Method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing of a munition and a fragmentation casing of a munition
The method for manufacturing fragmentation casings using a tube member, protruding member, and polymer-coated ring members addresses inefficiencies in existing production methods, resulting in durable and aerodynamically stable casings with improved structural integrity and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/FI2025/050122
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for manufacturing fragmentation casings of munitions, such as projectiles and grenades, are inefficient and do not facilitate easy production, leading to challenges in creating durable and aerodynamically stable casings.
A method involving the use of a tube member with a protruding member and fragmentation ring members, coated with a polymer to form a robust casing, where the ring members are secured by a retaining member and polymer coating, enhancing structural integrity and aerodynamic stability.
The method enables efficient production of durable and aerodynamically stable fragmentation casings with improved structural integrity and accuracy, facilitating easy assembly and enhanced performance.
Smart Images

Figure FI2025050122_02012026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A FRAGMENTATION CASING OF A MUNITION AND A FRAGMENTATION CASING OF A MUNITION
[0002] Field
[0003] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, of an artillery projectile, of a mortar grenade, of a grenade or of an air dropped bomb as defined in the preamble of independent claim 1.
[0004] The invention also relates to a fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb as defined in the preamble of independent claim 21.
[0005] Objective
[0006] The is to provide a method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, of an artillery projectile of a grenade or of an air dropped bomb by means of which fragmentation casings of a munitions can easily be produced and to provide fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb that can be easily produced.
[0007] Short
[0008] The method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb of the invention is characterized by the definitions of independent claim 1.
[0009] Preferred embodiments of the method are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 20.
[0010] The fragmentation casing of a munition such as a fragmentation casing of a projectile, an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb of the invention is correspondingly characterized by the definitions of independent claim 21.
[0011] Preferred embodiments of the fragmentation casing of a munition are defined in the dependent claims 22 to 39.
[0012] Presented is also a munition characterized by the definitions of claim 40.
[0013] List of figures
[0014] In the following the invention will described in more detail by referring to the figures, of which
[0015] Figure 1 shows in partly cut view an artillery projectile that is provided with a fragmentation casing according to a first embodiment,
[0016] Figure 2 shows some parts of the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1,
[0017] Figure 3 shows some parts of the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1,
[0018] Figure 4 shows parts of a fragmentation ring member of the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1,
[0019] Figure 5 shows parts of a fragmentation ring member of the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1,
[0020] Figure 6 shows parts of a fragmentation ring member of the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1,
[0021] Figure 7 shows a fragmentation ring member of the fragmentation casing of the projectile shown in figure 1 ,
[0022] Figure 8 shows an additional ring member,
[0023] Figure 9 shows parts of the additional ring member shown in figure 8,
[0024] Figure 10 shows parts of the additional ring member shown in figure 8,
[0025] Figure 11 shows a part of the additional ring member shown in figure 8,
[0026] Figure 12 shows a part of the additional ring member shown in figure 8,
[0027] Figure 13 shows another additional ring member,
[0028] Figure 14 shows a boat tail that is provided with a second ring member,
[0029] Figure 15 shows the parts shown in figure 14 as separated from each other,
[0030] Figure 16 shows a unit or the fragmentation casing of the projectile shown in figure 1 before the applying step,
[0031] Figure 17 shows a unit or the fragmentation casing of the projectile shown in figure 1 before the applying step,
[0032] Figure 18 shows a unit or the fragmentation casing of the projectile shown in figure 1 before the applying step and with a boat tail and with a second ring member attached thereto,
[0033] Figure 19 shows in partly cut view the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1 with a boat tail attached thereto,
[0034] Figure 20 shows in partly cut view the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 1 with a boat tail attached thereto,
[0035] Figure 21 illustrates the applying step in one embodiment of the method,
[0036] Figure 22 shows an artillery projectile that is provided with a fragmentation casing according to a second embodiment,
[0037] Figure 23 shows the fragmentation casing of the artillery projectile shown in figure 22 in partly explodes view and the fuze of the projectile shown in figure 22,
[0038] Figure 24 shows the artillery projectile shown in figure 22 in section view,
[0039] Figure 25 shows in partly cut view an artillery projectile that is provided with a fragmentation casing according to a third embodiment,
[0040] Figure 26 shows the artillery projectile shown in figure 25 in partly cut view and in partly exploded view,
[0041] Figure 27 shows the artillery projectile shown in figure 25 in section view, Figure 28 shows a fragmentation ring member of the third embodiment of the fragmentation casing, and
[0042] Figure 29 shows the fragmentation ring member of the third embodiment of the fragmentation casing shown in figure 28 in side view.
[0043] Detailed description of the invention
[0044] First the method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing 1 of a munition 2 such as a fragmentation casing 1 of a projectile, of an artillery projectile, of a grenade or of an air dropped bomb and some embodiments and variants of the method will be presented in greater detail.
[0045] The method comprises a first providing step for providing a tube member 3 having a central longitudinal axis A- A, a first open end 4, a second open end 5, a channel 6 limited by an inner surface 7 of the tube member 3 and extending between the first open end 4 and the second open end 5, and an outer tube surface 8.
[0046] The method comprises a second providing step for providing the tube member 3 with a protruding member 11 that is attached to the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3 and surrounding at least partly the tube member 3 and projecting from the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3.
[0047] The protruding member 11 that is provided in the second providing step can be in the form of a flange as in the first embodiment of the method. The flange 11 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with apertures 54.
