DE102022124558A1 - Modular ignition system and ammunition comprising a modular ignition system - Google Patents

Abstract

Providing an ignition system (10) for a projectile (28) for ammunition (22), in particular for cartridge-loaded ammunition, the ignition system (10) comprising an electronic ignition device (12) and a communication device (14) assigned to the electronic ignition device (12). a communication between the electronic ignition device (12) and a computer, in particular a computing system, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is provided in the projectile (28), and that the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28). becomes.

Description

The invention relates to an ignition system for a projectile for ammunition, in particular for cartridge-filled ammunition, the ignition system comprising an electronic ignition device and a communication device assigned to the electronic ignition device for providing communication between the electronic ignition device and a computer, in particular a computing system.

The invention further relates to an electronic ignition device for such an ignition system and the provision of an ignition system.

Ammunition with electronic ignition systems is known from the prior art, with the entire electronic system including communication means and energy supply means being arranged in a projectile of the ammunition. The disadvantage of the known systems is that a lot of space is required in the projectile itself, and resources that are no longer needed are carried in the active body even after firing.

The present invention is based on the object of providing an ignition system that is improved over the prior art.

This task is solved with an ignition system with the features of claim 1.

According to the present invention it is provided that the electronic ignition device is provided in the projectile and that the communication device is provided outside the projectile.

The projectile comprises, for example, an explosive-based charge, with the electronic ignition device of the ignition system being designed to initiate the ignition of the charge. The electronic ignition device can preferably be regulated and includes, for example, a timer so that the ignition can be set to a specific time.

The communication device serves to provide communication between the electronic ignition device and an external computer. The computer is, for example, a fire control system or part of a fire control system. The fire control system can include, for example, electronic detection and/or guidance systems, such as radar, laser or infrared-based systems, or even optical systems. Furthermore, the fire control system can be designed to align weapon systems and/or guns and, in particular, to track moving targets.

The computing system can be used in particular to program the ignition device. This is done, for example, via a data exchange using the communication device via a suitable interface and/or via means that connect the communication device and the electronic ignition device to one another. These means are, for example, a wire, a line, or a connector or combinations thereof. Communication can also take place wirelessly.

The communication device and/or the electronic ignition device and possibly further components of the system are advantageously designed to be modular, in particular modularly encapsulated. The modularization is advantageously function-related. A modular design can also include that a component, for example the communication device and/or the electronic ignition device, is each surrounded by a housing.

Through the invention, i.e. the modular structure of components of the ignition system, a distributed ignition system can be implemented in a simple manner when the ignition system is integrated into ammunition. The individual components, and thus the functions provided by the respective components, can be arranged spatially separated from one another in the ammunition. This means that the components can also be integrated into the ammunition independently of each other.

This has the advantage, for example, that when integrating the ignition system, several smaller available volumes can be used and thus more flexible solutions to space requirements can be provided.

By arranging components, for example the communication device, of the ignition system outside the floor, the installation space required for the ignition system in the floor is reduced to the installation space in the actual active body required for the actually functionally relevant electronics. In order to enable communication with components that are arranged in the floor, for example with the ignition device, in this case only the components that are absolutely necessary for receiving data are required within the floor, in particular in a minimalist embodiment. Communication protocols for communicating with a fire control system are often very complex due to the safety requirements and the complexity of the system. Within the ammunition, especially within the projectile, the com A less complex, parasitic protocol can be implemented for communication.

The spatial separation can advantageously reduce or prevent the spread and/or influence of parasitic interference within the ignition system.

Parasitic interference is, for example, undesirable capacitive, i.e. capacitance between conductors or conductive arrangements that is not intended in terms of circuitry.

Outside the projectile, the communication device can be provided, for example, in a casing of the ammunition.

Due to the modular structure of components of the ignition system, ammunition and/or the ignition system can be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements, for example to different weapon systems, by adapting individual components of the ignition system. In this way, development times for new or adapted weapon systems can also be reduced.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the ignition system comprises an energy generating device for supplying the electronic ignition device, and that the energy generating device is provided outside the projectile. The energy generating device is, for example, a generator, in particular a so-called setback generator, also called an inertia generator. Outside the projectile, the energy generating device can be provided, for example, in a sabot of the projectile. Means are provided which connect the energy generating device and the electronic ignition device to one another. These means are, for example, a wire, a line, or a connector or combinations thereof.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the ignition system has at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device and the communication device and/or at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device and the energy generating device and/or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and the energy generating device and/or or comprises at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device and the external computing system.

Communication via the interface can be defined using an interface specification, ICD, interface control document. The interface control describes, for example, how an interface of the system is structured and how it can be addressed. It is irrelevant how the components that communicate via the interface, such as the computing system and the ignition device, themselves function.

