EP0023179B1 - Safety arming device for explosive devices - Google Patents

Safety arming device for explosive devices Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0023179B1
EP0023179B1 EP19800401071 EP80401071A EP0023179B1 EP 0023179 B1 EP0023179 B1 EP 0023179B1 EP 19800401071 EP19800401071 EP 19800401071 EP 80401071 A EP80401071 A EP 80401071A EP 0023179 B1 EP0023179 B1 EP 0023179B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mobile component
support
final
pyrotechnic
initial
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Expired
Application number
EP19800401071
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0023179A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Pierre Marie
Jean-Claude Victor Eloi Mercadier
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
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Publication of EP0023179A1 publication Critical patent/EP0023179A1/en
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Publication of EP0023179B1 publication Critical patent/EP0023179B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C15/00—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges
    • F42C15/28—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges operated by flow of fluent material, e.g. shot, fluids
    • F42C15/31—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges operated by flow of fluent material, e.g. shot, fluids generated by the combustion of a pyrotechnic or explosive charge within the fuze

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an armament security device for explosive devices such as in particular mines and missiles, which comprises a shutter for interrupting the pyrotechnic chain ensuring essential security such as storage, handling, etc., and a pyrotechnic lock whose operation allows the alignment of the pyrotechnic chain, therefore the arming of the device.
  • An object of the present invention will be to provide a missile system capable of fulfilling the second condition of armament.
  • Patent FR-A-2174405 describes a step-by-step mechanical drive device comprising a stator and a rotor. An impeller is used to generate gases to drive the rotor in rotation.
  • the present invention consists in producing a device making it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned system while being simple in design, therefore of low cost price and of high reliability, of reduced bulk, capable of withstanding high mechanical stresses taking into account the harsh environment in which it is likely to operate.
  • Another characteristic of the invention consists in that the pyrotechnic lock, moved by a means having stored the reaction energy, comes to be placed in an end position, partially engaged in the support and in a second housing of the moving part, thus ensuring the locking thereof in the final position called arming.
  • the means having stored the reaction energy can for example consist of a spring.
  • the device according to the invention is housed in a support 1 closed by a cover 2.
  • the pyrotechnic chain is composed of a primer-detonator 3 preferably electric and housed in the support 1, of a detonation relay 4 housed in the thickness of a moving part called flap 5 and of a power relay 6 loaded with secondary explosive which makes it possible to transmit the detonation to the main charge.
  • the flap 5 serves as a pyrotechnic chain switch by its presence between the detonator initiator 3 and the power relay 6.
  • This flap 5 can pivot in the support 1 along its axis 7, but it is held in the initial safety position by a pin 8 and by the preferably electric igniter which serves as a pyrotechnic lock.
  • This igniter is partially placed in the support 1 and in a blind hole 10 made in the flap 5.
  • the shutter 5 is subjected to a torque due to the spring 13 and is held in its initial safety position by the igniter 9, and by the pin8.
  • the shutter also has a hole 15 in which the igniter 9 is housed after rotation of the shutter, that is to say when the latter has reached its final position called arming.
  • the operation of the device is as follows: the pin 8 is released either manually or automatically, the igniter 9 is set on fire and backs up under the effect of the gases it produces, it unlocks the flap 5 which is rotated by the spring 13.
  • the flap 5 passes from the initial safety position to the final arming position determined by the position of the stop 14. In this final position the hole 15 is located opposite the igniter which under the action of the spring 12 relocks the shutter.
  • the detonator initiator 3, the detonator relay 4 and the power relay 6 are aligned: the device is armed.
  • the device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to ensure double security during storage and handling in the event of inadvertent operation of the detonator primer, by maintaining the flap in the safety position thanks to the pin and the pyrotechnic lock, as well as extended security over time (during the laying of a minefield, or the flight of a missile) by the fact that the pyrotechnic lock can only be supplied with energy at the time of detection of the objective and just before the operation of the main load.
  • its simple design gives it great reliability, great ease of implementation, and a low cost price.
  • the switch flap can undergo translation rather than rotation.
  • the pyrotechnic lock can also be arranged perpendicular to the switch flap or tangent in the case of a rotation.
  • the alignment of the pyrotechnic chain can be obtained not only by erasing a screen, but also by moving the detonator primer.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de sécurité d'armement pour engins explosifs tels que notamment des mines et des missiles, qui comprend un volet d'interruption de chaîne pyrotechnique assurant les sécurités essentielles telles que de stockage, de manipulation etc..., et un verrou pyrotechnique dont le fonctionnement permet l'alignement de la chaîne pyrotechnique, donc l'armement du dispositif.The present invention relates to an armament security device for explosive devices such as in particular mines and missiles, which comprises a shutter for interrupting the pyrotechnic chain ensuring essential security such as storage, handling, etc., and a pyrotechnic lock whose operation allows the alignment of the pyrotechnic chain, therefore the arming of the device.

