EP1273875B1 - Igniter for propellant charges - Google Patents

Igniter for propellant charges Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1273875B1
EP1273875B1 EP02291470A EP02291470A EP1273875B1 EP 1273875 B1 EP1273875 B1 EP 1273875B1 EP 02291470 A EP02291470 A EP 02291470A EP 02291470 A EP02291470 A EP 02291470A EP 1273875 B1 EP1273875 B1 EP 1273875B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ignition
block
diffuser tube
igniter
propellant charge
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP02291470A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1273875A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Francois Pierrot
Jean-Luc Taillandier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giat Industries SA
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Giat Industries SA
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Publication of EP1273875A1 publication Critical patent/EP1273875A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C19/00—Details of fuzes
    • F42C19/08—Primers; Detonators
    • F42C19/0811—Primers; Detonators characterised by the generation of a plasma for initiating the charge to be ignited
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
    • F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
    • F42B5/16—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile characterised by composition or physical dimensions or form of propellant charge, with or without projectile, or powder
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C19/00—Details of fuzes
    • F42C19/08—Primers; Detonators
    • F42C19/0823—Primers or igniters for the initiation or the propellant charge in a cartridged ammunition
    • F42C19/083—Primers or igniters for the initiation or the propellant charge in a cartridged ammunition characterised by the shape and configuration of the base element embedded in the cartridge bottom, e.g. the housing for the squib or percussion cap
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C19/00—Details of fuzes
    • F42C19/08—Primers; Detonators
    • F42C19/0823—Primers or igniters for the initiation or the propellant charge in a cartridged ammunition
    • F42C19/0834—Arrangements of a multiplicity of primers or detonators dispersed within a propellant charge for increased efficiency
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C19/00—Details of fuzes
    • F42C19/08—Primers; Detonators
    • F42C19/0838—Primers or igniters for the initiation or the explosive charge in a warhead