The communication between the energy generating device and the ignition device also takes place, for example, via an interface, according to a defined protocol. The ignition device and in particular the energy generating device are therefore independent of a respective weapon system in which the ammunition is ultimately used. The communication between the energy generating device and the ignition device enables, for example, control of the energy supply and/or energy generation.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the ignition system comprises at least one sensor device and/or at least one actuator device. Sensors are, for example, a sensor for detecting an approach, a sensor for detecting target tracking, a sensor for detecting an impact. Actuators are, for example, an actuator for providing re-securing and an actuator for providing final phase steering. The sensors and/or actuators can be integrated into the electronic ignition device. However, the sensors and/or actuators are preferably independent, modular components, in particular modularly encapsulated, and can be connected to the electronic ignition device via suitable interfaces and/or means.

1. a) Kommunikation über eine der elektronischen Zündeinrichtungen zugeordneten Kommunikationseinrichtung mit einem Rechensystem, b) Bereitstellen einer Zündungssicherung, insbesondere vor einem Abschuss und/oder innerhalb eines Rohrs und/oder innerhalb eines Vorrohrsicherheitsdistanz, c) Initiieren einer Zündung, beispielsweise einer Luftsprengpunktzündung und/oder einer Aufschlagzündung, d) Bereitstellen einer Überflugsicherheit, f) Erfassen und/oder Detektieren wenigstens einer Größe und/oder eines Ereignisses und/oder eines Zustands, insbesondere mittels entsprechender Sensorik, g) Steuern einer Aktoreinrichtung, beispielsweise Wiedersicherung, Endphasenlenkung. In Bezug auf die Vorrohrsicherheitsdistanz kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Zünder die entsprechende Distanz, insbesondere mittels geeigneter Sensorik realisiert. In Bezug auf den Luftsprengpunkt kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Detonationszeitpunkt vor Abschuss programmiert wird. Eine Aufschlagzündung kann unverzögert oder mit Verzögerung realisiert werden. Eine Überflugsicherheit sieht eine Sicherheit gegen eine zu frühe Detonation vor.

Further embodiments relate to an electronic ignition device for an ignition system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic ignition device is designed such that at least one of the following functions is provided:

1. a) communication via a communication device assigned to the electronic ignition devices with a computing system, b) providing an ignition safety device, in particular before a firing and/or within a pipe and/or within a pre-pipe safety distance, c) initiating an ignition, for example an air explosive point ignition and/or a Impact ignition, d) providing overflight safety, f) detecting and/or detecting at least a quantity and/or an event and/or a state, in particular by means of appropriate sensors, g) controlling an actuator device, for example re-securing, final phase steering. With regard to the front pipe safety distance, it can be provided that the igniter realizes the corresponding distance, in particular by means of suitable sensors. With regard to the air blast point, it can be provided that the detonation time is programmed before the launch. Impact ignition can be implemented immediately or with a delay. Overflight safety provides security against premature detonation.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by providing an ignition system according to the described embodiments and/or an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments. According to the present invention, a modular detonator kit is provided which can be flexibly integrated into different ammunition and/or weapon systems. The detonator kit comprises the described components, for example electronic ignition device, energy generation device, communication device and optionally sensor and/or actuator devices, as well as suitable means and/or interfaces for providing a connection between the respective components.

The task mentioned at the outset is also achieved by ammunition, in particular cartridge ammunition, comprising a projectile, and an ignition system for ammunition according to the described embodiments, and / or an electronic ignition device according to the described embodiments, wherein an electronic ignition device of the ignition system in the projectile and a communication device of the ignition system is preferably arranged outside the projectile.

In the context of the present invention, a projectile includes a projectile, penetrator with or without a sabot.

It is advantageously provided that the ammunition comprises a case and the communication device is arranged in the case, in particular in a case base of the case. For example, a propellant charge for firing the projectile is provided in the sleeve.

The bullet is, for example, a sub-caliber impact bullet. Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the electronic ignition device is provided in the projectile and/or an energy generating device of the ignition system is provided outside the projectile.

Further embodiments relate to a projectile for ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, according to the described embodiments, with an electronic ignition device being arranged in the projectile.

It is advantageously provided that the projectile comprises a sabot, with an energy generating device being arranged in or on the sabot.

Further embodiments relate to using a projectile according to the described embodiments and/or ammunition according to the described embodiments to combat a target.

