EP0246958B1 - Device for pyrotechnically separating two elements - Google Patents

Device for pyrotechnically separating two elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0246958B1
EP0246958B1 EP87401102A EP87401102A EP0246958B1 EP 0246958 B1 EP0246958 B1 EP 0246958B1 EP 87401102 A EP87401102 A EP 87401102A EP 87401102 A EP87401102 A EP 87401102A EP 0246958 B1 EP0246958 B1 EP 0246958B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fixing means
cavity
portions
screw
plates
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EP87401102A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0246958A1 (en
Inventor
Hubert Vaillant De Guelis
Jean Langlois
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Airbus Group SAS
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Airbus Group SAS
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42BEXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B15/00Self-propelled projectiles or missiles, e.g. rockets; Guided missiles
    • F42B15/36Means for interconnecting rocket-motor and body section; Multi-stage connectors; Disconnecting means
    • F42B15/38Ring-shaped explosive elements for the separation of rocket parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the separation of two elements by means of a pyrotechnic charge usable in particular for separating elements in the form of panels in aeronautical or spacecraft.
  • the plates have, on their faces opposite to this housing, grooves defining a thinned zone, therefore weakened, along which the fracture must take place. These grooves are located at the central part of the plates, therefore towards the middle of the cavity in which is placed the deformable envelope which contains the detonating cords. When the detonating cord is ignited, this causes the deformable envelope to expand. This tends to take a circular configuration, which has the effect of deforming the central part of the two plates connecting the panels to be separated and causing rupture along the weakened sections. If such a device is satisfactory, it does however make it possible to break only relatively small sheet thicknesses, for example of the order of 1 mm.
  • the aim of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device for pyrotechnic separation between two elements, for example elements in the form of panels, making it possible to cut a sheet metal thickness then large with the same charge of explosive.
  • document US-A 3,362,290 describes a device for pyrotechnic separation of two elements to be separated.
  • a pyrotechnic charge (40) is placed in a deformable envelope, itself placed in a cavity formed by the two projecting parts of a part attached to the first element and a second part attached to the second element and penetrating between the two projecting parts.
  • the two attachments are fixed to each other by means of a pin.
  • the separation is done by shearing of the pin which holds together the two parts constituting the connecting member between the elements to be separated.
  • document US-A 3,486,410 describes a pyrotechnic separation device for cutting a panel.
  • the pyrotechnic charge is maintained by a part fixed to the panel.
  • a weakening notch is provided on the panel.
  • document US-A 3,453,960 describes a device by linear explosive separation in which the rings to be separated themselves form the cavity or cavities containing the explosive elements. A thinned part is located on a wall constituting the cavity or cavities.
  • the invention relates to a pyrotechnic separation device between a first element and a second element using a pyrotechnic charge placed in a deformable envelope.
  • the first element comprises, according to the preamble of claim 1, two projecting parts which define between them a certain space, the device further comprising first fixing means for fixing the first element on the second via said projecting parts, thus defining a cavity in which said deformable casing is placed, this cavity having a first end close to said first fixing means and a second end remote from these first fixing means.
  • the first element has thinned parts which rupture when the pyrotechnic charge explodes and the thinned parts are located approximately at the second end of said cavity.
  • the envelope deforms and causes rupture at these thinned parts.
  • the deformable envelope acts at the time of the explosion on a relatively large lever arm corresponding to the length of the projecting parts: this makes it possible to have better efficiency, for a given load, than with a device such as that described in document US-A 3,698,281.
  • the weakened parts of the connection plates are located at the middle of these, so halfway between the plate fixings on the elements to be separated, and the lever arm is weaker.
  • the first fixing means comprise at least one screw passing through a hole made in each projection and a hole made in the second element, and a nut, the tightening of this nut on the screw causing the application of said projecting parts on the second element.
  • at least one stirrup a part of which at least partially surrounds the deformable envelope while being in contact with the latter and of which another part has a hole through which the screw can pass.
  • the detonating cord and the deformable envelope are of elongated shape and there are several fixing devices such as that which has just been described with screws, nuts and possibly stirrups, regularly distributed along the separation zone.
  • the projecting parts form an integral part of the first element and are connected to the rest of this element by thin connection zones which constitute said thinned parts.
  • the projecting parts consist of plates fixed to the first element by second fixing means, each of these plates having a thin zone which constitutes one of said thinned parts.
  • the first element 2 has two projecting parts 6 and 8, connected respectively to the body of element 2 by thinned zones 10 and 12.
  • the projecting parts 6 and 8 are not attached elements, but form an integral part of the body 2, the latter having been machined in order to produce the projecting parts 6 and 8.
  • the element 2, including the projecting parts 6 and 8 has, seen in section, a symmetry with respect to a plane P perpendicular to the plane of the figure, represented schematically in mixed lines.
  • the second element 4 has, along its edge closest to the first element 2, an enlarged part 14 whose width is slightly less than the width of the cavity 16 defined between the projecting parts 6 and 8.
  • the pyrotechnic charge takes the form of a detonating cord 18 placed inside a deformable envelope 20, the space between the detonating cord and the deformable envelope being filled with a flexible material 22, for example a sheath silicone rubber.
  • the sheath 22 performs several functions. First of all, it supports and maintains the detonating cord 18 in the correct position, that is to say substantially along the axis of symmetry of the envelope 20. In the particular case described here, this envelope has two parts flattened connected by semicircular parts, but it would not depart from the scope of the invention to give it another shape, for example oval. In addition, if silicone rubber is used, it behaves like a thermal insulator and protects the cord 18 from sudden temperature variations that the components of a spacecraft can undergo. Finally, the damping qualities of the rubber protect the detonating cord from the external shocks to which a spacecraft can be subjected at the time of departure or when firing certain propulsion engines.
  • the flexible sheath 22 also has the role of preventing the ignition of the second cord by shock waves due to the explosion of the first.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 also show the means for fixing the first element 2 to the second element 4 by means of the projecting parts 6 and 8. It can be seen that the latter have, at their ends opposite to the thinned zones 10 and 12, holes 24 and 26 respectively, which can be aligned with a hole 28 formed in the enlarged part 14 of the element 4, these different holes being of the same diameter.
  • a screw 30 passes through the holes 24, 28 and 26 and it is held by a nut 32, the tightening of the nut 32 on the screw 30 having the effect of applying the projecting parts 6 and 8 of the first element on the part enlarged 14 of the second element.
  • a socket 34 can be placed inside the passage formed by the holes 24, 28 and 26, in order to better adjust the screw 30.
  • the fixing device can be completed using one or more stirrups such as 36, distributed from place to place along the deformable envelope 20.
  • stirrups such as 36
  • These can be made of any ductile material such as mild steel.
  • each stirrup 36 consists of an upper part 38 in the form of a semicircle extended by two branches 40 and 42.
  • the upper part 38 is in contact with the upper part of the deformable envelope 20 which is also in the shape of a semicircle.
  • the branches 40 and 42 they are substantially parallel and their spacing is such that they can be placed between the internal face of the projecting parts 6 and 8 and the external face of the widened part 14 of the element 4 (FIG. 1) .
  • the branches 40 and 42 of the stirrup 36 also have holes 44 and 46 respectively (FIG. 2) of the same diameter as the holes 24, 26 and 28, the screw 30 also passing through the holes 44 and 46.
  • the deformable envelope 20 is held against the internal faces of each protruding part 6 and 8, against the wall of the cavity 16 situated on the body side of the element 2 and, finally, against a boss 48 provided on the enlarged part 14 of element 4.
  • This arrangement means that the envelope 20 is held on all sides, but it would not go beyond the scope of the invention by using an equivalent assembly, provided that the envelope 20 is maintained so that the energy of the explosion causes tearing at the thinned zones 10 and 12.
  • the device which is the subject of the invention has interesting advantages, the main one of which is that it allows, for a given explosive mass, to cut a greater thickness of sheet metal than with the devices of the prior art.
  • Comparative tests were carried out with a device in accordance with that described in document US-A-3,698,281 and with a device in accordance with that of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the thinned zones 10 and 12 can therefore have a relatively large thickness, which contributes to maintaining the rigidity of the assembly of the element 2.
  • the projecting parts can be an integral part of the first element, as in the embodiment described above, but can also be produced in the form of independent plates.
  • the plates are fixed to the first element by second fixing means, which can be identical to the first.
  • Each plate has an external face and an internal face, the internal faces of the plates constituting walls of the cavity containing the deformable envelope.
  • the plates have longitudinal grooves or grooves (that is to say substantially parallel to the detonating cord) formed from their external face and situated approximately at the level of the second end of the cavity.
  • the thinned parts are then formed by the zones located between the bottom of the grooves and the internal face of the plates.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif pour la séparation de deux éléments au moyen d'une charge pyrotechnique utilisable notamment pour séparer des éléments en forme de panneaux dans les engins aéronautiques ou spatiaux.The present invention relates to a device for the separation of two elements by means of a pyrotechnic charge usable in particular for separating elements in the form of panels in aeronautical or spacecraft.