Definitions

  • the technical field of the invention is that of ignition devices in particular for propellant loading of ammunition.
  • Known ignition devices use a pyrotechnic ignition component or igniter.
  • Patent FR2593905 which covers the features of the preamble of claim 1, describes such an igniter tube.
  • current ammunition encharphase generally have projectiles of great length whose rear part or empennage is housed in the vicinity of the igniter. It is therefore not possible to install in such ammunition a sufficiently long igniter tube.
  • EP 344098 discloses such an ignition device.
  • This device has the disadvantage of implementing a cord containing a pyrotechnic substance. This substance is likely to be initiated accidentally, leading to an unexpected ignition of the propellant charge.
  • Patent FR-2794855 discloses an electrothermal ignition device comprising lead wires guided axially by radially perforated explosive powder tubes. The explosion of the electric wires leads to the fragmentation and the initiation of the tubes which in turn initiate the propellant powder contained in the socket. This document therefore describes an igniter and not a propellant charge.
  • US Pat. No. 5,090,327 describes a device for igniting a powder charge inside which a rigid tube delimiting a channel is provided. An initiation tube is placed inside this channel. The tube ensures the initiation and not the conduct of the flame.
  • Known plasma igniters have a cylindrical structure close to that of a conventional igniter tube and are difficult to associate with a munition in which the projectile penetrates deep inside the propellant charge.
  • the ignition device according to the invention can be associated with a munition incorporating a projectile penetrating deeply inside the load.
  • the ignition device according to the invention can be set up safely in a load and it allows to control precisely the ignition of an agglomerated load.
  • the invention relates to an ignition device for a propellant charge, comprising at least one ignition means, characterized in that it comprises at least one inert diffuser tube extending through a portion of the propellant charge and for guiding the flame generated by the igniter means to a receiving zone of the propellant charge.
  • the diffuser tube will preferably be made of flexible plastic material and may have a thickness of between 0.7 and 1.5 mm.
  • the diffuser tube may have an internal diameter of between 3 and 6 mm.
  • the igniter means may be an electrical igniter generating a plasma (plasma torch).
  • the device may comprise an expansion chamber disposed between the output of the plasma igniter and the diffuser tube or tubes.
  • the invention also relates to a propellant charge incorporating such an ignition device.
  • This propellant charge for ammunition is of the type comprising at least one blind channel diffuser, is in the form of at least one block of agglomerated propellant powder within which said channel is defined, and comprises an ignition device according to such as defined above, said channel being intended to receive a diffuser tube of the ignition device for guiding the flame generated by it.
  • the load may comprise at least two blocks of agglomerated propellant powder stacked one on the other, at least one first block carrying at least one opening connecting channel which is intended to receive a through diffuser tube said first block to be housed in an ignition channel arranged on a second block.
  • Each block may thus comprise three blind ignition channels regularly distributed angularly and intended to receive a diffuser tube.
  • the charging comprises at least three agglomerated blocks which each comprise three blind ignition channels regularly distributed angularly and intended to receive a diffuser tube, the nearest block of the igniter also comprising six connecting channels. through and a block intermediate having three through channels.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 thus show an ignition device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • This device comprises an igniter means 2 to which three diffuser tubes 3 are connected.
  • the device is shown here alone.
  • the igniter means 2 is intended to be secured to a base of an ammunition (not shown).
  • the body 5 of the igniter means carries for this purpose a thread 4 which is intended to cooperate with a tapping of the base.
  • the igniting means is here a plasma generator and it comprises two electrodes 6 and 7 separated by an insulating cylindrical case 8 made of a plastic material capable of being settled, that is to say of generating light gases by the action of a plasma.
  • the case 8 may be made of polyethylene, polyoxymethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the case 8 could also be made of an energetic material, for example nitrocellulose.
  • Such a case is generally called a capillary in known plasma igniters.
  • the electrodes 6 and 7 are made for example of a cuprous alloy. They are intended to be connected to an electric generator 35 via electrical connections 36 and 37.
  • a first connection 36 is in electrical contact by appropriate means (for example a spring not shown) with the rear electrode 6
  • a second connection 37 is in electrical contact with the metal body, for example by a spring-loaded contact on the rear part thereof or on the metallic base of the munition (not shown).
  • the generator 35 is designed to be able to deliver an energy of 10 3 Joule to 10 6 Joule in the form of voltage pulses of 10 3 Volts at 20.10 3 Volts.
  • a generator is conventional and includes for example capacitances, inductance, thyristors and a stabilized power supply.
  • the rear electrode 6 is generally cylindrical and of the same axis as the body 5. It extends inside the case 8.
  • the front electrode 7 is tubular and its axial bore has a nozzle profile having a convergent conical profile 9 which is open on the side of the rear electrode 7 and which is followed by a diverging conical profile 10.
  • This nozzle makes it possible to reduce the thermal losses at the plasma generated by the torch. Indeed the nozzle allows to bring back into the axis of the torch gases located at the periphery. These gases are thus heated by the plasma.
  • the front electrode 7 is electrically connected to the body 5 of the igniter by the tight fit of its outer cylindrical surface.
  • the stack of the two electrodes and the case 8 is immobilized by a nut 11, which is screwed into a tapping 12 of the body 5, and which is applied on a shoulder 6a of the rear electrode 6.
  • the nut 11 is made of an insulating material.
  • a fuse 13 is arranged between the electrodes 6 and 7. It has the shape of a tube made of a conductive material associated with at least one energetic material or capable of reacting with the conductive material.
  • energetic material is meant a material capable of supplying chemical energy in the form of a flame when it is initiated by the Joule effect generated by the passage of the current in the conductive material with which it is intimately associated.
  • reactive material or capable of reacting with the conductive material is meant a material, inert in isolation, but capable of reacting chemically with the conductive material during the heating thereof by the Joule effect. Chemical energy is then provided by this reaction in the form of a flame.
  • the conductive material may consist of carbon or a metal such as copper, aluminum, silver, tungsten or magnesium.
  • a tube 13 formed of a layer of chlorofluoroethylene copolymer (known under the trademark Viton) deposited on an aluminum layer.
  • Viton chlorofluoroethylene copolymer
  • the ignition device comprises diffuser tubes 3 integral with the igniter.
  • diffuser tubes are made of plastic and are completely inert because they do not contain a pyrotechnic composition.
  • the tubes are made integral with the igniter by a connecting sleeve 14 which is screwed at a threaded front end 5a of the body 5 of the igniter 2.
  • This sleeve 14 carries three tapped holes 15 regularly distributed angularly and whose axes 17 form an angle with the axis 16 of the body 5 of the igniter 2.
  • Each tapping 15 receives a tubular screw 18 on which is fixed a locking nut 19.
  • the tubular screw 18 has a conical bearing surface 18a which cooperates with a complementary conical bearing surface 19a of the nut to ensure pinching, thus immobilizing and sealing the diffuser tube 3.
  • the latter is made of a flexible plastic material, for example polyamide, polyethylene or polyolefin.
  • the thickness of the diffuser tube is included between 0.7 and 1.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the diffuser tube is between 3 and 6 mm.
  • the screw 18 and the nut 19 thus constitute a means of securing the diffuser tube 3 with the connection sleeve 14, thus with the igniter means 2.
  • Each diffuser tube 3 is intended to extend through a portion of the propellant charge (not shown). It guides the flame generated by the igniter means to a receiving zone of the propellant charge (not shown here). For example, it is possible to fix the diffuser tubes on the inner wall of a socket of the munition.
  • the flame produced by the igniter means 2 is accurately driven to a desired location of the load without a radial ignition effect through the diffuser tube is to be feared.
  • the thermal inertia of the material used is sufficient so that the flame is thus conducted without destruction of the diffuser tube and this even when the ignition means generates a plasma (temperature of the order of 5000 K).
  • the diffuser tube will be destroyed later by the temperature and pressure of the gases developed during the combustion of the entire propellant charge.
  • the sleeve 14 delimits with the body 5 of the igniter 2 an expansion chamber 20 which is disposed between the output of the plasma igniter 2 and the diffuser tubes 3. This expansion chamber allows to homogenize the pressure of the plasma as well as its chemical composition.
  • the body 5 of the igniter means will contain a pyrotechnic composition generating flame.
  • She may include a flame enhancer relay associated with an ignition igniter electrical.
  • FIG. 3 shows in partial longitudinal section a munition 21 equipped with an ignition device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • This embodiment differs essentially from the previous one in that it comprises nine diffuser tubes 3, divided into three groups, the tubes of the different groups having different lengths (here for the sake of clarity, only a few tubes are shown).
  • the munition 21 comprises a bushing 22 made of a combustible material, for example a cardboard impregnated with nitrocellulose, a socket at the base of which is fixed a shutter base 23 which carries the igniter means 2 and receives on its internal surface a bolus 40 of material plastic.
  • the base is fixed to the sleeve 22 by radial rivets 41 regularly distributed angularly.
  • the munition 21 also comprises a projectile 24 (here a stabilized stabilized projectile stabilized projectile) which is fixed to the sleeve 22 by a connecting piece 25 made for example of plastic.
  • a projectile 24 here a stabilized stabilized projectile stabilized projectile
  • the fixing of the sleeve 22 on the connecting piece 25 will be provided by rivets (not shown).
  • the propellant charge of this munition comprises at least one block of agglomerated propellant powder (here four blocks 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d).
  • the blocks are made for example by uniaxial compression (about 30 MPa) and hot (about 80 ° C) of propellant powder grains impregnated with a thermoplastic or energetic binder.
  • the compression will be in a mold whose shape makes it possible to obtain the geometry of the desired block.
  • the rear block 26a bears against the bowl 40 disposed in the base 23.
  • This block comprises a recess 42 which allows the radial deployment of the different diffuser tubes 3 around the igniter means 2.
  • the other three agglomerated blocks 26b, 26c and 26d carry three blind ignition channels 28, regularly distributed angularly, intended to each receive a diffuser tube 3.
  • the block 26b thus carries three ignition channels 28b, the block 26c three channels of light. ignition 28c and block 26d three ignition channels 28d.
  • FIG. 7 shows in an enlarged manner the blind end of an ignition channel 28.
  • This channel has an axis 29 parallel to the axis 30 of the munition 21 and it receives a diffuser tube 3.
  • the tube 3 is not fixed to the block 26.
  • a clearance 43 of a few tenths of a millimeter remains between the tube 3 and the channel 28.
  • the diffuser tube 3 does not extend to the bottom of the ignition channel 28. There thus remains an ignition chamber 31 in which the flame driven by the diffuser tube 3 can act and provide a localized ignition (but distributed in three zones) of the propulsion unit 26.
  • each block 26 simultaneously receives the flame supplied by the igniter 2 and at its three ignition zones. This results in a better control of the evolution of the pressure in the chamber of the weapon and better ballistic performances.
  • some agglomerated blocks also comprise through connecting channels 32 whose axis is also parallel to the axis 30 of the ammunition 21 (see Figures 4, 5 and 6).
  • a first intermediate block 26c carries (in addition to its three blind ignition channels 28c) three connecting channels 32c which allow the passage of 3d diffuser tubes for ignition of the upper block 26d (see Figure 5).
  • the second intermediate block 26b carries (in addition to its three blind ignition channels 28b) six connecting channels 32b which allow the passage of the diffuser tubes 3c and 3d for the ignition of the intermediate block 26c and the upper block 26d (see Figure 6).
  • the angular distributions of the various channels are more particularly visible on the sections of the ammunition 21 shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.
  • each agglomerated block 26b, 26c and 26d has an axial housing having a shape corresponding to that of the projectile 24, and in particular to receive the fins 34 of the empennage 33 of the projectile.
  • Pions 38 made of plastic, are arranged between the propellant blocks 26b and 26c and between the propellant blocks 26c and 26d. These pins are evenly distributed angularly and make it possible to ensure the angular joining of the different blocks to prevent any shearing of the diffuser tubes 3. They also ensure the angular indexing of the blocks which allows the alignment of the different channels, thus allowing the introduction tubes 3 after stacking blocks.
  • the upper block 26d is first fixed on the projectile 24, and then the indexing pins 38 are placed on the latter.
  • the intermediate block 26c and the intermediate block 26b are then successively put on the projectile by interposing indexing pins 38 between them.
  • the indexing pins 39 are placed.
  • the sleeve 22 is slid around the propulsion blocks and the latter is riveted on the connecting piece 25.
  • the different tubes 3 are then put in place through the channels 28.
  • the tubes have been previously connected to the sleeve 14 of the ignition means.
  • the bowl 40 is mounted on the base 23 and then the rear propulsion unit 26a is glued into the bowl 40 (by means of silicone glue).
  • the igniter is screwed onto the sleeve 14 and the latter is capped with the base which will be fixed to the igniter, for example by an axial nut (see patent FR2799831) and then fixed by the rivets 41 to the socket 22.

