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EP2215426B1 - Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method - Google Patents

Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2215426B1
EP2215426B1 EP08871477.9A EP08871477A EP2215426B1 EP 2215426 B1 EP2215426 B1 EP 2215426B1 EP 08871477 A EP08871477 A EP 08871477A EP 2215426 B1 EP2215426 B1 EP 2215426B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
casting
funnel
vessel
vacuum
ammunition body
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.)
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Application number
EP08871477.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2215426A2 (en
Inventor
Gérard AUGUSTIN
Ludovic Chouris
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 Munitions SA
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Nexter Munitions SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by Nexter Munitions SA filed Critical Nexter Munitions SA
Priority to PL08871477T priority Critical patent/PL2215426T3/en
Publication of EP2215426A2 publication Critical patent/EP2215426A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2215426B1 publication Critical patent/EP2215426B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B33/00—Manufacture of ammunition; Dismantling of ammunition; Apparatus therefor
    • F42B33/02—Filling cartridges, missiles, or fuzes; Inserting propellant or explosive charges
    • F42B33/0214—Filling cartridges, missiles, or fuzes; Inserting propellant or explosive charges by casting
    • F42B33/0242—Filling cartridges, missiles, or fuzes; Inserting propellant or explosive charges by casting by pressure casting

Definitions

  • the technical field of the invention is that of methods and devices for loading by casting an explosive material into a munition body.
  • Explosive loading by casting is a conventional method. It generally comprises at least one tundish which is filled with an explosive material maintained in the liquid state.
  • the mixture is most often made at the level of the tank into which the fusible explosive is introduced first and then the other solid explosives in grains.
  • the tank is provided with a stirring means that ensures a homogeneous mixture of components. It is also maintained at a temperature which is that now the explosive in the molten state (of the order of 90 ° for trinitrotoluene).
  • the ammunition body for example a shell equipped with a riser
  • the pouring valve is open which allows gravity flow of the explosive into the munition body.
  • the charged body is then progressively cooled (inside suitable incubators and controlled in temperature), which leads to the solidification of the load.
  • the riser conventionally makes it possible, on the one hand, to form a casting funnel and, on the other hand, to locate the deformations or sinkings of the free face of the explosive at the level of an element that will be removed. also the energetic crystal enrichment (hexogen, Octogen) of explosive loading of the body. This ensures a better homogeneity of the loading of the shell.
  • the conventional casting process however, has limitations when the explosive material to be loaded is extremely viscous.
  • High-viscosity explosives are, for example, composite explosives, which incorporate binders that must be polymerized after casting, or heat-fusible explosives that incorporate additives that greatly increase their viscosity.
  • compositions to ensure their insensibility leads to a viscosity that remains high even around 90 ° C (viscosity of the order of 20 to 30 poises).
  • the patent FR2428228 proposes a method of manufacturing an explosive body by vacuum casting. According to this method a heated casting bowl is connected to a mold by a transfer device incorporating a membrane which is broken by an overpressure in the bowl relative to the mold. This process is difficult to control and it requires the replacement of the membrane for each casting.
  • the patent WO03 / 078356 describes an installation for casting composite explosives.
  • the purpose of this patent is specific to composites: to make the primary mix / hardener as far downstream as possible.
  • the tank charged with explosive is then pressurized with the aid of a hydraulic cylinder in order to force the explosive / hardening mixture through a static mixer.
  • the subject of the invention is a process for casting an explosive material in a munition body, in which process the explosive material is placed in the liquid or pasty state in the munition body via a pouring vessel closed by a pouring valve and disposed above the munition body, in which method the material is poured under vacuum into the munition body, the vacuum being produced in the tank on the one hand; and in the ammunition body on the other hand before carrying out the casting, characterized in that it positions before casting the munition body below the tank and then interposes a casting funnel ensuring a sealed connection between the tank casting and the ammunition body, it is then carried out first of all at the level of the casting vessel and then this vessel is isolated, the vacuum is finally made in the ammunition body and the funnel connected in a sealed manner to the body of ammunition, the level of vacuum in the ammunition body and the funnel being pushed more than the level of vacuum in the tank, then the casting valve is opened.
  • the invention also relates to a casting device of such a material, a device facilitating the adaptation of this casting process to all types of ammunition bodies and implementing simple means and consuming minimal energy.
  • this device for casting an explosive material in an ammunition body comprises a sealed casting vessel closed by a pouring valve and which is disposed above the munition body possibly provided with a riser, which device is characterized in that it comprises at least one casting funnel interposed between the casting tank and the ammunition body (or the riser) funnel which can be connected in a sealed manner to both the ammunition body and the tank, means of evacuation being provided to achieve the vacuum at the level of the tank at the level of the munition body and the funnel, these means ensuring a vacuum level in the munition body and the funnel that is further than the level of vacuum in the tank.
  • the funnel may be integral with a bottom of the tank and have a sliding bowl relative to a fixed bucket, bowl intended to cap an upper part of the ammunition body (or raises).
  • the sliding bowl may comprise a front portion provided with a circular groove intended to cooperate with an upper portion of the ammunition body (or the riser) groove at the bottom of which will be disposed a seal.
  • the front part of the sliding bowl can be made in the form of a ring connected to the bowl by a ball joint.
  • the sliding bowl may include an internal baffle delimiting a hole of diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the ring deflector guiding the explosive material during casting.
  • the funnel may be connected in a sealed manner to the munition body by means of at least one inflatable bladder secured to the funnel and coming to bear against a cylindrical body surface 'a raises solidarity of the body.
  • the sliding bowl can also carry an endoscopic sensor to visualize the level of casting.
  • the vacuum means will comprise at least one vacuum pump connected on the one hand to the tank and on the other hand to the funnel, a first stop valve being interposed between the pump and the tank and a second cock of the stopping being interposed between the pump and the funnel, control means for opening and / or closing each valve as well as the control of the pouring valve.
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a casting installation 1 according to the invention.
  • Each shell 2 carries a riser 2a which is intended to facilitate the casting and which allows to leave a block of explosive outside the shell body, block on which occur deformations and shrinkage related to cooling. This block is disengaged from the shell after cooling.
  • the installation 1 mainly comprises a pouring vessel 4 which is disposed above one of the munition bodies 2. Concretely the tank 4 will be fixed on a support not shown and position the ammunition body 2 by moving the pallet 3.
  • the tank 4 is made in a conventional manner in a material resistant to corrosion, for example stainless steel. It comprises a lid 4a which can be tilted to close the tank in a sealed manner. It contains an agitator means 5, which is shown very schematically here, and which comprises in a well known manner rotary blades driven by a motor (not shown).
  • the tank 4 comprises a nozzle 4b closed by a pouring valve 6 whose opening and closing are controlled by a control means 7, for example a programmable controller.
  • the tank 5 is connected to a first heating means 8a, such as a boiler.
  • a coolant is passed from the boiler 8a to the tank via a pipe 9 on which a thermostatic valve 10 is placed.
  • the tank has a double wall inside which can circulate the heat transfer fluid.
  • the nozzle 4b is connected to a second boiler 8b by a thermostatic valve 11. This ensures a homogeneous temperature of the explosive material both inside the tank 4 at the nozzle 4b.
  • the implementation of two separate boilers ensures independent heating for the tank 4 and the nozzle 4b.