[0048] It is also possible to provide the second open end 5 of the tube member 3 with a tail structure 26 such as with a boat tail and to provide the tube member 3 with a protruding member 11 by means of the tail structure 26 such as by means of the boat tail in the second providing step as in the second and third embodiments of the method.
[0049] The method comprises a third providing step for providing fragmentation ring members 12 having an inner circumference surface 14 limiting a first through hole 15, wherein the fragmentation ring members 12 comprises objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles.
[0050] At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step can have an outer circumferential surface 13 and be at least partly be made of a first polymer so that the objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles are held in position in said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 at least partly by said first polymer, as in the first embodiment of the method. The first polymer of the fragmentation ring members 12 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, fiber reinforced polymer material.
[0051] At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step can be made of metal and comprise objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12. Said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 that is provided in the third providing step can in such case be provided with breaking points 67 and / or structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12.
[0052] At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step can be made of ceramic and comprise objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12. Said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 that is provided in the third providing step can in such case be provided with breaking points 67 and / or structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12.
[0053] The method comprises an arranging step for arranging the fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 so that the tube member 3 project through the first through hole 15 of each fragmentation ring member 12 and so that the fragmentation ring members 12 are kept at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and a retaining member 17, which is attached to the tube member 3.
[0054] The tube member that is provided in the first providing step has preferably, but not necessarily, a first thread 9 at the first open end 4 of the tube member 3 and the retaining member 17 has preferably, but not necessarily, a third thread 18 configured to co-operate with the first thread 9 at the first open end 4 of the tube member 3, wherein the retaining member 17 is attached to the tube member 3 by screwing the retaining member 17 onto the tube member 3 in the arranging step.
[0055] A unit 34 comprising the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17 can be the result of the first providing step, the second providing step, the third providing step and the arranging step. Figures 16 to 18 presents some version of units 34.
[0056] The method comprises an applying step for applying a second polymer 61 in fluid form at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17 so that the second polymer 61 forms a polymer coating 19 that forms at least partly the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2 when the second polymer 61 solidifies. If a unit 34 as presented earlier is the result of the first providing step, the second providing step, the third providing step and the arranging step of the method, the second polymer 61 is in the applying step of the method applied in fluid form at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17 of the unit 34 so that the second polymer 61 forms a polymer coating 19 that forms at least partly the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2 when the second polymer 61 solidifies. The second polymer 61 will in the applying step also fill possible spaces 57 between adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 and possible recesses on the fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 and so rigidly connect the fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 together. If the protruding member 11 is in the form of a flange provided with apertures 54, as in the first embodiment of the method, the second polymer 61 will in the applying step also penetrate the apertures 54 in the flange and so rigidly connect to the flange. Said fluid form can for example be achieved by heating the second polymer 61.
[0057] The polymer coating 19 that is formed in the applying step can for example be 5 to 25 mm thick, such as 10 to 20 mm thick.
[0058] The tube member 3 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of steel.
[0059] The applying step is preferably, but not necessarily, performed in a mold 59 so that an unit 34, which is formed as a result of the first providing step, the second providing step, the third providing step and the arranging step, comprising the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17 is at least partly arranged in a mold cavity 60 of said mold 59 and so that the second polymer 61 in fluid form injected into the mold cavity 60 so that the second polymer 61 is in the mold cavity 60 applied between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, preferably from the protruding member 11 to the retaining member 17, and at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 of the unit 34. An advantage of this is that the second polymer 61 will securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, and the retaining member 17 together when the second polymer 61 solidifies.
[0060] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a mold opening step for opening the mold 59 after that the second polymer 61 has solidified and in which mold opening step the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2 is removed from the mold cavity 60.
[0061] The applying step includes preferably, but not necessarily, injection casting.
[0062] The outer diameter of the tube member 3 corresponds preferably, but not necessarily, essentially at least partly to the inner diameter of the first through hole 15 of the fragmentation members 12. This ensures that the fragmentation members 12 are properly secured at the tube member 3.
[0063] Fiber reinforced polymer material is preferably, but not necessarily, used as the second polymer 61 in the applying step.
[0064] The objects 16 of the fragmentation ring members 12 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, are made of metal such as of steel.
[0065] The density of the objects 16 of the fragmentation ring members 12 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 20 g / cm3.
[0066] The particle size of the objects 16 of the fragmentation ring members 12 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 15 mm.
[0067] The objects 16 can for example be round pellets of steel. The applying step includes preferably, but not necessarily, forming cavities 20 such as semispheric cavities on the outer casing surface 41. The purpose of the cavities 20 is to extend the range of the munition by causing a turbulent boundary layer on the surface of the munition 2.
[0068] If at least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step is at least partly made of a first polymer so that the objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles are held in position in said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 at least partly by said first polymer, said at least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 provided in the third providing step comprises preferably, but not necessarily, as illustrated in figures 4 to 7, a first outer annular wall 21 at the outer circumference 13, a first inner annular wall 22 at the inner circumference surface 14, an annular bottom 23 connecting the first outer annular wall 21 and the first inner annular wall 22, and an annular top 24 connecting the first outer annular wall 21 and the first inner annular wall 22, wherein the first outer annular wall 21, the first inner annular wall 22, the annular bottom 23 and the annular top 24 limits an annular space 25 containing the objects 16. In such case, the first outer annular wall 21, the first inner annular wall 22, and the annular bottom 23 forms preferably, but not necessarily, as illustrated in figures 4 to 7, together a one-piece structure (not marked with a reference numeral) and the annular top 24 is a separate part fastened by fastening means 33 to said one-piece structure. The annular space 18 of said at least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 has preferably, but not necessarily, as illustrated in figures 4 to 7, dividing walls 31 dividing the annular space 18 into sectors 32.