Abstract

The ignition device for a propellant charging comprises a squib (2). It comprises a diffuser tubes (3b,3c,3d) extending through a part of the propellant charge allowing the flame generated by the squib to be guided to a propellant charge receiver zone (31). There is a collected propulsive powder unit (26b,26c,26d) carrying a blind ignition channel (28b,28c,28d) receiving the diffuser tubes. An Independent claim is included for a propulsive charge.

Description

Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui des dispositifs d'allumage notamment pour chargement propulsif de munition.The technical field of the invention is that of ignition devices in particular for propellant loading of ammunition.

Les dispositifs d'allumage connus mettent en oeuvre un composant pyrotechnique d'allumage ou inflammateur.Known ignition devices use a pyrotechnic ignition component or igniter.

Il est connu d'assurer un allumage réparti sur sensiblement toute la longueur d'un chargement propulsif en utilisant un inflammateur qui initie un tube allumeur formé d'un empilement de comprimés de poudre noire.It is known to ensure an ignition distributed over substantially the entire length of a propellant charge using an igniter which initiates an igniter tube formed of a stack of black powder tablets.

Le brevet FR2593905, qui couvre les particularités du préambule de la revendication 1, décrit un tel tube allumeur. Cependant les munitions encartouchées actuelles présentent généralement des projectiles de grande longueur dont la partie arrière ou empennage vient se loger au voisinage de l'inflammateur. Il n'est donc pas possible de mettre en place dans de telles munitions un tube allumeur suffisamment long.Patent FR2593905, which covers the features of the preamble of claim 1, describes such an igniter tube. However current ammunition encharphase generally have projectiles of great length whose rear part or empennage is housed in the vicinity of the igniter. It is therefore not possible to install in such ammunition a sufficiently long igniter tube.

Pour résoudre le problème de l'allumage de ces chargements il est connu d'utiliser des moyens d'allumage souples sous la forme de cordeaux pyrotechniques dont l'action d'allumage est à la fois axiale et radiale.To solve the problem of the ignition of these loads it is known to use flexible ignition means in the form of pyrotechnic cords whose ignition action is both axial and radial.

Le brevet EP344098 décrit un tel dispositif d'allumage. Ce dispositif présente l'inconvénient de mettre en oeuvre un cordeau renfermant une substance pyrotechnique. Cette substance est susceptible d'être initiée accidentellement, conduisant à un allumage inopiné du chargement propulsif.EP 344098 discloses such an ignition device. This device has the disadvantage of implementing a cord containing a pyrotechnic substance. This substance is likely to be initiated accidentally, leading to an unexpected ignition of the propellant charge.

Un tel risque est encore plus important lors des phases de montage et d'intégration d'un chargement propulsif.Such a risk is even more important during the assembly and integration phases of a propellant charge.

Le brevet FR-2794855 décrit un dispositif d'allumage électrothermique comprenant des fils conducteurs guidés axialement par des tubes en poudre explosive perforés radialement. L'explosion des fils électriques conduit à la fragmentation et à l'initiation des tubes qui initient à leur tour la poudre propulsive contenue dans la douille. Ce document décrit donc un allumeur et non pas un chargement propulsif.Patent FR-2794855 discloses an electrothermal ignition device comprising lead wires guided axially by radially perforated explosive powder tubes. The explosion of the electric wires leads to the fragmentation and the initiation of the tubes which in turn initiate the propellant powder contained in the socket. This document therefore describes an igniter and not a propellant charge.

