EP3577412B1 - Cap for duct for ejecting cartridges and turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges obturated by such a cap - Google Patents

Cap for duct for ejecting cartridges and turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges obturated by such a cap Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3577412B1
EP3577412B1 EP18707076.8A EP18707076A EP3577412B1 EP 3577412 B1 EP3577412 B1 EP 3577412B1 EP 18707076 A EP18707076 A EP 18707076A EP 3577412 B1 EP3577412 B1 EP 3577412B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
sectors
turret
duct
shell
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18707076.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3577412A1 (en
Inventor
Vincent VENAILLE
Michel Brun
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nexter Systems SA
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Nexter Systems SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3577412A1 publication Critical patent/EP3577412A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3577412B1 publication Critical patent/EP3577412B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A15/00—Cartridge extractors, i.e. devices for pulling cartridges or cartridge cases at least partially out of the cartridge chamber; Cartridge ejectors, i.e. devices for throwing the extracted cartridges or cartridge cases free of the gun
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/54—Cartridge guides, stops or positioners, e.g. for cartridge extraction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
    • F41H5/20—Turrets
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A35/00—Accessories or details not otherwise provided for
    • F41A35/02—Dust- or weather-protection caps or covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/60—Empty-cartridge-case or belt-link collectors or catchers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H7/00—Armoured or armed vehicles
    • F41H7/02—Land vehicles with enclosing armour, e.g. tanks
    • F41H7/03—Air-pressurised compartments for crew; Means for preventing admission of noxious substances, e.g. combustion gas from gun barrels, in crew compartments; Sealing arrangements