  • the temperature will be chosen according to the melting characteristics of the material to be cast. Generally for fusible explosive materials, the temperature is between 75 ° C and 100 ° C.
  • a melter 12 which is carried by a pivoting arm 13.
  • This element makes it possible to melt a pyrotechnic component before its introduction into the tank 4.
  • a first fuse component is introduced directly into the melter 12 in which it is melted.
  • the valve 16 can be opened in order to drain it into the tank 4 and mix it with the second component introduced progressively into the tank 4.
  • the agitator 5 will ensure the homogeneity of the mixture.
  • the latter is also connected to the first boiler 8a by a pipe 15 on which is disposed a thermostatic valve 14.
  • the various thermostatic valves 10, 11, 14 may advantageously be controlled by the temperature controller 7 (the links with the PLC are not shown for clarity of the figure).
  • temperature probes will be arranged at the level of the different pipes as well as the tank, the nozzle and the melter.
  • a pouring funnel 18 is fixed at a bottom of the tank, that is to say here to the nozzle 4b. It is intended to ensure the vacuum casting of the explosive in the munition body 2.
  • vacuum means 17 such as a vacuum pump
  • These means make it possible to carry out the vacuum at the level of the tank 4 and also at the level of the casting funnel 18, the nozzle 4b and the munition body 2 on which the funnel 18 is positioned.
  • the vacuum pump 17 is thus connected to the tank 4 by a pipe 21 on which is placed a first shut-off valve 22.
  • the vacuum pump 17 is also connected to the funnel 18 (more precisely to the nozzle 4b situated above the funnel) by a pipe 19 on which is placed a second shut-off valve 20.
  • each valve 20,22 and the control of the pouring valve 6 are provided by the programmable controller 7.
  • the method according to the invention aims to ensure a vacuum casting of the material in the munition body.
  • the structure of the shell bodies (hollow body with a single opening of relatively small diameter, of the order of 40 to 50 mm), makes it difficult to perform a vacuum casting.
  • the invention solves such a problem by proceeding to a vacuum of the interior of the body of the munition, by the pouring orifice itself, and independently of the vacuum made elsewhere in the tank.
  • This funnel 18 is integral with the nozzle 4b (or the bottom of the tank 4). It is constituted by a bucket 23 fixed to the tank 4 by screws (not shown) disposed at an outer collar 23a. Seals 24 ensure the seal at the attachment of the bucket 23 to the tank 4, which allows in particular the realization of the vacuum in the funnel 18 and the ammunition body 2 from the suction provided at the level of the nozzle 4b.
  • the funnel 18 also comprises a bowl 25 which is slidably mounted relative to the cup 23.
  • This bowl has an internal cylindrical portion 25a which slides in a complementary bore of the cup 23.
  • O-ring seals 26 are arranged in worn grooves by the bucket 23. They provide the desired seal against the vacuum.
  • the bowl 25 carries a circular plate 25b on which are fixed guide bushes 27 (regularly distributed angularly on the plate 25b), sleeves in which slide rods 28 integral with the collar 23a of the bucket.
  • This motorization is for example constituted by a small linear jack which is positioned in instead of one of the sockets 27 / rods 28.
  • the front part of the sliding bowl 25 is in the form of a ring 29 which is connected to the bowl 25 (via the plate 25b) by a ball joint.
  • the ring 29 has a spherical outer profile and that it is housed in a complementary cavity carried by the plate 25b.
  • the fastening of the ring 29 and the plate is ensured by a washer 30 which is screwed to the plate 25b and which also has a spherical profile complementary to that of the ring 29.
  • Seals 31 are provided between the ring 29 and the bowl 25. These seals are arranged between the ring 29 and the plate 25b and between the ring 29 and the washer 30.
  • the ring 29 is intended to provide a seal against the vacuum between the funnel 18 and the ammunition body 2 (and more particularly here between the funnel 18 and the riser 2a of the shell).
  • the front portion of the sliding bowl 25, which is constituted by the ring 29, comprises a front portion provided with a circular groove 32 which is intended to cooperate with the upper cylindrical end 33 of the riser 2a.
  • a seal 34 is disposed at the bottom of this groove 32. This seal will be crushed by the upper end 33 of the riser during positioning of the funnel 18.
  • the sliding bowl 25 incorporates an internal deflector (or nozzle) 35 which delimits a passage whose diameter is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the ring 29.
  • This deflector is made for example of bronze and is fixed to the bowl 25. a demountable way. Indeed we can change the deflector 35 to vary the casting diameter to adapt the device to a different shell body. The deflector 35 guides the explosive material during casting avoiding any contact between this material and the ring 29.
  • the figure 3 shows the funnel when in casting position.
  • the motor (controlled by the programmable controller 7) has moved down the plate 25b bearing the ring 29.
  • the latter has capped the extension 2a of the ammunition body 2.
  • the ball joint allows to allow a slight misalignment at this time. positioning which facilitates the loading operations by allowing a slight uncertainty of positioning of the pallet 3 with respect to the funnel 18.
  • the seal 34 is crushed by the end 33 of the riser 2a.
  • the pouring funnel 18 then ensures a tight connection between the munition body 2 and the tank 4.
  • the lid 4a of the vessel 4 is closed again.
  • the components are then kneaded to obtain a homogeneous paste in composition and temperature.
  • Temperature probes arranged inside the tank will control the evolution of the process.
  • a vacuum is produced, first of all at the tundish 4. For this, the valve 22 is opened, the valve 20 being closed. Valve 22 is then closed to isolate this vessel under vacuum.
  • the filling of the ammunition body 2 is then assured despite the viscosity of the mixture.
  • valve 6 After obtaining the desired filling level, the valve 6 is closed again.
  • the volume measurement is ensured by means of an endoscopic probe 36 ( figure 3 ) which is introduced radially into the funnel 18 through a hole 37.
  • This probe carries an optical sensor 39 which is arranged radially relative to the probe so as to observe the contents of the riser 2a.
  • the probe 36 is slidably and sealingly disposed in this hole and it does not disturb the vacuum obtained.
  • the probe is connected to a monitoring screen 38 ( figure 1 ) which is accessible to the casting operator.
  • the method and the device according to the invention are of course adaptable to other types of ammunition than shell bodies, for example to the vacuum casting of explosive charges of missiles, rockets or bombs.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for casting very viscous materials.
  • the vacuum is preferably made in the tank 4 and then in the body 2 while ensuring a difference in the vacuum level between the body 2 and the tank.
  • the vacuum level will be chosen to be greater at the level of the body 2 than at the level of the tank 4, which will have the effect, during the opening of the pouring valve 6, of forcing the material of the tank towards the body 2
  • the difference in vacuum level will depend on the viscosity of the material.
  • the structure of the tank is different and the heating means of the tank and the nozzle are also different and regulated to maintain the materials at the necessary temperature level.
  • the casting will then be done by ensuring a difference in vacuum level between the munition body and the vessel which will allow the casting of these highly viscous materials.
  • the figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the funnel 18 is connected in a sealed manner to the body 2 of the munition via an inflatable bladder 40 integral with the funnel 18.
  • This bladder 40 is made of rubber and has a toric profile. It is secured here to the sliding bowl 25 to which it is fixed by sealed means, for example by annular crimps. It is connected by a pipe 43 to a pump 42 which ensures its inflation and which is actuated by the control means 7.
  • the extension 2a attached to the ammunition body 2 can be introduced into the funnel 18.
  • the bladder 40 is inflated to an appropriate pressure it is applied against a cylindrical surface 41 of the extension 2a and thus ensures tightness.
  • a deflector 35 guides the explosive material during casting avoiding contact between the material and the bladder 40.
  • the bladder 40 also allows to allow a slight misalignment during the positioning of the ammunition which facilitates operations loading by allowing a slight uncertainty of positioning of the pallet 3 with respect to the funnel 18.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Description

Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui des procédés et des dispositifs permettant le chargement par coulée d'un matériau explosif dans un corps de munition.The technical field of the invention is that of methods and devices for loading by casting an explosive material into a munition body.