Le brevet US-5090327 décrit un dispositif d'allumage d'un chargement en poudre à l'intérieur duquel est prévu un tube rigide délimitant un canal. Un tube d'initiation est placé à l'intérieur de ce canal. Le tube assure l'initiation et non pas la conduite de la flamme.US Pat. No. 5,090,327 describes a device for igniting a powder charge inside which a rigid tube delimiting a channel is provided. An initiation tube is placed inside this channel. The tube ensures the initiation and not the conduct of the flame.

On cherche par ailleurs aujourd'hui à accroître la densité des chargements propulsifs, donc les performances de tir, par la mise en oeuvre de chargements agglomérés.We are also seeking today to increase the density of propellant loadings, and thus fire performance, by the implementation of agglomerated loadings.

Afin d'améliorer la balistique de tir, il est souhaitable de maîtriser l'instant et la localisation de l'allumage de tels blocs agglomérés. Cette maîtrise est rendue difficile par la mise en oeuvre des cordeaux d'allumage classiques qui assurent un allumage réparti sur toute leur longueur.In order to improve fire ballistics, it is desirable to control the instant and the location of the ignition of such agglomerated blocks. This control is made difficult by the implementation of conventional ignition cords that provide ignition distributed over their entire length.

Enfin, il est prévu dans les années à venir d'accroître les performances de tir par la mise en oeuvre d'allumeurs à plasma. Ces allumeurs utilisent une part d'énergie électrique pour augmenter la température et la pression des gaz propulsifs, donc la vitesse initiale du projectile.Finally, it is planned in the coming years to increase shooting performance through the implementation of plasma igniters. These igniters use a portion of electrical energy to increase the temperature and pressure of the propellant gases, thus the initial velocity of the projectile.

Les allumeurs (ou torches) à plasma connus ont une structure cylindrique proche de celle d'un tube allumeur classique et ils sont difficiles à associer à une munition dans laquelle le projectile pénètre profondément à l'intérieur du chargement propulsif.Known plasma igniters (or torches) have a cylindrical structure close to that of a conventional igniter tube and are difficult to associate with a munition in which the projectile penetrates deep inside the propellant charge.

C'est le but de l'invention que de proposer un dispositif d'allumage permettant de pallier de tels inconvénients.It is the object of the invention to provide an ignition device for overcoming such disadvantages.

Ainsi le dispositif d'allumage selon l'invention peut être associé à une munition incorporant un projectile pénétrant profondément à l'intérieur du chargement.Thus the ignition device according to the invention can be associated with a munition incorporating a projectile penetrating deeply inside the load.

Le dispositif d'allumage selon l'invention peut être mis en place sans risque dans un chargement et il permet de maîtriser de façon précise l'allumage d'un chargement aggloméré.The ignition device according to the invention can be set up safely in a load and it allows to control precisely the ignition of an agglomerated load.

Ainsi l'invention a pour objet un dispositif d'allumage pour un chargement propulsif, comprenant au moins un moyen inflammateur, dispositif caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte au moins un tube diffuseur inerte s'étendant au travers d'une partie du chargement propulsif et permettant de guider la flamme engendrée par le moyen inflammateur jusqu'à une zone réceptrice du chargement propulsif.Thus the invention relates to an ignition device for a propellant charge, comprising at least one ignition means, characterized in that it comprises at least one inert diffuser tube extending through a portion of the propellant charge and for guiding the flame generated by the igniter means to a receiving zone of the propellant charge.

Le tube diffuseur sera de préférence réalisé en matière plastique souple et il pourra avoir une épaisseur comprise entre 0,7 et 1,5 mm.The diffuser tube will preferably be made of flexible plastic material and may have a thickness of between 0.7 and 1.5 mm.

Le tube diffuseur pourra avoir un diamètre interne compris entre 3 et 6 mm.The diffuser tube may have an internal diameter of between 3 and 6 mm.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, le moyen inflammateur pourra être un inflammateur électrique engendrant un plasma (torche à plasma).According to a particular embodiment, the igniter means may be an electrical igniter generating a plasma (plasma torch).

Avantageusement, le dispositif pourra comporter une chambre de détente disposée entre la sortie de l'inflammateur à plasma et le ou les tubes diffuseurs.Advantageously, the device may comprise an expansion chamber disposed between the output of the plasma igniter and the diffuser tube or tubes.

L'invention a également pour objet un chargement propulsif incorporant un tel dispositif d'allumage.The invention also relates to a propellant charge incorporating such an ignition device.

Ce chargement propulsif pour munition est du type comportant au moins un canal borgne diffuseur, se présente sous la forme d'au moins un bloc de poudre propulsive agglomérée à l'intérieur duquel ledit canal est délimité, et comprend un dispositif d'allumage selon tel que défini précédemment, ledit canal étant destiné à recevoir un tube diffuseur du dispositif d'allumage pour guider la flamme engendrée par celui-ci.This propellant charge for ammunition is of the type comprising at least one blind channel diffuser, is in the form of at least one block of agglomerated propellant powder within which said channel is defined, and comprises an ignition device according to such as defined above, said channel being intended to receive a diffuser tube of the ignition device for guiding the flame generated by it.

Selon un mode particulier de réalisation, le chargement pourra comporter au moins deux blocs de poudre propulsive agglomérée empilés l'un sur l'autre, au moins un premier bloc portant au moins un canal de liaison débouchant qui est destiné à recevoir un tube diffuseur traversant ledit premier bloc pour venir se loger dans un canal d'allumage aménagé sur un deuxième bloc.According to a particular embodiment, the load may comprise at least two blocks of agglomerated propellant powder stacked one on the other, at least one first block carrying at least one opening connecting channel which is intended to receive a through diffuser tube said first block to be housed in an ignition channel arranged on a second block.

