SAFETY DEVICE FOR AN IGNTTER. USE OF THE SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD OF ACTTVATTNG AN IGNTTER WITIT TIITS SAFETY DEVIC E

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device (1) for an igniter (2) comprising an ignition element (3), a rotation element (4) comprising a detonator charge (5), an axial safety (6) and a rotation safety (7), wherein the rotation element (4) can be held in a specific, first rotation element position (4.1) by means of the axial safety (6), wherein the rotation element can also be held in the specific, first rotation element position (4.1) by means of the rotation safety (7), wherein a wall (8) of the rotation element (4) protects the detonator charge (5) in the specific, first rotation element position (4.1), front ignition by the ignition element (3).

Claims

1. Safety unit (1) for a detonator (2) comprising an ignition element (3), a rotation element (4) comprising a detonator charge (5), an axial safety device (6) and a rotation safety device (7), wherein the rotation element (4) can be held in a specific, first rotation element position (4.1) by means of the axial safety device (6), wherein the rotation element (4) can also be held in the specific, first rotation element position (4.1) by means of the rotation safety device (7), wherein the detonator charge (5) in the specific, first rotation element position (4.1) is protected by a wall (8) of the rotation element (4) from ignition by the ignition element (3), wherein the axial safety device (6) is designed to be released by an axial force, in particular by the axial acceleration force occurring when firing ammunition having the safety unit (1), wherein the rotation safety device (7) is designed to be released by a centrifugal force, in particular the centrifugal force occurring in spin-stabilized projectiles, wherein the axial safety device (6) and the rotation safety device (7) are designed to enable the movement of the rotation element (4) into a specific, second rotation element position (4.2) when both fuses (6, 7) are released at the same time, the detonator charge (5) being ignitable in the specific, second rotation element position (4.2) by means of the ignition element (3), characterized in that the axial fuse (6) is movable from an axial fuse holding position (6.1) into an axial fuse release position (6.2), the axial fuse (6) being in a secured state when the axial fuse (6) is arranged in the axial fuse holding position (6.1), wherein the axial lock (6) engages in a first holding region (4.3) of the rotary element (4) when the axial lock (6) is arranged in the axial lock release position (6.2), wherein the axial lock (6) has a deformable region (6.3), wherein after and/or during the deformation of the deformable region (6.3), a movement of the axial locking device (6) from the axial locking holding position (6.1) into the axial locking release position (6.2) is possible.

2. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation element (4) is substantially spherical.

3. The Safety Unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformable region (6.3) comprises an S-shaped metal band (6.4).

4. The Securing unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotation element (4), the axial securing device (6) and the rotation securing device (7) are arranged essentially in a closing body (9), wherein the closing body (9) has a groove (9.1), wherein the axial securing device (6) is arranged in the groove (9.1), wherein the groove (9.1) has a groove holding region (9.2) and a groove base (9.3), wherein the groove holding region (9.2) and the groove base (9.3) are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another, wherein a retaining edge (9.4) is formed between the groove base (9.3) and the groove holding region (9.2), wherein the axial securing device (6) has a base body (6.5), wherein the metal strip (6.4) is connected to the base body (6) or formed on the base body (6), wherein the base body (6) is guided in the groove (9.1), wherein the metal strip (6.4) rests at least partially on the groove holding area (9.2) in the axial securing holding position (6.1), wherein the metal band (6.4) is bendable by the axial force and a mass inertia of the axial lock (6), so that the base body (6.5) moves against the axial force in the groove (9.1) and the metal band (6.4) slides along the retaining edge (9.5), wherein the base body (6.5) contacts the groove base (9.3) in the axial lock release position (6.2).

5. The Securing unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the axial securing device (6) is connected in the region of the metal strip (6.4) to a closing body (9), in particular in the region of a groove (9.1) of the closing body (9).