L'utilisation d'une charge pyrotechnique pour séparer des éléments d'un engin aéronautique ou spatial est connue et largement utilisée à l'heure actuelle. Par exemple, le document US-A-3 698 281 décrit un système de ce genre dans lequel la charge explosive se présente sous la forme de deux cordeaux détonants placés à l'intérieur d'une enveloppe déformable de forme oblongue, l'espace entre les cordeaux détonants et l'enveloppe étant rempli d'un matériau souple, tel que du caoutchouc par exemple. Les panneaux à séparer sont reliès l'un à l'autre par deux plaques métalliques, une sur chacune de leur face, ces plaques étant boulonnées sur les panneaux. L'enveloppe déformable est placée entre ces plaques dans un logement formé par des évidements prévus sur les plaques et qui épouse la forme de l'enveloppe. De plus, les plaques comportent, sur leurs faces opposées à ce logement, des rainures définissant une zone amincie, donc affaiblie, le long de laquelle doit se faire la fracture. Ces rainures se trouvent au niveau de la partie centrale des plaques, donc vers le milieu de la cavité dans laquelle est placée l'enveloppe déformable qui contient les cordeaux détonants. Lorsque le cordeau détonant est mis à feu, ceci provoque l'expansion de l'enveloppe déformable. Celle-ci tend à prendre une configuration circulaire, ce qui a pour effet de déformer la partie centrale des deux plaques reliant les panneaux à séparer et de provoquer la rupture le long des sections affaiblies. Si un tel dispositif donne satisfaction, il ne permet cependant de briser que des épaisseurs de tôles relativement faibles, par exemple de l'ordre d'1 mm.The use of a pyrotechnic charge to separate elements of an aeronautical or spacecraft is known and widely used at present. For example, document US-A-3,698,281 describes a system of this kind in which the explosive charge is in the form of two detonating cords placed inside a deformable envelope of oblong shape, the space between the detonating cords and the envelope being filled with a flexible material, such as rubber for example. The panels to be separated are connected to each other by two metal plates, one on each of their faces, these plates being bolted to the panels. The deformable envelope is placed between these plates in a housing formed by recesses provided on the plates and which matches the shape of the envelope. In addition, the plates have, on their faces opposite to this housing, grooves defining a thinned zone, therefore weakened, along which the fracture must take place. These grooves are located at the central part of the plates, therefore towards the middle of the cavity in which is placed the deformable envelope which contains the detonating cords. When the detonating cord is ignited, this causes the deformable envelope to expand. This tends to take a circular configuration, which has the effect of deforming the central part of the two plates connecting the panels to be separated and causing rupture along the weakened sections. If such a device is satisfactory, it does however make it possible to break only relatively small sheet thicknesses, for example of the order of 1 mm.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un dispositif de séparation pyrotechnique entre deux éléments, par exemple des éléments en forme de panneaux, permettant de découper une épaisseur de tôle puis importante avec une même charge d'explosif.The aim of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a device for pyrotechnic separation between two elements, for example elements in the form of panels, making it possible to cut a sheet metal thickness then large with the same charge of explosive.