Chaque bloc pourra ainsi comporter trois canaux d'allumage borgnes régulièrement répartis angulairement et destinés à recevoir un tube diffuseur.Each block may thus comprise three blind ignition channels regularly distributed angularly and intended to receive a diffuser tube.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le chargement comprend au moins trois blocs agglomérés qui comportent chacun trois canaux d'allumage borgnes régulièrement répartis angulairement et destinés à recevoir un tube diffuseur, le bloc le plus proche de l'allumeur comportant également six canaux de liaison débouchants et un bloc intermédiaire comportant trois canaux de liaison débouchants.According to another embodiment, the charging comprises at least three agglomerated blocks which each comprise three blind ignition channels regularly distributed angularly and intended to receive a diffuser tube, the nearest block of the igniter also comprising six connecting channels. through and a block intermediate having three through channels.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre de différents modes de réalisation, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente en coupe longitudinale un dispositif d'allumage selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue externe de ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 3 représente en coupe longitudinale partielle une munition équipée d'un dispositif d'allumage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention et renfermant un chargement propulsif selon l'invention,
  • les figures 4, 5 et 6 sont des coupes transversales de cette munition, coupes réalisées respectivement suivant les plans DD, CC et AA dont la trace est représentée à la figure 3,
  • la figure 7 est une vue d'un détail du chargement propulsif selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of various embodiments, a description given with reference to the appended drawings and in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents in longitudinal section an ignition device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is an external view of this first embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal section of a munition equipped with an ignition device according to a second embodiment of the invention and enclosing a propellant charge according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are transverse sections of this ammunition, sections respectively made according to the planes DD, CC and AA whose trace is represented in FIG. 3,
  • Figure 7 is a view of a detail of the propellant charge according to the invention.

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent ainsi un dispositif d'allumage 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.Figures 1 and 2 thus show an ignition device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Ce dispositif comprend un moyen inflammateur 2 auquel sont reliés trois tubes diffuseurs 3.This device comprises an igniter means 2 to which three diffuser tubes 3 are connected.

Le dispositif est représenté ici seul. Le moyen inflammateur 2 est destiné à être rendu solidaire d'un culot d'une munition (non représentée). Le corps 5 du moyen inflammateur porte dans ce but un filetage 4 qui est destiné à coopérer avec un taraudage du culot.The device is shown here alone. The igniter means 2 is intended to be secured to a base of an ammunition (not shown). The body 5 of the igniter means carries for this purpose a thread 4 which is intended to cooperate with a tapping of the base.

Le moyen inflammateur est ici un générateur de plasma et il comporte deux électrodes 6 et 7 séparées par un étui cylindrique isolant 8 réalisé en une matière plastique susceptible de s'ablater, c'est à dire d'engendrer des gaz légers par l'action d'un plasma. On pourra par exemple réaliser l'étui 8 en polyéthylène, en polyoxyméthylène ou en polytétrafluoroéthylène. On pourrait également réaliser l'étui 8 en un matériau énergétique par exemple en nitrocellulose.The igniting means is here a plasma generator and it comprises two electrodes 6 and 7 separated by an insulating cylindrical case 8 made of a plastic material capable of being settled, that is to say of generating light gases by the action of a plasma. For example, the case 8 may be made of polyethylene, polyoxymethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. The case 8 could also be made of an energetic material, for example nitrocellulose.

Un tel étui est généralement appelé capillaire dans les inflammateurs à plasma connus.Such a case is generally called a capillary in known plasma igniters.

Les électrodes 6 et 7 sont réalisées par exemple en un alliage cuivreux. Elles sont destinées à être reliées à un générateur électrique 35 par l'intermédiaire de connexions électriques 36 et 37. Une première connexion 36 est en contact électrique par un moyen approprié (par exemple un toucheau à ressort non représenté) avec l'électrode arrière 6. Une seconde connexion 37 est en contact électrique avec le corps 5 métallique, par exemple par un toucheau à ressort en appui sur la partie arrière de celui ci ou bien sur le culot métallique de la munition (non représenté).The electrodes 6 and 7 are made for example of a cuprous alloy. They are intended to be connected to an electric generator 35 via electrical connections 36 and 37. A first connection 36 is in electrical contact by appropriate means (for example a spring not shown) with the rear electrode 6 A second connection 37 is in electrical contact with the metal body, for example by a spring-loaded contact on the rear part thereof or on the metallic base of the munition (not shown).

Le générateur 35 est conçu pour pouvoir délivrer une énergie de 103 Joule à 106 Joule sous forme d'impulsions de tension de 103 Volts à 20.103 Volts. Un tel générateur est classique et comprend par exemple des capacités, une inductance, des thyristors et une alimentation stabilisée.The generator 35 is designed to be able to deliver an energy of 10 3 Joule to 10 6 Joule in the form of voltage pulses of 10 3 Volts at 20.10 3 Volts. Such a generator is conventional and includes for example capacitances, inductance, thyristors and a stabilized power supply.

L'électrode arrière 6 est globalement cylindrique et de même axe que le corps 5. Elle s'étend à l'intérieur de l'étui 8.The rear electrode 6 is generally cylindrical and of the same axis as the body 5. It extends inside the case 8.

L'électrode avant 7 est tubulaire et son perçage axial a un profil de tuyère comportant un profil conique convergent 9 qui est ouvert du côté de l'électrode arrière 7 et qui est suivi par un profil conique divergent 10. Cette tuyère permet de diminuer les pertes thermiques au niveau du plasma engendré par la torche. En effet la tuyère permet de ramener dans l'axe de la torche les gaz situés en périphérie. Ces gaz se trouvent ainsi réchauffés par le plasma.The front electrode 7 is tubular and its axial bore has a nozzle profile having a convergent conical profile 9 which is open on the side of the rear electrode 7 and which is followed by a diverging conical profile 10. This nozzle makes it possible to reduce the thermal losses at the plasma generated by the torch. Indeed the nozzle allows to bring back into the axis of the torch gases located at the periphery. These gases are thus heated by the plasma.

L'électrode avant 7 est reliée électriquement au corps 5 de l'inflammateur par l'ajustement serré de sa surface cylindrique externe.The front electrode 7 is electrically connected to the body 5 of the igniter by the tight fit of its outer cylindrical surface.

