EP0076746B1 - Pyrotechnical compound and pyrotechnical ignition devices - Google Patents

Pyrotechnical compound and pyrotechnical ignition devices Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0076746B1
EP0076746B1 EP19820401776 EP82401776A EP0076746B1 EP 0076746 B1 EP0076746 B1 EP 0076746B1 EP 19820401776 EP19820401776 EP 19820401776 EP 82401776 A EP82401776 A EP 82401776A EP 0076746 B1 EP0076746 B1 EP 0076746B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pyrotechnic
fact
per
zirconium
support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19820401776
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0076746A3 (en
EP0076746A2 (en
Inventor
Victor Marchandise
Henri Marrot
Lucien Barillero
Christian Picard
Joseph Putot
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
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Direction General pour lArmement DGA
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Publication of EP0076746A3 publication Critical patent/EP0076746A3/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
    • C06C9/00—Chemical contact igniters; Chemical lighters
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06B—EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
    • C06B33/00—Compositions containing particulate metal, alloy, boron, silicon, selenium or tellurium with at least one oxygen supplying material which is either a metal oxide or a salt, organic or inorganic, capable of yielding a metal oxide
    • C06B33/04—Compositions containing particulate metal, alloy, boron, silicon, selenium or tellurium with at least one oxygen supplying material which is either a metal oxide or a salt, organic or inorganic, capable of yielding a metal oxide the material being an inorganic nitrogen-oxygen salt
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B3/00—Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
    • F42B3/10—Initiators therefor
    • F42B3/103—Mounting initiator heads in initiators; Sealing-plugs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B3/00—Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
    • F42B3/10—Initiators therefor
    • F42B3/12—Bridge initiators
    • F42B3/125—Bridge initiators characterised by the configuration of the bridge initiator case
    • F42B3/127—Bridge initiators characterised by the configuration of the bridge initiator case the case having burst direction defining elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new pyrotechnic composition and the implementation thereof in pyrotechnic igniter devices.
  • the technical sector of the invention is that of the manufacture of pyrotechnic compositions.
  • Pyrotechnic compositions are known which are composed of a mixture of potassium nitrate and boron, which can be ignited electrically and which are used as pyrotechnic charge in pyrotechnic igniters intended to control remotely and / or at a well-defined instant. ignition of a pyrotechnic charge, for example a propellant charge.
  • the firing of a propellant charge at a specific time or at a specific point in the trajectory of a rocket it is very important that the firing be ordered in a very short time. It is therefore necessary that the reaction time, that is to say the time necessary for the charge of the igniter to burn and transmit the flame, be very short, of the order of a few tens of milliseconds.
  • One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a new ternary pyrotechnic composition which makes it possible to reduce the reaction time.
  • Hot wire pyrotechnic igniters which have one or two filaments which are connected to two electric ignition conductors and a small pyrotechnic charge which is placed in a capsule which ignites on contact with hot wires when circulating an electric current therein which ignites a main pyrotechnic charge, for example a propellant charge.
  • the igniters must meet certain safety and non-operating requirements. When placed in a disturbed electromagnetic environment, for a determined time, they must not ignite the pyrotechnic charge and must not be damaged.
  • medium-energy igniters called 1 ampere-1 watt are used, which must be able to withstand the passage of a current of one ampere for five minutes and be subjected to an electrical energy of one watt for five minutes without has ignited the pyrotechnic charge they contain and which must operate normally after this test.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide pyrotechnic igniters of the type 1A-1W described above, which perfectly meet the tests and qualification tests under an ampere and under a dissipated power of one watt and which have a response time very brief, of the order of 10 milliseconds, between the energization of the hot wires and the ignition of the load.
  • an oxidation-reduction pyrotechnic composition which is composed of a powdery ternary mixture of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium finely divided, the proportion by weight of zirconium being between 5 and 60%.
  • the invention relates to pyrotechnic igniters comprising a pyrotechnic charge which is placed inside a housing or a capsule which comprises at least one filament connected between two electrical ignition conductors.
  • pyrotechnic igniters in which the pyrotechnic composition is a ternary mixture of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium, finely divided and in which a ceramic support is provided which is a good thermal conductor and insulator electric, which separates the pyrotechnic charge from the bottom of the box.
  • the proportions by weight of the components are as follows: potassium nitrate 28%, boron 12%, zirconium 60%.
  • the support can be crossed by pairs of pins, the ends of which are flush with the external surface of said support and are connected to each other by a firing filament which is pressed against the external face of said support.
  • Said support is preferably composed of sintered alumina.
  • the igniter comprises an insulating membrane, which is interposed between the firing filaments and the pyrotechnic charge, and this membrane is composed, for example, of a film of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of the order of 10 at 30 ⁇ rn.
  • the invention results in new pyrotechnic compositions and new pyrotechnic igniters containing these compositions.
  • zirconium in redox pyrotechnic compositions composed of potassium nitrate and boron, has the effect of improving the rate of propagation of combustion through the composition thanks to the heat conducting properties of zirconium. This results in a much faster reaction time during electric firing. Tests carried out by varying the intensity of the current through the firing filaments have shown that as soon as the intensity exceeds three amps, the firing time is less than 15 ms for a composition containing 60% of zirconium .
  • igniters comprising sintered alumina supports having a thickness of a few millimeters have shown that it is possible to circulate in the filaments a current of one ampere at a power of 1 watt for a duration greater than 5 minutes without that the composition has been ignited and the igniter has not been destroyed. It follows that the igniters according to the invention can pass through, without being damaged, electromagnetically disturbed areas, either natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms, or by an induced action.
  • the igniters according to the invention resist vibrations, accelerations, shocks, vacuum. They can withstand high temperatures up to 200 ° C or low up to - 80 ° C and repeated thermal shocks. They are waterproof. They can be stored for several years without being damaged.
  • FIG. 1 represents a pyrotechnic igniter which comprises an external box 1 which has for example the form of a socket or of a cylindrical capsule of axis xx1.