Le chargement d'explosif par coulée est un procédé classique. Il comporte généralement au moins une cuve de coulée qui est remplie d'un matériau explosif maintenu à l'état liquide.Explosive loading by casting is a conventional method. It generally comprises at least one tundish which is filled with an explosive material maintained in the liquid state.

La plupart du temps les coulées mettent en oeuvre des explosifs associant un explosif fusible tel que le trinitrotoluène et des explosifs en grains (tels que l'hexogène et l'Octogène).Most of the times the castings use explosives associating a fuse explosive such as trinitrotoluene and explosives in grains (such as hexogen and Octogen).

Le mélange est réalisé le plus souvent au niveau de la cuve dans laquelle on introduit tout d'abord l'explosif fusible puis les autres explosifs solides en grains. La cuve est munie d'un moyen agitateur qui permet d'assurer un mélange homogène des composants. Elle est par ailleurs maintenue à une température qui est celle maintenant l'explosif à l'état fondu (de l'ordre de 90° pour le trinitrotoluène).The mixture is most often made at the level of the tank into which the fusible explosive is introduced first and then the other solid explosives in grains. The tank is provided with a stirring means that ensures a homogeneous mixture of components. It is also maintained at a temperature which is that now the explosive in the molten state (of the order of 90 ° for trinitrotoluene).

Lorsque le mélange est homogène, le corps de munition (par exemple un obus muni d'une rehausse) est positionné au-dessous d'une cuve. La vanne de coulée est ouverte ce qui permet l'écoulement par gravité de l'explosif dans le corps de munition.When the mixture is homogeneous, the ammunition body (for example a shell equipped with a riser) is positioned below a tank. The pouring valve is open which allows gravity flow of the explosive into the munition body.

On procède ensuite au refroidissement progressif du corps de munition chargé (à l'intérieur d'étuves appropriées et pilotées en température), ce qui conduit à la solidification du chargement. La rehausse permet d'une façon classique, d'une part de former un entonnoir de coulée et d'autre part de localiser les déformations ou retassures de la face libre de l'explosif au niveau d'un élément qui sera retiré, elle favorise également l'enrichissement en cristaux énergétiques (hexogène, Octogène) du chargement en explosif du corps. On assure ainsi une meilleure homogénéité du chargement de l'obus.The charged body is then progressively cooled (inside suitable incubators and controlled in temperature), which leads to the solidification of the load. The riser conventionally makes it possible, on the one hand, to form a casting funnel and, on the other hand, to locate the deformations or sinkings of the free face of the explosive at the level of an element that will be removed. also the energetic crystal enrichment (hexogen, Octogen) of explosive loading of the body. This ensures a better homogeneity of the loading of the shell.

Le procédé de coulée classique présente cependant des limites lorsque le matériau explosif que l'on souhaite charger est extrêmement visqueux.The conventional casting process, however, has limitations when the explosive material to be loaded is extremely viscous.

Les explosifs à viscosité élevée sont par exemple les explosifs composites, qui incorporent des liants qui doivent être polymérisés après coulée, ou bien des explosifs fusionnables à la chaleur mais qui incorporent des additifs accroissant fortement leur viscosité.High-viscosity explosives are, for example, composite explosives, which incorporate binders that must be polymerized after casting, or heat-fusible explosives that incorporate additives that greatly increase their viscosity.

On développe ainsi aujourd'hui des matériaux explosifs fusionnables et à vulnérabilité réduite qui associent le trinitrotoluène (ou d'autres explosifs fusionnables) à un explosif en grain peu sensible (l'oxynitrotriazole ou ONTA) et à un ou plusieurs liants organiques tels que des cires.Mergeable, reduced-vulnerability explosive materials are now being developed that combine trinitrotoluene (or other fusible explosives) with a low-sensitive grain explosive (oxynitrotriazole or ONTA) and one or more organic binders such as waxes.

Le brevet EP914069 décrit différents exemples de ces compositions.The patent EP914069 describes different examples of these compositions.

La formulation des compositions permettant d'assurer leur caractère insensible conduit à une viscosité qui reste importante même autour de 90°C (viscosité de l'ordre de 20 à 30 poises).The formulation of the compositions to ensure their insensibility leads to a viscosity that remains high even around 90 ° C (viscosity of the order of 20 to 30 poises).

Ces explosifs sont donc difficiles à charger en mettant en oeuvre les moyens de coulée par gravité classiques. On connaît par le brevet FR1184260 un procédé de coulée d'un matériau explosif fusible selon le préambule de la revendication indépendante 1 ainsi qu'un dispositif delon le préambule de la revendication indépendante 2. Suivant ce procédé on positionne la cuve sur la munition par l'intermédiaire d'un boîtier entonnoir qui est mis en dépression pour faciliter le chargement. Cependant ce procédé est mal adapté à la coulée d'explosif visqueux. En effet la mise sous vide proposée par ce brevet intervient simultanément à la coulée. On ne maîtrise donc pas le niveau de vide réalisé.These explosives are therefore difficult to load by implementing the conventional gravity casting means. We know by the patent FR1184260 a casting method of a fuse explosive material according to the preamble of the independent claim 1 and a device delon the preamble of the independent claim 2. According to this method the tank is positioned on the ammunition via a housing funnel that is depressed to facilitate loading. However, this method is poorly suited to the casting of viscous explosive. Indeed the vacuum proposed by this patent occurs simultaneously casting. We do not control the level of vacuum achieved.

Le brevet FR2428228 propose un procédé de fabrication de corps explosif par coulée sous vide. Selon ce procédé un bol de coulée chauffé est relié à un moule par un dispositif de transfert incorporant une membrane qui est rompue par une surpression dans le bol par rapport au moule. Ce procédé est difficile à maîtriser et il nécessite le remplacement de la membrane pour chaque coulée.The patent FR2428228 proposes a method of manufacturing an explosive body by vacuum casting. According to this method a heated casting bowl is connected to a mold by a transfer device incorporating a membrane which is broken by an overpressure in the bowl relative to the mold. This process is difficult to control and it requires the replacement of the membrane for each casting.

Le brevet WO03/078919 décrit un procédé de chargement de munition dans lequel le corps de munition est obturé par un couvercle relié à un moyen de mise sous vide. Ce document ne décrit pas cependant la structure de la cuve de coulée ni comment cette dernière est raccordée à la munition pour réaliser la coulée.The patent WO03 / 078919 describes an ammunition loading process in which the ammunition body is closed by a lid connected to a means of evacuation. However, this document does not describe the structure of the tundish or how it is connected to the munition for casting.

Le brevet WO03/078356 décrit par ailleurs une installation permettant la coulée d'explosifs composites. Le but recherché par ce brevet est spécifique aux composites : réaliser le mélange primaire / durcisseur le plus en aval possible. Suivant ce brevet la cuve chargée d'explosif est alors pressurisée à l'aide d'un cylindre hydraulique afin de forcer le mélange explosif / durcisseur au travers d'un mélangeur statique.The patent WO03 / 078356 describes an installation for casting composite explosives. The purpose of this patent is specific to composites: to make the primary mix / hardener as far downstream as possible. According to this patent, the tank charged with explosive is then pressurized with the aid of a hydraulic cylinder in order to force the explosive / hardening mixture through a static mixer.

C'est le but de l'invention que de proposer un procédé permettant de faciliter la coulée des explosifs (notamment des explosifs très visqueux) tout en améliorant la qualité du chargement obtenu.It is the object of the invention to provide a method for facilitating the casting of explosives (especially highly viscous explosives) while improving the quality of the resulting load.