L'empilement des deux électrodes et de l'étui 8 est immobilisé par un écrou 11, qui se visse dans un taraudage 12 du corps 5, et qui s'applique sur un épaulement 6a de l'électrode arrière 6. L'écrou 11 est réalisé en un matériau isolant.The stack of the two electrodes and the case 8 is immobilized by a nut 11, which is screwed into a tapping 12 of the body 5, and which is applied on a shoulder 6a of the rear electrode 6. The nut 11 is made of an insulating material.

Un fusible d'amorçage 13 est disposé entre les électrodes 6 et 7. Il a la forme d'un tube réalisé en un matériau conducteur associé à au moins un matériau énergétique ou susceptible de réagir avec le matériau conducteur.A fuse 13 is arranged between the electrodes 6 and 7. It has the shape of a tube made of a conductive material associated with at least one energetic material or capable of reacting with the conductive material.

On entend par matériau énergétique un matériau susceptible de fournir de l'énergie chimique sous la forme d'une flamme lorsqu'il se trouve initié par l'effet Joule engendré par le passage du courant dans le matériau conducteur auquel il est intimement associé.By energetic material is meant a material capable of supplying chemical energy in the form of a flame when it is initiated by the Joule effect generated by the passage of the current in the conductive material with which it is intimately associated.

On entend par matériau réactif ou susceptible de réagir avec le matériau conducteur un matériau, inerte isolément, mais susceptible de réagir chimiquement avec le matériau conducteur lors de l'échauffement de celui ci par effet Joule. De l'énergie chimique se trouve alors fournie par cette réaction sous la forme d'une flamme.By reactive material or capable of reacting with the conductive material is meant a material, inert in isolation, but capable of reacting chemically with the conductive material during the heating thereof by the Joule effect. Chemical energy is then provided by this reaction in the form of a flame.

Le matériau conducteur pourra être constitué par du carbone ou bien par un métal tel du cuivre, de l'aluminium, de l'argent, du tungstène ou du magnésium.The conductive material may consist of carbon or a metal such as copper, aluminum, silver, tungsten or magnesium.

On pourra par exemple réaliser un tube 13 formé d'une couche de copolymère de chlorofluoroéthylène (connu sous la marque déposée Viton) déposée sur une couche d'aluminium.For example, it will be possible to produce a tube 13 formed of a layer of chlorofluoroethylene copolymer (known under the trademark Viton) deposited on an aluminum layer.

Un tel type d'inflammateur à plasma utilisant un fusible énergétique est décrit par la demande de brevet FR00/04734 et ne sera pas décrit ici plus en détails. On pourra consulter également la demande de brevet FR00/04735 qui décrit un inflammateur à plasma dépourvu de fusible d'amorçage et comportant une électrode avant en forme de tuyère.Such a type of plasma igniter using an energy fuse is described by the patent application FR00 / 04734 and will not be described here in more detail. It is also possible to consult the patent application FR00 / 04735 which describes a plasma igniter which does not have a fuse and has a front electrode in the form of a nozzle.

D'autres exemples d'inflammateurs à plasma, notamment à fil fusible, sont enfin décrits par les brevets FR2754969 et FR2768810.Other examples of plasma igniters, in particular fusible wire, are finally described by the patents FR2754969 and FR2768810.

Conformément à l'invention le dispositif d'allumage comprend des tubes diffuseurs 3 solidaires de l'inflammateur.According to the invention the ignition device comprises diffuser tubes 3 integral with the igniter.

Ces tubes diffuseurs sont réalisés en matière plastique et sont totalement inertes car ils ne renferment pas de composition pyrotechnique.These diffuser tubes are made of plastic and are completely inert because they do not contain a pyrotechnic composition.

Les tubes sont rendus solidaires de l'inflammateur par un manchon de connexion 14 qui est vissé au niveau d'une extrémité avant filetée 5a du corps 5 de l'inflammateur 2. Ce manchon 14 porte trois taraudages 15 régulièrement répartis angulairement et dont les axes 17 forment un angle avec l'axe 16 du corps 5 de l'inflammateur 2. Chaque taraudage 15 reçoit une vis tubulaire 18 sur laquelle se fixe un écrou de blocage 19.The tubes are made integral with the igniter by a connecting sleeve 14 which is screwed at a threaded front end 5a of the body 5 of the igniter 2. This sleeve 14 carries three tapped holes 15 regularly distributed angularly and whose axes 17 form an angle with the axis 16 of the body 5 of the igniter 2. Each tapping 15 receives a tubular screw 18 on which is fixed a locking nut 19.

La vis tubulaire 18 comporte une portée conique 18a qui coopère avec une portée conique complémentaire 19a de l'écrou pour assurer le pincement, donc l'immobilisation et l'étanchéité du tube diffuseur 3.The tubular screw 18 has a conical bearing surface 18a which cooperates with a complementary conical bearing surface 19a of the nut to ensure pinching, thus immobilizing and sealing the diffuser tube 3.

Ce dernier est réalisé en une matière plastique souple, par exemple en polyamide, en polyéthylène ou en polyoléfine. L'épaisseur du tube diffuseur est comprise entre 0,7 et 1,5 mm, et le diamètre interne du tube diffuseur est compris entre 3 et 6 mm.The latter is made of a flexible plastic material, for example polyamide, polyethylene or polyolefin. The thickness of the diffuser tube is included between 0.7 and 1.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the diffuser tube is between 3 and 6 mm.

La vis 18 et l'écrou 19 constituent ainsi un moyen de solidarisation du tube diffuseur 3 avec le manchon de connexion 14, donc avec le moyen inflammateur 2.The screw 18 and the nut 19 thus constitute a means of securing the diffuser tube 3 with the connection sleeve 14, thus with the igniter means 2.

Chaque tube diffuseur 3 est destiné à s'étendre au travers d'une partie du chargement propulsif (non représenté). Il permet de guider la flamme engendrée par le moyen inflammateur jusqu'à une zone réceptrice du chargement propulsif (non représentée ici). On pourra par exemple fixer les tubes diffuseurs sur la paroi interne d'une douille de la munition.Each diffuser tube 3 is intended to extend through a portion of the propellant charge (not shown). It guides the flame generated by the igniter means to a receiving zone of the propellant charge (not shown here). For example, it is possible to fix the diffuser tubes on the inner wall of a socket of the munition.

