PYROTECHNIC INSTALLATION CONSISTING OF AT LEAST ONE FIREWORK, AN ELECTRIC IGNITER, AND A DOCKING BASE, THE INSTALLATION COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR REMOVABLY COUPLING THEM

Abstract

The present invention concerns a coupling and power transmission system for an electric igniter, in particular for single-shot type fireworks (10), the system comprising a casing (11), in which the pyrotechnic components are housed, said casing having a first side that is open and a second side with a shaped connector (12), said shaped connector (12) comprising a channel (15) for connecting to said pyrotechnic components and adapted to removably receive an electric igniter (16), said electric igniter (16) being rigidly coupled to a printed circuit (18) on a PCB support (17), the printed circuit comprising two concentric tracks which are short-circuited via a connection track on a break-away tab (19) of the PCB support (17), whereby removal of the tab (19) eliminates the short-circuit, said shaped connector (12) being couplable, in a removable manner and with freedom of rotation with respect to an axis, to a docking base (13), said docking base (13) comprising the electronic components for transmission of an electrical signal to said electric igniter (16) and in particular three contacts (20), aligned with each other and dimensioned in relation to said printed circuit (18), ensuring connection between the tracks of said printed circuit (18) and the contacts (20) independently of the angular position of said shaped connector (12) with respect to said docking base.

Claims

1) Pyrotechnic installation comprising at least one firework (10), in particular of the single-shot type, an electric igniter (16) and a docking base (13), a removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said electric igniter (16), a removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said docking base (13) and a removable coupling and current transmission system between said docking base (13) and said electric igniter (16), said firework (10) including a casing (11), in which the pyrotechnic components are housed, said casing (11) having a first open side and a second side with a shaped connector (12), said shaped connector (12) comprising a channel (15) connecting to said pyrotechnic components and housing said electric igniter (16), said electric igniter (16) comprising a pyrotechnic head covered by a protective cap equipped with a sealing area (29) and provided with contacts, said sealing area (29) constituting a hydraulic seal on the walls of said channel, said contacts being rigidly coupled to a printed circuit (18) of a PCB support (17), said printed circuit (18) comprising two concentric tracks, each connected with a contact of said pyrotechnic head of said electric igniter (16) and said printed circuit (18) being short-circuited, through a connection track between said two concentric tracks, said connection track being formed on a removable portion (19) of said PCB support (17) with printed circuit (18), to remove short-circuiting by removing said removable portion (19), said shaped connector (12) being able to be coupled, in a removable manner and with freedom of rotation with respect to an axis, to a docking base (13), said docking base (13) comprising the electronic components for transmission of an electrical signal to said electric igniter (16) and in particular three contacts (20), aligned with each other and dimensioned in relation to said printed circuit (18) ensuring connection between the tracks of said printed circuit (18) and the contacts (20) independently of the angular position of said shaped connector (12) with respect to said docking base.

2) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 1, characterised in that said removable portion (19) of said printed circuit (18) PCB support (17) is connected to the rest of the PCB support (17) through a breaking line (22).

3) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 1, characterised in that said printed circuit (18) PCB support (17) is stop coupled on said shaped connector (12).

4) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 1, characterised in that said removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said docking base (13) comprises a shaped connector (12) of said firework (10) and a corresponding housing of said docking base (13), said housing being open upwards and provided with an elastic guillotine locking mechanism, with elastic fins (14).

5) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 2, characterised in that said printed circuit (18) PCB support (17) is stop coupled on said shaped connector (12).

6) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 2, characterised in that said removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said docking base (13) comprises a shaped connector (12) of said firework (10) and a corresponding housing of said docking base (13), said housing being open upwards and provided with an elastic guillotine locking mechanism, with elastic fins (14).

7) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 3, characterised in that said removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said docking base (13) comprises a shaped connector (12) of said firework (10) and a corresponding housing of said docking base (13), said housing being open upwards and provided with an elastic guillotine locking mechanism, with elastic fins (14).