Ainsi, l'invention a pour objet un procédé de coulée d'un matériau explosif dans un corps de munition, procédé dans lequel le matériau explosif est mis en place à l'état liquide ou pâteux dans le corps de munition par l'intermédiaire d'une cuve de coulée fermée par une vanne de coulée et disposée au-dessus du corps de munition, procédé dans lequel on procède à une coulée sous vide du matériau dans le corps de munition, le vide étant réalisé dans la cuve d'une part et dans le corps de munition d'autre part avant de réaliser la coulée, procédé caractérisé en ce qu'on positionne avant la coulée le corps de munition en dessous de la cuve puis on interpose un entonnoir de coulée assurant une connexion étanche entre la cuve de coulée et le corps de munition, on réalise ensuite le vide tout d'abord au niveau de la cuve de coulée puis on isole cette cuve, on réalise le vide enfin dans le corps de munition et l'entonnoir relié d'une façon étanche au corps de munition, le niveau de vide dans le corps de munition et l'entonnoir étant plus poussé que le niveau de vide dans la cuve, puis on ouvre la vanne de coulée.Thus, the subject of the invention is a process for casting an explosive material in a munition body, in which process the explosive material is placed in the liquid or pasty state in the munition body via a pouring vessel closed by a pouring valve and disposed above the munition body, in which method the material is poured under vacuum into the munition body, the vacuum being produced in the tank on the one hand; and in the ammunition body on the other hand before carrying out the casting, characterized in that it positions before casting the munition body below the tank and then interposes a casting funnel ensuring a sealed connection between the tank casting and the ammunition body, it is then carried out first of all at the level of the casting vessel and then this vessel is isolated, the vacuum is finally made in the ammunition body and the funnel connected in a sealed manner to the body of ammunition, the level of vacuum in the ammunition body and the funnel being pushed more than the level of vacuum in the tank, then the casting valve is opened.

L'invention vise également un dispositif de coulée d'un tel matériau, dispositif facilitant l'adaptation de ce procédé de coulée à tous types de corps de munitions et en mettant en oeuvre des moyens simples et consommant une énergie minimale.The invention also relates to a casting device of such a material, a device facilitating the adaptation of this casting process to all types of ammunition bodies and implementing simple means and consuming minimal energy.

Selon l'invention, ce dispositif de coulée d'un matériau explosif dans un corps de munition comprend une cuve de coulée étanche fermée par une vanne de coulée et qui est disposée au-dessus du corps de munition muni éventuellement d'une rehausse, ce dispositif est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un entonnoir de coulée interposé entre la cuve de coulée et le corps de munition (ou la rehausse), entonnoir qui peut être relié d'une façon étanche tant au corps de munition qu'à la cuve, des moyens de mise sous vide étant prévus pour réaliser le vide tant au niveau de la cuve qu'au niveau du corps de munition et de l'entonnoir, ces moyens assurant un niveau de vide dans le corps de munition et l'entonnoir qui est plus poussé que le niveau de vide dans la cuve.According to the invention, this device for casting an explosive material in an ammunition body comprises a sealed casting vessel closed by a pouring valve and which is disposed above the munition body possibly provided with a riser, which device is characterized in that it comprises at least one casting funnel interposed between the casting tank and the ammunition body (or the riser) funnel which can be connected in a sealed manner to both the ammunition body and the tank, means of evacuation being provided to achieve the vacuum at the level of the tank at the level of the munition body and the funnel, these means ensuring a vacuum level in the munition body and the funnel that is further than the level of vacuum in the tank.

L'entonnoir pourra être solidaire d'un fond de la cuve et comporter un bol coulissant par rapport à un godet fixe, bol destiné à venir coiffer une partie supérieure du corps de munition (ou de la rehausse).The funnel may be integral with a bottom of the tank and have a sliding bowl relative to a fixed bucket, bowl intended to cap an upper part of the ammunition body (or raises).

Le bol coulissant pourra comporter une partie avant munie d'une rainure circulaire destinée à coopérer avec une partie supérieure du corps de munition (ou de la rehausse), rainure au fond de laquelle sera disposé un joint d'étanchéité.The sliding bowl may comprise a front portion provided with a circular groove intended to cooperate with an upper portion of the ammunition body (or the riser) groove at the bottom of which will be disposed a seal.

La partie avant du bol coulissant pourra être réalisée sous la forme d'une bague liée au bol par une liaison rotule.The front part of the sliding bowl can be made in the form of a ring connected to the bowl by a ball joint.

Le bol coulissant pourra comporter un déflecteur interne délimitant un trou de diamètre inférieur ou égal au diamètre interne de la bague, déflecteur guidant le matériau explosif lors de la coulée.The sliding bowl may include an internal baffle delimiting a hole of diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the ring deflector guiding the explosive material during casting.

Selon une variante de réalisation, l'entonnoir pourra être relié d'une façon étanche au corps de munition par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une vessie gonflable solidaire de l'entonnoir et venant s'appliquer contre une portée cylindrique du corps ou d'une rehausse solidaire du corps.According to an alternative embodiment, the funnel may be connected in a sealed manner to the munition body by means of at least one inflatable bladder secured to the funnel and coming to bear against a cylindrical body surface 'a raises solidarity of the body.

Le bol coulissant pourra aussi porter un capteur endoscopique permettant de visualiser le niveau de coulée.The sliding bowl can also carry an endoscopic sensor to visualize the level of casting.

Les moyens de mise sous vide comprendront au moins une pompe à vide raccordée d'une part à la cuve et d'autre part à l'entonnoir, un premier robinet d'arrêt étant interposé entre la pompe et la cuve et un deuxième robinet d'arrêt étant interposé entre la pompe et l'entonnoir, des moyens de commande permettant l'ouverture et/ou la fermeture de chaque robinet ainsi que la commande de la vanne de coulée.The vacuum means will comprise at least one vacuum pump connected on the one hand to the tank and on the other hand to the funnel, a first stop valve being interposed between the pump and the tank and a second cock of the stopping being interposed between the pump and the funnel, control means for opening and / or closing each valve as well as the control of the pouring valve.

D'autres avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode particulier de réalisation, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un synoptique général d'une installation de coulée mettant en oeuvre le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un mode de réalisation d'un entonnoir de coulée selon l'invention, entonnoir représenté en position inactive, éloigné du corps de munition,
  • la figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 2 mais représente l'entonnoir de coulée en position active, accouplé au corps de munition, et
  • la figure 4 montre une variante de réalisation des moyens d'étanchéité.
Other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a particular embodiment, a description given with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a general block diagram of a casting installation implementing the method and the device according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a pouring funnel according to the invention, funnel shown in an inactive position, remote from the munition body,
  • the figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 but represents the casting funnel in the active position, coupled to the ammunition body, and
  • the figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the sealing means.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement une installation 1 de coulée selon l'invention.The figure 1 schematically represents a casting installation 1 according to the invention.

Cette installation est destinée à assurer le chargement en explosif de plusieurs corps de munitions 2, ici des obus d'artillerie disposés sur une palette de transport 3 déplaçable. Chaque obus 2 porte une rehausse 2a qui a pour but de faciliter la coulée et qui permet de laisser un bloc d'explosif en dehors du corps d'obus, bloc sur lequel se produisent les déformations et retassures liées au refroidissement. Ce bloc est désolidarisé de l'obus après refroidissement.This installation is intended to ensure the explosive loading of several ammunition bodies 2, here artillery shells arranged on a transport pallet 3 movable. Each shell 2 carries a riser 2a which is intended to facilitate the casting and which allows to leave a block of explosive outside the shell body, block on which occur deformations and shrinkage related to cooling. This block is disengaged from the shell after cooling.

L'installation 1 comprend principalement une cuve de coulée 4 qui est disposée au-dessus d'un des corps 2 de munition. Concrètement la cuve 4 sera fixée sur un support non représenté et on positionnera le corps de munition 2 en déplaçant la palette 3.The installation 1 mainly comprises a pouring vessel 4 which is disposed above one of the munition bodies 2. Concretely the tank 4 will be fixed on a support not shown and position the ammunition body 2 by moving the pallet 3.