. Par contre, le document US-A 3 362 290 décrit un dispositif de séparation pyrotechnique de deux éléments à séparer. Une charge pyrotechnique (40) est placée dans une enveloppe déformable, elle-même placée dans une cavité formée par les deux parties saillantes d'une pièce rapportée au premier élément et une deuxième pièce rapportée au deuxième élément et pénétrant entre les deux parties saillantes. Les deux pièces rapportées sont fixées l'une à l'autre au moyen d'une goupille. La séparation se fait par cisaillement de la goupille qui maintient entre elles les deux pièces constituant l'organe de liaison entre les éléments à séparer.. On the other hand, document US-A 3,362,290 describes a device for pyrotechnic separation of two elements to be separated. A pyrotechnic charge (40) is placed in a deformable envelope, itself placed in a cavity formed by the two projecting parts of a part attached to the first element and a second part attached to the second element and penetrating between the two projecting parts. The two attachments are fixed to each other by means of a pin. The separation is done by shearing of the pin which holds together the two parts constituting the connecting member between the elements to be separated.

Par contre, le document US-A 3 486 410 décrit un dispositif de séparation pyrotechnique pour découper un panneau. La charge pyrotechnique est maintenue par une pièce fixée sur le panneau. Une entaille de fragilisation est prévue sur le panneau.On the other hand, document US-A 3,486,410 describes a pyrotechnic separation device for cutting a panel. The pyrotechnic charge is maintained by a part fixed to the panel. A weakening notch is provided on the panel.

Enfin, le document US-A 3 453 960 décrit un dispositif par séparation explosive linéaire dans lequel les anneaux à séparer forment eux-mêmes la ou les cavités contenant les éléments explosifs. Une partie amincie se trouve sur une paroi constituant la ou les cavités.Finally, document US-A 3,453,960 describes a device by linear explosive separation in which the rings to be separated themselves form the cavity or cavities containing the explosive elements. A thinned part is located on a wall constituting the cavity or cavities.