Ainsi grâce à l'invention la flamme produite par le moyen inflammateur 2 est conduite de façon précise en un endroit souhaité du chargement sans qu'un effet d'allumage radial au travers du tube diffuseur ne soit à craindre.Thus, thanks to the invention, the flame produced by the igniter means 2 is accurately driven to a desired location of the load without a radial ignition effect through the diffuser tube is to be feared.

L'inertie thermique du matériau utilisé est suffisante pour que la flamme soit ainsi conduite sans destruction du tube diffuseur et cela même lorsque le moyen d'allumage engendre un plasma (température de l'ordre de 5000 K).The thermal inertia of the material used is sufficient so that the flame is thus conducted without destruction of the diffuser tube and this even when the ignition means generates a plasma (temperature of the order of 5000 K).

Le tube diffuseur sera détruit ultérieurement par la température et la pression des gaz développés lors de la combustion de l'ensemble du chargement propulsif.The diffuser tube will be destroyed later by the temperature and pressure of the gases developed during the combustion of the entire propellant charge.

Le manchon 14 délimite avec le corps 5 de l'inflammateur 2 une chambre de détente 20 qui se trouve disposée entre la sortie de l'inflammateur à plasma 2 et les tubes diffuseurs 3. Cette chambre de détente permet d'homogénéiser la pression du plasma ainsi que sa composition chimique.The sleeve 14 delimits with the body 5 of the igniter 2 an expansion chamber 20 which is disposed between the output of the plasma igniter 2 and the diffuser tubes 3. This expansion chamber allows to homogenize the pressure of the plasma as well as its chemical composition.

A titre de variante il est bien entendu possible de faire varier le nombre de tubes diffuseurs reliés à l'inflammateur.As a variant it is of course possible to vary the number of diffuser tubes connected to the igniter.

Il est également possible d'associer à ces tubes diffuseurs un inflammateur classique mettant en oeuvre une composition pyrotechnique sans génération de plasma. Dans ce cas le corps 5 du moyen inflammateur renfermera une composition pyrotechnique génératrice de flamme. Elle pourra comprendre un relais renforçateur de flamme associé à un inflammateur à initiation électrique.It is also possible to associate with these diffuser tubes a conventional igniter implementing a pyrotechnic composition without plasma generation. In this case the body 5 of the igniter means will contain a pyrotechnic composition generating flame. She may include a flame enhancer relay associated with an ignition igniter electrical.

La figure 3 montre en coupe longitudinale partielle une munition 21 équipée d'un dispositif d'allumage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.FIG. 3 shows in partial longitudinal section a munition 21 equipped with an ignition device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Ce mode de réalisation diffère essentiellement du précédent en ce qu'il comprend neuf tubes diffuseurs 3, répartis en trois groupes, les tubes des différents groupes ayant des longueurs différentes (ici pour la clarté de la figure, seuls quelques tubes sont représentés).This embodiment differs essentially from the previous one in that it comprises nine diffuser tubes 3, divided into three groups, the tubes of the different groups having different lengths (here for the sake of clarity, only a few tubes are shown).

La munition 21 comprend une douille 22 réalisée en un matériau combustible, par exemple un carton imprégné de nitrocellulose, douille à la base de laquelle est fixé un culot obturateur 23 qui porte le moyen inflammateur 2 et reçoit sur sa surface interne un bol 40 en matière plastique. Le culot est fixé à la douille 22 par des rivets radiaux 41 régulièrement répartis angulairement.The munition 21 comprises a bushing 22 made of a combustible material, for example a cardboard impregnated with nitrocellulose, a socket at the base of which is fixed a shutter base 23 which carries the igniter means 2 and receives on its internal surface a bolus 40 of material plastic. The base is fixed to the sleeve 22 by radial rivets 41 regularly distributed angularly.

La munition 21 comprend également un projectile 24 (ici un projectile sous calibré stabilisé par empennage) qui est fixé à la douille 22 par une pièce de liaison 25 réalisée par exemple en matière plastique. La fixation de la douille 22 sur la pièce de liaison 25 sera assurée par des rivets (non représentés).The munition 21 also comprises a projectile 24 (here a stabilized stabilized projectile stabilized projectile) which is fixed to the sleeve 22 by a connecting piece 25 made for example of plastic. The fixing of the sleeve 22 on the connecting piece 25 will be provided by rivets (not shown).

Cette munition n'est pas décrite en détails, on pourra se reporter avantageusement au brevet FR2620214 qui décrit une telle bague de liaison.This ammunition is not described in detail, it can be referred to advantageously patent FR2620214 which describes such a connecting ring.

Conformément à l'invention le chargement propulsif de cette munition comporte au moins un bloc de poudre propulsive agglomérée (ici quatre blocs 26a,26b,26c,26d).According to the invention, the propellant charge of this munition comprises at least one block of agglomerated propellant powder (here four blocks 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d).

Les blocs sont réalisés par exemple par compression uniaxiale (environ 30 MPa) et à chaud (environ 80°C) de poudre propulsive en grains imprégnés d'un liant thermoplastique ou énergétique. La compression se fera dans un moule dont la forme permet d'obtenir la géométrie du bloc souhaité.The blocks are made for example by uniaxial compression (about 30 MPa) and hot (about 80 ° C) of propellant powder grains impregnated with a thermoplastic or energetic binder. The compression will be in a mold whose shape makes it possible to obtain the geometry of the desired block.

Le bloc arrière 26a est en appui contre le bol 40 disposé dans le culot 23. Ce bloc comporte un évidement 42 qui permet le déploiement radial des différents tubes diffuseurs 3 autour du moyen inflammateur 2.The rear block 26a bears against the bowl 40 disposed in the base 23. This block comprises a recess 42 which allows the radial deployment of the different diffuser tubes 3 around the igniter means 2.