  • the housing 1 is for example a copper or brass housing, which has a bottom and an opening at the end opposite the bottom.
  • the bottom of the housing 1 contains a support or block of sintered alumina 3 which carries two parallel conductive pins 2a, 2b which are flush with the external surface of the support.
  • the support 3 has an axial thickness of the order of a few millimeters.
  • the pins 2a, 2b pass through the bottom of the case, being isolated from it, so that they can be engaged in two sockets connected to two electrical conductors.
  • FIG. 2 represents a variant in which the two pins 2a, 2b are replaced by two conductors 2'a, 2'b, which extend out of the housing in a wire 4 coated with an insulating sheath which connects the conductors 2'a , 2'b to a source of electric current.
  • the support 3 is a support which is both a good thermal conductor and a good electrical insulator.
  • the sintered alumina can be replaced by any other ceramic having these two properties. The function of this support will be explained below.
  • the pins 2a, 2b or the conductors 2'a, 2'b are fixed to the support by metallization and soldering 5.
  • a resistant filament 6 is welded by an electric weld.
  • the filament 6 is for example a wire made of nickel and chromium alloy having a resistance of one ohm.
  • the diameter of the filament 6 depends on the length and the resistivity of the metal or of the alloy which composes it.
  • the filament 6 is stretched between the ends of the two pins 2a, 2b, so that it is pressed over its entire length against the external surface of the support 3 and in good thermal contact with it.
  • An igniter according to the invention can comprise two pairs of pins or conductors and two filaments 6 which are supplied in parallel for better operational safety.
  • the housing 1 contains an oxidation-reduction pyrotechnic composition 7 which is a ternary mixture of powders of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium.
  • the components of the mixture are in the finely divided state into particles having dimensions of the order of 10 to 40 ⁇ m.
  • Zirconium and boron act as reducing agents which combine with the oxygen in the nitrate.
  • zirconium is a good thermal conductor which transmits calories through the mixture and which prevents them from accumulating around the filament 6.
  • the products entering into the pyrotechnic composition are dried at a temperature of the order of 100 ° C., then finely ground and sieved, then they are intimately mixed in an agitator.
  • the mass of the pyrotechnic composition contained in an igniter is 250 or 500 mg depending on the igniters.
  • the preferred weight proportions of the components are 28% potassium nitrate, 12% boron and 60% zirconium.
  • the heat of combustion of a gram is 4,280 J (1,024 calories).
  • the measured reaction speed i.e. the time which elapses between the tensioning of the filaments 6 and the transmission of the flame out of the igniter is less than 15 ms for a current flowing in a filament 6 having an intensity greater than 3 amps.
  • reaction time values of a ternary composition according to the invention were well grouped around the average value with a very small difference which is at most of the order of 2 ms.
  • reaction time values of a binary pyrotechnic composition composed of potassium nitrate and boron are for the same firing current intensity, of the order of 100 ms, with deviations from the order of 10 ms.
  • zirconium therefore makes it possible to fix the instant of firing by means of a hot wire igniter in a much more precise manner. If the proportion of zirconium decreases, the reaction rate decreases.
  • the proportion of zirconium must not exceed a maximum value above which the thermal and electrical conductivity of the pyrotechnic composition would become too high.
  • the proportion by weight of zirconium in the composition can be between 40% and 60% and, preferably, of the order of 60%.
  • the pyrotechnic composition 7 is strongly compressed in the housing 1, for example under a pressure of 350 bars in order to ensure good contact of the particles of the composition with each other and with the filaments 6.
  • zirconium in the pyrotechnic composition reduces the resistivity thereof and it is preferable to electrically isolate the igniting filaments 6 of the composition 7 in order to avoid current leaks towards the walls of the case and between the firing circuits.
  • the insulation between circuits and between a conductor and the box must be greater than 100 megohms, at a voltage of 500 volts.
  • a very thin insulating membrane is interposed, preferably, between the filaments 6 and the pyrotechnic composition 7. This membrane must not prevent the transmission of heat between the filament and the pyrotechnic composition so as not to oppose the firing of it. It must be composed of an insulating material which must withstand a temperature of 270 ° C, which is the ignition temperature.
  • the membrane is a polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of the order of 10 to 30 4 m. This material melts at 260 ° C.
  • the pyrotechnic composition can be placed in an insulating case 9 which isolates it from the conductive walls of the housing 1.
  • the membrane 8 and the insulating case 9 are only necessary in the case where it is necessary for the igniters to be able to respond to severe isolation conditions, for example 100 MO isolation under a voltage of 500 V.
  • a thin cover 10 which is for example a sheet of tin having a thickness of 50 ⁇ . ⁇ .m which is held by a support washer 11 and the edge of the housing is crimped to hold the washer in place.
  • tin cover 10 melts and the flame is transmitted to a pyrotechnic charge which is placed in contact with the cover 10.
  • Igniters of the type just described must be able to withstand a determined electromagnetic environment without being destroyed.
  • these igniters can withstand, without the charge 7 being ignited, the passage for five minutes, through each igniting filament, of a current of 1 ampere or a power of 1 watt.
  • the application of this energy must not degrade the igniter or modify its operating characteristics.
  • the support 3 in electrically insulating ceramic but good thermal conductor, acts as a thermal reservoir in which the calories released by the Joule effect in the filaments 6 dissipate without the temperature of the filament being able to reach the ignition temperature as long as the he intensity of the current flowing in the filaments does not exceed 1 ampere.
  • composition 3 of zirconium which is a better thermal conductor than nitrate and boron, facilitates the dissipation of calories towards the support 3 during the tests and increases the rapidity of ignition of composition 3.
  • FIG. 3 represents an axial section of another embodiment of a pyrotechnic igniter according to the invention.
  • the homologous parts are represented by the same references.
  • This embodiment differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it does not include an insulating membrane 8 and that the cover 10 is a plastic cover having a thin central part having a thickness of the order of 0 , 1 mm which is surrounded by a peripheral ring crimped in the housing 1.
  • FIG. 4 represents an axial section of another embodiment of an igniter according to the invention.
  • the homologous parts are represented by the same references.
  • This embodiment differs from the previous ones in that the igniter is placed in the cavity of a housing 1a in the form of a threaded plug which is screwed into a threaded orifice intended to receive it.
  • the insulating membrane 8, which covers the filaments 6, is held at its periphery by an insulating washer 12.
  • the cavity located below the ceramic support 3 is filled with an adhesive or an insulating resin 13.
  • a seal 14 seals between the threaded plug and the body in which it is screwed.

