Universal means of initiation and device based on same

Abstract

A non-electric device of initiation is proposed, converting initial mechanical pulses into firing force or stimulating an explosive transformation, usable for initiating explosive devices or any means involving sanctioned detonation or combustion. The proposed device includes an element provided with an axial through-channel in the form of an insert or being integral with a housing of an igniter, munition, or pyrotechnic device. An igniting composition may be positioned in the channel. The proposed device can be triggered by any mechanical impulse, such as a shock impulse, a percussive impulse, or a grating impulse. The proposed device is standardized so as to work with various explosive devices, pyrotechnic devices and igniting compositions, provides for high operational reliability, a high level of safety, a long useful life of the initiator, simple and safe production, and an optional capability to avoid the use of metal components and phosphorus compositions.

Claims

1. Initiation device, characterized in that it is an element with an end-to-end axial channel and it is used as an insert or as a single unit with the case of an igniter, a shell or a pyrotechnical device.

2. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel is straight (cylindrical) or cone-shaped in the axial section, round or rectangular in the cross-section, or the channel walls are curved inwards and the inner channel walls are smooth, rough or corrugated.

3. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ignition compound (IC) is located in the channel.

4. Initiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that an impact-based initiating compound, pyrotechnical ignition compound, friction compound or their combination is used as ignition compound.

5. Initiation device according to claim 3, characterized in that IC is coated onto end-to-end channel walls, pressed in the channel, placed at the channel entrance as a initiating compound drop, or placed in the channel by using a combination of these methods.

6. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that a collar is made around the channel entrance.

7. Initiation device according to claim 6, characterized in that a primer is installed above the channel, e.g., supported by the collar.

8. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element has at least one end-to-end slit aperture and/or at least one through hole, or the channel walls are perforated.

9. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that at the impulse receiving side the element part is sealed with a film, membrane, foil or lacquer over the compound.

10. Initiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the element is made of polymer, metal or composite material like fiberglass, or combustible material.

11. Igniter, characterized in that it contains an initiation device according to any of the claims 1-10.

12. Igniter according to claim 11, characterized in that it contains an impact-based mechanism consisting of a hammer with a firing pin, which can be separate elements or combined into one, and, optionally, it contains a retainer, lock pin, ring and safety bracket.

13. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the firing pin is made wedge-shaped with a sharp or blunt end or T-shaped in longitudinal section.

14. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the firing pin is installed in the axial channel of the initiation device.

15. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the impact-based mechanism allows for axial or radial movement within the casing.

16. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the IC is placed onto the firing pin surface.

17. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the firing pin contains a cavity connecting to the outer surface with a pyrotechnical, explosive or flammable compound.

18. Igniter according to claim 12, characterized in that the initiation device, hammer and firing pin are made of combustible material.

19. Igniter according to claim 11, characterized in that it contains an elongate flexible of rigid friction element, e.g., cord, stripe, wire or bar partially located in the axial channel.

20. Igniter according to claim 19, characterized in that IC is placed onto the surface of the elongate flexible of rigid friction element.

21. Igniter according to claim 19, characterized in that the bar contains a cavity connecting it to the outer surface with a pyrotechnical, explosive or flammable compound.

22. Igniter according to claim 19 or 21, characterized in that the bar outer surface is engraved with longitudinal grooves or cavities with a pyrotechnical or explosive compound.

23. Igniter according to claim 19, characterized in that the initiation device and the elongate flexible or rigid friction element are made of combustible materials.

24. Igniter according to claim 11, characterized in that the initiation device is sealed from the side of the exit hole with the sealing membrane and/or by coupling the igniter with the initiation change container.

25. Igniter according to claim 24, characterized in that the igniter casing allows for screwing on or in the casing of an explosive or pyrotechnical device, or is installed by using glue.

26. A munition, characterized in that it contains an initiation device according to any of the claims 1-10.

27. A pyrotechnical device, characterized in that it contains an initiation device according to any of the claims 1-10.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF THE INVENTION

[0055] FIG. 1 shows an initiation device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a mechanical igniter with its casing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a pressure-friction igniter with its casing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a friction igniter according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0059] While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are described in detail herein below, specific embodiments of the present invention, with the understanding that the instant disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as described herein.