Definitions

  • the technical field of the invention is that of lids intended to close off a duct for ejecting casings from a turret as well as turrets equipped with such lids.
  • the patent EP1468240 describes a turret comprising an ejection orifice for the casings of a weapon.
  • the orifice is closed by a diaphragm or cap which has lips which move apart during the passage of the bushes and which become contiguous again after the passage of the bush.
  • the cover has a cup profile with a substantially flat bottom.
  • the turret is in overpressure with respect to the outside, in order to ensure sealing and protection when the vehicle operates in an environment contaminated by nuclear, bacteriological or chemical pollutants.
  • Such a cover is dimensioned so as to remain closed despite the overpressure prevailing in the turret. This results in a stiffness of the cover which hinders the ejection of the casings.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide a cover making it possible to ensure both a better level of tightness than the known covers and a resistance to ejection of the casings which is reduced.
  • Another subject of the invention is a turret equipped with at least one such cover.
  • the subject of the invention is a cover intended to close off a duct for ejecting casings from a turret, a cover characterized in that it comprises a circular base intended to allow it to be fixed at the level of the duct and a shell having a spherical cap profile comprising a concave face and a convex face, the shell being cut into at least four sectors by regularly angularly distributed slots, the sectors being contiguous two by two.
  • the shell may include a thinned area in the vicinity of its axial part.
  • This thinned area may result from the presence of a flat.
  • the thinned zone may result from the presence of a different radius of curvature between a peripheral part and a median part at the level of the concave face and / or of the convex face of the shell.
  • the shell may comprise a circular zone of reduction in thickness which is located in the vicinity of the base of the sectors.
  • the shell can have a substantially hemispherical shape.
  • each slot may be inclined relative to a diametral plane, the inclination being variable between the base of the slot and its end close to the axis of the cover, the slot being oriented diametrically in the vicinity of the axis of the cover to ensure contact between the different sectors at this level, the inclination of the slots ensuring partial overlap of the adjoining sectors.
  • the cover will advantageously be made of rubber.
  • the subject of the invention is also a turret comprising a duct for evacuating the casings between an area inside the turret and the outside, a turret characterized in that the duct carries at least one cover according to the invention, which cover passes through it. by the casings during their ejection.
  • the turret may include a cover which is oriented with its convex face towards the internal zone.
  • the turret may include a cover which is oriented with its convex face outwards.
  • a cover 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a circular base 2 and a shell 3 which has a concave face 3a and a convex face 3b.
  • the shell 3 has a spherical cap profile and more particularly here a substantially hemispherical cap shape.
  • the shutter 1 is intended to be fixed at the level of a duct 4 for ejecting casings 5 of a turret 6.
  • the turret is not shown in detail, the figure 5 showing only part of the duct 4.
  • the evacuation duct 4 makes it possible to lead the sockets 5 of a zone (INT) inside the turret to the outside (EXT).
  • a weapon system is placed on the interior side INT and it pushes the bushes 5 into the conduit 4.
  • the bushes 5 are ejected in the direction D parallel to the axis 7 of the conduit 4.
  • the circular base 2 of the cover 1 is applied against a shoulder 8 surrounding the duct 4 and it is immobilized by a nut 9 screwed into an internal thread 10.
  • This method of fixing the cover 1 on the duct 4 is given by way of example.
  • Other methods of attachment would of course be possible, for example a series of perforations made in the circular base 2, and which will be positioned opposite threads made in the shoulder 8.
  • An O-ring washer with rectangular section, also carrying perforations, will then replace the nut 9 to receive a set of tightening screws allowing it to be pressed on the circular base 2 in order to pinch the latter against the shoulder 8.
  • the shell 3 is cut into at least four sectors 11 (here four sectors 11) by diametral slots 12 (here two slots) which are regularly distributed angularly, the sectors 11 being contiguous two by two.
  • the cover 1 is made of a flexible material such as rubber.
  • the natural elasticity of the material ensures that the cover 1 is held in a closed position as can be seen in Figures la and 1b.
  • the shape of the shell with a spherical profile ensures a return to the closed position of the cap after its deformation by a sleeve, therefore a good seal while not penalizing the capacity for deformation. In the closed position according to Figures la, lb, the sealing of the duct 4 is therefore ensured.
  • the socket 5 which is driven by an ejection speed of the order of several meters per second, exerts a force at the top of the convex part 3b of the cover 3. It causes the sectors 11 to fold inwardly of the concave part 3a. The sleeve 5 can then pass through the cover 3 and it is ejected outward EXT from the turret 6.
  • the slots 12 which delimit the sectors 11 have a sufficient length to allow sufficient deformation of the cap 3, the folding of the sectors 11 and the passage of the socket 5.
  • the diameter ⁇ of the circle 13 ( figure 1b ), which is the trace of the plane perpendicular to the axis 16 of the cover passing through the ends of the slots 12, i.e. greater than the diameter of the sleeve 5.
  • a diameter ⁇ will be chosen which is approximately 70% greater than the diameter of the bush.
  • the elasticity of the cap 1 associated with the spherical shape leads to the return of the sectors 11 to their initial position (FIG. La) after the passage of the sleeve 5. The seal is therefore ensured after the passage of the sleeve 5.
  • the stiffness of the sectors 11 can be adjusted, for example by modifying the number of sectors. For example, three diametral slots 12 can be provided which will delimit six sectors.
  • the stiffness of the sectors 11 and the quality of the seal are also linked to the thickness of the cover 1. It is possible to choose a rubber cover 1 having a thickness of the order of 3 to 5 millimeters for an external diameter of the operculum of the order of 80 to 100 millimeters.
  • the figures 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of a cover 1 according to the invention.
  • This cover differs from the previous one in that a flat 14 is arranged at the level of the top of the convex part 3b of the shell 3.
  • the position of this flat is defined by the angle of latitude ⁇ with respect to the spherical convex profile 3b of the shell 3.
  • the latitude ⁇ at which the flat 14 is located is of the order of 70 °, which makes it possible to ensure a minimum thickness of 1 millimeter at the top of the shell 3 for a shell having approximately 4 mm thickness.
  • the thickness of the sectors 11 is progressively reduced between the start of the flat (latitude 70 °) and the center C of the flat (latitude 90 °).
  • the sectors 11 have an end point of reduced thickness, which also reduces the friction exerted on the sleeve 5 during operation. ejection.
  • the figure 3 thus shows a third embodiment of the cover 1 in which the outer hemispherical profile 3b comprises a peripheral part 3b1, the center O of which coincides with that of the concave part 3a, and a middle part 3b2 whose radius of curvature is greater than that of the peripheral part 3b1.
  • This results in a thickness of the shell 3 which is constant in part 3b1 and which is variable in part 3b2.
  • the middle part 3b2 begins at a latitude ⁇ of about 60 °. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a more gradual reduction in the thickness of the sectors 11 than that which is obtained with the flat.
  • the figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the cover 1 comprises at the level of its shell 3 a zone of reduction in thickness 15 produced on the concave surface 3a, at the level of the plane of the circle 13 passing through the ends of the slots 12, therefore in the vicinity of the base of the sectors 11.
  • This reduction in thickness is in the form of a circular notch with a V or U profile. It is produced at the level of the concave surface 3a. Alternatively, this circular notch could be made at the level of the convex surface 3b.
  • This reduction in thickness of the base of the sectors 11 may be combined with a reduction in thickness of the ends of the sectors, produced by a flat (as shown in FIG. figure 4 ) or by a spherical part having a greater radius of curvature at the level of a middle part of the convex face (as shown in figure 3 ) or a smaller radius of curvature at a middle part of the concave face.
  • the figures 7a, 7b and 8 show a cover according to a fifth embodiment, which cover is more particularly designed to be mounted on a turret with its convex part 3b oriented towards the outside EXT of the turret.
  • the cap 1 comprises a circular base 2 intended to allow its attachment to the level of the duct and a shell 3 having a spherical cap profile comprising a concave face and a convex face.
  • the cap 3 is not hemispherical but extends over an angle ⁇ of approximately 120 °.
  • the cap has a reinforced thickness to ensure, as specified above, a stiffening of the sectors 11 and thus limit pressure leaks.
  • the shell 3 is further cut into four sectors by slots 12 regularly distributed angularly, the sectors 11 being contiguous two by two.
  • This embodiment differs from the previous ones in that the slots 12 are not made along diametrical planes of the cover 1 but each slot 12 is inclined with respect to a diametral plane.
  • the dotted line 12c represents the foot of each slot 12 which extends between the concave face 3a and the convex face 3b. It can thus be seen that the foot (or the base) of each slot 12 is inclined at an angle ⁇ with respect to a diametral plane (materialized by the trace 12a of an outer edge of each slot).
  • this inclination gradually decreases between the base 12c of the slot and its end near the center C of the cover 1 (center placed at the level of the axis 16 of the cover).
  • the slot 12 is in fact oriented diametrically in the vicinity of the center C of the cover to ensure contact between the various sectors 11 at this level.
  • the axis 16 being a zone of the cover 1 at the level of which all the sectors 11 are contiguous.
  • the figure 9 is a section of the operculum 1 following the plane whose trace DD is located at the figure 7a .
  • This figure 9 makes it possible to visualize an intermediate inclination of the various slits 12. It especially makes it possible to visualize that the inclination of the slits 12 makes it possible to ensure a partial and two by two overlap of the adjoining sectors 11.
  • Such an arrangement improves the tightness of the cap 1 when it is arranged with its convexity facing outwards. Indeed, the overpressure inside the turret has an effect favoring the opening of the sectors 11.
  • each sector thus comprises bevelled profiles 11a which are applied to the neighboring sector and provide gas tightness.
  • the slits 12 with variable inclination will be produced by laser cutting on an unslit cover.
  • the variation in the inclination of the slot will result from a variation in the inclination of the laser head associated with its advance movement along the axis 16 of the cover.
  • the figures 10 and 11 show the mounting of such a cover 1 at the level of a duct 4 for ejecting casings 5 of a turret 6.
  • the turret is not shown in detail, the figure 10 showing only part of the duct 4.
  • the evacuation duct 4 makes it possible to lead the sockets 5 of a zone (INT) inside the turret to the outside (EXT).
  • the weapon system (not shown) is again placed on the interior side INT and it pushes the bushes 5 into the duct 4.
  • the bushes 5 are ejected in the direction D parallel to the axis 7 of the conduit 4.
  • the circular base 2 of the cover 1 is here again applied against a shoulder 8 surrounding the duct 4 and it is immobilized by a nut 9 screwed into a thread 10.
  • Alternative fixing methods are possible, such as that described previously in the commentary on figure 5 .
  • the cover 1 is made of a flexible material such as rubber.
  • the sleeve 5 which is driven by an ejection speed of the order of several meters per second, exerts a force inside the concave part 3a of the cover 3. It moves the sectors 11 towards outside. The sleeve 5 can then pass through the cover 3 and it is ejected outward EXT from the turret 6.
  • the diameter ⁇ of the circle 13b ( figure 7b ), which is the trace of the plane perpendicular to the axis 16 of the cover and passing through the ends of the slots 12, ie greater than the diameter of the sleeve 5.
  • the diameter ⁇ will advantageously be approximately 70% greater than the diameter of the socket.
  • the stiffness of the sectors 11 can be adjusted by modifying the number of sectors. For example, three diametral slots 12 can be provided which will delimit six sectors.
  • Such an arrangement makes it possible to produce lids the axial size of which is reduced.
  • FIG. 12a shows different variations.
  • the figure 12a is similar to Figure 1a but with a non-hemispherical cap.
  • the figure 12b is analogous to figure 2a with a non-hemispherical operculum.
  • the figure 12c is analogous to figure 4 with a non-hemispherical operculum.
  • the figure 12d is analogous to figure 3 with a non-hemispherical operculum.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)

Description

Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui des opercules destinés à venir obturer un conduit d'éjection de douilles d'une tourelle ainsi que des tourelles équipées de tels opercules.The technical field of the invention is that of lids intended to close off a duct for ejecting casings from a turret as well as turrets equipped with such lids.