La cuve 4 est réalisée d'une façon classique en un matériau résistant à la corrosion par exemple en acier inoxydable. Elle comporte un couvercle 4a qui peut être basculé pour refermer la cuve d'une façon étanche. Elle renferme un moyen agitateur 5, qui est représenté très schématiquement ici, et qui comporte d'une façon bien connue des pales rotatives entraînées par un moteur (non représenté).The tank 4 is made in a conventional manner in a material resistant to corrosion, for example stainless steel. It comprises a lid 4a which can be tilted to close the tank in a sealed manner. It contains an agitator means 5, which is shown very schematically here, and which comprises in a well known manner rotary blades driven by a motor (not shown).

A sa partie inférieure, la cuve 4 comporte une buse 4b obturée par une vanne de coulée 6 dont l'ouverture et la fermeture sont pilotées par un moyen de commande 7, par exemple un automate programmable.At its lower part, the tank 4 comprises a nozzle 4b closed by a pouring valve 6 whose opening and closing are controlled by a control means 7, for example a programmable controller.

D'une façon encore très classique et bien connue de l'Homme du Métier, la cuve 5 est reliée à un premier moyen de chauffage 8a, tel une chaudière. Un fluide caloporteur est conduit de la chaudière 8a à la cuve par une conduite 9 sur laquelle est placée une vanne thermostatique 10.In a still very conventional manner and well known to those skilled in the art, the tank 5 is connected to a first heating means 8a, such as a boiler. A coolant is passed from the boiler 8a to the tank via a pipe 9 on which a thermostatic valve 10 is placed.

La cuve comporte une double paroi à l'intérieur de laquelle peut circuler le fluide caloporteur.The tank has a double wall inside which can circulate the heat transfer fluid.

On voit sur la figure 1 que la buse 4b est reliée à une deuxième chaudière 8b par une vanne thermostatique 11. On assure ainsi une homogénéité de la température du matériau explosif tant à l'intérieur de la cuve 4 qu'au niveau de la buse 4b. La mise en oeuvre de deux chaudières distinctes permet d'assurer une chauffe indépendante pour la cuve 4 et la buse 4b. La température sera choisie en fonction des caractéristiques de fusion du matériau à couler. Généralement pour les matériaux explosifs fusibles, la température est comprise entre 75 °C et 100 °C.We see on the figure 1 that the nozzle 4b is connected to a second boiler 8b by a thermostatic valve 11. This ensures a homogeneous temperature of the explosive material both inside the tank 4 at the nozzle 4b. The implementation of two separate boilers ensures independent heating for the tank 4 and the nozzle 4b. The temperature will be chosen according to the melting characteristics of the material to be cast. Generally for fusible explosive materials, the temperature is between 75 ° C and 100 ° C.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un fondoir 12 qui est porté par un bras pivotant 13. Cet élément permet de réaliser une fusion d'un composant pyrotechnique avant son introduction dans la cuve 4. Une telle disposition est intéressante lorsque le mélange explosif associe une composition fusible avec des composants solides. Dans ce cas un premier composant fusible est introduit directement dans le fondoir 12 dans lequel il est fondu. Lorsque le premier composant est fondu, on peut ouvrir la vanne 16 afin de le vidanger dans la cuve 4 et le mélanger au deuxième composant introduit progressivement dans la cuve 4. L'agitateur 5 assurera l'homogénéité du mélange.We have shown on the figure 1 a melter 12 which is carried by a pivoting arm 13. This element makes it possible to melt a pyrotechnic component before its introduction into the tank 4. Such an arrangement is advantageous when the explosive mixture associates a fuse composition with solid components. In this case a first fuse component is introduced directly into the melter 12 in which it is melted. When the first component is melted, the valve 16 can be opened in order to drain it into the tank 4 and mix it with the second component introduced progressively into the tank 4. The agitator 5 will ensure the homogeneity of the mixture.

Pour assurer la chauffe du fondoir 12, ce dernier est lui aussi relié à la première chaudière 8a par une canalisation 15 sur laquelle est disposée une vanne thermostatique 14.To ensure the heating of the melter 12, the latter is also connected to the first boiler 8a by a pipe 15 on which is disposed a thermostatic valve 14.

Les différentes vannes thermostatiques 10, 11, 14 pourront avantageusement être pilotées en températures par l'automate 7 (les liaisons avec l'automate ne sont pas représentées pour la clarté de la figure). Pour cela des sondes de températures seront disposées au niveau des différentes canalisations ainsi que de la cuve, de la buse et du fondoir.The various thermostatic valves 10, 11, 14 may advantageously be controlled by the temperature controller 7 (the links with the PLC are not shown for clarity of the figure). For this purpose, temperature probes will be arranged at the level of the different pipes as well as the tank, the nozzle and the melter.

Conformément à une caractéristique de l'invention, un entonnoir de coulée 18 est fixé au niveau d'un fond de la cuve, c'est à dire ici à la buse 4b. Il est destiné à permettre d'assurer la coulée sous vide de l'explosif dans le corps de munition 2.According to a feature of the invention, a pouring funnel 18 is fixed at a bottom of the tank, that is to say here to the nozzle 4b. It is intended to ensure the vacuum casting of the explosive in the munition body 2.

Ainsi des moyens de mise sous vide 17 (tel une pompe à vide) sont également prévus. Ces moyens permettent de réaliser le vide au niveau de la cuve 4 et également au niveau de l'entonnoir de coulée 18, de la buse 4b et du corps de munition 2 sur lequel est positionné l'entonnoir 18.Thus vacuum means 17 (such as a vacuum pump) are also provided. These means make it possible to carry out the vacuum at the level of the tank 4 and also at the level of the casting funnel 18, the nozzle 4b and the munition body 2 on which the funnel 18 is positioned.

La pompe à vide 17 est ainsi raccordée à la cuve 4 par une conduite 21 sur laquelle est placé un premier robinet d'arrêt 22.The vacuum pump 17 is thus connected to the tank 4 by a pipe 21 on which is placed a first shut-off valve 22.

La pompe à vide 17 est par ailleurs reliée à l'entonnoir 18 (plus précisément à la buse 4b située au-dessus de l'entonnoir) par une conduite 19 sur laquelle est placé un deuxième robinet d'arrêt 20.The vacuum pump 17 is also connected to the funnel 18 (more precisely to the nozzle 4b situated above the funnel) by a pipe 19 on which is placed a second shut-off valve 20.

L'ouverture et/ou la fermeture de chaque robinet 20,22 ainsi que la commande de la vanne de coulée 6 sont assurées par l'automate programmable 7.The opening and / or closing of each valve 20,22 and the control of the pouring valve 6 are provided by the programmable controller 7.

On remarque sur la figure que les conduites 19 et 21 communiquent entre elles en amont des robinets 20,22 ce qui permet de réaliser un équilibrage du vide entre cuve et entonnoir.It can be seen in the figure that the pipes 19 and 21 communicate with each other upstream of the taps 20, 22 which allows to realize a balance of the vacuum between tank and funnel.

Le procédé selon l'invention vise en effet à assurer une coulée sous vide du matériau dans le corps de munition.The method according to the invention aims to ensure a vacuum casting of the material in the munition body.

La structure des corps d'obus (corps creux avec une seule ouverture de diamètre relativement réduit, de l'ordre de 40 à 50mm), rend difficile la réalisation d'une coulée sous vide.The structure of the shell bodies (hollow body with a single opening of relatively small diameter, of the order of 40 to 50 mm), makes it difficult to perform a vacuum casting.