• 1 schematisch ein Zündsystem für Munition, insbesondere patronisierte, Munition gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform;
• 2 Munition, insbesondere patronisierte, Munition mit dem Zündsystem aus 1 gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform, und
• 3 Munition, insbesondere patronisierte, Munition mit dem Zündsystem aus 1 gemäß einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, with identical or functionally identical elements being provided with identical reference numbers, but if necessary only once. Show it:

• 1 schematically an ignition system for ammunition, in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 2 Ammunition, especially cartridge-loaded ammunition, with the ignition system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, and
• 3 Ammunition, especially cartridge-loaded ammunition, with the ignition system 1 according to a further exemplary embodiment.

1 shows an ignition system for a projectile for ammunition, in particular for cartridge-loaded ammunition. The ignition system is designated in its entirety by reference number 10. The ignition system includes an electronic ignition device 12 and a communication device 14 assigned to the electronic ignition device for providing communication between the electronic ignition device 12 and an external computer, not shown in the figures.

The electronic ignition device 12 of the ignition system 10 is designed to initiate ignition of a charge of a projectile. The electronic ignition device 12 is preferably tempable, for example includes a timer, so that the ignition can be set to a specific time.

The electronic ignition device 12 includes, for example, one in particular pro programmable memory and/or a particularly programmable computing device. The electronic ignition device 12, in particular memory and/or computing device, can be programmed, for example, via a computer (not shown) using the communication device 14.

The computer is, for example, a fire control system or part of a fire control system. The fire control system can include, for example, electronic detection and/or guidance systems, such as radar, laser or infrared-based systems, or even optical systems. Furthermore, the fire control system can be designed to align weapon systems and/or guns and, in particular, to track moving targets.

The ignition system 10 includes, for example, an energy generating device 16 for supplying the electronic ignition device 12. In principle, the energy generating device 16 can be designed in any way, for example include a battery or a generator. The energy generating device 16 is, for example, a generator, in particular a so-called setback generator, also called an inertia generator. The electrical energy is generated by the firing according to the law of induction. The electronic ignition device 12 may include a memory for storing energy. The memory can also be supplied by the communication unit 14. In this case no generator or battery is necessary.

The ignition system 10 further includes, for example, a sensor device 18 and/or an actuator device 20. The ignition system 10 can also include a plurality of sensors 18 and/or a plurality of actuators 20.

Sensors 18 are, for example, a sensor for detecting an approach and/or a sensor for detecting target tracking and/or a sensor for detecting an impact. Actuators 20 are, for example, an actuator for providing re-securing and/or an actuator for providing final phase steering. The sensors 18 and/or actuators 20 can be integrated into the electronic ignition device 12. However, the sensors 18 and/or actuators 20 are preferably independent, modular components, preferably modularly encapsulated, and can be connected to the electronic ignition device 12 via suitable interfaces and/or means. The sensors 18 or actuators 20 can be supplied with energy via the electronic ignition device 12.

Interfaces and/or means for data exchange and/or energy transmission between the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10 are indicated by way of example in the figures as dashed connecting lines.

These means are, for example, a wire, a line, or a connector or combinations thereof. Data exchange and/or energy transmission can also take place wirelessly. For example, data exchange and/or energy transmission can also take place optically.

Data exchange via an interface can be defined using an interface specification, ICD, Interface Control Document. The interface control describes, for example, how an interface of the system is structured and how it can be addressed. It is irrelevant how the components communicating via the interface, for example the computing system and the ignition device 12, themselves function.

The communication between the energy generating device 16 and the ignition device 12 also takes place, for example, via an interface, according to a defined protocol. The ignition device 12 and in particular the energy generating device 16 are therefore independent of a respective weapon system in which the ammunition is ultimately used.

The components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10 are advantageously designed in a modular manner, in particular in a modularly encapsulated manner. The modularization is advantageously carried out in a function-related manner. A modular design can also include that a respective component 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 is surrounded by a housing.

Through the invention, i.e. the modular structure of components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, a distributed ignition system can be easily implemented when the ignition system 10 is integrated into ammunition. The individual components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and thus the functions provided by the respective components, can be arranged spatially separated from one another in the ammunition. This means that the components 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 can also be integrated into ammunition independently of one another.

2 and 3 show an exemplary integration of the ignition system 10 into an ammunition 22.

According to the embodiment shown, the ammunition 22 is patronized ammunition 22.
The ammunition includes a sleeve 24. The sleeve 24 includes, for example, a sleeve base 26 which is designed as a type of cavity.

According to the embodiment shown, the communication device 14 is arranged in the case base 26. The communication device 14 can also be arranged at another location in the ammunition 22, but preferably outside a projectile 28 of the ammunition 22.

The cartridge case contains, for example, a propellant charge 30 for firing the projectile 28.