Le brevet EP1468240 décrit une tourelle comportant un orifice d'éjection des douilles d'une arme. L'orifice est obturé par un diaphragme ou opercule qui comporte des lèvres qui s'écartent lors du passage des douilles et qui redeviennent jointives après le passage de la douille. Plus précisément, l'opercule a un profil de cuvette à fond sensiblement plat.The patent EP1468240 describes a turret comprising an ejection orifice for the casings of a weapon. The orifice is closed by a diaphragm or cap which has lips which move apart during the passage of the bushes and which become contiguous again after the passage of the bush. More precisely, the cover has a cup profile with a substantially flat bottom.

La tourelle est en surpression par rapport à l'extérieur, cela afin d'assurer une étanchéité et une protection lorsque le véhicule évolue dans un environnement contaminé par des polluants nucléaires, bactériologiques ou chimiques.The turret is in overpressure with respect to the outside, in order to ensure sealing and protection when the vehicle operates in an environment contaminated by nuclear, bacteriological or chemical pollutants.

Un tel opercule est dimensionné de façon à rester obturé malgré la surpression régnant dans la tourelle. Il en résulte une raideur de l'opercule qui gêne l'éjection des douilles.Such a cover is dimensioned so as to remain closed despite the overpressure prevailing in the turret. This results in a stiffness of the cover which hinders the ejection of the casings.

C'est le but de l'invention que de proposer un opercule permettant d'assurer tout à la fois un meilleur niveau d'étanchéité que les opercules connus et une résistance à l'éjection des douilles qui est réduite.The aim of the invention is to provide a cover making it possible to ensure both a better level of tightness than the known covers and a resistance to ejection of the casings which is reduced.

L'invention a également pour objet une tourelle équipée d'au moins un tel opercule.Another subject of the invention is a turret equipped with at least one such cover.

Ainsi l'invention a pour objet un opercule destiné à venir obturer un conduit d'éjection de douilles d'une tourelle, opercule caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une base circulaire destinée à permettre sa fixation au niveau du conduit et une coque ayant un profil de calotte sphérique comportant une face concave et une face convexe, la coque étant découpée en au moins quatre secteurs par des fentes régulièrement réparties angulairement, les secteurs étant jointifs deux à deux.Thus the subject of the invention is a cover intended to close off a duct for ejecting casings from a turret, a cover characterized in that it comprises a circular base intended to allow it to be fixed at the level of the duct and a shell having a spherical cap profile comprising a concave face and a convex face, the shell being cut into at least four sectors by regularly angularly distributed slots, the sectors being contiguous two by two.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, la coque pourra comporter une zone amincie au voisinage de sa partie axiale.According to a particular embodiment, the shell may include a thinned area in the vicinity of its axial part.

Cette zone amincie pourra résulter de la présence d'un méplat.This thinned area may result from the presence of a flat.

La zone amincie pourra résulter de la présence d'un rayon de courbure différent entre une partie périphérique et une partie médiane au niveau de la face concave et/ou de la face convexe de la coque.The thinned zone may result from the presence of a different radius of curvature between a peripheral part and a median part at the level of the concave face and / or of the convex face of the shell.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, la coque pourra comprendre une zone circulaire de diminution d'épaisseur qui est localisée au voisinage de la base des secteurs.According to a particular embodiment, the shell may comprise a circular zone of reduction in thickness which is located in the vicinity of the base of the sectors.

Avantageusement, la coque pourra avoir une forme sensiblement hémisphérique.Advantageously, the shell can have a substantially hemispherical shape.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque fente pourra être inclinée par rapport à un plan diamétral, l'inclinaison étant variable entre la base de la fente et son extrémité voisine de l'axe de l'opercule, la fente étant orientée diamétralement au voisinage de l'axe de l'opercule pour assurer le contact des différents secteurs à ce niveau, l'inclinaison des fentes assurant un recouvrement partiel des secteurs jointifs.According to another embodiment, each slot may be inclined relative to a diametral plane, the inclination being variable between the base of the slot and its end close to the axis of the cover, the slot being oriented diametrically in the vicinity of the axis of the cover to ensure contact between the different sectors at this level, the inclination of the slots ensuring partial overlap of the adjoining sectors.

L'opercule sera avantageusement réalisé en caoutchouc.The cover will advantageously be made of rubber.

L'invention a également pour objet une tourelle comportant un conduit d'évacuation des douilles entre une zone interne à la tourelle et l'extérieur, tourelle caractérisée en ce que le conduit porte au moins un opercule selon l'invention, opercule qui est traversé par les douilles lors de leur éjection.The subject of the invention is also a turret comprising a duct for evacuating the casings between an area inside the turret and the outside, a turret characterized in that the duct carries at least one cover according to the invention, which cover passes through it. by the casings during their ejection.

La tourelle pourra comporter un opercule qui est orienté avec sa face convexe vers la zone interne.The turret may include a cover which is oriented with its convex face towards the internal zone.

La tourelle pourra comporter un opercule qui est orienté avec sa face convexe vers l'extérieur.The turret may include a cover which is oriented with its convex face outwards.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre de différents modes de réalisation, description faite en référence aux figures annexées et dans lesquelles :