Il n'est bien entendu pas envisageable de réaliser le vide à l'extérieur du corps de l'obus (pour des raisons de facilité de mise en oeuvre et pour réduire aussi l'énergie nécessaire à la mise sous vide) et par ailleurs aucun autre orifice n'est disponible que celui permettant la coulée.It is of course not conceivable to realize the vacuum outside the body of the shell (for reasons of ease of implementation and also to reduce the energy required for the vacuum) and otherwise no another orifice is only available for pouring.

L'invention permet de résoudre un tel problème en procédant à une mise sous vide de l'intérieur du corps de la munition, par l'orifice de coulée lui-même, et indépendamment du vide réalisé par ailleurs dans la cuve.The invention solves such a problem by proceeding to a vacuum of the interior of the body of the munition, by the pouring orifice itself, and independently of the vacuum made elsewhere in the tank.

Les figures 2 et 3 montrent d'une façon plus précise la structure de l'entonnoir de coulée 18.The figures 2 and 3 show in a more precise way the structure of the casting funnel 18.

Cet entonnoir 18 est solidaire de la buse 4b (ou du fond de la cuve 4). Il est constitué par un godet 23 fixé à la cuve 4 par des vis (non représentées) disposées au niveau d'une collerette externe 23a. Des joints 24 assurent l'étanchéité au niveau de la fixation du godet 23 sur la cuve 4, ce qui permet notamment la réalisation du vide dans l'entonnoir 18 et le corps de munition 2 à partir de l'aspiration assurée au niveau de la buse 4b.This funnel 18 is integral with the nozzle 4b (or the bottom of the tank 4). It is constituted by a bucket 23 fixed to the tank 4 by screws (not shown) disposed at an outer collar 23a. Seals 24 ensure the seal at the attachment of the bucket 23 to the tank 4, which allows in particular the realization of the vacuum in the funnel 18 and the ammunition body 2 from the suction provided at the level of the nozzle 4b.

L'entonnoir 18 comporte également un bol 25 qui est monté coulissant par rapport au godet 23. Ce bol comporte une partie cylindrique interne 25a qui glisse dans un alésage complémentaire du godet 23. Des joints d'étanchéité toriques 26 sont disposés dans des gorges portées par le godet 23. Ils assurent l'étanchéité souhaitée vis à vis du vide.The funnel 18 also comprises a bowl 25 which is slidably mounted relative to the cup 23. This bowl has an internal cylindrical portion 25a which slides in a complementary bore of the cup 23. O-ring seals 26 are arranged in worn grooves by the bucket 23. They provide the desired seal against the vacuum.

Le bol 25 porte un plateau circulaire 25b sur lequel sont fixées des douilles de guidage 27 (régulièrement réparties angulairement sur le plateau 25b), douilles dans lesquelles coulissent des tiges 28 solidaires de la collerette 23a du godet.The bowl 25 carries a circular plate 25b on which are fixed guide bushes 27 (regularly distributed angularly on the plate 25b), sleeves in which slide rods 28 integral with the collar 23a of the bucket.

Une motorisation (non visible sur les figures) est disposée entre la collerette 23a et le plateau 25b de façon à commander le déplacement axial du bol 25 par rapport au godet 23. Cette motorisation est par exemple constituée par un petit vérin linéaire qui est positionné en lieu et place d'une des douilles 27 / tiges 28.An operator (not visible in the figures) is arranged between the flange 23a and the plate 25b so as to control the axial displacement of the bowl 25 relative to the bucket 23. This motorization is for example constituted by a small linear jack which is positioned in instead of one of the sockets 27 / rods 28.

La partie avant du bol coulissant 25 est réalisée sous la forme d'une bague 29 qui est liée au bol 25 (par l'intermédiaire du plateau 25b) par une liaison rotule.The front part of the sliding bowl 25 is in the form of a ring 29 which is connected to the bowl 25 (via the plate 25b) by a ball joint.

On voit ainsi sur la figure 2 que la bague 29 a un profil externe sphérique et qu'elle se loge dans une empreinte complémentaire portée par le plateau 25b. La solidarisation de la bague 29 et du plateau est assurée par une rondelle 30 qui est vissée au plateau 25b et qui comporte elle aussi un profil sphérique complémentaire de celui de la bague 29.So we see on the figure 2 that the ring 29 has a spherical outer profile and that it is housed in a complementary cavity carried by the plate 25b. The fastening of the ring 29 and the plate is ensured by a washer 30 which is screwed to the plate 25b and which also has a spherical profile complementary to that of the ring 29.

Des joints d'étanchéité 31 sont prévus entre la bague 29 et le bol 25. Ces joints sont disposés entre la bague 29 et le plateau 25b et entre la bague 29 et la rondelle 30.Seals 31 are provided between the ring 29 and the bowl 25. These seals are arranged between the ring 29 and the plate 25b and between the ring 29 and the washer 30.

La bague 29 est destinée à venir assurer l'étanchéité vis à vis du vide entre l'entonnoir 18 et le corps de munition 2 (et plus particulièrement ici entre l'entonnoir 18 et la rehausse 2a de l'obus).The ring 29 is intended to provide a seal against the vacuum between the funnel 18 and the ammunition body 2 (and more particularly here between the funnel 18 and the riser 2a of the shell).

A cet effet la partie avant du bol coulissant 25, qui est ici constituée par la bague 29, comporte une partie avant munie d'une rainure circulaire 32 qui est destinée à coopérer avec l'extrémité cylindrique supérieure 33 de la rehausse 2a.For this purpose the front portion of the sliding bowl 25, which is constituted by the ring 29, comprises a front portion provided with a circular groove 32 which is intended to cooperate with the upper cylindrical end 33 of the riser 2a.

Un joint d'étanchéité 34 est disposé au fond de cette rainure 32. Ce joint sera écrasé par l'extrémité supérieure 33 de la rehausse lors du positionnement de l'entonnoir 18.A seal 34 is disposed at the bottom of this groove 32. This seal will be crushed by the upper end 33 of the riser during positioning of the funnel 18.

Enfin le bol coulissant 25 incorpore un déflecteur (ou buse) interne 35 qui délimite un passage dont le diamètre est inférieur ou égal au diamètre interne de la bague 29. Ce déflecteur est réalisé par exemple en bronze et il est fixé au bol 25 d'une façon démontable. En effet on pourra changer le déflecteur 35 pour faire varier le diamètre de coulée pour adapter le dispositif à un corps d'obus différent. Le déflecteur 35 permet de guider le matériau explosif lors de la coulée en évitant tout contact entre ce matériau et la bague 29.Finally, the sliding bowl 25 incorporates an internal deflector (or nozzle) 35 which delimits a passage whose diameter is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the ring 29. This deflector is made for example of bronze and is fixed to the bowl 25. a demountable way. Indeed we can change the deflector 35 to vary the casting diameter to adapt the device to a different shell body. The deflector 35 guides the explosive material during casting avoiding any contact between this material and the ring 29.

La figure 3 montre l'entonnoir lorsqu'il est en position de coulée. La motorisation (commandée par l'automate programmable 7) a déplacé vers le bas le plateau 25b portant la bague 29. Cette dernière a coiffé la rehausse 2a du corps de munition 2. La liaison rotule permet d'autoriser un léger désaxement lors de ce positionnement ce qui facilite les opérations de chargement en autorisant une légère incertitude de positionnement de la palette 3 par rapport à l'entonnoir 18.The figure 3 shows the funnel when in casting position. The motor (controlled by the programmable controller 7) has moved down the plate 25b bearing the ring 29. The latter has capped the extension 2a of the ammunition body 2. The ball joint allows to allow a slight misalignment at this time. positioning which facilitates the loading operations by allowing a slight uncertainty of positioning of the pallet 3 with respect to the funnel 18.