[0060] FIGS. 1-4 show longitudinal cutaways of the initiation device and igniter on its base for impact-based friction (hand grenade), pressure friction (mine) and friction type (pyrotechnical device). Legend to the figures: 1—initiation device; 2—end-to-end axial channel; 3—ignition compound; 4—collar; 5—slit aperture; 6—sealing membrane; 7—cap; 8—igniter casing; 9—initiation mechanism; 10—retainer; 11—spring; 12—safety bracket; 13—cord; 14—knot.

[0061] FIG. 1 shows an initiation device (1) with end-to-end axial channel (2) and a collar (4) supporting the cap (7). From the entrance side, the element is sealed with a membrane (polymer film or metal foil) (6). IC (3) is applied onto the channel wall near the entrance.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a mechanical igniter with its casing (8), with coaxially located impact-based friction initiation mechanism (9), including the firing tip and hammer as well as the initiation device (1). The mechanism contains the retainer (10) connected with a safety bracket (12) and holding the spring (11) until the mechanism is triggered. A lock pin and a ring (not shown) are holding the bracket and the retainer steady.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a pressure-friction igniter with its casing (8), initiation mechanism (9)—the pressure-friction element, initiation device (1), IC (3).

[0064] FIG. 4 shows a friction igniter including: initiation device with end-to-end channel (2) and collar (4), IC (3), initiation mechanism (9)—an elongate flexible cord (13) with a knot (14).

[0065] The igniter with the initiation device is installed into the explosive or pyrotechnical device; or the initiation device is first connected to the charge container and then this assembly is placed in the device or instrument. The triggering principle is explained on the example of a hand grenade—an impact-based action weapon.

[0066] For activation, the safety bracket is tightly pressed towards the casing and the lock pin is pulled out by the ring, releasing the retainer and allowing free movement of the bracket. When the bracket is lifted up, the retainer moves out of the hole in the casing. When the constraining element is removed, the spring quickly expands transmitting the impulse to the impact-based mechanism along the casing towards the initiating element. The moving firing pin destroys (breaks) the sealing membrane and penetrates into the ignition channel of the initiation device. At the moment of the impact, the firing pin causes direct impact-based friction impact on the ignition compound and forms the flame wave which passes through the end-to-end ignition channel and fires up the charge.

[0067] If a primer is used, the firing pin hits the primer which ignites the charge with a ray of flame.

[0068] To trigger the friction-induced device, the elongate flexible or rigid element is quickly pulled by its loose end. The movement of the opposite side of the element, which is located inside the initiation device, causes a friction impact on the compound inside the channel thus causing the ignition.

[0069] The suggested device permits: [0070] To use a unified initiation device with various explosive and pyrotechnical devices and ignition compounds; [0071] To increase the initiation device reliability; [0072] To increase safety; [0073] To extend the service life of the initiator; [0074] To make the manufacturing process easier and safer; [0075] To avoid the use of metal parts and phosphorous compounds

[0076] If the initiation device is used according to this invention, no strong impact is needed to create the initial (impact-based or friction-based) impulse. However, such impact is sufficient to induce strong friction at the wall surface thus forming stable combustion.

[0077] The invention ensures high functional reliability and accurate triggering, it is simple and compact. The manufacturing process of the suggested device is well automated and safe. The device reliability ensures getting the ignition impulse under any application conditions. The versatility of the element (anvil) allows using it in a variety of initiators and devices of various mechanisms of action and power. Depending on the initiation method and the used compound, the device can be effectively used to initiate combustion (e.g., of gunpowder or a pyrotechnical charge), glowing (e.g., in smoke generators), explosion (e.g., explosive or pyrotechnical devices). The invention design is not bound to a particular IC and does not depend on the charge, material or compound being initiated. Therefore, the suggested initiator can be effectively used in the ignition unit of any explosive or pyrotechnical device, which includes practice, training, imitation devices etc., and also ammunition such as mines, caseless ammunition, shells. The suggested device is simple and inexpensive in production and does not require special handling skills.

[0078] Information sources: [0079] 1-RU 111908 U1, F42B8/26, 27/12/2011; [0080] 2-RU 101539 U1, F42C19/08, 20/01/2011; [0081] 3-RU 2473868 C2, F42C14/02, 27/01/2013; [0082] 4-US 3194161 A, F42B8/26, 1965; [0083] 5-DE 1081354 B, F42B8/26, 1960; [0084] 6-GB 904348 A, F42C15/32, 29/08/1962