6. The unit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the axial securing device (6) has a nose (6.6), wherein the groove (9.1) has a release region (9.5), wherein the nose (6.6) of the axial lock (6) engages in the first holding region (4.3) of the rotary element (4) in the axial lock holding area (6.1), wherein the nose (6.6) of the axial lock (6) is arranged in the release region (9.5) of the groove (9.1) in the axial lock release position (6.2).

7. The Securing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation lock (7) has a blocking element (7.1), wherein the blocking element (7.1) is movable from a blocking element holding position (7.2) into a blocking element release position (7.3), wherein the rotation lock (7) is in a secured state when the blocking element (7.1) is arranged in the blocking element holding position (7.2), wherein the blocking element (7.1) engages in a second holding region (4.4) of the rotation element (4) when the rotation lock (7) is in the secured state, so that the rotation element (4) is held in the specific, first rotation element position (4.1) by means of the rotation lock (7), wherein the rotation lock (7) is in a released state when the blocking element (7.1) is arranged in the blocking element release position (7.3).

8. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotation lock (7) has a delay unit (7.4), wherein the movement of the blocking element (7.1) from the blocking element holding position (7.2) to the blocking element release position (7.3) can be delayed in time by means of the delay unit (7.4).

9. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a band element (7.5), wherein the blocking element (7.1) is designed as a pin (7.6), wherein a movement of the pin (7.6) can be blocked by means of the band element (7.5) in a wound-up state, wherein the band element (7.5) can be unwound by centrifugal force, wherein in an unwound state of the band element (7.5) a movement of the pin (7.6) is possible, wherein the pin (7.6) can then be moved out of the rotation element (4) by centrifugal force, and thus the rotation lock (7) can be released.

10. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a rack and at least one gear, wherein the rack is coupled to the blocking element (7.1), wherein the rack and the at least one gear are in engagement with one another, wherein a force opposite to the centrifugal force can be applied to the blocking element (7.1) by means of the rack and the at least one gear, so that a movement of the blocking element (7.1) from the blocking element holding position (7.2) into the blocking element release position (7.3) can be continuously delayed.

11. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein a fluid can be moved from the first chamber into the second chamber by centrifugal force, wherein the blocking element (7.1) is movable from the blocking element holding position (7.2) into the blocking element release position (7.3) when the fluid is in the second chamber and/or wherein the movement of the fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber and the movement of the blocking element (7.1) from the blocking element holding position (7.2) into the blocking element releasing position (7.3) occur simultaneously.

12. The Safety unit (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the blocking element (7.1) can be locked by means of the delay unit (7.4), wherein the movement of the blocking element (7.1) by centrifugal force from the blocking element holding position (7.2) into the blocking element releasing position (7.3), namely out of the rotation element (4), is enabled by means of the delay unit (7.4) after a programmed time delay and/or after a delay based on parameters such as a flight speed, a spin speed and/or a pressure difference.

13. The Securing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation lock (7) and/or the axial lock (6) comprises a metallic and/or polymeric material.

14. The use of the safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims in a base fuse, a head fuse and/or in an ammunition of caliber 12.7 mm or larger.

15. A method for activating a detonator (2) of an ammunition with a safety unit (1) according to claim 1, comprising the sequential steps: a) Ignition of the ammunition propellant charge, b) Releasing the axial lock (6) by at least partial plastic deformation of the axial lock (6), c) Spin generation in the projectile of the ammunition up to a maximum rotation speed, d) Release of the rotation lock (7), and e) Moving the rotation element (4) from the first rotation element position (4.1) to the second rotation element position (4.2).

Description

[0046] There are now a multitude of possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the safety unit according to the invention for a detonator, the use of the safety unit according to the invention and the method according to the invention for activating a detonator with this safety unit. In this regard, reference may first be made to the patent claims subordinate to patent claim 1. In the following, a preferred embodiment of the safety unit according to the invention for a detonator, a preferred embodiment of the use of the safety unit according to the invention and a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for activating a detonator with this safety unit are explained or described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the associated description. In the drawing shows:

[0047] FIG. 1 in schematic representation an embodiment of the safety unit for a detonator in a three-dimensional sectional view,

[0048] FIG. 2 in a schematic exploded view the embodiment of the safety unit for a detonator according to FIG. 1,

[0049] FIG. 3a in schematic representation an axial securing device of the securing unit for a detonator in a side view, and

[0050] FIG. 3b a schematic representation of the axial securing of the securing unit for a detonator in a three-dimensional view.