8) Pyrotechnic installation according to claim 5, characterised in that said removable coupling system between said firework (10) and said docking base (13) comprises a shaped connector (12) of said firework (10) and a corresponding housing of said docking base (13), said housing being open upwards and provided with an elastic guillotine locking mechanism, with elastic fins (14).

Description

[0055] The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a casing of a single-shot firework, an electric igniter and a docking base implementing a coupling and power transmission system for an electric igniter according to the present invention,

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the casing and of the electric igniter of FIG. 1,

[0058] FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show a top view and a side view of the docking base of FIG. 1,

[0059] FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show a bottom view and a side view of the electric igniter of FIG. 1, while FIG. 4C shows a side view of an electric igniter according to a different embodiment,

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the casing and of the electric igniter of FIG. 1, in a first coupling step,

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the casing and of the electric igniter of FIG. 1, in a second coupling step,

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the lower part of the casing and of the electric igniter of FIG. 1, in a third coupling step,

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the casing and of the docking base of FIG. 1, in a step immediately preceding the coupling,

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of the casing and of the docking base of FIG. 1, in a coupled configuration, and

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the casing and of the docking base of FIG. 1, in an uncoupled configuration.

[0066] With reference to the figures, a single-shot firework is shown, indicated with the reference number 10, comprising a casing 11 for containing the fireshot, said casing consisting of a plastic tube. The casing 11 is totally open on one side and is coupled to a shaped plastic connector 12, on the other side, which can be inserted in a housing of a docking base 13 and which can be anchored inside said housing by means of an elastic guillotine locking mechanism, with elastic fins 14. As will be illustrated in detail below, by inserting the shaped connector 12 of the single-shot 10, from above, in the housing of the docking base 13, the fins 14 of the elastic guillotine first open and then close, independently, firmly blocking the single-shot 10 to the docking base 13. The shaped connector 12 of the single-shot 10 provides, in its initial part, an axial channel 15, which leads directly into the inner part of the casing 11, where the pyrotechnic components of the fireshot is housed. In this axial channel 15 a single electric igniter 16 is inserted, devoid of rheophores, welded onto a closed printed circuit 18 PCB support 17.

[0067] The inner part of the casing 11, where the pyrotechnic components of the fireshot is housed, has a net that separates it from the channel 15, creating meshes that allow the transmission of the flame coming from the electric igniter 16, provided with a similar net on the upper end of its hood, and at the same time prevent the accidental passing of the launch charge placed in the base of the casing 11. To obtain this effect, the meshes of the net are smaller in size with respect to that of the granules of the powder of the launch charge (which have a grain size of the order of 1 mm). With the insertion of the electric igniter 16 inside the channel 15 two different perforated layers are created, a few millimeters apart, which prevent the loss of the granules of the launch charge and at the same time allow the transmission of the flame.

[0068] Furthermore, the electric igniter 16 has a substantially cylindrical body, covered by a protective cap equipped with a sealing area 29, made by shaping the lateral surface of said protective cap, so as to come into contact with the walls of said axial channel 15, in correspondence of a seat made on the walls of said channel to couple with said shaping, to establish a hydraulic seal such as to prevent the entry of moisture into the inner part of the casing 11, where the pyrotechnic components of the fireshot are housed, without having to use sealants that would compromise the possibility of removing the electric igniter 16 when needed.

[0069] The electric igniter, unlike those of the prior art, provided with rheophores, is welded on a printed circuit 18. In the following, this electric igniter 16 can also be defined as rigid igniter (Secured Igniter), and indicated with the same numerical reference. The printed circuit 18 is intentionally short-circuited, to guarantee protection in the event of ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) or unintentional ignition which, otherwise, could inadvertently trigger the igniter and, consequently, the single-shot 10 itself.

[0070] The contacts of the pyrotechnic head of the electric igniter 16 appear on two concentric tracks aligned axially to the casing 11.

[0071] Referring to the coupling phases shown with reference to FIGS. 5-7, after having introduced the electric igniter 16 in the axial channel 15 and having brought it until stopping in the lower end of the shaped connector 12, the short-circuiting is removed by breaking a part of the printed circuit, housed on a portion 19 of the PCB support 17, separated from the rest by a break line 22 interposed between the concentric circuit tracks and the short-circuited tracks. After breaking, the electric igniter 16 is ready for ignition.