[0069] The objects 16 can be submersed in a material such as in resin in the annular space 25.
[0070] If at least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step is at least partly made of a first polymer so that the objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles are held in position in said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 at least partly by said first polymer, the fragmentation ring members 12 are preferably, not necessarily, provided with co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 so that the first alignment means 49 on one fragmentation ring member 12 is configured to connect with the second alignment means 50 on an adjacent fragmentation ring member 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 are in the arranging step arranged at the tube member 3. It is for example possible that the co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 comprises, as illustrated in the figures, co-operating sockets 55 and studs 56. One other purpose of such co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 is to provide a space 57 between adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 are in the arranging step arranged at the tube member 3, wherein said space 57 is configured to be filled with said second polymer 61 in connection with the applying step so that when the second polymer 61 solidifies, the second polymer 61 rigidly connects said adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 together.
[0071] The method can include a fourth providing step for providing at least one additional ring member 40 having a second outer circumference 42 and a second inner circumference 43 limiting a second through hole 44, and arranging said at least one additional ring member 40 in the arranging step at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17 so that the tube member 3 project through the second through hole 44 and so that said at least one additional ring member 40 is kept at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17.
[0072] If the method includes a fourth providing step for providing at least one additional ring member 40 and arranging said at least one additional ring member 40 in the arranging step at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17 so that the tube member 3 project through the second through hole 44 and so that said at least one additional ring member 40 is kept at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17, the fourth providing step is performed prior the applying step and second polymer 61 is in the applying step also applied on said at least one additional ring member 40. In such case, the applying step is preferably, but not necessarily, performed in a mold 59 so that an unit 34, which is formed as a result of the first providing step, the second providing step, the third providing step, the fourth providing step, and the arranging step, comprising the fragmentation ring members 12 and said at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17 is at least partly arranged in a mold cavity 60 of said mold 59 and so that the second polymer 61 in fluid form is injected into the mold cavity 60 so that second polymer 61 is in the mold cavity 60 applied between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, preferably from the protruding member 11 to the retaining member 17, and at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 and at least to the second outer circumference 42 of said at least one additional ring member 40 of the unit 34. An advantage of this is that the second polymer 61 with securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 and said possible at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, and the retaining member 17 together when the second polymer 61 solidifies.
[0073] Said at least one additional ring member 40 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of polymer material such as of fiber reinforced polymer material.
[0074] Said at least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated cone.
[0075] Said at least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated elliptical cone.
[0076] Said at least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated parabolic cone.
[0077] Said at least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step has preferably, but not necessarily, a second inner annular wall 47 at the second inner circumference 43.
[0078] If said least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step a has second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 and a second inner annular wall 47 at the second inner circumference 43, said least one additional ring member 40 provided in the fourth providing step can have reinforcement ribs 48 connecting the second outer annular wall 45 and the second inner annular wall 47 and a second annular top 52 and a second annular bottom 53 between the second outer annular wall 45 and the second inner annular wall 47.
[0079] The second outer annular wall 45, the second inner annular wall 47, the second annular top 52 and the second annular bottom 53 can form a second annular space 58 as illustrated in figures 9 and 11. The second annular space 58 can be filled with objects 16 in the same way as the annular space 18 of the fragmentation ring members can be filled with objects 16. The objects 16 can be submersed in a material such as in resin in the second annular space 58.
[0080] The outer diameter of the tube member 3 corresponds preferably, but not necessarily, essentially at least partly to the inner diameter of the second through hole 44 of said at least one additional ring member 40.
[0081] If method includes a fourth providing step for providing at least one additional ring member 40, the tube member 1 provided in the first providing step can have a shoulder 51 between a first part (not marked with a reference numeral) of the tube member 1 and a second part (not marked with a reference numeral) of the tube member 1 , so that the diameter of the first part of the tube member 1 is larger than the diameter of the second part of the tube member 1 and so that the fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the first part of the tube member 1 and so that said at least one additional ring member 40 is arranged at the second part of the tube member 1. One reason for having a second part of the tube member 1 with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first part of the tube member 1 is that this is an advantage if the second outer annular wall 45 of said at least one additional ring member 40 tapers in one axial direction for example by having a form of a truncated cone, a form of a truncated elliptical cone, or a form of a truncated parabolic cone.
[0082] Said at least one additional ring member 40 is preferably, not necessarily, provided with at least one of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 so that said at least one of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 on one additional ring member 40 are configured to connect with the other of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 at an adjacent additional ring member 40 or at a adjacent fragmentation ring member 12 when said at least one additional ring member 40 is in the arranging step arranged at the tube member 3. It is for example possible that the co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 comprises, as illustrated in the figures, co-operating sockets 55 and studs 56. One other purpose of such co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 is to provide a space 57 between adjacent additional ring members 40 or between one additional ring member 40 and one fragmentation ring member 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 and said at least one additional ring member 40 are in the arranging step arranging at the tube member 3, wherein said space 57 is configured to be filled with said second polymer 61 in connection with the applying step so that when the second polymer 61 solidifies, the second polymer 61 rigidly connects said fragmentation ring members 12 and said at least one additional ring member 40 together.