[0051] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a safety unit 1 for a detonator 2 comprising an ignition element 3, a rotation element 4 comprising a detonator charge 5, an axial safety device 6 and a rotation safety device 7. FIG. 1 shows the security unit 1 in a three-dimensional sectional view, wherein a 90, partially cylindrical region of the essentially cylindrical security unit 1 is omitted or cut out in the illustration. In FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are used for the same components.

[0052] The rotating element 4 is also referred to by experts as an ignition chain lock. The rotation element 4 is held in a specific, first rotation element position 4.1 by means of the axial lock 6. The rotation element 4 can further be held in the specific, first rotation element position 4.1 using the rotation lock 7. The detonator charge 5 is protected from ignition by the ignition element 3 in the specific, first rotation element position 4.1 by a wall 8 of the rotation element 4. The axial safety device 6 is designed to be released by an axial force, in particular by the axial acceleration force occurring when an ammunition having the safety unit 1 is fired. The rotation lock 7 is designed to be released by a centrifugal force, in particular the centrifugal force occurring in spin-stabilized projectiles. The axial lock 6 and the flotation lock 7 are designed to enable the movement of the flotation element 4 into a specific, second rotation element position 4.2 when both locks 6 and 7 are released simultaneously. The detonator charge 5 can be ignited in the specific, second rotation element position 4.2 by means of the ignition element 3. The ignition element 3 forms part of the igniter 2, whereby other components of the igniter 2 are not shown here for clarity purposes.

[0053] The ignition element 3, for example, features a piercing needle and/or is designed as a piercing needle, wherein the detonator charge 5 can be initiated by means of a by of the piercing needle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the ignition element 3 is designed as an electronic ignition element. The detonator charge 5, for example, is cylinder-shaped. The detonator charge 5 further forms a surface of the rotating element 4 on at least one side of the rotating element 4. FIG. 1 shows the rotating element 4 in the first rotating element position 4.1 with solid lines. The second rotation element position 4.2 is symbolized in FIG. 1 by a dashed representation of the part of the detonator charge 5 forming the surface of the rotation element 4. The detonator charge 5 can then be ignited, for example, by a movement of the ignition element 3 towards the detonator charge 5 and a force thus generated between the ignition element 3 and the detonator charge 5. If the fuse unit 1 is substantially cylindrical, the movement of the ignition element 3 could take place in a direction of an axis of the substantially cylindrical fuse unit 1.

[0054] The axial locking device 6 can be moved from an axial locking holding position 6.1 into an axial locking release position 6.2, wherein the axial locking device 6 is in a secured state when the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the axial locking holding position 6.1. The axial lock 6 engages in a first holding area 4.3 of the rotary element 4 when the axial lock 6 is in the secured state, so that the rotary element 4 is held in the specific, first rotary element position 4.1 using the axial lock 6. The axial locking device 6 is in a released state when the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the axial locking device release position 6.2. The axial lock 6 has a deformable region 6.3, wherein the deformable region 6.3 is plastically deformable by the axial force. After and/or during the deformation of the deformable region 6.3, a movement of the axial locking device 6 from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2 is possible.

[0055] The rotation element 4 is essentially spherical. Two opposite sides of the essentially spherical rotation element 4 could be flattened, with an alignment of the resulting surfaces then being, for example, parallel to an axis of the then cylindrical detonator charge 5. It would also be conceivable to use a rotation element 4 with a different shape, such as a cylinder shape.

[0056] In FIG. 3a and in FIG. 3b, the axial securing device 6 of the securing unit 1 for the igniter 2 is shown in a schematic representation, in FIG. 3a in a side view, and in FIG. 3b in a three-dimensional view.