  • Les figures 1a et 1b sont deux vues d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un opercule selon l'invention, la figure la étant une vue en coupe longitudinale suivant le plan AA dont la trace est repérée à la figure 1b, et la figure 1b étant une vue frontale ;
  • Les figures 2a et 2b sont deux vues d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un opercule selon l'invention, la figure 2a étant une vue en coupe longitudinale suivant le plan BB dont la trace est repérée à la figure 2b, et la figure 2b étant une vue frontale ;
  • La figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un opercule suivant un troisième mode de réalisation ;
  • La figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un opercule suivant un quatrième mode de réalisation ;
  • La figure 5 est une vue schématique d'un conduit d'évacuation de douilles d'une tourelle selon l'invention, une douille étant positionnée devant l'opercule ;
  • La figure 6 est une vue schématique du même conduit dans lequel une douille traverse l'opercule selon l'invention ;
  • Les figures 7a et 7b sont deux vues d'un cinquième mode de réalisation d'un opercule selon l'invention, la figure 7a étant une vue en coupe longitudinale suivant le plan CC dont la trace est repérée à la figure 7b, et la figure 7b étant une vue frontale ;
  • La figure 8 est une vue en perspective de l'opercule selon ce cinquième mode de réalisation ;
  • La figure 9 est une section de la calotte suivant le plan dont la trace DD est repérée à la figure 7a ;
  • La figure 10 est une vue schématique d'un conduit d'évacuation de douilles d'une tourelle selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, une douille étant positionnée devant l'opercule ;
  • La figure 11 est une vue schématique du même conduit dans lequel une douille traverse l'opercule ;
  • Les figures 12a à 12d montrent en coupe longitudinale différentes variantes d'un opercule selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of various embodiments, description given with reference to the appended figures and in which:
  • The figures 1a and 1b are two views of a first embodiment of a cover according to the invention, FIG. 1a being a view in longitudinal section along the plane AA, the trace of which is identified at the figure 1b , and the figure 1b being a frontal view;
  • The figures 2a and 2b are two views of a second embodiment of a cover according to the invention, the figure 2a being a view in longitudinal section along the plane BB, the trace of which is identified at the figure 2b , and the figure 2b being a frontal view;
  • The figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cover according to a third embodiment;
  • The figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cover according to a fourth embodiment;
  • The figure 5 is a schematic view of a socket outlet duct of a turret according to the invention, a socket being positioned in front of the cover;
  • The figure 6 is a schematic view of the same duct in which a sleeve passes through the cover according to the invention;
  • The figures 7a and 7b are two views of a fifth embodiment of a cover according to the invention, the figure 7a being a view in longitudinal section along the plane CC, the trace of which is identified at the figure 7b , and the figure 7b being a frontal view;
  • The figure 8 is a perspective view of the cover according to this fifth embodiment;
  • The figure 9 is a section of the cap following the plane of which the DD trace is located at the figure 7a ;
  • The figure 10 is a schematic view of a socket outlet duct from a turret according to another embodiment of the invention, a socket being positioned in front of the cover;
  • The figure 11 is a schematic view of the same duct in which a sleeve passes through the cap;
  • The figures 12a to 12d show in longitudinal section different variants of a cover according to the invention.

En se reportant aux figures la et 1b, un opercule 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention comprend une base circulaire 2 et une coque 3 qui comporte une face concave 3a et une face convexe 3b. La coque 3 a un profil de calotte sphérique et plus particulièrement ici une forme de calotte sensiblement hémisphérique.Referring to Figures la and 1b, a cover 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a circular base 2 and a shell 3 which has a concave face 3a and a convex face 3b. The shell 3 has a spherical cap profile and more particularly here a substantially hemispherical cap shape.

Comme on le voit à la figure 5, l'obturateur 1 est destiné à être fixé au niveau d'un conduit 4 d'éjection de douilles 5 d'une tourelle 6. La tourelle n'est pas représentée en détails, la figure 5 ne montrant qu'une partie du conduit 4.As seen at the figure 5 , the shutter 1 is intended to be fixed at the level of a duct 4 for ejecting casings 5 of a turret 6. The turret is not shown in detail, the figure 5 showing only part of the duct 4.

D'une façon classique le conduit d'évacuation 4 permet de conduire les douilles 5 d'une zone (INT) interne à la tourelle vers l'extérieur (EXT).In a conventional manner, the evacuation duct 4 makes it possible to lead the sockets 5 of a zone (INT) inside the turret to the outside (EXT).

Un système d'arme non représenté est disposé côté intérieur INT et il pousse les douilles 5 dans le conduit 4. Les douilles 5 sont éjectées suivant la direction D parallèle à l'axe 7 du conduit 4.A weapon system, not shown, is placed on the interior side INT and it pushes the bushes 5 into the conduit 4. The bushes 5 are ejected in the direction D parallel to the axis 7 of the conduit 4.

Suivant le mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 5, la base circulaire 2 de l'opercule 1 est appliquée contre un épaulement 8 entourant le conduit 4 et elle est immobilisée par un écrou 9 vissé dans un taraudage 10.According to the embodiment shown in figure 5 , the circular base 2 of the cover 1 is applied against a shoulder 8 surrounding the duct 4 and it is immobilized by a nut 9 screwed into an internal thread 10.

Ce mode de fixation de l'opercule 1 sur le conduit 4 est donné à titre d'exemple. D'autres modes de fixation seraient bien entendu possibles, par exemple une série de perforations réalisées dans la base circulaire 2, et qui seront positionnées en regard de taraudages aménagés dans l'épaulement 8. Une rondelle torique à section rectangulaire, portant elle aussi des perforations, remplacera alors l'écrou 9 pour recevoir un ensemble de vis de serrage permettant de la presser sur la base circulaire 2 afin de pincer celle-ci contre l'épaulement 8.This method of fixing the cover 1 on the duct 4 is given by way of example. Other methods of attachment would of course be possible, for example a series of perforations made in the circular base 2, and which will be positioned opposite threads made in the shoulder 8. An O-ring washer with rectangular section, also carrying perforations, will then replace the nut 9 to receive a set of tightening screws allowing it to be pressed on the circular base 2 in order to pinch the latter against the shoulder 8.

En se reportant à nouveau aux figures la et 1b, on remarque que la coque 3 est découpée en au moins quatre secteurs 11 (ici quatre secteurs 11) par des fentes 12 diamétrales (ici deux fentes) qui sont régulièrement réparties angulairement, les secteurs 11 étant jointifs deux à deux.Referring again to Figures la and 1b, we note that the shell 3 is cut into at least four sectors 11 (here four sectors 11) by diametral slots 12 (here two slots) which are regularly distributed angularly, the sectors 11 being contiguous two by two.

L'opercule 1 est réalisé en un matériau souple tel que le caoutchouc. L'élasticité naturelle du matériau assure un maintien de l'opercule 1 dans une position fermée telle que visible aux figures la et 1b. Par ailleurs la forme de la coque avec un profil sphérique assure un retour en position obturée de l'opercule après sa déformation par une douille, donc une bonne étanchéité tout en ne pénalisant pas la capacité de déformation. Dans la position fermée selon les figures la,lb, l'étanchéité du conduit 4 est donc assurée.The cover 1 is made of a flexible material such as rubber. The natural elasticity of the material ensures that the cover 1 is held in a closed position as can be seen in Figures la and 1b. Furthermore, the shape of the shell with a spherical profile ensures a return to the closed position of the cap after its deformation by a sleeve, therefore a good seal while not penalizing the capacity for deformation. In the closed position according to Figures la, lb, the sealing of the duct 4 is therefore ensured.