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Description

La présente invention a pour objet une nouvelle composition pyrotechnique et la mise en oeuvre de celui-ci dans les dispositifs inflammateurs pyrotechniques.The present invention relates to a new pyrotechnic composition and the implementation thereof in pyrotechnic igniter devices.

Le secteur technique de l'invention est celui de la fabrication des compositions pyrotechniques.The technical sector of the invention is that of the manufacture of pyrotechnic compositions.

On connaît des compositions pyrotechniques composées d'un mélange de nitrate de potassium et de bore, qui peuvent être mises à feu électriquement et qui sont utilisées comme charge pyrotechnique dans des inflammateurs pyrotechniques destinés à commander à distance et/ou à un instant bien déterminé la mise à feu d'une charge pyrotechnique, par exemple d'une charge propulsive.Pyrotechnic compositions are known which are composed of a mixture of potassium nitrate and boron, which can be ignited electrically and which are used as pyrotechnic charge in pyrotechnic igniters intended to control remotely and / or at a well-defined instant. ignition of a pyrotechnic charge, for example a propellant charge.

Dans certaines applications, par exemple lorsqu'on doit télécommander au moyen d'un . inflammateur la mise à feu d'une charge propulsive à un instant précis ou bien à un point précis de la trajectoire d'une fusée, il est très important que la mise à feu soit commandée en un temps très bref. Il faut donc que le temps de réaction, c'est-à-dire le temps nécessaire pour que la charge de l'inflammateur brûle et transmette la flamme, soit très court, de l'ordre de quelques dizaines de millisecondes.In some applications, for example when you have to remote control using a. igniter the firing of a propellant charge at a specific time or at a specific point in the trajectory of a rocket, it is very important that the firing be ordered in a very short time. It is therefore necessary that the reaction time, that is to say the time necessary for the charge of the igniter to burn and transmit the flame, be very short, of the order of a few tens of milliseconds.

Un des objectifs de la présente invention est de procurer une nouvelle composition pyrotechnique ternaire qui permet de réduire le temps de réaction.One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a new ternary pyrotechnic composition which makes it possible to reduce the reaction time.

On connaît des inflammateurs pyrotechniques à fil chaud qui comportent ou un deux filaments qui sont reliés à deux conducteurs électriques de mise à feu et une petite charge pyrotechnique qui est placée dans une capsule qui s'enflamme au contact des fils chauds lorsqu'on fait circuler un courant électrique dans ceux-ci et qui enflamme une charge pyrotechnique principale, par exemple une charge propulsive.Hot wire pyrotechnic igniters are known which have one or two filaments which are connected to two electric ignition conductors and a small pyrotechnic charge which is placed in a capsule which ignites on contact with hot wires when circulating an electric current therein which ignites a main pyrotechnic charge, for example a propellant charge.

Les inflammateurs doivent répondre à certains impératifs de sécurité et de non fonctionnement. Lorsqu'ils sont placés dans un environnement électromagnétique perturbé, pendant un temps déterminé, ils ne doivent pas provoquer la mise à feu de la charge pyrotechnique et ne doivent pas être détériorés.The igniters must meet certain safety and non-operating requirements. When placed in a disturbed electromagnetic environment, for a determined time, they must not ignite the pyrotechnic charge and must not be damaged.

On utilise notamment des inflammateurs moyenne énergie dits 1 ampère-1 watt, qui doivent pouvoir supporter le passage d'un courant d'un ampère pendant cinq minutes et être soumis à une énergie électrique d'un watt pendant cinq minutes sans qu'il y ait mise à feu de la charge pyrotechnique qu'ils contiennent et qui doivent fonctionner normalement après cette épreuve.In particular, medium-energy igniters called 1 ampere-1 watt are used, which must be able to withstand the passage of a current of one ampere for five minutes and be subjected to an electrical energy of one watt for five minutes without has ignited the pyrotechnic charge they contain and which must operate normally after this test.