[0057] The deformable region 6.3 comprises an S-shaped metal band 6.4.

[0058] The rotation element 4, the axial lock 6, and the rotation lock 7 are essentially arranged in a closing body 9. It is also conceivable that the rotation element 4, the axial lock 6 and/or the rotation lock 7 is/are arranged at least partially, possibly temporarily, outside the closing body 9. The end body 9 features a groove 9.1, wherein the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the groove 9.1. The groove 9.1 has a groove holding area 9.2 and a groove base 9.3. The groove holding area 9.2 and the groove base 9.3 are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other. A retaining edge 9.4 is formed between the groove base 9.3 and the groove holding area 9.2. The axial lock 6 features a base body 6.5, wherein the metal band 6.4 is connected to the base body 6.5 or is formed on the base body 6.5. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3b show a one-piece design of the axial lock 6. It would also be conceivable that the deformable region 6.3, in particular the S-shaped metal band 6.4, is connected to the rest of the axial lock 6 by means of a soldered connection, for example. The base body 6.5 is guided in the groove 9.1. The metal band 6.4 rests at least partially on the groove holding area 9.2 in the axial securing holding position 6.1, wherein the metal band 6.4 is bendable by the axial force, in particular by the axial acceleration force occurring when firing ammunition having the securing unit 1, and a mass inertia of the axial locking device 6, the metal band 6.4 is bendable so that the base body 6.5 moves against the axial force in the groove 9.1 and the metal band 6.4 slides along the retaining edge 9.4. The metal strip 6.4 contacts the groove base 9.3 from the point in time after the metal strip 6.4 has slid with one end over the holding edge 9.4 during the movement of the axial locking device 6 from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2.

[0059] As an alternative to the separate design of the axial locking device 6 and the end body 9, it is conceivable that the metal band 6.4 is fixed to the end body 9, in particular in the area of the groove 9.1. In this case, the metal band 6.4 does not slide over the holding edge 9.4 when the axial locking device 6 moves from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2, but only the plastic deformation of the metal band 6.4 takes place.

[0060] The axial locking device 6 has a nose 6.6. The groove 9.1 also features a release area 9.5. The nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 engages in the first holding area 4.3 of the rotary element 4 in the axial locking holding position 6.1. The nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the axial locking device release position 6.2 in the release area 9.5 of the groove 9.1.

[0061] If the nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the release area 9.5 of the groove 9.1, the nose 6.6 does not engage in the first holding area 4.3 of the rotary element 4. FIG. 1 shows the axial locking device 6 in the axial locking holding position 6.1 with solid lines. FIG. 1 also shows the nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 in the axial locking device release position 6.2 with dashed lines.

[0062] The anti-rotation device 7 features a blocking element 7.1. The blocking element 7.1 can be moved from a blocking element holding position 7.2 into a blocking element release position 7.3, wherein the rotation lock 7 is in a secured state when the blocking element 7.1 is arranged in the blocking element holding position 7.2. The blocking element 7.1 engages in a second holding region 4.4 of the rotation element 4 when the rotation lock 7 is in the secured state, so that the rotation element 4 is held in the specific, first rotation element position 4.1 using the rotation lock 7. The rotation lock 7 is in a released state when the blocking element 7.1 is arranged in the blocking element release position 7.3.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows the blocking element 7.1 in the blocking element holding position 7.2 with solid lines. FIG. 1 further shows the blocking element 7.1 in the blocking element release position 7.3 with dashed lines.

[0064] The rotation lock 7 features a delay unit 7.4. By means of the delay unit 7.4, the movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 can be delayed.

[0065] The delay unit 7.4 has a band element 7.5. The blocking element 7.1 is designed as a pin 7.6, wherein a movement of the pin 7.6 can be blocked by means of the band element 7.5 which is in a wound-up state. The band element 7.5 can be unwound by centrifugal force. In an unwound state of the band element 7.5, a movement of the pin 7.6 is possible, whereby the pin 7.6 can then be moved out of the flotation element 4 by the centrifugal force, and thus the flotation lock 7 can be released.