La plupart des dispositifs de sécurité d'armement connus font appel pour leur fonctionnement aux forces d'environnement traditionnelles qui existent en début d'activité opérationnelle (accélération, rotation de l'engin ou emprunt de gaz). Or, sur certains engins ces forces d'environnement sont inexistantes ou d'un niveau insuffisant pour permettre l'utilisation de ces dispositifs. C'est le cas en particulier, dans les mines où aucune de ces forces n'existe, et également dans les missiles où seul l'emprunt de gaz peut être utilisé pour constituer une seule condition d'armement. En effet, les normes actuelles de conception relatives aux dispositifs de sécurité d'armement d'engins aéroportés imposent deux conditions d'armement indépendantes.Most of the known weapons security devices call for their operation to the traditional environmental forces which exist at the start of operational activity (acceleration, rotation of the machine or borrowing of gas). However, on certain vehicles these environmental forces are nonexistent or of an insufficient level to allow the use of these devices. This is particularly the case in mines where none of these forces exist, and also in missiles where only borrowing gas can be used to constitute a single weapon condition. In fact, the current design standards relating to the security devices for arming airborne vehicles impose two independent arming conditions.

Un but de la présente invention sera de fournir un système pour missiles, capable de remplir la deuxième condition d'armement.An object of the present invention will be to provide a missile system capable of fulfilling the second condition of armament.

D'autres dispositifs utilisent la détection de l'objectif pour commander leur armement, assurant donc ainsi l'interruption de chaîne pyrotechnique jusqu'au moment ultime précédent l'amorçage de la charge militaire, alors que les premiers dispositifs sont armés dès la mise en activité opérationnelle. Parmi ces dispositifs on connaît celui décrit dans le brevet FR-A-2 319 874. Il possède certains inconvénients relatifs principalement à la tenue mécanique du verrou dont la rupture commande l'armement ; la discrimination entre un choc, des vibrations accidentelles, et son fonctionnement normal pouvant être difficile. De plus, les techniques choisies impliquent une complexité de la cinématique de l'armement, un encombrement important, des déplacements de composants pyrotechniques et des liaisons électriques correspondantes avant leur fonctionnement, d'où une mauvaise fiabilité.Other devices use the detection of the objective to control their arming, thus ensuring the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain until the final moment preceding the initiation of the military charge, while the first devices are armed as soon as the operational activity. Among these devices, the one described in patent FR-A-2 319 874 is known. It has certain drawbacks relating mainly to the mechanical strength of the bolt, the breaking of which controls arming; the discrimination between a shock, accidental vibrations, and its normal operation can be difficult. In addition, the techniques chosen imply a complexity of the kinematics of the weaponry, a large size, displacements of pyrotechnic components and the corresponding electrical connections before their operation, hence poor reliability.

Le brevet FR-A-2174405 décrit un dispositif d'entraînement mécanique pas à pas comprenant un stator et un rotor. Un impulseur est utilisé pour générer des gaz pour entraîner le rotor en rotation.Patent FR-A-2174405 describes a step-by-step mechanical drive device comprising a stator and a rotor. An impeller is used to generate gases to drive the rotor in rotation.