Par ailleurs, lorsque l'opercule 1 est monté en étant orienté avec sa face convexe 3b vers la zone interne INT, comme visible à la figure 5, la surpression interne à la tourelle a pour effet de maintenir les secteurs 11 appliqués les uns sur les autres, donc dans une position renforçant l'étanchéité.Furthermore, when the cover 1 is mounted while being oriented with its convex face 3b towards the internal area INT, as visible at figure 5 , the internal overpressure in the turret has the effect of maintaining the sectors 11 applied to one another, therefore in a position which reinforces the seal.

Comme on le voit à la figure 6, la douille 5, qui est animée d'une vitesse d'éjection de l'ordre de plusieurs mètres par seconde, vient exercer un effort au niveau du sommet de la partie convexe 3b de l'opercule 3. Elle provoque le repli des secteurs 11 vers l'intérieur de la partie concave 3a. La douille 5 peut alors traverser l'opercule 3 et elle se trouve éjectée vers l'extérieur EXT de la tourelle 6.As seen at the figure 6 , the socket 5, which is driven by an ejection speed of the order of several meters per second, exerts a force at the top of the convex part 3b of the cover 3. It causes the sectors 11 to fold inwardly of the concave part 3a. The sleeve 5 can then pass through the cover 3 and it is ejected outward EXT from the turret 6.

Pour que le passage de la douille 5 au travers de l'opercule 3 soit possible il est nécessaire que les fentes 12 qui délimitent les secteurs 11 aient une longueur suffisante pour permettre une déformation suffisante de l'opercule 3, le repli des secteurs 11 et le passage de la douille 5.In order for the sleeve 5 to pass through the cap 3 to be possible, it is necessary that the slots 12 which delimit the sectors 11 have a sufficient length to allow sufficient deformation of the cap 3, the folding of the sectors 11 and the passage of the socket 5.

Il est en particulier nécessaire que le diamètre Δ du cercle 13 (figure 1b), qui est la trace du plan perpendiculaire à l'axe 16 de l'opercule passant par les extrémités des fentes 12, soit supérieur au diamètre de la douille 5.It is in particular necessary that the diameter Δ of the circle 13 ( figure 1b ), which is the trace of the plane perpendicular to the axis 16 of the cover passing through the ends of the slots 12, i.e. greater than the diameter of the sleeve 5.

Concrètement pour que les frottements entre la douille 5 et les secteurs 11 ne soit pas excessifs, on choisira un diamètre Δ qui soit supérieur d'environ 70% au diamètre de la douille.Concretely so that the friction between the bush 5 and the sectors 11 is not excessive, a diameter Δ will be chosen which is approximately 70% greater than the diameter of the bush.

L'élasticité de l'opercule 1 associée à la forme sphérique conduit au retour des secteurs 11 à leur position initiale (figure la) après le passage de la douille 5. L'étanchéité est donc assurée après le passage de la douille 5. La raideur des secteurs 11 pourra être ajustée, par exemple en modifiant le nombre de secteurs. On pourra par exemple prévoir trois fentes diamétrales 12 qui délimiteront six secteurs.The elasticity of the cap 1 associated with the spherical shape leads to the return of the sectors 11 to their initial position (FIG. La) after the passage of the sleeve 5. The seal is therefore ensured after the passage of the sleeve 5. The stiffness of the sectors 11 can be adjusted, for example by modifying the number of sectors. For example, three diametral slots 12 can be provided which will delimit six sectors.

La raideur des secteurs 11 et la qualité de l'étanchéité sont aussi liées à l'épaisseur de l'opercule 1. On pourra choisir un opercule 1 en caoutchouc ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 3 à 5 millimètres pour un diamètre externe de l'opercule de l'ordre de 80 à 100 millimètres.The stiffness of the sectors 11 and the quality of the seal are also linked to the thickness of the cover 1. It is possible to choose a rubber cover 1 having a thickness of the order of 3 to 5 millimeters for an external diameter of the operculum of the order of 80 to 100 millimeters.

Les figures 2a et 2b montrent un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un opercule 1 selon l'invention.The figures 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of a cover 1 according to the invention.

Cet opercule diffère du précédent en ce qu'un méplat 14 est aménagé au niveau du sommet de la partie convexe 3b de la coque 3. La position de ce méplat est définie par l'angle de latitude β par rapport au profil convexe sphérique 3b de la coque 3. Le point O sur la figure représentant le centre de ce profil sphérique. La latitude β à laquelle se trouve le méplat 14 est de l'ordre de 70° ce qui permet d'assurer une épaisseur minimale de 1 millimètre au sommet de la coque 3 pour une coque ayant environ 4 mm d'épaisseur.This cover differs from the previous one in that a flat 14 is arranged at the level of the top of the convex part 3b of the shell 3. The position of this flat is defined by the angle of latitude β with respect to the spherical convex profile 3b of the shell 3. The point O in the figure representing the center of this spherical profile. The latitude β at which the flat 14 is located is of the order of 70 °, which makes it possible to ensure a minimum thickness of 1 millimeter at the top of the shell 3 for a shell having approximately 4 mm thickness.

Ainsi l'épaisseur des secteurs 11 se réduit progressivement entre le début du méplat (latitude 70°) et le centre C du méplat (latitude 90°).Thus the thickness of the sectors 11 is progressively reduced between the start of the flat (latitude 70 °) and the center C of the flat (latitude 90 °).

Il en résulte une localisation maîtrisée du début de l'ouverture de l'opercule au niveau du méplat 14. Par ailleurs les secteurs 11 ont une pointe d'extrémité à épaisseur réduite, ce qui réduit également le frottement exercé sur la douille 5 lors de l'éjection.This results in a controlled localization of the start of the opening of the cover at the level of the flat 14. Furthermore, the sectors 11 have an end point of reduced thickness, which also reduces the friction exerted on the sleeve 5 during operation. ejection.

Il est également possible de réduire progressivement l'épaisseur de la coque 3 au niveau de son sommet par d'autres moyens.It is also possible to gradually reduce the thickness of the shell 3 at its top by other means.