According to the embodiment shown, the electronic ignition device 12, the energy generating device 16, a sensor 18 and an actuator 20 are arranged in the projectile 28.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the projectile 28 comprises a penetrator 32 and a schematically shown sabot 34, see 3 .

According to 3 It is provided that the energy generating device 16 is arranged in the sabot 34 and the electronic ignition device 12, the sensor 18 and the actuator 20 in the penetrator 32.

By arranging the communication device 14 outside the projectile, namely in the sleeve 24, and the energy generating device 16 in the sabot 34, the electronics in the actual active body arranged in the projectile 28, in particular in the penetrator 32, are reduced to a minimum.

The projectile 28 or the penetrator 32 comprise an explosive-based charge 36, the electronic ignition device 12 of the ignition system 10 being designed to initiate the ignition of the charge 36.

The ones in the 2 and 3 The integration of the ignition system 10 in ammunition 22 shown is purely exemplary.

Due to the modular structure of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, an arbitrarily distributed ignition system 10 can be easily implemented when the ignition system is integrated into ammunition. The individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20, and thus the functions provided by the respective components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20, can be arranged spatially separated from one another in the ammunition 22. Due to the modular structure of the components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10, ammunition 22 and/or the ignition system 10 can be easily and efficiently adapted to different requirements by adapting individual components 12, 14, 8, 18, 20 of the ignition system 10 , for example to different weapon systems. In this way, the duration of development projects, for example new or adapted weapon systems, can be significantly reduced.

Reference symbol list

10

Ignition system

12

electronic ignition device

14

Communication facility

16

Energy generating facility

18

sensor

20

Actor

22

ammunition

24

sleeve

26

sleeve bottom

28

bullet

30

Propellant charge

32

Penetrator

34

sabot

36

explosive-based cargo

Claims (12)

Ignition system (10) for a projectile (28) for ammunition (22), in particular for cartridge-loaded ammunition, the ignition system (10) comprising an electronic ignition device (12) and a communication device (14) assigned to the electronic ignition device (12) for providing communication between the electronic ignition device (12) and a computer, in particular a computing system, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is provided in the projectile (28), and that the communication device (14) is provided outside the projectile (28). Ignition system (10). Claim 1 , characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises an energy generating device (16) for supplying the electronic ignition device (12), and that the energy generating device (16) is provided outside the projectile (28). Ignition system (10) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the ignition system (10) has at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device (12) and the communication device (14) and / or at least one interface for providing a connection between the ignition device (12) and the energy generating device (16) and/or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device (14) and the energy generating device (16) and/or at least one interface for providing a connection between the communication device (14) and the external computing system includes. Ignition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition system (10) has at least one sensor device (18), in particular for detecting an approach, target tracking and/or an impact, and/or at least one actuator device (20) , in particular for providing re-securing and/or final phase control. Electronic ignition device (12) for an ignition system (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic ignition device (12) is designed such that at least one of the following functions is provided: a) communication via one of the electronic ignition devices ( 12) associated communication device (14) with a computing system, b) providing detonation protection, in particular before a firing and / or within a pipe and / or within a pre-pipe safety distance, c) initiating an ignition, for example an air explosive point ignition and / or an impact ignition, d ) Providing overflight safety, e) detecting and/or detecting at least one variable and/or an event and/or a state, in particular by means of a sensor device, f) controlling an actuator device (20), for example re-securing, final phase steering. Providing an ignition system (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 until 4 and/or an electronic ignition device (12). Claim 5 . Ammunition (22), in particular cartridged ammunition, comprising a projectile (28), and an ignition system (10) for ammunition (22) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , and/or an electronic ignition device (12) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that an electronic ignition device (12) of the ignition system (10) is arranged in the projectile (28) and a communication device (14) of the ignition system (10) is arranged outside the projectile (28). Ammunition (22) after Claim 7 , characterized in that the ammunition comprises a case, and the communication device is arranged in the case, in particular in a case base of the case. Ammunition (22) according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that an actuator device (20) and/or a sensor device (20) is provided in the projectile and/or an energy generating device (16) of the ignition system (10) is provided outside the projectile (28). Projectile (28) for ammunition (22), in particular cartridge-loaded ammunition, according to at least one of the Claims 8 or 9 , characterized in that an electronic ignition device (12) is arranged in the projectile (28). bullet after Claim 10 , characterized in that the projectile (28) comprises a sabot, the electronic ignition device (12) being arranged in the projectile (28) and an energy generating device being arranged in or on the sabot. Using a projectile (28) according to at least one of the Claims 10 or 11 and/or ammunition (22) according to at least one of the Claims 8 or 9 to combat a target.

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