Le joint 34 est écrasé par l'extrémité 33 de la rehausse 2a. L'entonnoir de coulée 18 assure alors une liaison étanche entre le corps de munition 2 et la cuve 4.The seal 34 is crushed by the end 33 of the riser 2a. The pouring funnel 18 then ensures a tight connection between the munition body 2 and the tank 4.

Lorsque la pompe à vide 17 aspire l'air contenu dans la buse 4a (via le robinet 20) elle aspire aussi l'air contenu dans l'entonnoir 18 et dans le corps de munition 2.When the vacuum pump 17 draws air contained in the nozzle 4a (via the valve 20) it also sucks the air contained in the funnel 18 and in the ammunition body 2.

Conformément à l'invention, après avoir réalisé le mélange des différents composants on referme le couvercle 4a de la cuve 4. On réalise ensuite le malaxage des composants pour obtenir une pâte homogène en composition et en température. Des sondes de températures disposées à l'intérieur de la cuve permettront de contrôler l'évolution du procédé.According to the invention, after mixing the various components, the lid 4a of the vessel 4 is closed again. The components are then kneaded to obtain a homogeneous paste in composition and temperature. Temperature probes arranged inside the tank will control the evolution of the process.

Une fois obtenu un mélange homogène et prêt à être coulé, on réalise le vide, tout d'abord au niveau de la cuve de coulée 4. Pour cela on ouvre le robinet 22, le robinet 20 étant fermé. On ferme ensuite le robinet 22 pour isoler cette cuve sous vide.Once a homogeneous mixture has been obtained and ready to be cast, a vacuum is produced, first of all at the tundish 4. For this, the valve 22 is opened, the valve 20 being closed. Valve 22 is then closed to isolate this vessel under vacuum.

On réalise ensuite avec le moyen 17 le vide dans le corps 2 de munition et l'entonnoir 18 (qui a été auparavant relié d'une façon étanche au corps 2 de munition). Pour cela on ouvre le robinet 20, le robinet 22 étant fermé.Then, with the means 17, the vacuum is made in the ammunition body 2 and the funnel 18 (which has previously been sealed to the ammunition body 2). For this we open the valve 20, the valve 22 being closed.

On équilibre enfin les vides obtenus entre la cuve 4 et le corps de munition 2 en ouvrant le robinet 22.Finally, the voids obtained between the tank 4 and the munition body 2 are balanced by opening the valve 22.

L'équilibrage des pressions une fois assuré (à quelques centaines de pascals près), on commande l'ouverture de la vanne de coulée 6.The balancing of the pressures once assured (to a few hundreds of pascals), one controls the opening of the valve of casting 6.

Le remplissage du corps de munition 2 est alors assuré malgré la viscosité du mélange.The filling of the ammunition body 2 is then assured despite the viscosity of the mixture.

Après obtention du niveau de remplissage souhaité, on referme la vanne 6. La mesure du volume est assurée à l'aide d'une sonde endoscopique 36 (figure 3) qui est introduite radialement dans l'entonnoir 18 au travers d'un trou 37. Cette sonde porte un capteur optique 39 qui est disposé radialement par rapport à la sonde de façon à pouvoir observer le contenu de la rehausse 2a.After obtaining the desired filling level, the valve 6 is closed again. The volume measurement is ensured by means of an endoscopic probe 36 ( figure 3 ) which is introduced radially into the funnel 18 through a hole 37. This probe carries an optical sensor 39 which is arranged radially relative to the probe so as to observe the contents of the riser 2a.

Bien entendu, la sonde 36 est disposée d'une façon coulissante et étanche dans ce trou et elle ne perturbe pas le vide obtenu.Of course, the probe 36 is slidably and sealingly disposed in this hole and it does not disturb the vacuum obtained.

La sonde est reliée à un écran de surveillance 38 (figure 1) qui est accessible à l'opérateur chargé de la coulée.The probe is connected to a monitoring screen 38 ( figure 1 ) which is accessible to the casting operator.

Il observe sur cet écran le niveau de l'explosif obtenu dans la rehausse 2a et il arrête la coulée lorsque le niveau souhaité est atteint. Un repère visuel est prévu à l'intérieur de la rehausse. Il permet à l'opérateur de couler la quantité juste nécessaire.It observes on this screen the level of the explosive obtained in the riser 2a and stops the casting when the desired level is reached. A visual cue is provided inside the riser. It allows the operator to sink the quantity just needed.

Il est bien entendu possible de prévoir une sonde endoscopique 36 fixe à la condition d'avoir un godet 23 de longueur suffisante pour permettre le déplacement du bol 25 sans interférence mécanique avec la sonde.It is of course possible to provide an endoscopic probe 36 fixed to the condition of having a bucket 23 of sufficient length to allow movement of the bowl 25 without mechanical interference with the probe.

Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention sont bien entendu adaptables à d'autres types de munitions que des corps d'obus, par exemple à la coulée sous vide de charges explosives de missiles, de roquettes ou de bombes.The method and the device according to the invention are of course adaptable to other types of ammunition than shell bodies, for example to the vacuum casting of explosive charges of missiles, rockets or bombs.

Il suffit, pour mettre en oeuvre le dispositif, d'adapter la géométrie de l'entonnoir 18 (et plus particulièrement de la bague 29) à celle du corps de munition considéré, pour lequel on définira par exemple une rehausse spécifique pouvant coopérer avec l'entonnoir.It suffices, to implement the device, to adapt the geometry of the funnel 18 (and more particularly of the ring 29) to that of the munition body considered, for which we will define for example a specific enhancement that can cooperate with the 'funnel.

L'invention est particulièrement adaptée à la coulée de matériaux très visqueux. A cet effet, on réalisera de préférence le vide dans la cuve 4 puis dans le corps 2 tout en assurant une différence de niveau de vide entre le corps 2 et la cuve.The invention is particularly suitable for casting very viscous materials. For this purpose, the vacuum is preferably made in the tank 4 and then in the body 2 while ensuring a difference in the vacuum level between the body 2 and the tank.

Le niveau de vide sera choisi plus poussé au niveau du corps 2 qu'au niveau de la cuve 4 ce qui aura pour effet, lors de l'ouverture de la vanne de coulée 6, de forcer le matériau de la cuve vers le corps 2. La différence de niveau de vide dépendra de la viscosité du matériau.The vacuum level will be chosen to be greater at the level of the body 2 than at the level of the tank 4, which will have the effect, during the opening of the pouring valve 6, of forcing the material of the tank towards the body 2 The difference in vacuum level will depend on the viscosity of the material.

Il est ainsi possible de mettre en oeuvre le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention pour réaliser la coulée sous vide d'explosifs composites. Dans ce cas la structure de la cuve est différente et les moyens de chauffe de la cuve et de la buse sont également différents et régulés pour maintenir les matériaux au niveau de température nécessaire. La coulée se fera alors en assurant une différence de niveau de vide entre le corps de munition et la cuve ce qui permettra la coulée de ces matériaux très visqueux.It is thus possible to implement the method and the device according to the invention to achieve the vacuum casting of composite explosives. In this case the structure of the tank is different and the heating means of the tank and the nozzle are also different and regulated to maintain the materials at the necessary temperature level. The casting will then be done by ensuring a difference in vacuum level between the munition body and the vessel which will allow the casting of these highly viscous materials.

La figure 4 montre une variante de réalisation de l'invention dans laquelle l'entonnoir 18 est relié d'une façon étanche au corps 2 de la munition par l'intermédiaire d'une vessie gonflable 40 solidaire de l'entonnoir 18.The figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the funnel 18 is connected in a sealed manner to the body 2 of the munition via an inflatable bladder 40 integral with the funnel 18.