La figure 3 montre ainsi un troisième mode de réalisation de l'opercule 1 dans lequel le profil hémisphérique externe 3b comporte une partie périphérique 3b1, dont le centre O est confondu avec celui de la partie concave 3a, et une partie médiane 3b2 dont le rayon de courbure est supérieur à celui de la partie périphérique 3b1. Il en résulte une épaisseur de la coque 3 qui est constante dans la partie 3b1 et qui est variable dans la partie 3b2.The figure 3 thus shows a third embodiment of the cover 1 in which the outer hemispherical profile 3b comprises a peripheral part 3b1, the center O of which coincides with that of the concave part 3a, and a middle part 3b2 whose radius of curvature is greater than that of the peripheral part 3b1. This results in a thickness of the shell 3 which is constant in part 3b1 and which is variable in part 3b2.

La partie médiane 3b2 commence à une latitude β d'environ 60°. Ce mode de réalisation permet d'obtenir une diminution plus progressive de l'épaisseur des secteurs 11 que celle qui est obtenue avec le méplat.The middle part 3b2 begins at a latitude β of about 60 °. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a more gradual reduction in the thickness of the sectors 11 than that which is obtained with the flat.

A titre de variante, il est possible d'aménager une partie médiane à rayon de courbure plus faible au niveau de la partie concave 3a. Une telle disposition permet de réduire l'épaisseur de la coque 3 par l'intérieur.As a variant, it is possible to arrange a median part with a smaller radius of curvature at the level of the concave part 3a. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the shell 3 from the inside.

Il est enfin possible de combiner une partie médiane à rayon de courbure plus faible aménagée au niveau de la partie concave 3a et une partie médiane à rayon de courbure plus fort portée par la partie convexe.It is finally possible to combine a median part with a smaller radius of curvature provided at the level of the concave part 3a and a median part with a greater radius of curvature carried by the convex part.

La figure 4 montre un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel l'opercule 1 comporte au niveau de sa coque 3 une zone de diminution d'épaisseur 15 réalisée sur la surface concave 3a, au niveau du plan du cercle 13 passant par les extrémités des fentes 12, donc au voisinage de la base des secteurs 11.The figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the cover 1 comprises at the level of its shell 3 a zone of reduction in thickness 15 produced on the concave surface 3a, at the level of the plane of the circle 13 passing through the ends of the slots 12, therefore in the vicinity of the base of the sectors 11.

Une telle disposition permet de faciliter une pliure forte des secteurs 11 au niveau de leur base.Such an arrangement makes it possible to facilitate a strong folding of the sectors 11 at their base.

Cette diminution d'épaisseur est sous la forme d'une entaille circulaire à profil en V ou en U. Elle est réalisée au niveau de la surface concave 3a. Alternativement on pourrait réaliser cette entaille circulaire au niveau de la surface convexe 3b.This reduction in thickness is in the form of a circular notch with a V or U profile. It is produced at the level of the concave surface 3a. Alternatively, this circular notch could be made at the level of the convex surface 3b.

Cette diminution d'épaisseur de la base des secteurs 11 pourra être combinée à une diminution d'épaisseur des extrémités des secteurs, réalisée par un méplat (comme représenté sur la figure 4) ou par une partie sphérique comportant un rayon de courbure plus fort au niveau d'une partie médiane de la face convexe (telle que montrée à la figure 3) ou un rayon de courbure plus faible au niveau d'une partie médiane de la face concave.This reduction in thickness of the base of the sectors 11 may be combined with a reduction in thickness of the ends of the sectors, produced by a flat (as shown in FIG. figure 4 ) or by a spherical part having a greater radius of curvature at the level of a middle part of the convex face (as shown in figure 3 ) or a smaller radius of curvature at a middle part of the concave face.

On a représenté à la figure 5 un montage de l'opercule avec sa partie convexe 3b orientée vers l'intérieur INT de la tourelle. Il serait possible d'adopter un montage inverse de l'opercule, c'est à dire avec la partie convexe 3b orientée vers l'extérieur EXT de la tourelle. Même avec un tel montage inversé, la forme de la coque avec un profil sphérique assure un retour en position obturée de l'opercule après sa déformation par une douille, donc une bonne étanchéité. Une telle variante présente cependant comme inconvénient que la surpression dans la tourelle a pour effet de pousser les secteurs dans le sens de leur ouverture. Il est alors nécessaire de prévoir un opercule ayant une épaisseur plus forte pour rigidifier les secteurs et limiter les fuites de pression. Il en résultera cependant une augmentation de l'effort de frottement des douilles sur les secteurs de l'opercule.We have represented at the figure 5 mounting the cover with its convex part 3b oriented towards the interior INT of the turret. It would be possible to adopt a reverse assembly of the cover, ie with the convex part 3b oriented towards the outside EXT of the turret. Even with such a montage inverted, the shape of the shell with a spherical profile ensures a return to the closed position of the cap after its deformation by a sleeve, therefore a good seal. However, such a variant has the drawback that the overpressure in the turret has the effect of pushing the sectors in the direction of their opening. It is then necessary to provide a cover having a greater thickness to stiffen the sectors and limit pressure leaks. However, this will result in an increase in the frictional force of the bushes on the sectors of the seal.

Les figures 7a,7b et 8 montrent un opercule suivant un cinquième mode de réalisation, opercule qui est plus particulièrement conçu pour être monté sur une tourelle avec sa partie convexe 3b orientée vers l'extérieur EXT de la tourelle.The figures 7a, 7b and 8 show a cover according to a fifth embodiment, which cover is more particularly designed to be mounted on a turret with its convex part 3b oriented towards the outside EXT of the turret.

Comme dans les modes de réalisation précédents, l'opercule 1 comprend une base circulaire 2 destinée à permettre sa fixation au niveau du conduit et une coque 3 ayant un profil de calotte sphérique comportant une face concave et une face convexe.As in the previous embodiments, the cap 1 comprises a circular base 2 intended to allow its attachment to the level of the duct and a shell 3 having a spherical cap profile comprising a concave face and a convex face.

Ici la calotte 3 n'est pas hémisphérique mais s'étend sur un angle α d'environ 120°. La calotte a une épaisseur renforcée pour assurer comme précisé plus haut une rigidification des secteurs 11 et limiter ainsi les fuites de pression.Here the cap 3 is not hemispherical but extends over an angle α of approximately 120 °. The cap has a reinforced thickness to ensure, as specified above, a stiffening of the sectors 11 and thus limit pressure leaks.

