GB982257A - Improvements in or relating to discharge tubes for projectiles - Google Patents

Abstract

982,257. Torpedo launching tubes. PINTSCH BAMAG A.G. Jan. 18, 1962 [Jan. 18, 1961], No. 1955/62. Heading B7A. A tube 1 for launching torpedoes, depth charges and mines has a rear closure 2 in which is a storage chamber for gas under pressure fed to the chamber through a movable pipe connected to a gas reservoir, the pipe connection being provided with shut-off means and means being provided to vent the chamber to the tube. In Fig. 1, the closure 2 comprises two bowl-shaped members connected by a sealing ring 5, the closure being pivotally mounted on hinge members 6, 7 and secured in the closing position by engagement of a rotatable ring 9 with projections on the ring 5. Compressed air is led into the closure through a pipe 11, which may pass through one or more of the hinge members 6, 7. In the supply pipe is a shut-off valve 12 and a pressure gauge 14 and a relief valve 13 may also be provided. An outlet nozzle 18 for the chamber 2 has a distributer 20 and is closed by a spring-supported member 21 of a piston-type valve 17 and the valve chamber is closed by a cover 19 from which a pipe 24 leads to a control valve 25. As air enters the chamber, it passes into the valve 17 through ports 23 and leaks through a port 26 to equalize pressure on both sides of the member 21. Pressure within the chamber 2 may be relieved by a pipe 15 furnished with a check-valve 16, the pipe 15 also being used to drain away moisture. When sufficient pressure has been built up in the chamber 2, and a torpedo is to be launched, the valve 25 is opened by pushing a control member 28 to vent the pipe 24 to a pipe 27. The sudden drop in pressure beneath the valve member 21 opens the valve 17 and allows air to flow through the nozzle 18 and so eject the torpedo. The valve 25 may be replaced by a valve which is opened by a pull. In a modification, Fig. 3, the outlet 18a is closed by a dished diaphragm 31a supported by a diaphragm 31b, the space between the diaphragms being in communication through ports 33 and an annular chamber 34 with a pipe 35 leading to a control valve 36. Valve 36 is connected by a pipe 24a to the cover 19a of the valve chamber 17a as in the first embodiment. With the members of the valve 36 in the positions shown, the pipe 35 communicates with the ambient air. To launch a torpedo, after the chamber 2a has been charged, during which charging air leaks into the valve chamber 17a through ports 23a, the valve stem 39 is pushed inwards so that the pipes 24a and 35 are in communication. Pressurized air then causes the diaphragm 31a to rupture, and the lower diaphragm 31b, then being initially loaded, ruptures also and allows air to escape into the discharge tube. To recharge the tube, the ring 31 carrying the diaphragms is changed after removal of an annular nut 32.