La présente invention consiste à réaliser un dispositif permettant de pallier les inconvénients du système précité tout en étant de conception simple, donc de prix de revient faible et de haute fiabilité, d'encombrement réduit, capable de supporter des contraintes mécaniques élevées compte tenu de l'environnement sévère dans lequel il est susceptible de fonctionner.The present invention consists in producing a device making it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned system while being simple in design, therefore of low cost price and of high reliability, of reduced bulk, capable of withstanding high mechanical stresses taking into account the harsh environment in which it is likely to operate.

L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de sécurité d'armement utilisable notamment dans une mine ou un missile comportant principalement :

  • - une pièce mobile en translation ou en rotation logée dans un support verrouillée dans une position initiale dite de sécurité et capable de prendre une position finale dite d'armement,
  • - un moyen de commande constitué par un verrou pyrotechnique générateur de gaz, permettant à la pièce mobile d'être libérée de sa position initiale,
  • - un moyen fournissant l'énergie nécessaire à la pièce mobile pour passer de sa position initiale à sa position finale, caractérisé en ce que le moyen de commande est engagé partiellement dans le support et dans un logement borgne, de la pièce mobile et se dégageant de la pièce mobile par réaction après commande de celui-ci.
The subject of the invention is an armament security device which can be used in particular in a mine or a missile mainly comprising:
  • a movable part in translation or in rotation housed in a support locked in an initial so-called safety position and capable of taking a final so-called arming position,
  • a control means constituted by a gas generator pyrotechnic lock, allowing the moving part to be released from its initial position,
  • - A means supplying the energy necessary for the moving part to pass from its initial position to its final position, characterized in that the control means is partially engaged in the support and in a blind housing, of the moving part and emerging of the moving part by reaction after command thereof.

Une autre caractéristique de l'invention consiste en ce que le verrou pyrotechnique, mû par un moyen ayant emmagasiné l'énergie de réaction, vient se placer en une position terminale, engagé partiellement dans le support et dans un deuxième logement de la pièce mobile, assurant ainsi le verrouillage ce celle-ci en position finale dite d'armement. Le moyen ayant emmagasiné l'énergie de réaction peut par exemple être constitué par un ressort.Another characteristic of the invention consists in that the pyrotechnic lock, moved by a means having stored the reaction energy, comes to be placed in an end position, partially engaged in the support and in a second housing of the moving part, thus ensuring the locking thereof in the final position called arming. The means having stored the reaction energy can for example consist of a spring.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode particulier de réalisation qui suit et qui est faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lequels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue selon l'axe de rotation du volet pyrotechnique en position de sécu rité,
  • la figure 2 représente une coupe du dispositif en position de sécurité selon la ligne 1.1 de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 représente une coupe du dispositif en position de sécurité selon la ligne 11.11 de la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 représente le dispositif de la figure 1 mis en position d'armement,
  • la figure 5 représente une coupe du dispositif en position d'armement selon la ligne III,III,
  • la figure 6 représente une coupe du dispositif en position d'armement selon la ligne IV.IV.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of a particular embodiment which follows and which is given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a view along the axis of rotation of the pyrotechnic shutter in the safety position,
  • FIG. 2 represents a section of the device in the safety position according to line 1.1 of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 represents a section of the device in the safety position along line 11.11 of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 represents the device of FIG. 1 put in the cocking position,
  • FIG. 5 represents a section of the device in the cocking position along line III, III,
  • FIG. 6 represents a section of the device in the cocking position along line IV.IV.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est logé dans un support 1 obturé par un couvercle 2. La chaîne pyrotechnique est composée d'une amorce-détonateur 3 de préférence électrique et logée dans le support 1, d'un relais de détonation 4 logé dans l'épaisseur d'une pièce mobile appelée volet 5 et d'un relais de puissance 6 chargé en explosif secondaire qui permet de transmettre la détonation à la charge principale.The device according to the invention is housed in a support 1 closed by a cover 2. The pyrotechnic chain is composed of a primer-detonator 3 preferably electric and housed in the support 1, of a detonation relay 4 housed in the thickness of a moving part called flap 5 and of a power relay 6 loaded with secondary explosive which makes it possible to transmit the detonation to the main charge.