[0083] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing a first ring member 29 at the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2 in connection with the applying step. The first ring member 29 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of metal containing copper. One purpose of the first ring member 29 is to function together with rifles machined into the inner surface of the barrel of the firearm such as of the artillery to cause the munition 2 to spin so to improve the aerodynamic stability of the munition 2 and accuracy of the munition 2.
[0084] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing a second ring member 30 at the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2. The second ring member 30 preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of metal containing copper. One purpose of the second ring member 30 is to function together with rifles machined into the inner surface of the barrel of the firearm such as of the artillery to cause the munition 2 to spin so to improve the aerodynamic stability of the munition 2 and accuracy of the munition 2.
[0085] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3. In such case, a second thread 10 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided at second open end 5 of the tube member 3 and the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail is provided with a fifth thread 35 for engaging the second thread 10 at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3. The tail structure 26 such as the boat tail that is provided is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal. The second thread 10 can be provided at a third ring member 46 that is provided at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3.
[0086] If the method comprises proving a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3, the method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3 prior performing the applying step. In such case, the applying step is preferably, but not necessarily, performed in a mold 59, as illustrated in figure 21, so that an unit 34, which is formed as a result of the first providing step, the second providing step, the third providing step, the arranging step, and possible a forth providing step and which is provided with a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail, comprising the fragmentation ring members 12 and possible said at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, the retaining member 17, and the tail structure 26 such as such as the boat tail is at least partly arranged in a mold cavity 60 of said mold 59 and so that the second polymer 61 in fluid form is injected into the mold cavity 60 of the mold 59 so that second polymer 61 is in the mold cavity 60 applied between the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail and the retaining member 17, preferably from the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail to the retaining member 17, and at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 and at least to the second outer circumference 42 of said possible at least one additional ring member 40 of the unit 34. An advantage of this is that the second polymer 61 with securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 and said possible at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, the retaining member 17, and the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail together when the second polymer 61 solidifies.
[0087] If the method comprises providing a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail and a second ring member 30, the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail can be provided with a fourth threading 38 and the second ring member 30 can be provided with a sixth threading 39 for engagement with the fourth threading 38 of the tail structure 26 such as of the boat tail so that the second ring member 30 is attached to the fragmentation casing 1 at the tail structure 26 such as at the boat tail.
[0088] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing a fuze 27 such as a detonator at the first open end 4 of the tube member 5. In such case 23 the fuze 27 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a seventh thread 37 for engaging with an eight thread 36 provided at the retaining member 17. The eight thread 36 provided at the retaining member 17 can be formed by a part of the third 18 of the retaining member 17.
[0089] The fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step can be provided with third through holes 66.
[0090] The method can comprise arranging additional objects 62 forming additional fragmentation projectiles within spaces 63 formed by the fragmentation ring members 12 in connection with the arranging step. If the fragmentation ring member 12 which are provided in the third providing step are provided with third through holes 66, the spaces 63 can be formed by the third through holes 66.
[0091] The additional objects 62 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, are made of metal such as of steel.
[0092] The density of the additional objects 62 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 20 g / cm3.
[0093] The particle size of the additional objects 62 provided in the third providing step is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 15 mm.
[0094] The additional objects 62 can for example be round pellets of steel.
[0095] The method comprises preferably, but not necessarily, providing third alignment means 64 at the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3 for cooperation with fourth alignment means 65 provided at the inner circumferential surface 14 of the fragmentation ring members 12. Especially if the fragmentation ring member 12 which are provided in the third providing step are provided with third through holes 66, the third alignment means 64 can be configured to cooperate with the fourth alignment means 65 so that spaces 63 for additional objects 62 forming additional fragmentation projectiles having an elongated configuration are formed by the third through holes 66 so that the third through holes 66 are aligned when the fragmentation ring members 12 are in the arranging step arranged at the tube member 3.
[0096] The fragmentation ring members 12 which are provided in the third providing step are preferably, but not necessarily, rotational symmetric. This so that a possibly asymmetry of at least one the fragmentation ring members 12 would not have an unpredictable negative impact on for example the motion of a munition 2 provided with the fragmentation casing 1.
[0097] Next the fragmentation casing 1 of a munition 2 such as a fragmentation casing 1 of a projectile, of an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb and some embodiments and variants of the fragmentation casing 1 will be presented in greater detail.
[0098] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises a tube member 3 having a central longitudinal axis A-A, a first open end 4, a second open end 5, a channel 6 limited by an inner surface 7 of the tube member 3 and extending between the first open end 4 and the second open end 5, and an outer tube surface 8.
[0099] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises a protruding member 11 attached to the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3 and surrounding at least partly the tube member 3 and projecting from the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3. The protruding member 11 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with apertures 54.
[0100] The tube member 3 can, as in the first embodiment of the fragmentation casing 1, be provided with a protruding member 11 in the form of a flange.
[0101] The fragmentation casing 1 can, as in the second and third embodiments of the fragmentation casing 1, be provided with a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member, wherein the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail providing the protruding member 11 at the tube member 3.
[0102] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises fragmentation ring members 12 having an outer circumference 13 and an inner circumference surface 14 limiting a first through hole 15, wherein the fragmentation ring members 12 comprises objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles.
[0103] At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 can at least partly made of a first polymer so that objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles being held in position at said least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 at least partly by said first polymer. The first polymer is preferably, but not necessarily, reinforced polymer material.