Un autre objectif de la présente invention est de procurer des inflammateurs pyrotechniques du type 1A-1W décrits ci-dessus, qui répondent parfaitement aux épreuves et essais de qualification sous un ampère et sous une puissance dissipée de un watt et qui ont un temps de réponse très bref, de l'ordre de 10 millisecondes, entre la mise sous tension des fils chauds et l'inflammation de la charge.Another object of the present invention is to provide pyrotechnic igniters of the type 1A-1W described above, which perfectly meet the tests and qualification tests under an ampere and under a dissipated power of one watt and which have a response time very brief, of the order of 10 milliseconds, between the energization of the hot wires and the ignition of the load.

Les objectifs de l'invention sont atteints au moyen d'une composition pyrotechnique oxydo-réductrice, qui est composée d'un mélange ternaire pulvérulent de nitrate de potassium, de bore et de zirconium finement divisés, la proportion en poids de zirconium étant comprise entre 5 et 60 %.The objectives of the invention are achieved by means of an oxidation-reduction pyrotechnic composition, which is composed of a powdery ternary mixture of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium finely divided, the proportion by weight of zirconium being between 5 and 60%.

L'invention a pour objet des inflammateurs pyrotechniques comportant une charge pyrotechnique qui est placée à l'intérieur d'un boîtier ou d'une capsule qui comporte au moins un filament connecté entre deux conducteurs électriques de mise à feu.The invention relates to pyrotechnic igniters comprising a pyrotechnic charge which is placed inside a housing or a capsule which comprises at least one filament connected between two electrical ignition conductors.

Les objectifs de l'invention sont atteints au moyen d'inflammateurs pyrotechniques dans lesquels la composition pyrotechnique est un mélange ternaire de nitrate de potassium, de bore et de zirconium, finement divisés et dans lesquels est prévu un support en céramique bonne conductrice thermique et isolante électrique, qui sépare la charge pyrotechnique du fond du boîtier.The objectives of the invention are achieved by means of pyrotechnic igniters in which the pyrotechnic composition is a ternary mixture of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium, finely divided and in which a ceramic support is provided which is a good thermal conductor and insulator electric, which separates the pyrotechnic charge from the bottom of the box.

De préférence, les proportions en poids des composants sont les suivantes : nitrate de potassium 28 %, bore 12 %, zirconium 60 %.Preferably, the proportions by weight of the components are as follows: potassium nitrate 28%, boron 12%, zirconium 60%.

Dans un inflammateur selon l'invention, le support peut être traversé par des paires de broches dont les extrémités affleurent à la surface externe dudit support et sont reliées entre elles par un filament de mise à feu qui est plaqué contre la face externe dudit support. Ledit support est composé, de préférence, d'alumine frittée.In an igniter according to the invention, the support can be crossed by pairs of pins, the ends of which are flush with the external surface of said support and are connected to each other by a firing filament which is pressed against the external face of said support. Said support is preferably composed of sintered alumina.

Avantageusement, l'inflammateur comporte une membrane isolante, qui est intercalée entre les filaments de mise à feu et la charge pyrotechnique, et cette membrane est composée par exemple d'un film en polyterephtalate d'éthylène ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 10 à 30 µrn.Advantageously, the igniter comprises an insulating membrane, which is interposed between the firing filaments and the pyrotechnic charge, and this membrane is composed, for example, of a film of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of the order of 10 at 30 µrn.

L'invention a pour résultat de nouvelles compositions pyrotechniques et de nouveaux inflammateurs pyrotechniques contenant ces compositions.The invention results in new pyrotechnic compositions and new pyrotechnic igniters containing these compositions.

L'addition de zirconium dans des compositions pyrotechniques oxydo-réductrices composées de nitrate de potassium et de bore, a pour effet d'améliorer la vitesse de propagation de la combustion à travers la composition grâce aux propriétés conductrices de la chaleur du zirconium. Il en résulte un temps de réaction beaucoup plus rapide lors de la mise à feu électrique. Des essais réalisés en faisant varier l'intensité du courant à travers les filaments de mise à feu ont montré que dès que l'intensité dépasse trois ampères, le temps de mise à feu est inférieur à 15 ms pour une composition contenant 60 % de zirconium.The addition of zirconium in redox pyrotechnic compositions composed of potassium nitrate and boron, has the effect of improving the rate of propagation of combustion through the composition thanks to the heat conducting properties of zirconium. This results in a much faster reaction time during electric firing. Tests carried out by varying the intensity of the current through the firing filaments have shown that as soon as the intensity exceeds three amps, the firing time is less than 15 ms for a composition containing 60% of zirconium .