En position non armée, le volet 5 sert d'interrupteur de chaîne pyrotechnique par sa présence entre l'amorce détonateur 3 et le relais de puissance 6. Ce volet 5 peut pivoter dans le support 1 selon son axe 7, mais il est maintenu dans la position initiale de sécurité par une goupille 8 et par l'inflammateur de préférence électrique qui sert de verrou pyrotechnique.In the unarmed position, the flap 5 serves as a pyrotechnic chain switch by its presence between the detonator initiator 3 and the power relay 6. This flap 5 can pivot in the support 1 along its axis 7, but it is held in the initial safety position by a pin 8 and by the preferably electric igniter which serves as a pyrotechnic lock.

Cet inflammateur est disposé partiellement dans le support 1 et dans un trou borgne 10 pratiqué dans le volet 5.This igniter is partially placed in the support 1 and in a blind hole 10 made in the flap 5.

D'autre part, lorsqu'il est actionné, il génère des gaz par sa face inférieure 11 en contact ou au voisinage du trou borgne 10. Ses caractéristiques pyrotechniques nécessaires telles que le pouvoir d'allumage adapté, les faibles résidus de combustion, et les caractéristiques mécaniques comme par exemple les déformations après fonctionnement, ainsi que l'éloignement par rapport aux autres composants pyrotechniques sont choisis de façon à obtenir un bon fonctionnement du dispositif. Un système élastique 12 maintient l'inflammateur en position de verrouillage du volet et absorbe les contraintes mécaniques d'environnement.On the other hand, when it is activated, it generates gases by its lower face 11 in contact or in the vicinity of the blind hole 10. Its necessary pyrotechnic characteristics such as the adapted ignition power, the low combustion residues, and the mechanical characteristics such as for example the deformations after operation, as well as the distance with respect to the other pyrotechnic components are chosen so as to obtain correct operation of the device. An elastic system 12 keeps the igniter in the shutter locking position and absorbs the mechanical stresses of the environment.

Le volet 5 est soumis à un couple de rotation dû au ressort 13 et est maintenu dans sa position initiale de sécurité par l'inflammateur 9, et par la goupille8. Le volet comporte également un trou 15 dans lequel vient se loger l'inflammateur 9 après rotation du volet, c'est-à-dire lorsque ce dernier a atteint sa position finale dite d'armement.The shutter 5 is subjected to a torque due to the spring 13 and is held in its initial safety position by the igniter 9, and by the pin8. The shutter also has a hole 15 in which the igniter 9 is housed after rotation of the shutter, that is to say when the latter has reached its final position called arming.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif est le suivant : la goupille 8 est dégagée soit manuellement soit automatiquement, l'inflammateur 9 est mis au feu et recule sous l'effet des gaz qu'il produit, il déverrouille le volet 5 qui est entraîné en rotation par le ressort 13. Le volet 5 passe de la position initiale de sécurité jusqu'à la position finale d'armement déterminée par la position de la butée 14. Dans cette position finale le trou 15 se trouve disposé en face de l'inflammateur qui sous l'action du ressort 12 reverrouille le volet.The operation of the device is as follows: the pin 8 is released either manually or automatically, the igniter 9 is set on fire and backs up under the effect of the gases it produces, it unlocks the flap 5 which is rotated by the spring 13. The flap 5 passes from the initial safety position to the final arming position determined by the position of the stop 14. In this final position the hole 15 is located opposite the igniter which under the action of the spring 12 relocks the shutter.

L'amorce détonateur 3, le relais détonateur 4 et le relais de puissance 6 sont alignés : le dispositif est armé.The detonator initiator 3, the detonator relay 4 and the power relay 6 are aligned: the device is armed.