La coque 3 est encore découpée en quatre secteurs par des fentes 12 régulièrement réparties angulairement, les secteurs 11 étant jointifs deux à deux. Ce mode de réalisation diffère des précédents en ce que les fentes 12 ne sont pas réalisées suivant des plans diamétraux de l'opercule 1 mais chaque fente 12 est inclinée par rapport à un plan diamétral.The shell 3 is further cut into four sectors by slots 12 regularly distributed angularly, the sectors 11 being contiguous two by two. This embodiment differs from the previous ones in that the slots 12 are not made along diametrical planes of the cover 1 but each slot 12 is inclined with respect to a diametral plane.

On a représenté à la figure 7b par les traits pleins 12a le bord externe des fentes 12 tel qu'il est visible au niveau de la face convexe 3b de l'opercule. On a représenté en pointillés 12b le bord interne des fentes tel qu'il est visible au niveau de la face concave 3a de l'opercule 3.We have represented at the figure 7b by the solid lines 12a the outer edge of the slots 12 as it is visible at the level of the convex face 3b of the operculum. The internal edge of the slots is shown in dotted lines 12b as it is visible at the level of the concave face 3a of the cover 3.

Le trait pointillé 12c représente le pied de chaque fente 12 qui s'étend entre la face concave 3a et la face convexe 3b. On voit ainsi que le pied (ou la base) de chaque fente 12 est incliné d'un angle γ par rapport à un plan diamétral (matérialisé par la trace 12a d'un bord externe de chaque fente) .The dotted line 12c represents the foot of each slot 12 which extends between the concave face 3a and the convex face 3b. It can thus be seen that the foot (or the base) of each slot 12 is inclined at an angle γ with respect to a diametral plane (materialized by the trace 12a of an outer edge of each slot).

On remarque également que cette inclinaison diminue progressivement entre la base 12c de la fente et son extrémité voisine du centre C de l'opercule 1 (centre placé au niveau de l'axe 16 de l'opercule).It is also noted that this inclination gradually decreases between the base 12c of the slot and its end near the center C of the cover 1 (center placed at the level of the axis 16 of the cover).

La fente 12 est en effet orientée diamétralement au voisinage du centre C de l'opercule pour assurer le contact des différents secteurs 11 à ce niveau. L'axe 16 étant une zone de l'opercule 1 au niveau de laquelle tous les secteurs 11 sont jointifs.The slot 12 is in fact oriented diametrically in the vicinity of the center C of the cover to ensure contact between the various sectors 11 at this level. The axis 16 being a zone of the cover 1 at the level of which all the sectors 11 are contiguous.

La figure 9 est une section de l'opercule 1 suivant le plan dont la trace DD est repérée à la figure 7a. Cette figure 9 permet de visualiser une inclinaison intermédiaire des différentes fentes 12. Elle permet surtout de visualiser que l'inclinaison des fentes 12 permet d'assurer un recouvrement partiel et deux à deux des secteurs jointifs 11. Une telle disposition améliore l'étanchéité de l'opercule 1 lorsqu'il est disposé avec sa convexité orientée vers l'extérieur. En effet, la surpression à l'intérieur de la tourelle a un effet favorisant l'ouverture des secteurs 11.The figure 9 is a section of the operculum 1 following the plane whose trace DD is located at the figure 7a . This figure 9 makes it possible to visualize an intermediate inclination of the various slits 12. It especially makes it possible to visualize that the inclination of the slits 12 makes it possible to ensure a partial and two by two overlap of the adjoining sectors 11. Such an arrangement improves the tightness of the cap 1 when it is arranged with its convexity facing outwards. Indeed, the overpressure inside the turret has an effect favoring the opening of the sectors 11.

Avec une telle disposition, les secteurs 11 restent en contact au début de leur déformation au lieu de s'ouvrir. Chaque secteur comporte ainsi des profils 11a en biseau qui s'appliquent sur le secteur voisin et assurent une étanchéité aux gaz.With such an arrangement, the sectors 11 remain in contact at the start of their deformation instead of opening. Each sector thus comprises bevelled profiles 11a which are applied to the neighboring sector and provide gas tightness.

Les fentes 12 à inclinaison variable seront réalisées par découpe laser sur un opercule non fendu. La variation de l'inclinaison de la fente résultera d'une variation de l'inclinaison de la tête laser associée à son mouvement d'avance le long de l'axe 16 de l'opercule.The slits 12 with variable inclination will be produced by laser cutting on an unslit cover. The variation in the inclination of the slot will result from a variation in the inclination of the laser head associated with its advance movement along the axis 16 of the cover.

Les figures 10 et 11 montrent le montage d'un tel opercule 1 au niveau d'un conduit 4 d'éjection de douilles 5 d'une tourelle 6. La tourelle n'est pas représentée en détails, la figure 10 ne montrant qu'une partie du conduit 4.The figures 10 and 11 show the mounting of such a cover 1 at the level of a duct 4 for ejecting casings 5 of a turret 6. The turret is not shown in detail, the figure 10 showing only part of the duct 4.

Le conduit d'évacuation 4 permet de conduire les douilles 5 d'une zone (INT) interne à la tourelle vers l'extérieur (EXT). Le système d'arme (non représenté) est là encore disposé côté intérieur INT et il pousse les douilles 5 dans le conduit 4. Les douilles 5 sont éjectées suivant la direction D parallèle à l'axe 7 du conduit 4.The evacuation duct 4 makes it possible to lead the sockets 5 of a zone (INT) inside the turret to the outside (EXT). The weapon system (not shown) is again placed on the interior side INT and it pushes the bushes 5 into the duct 4. The bushes 5 are ejected in the direction D parallel to the axis 7 of the conduit 4.

La base circulaire 2 de l'opercule 1 est là encore appliquée contre un épaulement 8 entourant le conduit 4 et elle est immobilisée par un écrou 9 vissé dans un taraudage 10. Des modes de fixation alternatifs sont possibles comme celui décrit précédemment en commentaire à la figure 5. L'opercule 1 est réalisé en un matériau souple tel que le caoutchouc.The circular base 2 of the cover 1 is here again applied against a shoulder 8 surrounding the duct 4 and it is immobilized by a nut 9 screwed into a thread 10. Alternative fixing methods are possible, such as that described previously in the commentary on figure 5 . The cover 1 is made of a flexible material such as rubber.

Comme on le voit à la figure 11, la douille 5, qui est animée d'une vitesse d'éjection de l'ordre de plusieurs mètres par seconde, vient exercer un effort à l'intérieur de la partie concave 3a de l'opercule 3. Elle écarte les secteurs 11 vers l'extérieur. La douille 5 peut alors traverser l'opercule 3 et elle se trouve éjectée vers l'extérieur EXT de la tourelle 6.As seen at the figure 11 , the sleeve 5, which is driven by an ejection speed of the order of several meters per second, exerts a force inside the concave part 3a of the cover 3. It moves the sectors 11 towards outside. The sleeve 5 can then pass through the cover 3 and it is ejected outward EXT from the turret 6.