[0104] At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 can be made of metal and comprise objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12. Said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 can in such case be provided with breaking points 67 and / or structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12. At least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 can be made of ceramic and comprise objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12. Said at least one fragmentation ring member 12 can in such case be provided with breaking points 67 and / or structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member 12.
[0105] The fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the tube member 3 so that the tube members 3 project through the first through hole 15 of each fragmentation ring member 12 and so that the fragmentation ring members 12 are kept at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and a retaining member 17, which is attached to the tube member 3.
[0106] The tube member 3 has preferably, but not necessarily, a first thread 9 at the first open end 4 of the tube member 3 and the retaining member 17 has preferably, but not necessarily, a third thread 18 configured to co-operate with the first thread 9 at the first open end 4 of the tube member 3, wherein the retaining member 17 being fastened to the tube member 3 by being screwed onto the first thread 9 at the first open end 4 of the tube member 3.
[0107] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises a polymer coating 19 comprising a second polymer 61 applied at least to the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 and forming at least partly the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2. The second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 fills possible spaces 57 between adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 and possible recess on the fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 and will so rigidly connect the fragmentation ring members 12 at the tube member 3 together. If the protruding member 11 is provided with apertures 54, the second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 will also penetrate the apertures 54 in the protruding member and so rigidly connect to the protruding member 11.
[0108] The polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 can for example be 5 to 25 mm thick, such as 10 to 20 mm thick.
[0109] The polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 extends preferably from protruding member 11 to the retaining member 17 so that the polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 covers at least the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12. An advantage of this is that polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 with securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, and the retaining member 17 together.
[0110] The tube member 3 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of steel.
[0111] The second polymer 61 is preferably, but not necessarily, reinforced polymer material.
[0112] The objects 16 are preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal.
[0113] The density of the objects 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 20 g / cm3.
[0114] The particle size of the objects 16 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 15 mm.
[0115] The objects 16 can for example be round pellets of steel. The fragmentation casing 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, cavities 20 such as semispheric cavities in the outer casing surface 41. The purpose of the cavities 20 is to extend the range of the munition 2 by causing a turbulent boundary layer on the surface of the munition 2.
[0116] If at least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 is at least partly made of a first polymer so that objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles being held in position at said least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 at least partly by said first polymer, said at least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a first outer annular wall 21 at the outer circumference 13, a first inner annular wall 22 at the inner circumference surface 14, an annular bottom 23 connecting the first outer annular wall 21 and the first inner annular wall 22, and an annular top 24 connecting the first outer annular wall 21 and the first inner annular wall 22, wherein the first outer annular wall 21, the first inner annular wall 22, the annular bottom 23 and the annular top 24 limits an annular space 25 containing the objects 16. The first outer annular wall 21, the first inner annular wall 22, and the annular bottom 23 forms preferably, but not necessarily, together a one-piece structure and the annular top 24 is preferably, but not necessarily, a separate part fastened by fastening means 33 to said one- piece structure. The annular space 18 can have dividing walls 31 dividing the annular space 18 into sectors 32. The objects 16 can be submersed in material such as in resin in the annular space 25.
[0117] If at least one fragmentation ring member 12 of the fragmentation ring members 12 is at least partly made of a first polymer so that objects 16 forming fragmentation projectiles being held in position at said least one of the fragmentation ring members 12 at least partly by said first polymer, the fragmentation ring members 12 are preferably, not necessarily, provided with cooperating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 so that the first alignment means 49 on one fragmentation ring member 12 are configured to connect with the second alignment means 50 on an adjacent fragmentation ring member 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the tube member 3. It is for example possible that the co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 comprises, as illustrated in the figures, co-operating sockets 55 and studs 56. One other purpose of such co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 is to provide a space 57 between adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the tube member 3, wherein said space 57 is filled with said second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 so that the second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 rigidly connects said adjacent fragmentation ring members 12 together.
[0118] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, at least one additional ring member 40 having a second outer circumference 42 and a second inner circumference 43 limiting a second through hole 44, wherein said at least one additional ring member 40 being arranged at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17 so that the tube member 3 project through the second through hole 44 and so that said at least one additional ring member 40 is kept at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17. If the fragmentation casing 1 comprises at least one additional ring member 40 at the tube member 3 between the fragmentation ring members 12 and the retaining member 17, the polymer coating 19 is also applied on said at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3.
[0119] Said at least one additional ring member 40 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of polymer material such as of fiber reinforced polymer material.
[0120] Said at least one additional ring member 40 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated cone.
[0121] Said at least one additional ring member 40 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated elliptical cone.
[0122] Said at least one additional ring member 40 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 having the form of a truncated parabolic cone.
[0123] Said at least one additional ring member 40 has preferably, but not necessarily, a second inner annular wall 47 at the second inner circumference 43.
[0124] If said least one additional ring member 40 a has second outer annular wall 45 at the second outer circumference 42 and a second inner annular wall 47 at the second inner circumference 43, said least one additional ring member 40 can have reinforcement ribs 48 connecting the second outer annular wall 45 and the second inner annular wall 47 and a second annular top 52 and a second annular bottom 53 between the second outer annular wall 45 and the second inner annular wall 47.
[0125] The second outer annular wall 45, the second inner annular wall 47, the second annular top 52 and the second annular bottom 53 can form a second annular space 58 as illustrated in figures 9 and 11. The second annular space 58 can be filled with objects 16 in the same way as the annular space 18 of the fragmentation ring members can be filled objects 16. The objects 16 can be submersed in a material such as in resin in the second annular space 58.