La présence d'un support en une céramique électro-isolante et bonne conductrice thermique intercalée entre la charge pyrotechnique et le fond du boîtier permet de dissiper les calories dégagées par effet Joule lors du passage d'un courant électrique dans les filaments de mise à feu. Les essais effectués sur des inflammateurs comportant des supports en alumine frittée ayant une épaisseur de quelques millimètres ont montré que l'on pouvait faire circuler dans les filaments un courant d'un ampère sous une puissance de 1 watt pendant une durée supérieure à 5 minutes sans qu'il y ait mise à feu de la composition et sans que l'inflammateur soit détruit. Il en résulte que les inflammateurs selon l'invention peuvent traverser, sans être détériorés, des zones perturbées électromagnétiquement, soit des phénomènes naturels, tels que des orages, soit par une action provoquée.The presence of a support made of an electrically insulating ceramic and good thermal conductor interposed between the pyrotechnic charge and the bottom of the housing makes it possible to dissipate the calories released by the Joule effect during the passage of an electric current through the setting filaments. fire. The tests carried out on igniters comprising sintered alumina supports having a thickness of a few millimeters have shown that it is possible to circulate in the filaments a current of one ampere at a power of 1 watt for a duration greater than 5 minutes without that the composition has been ignited and the igniter has not been destroyed. It follows that the igniters according to the invention can pass through, without being damaged, electromagnetically disturbed areas, either natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms, or by an induced action.

Les inflammateurs selon l'invention résistent aux vibrations, aux accélérations, aux chocs, au vide. Ils peuvent supporter des températures élevées jusqu'à 200 °C ou basses jusqu'à - 80 °C et des chocs thermiques répétés. Ils sont étanches à l'eau. Ils peuvent être stockés pendant plusieurs années sans être détériorés.The igniters according to the invention resist vibrations, accelerations, shocks, vacuum. They can withstand high temperatures up to 200 ° C or low up to - 80 ° C and repeated thermal shocks. They are waterproof. They can be stored for several years without being damaged.

La description suivante se réfère aux dessins annexés qui représentent, sans aucun caractère limitatif, des exemples de réalisation d'allumeurs pyrotechniques selon l'invention.

  • La figure 1 est une coupe axiale d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un allumeur pyrotechnique selon l'invention.
  • Les figures 2 à 4 sont des coupes axiales de variantes de réalisation d'inflammateurs selon l'invention.
The following description refers to the appended drawings which represent, without any limiting nature, exemplary embodiments of pyrotechnic igniters according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 is an axial section of a first embodiment of a pyrotechnic igniter according to the invention.
  • Figures 2 to 4 are axial sections of alternative embodiments of ignitors according to the invention.

La figure 1 représente un allumeur pyrotechnique qui comporte un boîtier externe 1 qui présente par exemple la forme d'une douille ou d'une capsule cylindrique d'axe xx1. Le boîtier 1 est par exemple un boîtier en cuivre ou en laiton, qui comporte un fond et une ouverture à l'extrémité opposée au fond.FIG. 1 represents a pyrotechnic igniter which comprises an external box 1 which has for example the form of a socket or of a cylindrical capsule of axis xx1. The housing 1 is for example a copper or brass housing, which has a bottom and an opening at the end opposite the bottom.

Le fond du boîtier 1 contient un support ou bloc en alumine frittée 3 qui porte deux broches conductrices parallèles 2a, 2b qui affleurent à la surface externe du support. Le support 3 a une épaisseur axiale de l'ordre de quelques millimètres.The bottom of the housing 1 contains a support or block of sintered alumina 3 which carries two parallel conductive pins 2a, 2b which are flush with the external surface of the support. The support 3 has an axial thickness of the order of a few millimeters.

Les broches 2a, 2b traversent le fond du boîtier, en étant isolées de celui-ci, pour pouvoir être engagées dans deux douilles reliées à deux conducteurs électriques.The pins 2a, 2b pass through the bottom of the case, being isolated from it, so that they can be engaged in two sockets connected to two electrical conductors.

La figure 2 représente une variante dans laquelle les deux broches 2a, 2b sont remplacées par deux conducteurs 2'a, 2'b, qui se prolongent hors du boîtier dans un fil 4 revêtu d'une gaine isolante qui relie les conducteurs 2'a, 2'b à une source de courant électrique.FIG. 2 represents a variant in which the two pins 2a, 2b are replaced by two conductors 2'a, 2'b, which extend out of the housing in a wire 4 coated with an insulating sheath which connects the conductors 2'a , 2'b to a source of electric current.

Le support 3 est un support qui est à la fois bon conducteur thermique et bon isolant électrique. L'alumine frittée peut être remplacée par toute autre céramique ayant ces deux propriétés. On expliquera ci-après la fonction de ce support. Les broches 2a, 2b ou les conducteurs 2'a, 2'b sont fixés au support par métallisation et brasage 5.The support 3 is a support which is both a good thermal conductor and a good electrical insulator. The sintered alumina can be replaced by any other ceramic having these two properties. The function of this support will be explained below. The pins 2a, 2b or the conductors 2'a, 2'b are fixed to the support by metallization and soldering 5.

Sur les extrémités des deux broches ou des deux conducteurs qui affleurent à la surface externe du support 3, un filament résistant 6 est soudé par une soudure électrique. Le filament 6 est par exemple un fil en alliage de nickel et chrome ayant une résistance d'un ohm. Le diamètre du filament 6 dépend de la longueur et de la résistivité du métal ou de l'alliage qui le compose. Le filament 6 est tendu entre les extrémités des deux broches 2a, 2b, de telle sorte qu'il soit plaqué sur toute sa longueur contre la surface externe du support 3 et en bon contact thermique avec celle-ci.On the ends of the two pins or two conductors which are flush with the external surface of the support 3, a resistant filament 6 is welded by an electric weld. The filament 6 is for example a wire made of nickel and chromium alloy having a resistance of one ohm. The diameter of the filament 6 depends on the length and the resistivity of the metal or of the alloy which composes it. The filament 6 is stretched between the ends of the two pins 2a, 2b, so that it is pressed over its entire length against the external surface of the support 3 and in good thermal contact with it.