L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de séparation pyrotechnique entre un premier élément et un deuxième élément à l'aide d'une charge pyrotechnique placée dans une enveloppe déformable.The invention relates to a pyrotechnic separation device between a first element and a second element using a pyrotechnic charge placed in a deformable envelope.

De manière connue par le brevet US-A 3 362 290, le premier élément comporte selon le préambule de la revendication 1, deux parties saillantes qui définissent entre elles un certain espace, le dispositif comportant en outre des premiers moyens de fixation pour fixer le premier élément sur le deuxième par l'intermédiaire desdites parties saillantes, définissant ainsi une cavité dans laquelle est placée ladite enveloppe déformable, cette cavité ayant une première extrémité proche desdits premiers moyens de fixation et une deuxième extrémité éloignée de ces premiers moyens de fixation.In a manner known by patent US-A 3 362 290, the first element comprises, according to the preamble of claim 1, two projecting parts which define between them a certain space, the device further comprising first fixing means for fixing the first element on the second via said projecting parts, thus defining a cavity in which said deformable casing is placed, this cavity having a first end close to said first fixing means and a second end remote from these first fixing means.

Selon la partie caractérisante de la revendication 1, le premier élément présente des parties amincies qui se rompent lors de l'explosion de la charge pyrotechnique et les parties amincies se trouvent approximativement au niveau de la deuxième extrémité de ladite cavité.According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the first element has thinned parts which rupture when the pyrotechnic charge explodes and the thinned parts are located approximately at the second end of said cavity.

Ainsi, lors de la mise à feu, l'enveloppe se déforme et provoque la rupture au niveau de ces parties amincies. Comme ces dernières se trouvent au niveau de l'extrémité de la cavité la plus éloignée des premiers moyens de fixation, l'enveloppe déformable agit au moment de l'explosion sur un bras de levier relativement important correspondant à la longueur des parties saillantes: ceci permet d'avoir une meilleure efficacité, pour une charge donnée, qu'avec un dispositif tel que celui décrit dans le document US-A 3 698 281. En effet, dans ce dernier cas, les parties affaiblies des plaques de liaison se trouvent au milieu de celles-ci, donc à mi-chemin entre les fixations des plaques sur les éléments à séparer, et le bras de levier est plus faible.Thus, during ignition, the envelope deforms and causes rupture at these thinned parts. As the latter are located at the end of the cavity furthest from the first fixing means, the deformable envelope acts at the time of the explosion on a relatively large lever arm corresponding to the length of the projecting parts: this makes it possible to have better efficiency, for a given load, than with a device such as that described in document US-A 3,698,281. Indeed, in the latter case, the weakened parts of the connection plates are located at the middle of these, so halfway between the plate fixings on the elements to be separated, and the lever arm is weaker.

Selon un mode préféré de réalisation de la présente invention, les premiers moyens de fixation comprennent au moins une vis passant à travers un trou ménagé dans chaque partie saillante et un trou ménagé dans le deuxième élément, et un écrou, le serrage de cet écrou sur la vis entraînant l'application desdites parties saillantes sur le deuxième élément. Dans ce cas, on peut prévoir en outre au moins un étrier dont une partie entoure au moins partiellement l'enveloppe déformable en étant en contact avec cette dernière et dont une autre partie comporte un trou à travers lequel peut passer la vis.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing means comprise at least one screw passing through a hole made in each projection and a hole made in the second element, and a nut, the tightening of this nut on the screw causing the application of said projecting parts on the second element. In this case, it is also possible to provide at least one stirrup, a part of which at least partially surrounds the deformable envelope while being in contact with the latter and of which another part has a hole through which the screw can pass.

Dans le cas général où les éléments à séparer sont en forme de panneaux, le cordeau détonant et l'enveloppe déformable sont de forme allongée et il y a plusieurs dispositifs de fixation tels que celui qui vient d'être décrit avec des vis, des écrous et éventuellement des étriers, régulièrement répartis le long de la zone de séparation.In the general case where the elements to be separated are in the form of panels, the detonating cord and the deformable envelope are of elongated shape and there are several fixing devices such as that which has just been described with screws, nuts and possibly stirrups, regularly distributed along the separation zone.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, les parties saillantes font partie intégrante du premier élément et sont raccordées au reste de cet élément par des zones de raccordement de faible épaisseur qui constituent lesdites parties amincies.In a first embodiment, the projecting parts form an integral part of the first element and are connected to the rest of this element by thin connection zones which constitute said thinned parts.

