, the drive means also drive the mine clearance device 1. For this purpose, the drive means include, in addition to the pump 6, a hydraulic motor 12 and flexible transmission means 14.

[0039] The hydraulic motor 12 is connected to the pump 6 by means of third hydraulic lines 13, visible, for example, in Fig. 1, so that it can generate a rotational movement 12, which is then transmitted by the flexible transmission means 14 to the rotor 1a of the mine clearance device 1. The flexible transmission means 14, which can be chains or drive belts, are connected, on the one hand, to the hydraulic motor 12 in order to receive the rotational movement 12 generated by it, and, on the other hand, to the rotor 1a. The flexible transmission means 14 are visible in Fig. 5, in which the cover shell enclosing them has intentionally been omitted from its entirety.

[0040] Note that arm 3 is preferably telescopic. During mine clearance, arm 3 is expediently extended to its maximum length to maximize the distance between the explosion site and the position of the motor vehicle driver. When the machine is not in use or when it is being towed by road to the site of use, it is advisable for arm 3 to be at its minimum length, thus minimizing its space requirements.

[0041] In order to best manage the changes in the length of the arm 3, it is provided that all hydraulic lines 7, 11, 13 are flexible hydraulic lines and that, see Fig. 6, the machine also comprises a reel 15 on which the flexible hydraulic lines 7, 11, 13 can be wound.

[0042] Finally, to further protect the motor vehicle and its driver from the pressure wave and mine fragments generated by the mine explosion, the machine comprises a protective shield 20 arranged at the second end 3b of the arm 3, as shown, for example, in Fig. 6. On this protective shield 20, for example, the pump 6, the reel drum 15, and a tank 21 for the hydraulic fluid flowing in the lines 7, 11, 13 can be accommodated.

[0043] The mine clearance machine works as follows.

[0044] The mine clearance machine is connected to any suitable motor vehicle via the trailer coupling 19, and towed as a trailer to the site of use. The mine clearance machine is then connected again via the trailer coupling 19 to the motor vehicle intended to move it along the minefield. Such a motor vehicle is preferably a tractor. Subsequently, by rotating the frame 8, the wheels 9 are raised so that the machine rests on the ground via the skids 4, and the cardan shaft 22 of the tractor is connected to the pump 6. The arm 3 is then extended to its maximum length, and the mine clearance device 1 is put into operation.

[0045] The mine clearance machine is ready for use and the motor vehicle can begin to move it along the first strip of the minefield that needs to be cleared of mines.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7-10, the tractor does not necessarily have to drive on the same strip of land as the machine, but it can drive on a safe strip of land parallel to the strip of land that needs to be cleared of mines and on which the machine is driving.

[0047] Thanks to the first and second connecting means, which enable the mutual rotations between the telescopic arm 3 and the support structure 2, on the one hand, and between the telescopic arm 3 and the tractor, on the other hand, and thanks to the steering means, i.e. the hydraulic cylinders 5, by means of which the support structure 2 is pivoted, it is possible to carry out the maneuver shown in sequence in Figs. 7-10. In the situation in Fig. 7, the demining machine and the motor vehicle are traveling on the same strip of land. However, when the support structure 2 is pivoted, see Fig. 8, the support structure 2 moves continuously, see Fig. 9, towards a strip of land parallel to the strip of land on which the motor vehicle is traveling.As soon as the support structure 2 is completely located on the field strip which is parallel to the field strip on which the motor vehicle is traveling, the support structure 2 is pivoted back and the situation shown in Fig. 10 is reached.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 . A mine-clearing machine which must be connected to a motor vehicle in order to be moved along a minefield which must be cleared of mines, comprising: . a mine clearance device (1 ) which acts in such a way that it (1 ) comes into physical contact with the mines in the minefield and destroys them or causes them to explode; . a supporting structure (2) in which the mine clearance device (1) is mounted; . an arm (3) connected at a first end (3a) to the support structure (2) and connectable at a second end (3b) to the motor vehicle; . first connecting means connecting the first end (3a) of the arm (3) to the support structure (2) and designed such that the support structure (2) is connected to the first end (3a) of the arm (3) in an articulated and pivotable manner about a first pivot axis (AA) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm (3); . second connecting means connecting the second end (3b) of the arm (3) to the motor vehicle and designed such that the second end (3b) of the arm (3) is connected to the motor vehicle in an articulated and pivotable manner about a second pivot axis (BB) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm (3); . Steering means for pivoting the support structure (2) about the first pivot axis (A-A) and for changing, by such rotation, the direction of travel along which the mine clearance machine is moved on the minefield; and . Drive means to drive the mine clearance device (1) and the guidance means.