Un inflammateur selon l'invention peut comporter deux paires de broches ou de conducteurs et deux filaments 6 qui sont alimentés en parallèle pour une meilleure sécurité de fonctionnement.An igniter according to the invention can comprise two pairs of pins or conductors and two filaments 6 which are supplied in parallel for better operational safety.

Le boîtier 1 contient une composition pyrotechnique oxydo-réductrice 7 qui est un mélange ternaire de poudres de nitrate de potassium, de bore et de zirconium.The housing 1 contains an oxidation-reduction pyrotechnic composition 7 which is a ternary mixture of powders of potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium.

Les composants du mélange sont à l'état finement divisé en particules ayant des dimensions de l'ordre de 10 à 40 ¡.¡.m. Le zirconium et le bore font fonction de réducteurs qui se combinent à l'oxygène du nitrate.The components of the mixture are in the finely divided state into particles having dimensions of the order of 10 to 40 µm. Zirconium and boron act as reducing agents which combine with the oxygen in the nitrate.

De plus, le zirconium est un bon conducteur thermique qui transmet les calories à travers le mélange et qui évite l'accumulation de celles-ci autour du filament 6.In addition, zirconium is a good thermal conductor which transmits calories through the mixture and which prevents them from accumulating around the filament 6.

Les produits entrant dans la composition pyrotechnique sont séchés à une température de l'ordre de 100 °C, puis finement broyés et tamisés, puis ils sont mélangés intimement dans un agitateur.The products entering into the pyrotechnic composition are dried at a temperature of the order of 100 ° C., then finely ground and sieved, then they are intimately mixed in an agitator.

La masse de la composition pyrotechnique contenue dans un allumeur est de 250 ou 500 mg selon les allumeurs. Les proportions en poids préférentielles des composants sont de 28 % de nitrate de potassium, 12 % de bore et 60 % de zirconium.The mass of the pyrotechnic composition contained in an igniter is 250 or 500 mg depending on the igniters. The preferred weight proportions of the components are 28% potassium nitrate, 12% boron and 60% zirconium.

Pour une telle composition, la chaleur de combustion d'un gramme est de 4 280 J (1 024 calories).For such a composition, the heat of combustion of a gram is 4,280 J (1,024 calories).

La vitesse de réaction mesurée, c'est-à-dire le temps qui s'écoule entre la mise sous tension des filaments 6 et la transmission de la flamme hors de l'allumeur est inférieur à 15 ms pour un courant circulant dans un filament 6 ayant une intensité supérieure à 3 ampères.The measured reaction speed, i.e. the time which elapses between the tensioning of the filaments 6 and the transmission of the flame out of the igniter is less than 15 ms for a current flowing in a filament 6 having an intensity greater than 3 amps.

De plus, des essais statistiques ont montré que les valeurs du temps de réaction d'une composition ternaire selon l'invention étaient bien groupées autour de la valeur moyenne avec un très faible écart qui est au maximum de l'ordre de 2 ms. Par comparaison, les valeurs du temps de réaction d'une composition pyrotechnique binaire composée de nitrate de potassium et de bore, sont pour une même intensité de courant de mise à feu, de l'ordre de 100 ms, avec des écarts de l'ordre de 10 ms.In addition, statistical tests have shown that the reaction time values of a ternary composition according to the invention were well grouped around the average value with a very small difference which is at most of the order of 2 ms. By comparison, the reaction time values of a binary pyrotechnic composition composed of potassium nitrate and boron are for the same firing current intensity, of the order of 100 ms, with deviations from the order of 10 ms.

L'addition de zirconium permet donc de fixer l'instant d'une mise à feu au moyen d'un allumeur à fil chaud de façon beaucoup plus précise. Si la proportion de zirconium diminue, la vitesse de réaction diminue.The addition of zirconium therefore makes it possible to fix the instant of firing by means of a hot wire igniter in a much more precise manner. If the proportion of zirconium decreases, the reaction rate decreases.

La proportion de zirconium ne doit pas dépasser une valeur maxima au delà de laquelle la conductibilité thermique et électrique de la composition pyrotechnique deviendrait trop élevée. La proportion en poids de zirconium dans la composition peut être comprise entre 40 % et 60 % et, de préférence, de l'ordre de 60 %.The proportion of zirconium must not exceed a maximum value above which the thermal and electrical conductivity of the pyrotechnic composition would become too high. The proportion by weight of zirconium in the composition can be between 40% and 60% and, preferably, of the order of 60%.

La composition pyrotechnique 7 est fortement comprimée dans le boîtier 1, par exemple sous une pression de 350 bars afin d'assurer un bon contact des particules de la composition entre elles et avec les filaments 6.The pyrotechnic composition 7 is strongly compressed in the housing 1, for example under a pressure of 350 bars in order to ensure good contact of the particles of the composition with each other and with the filaments 6.

La présente de zirconium dans la composition pyrotechnique réduit la résistivité de celle-ci et il est préférable d'isoler électriquement les filaments de mise à feu 6 de la composition 7 afin d'éviter les fuites de courant vers les parois du boîtier et entre les circuits de mise à feu.The presence of zirconium in the pyrotechnic composition reduces the resistivity thereof and it is preferable to electrically isolate the igniting filaments 6 of the composition 7 in order to avoid current leaks towards the walls of the case and between the firing circuits.