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation, les parties saillantes sont constituées par des plaques fixées au premier élément par des deuxièmes moyens de fixation, chacune de ces plaques présentant une zone de faible épaisseur qui constitue l'une desdites parties amincies.In a second embodiment, the projecting parts consist of plates fixed to the first element by second fixing means, each of these plates having a thin zone which constitutes one of said thinned parts.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention avant la mise à feu de la charge,
  • - la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective montrant comment l'enveloppe déformable peut être maintenue à l'aide d'étriers, et
  • - la figure 3 est une vue semblable à la figure 1 montrant le dispositif objet de l'invention après mise à feu de la charge.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of purely illustrative and in no way limitative example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic section view of a device according to the invention before the charge is ignited,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing how the deformable envelope can be maintained using stirrups, and
  • - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the device object of the invention after firing of the load.

Si l'on se reporte à la figure 1, on voit les deux éléments à séparer qui portent les références 2 et 4. Dans le mode de réalisation décrit ici, le premier élément 2 comporte deux parties saillantes 6 et 8, raccordées respectivement au corps de l'élément 2 par des zones amincies 10 et 12. Dans cet exemple, les parties saillantes 6 et 8 ne sont pas des éléments rapportés, mais font partie intégrante du corps 2, celui-ci ayant été usiné afin de réaliser les parties saillantes 6 et 8. On voit encore sur la figure 1 que l'élément 2, y compris les parties saillantes 6 et 8, présente, vu en coupe, une symétrie par rapport à un plan P perpendiculaire au plan de la figure, représenté schématiquement en traits mixtes.If we refer to Figure 1, we see the two elements to be separated which bear the references 2 and 4. In the embodiment described here, the first element 2 has two projecting parts 6 and 8, connected respectively to the body of element 2 by thinned zones 10 and 12. In this example, the projecting parts 6 and 8 are not attached elements, but form an integral part of the body 2, the latter having been machined in order to produce the projecting parts 6 and 8. It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that the element 2, including the projecting parts 6 and 8, has, seen in section, a symmetry with respect to a plane P perpendicular to the plane of the figure, represented schematically in mixed lines.

D'autre part, le deuxième élément 4 présente, le long de son bord le plus proche du premier élément 2, une partie élargie 14 dont la largeur est légèrement inférieure à la largeur de la cavité 16 définie entre les parties saillantes 6 et 8. La charge pyrotechnique se présente sous la forme d'un cordeau détonant 18 placé à l'intérieur d'une enveloppe déformable 20, l'espace entre le cordeau détonant et l'enveloppe déformable étant rempli par un matériau souple 22, par exemple une gaine de caoutchouc silicone.On the other hand, the second element 4 has, along its edge closest to the first element 2, an enlarged part 14 whose width is slightly less than the width of the cavity 16 defined between the projecting parts 6 and 8. The pyrotechnic charge takes the form of a detonating cord 18 placed inside a deformable envelope 20, the space between the detonating cord and the deformable envelope being filled with a flexible material 22, for example a sheath silicone rubber.

La gaine 22 remplit plusieurs fonctions. Tout d'abord, elle supporte et maintient le cordeau détonant 18 dans la bonne position, c'est-à-dire sensiblement suivant l'axe de symétrie de l'enveloppe 20. Dans le cas particulier décrit ici, cette enveloppe présente deux parties aplaties reliées par des parties semi-circulaires, mais on ne sortirait pas du cadre de l'invention en lui donnant une autre forme, ovale par exemple. De plus, si on utilise du caoutchouc silicone, celui-ci se comporte comme un isolant thermique et protège le cordeau 18 des brusques variations de températures que peuvent subir les composants d'un engin spatial. Enfin, les qualités d'amortissement du caoutchouc protègent le cordeau détonant des chocs externes auxquels un vaisseau spatial peut être soumis au moment du départ ou lors de la mise à feu de certains moteurs de propulsion.The sheath 22 performs several functions. First of all, it supports and maintains the detonating cord 18 in the correct position, that is to say substantially along the axis of symmetry of the envelope 20. In the particular case described here, this envelope has two parts flattened connected by semicircular parts, but it would not depart from the scope of the invention to give it another shape, for example oval. In addition, if silicone rubber is used, it behaves like a thermal insulator and protects the cord 18 from sudden temperature variations that the components of a spacecraft can undergo. Finally, the damping qualities of the rubber protect the detonating cord from the external shocks to which a spacecraft can be subjected at the time of departure or when firing certain propulsion engines.