[0126] The outer diameter of the of the tube member 3 corresponds preferably, but not necessarily, essentially at least partly to the inner diameter of the second through hole 44 of said at least one additional ring member 40.
[0127] If the fragmentation casing 1 comprises at least one additional ring member 40, the tube member 1 can have a shoulder 51 between a first part (not marked with a reference numeral) of the tube member 1 and a second part (not marked with a reference numeral) of the tube member 1, wherein the diameter of the first part of the tube member 1 is larger than the diameter of the second part of the tube member 1 and wherein the fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the first part of the tube member 1 and wherein said at least one additional ring member 40 is arranged at the second part of the tube member 1. One reason for having a second part of the tube member 1 with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the first part of the tube member 1 is that this is an advantage if the second outer annular wall 45 of said at least one additional ring member 40 tapers in one axial direction for example by having a form of a truncated cone, a form of a truncated elliptical cone, or a form of a truncated parabolic cone.
[0128] Said at least one additional ring member 40 is preferably, not necessarily, provided with at least one of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 so that said at least one of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 on one additional ring member 40 are connected with the other of first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 at an adjacent additional ring member 40 or at an adjacent fragmentation ring member 12 when said at least one additional ring member 40 is arranged at the tube member 3. It is for example possible that the cooperating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 comprises, as illustrated in the figures, co-operating sockets 55 and studs 56. One other purpose of such co-operating first alignment means 49 and second alignment means 50 is to provide a space 57 between adjacent additional ring members 40 or between one additional ring member 40 and one fragmentation ring member 12 when the fragmentation ring members 12 and said at least one additional ring member 40 are arranged at the tube member 3, wherein said space 57 is configured to be filled with said second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 so that when the second polymer 61 solidifies, the second polymer 61 of the polymer coating 19 rigidly connects said fragmentation ring members 12 and said at least one additional ring member 40 together.
[0129] If the fragmentation casing 1 comprises at least one additional ring member 40, the polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 extends preferably from protruding member 11 to the retaining member 17 so that the polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 covers at least the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 and at least the second outer circumference 42 of said possible at least one additional ring member 40. An advantage of this is that polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 with securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 and said possible at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, and the retaining member 17 together.
[0130] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a first ring member 29 at the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2. The first ring member 29 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of metal containing copper. One purpose of the first ring member 29 is to function together with rifles machined into the inner surface of the barrel of the firearm such as of the artillery to cause the munition 2 to spin so to improve the aerodynamic stability of the munition 2 and accuracy of the munition 2.
[0131] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a second ring member 30 at the outer casing surface 41 of the fragmentation casing 1 of the munition 2. The second ring member 30 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal such as of metal containing copper. One purpose of the second ring member 30 is to function together with rifles machined into the inner surface of the barrel of the firearm such as of the artillery to cause the munition 2 to spin so to improve the aerodynamic stability of the munition 2 and accuracy of the munition 2.
[0132] The fragmentation casing 1 comprises preferably, but not necessarily, a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3. In such case, a second thread 10 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided at second open end 5 and the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail is provided with a fifth thread 35 for engaging the second thread 10 at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3. The tail structure 26 such as the boat tail is preferably, but not necessarily, made of metal. The second thread 10 can be provided at a third ring member 46 that is provided at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3.
[0133] If the fragmentation casing 1 comprises a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail at the second open end 5 of the tube member 3, the polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 extends preferably from the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail to the retaining member 17 so that the polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 covers at least the outer circumference 13 of the fragmentation ring members 12 and at least the second outer circumference 42 of said possible at least one additional ring member 40. An advantage of this is that polymer coating 19 comprising the second polymer 61 with securely connect all of the fragmentation ring members 12 and said possible at least one additional ring member 40 arranged at the tube member 3 between the protruding member 11 and the retaining member 17, the tube member 3, the protruding member 11, the retaining member 17, and the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail together.
[0134] If the fragmentation casing 1 comprises a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail and a second ring member 30, the tail structure 26 such as the boat tail can be provided with a fourth threading 38 and the second ring member 30 can be provided with a sixth threading 39 for engagement with the fourth threading 38 of the tail structure 26 such as of the boat tail so that the second ring member 30 is attached to the fragmentation casing 1 at the tail structure 26 such as at the boat tail.
[0135] A fuze 27 such as a detonator is preferably, but not necessarily, provided at the first open end 4 of the tube member 5. In such case 23 the fuze 27 is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a seventh thread 37 for engaging with an eight thread 36 provided at the retaining member 17. The eight thread 36 provided at the retaining member 17 can be formed by a part of the third 18 of the retaining member 17.
[0136] The fragmentation ring members 12 are preferably, but not necessarily, provided with third through holes 66.
[0137] Additional objects 62 forming additional fragmentation projectiles are preferably, but not necessarily, provided within spaces 63 formed by the fragmentation ring members 12.
[0138] The additional objects 62 are preferably, but not necessarily, are made of metal such as of steel.
[0139] The density of the additional objects 62 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 20 g / cm3.
[0140] The particle size of the additional objects 62 is preferably, but not necessarily, between 5 and 15 mm.
[0141] The additional objects 62 can for example be round pellets of steel.