L'isolement entre circuits et entre un conducteur et le boîtier doit être supérieur à 100 mégohms, sous une tension de 500 volts. Pour obtenir cet isolement, une membrane isolante très mince est intercalée, de préférence, entre les filaments 6 et la composition pyrotechnique 7. Cette membrane ne doit pas empêcher la transmission de chaleur entre le filament et la composition pyrotechnique pour ne pas s'opposer à la mise à feu de celle-ci. Elle doit être composée d'un matériau isolant qui doit résister à une température de 270 °C, qui est la température de mise à feu.The insulation between circuits and between a conductor and the box must be greater than 100 megohms, at a voltage of 500 volts. To obtain this insulation, a very thin insulating membrane is interposed, preferably, between the filaments 6 and the pyrotechnic composition 7. This membrane must not prevent the transmission of heat between the filament and the pyrotechnic composition so as not to oppose the firing of it. It must be composed of an insulating material which must withstand a temperature of 270 ° C, which is the ignition temperature.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, la membrane est un film en polytéréphtalate d'éthylène ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 10 à 30 4m. Ce matériau fond à 260 °C.According to a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of the order of 10 to 30 4 m. This material melts at 260 ° C.

Afin d'améliorer l'isolement électrique de l'allumeur, on peut placer la composition pyrotechnique dans un étui isolant 9 qui l'isole des parois conductrices du boîtier 1.In order to improve the electrical insulation of the igniter, the pyrotechnic composition can be placed in an insulating case 9 which isolates it from the conductive walls of the housing 1.

La membrane 8 et l'étui isolant 9 ne sont nécessaires que dans le cas où il est nécessaire que les inflammateurs puissent répondre à des conditions d'isolement sévères par exemple un isolement de 100 MO sous une tension de 500 V.The membrane 8 and the insulating case 9 are only necessary in the case where it is necessary for the igniters to be able to respond to severe isolation conditions, for example 100 MO isolation under a voltage of 500 V.

L'extrémité du boîtier 1 opposée au fond est ouverte et cette ouverture est obturée par un opercule mince 10, qui est par exemple une feuille d'étain ayant une épaisseur de 50 ¡.¡.m qui est maintenue par une rondelle d'appui 11 et le bord du boîtier est serti pour maintenir la rondelle en place. Lors de la combustion de la composition 7, l'opercule en étain 10 fond et la flamme se transmet à une charge pyrotechnique qui est placée au contact de l'opercule 10.The end of the housing 1 opposite the bottom is open and this opening is closed by a thin cover 10, which is for example a sheet of tin having a thickness of 50 ¡.¡.m which is held by a support washer 11 and the edge of the housing is crimped to hold the washer in place. During the combustion of composition 7, the tin cover 10 melts and the flame is transmitted to a pyrotechnic charge which is placed in contact with the cover 10.

Les inflammateurs du type qui vient d'être décrit doivent pouvoir supporter un environnement électromagnétique déterminé sans être détruits.Igniters of the type just described must be able to withstand a determined electromagnetic environment without being destroyed.

Généralement il est imposé que ces inflammateurs puissent supporter, sans que la charge 7 soit mise à feu, le passage pendant cinq minutes, à travers chaque filament de mise à feu, d'un courant de 1 ampère soit une puissance de 1 watt. De plus, l'application de cette énergie ne doit pas dégrader l'inflammateur ni modifier ses caractéristiques de fonctionnement.Generally it is required that these igniters can withstand, without the charge 7 being ignited, the passage for five minutes, through each igniting filament, of a current of 1 ampere or a power of 1 watt. In addition, the application of this energy must not degrade the igniter or modify its operating characteristics.

Le support 3 en céramique électro-isolante mais bonne conductrice thermique, fait fonction de réservoir thermique dans lequel les calories dégagées par effet Joule dans les filaments 6 se dissipent sans que la température du filament ne puisse atteindre la température de mise à feu tant que l'intensité du courant qui circule dans les filaments ne dépasse pas 1 ampère.The support 3 in electrically insulating ceramic but good thermal conductor, acts as a thermal reservoir in which the calories released by the Joule effect in the filaments 6 dissipate without the temperature of the filament being able to reach the ignition temperature as long as the he intensity of the current flowing in the filaments does not exceed 1 ampere.

Par contre, si l'intensité du courant atteint des valeurs de 3 à 5 ampères, les calories ne peuvent se dissiper suffisamment rapidement dans le support 3 et il y a mise à feu de la composition 7.On the other hand, if the intensity of the current reaches values of 3 to 5 amps, the calories cannot dissipate quickly enough in the support 3 and the composition 7 is ignited.

La présence dans la composition 3 de zirconium qui est un meilleur conducteur thermique que le nitrate et le bore, facilite la dissipation de calories vers le support 3 pendant les épreuves et augmente la rapidité de mise à feu de la composition 3.The presence in composition 3 of zirconium which is a better thermal conductor than nitrate and boron, facilitates the dissipation of calories towards the support 3 during the tests and increases the rapidity of ignition of composition 3.

La figure 3 représente une coupe axiale d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un inflammateur pyrotechnique selon l'invention. Les parties homologues sont représentées par les mêmes repères.FIG. 3 represents an axial section of another embodiment of a pyrotechnic igniter according to the invention. The homologous parts are represented by the same references.