[0066] For example, pin 7.6 is cylinder-shaped. The band element 7.5 features a ring 7.5.1, a spring band 7.5.2, and a securing band 7.5.3. Given a rotational movement of the safety unit 1, in particular due to the rotational movement of a projectile having the safety unit 1, the safety band 7.5.3 is released and the spring band 7.5.2 connected to the ring 7.5.1 unwinds. As soon as the ring 7.5.1 has deformed sufficiently, the blocking element 7.1, in particular the pin 7.6, is guided into the blocking element release position 7.2, since the blocking element 7.1, in particular the pin 7.6, is then no longer held in the blocking element holding position 7.3 by the ring 7.5.1 against the centrifugal force.

[0067] The deceleration unit 7.4 could also have a rack and at least one gear. Such a rack is then coupled to the blocking element 7.1. The rack and at least one gear are in engagement with each other. By means of the rack and the at least one gear, a force opposite to the centrifugal force can then be applied to the blocking element 7.1, so that a movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 can be continuously delayed.

[0068] The delay unit 7.4 could further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber. A fluid can then be moved from the first chamber to the second chamber by centrifugal force. The blocking element 7.1 is movable from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 when the fluid is in the second chamber and/or the movement of the fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber and the movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 occur simultaneously.

[0069] The blocking element 7.1 can also be locked using the delay unit 7.4. The movement of the blocking element 7.1 is enabled by the centrifugal force from the blocking element holding position 7.2 into the blocking element release position 7.3, namely out of the rotation element 4, by means of the delay unit 7.4 then after a programmed time delay and/or after a delay based on parameters such as a flight speed, a spin speed and/or a pressure difference.

[0070] The rotation lock 7 and/or the axial lock 6 advantageously comprises a metallic and/or polymeric material.

[0071] The described safety unit 1 is used, for example, in a base fuse, a head fuse and/or in an ammunition of caliber 12.7 mm or larger.

[0072] A method for activating the detonator 2 of an ammunition with a safety unit 1 as described above comprises the following sequential steps: [0073] a) Ignition of the ammunition propellant charge. [0074] b) Release of the axial lock 6 by at least partial plastic deformation of the axial lock 6, [0075] c) Spin generation in the projectile of the ammunition up to a maximum rotation speed, [0076] d) Release of the rotation lock 7, and [0077] e) Moving the rotation element 4 from the first rotation element position 4.1 to the second rotation element position 4.2.

[0078] The ammunition is fired, for example, from a gun barrel. The rotation safety device 7 is preferably released only when the projectile of the ammunition has already left the weapon barrel and is at a distance from the weapon barrel at which the gun barrel itself and/or the associated weapon can no longer be damaged by the detonation of the projectile active charge.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0079] 1 Security unit [0080] 2 Igniter [0081] 3 Ignition element [0082] 4 Rotation element [0083] 4.1 first rotation element position [0084] 4.2 second rotation element position [0085] 4.3 first holding area [0086] 4.4 second holding area [0087] 5 Detonator charge [0088] 6 Axial locking [0089] 6.1 Axial locking holding position [0090] 6.2 Axial locking release position [0091] 6.3 deformable area [0092] 6.4 s-shaped metal band [0093] 6.5 Base body [0094] 6.6 Nose [0095] 7 Anti-rotation lock [0096] 7.1 Blocking element [0097] 7.2 Blocking element holding position [0098] 7.3 Blocking element release position [0099] 7.4 Delay unit [0100] 7.5 Band element [0101] 7.5.1 Ring [0102] 7.5.2 Spring band [0103] 7.5.3 Security tape [0104] 7.6 Pen [0105] 8 Wall [0106] 9 Closing body [0107] 9.1 Groove [0108] 9.2 Groove holding area [0109] 9.3 Groove base [0110] 9.4 Holding edge [0111] 9.5 Release area