[0142] Third alignment means 64 are preferably, but not necessarily, provided at the outer tube surface 8 of the tube member 3 for cooperation with fourth alignment means 65 provided at the inner circumferential surface 14 of the fragmentation ring members 12. Especially if the fragmentation ring member 12 are provided with third through holes 66, the third alignment means 64 can be configured to cooperate with the fourth alignment means 65 so that spaces 63 for additional objects 62 forming additional fragmentation projectiles having an elongated configuration are formed by the third through holes 66 so that the third through holes 66 are aligned when the fragmentation ring members 12 are arranged at the tube member 3.
[0143] The fragmentation ring members 12 are preferably, but not necessarily, rotational symmetric. This so that a possibly asymmetry of at least one the fragmentation ring members 12 would not have an unpredictable negative impact on for example the motion of a munition 2 provided with the fragmentation casing 1.
[0144] Presented is also munition 2 comprising a fragmentation casing 1 of a munition 2 according to any embodiment presented herein, a fuze 27, a tail structure 26 such as a boat tail, and explosive material 28 in the channel 6 of the tube member 3.
[0145] It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that as technology advanced, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are therefore not restricted to the above examples, but they may vary within the scope of the claims.
Claims
Claims1. A method for manufacturing a fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) such as a fragmentation casing (1) of a projectile, of an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb, characterized by a first providing step for providing a tube member (3) having a central longitudinal axis A-A, a first open end (4), a second open end (5), a channel (6) limited by an inner surface (7) of the tube member (3) and extending between the first open end (4) and the second open end (5), and an outer tube surface (8), by a second providing step for providing the tube member (3) with a protruding member (11) that is attached to the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3) and surrounding at least partly the tube member (3) and projecting from the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3), by a third providing step for providing fragmentation ring members (12) having an outer circumference (13) and an inner circumference surface (14) limiting a first through hole (15), wherein the fragmentation ring members (12) comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles, by an arranging step for arranging the fragmentation ring members (12) at the tube member (3) so that the tube member (3) project through the first through hole (15) of each fragmentation ring member (12) and so that the fragmentation ring members (12) are kept at the tube member (3) between the protruding member (11) and a retaining member (17), which is attached to the tube member (3), and by an applying step for applying a second polymer (61) in fluid form at least to the outer circumference (13) of the fragmentation ring members (12) arranged at the tube member (3) so that the second polymer (61) forms a polymer coating (19) that forms at least partly the outer casing surface (41) of the fragmentation casing (1) of the munition (2) when the second polymer (61) solidifies.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized by the tube member (3) that is provided in the first providing step is made of metal.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by using fiber reinforced polymer material as the second polymer (61) in the applying step.
4. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by a fourth providing step for providing at least one additional ring member (40) having a second outer circumference (42) and a second inner circumference (43) limiting a second through hole (44), by arranging said at least one additional ring member (40) in the arranging step at the tubemember (3) between the fragmentation ring members (12) and the retaining member (17) so that the tube member (3) project through the second through hole (44) and so that said at least one additional ring member (40) is kept at the tube member (3) between the fragmentation ring members (12) and the retaining member (17) ,and by applying the second polymer (61) in the applying step also on said at least one additional ring member (40) arranged at the tube member (3).
5. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized by the applying step is performed in a mold (59) so that a unit (34) comprising the fragmentation ring members (12) arranged at the tube member (3) between the protruding member (11) and the retaining member (17), the tube member (3), the protruding member (11) and the retaining member (17) is at least partly arranged in a mold cavity (60) of the mold (59) and so that said second polymer (61) is in fluid form is injected into the mold cavity (60) so that second polymer (61) is in the mold cavity (60) applied at least to the outer circumference (13) of the fragmentation ring members (12) arranged at the tube member (3).
6. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized by at least one fragmentation ring member (12) of the fragmentation ring members (12) which are is provided in the third providing step being at least partly made of a first polymer so that the objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles being held in position in said least one fragmentation ring members (12) at least partly by said first polymer.
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized by the first polymer is fiber reinforced polymer material.
8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles being made of metal.
9. The method according to any of the claims 6 to 8, characterized by at least one of the fragmentation ring members (12) provided in the third providing step comprising(i) a first outer annular wall (21) at the outer circumference (13),(ii) a first inner annular wall (22) at the inner circumference surface (14),(iii) an annular bottom (23) connecting the first outer annular wall (21) and the first inner annular wall (22), and(iv) an annular top (24) connecting the first outer annular wall (21) and the first inner annular wall (22), and by the first outer annular wall (21), the first inner annular wall (22), the annular bottom(23) and the annular top (24) limits an annular space (25) containing the objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles.
10. The method according to claim 9, characterized by the objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles being submersed in a material such as in resin in the annular space (25).
11. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized by at least one fragmentation ring member (12) of the fragmentation ring members (12) which are provided in the third providing step being made of metal and comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member (12).
12. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized by at least one fragmentation ring member (12) of the fragmentation ring members (12) which are provided in the third providing step being made of ceramic and comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member (12).
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by said at least one fragmentation ring member (12) that is provided in the third providing step being provided with breaking points (67) and / or with structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member (12).
14. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fragmentation ring members (12) which are provided in the third providing step being provided with third through holes (66).
15. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 14, characterized by arranging additional objects (62) forming additional fragmentation projectiles within spaces (63) formed by the fragmentation ring members (12) in connection with the arranging step.
16. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 15, characterized by providing third alignment means (64) at the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3) for cooperation with fourth alignment means (65) provided at the inner circumferential surface (14) of the fragmentation ring members (12).
17. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 16, characterizedby the fragmentation ring members (12) which are provided in the third providing step being rotational symmetric.
18. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 17, characterized by providing the tube member (3) with a protruding member (11) in the form of a flange in the second providing step.
19. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 17, characterized by attaching a tail structure (26) such as a boat tail at the second open end (5) of the tube member, and by providing the tube member (3) with a protruding member (11) by means of the tail structure (26) such as of the boat tail in the second providing step.
20. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 19, characterized by the tube member that is provided in the first providing step has a first thread (9) at the first open end (4) of the tube member (3), by the retaining member (17) has a third thread (18) configured to co-operate with the first thread (9) at the first open end (4) of the tube member (3), and by the retaining member (17) is attached to the tube member (3) by screwing the retaining member (17) onto the tube member (3) in the arranging step.
21. A fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) such as a fragmentation casing (1) of a projectile, of an artillery projectile, of a grenade, or of an air dropped bomb, characterized by a tube member (3) having a central longitudinal axis A-A, a first open end (4), a second open end (5), a channel (6) limited by an inner surface (7) of the tube member (3) and extending between the first open end (4) and the second open end (5), and an outer tube surface (8), , by a protruding member (11) attached to the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3) and surrounding at least partly the tube member (3) and projecting from the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3), by fragmentation ring members (12) having an outer circumference (13) and an inner circumference surface (14) limiting a first through hole (15), wherein the fragmentation ring members (12) comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles wherein the fragmentation ring members (12) are arranged at the tube member (3) so that the tube member (3) project through the first through hole (15) of each fragmentation ring member (12) and so that the fragmentation ring members (12) are kept at the tube member (3) between the protruding member (11) and a retaining member (17), which is attached to the tube member (3), anda polymer coating (19) comprising a second polymer (61) applied at least to the outer circumference (13) of the fragmentation ring members (12) arranged at the tube member (3) and forming at least partly the outer casing surface (41) of the fragmentation casing (1) of the munition (2).
22. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 21, characterized by tube member (3) being made of metal.
23. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by the second polymer (61) is reinforced polymer material.
24. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 23, characterized by at least one additional ring member (40) having a second outer circumference (42) and a second inner circumference (43) limiting a second through hole (44), by said at least one additional ring member (40) being arranged at the tube member (3) between the fragmentation ring members (12) and the retaining member (17) so that the tube member (3) project through the second through hole (44) and so that said at least one additional ring member (40) is kept at the tube member (3) between the fragmentation ring members (12) and the retaining member (17), and by the polymer coating (19) comprising the second polymer (61) being also applied on said at least one additional ring member (40) arranged at the tube member (3).
25. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 24, characterized by at least one of the fragmentation ring members (12) being at least partly made of a first polymer so that the objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles being held in position at said least one of the fragmentation ring members (12) at least partly by said first polymer.
26. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 25, characterized by the first polymer is reinforced polymer material.
27. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized by the objects (16) are made of metal.
28. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 25 to 27, characterized by at least one of the fragmentation ring members (12) comprising(i) a first outer annular wall (21) at the outer circumference (13),(ii) first inner annular wall (22) at the inner circumference surface (14),(hi) an annular bottom (23) connecting the first outer annular wall (21) and the first inner annular wall (22), and(iv) an annular top (24) connecting the first outer annular wall (21) and the first inner annular wall (22), and by the first outer annular wall (21), the first inner annular wall (22), the annular bottom (23) and the annular top (24) limits an annular space (25) containing the objects (16).
29. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 28, characterized by the objects (16) being submersed in a material in the annular space (25).
30. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 29, characterized by at least one fragmentation ring member (12) of the fragmentation ring members (12) being made of metal and comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with the fragmentation ring member (12).
31. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 30, characterized by at least one fragmentation ring member (12) of the fragmentation ring members (12) which being made of ceramic and comprising objects (16) forming fragmentation projectiles integrally formed with the fragmentation ring member (12).
32. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to claim 30 or 31, characterized by said at least one fragmentation ring member (12) that is provided in the third providing step being provided with breaking points (67) and / or with structural fuses integrally formed with said at least one fragmentation ring member (12).
33. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any one of the claims 21 to 32, characterized by the fragmentation ring members (12) being provided with third through holes (66).
34. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 33, characterized by additional objects (62) forming additional fragmentation projectiles within spaces (63) formed by the fragmentation ring members (12).
35. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 34, characterized by third alignment means (64) at the outer tube surface (8) of the tube member (3) for cooperation with fourth alignment means (65) provided at the inner circumferential surface (14) of the fragmentation ring members (12).
36. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 35, characterized by the fragmentation ring members (12) being rotational symmetric.
37. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 36, characterized by the tube member (3) being provided with a protruding member (11) in the form of a flange.
38. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 37, characterized by a tail structure (26) such as a boat tail at the second open end (5) of the tube member, and by the tail structure (26) such as the boat tail providing the protruding member (11) at the tube member (3).
39. The fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 38, characterized by and a first thread (9) at the first open end (4) of the tube member (3), by the retaining member (17) has a third thread (18) configured to co-operate with the first thread (9) at the first open end (4) of the tube member (3), and by the retaining member (17) being fastened to the tube member (3) by being screwed onto the first thread (9) at the first open end (4) of the tube member (3).
40. A munition (2) comprising a fragmentation casing (1) of a munition (2) according to any of the claims 21 to 39- a fuze (27), a tail structure (26) such as a boat tail, and explosive material (28) in the channel (6) of the tube member (3).
Citation Information
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