Ce mode de réalisation diffère de celui de la figure 1 par le fait qu'il ne comporte pas de membrane isolante 8 et que l'opercule 10 est un opercule en matière plastique comportant une partie centrale mince ayant une épaisseur de l'ordre de 0,1 mm qui est entouré par un anneau périphérique serti dans le boîtier 1.This embodiment differs from that of FIG. 1 in that it does not include an insulating membrane 8 and that the cover 10 is a plastic cover having a thin central part having a thickness of the order of 0 , 1 mm which is surrounded by a peripheral ring crimped in the housing 1.

La figure 4 représente une coupe axiale d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un inflammateur selon l'invention. Les parties homologues sont représentées par les mêmes repères.FIG. 4 represents an axial section of another embodiment of an igniter according to the invention. The homologous parts are represented by the same references.

Ce mode de réalisation diffère des précédents par le fait que l'inflammateur est placé dans la cavité d'un boîtier 1a en forme de bouchon fileté qui se visse dans un orifice fileté destiné à le recevoir. La membrane isolante 8, qui recouvre les filaments 6, est maintenue à sa périphérie par une rondelle isolante 12. La cavité située au-dessous du support en céramique 3 est remplie d'une colle ou d'une résine isolante 13. Un joint 14 assure l'étanchéité entre le bouchon fileté et le corps dans lequel celui-ci est vissé.This embodiment differs from the previous ones in that the igniter is placed in the cavity of a housing 1a in the form of a threaded plug which is screwed into a threaded orifice intended to receive it. The insulating membrane 8, which covers the filaments 6, is held at its periphery by an insulating washer 12. The cavity located below the ceramic support 3 is filled with an adhesive or an insulating resin 13. A seal 14 seals between the threaded plug and the body in which it is screwed.

Claims (10)

1. Pyrotechnic oxido-reducer compound for pyrotechnic device igniters, characterized by the fact that it consists of a ternary mixture of finely divided potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium, with the proportion of zirconium being between 5 % and 60 % by weight.
2. Pyrotechnic compound as per claim 1, characterized by the fact that the proportion by weight of zirconium is between 40 % and 60 %.
3. Pyrotechnic igniter device including pyrotechnic charge (7) enclosed in a casing or capsule (1) carrying filament (6) connected between two electrical ignition conductors (2a, 2b), characterized by the fact that the said pyrotechnic compound is a ternary mixture of finely divided potassium nitrate, boron and zirconium and that it also includes ceramic support (3) having good heat conductivity and electrical insulation properties, separating the pyrotechnic charge from the inside bottom of the casing.
4. Device as per claim 3, characterized by the fact that the pyrotechnic compound components are proportioned by weight as follows : potassium nitrate 28 %, boron 12 %, zirconium 60 %.
5. Device as per either claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that pairs of pins (2a, 2b) pass through the support with their ends flush with the outer surface of said support (3) and are interconnected by ignition filament (6), which is laid against the outer face of said support (3).
6. Device as per claim 5, characterized by the fact that the said support is made of sintered alumina.
7. Device as per either claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that it also includes one insulating membrane (8) with a thickness of ten to 30 fJom, placed between said filaments (6) and pyrotechnic charge (7).
8. Device as per claim 7, characterized by the fact that the said membrane is a polyethylene terephtalate film ten to 30 µm thick.
9. Device as per either claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that said ceramic support (3) is a few millimeters thick.
10 Device as per any one claim 4 to 9, characterized by the fact that the said casing is open at the end opposite the inside bottom, and is covered by lid (10), preferably made of tin with a thickness of the order of 50 pm, crimped on the casing.
EP19820401776 1981-10-05 1982-09-30 Pyrotechnical compound and pyrotechnical ignition devices Expired EP0076746B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8118664 1981-10-05
FR8118664A FR2513990A1 (en) 1981-10-05 1981-10-05 PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION AND PYROTECHNIC INFLAMMATORY DEVICES

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EP0076746A2 EP0076746A2 (en) 1983-04-13
EP0076746A3 EP0076746A3 (en) 1984-03-28
EP0076746B1 true EP0076746B1 (en) 1986-05-28

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DE (1) DE3271402D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2513990A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2599361B1 (en) * 1986-05-27 1991-10-04 Survilliers Nle Cartoucherie PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION FOR ELECTRIC SAFETY IGNITER AND IGNITER, INFLAMMATOR AND IGNITOR THUS OBTAINED
DE4113319A1 (en) * 1991-04-24 1992-10-29 Dynamit Nobel Ag BRIDGE FUEL
CA2230574C (en) * 1997-02-26 2005-12-20 Alliant Techsystems Inc. Through bulkhead initiator
US6941868B2 (en) * 2003-06-26 2005-09-13 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Single increment initiator charge
US6905562B2 (en) * 2003-09-04 2005-06-14 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Low density slurry bridge mix

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE336004C (en) * 1920-01-20 1921-04-20 Geka Werke Offenbach Dr Gottli Process for the production of smokeless and odorless, spectrally pure flash light powders with a high burning rate
DE2236380C3 (en) * 1972-07-25 1975-02-13 Thiokol Chemical Corp., Bristol, Pa. (V.St.A.) Gas generating device

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EP0076746A3 (en) 1984-03-28
EP0076746A2 (en) 1983-04-13
FR2513990A1 (en) 1983-04-08
FR2513990B1 (en) 1983-12-23
DE3271402D1 (en) 1986-07-03

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