[0072] The single-shot 10 with the electric igniter 16 is then inserted on the docking base 13 by means of a single vertical movement, without having to respect positioning constraints on the horizontal plane.

[0073] The system is designed in such a way that it is possible to safely replace a defective electric igniter 16, simply by removing the latter from the axial channel 15 of the shaped connector 12 and replacing it with a new one, without having to intervene with the disassembly or tampering of the fireshot.

[0074] The PCB 17 support with printed circuit 18 of the electric igniter 16, fitted to the shaped connector 12, offers protection from the flame front released by the launch charge, allowing the safeguarding of the mechanical and electronic components contained in the docking base 13.

[0075] The docking base 13, as already mentioned, houses inside the electronic component for the transmission of the electric signal towards the electric igniter 16.

[0076] The mechanics of the coupling is constituted by two fins 14 which, respectively, form the parts of a guillotine, able to expand and return autonomously in position by means of elastic elements; this characteristic allows to embrace, like a sort of collar, a discharge groove 23 expressly positioned on the shaped connector 12, constraining the latter to the sole rotation around its own cylindrical axis.

[0077] The shaped connector 12 has, in its lower end, before the discharge groove 23, a truncated conical portion 24, to allow the widening of the fins 14 and a better centering on the docking base 13; after the discharge groove 23, a ledge 25 ensures that the thrusts generated by the launch charge come to discharge on the structure of the docking base 13 instead of on the mechanical closing system and on the relative electronic component. This ledge 25 furthermore allows a more firm placement on the docking base 13.

[0078] The docking base 13 contains, facing upwards, three contacts 20, aligned with each other and sized in relation to the PCB support 17 of the electric igniter 16. In particular, the central contact is axially aligned with the casing 11, while the others are aligned so that contact is always guaranteed on the tracks of the contacts 20 of the docking base 13 and, therefore, the transmission of the electric impulse to the rigid igniter independently of the angular position of the break of the printed circuit 18.

[0079] When the single-shot 10, with the electric igniter 16, is hooked to the docking base 13, the contacts 20 are therefore positioned on the circuit 18 of the electric igniter 16. The continuity of the circuit 18 remains independently of the angle of the casing 11 on the horizontal axis. The casing 11, therefore, is free to rotate on its axis without circuit interruptions occurring. The contacts 20 present on the base are connected to generic connectors 21 (terminals) for electrical cables located outside the docking base 13, making the system connectable and interfaceable with any source of electrical power.

[0080] For the mechanical decoupling of the components, on the docking base 13 there is a quick-release button 26 which loosens the grip of the tabs 14 of the guillotine coupling from the discharge groove 23 of the shaped connector 12, allowing the latter to be removed.

[0081] Finally, on the body 27 of the docking base 13 there are through holes 28, to ensure the possibility of being able to place the docking base 13 wherever desired, by means of common connection or anchoring systems.

[0082] In conclusion, the system thus conceived foresees a limited number of operations that are reduced to the insertion of the electric igniter 16, the breaking of the circuit 18 and the insertion of the single-shot 10 in the docking base 13.

[0083] Moreover, the elastic coupling system, consisting of the elastic guillotine locking mechanism, keeps the trigger connected to the power source only if in the correct position. If explosions occur due to defects in the structure or failure of the support, the fireshot separates from the docking base 13, disconnecting it electrically and making it no longer dangerous.

[0084] Finally, the system would be made entirely of plastic and, once the exploded electric igniter 16 has been removed, it can be disposed of without creating special mixed waste.

[0085] The present invention has been described with particular reference to its application in the field of single-shot type fireworks, but it also applies to all those applications that require an electrical circuit, connected to a power source, in order to activate an electric igniter, by coupling two units that have terminals, which, following the coupling, coincide, creating an electrical continuity, without however imposing an initial coupling position.

[0086] The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.