2. Mine clearance machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises skids (4) connected to the support structure (2), wherein during the mine clearance the machine is supported by means of the skids (4) on the minefield.

3. Mine clearance machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the arm (3) is telescopic.

4. A mine clearance machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the steering means comprise two hydraulic cylinders (5), one of the two ends of each of the hydraulic cylinders (5) being connected to the support structure (2) and the other to the arm (3), the two hydraulic cylinders (5) being arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the arm (3).

5. A mine clearance machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive means comprise a pump (6) connected to the two hydraulic cylinders (5) by means of first hydraulic lines (7) and intended to be driven by the motor vehicle connected to the machine.

6. Mine clearance machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (2) comprises a rotating plate (2a) and in that the first connecting means connect the first end (3a) of the arm (3) to the rotating plate (2a), the rotating plate (2a) enabling pivoting of the support structure (2) so that it can adapt to any differences in height of the minefield which are transverse to the direction of travel.

7. A mine clearance machine according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that it also comprises: . a frame (8) mounted on the support structure (2) in a manner rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis (CC); . a plurality of wheels (9), each of which is mounted on the frame (8); and . Pivoting means for pivoting the frame (8) about the pivot axis (CC).

8. Mine clearance machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive means also drive the pivoting means and that the pivoting means comprise further hydraulic cylinders (10) which are connected to the pump (6) by means of second hydraulic lines (11), wherein of the two ends of each of the further hydraulic cylinders (10), one is connected to the frame (8) and the other to the support structure (2).

9. Mine clearance machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mine clearance device (1) comprises: . a rotor (1 a) which is mounted in the support structure (2) in a manner rotatable about its own longitudinal axis, and . Milling elements (1 b; 1 b') which are mounted (1 b; 1 b') on the rotor (1 a) so that they rotate together with the rotor (1 a) about its longitudinal axis.

10. Mine clearance machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive means also comprise: . a hydraulic motor (12) connected to the pump (6) by means of third hydraulic lines (13) to generate a rotational movement; and . flexible transmission means (14) connected on the one hand to the hydraulic motor (12) in order to receive from it the rotational movement it (12) generates, and on the other hand to the rotor (1a) in order to transmit to the rotor (1a) the rotational movement generated by the hydraulic motor (12).

11. Mine clearance machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the hydraulic lines (7, 11, 13) are flexible hydraulic lines and that it also comprises a winding drum (15) on which the flexible hydraulic lines (7, 11, 13) can be wound up.

12. Mine clearance machine according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that each skid (4) has a plurality of elongated holes (16) through which extend fastening screws which are fastened to the support structure (2), wherein, when adjusting the height of the support structure (2) from the ground, the fastening screws are allowed to slide in the elongated holes (16) until the desired position is reached and then fixed in position using clamping screw nuts.

13. Mine clearance machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting means comprise a bolt (17) fastened to the support structure (2) and a hollow cylinder (18) fastened to the first end (3a) of the arm (3), the bolt (17) being arranged within the hollow cylinder (18).

14. Mine clearance machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting means comprise a trailer coupling (19).

15. A mine clearance machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part (2b) of the support structure (2) is designed as an open housing and that the mine clearance device (1) is arranged within this part (2b) designed as an open housing in order to stop and deflect the pressure wave and the mine fragments generated by the mine explosion.

16. Mine clearance machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a protective shield (20) which additionally protects the motor vehicle and its driver from the pressure wave and the mine fragments generated by the mine explosion and is arranged at the second end 3b of the arm 3

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