Il est là encore nécessaire, pour que le passage de la douille 5 au travers de l'opercule 3 soit possible, que les fentes 12 qui délimitent les secteurs 11 aient une longueur suffisante pour permettre le passage de la douille 5.Here again, it is necessary, so that the passage of the sleeve 5 through the cover 3 is possible, that the slots 12 which delimit the sectors 11 have a sufficient length to allow the passage of the sleeve 5.

Il est en particulier nécessaire que le diamètre Δ du cercle 13b (figure 7b), qui est la trace du plan perpendiculaire à l'axe 16 de l'opercule et passant par les extrémités des fentes 12, soit supérieur au diamètre de la douille 5. Le diamètre Δ sera avantageusement supérieur d'environ 70% au diamètre de la douille.It is in particular necessary that the diameter Δ of the circle 13b ( figure 7b ), which is the trace of the plane perpendicular to the axis 16 of the cover and passing through the ends of the slots 12, ie greater than the diameter of the sleeve 5. The diameter Δ will advantageously be approximately 70% greater than the diameter of the socket.

L'élasticité de l'opercule 1 associée à sa forme sphérique conduit au retour des secteurs 11 à leur position initiale (figure 7a) après le passage de la douille 5. L'étanchéité est donc assurée après le passage de la douille 5.The elasticity of the cover 1 associated with its spherical shape leads to the return of the sectors 11 to their initial position ( figure 7a ) after the passage of the sleeve 5. The seal is therefore ensured after the passage of the sleeve 5.

Comme pour les modes de réalisation précédents, la raideur des secteurs 11 pourra être ajustée en modifiant le nombre de secteurs. On pourra par exemple prévoir trois fentes diamétrales 12 qui délimiteront six secteurs.As for the previous embodiments, the stiffness of the sectors 11 can be adjusted by modifying the number of sectors. For example, three diametral slots 12 can be provided which will delimit six sectors.

A titre de variante il est également possible de réaliser des opercules analogues à ceux représentés aux figures la,lb, 2a, 2b, 3 ou 4 mais pour lesquels la coque n'est pas formée par une calotte hémisphérique mais une calotte sphérique simple. Une telle disposition permet de réaliser des opercules dont l'encombrement axial est réduit.As a variant, it is also possible to produce lids similar to those shown in Figures la, lb, 2a, 2b, 3 or 4 but for which the shell is not formed by a hemispherical cap but a simple spherical cap. Such an arrangement makes it possible to produce lids the axial size of which is reduced.

A titre illustratif les figures 12a à 12d montrent différentes variantes. La figure 12a est analogue à la figure la mais avec un opercule non hémisphérique. La figure 12b est analogue à la figure 2a avec un opercule non hémisphérique. La figure 12c est analogue à la figure 4 avec un opercule non hémisphérique. Enfin, la figure 12d est analogue à la figure 3 avec un opercule non hémisphérique.By way of illustration the figures 12a to 12d show different variations. The figure 12a is similar to Figure 1a but with a non-hemispherical cap. The figure 12b is analogous to figure 2a with a non-hemispherical operculum. The figure 12c is analogous to figure 4 with a non-hemispherical operculum. Finally, the figure 12d is analogous to figure 3 with a non-hemispherical operculum.

Claims (11)

  1. A cap (1) intended to obturate a duct (4) for ejecting cartridges (5) from a turret (6), the cap comprising a circular base (2) intended to allow it to be attached at the duct (4), and a shell (3) having a spherical dome profile including a concave face (3a) and a convex face (3b), the shell being divided into at least four sectors (11) by slots (12) which are evenly distributed angularly, the sectors (11) being contiguous pairwise.
  2. The cap according to claim 1, characterised in that the shell (3) includes a thinner area (14, 3b2) at the vicinity of its axial part.
  3. The cap according to claim 2, characterised in that the thinner area results from the presence of a land (14).
  4. The cap according to claim 2, characterised in that the thinner area results from the presence of a different radius of curvature among a peripheral part (3b1) and a median part (3b2) at the concave face (3a) and/or the convex face (3b) of the shell.
  5. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the shell (3) comprises a thickness-decreasing circular area (15) which is located at the vicinity of the base of the sectors (11).
  6. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the shell (3) has a substantially hemispherical shape.
  7. The cap (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that each slot (12) is inclined with respect to a diametrical plane, the inclination being variable between the base (12c) of the slot (12) and its end at the vicinity of the axis (16) of the cap (1), the slot (12) being diametrically oriented at the vicinity of the axis of the cap so as to ensure the contact of the plural sectors (11), the inclination of the slots ensuring a partial covering of the contiguous sectors (11).
  8. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it is made of rubber.
  9. A turret (6) comprising a duct (4) for ejecting cartridges (5) between an area (INT) inside the turret and the outside (EXT), the turret being characterised in that the duct (4) includes at least one cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, through which cap the cartridges (5) pass when they are ejected.
  10. The turret according to claim 9, characterised in that it includes a cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 that is oriented with its convex face (3b) towards the inside area (INT).
  11. The turret according to claim 9, characterised in that it includes a cap (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 7 that is oriented with its convex face (3b) towards the exterior (EXT).
EP18707076.8A 2017-02-02 2018-01-26 Cap for duct for ejecting cartridges and turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges obturated by such a cap Active EP3577412B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1700122A FR3062474B1 (en) 2017-02-02 2017-02-02 OPERATOR FOR SOCKET EJECTION PIPE AND TURRET COMPRISING A SOCKET EJECTION PIPE OBTURED BY SUCH AN OPERATOR
PCT/FR2018/050181 WO2018142047A1 (en) 2017-02-02 2018-01-26 Cap for duct for ejecting cartridges and turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges obturated by such a cap

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EP3577412A1 EP3577412A1 (en) 2019-12-11
EP3577412B1 true EP3577412B1 (en) 2021-03-03

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EP18707076.8A Active EP3577412B1 (en) 2017-02-02 2018-01-26 Cap for duct for ejecting cartridges and turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges obturated by such a cap

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US (1) US11156417B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3577412B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3062474B1 (en)
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11156417B2 (en) 2021-10-26
FR3062474B1 (en) 2019-03-15
FR3062474A1 (en) 2018-08-03
EP3577412A1 (en) 2019-12-11
US20200232735A1 (en) 2020-07-23
WO2018142047A1 (en) 2018-08-09

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