Dans le cas particulier décrit ici, il n'y a qu'un seul cordeau détonant 18, mais on ne sortirait pas du cadre de l'invention en en mettant plusieurs, deux par exemple, afin que le deuxième puisse fonctionner en cas de défaillance du premier. Dans ce cas, la gaine souple 22 a aussi pour rôle d'empêcher la mise à feu du deuxième cordeau par les ondes de choc dues à l'explosion du premier.In the particular case described here, there is only one detonating cord 18, but it would not go beyond the scope of the invention by putting several, two for example, so that the second can operate in the event of failure from the first. In this case, the flexible sheath 22 also has the role of preventing the ignition of the second cord by shock waves due to the explosion of the first.

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent également les moyens de fixation du premier élément 2 sur le deuxième élément 4 par l'intermédiaire des parties saillantes 6 et 8. On voit que ces dernières présentent, à leurs extrémités opposées aux zones amincies 10 et 12, des trous 24 et 26 respectivement, qui peuvent être alignés avec un trou 28 ménagé dans la partie élargie 14 de l'élément 4, ces différents trous étant de même diamètre. Une vis 30 passe dans les trous 24, 28 et 26 et elle est maintenue par un écrou 32, le serrage de l'écrou 32 sur la vis 30 ayant pour effet d'appliquer les parties saillantes 6 et 8 du premier élément sur la partie élargie 14 du deuxième élément. Eventuellement, on peut placer une douille 34 à l'intérieur du passage formé par les trous 24, 28 et 26, afin de mieux ajuster la vis 30.FIGS. 1 and 2 also show the means for fixing the first element 2 to the second element 4 by means of the projecting parts 6 and 8. It can be seen that the latter have, at their ends opposite to the thinned zones 10 and 12, holes 24 and 26 respectively, which can be aligned with a hole 28 formed in the enlarged part 14 of the element 4, these different holes being of the same diameter. A screw 30 passes through the holes 24, 28 and 26 and it is held by a nut 32, the tightening of the nut 32 on the screw 30 having the effect of applying the projecting parts 6 and 8 of the first element on the part enlarged 14 of the second element. Optionally, a socket 34 can be placed inside the passage formed by the holes 24, 28 and 26, in order to better adjust the screw 30.

On voit encore sur les figures 1 et 2 que le dispositif de fixation peut être complété à l'aide d'un ou plusieurs étriers tels que 36, répartis de place en place le long de l'enveloppe déformable 20. Ceux-ci peuvent être réalisés en tout matériau ductile tel que de l'acier doux.It can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the fixing device can be completed using one or more stirrups such as 36, distributed from place to place along the deformable envelope 20. These can be made of any ductile material such as mild steel.

On voit sur la figure 2 que chaque étrier 36 se compose d'une partie supérieure 38 en forme de demi-cercle prolongée par deux branches 40 et 42. La partie supérieure 38 se trouve en contact avec la partie supérieure de l'enveloppe déformable 20 qui est, elle aussi, en forme de demi-cercle. Quant aux branches 40 et 42, elles sont sensiblement parallèles et leur écartement est tel qu'elles peuvent être placées entre la face interne des parties saillantes 6 et 8 et la face externe de la partie élargie 14 de l'élément 4 (figure 1). Les branches 40 et 42 de l'étrier 36 comportent en outre des trous 44 et 46 respectivement (figure 2) de même diamètre que les trous 24, 26 et 28, la vis 30 passant également à travers les trous 44 et 46.It can be seen in FIG. 2 that each stirrup 36 consists of an upper part 38 in the form of a semicircle extended by two branches 40 and 42. The upper part 38 is in contact with the upper part of the deformable envelope 20 which is also in the shape of a semicircle. As for the branches 40 and 42, they are substantially parallel and their spacing is such that they can be placed between the internal face of the projecting parts 6 and 8 and the external face of the widened part 14 of the element 4 (FIG. 1) . The branches 40 and 42 of the stirrup 36 also have holes 44 and 46 respectively (FIG. 2) of the same diameter as the holes 24, 26 and 28, the screw 30 also passing through the holes 44 and 46.

Si l'on se reporte à nouveau à la figure 1, on voit que l'enveloppe déformable 20 est maintenue contre les faces internes de chaque partie saillante 6 et 8, contre la paroi de la cavité 16 située du côté du corps de l'élément 2 et, enfin, contre un bossage 48 prévu sur la partie élargie 14 de l'élément 4. Cette disposition fait que l'enveloppe 20 est tenue de tous les côtés, mais on ne sortirait pas du cadre de l'invention en utilisant un montage équivalent, pourvu que l'enveloppe 20 soit maintenue de façon à ce que l'énergie de l'explosion provoque la déchirure au niveau des zones amincies 10 et 12.Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the deformable envelope 20 is held against the internal faces of each protruding part 6 and 8, against the wall of the cavity 16 situated on the body side of the element 2 and, finally, against a boss 48 provided on the enlarged part 14 of element 4. This arrangement means that the envelope 20 is held on all sides, but it would not go beyond the scope of the invention by using an equivalent assembly, provided that the envelope 20 is maintained so that the energy of the explosion causes tearing at the thinned zones 10 and 12.