Le dispositif selon l'invention permet donc d'assurer une double sécurité au cours du stockage et des manipulations en cas de fonctionnement intempestif de l'amorce détonateur, par le maintien en position de sécurité du volet grâce à la goupille et au verrou pyrotechnique, ainsi que d'une sécurité étendue dans le temps (pendant la pose d'un champ de mines, ou le vol d'un missile) par le fait que le verrou pyrotechnique ne peut être alimenté en énergie qu'au moment de la détection de l'objectif et juste avant le fonctionnement de la charge principale. De plus, sa conception simple lui confère une grande fiabilité, une grande facilité de mise en oeuvre, et un prix de revient peu élevé.The device according to the invention therefore makes it possible to ensure double security during storage and handling in the event of inadvertent operation of the detonator primer, by maintaining the flap in the safety position thanks to the pin and the pyrotechnic lock, as well as extended security over time (during the laying of a minefield, or the flight of a missile) by the fact that the pyrotechnic lock can only be supplied with energy at the time of detection of the objective and just before the operation of the main load. In addition, its simple design gives it great reliability, great ease of implementation, and a low cost price.

Bien entendu le mode de réalisation décrit ci- dessus n'est pas limitatif. Ainsi le volet interrupteur peut subir une translation au lieu d'une rotation. Le verrou pyrotechnique peut aussi être disposé perpendiculairement au volet interrupteur ou tangent dans le cas d'une rotation. De plus, l'alignement de la chaîne pyrotechnique peut être obtenu non seulement par l'effacement d'un écran, mais aussi par déplacement de l'amorce détonateur. Ces diverses modifications apportées par l'homme de l'art entrent dans le domaine de l'invention.Of course the embodiment described above is not limiting. Thus the switch flap can undergo translation rather than rotation. The pyrotechnic lock can also be arranged perpendicular to the switch flap or tangent in the case of a rotation. In addition, the alignment of the pyrotechnic chain can be obtained not only by erasing a screen, but also by moving the detonator primer. These various modifications made by those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

1. An arming safety device, for use on mines, missiles or other weapons systems, comprising :
- a mobile component (5) capable of rotatory or longitudinal travel housed in a support (1), locked in an initial position - « safety position »
- and capable of taking up a final position - « armed position » ;
- a control mechanism (9) consisting of a gas- generating pyrotechnic lock, which can be used used to release said mobile component from its initial position ;
- a mechanism (13) which supplies the energy required for said mobile component (5) to move from initial to final position ; safety device wherein said control mechanism (9) is partially engaged in said support (1) and in a blind housing, and detaches itself by reaction from said mobile component (5) when said mobile component (5) has been activated.
2. The invention set forth in claim 1, wherein said pyrotechnic lock (9), driven by a mechanism (12) which has stored the reaction energy, moves into its final position, partially engaged in said support (1) and in a second housing (15) on said mobile component (5), thus locking said mobile component (5) in its final « armed position.
3. The invention set forth in claim 2, wherein said reaction energy storage mechanism (12) is a spring.
EP19800401071 1979-07-18 1980-07-18 Safety arming device for explosive devices Expired EP0023179B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7918552A FR2461922A1 (en) 1979-07-18 1979-07-18 ARMOR SAFETY DEVICE FOR EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
FR7918552 1979-07-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0023179A1 EP0023179A1 (en) 1981-01-28
EP0023179B1 true EP0023179B1 (en) 1984-01-18

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EP19800401071 Expired EP0023179B1 (en) 1979-07-18 1980-07-18 Safety arming device for explosive devices

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DE (1) DE3066167D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2461922A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7387156B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2008-06-17 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Perforating safety system
CN112894338B (en) * 2021-02-05 2022-07-12 广州明森合兴科技有限公司 Automatic explosive bolt mounting equipment

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3323460A (en) * 1964-10-26 1967-06-06 Magnavox Co Thermo-torque motor
FR2174405A6 (en) * 1971-06-08 1973-10-12 France Etat
FR2319874A1 (en) * 1975-08-01 1977-02-25 Trt Telecom Radio Electr Detonator installation and arming equipment - with detonator rotated from safe to armed position by sprung mounting plate with stop limiting rotation

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Publication number Publication date
EP0023179A1 (en) 1981-01-28
DE3066167D1 (en) 1984-02-23
FR2461922A1 (en) 1981-02-06
FR2461922B1 (en) 1984-01-20

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