Cette vessie 40 est réalisée en caoutchouc et elle a un profil torique. Elle est solidaire ici du bol coulissant 25 auquel elle est fixée par des moyens étanches, par exemple par des sertissages annulaires. Elle est raccordée par une canalisation 43 à une pompe 42 qui assure son gonflage et qui est actionnée par les moyens de commande 7.This bladder 40 is made of rubber and has a toric profile. It is secured here to the sliding bowl 25 to which it is fixed by sealed means, for example by annular crimps. It is connected by a pipe 43 to a pump 42 which ensures its inflation and which is actuated by the control means 7.

Lorsque la vessie 40 est dégonflée, la rehausse 2a fixée au corps de munition 2 peut s'introduire dans l'entonnoir 18. Lorsque la vessie 40 est gonflée à une pression appropriée elle vient s'appliquer contre une portée cylindrique 41 de la rehausse 2a et assure ainsi l'étanchéité.When the bladder 40 is deflated, the extension 2a attached to the ammunition body 2 can be introduced into the funnel 18. When the bladder 40 is inflated to an appropriate pressure it is applied against a cylindrical surface 41 of the extension 2a and thus ensures tightness.

Là encore un déflecteur 35 permet de guider le matériau explosif lors de la coulée en évitant tout contact entre ce matériau et la vessie 40. La vessie 40 permet par ailleurs d'autoriser un léger désaxement lors du positionnement de la munition ce qui facilite les opérations de chargement en autorisant une légère incertitude de positionnement de la palette 3 par rapport à l'entonnoir 18.Again, a deflector 35 guides the explosive material during casting avoiding contact between the material and the bladder 40. The bladder 40 also allows to allow a slight misalignment during the positioning of the ammunition which facilitates operations loading by allowing a slight uncertainty of positioning of the pallet 3 with respect to the funnel 18.

Il est possible d'adapter ce mode de réalisation de l'invention au chargement de munitions de types ou formes différents. Il suffira pour cela de définir un entonnoir de forme adaptée dans lequel la vessie sera conformée pour s'adapter à une portée du corps de la munition au niveau de l'orifice de coulée (muni ou non d'une rehausse).It is possible to adapt this embodiment of the invention to the loading of ammunition of types or forms different. It will suffice for this purpose to define a suitably shaped funnel in which the bladder will be shaped to fit a range of the body of the munition at the pouring orifice (with or without a riser).

Claims (9)

  1. Process to cast an explosive material in the body (2) of a piece of ammunition, process in which the explosive material is put into place in the ammunition body (2) in a liquid or pasty state by means of a vessel (4) closed by a teeming orifice (6) and arranged above the ammunition body, process in which the material is vacuum cast into the ammunition body (2), the vacuum being made in the vessel (4) on the one hand and in the ammunition body (2) on the other before the casting operation is performed, process characterized in that the ammunition body (2) is positioned under the vessel (4) before casting, after which a feeding funnel (18) is put in place ensuring a sealed connection between the casting vessel (4) and the ammunition body (2), thereafter the vacuum is produced firstly in the casting vessel (4) which is then isolated, and secondly in the ammunition body (2) and the funnel (18) which is sealed onto the ammunition body, the vacuum level in the ammunition body and the funnel being higher than the vacuum level in the vessel, the teeming orifice is then opened.
  2. Device to cast an explosive material in an ammunition body (2) implementing the process according to the above Claim, device comprising a sealed casting vessel (4) closed by a teeming orifice (6) positioned above the ammunition body (2) and possibly equipped with an extension (2a), device characterized in that it comprises at least one feeding funnel (18) arranged between the casting vessel (4) and the ammunition body (2) (or extension), such funnel which may be linked and sealed to both the ammunition body (2) and the vessel (4), vacuum-producing means (17) being provided to produce the vacuum both in the vessel (4) and in the ammunition body (2) and the funnel (18), such means (17) ensuring a level of vacuum in the ammunition body and the funnel that is higher than that in the vessel.
  3. A casting device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the funnel (18) is integral with the vessel bottom and incorporates a bowl (25) able to slide with respect to a fixed cup (23), bowl intended to lie atop an upper part of the ammunition body (2) (or extension (2a)).
  4. A casting device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the sliding bowl (25) incorporating a front part equipped with a circular groove (32) intended to cooperate with an upper part of the ammunition body (2) (or with the extension (2a)) groove those bottom is arranged a seal (34).
  5. A casting device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the front part of the sliding bowl (25) is made in the form of a ring (29) linked to the bowl (25) by a ball joint.
  6. A casting device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sliding bowl (25) incorporates an internal baffle (35) delimiting a hole of a diameter that is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the ring (29) such baffle guiding the explosive material during casting.
  7. A casting device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the funnel is linked and sealed to the ammunition body (2) by means of at least one inflatable bladder integral with the funnel and coming into contact with a cylindrical seat of an extension (2a) integral with the body (2).
  8. A casting device according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the sliding bowl (25) has an endoscopic sensor (36) able to visualize the casting level.
  9. A casting device according to one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the vacuum-producing means comprise at least one vacuum pump (17) linked firstly to the vessel (4) and secondly to the funnel (18), a first stop valve (22) being positioned between the pump (17) and the vessel (4) and a second stop valve (20) being positioned between the pump (17) and funnel (18), control means (7) enabling the opening and/or closing of each stop valve as well as controlling the teeming orifice (6).
EP08871477.9A 2007-10-29 2008-10-27 Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method Active EP2215426B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL08871477T PL2215426T3 (en) 2007-10-29 2008-10-27 Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0707598A FR2923005B1 (en) 2007-10-29 2007-10-29 METHOD FOR CASTING AN EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL AND CASTING DEVICE USING SUCH A METHOD
PCT/FR2008/001513 WO2009092884A2 (en) 2007-10-29 2008-10-27 Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2215426A2 EP2215426A2 (en) 2010-08-11
EP2215426B1 true EP2215426B1 (en) 2013-07-10

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EP08871477.9A Active EP2215426B1 (en) 2007-10-29 2008-10-27 Method of casting an explosive material and casting device employing such a method

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2215426B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2428900T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2923005B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2215426T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2009092884A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2954308B1 (en) 2009-12-23 2012-02-24 Nexter Munitions FUSIBLE / COULABLE EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITION WITH REDUCED VULNERABILITY
CN105461494B (en) * 2015-11-12 2017-06-23 中国工程物理研究院化工材料研究所 For the device of the multiple parallel moulding by casting of explosive
CN109631692B (en) * 2018-12-25 2021-01-05 西安近代化学研究所 Ammunition in-situ mixed charging production line
CN110440644B (en) * 2019-08-20 2020-09-22 华南理工大学 Fusion cast explosive charging system and method

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE571958A (en) * 1957-10-11
SE435965B (en) * 1978-06-09 1984-10-29 Gylden Nils O PROCEDURE FOR PRODUCING ROTATION SYMMETRIC EXPLOSIVE BODIES BY VACUUM CASTING FOR USE IN CHARGES WITH DIRECTED EXPLOSION
GB0205559D0 (en) * 2002-03-11 2002-04-24 Bae Systems Plc Improvements in and relating to the filling of explosive ordnance
GB0205565D0 (en) * 2002-03-11 2002-04-24 Bae Systems Plc Explosives liner
DE202006004623U1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2006-06-08 TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH Casting device for pouring plastic-bound explosive comprises hollow section, evacuable funnel-shaped casting chamber connected over end of hollow section, and sealing evacuable closed chamber

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009092884A2 (en) 2009-07-30
EP2215426A2 (en) 2010-08-11
ES2428900T3 (en) 2013-11-12
PL2215426T3 (en) 2013-12-31
FR2923005A1 (en) 2009-05-01
WO2009092884A3 (en) 2009-10-01
FR2923005B1 (en) 2012-10-26

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