On va maintenant décrire le fonctionnement de ce dispositif en référence à la figure 3. Lors de la mise à feu, le cordeau détonant 18 explose et l'énergie de l'explosion est transmise à travers la gaine souple 22 jusqu'à l'enveloppe déformable. Celle-ci se déforme donc et tend à prendre une section plus ou moins circulaire. Un effort est donc exercé sur les faces internes des parties saillantes 6 et 8, sensiblement perpendiculairement à ces faces. Les parties saillantes 6 et 8 subissent un couple et ont tendance à pivoter autour d'une zone voisine de leur extrémité maintenue contre l'élément 4 (zones 6a et 8a sur la figure 3). C'est à l'extrémité des parties saillantes 6 et 8 la plus éloignée de la vis 30 que s'exerce le couple le plus important, c'est-à-dire au niveau des zones de raccordement 10 et 12 car c'est là que le bras de levier est le plus important. C'est donc à cet endroit que se fait la rupture.We will now describe the operation of this device with reference to Figure 3. When fired, the detonating cord 18 explodes and the energy of the explosion is transmitted through the flexible sheath 22 to the envelope deformable. It therefore deforms and tends to take a section more or less circular. A force is therefore exerted on the internal faces of the projecting parts 6 and 8, substantially perpendicular to these faces. The protrusions 6 and 8 undergo a torque and tend to pivot around an area close to their end held against the element 4 (areas 6a and 8a in FIG. 3). The greatest torque is exerted at the end of the protrusions 6 and 8 furthest from the screw 30, that is to say at the level of the connection zones 10 and 12 because it is where the lever arm is most important. So this is where the break is made.

Ainsi, le dispositif objet de l'invention présente des avantages intéressants dont le principal est qu'il permet, pour une masse d'explosif donnée, de couper une épaisseur de tôle plus importante qu'avec les dispositifs de l'art antérieur. Des essais comparatifs ont été réalisés avec un dispositif conforme à celui décrit dans le document US-A-3 698 281 et avec un dispositif conforme à celui de l'invention, tel qu'illustré à la figure 1. Dans le premier cas, on n'a pu couper qu'un ensemble de deux tôles d'épaisseur faible, c'est-à-dire pour chacune de l'ordre de 0,85 mm, tandis qu'avec le dispositif de l'invention, on a pu découper un élément dans lequel les zones amincies 10 et 12 avaient chacune une épaisseur de 1,70 mm, soit une capacité de découpage doublée.Thus, the device which is the subject of the invention has interesting advantages, the main one of which is that it allows, for a given explosive mass, to cut a greater thickness of sheet metal than with the devices of the prior art. Comparative tests were carried out with a device in accordance with that described in document US-A-3,698,281 and with a device in accordance with that of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the first case, we was only able to cut a set of two thin sheets, that is to say for each of the order of 0.85 mm, while with the device of the invention, it was possible cut an element in which the thinned zones 10 and 12 each had a thickness of 1.70 mm, or a doubling cutting capacity.

Les zones amincies 10 et 12 peuvent donc avoir une épaisseur relativement importante, ce qui contribue à maintenir la rigidité de l'ensemble de l'élément 2.The thinned zones 10 and 12 can therefore have a relatively large thickness, which contributes to maintaining the rigidity of the assembly of the element 2.

Les parties saillantes peuvent faire partie intégrante du premier élément, comme dans le mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus, mais peuvent aussi être réalisées sous forme de plaques indépendantes. Dans ce cas, les plaques sont fixées au premier élément par des deuxièmes moyens de fixation, qui peuvent être identiques aux premiers. Chaque plaque présente une face externe et une face interne, les faces internes des plaques constituant des parois de la cavité contenant l'enveloppe déformable. Les plaques comportent des gorges ou rainures longitudinales (c'est-à-dire sensiblement parallèles au cordeau détonant) ménagées à partir de leur face externe et situées approximativement au niveau de la deuxième extrémité de la cavité. Les parties amincies sont alors constituées par les zones se trouvant entre le fond des gorges et la face interne des plaques.The projecting parts can be an integral part of the first element, as in the embodiment described above, but can also be produced in the form of independent plates. In this case, the plates are fixed to the first element by second fixing means, which can be identical to the first. Each plate has an external face and an internal face, the internal faces of the plates constituting walls of the cavity containing the deformable envelope. The plates have longitudinal grooves or grooves (that is to say substantially parallel to the detonating cord) formed from their external face and situated approximately at the level of the second end of the cavity. The thinned parts are then formed by the zones located between the bottom of the grooves and the internal face of the plates.

Claims (5)

1. Device for the pyrotechnic separation of a first element (2) and a second element (4) with the aid of a pyrotechnic charge (18) placed in a deformable envelope (20), the first element (2) having two projecting portions (6, 8) defining between them a certain space, the device also having first fixing means (30, 32) for fixing the first element (2) to the second element (4) via said projecting portions (6, 8), thus defining a cavity (16) in which is placed said deformable envelope (20), said cavity (16) having a first end close to said first fixing means (30, 32) and a second end remote from said first fixing means, characterized in that the first element (2) has re- ducted thickness portions (10, 12) which break during the explosion of the pyrotechnic charge (18), said reduced thickness portions (10, 12) being located approximately at the second end of said cavity (16).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fixing means comprise at least one screw (30) passing through a hole (24, 26) made in each projecting portion (6, 8) and a hole (28) made in the second element (4), as well as a nut (32), the tightening of the latter on the screw (30) bringing about the application of said projecting portions to the second element (4).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fixing means also comprise at least one U-bolt (36), whereof one portion at least partly surrounds the deformable envelope (20) being in contact with the latter and whereof another part has a hole (44) through which can pass the screw (30).
4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the projecting portions (6, 8) form an integral part of the first element (2) and are connected to the remainder of said element (2) by limited thickness connection zones constituting said reduced thickness portions (10, 12).
5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said projecting portions (6, 8) are constituted by plates fixed to the first element by second fixing means, each of the plates having a reduced thickness zone constituting one of said reduced thickness portions (10, 12).
EP87401102A 1986-05-16 1987-05-15 Device for pyrotechnically separating two elements Expired - Lifetime EP0246958B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8607063A FR2598796B1 (en) 1986-05-16 1986-05-16 DEVICE FOR PYROTECHNIC SEPARATION OF TWO ELEMENTS
FR8607063 1986-05-16

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EP0246958A1 EP0246958A1 (en) 1987-11-25
EP0246958B1 true EP0246958B1 (en) 1990-08-16

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EP (1) EP0246958B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3764311D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2018281B3 (en)
FR (1) FR2598796B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1987007006A1 (en)

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FR2665951B1 (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-11-13 Aerospatiale BREAKABLE CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR SEPARATING PARTS BY MEANS OF A DETONATING LOAD.
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US6125762A (en) * 1997-07-03 2000-10-03 The Ensign-Bickford Company Flat-form separation devices
FR2779224B1 (en) 1998-06-02 2000-08-11 Aerospatiale DEVICE FOR PYROTECHNIC CUTTING OF NON-METALLIC PARTS
FR2779222B1 (en) 1998-06-02 2000-08-11 Aerospatiale DEVICE FOR PROVISIONAL CONNECTION AND PYROTECHNICAL SEPARATION OF TWO NON-METAL ASSEMBLIES
FR2779223B1 (en) 1998-06-02 2000-08-11 Aerospatiale DEVICE FOR CUTTING NON-METALLIC PARTS BY MEANS OF A PYROTECHNIC EXPANSION TUBE
FR2838818B1 (en) 2002-04-19 2006-12-08 Eads Launch Vehicules DEVICE FOR PROVISIONAL BONDING AND PYROTECHNIC SEPARATION OF TWO ELEMENTS, WITHOUT BREAK
FR2839550B1 (en) 2002-05-07 2004-07-30 Eads Launch Vehicles DEVICE FOR PROVISIONAL CONNECTION AND PYROTECHNICAL SEPARATION OF TWO ELEMENTS, WITH MOBILE ORGAN
FR2850454B1 (en) 2003-01-24 2005-04-15 Eads Launch Vehicles METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A PYROTECHNIC SEPARATION DEVICE, AND PYROTECHNIC SEPARATION DEVICE OBTAINED THEREBY
FR2957143B1 (en) * 2010-03-02 2012-05-04 Astrium Sas PYROTECHNIC RUPTURE CONNECTION DEVICE
FR3028608B1 (en) * 2014-11-19 2017-05-05 Dassault Aviat PYROTECHNIC SEPARATOR COMPRISING A SHOCK ABSORPTION MEMBER
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Also Published As

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FR2598796A1 (en) 1987-11-20
WO1987007006A1 (en) 1987-11-19
ES2018281B3 (en) 1991-04-01
DE3764311D1 (en) 1990-09-20
EP0246958A1 (en) 1987-11-25
FR2598796B1 (en) 1990-04-20

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