Les trois autres blocs agglomérés 26b, 26c et 26d portent trois canaux d'allumage borgnes 28, régulièrement répartis angulairement, destinés à recevoir chacun un tube diffuseur 3. Le bloc 26b porte ainsi trois canaux d'allumage 28b, le bloc 26c trois canaux d'allumage 28c et le bloc 26d trois canaux d'allumage 28d.The other three agglomerated blocks 26b, 26c and 26d carry three blind ignition channels 28, regularly distributed angularly, intended to each receive a diffuser tube 3. The block 26b thus carries three ignition channels 28b, the block 26c three channels of light. ignition 28c and block 26d three ignition channels 28d.

La figure 7 montre de façon agrandie l'extrémité borgne d'un canal d'allumage 28. Ce canal a un axe 29 parallèle à l'axe 30 de la munition 21 et il reçoit un tube diffuseur 3.FIG. 7 shows in an enlarged manner the blind end of an ignition channel 28. This channel has an axis 29 parallel to the axis 30 of the munition 21 and it receives a diffuser tube 3.

Le tube 3 n'est pas fixé au bloc 26. Un jeu 43 de quelques dixièmes de mm subsiste entre le tube 3 et le canal 28. Le tube diffuseur 3 ne s'étend pas jusqu'au fond du canal d'allumage 28. Il subsiste ainsi une chambre d'allumage 31 dans laquelle la flamme conduite par le tube diffuseur 3 peut agir et assurer un allumage localisé (mais réparti en trois zones) du bloc propulsif 26.The tube 3 is not fixed to the block 26. A clearance 43 of a few tenths of a millimeter remains between the tube 3 and the channel 28. The diffuser tube 3 does not extend to the bottom of the ignition channel 28. There thus remains an ignition chamber 31 in which the flame driven by the diffuser tube 3 can act and provide a localized ignition (but distributed in three zones) of the propulsion unit 26.

On maîtrise ainsi parfaitement la localisation de l'allumage des différents blocs. Grâce à l'invention, chaque bloc 26 reçoit simultanément la flamme fournie par l'allumeur 2 et au niveau de ses trois zones d'allumage. Il en résulte une meilleure maîtrise de l'évolution de la pression dans la chambre de l'arme et de meilleures performances balistiques.We thus perfectly control the location of the ignition of the different blocks. Thanks to the invention, each block 26 simultaneously receives the flame supplied by the igniter 2 and at its three ignition zones. This results in a better control of the evolution of the pressure in the chamber of the weapon and better ballistic performances.

Afin de permettre le passage des tubes diffuseurs au travers des différents blocs jusqu'à leur canal d'allumage, certains blocs agglomérés comportent également des canaux de liaison débouchants 32 dont l'axe est lui aussi parallèle à l'axe 30 de la munition 21 (voir figures 4, 5 et 6).In order to allow the passage of the diffuser tubes through the various blocks up to their ignition channel, some agglomerated blocks also comprise through connecting channels 32 whose axis is also parallel to the axis 30 of the ammunition 21 (see Figures 4, 5 and 6).

Ainsi un premier bloc intermédiaire 26c porte (en plus de ses trois canaux d'allumage borgnes 28c) trois canaux de liaison 32c qui permettent le passage des tubes diffuseurs 3d destinés à l'allumage du bloc supérieur 26d (voir la figure 5).Thus a first intermediate block 26c carries (in addition to its three blind ignition channels 28c) three connecting channels 32c which allow the passage of 3d diffuser tubes for ignition of the upper block 26d (see Figure 5).

Le deuxième bloc intermédiaire 26b porte (en plus de ses trois canaux d'allumage borgnes 28b) six canaux de liaison 32b qui permettent le passage des tubes diffuseurs 3c et 3d destinés à l'allumage du bloc intermédiaire 26c et du bloc supérieur 26d (voir la figure 6).The second intermediate block 26b carries (in addition to its three blind ignition channels 28b) six connecting channels 32b which allow the passage of the diffuser tubes 3c and 3d for the ignition of the intermediate block 26c and the upper block 26d (see Figure 6).

Les répartitions angulaires des différents canaux sont plus particulièrement visibles sur les coupes de la munition 21 représentées aux figures 4, 5 et 6.The angular distributions of the various channels are more particularly visible on the sections of the ammunition 21 shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

On notera également que chaque bloc aggloméré 26b, 26c et 26d présente un logement axial ayant une forme correspondant à celle du projectile 24, et permettant notamment de recevoir les ailettes 34 de l'empennage 33 du projectile.Note also that each agglomerated block 26b, 26c and 26d has an axial housing having a shape corresponding to that of the projectile 24, and in particular to receive the fins 34 of the empennage 33 of the projectile.

Des pions 38, réalisés en matière plastique, sont disposés entre les blocs propulsifs 26b et 26c ainsi qu'entre les blocs propulsifs 26c et 26d. Ces pions sont régulièrement répartis angulairement et permettent d'assurer la solidarisation angulaire des différents blocs pour empêcher tout cisaillement des tubes diffuseurs 3. Ils assurent également l'indexation angulaire des blocs ce qui permet l'alignement des différents canaux, autorisant ainsi l'introduction des tubes 3 après empilement des blocs.Pions 38, made of plastic, are arranged between the propellant blocks 26b and 26c and between the propellant blocks 26c and 26d. These pins are evenly distributed angularly and make it possible to ensure the angular joining of the different blocks to prevent any shearing of the diffuser tubes 3. They also ensure the angular indexing of the blocks which allows the alignment of the different channels, thus allowing the introduction tubes 3 after stacking blocks.

On prévoira par exemple trois pions 38 entre chaque bloc.For example, three pins 38 will be provided between each block.

De même, trois autres pions 39 sont interposés entre le bloc arrière 26a et le bloc intermédiaire 26b.Similarly, three other pins 39 are interposed between the rear block 26a and the intermediate block 26b.

Le montage de cette munition se réalise de la façon suivante :The assembly of this ammunition is carried out as follows:

On fixe tout d'abord le bloc supérieur 26d sur le projectile 24, on met ensuite en place sur celui ci les pions d'indexation 38.The upper block 26d is first fixed on the projectile 24, and then the indexing pins 38 are placed on the latter.

On met ensuite en place successivement sur le projectile le bloc intermédiaire 26c et le bloc intermédiaire 26b, en interposant entre eux des pions d'indexation 38.The intermediate block 26c and the intermediate block 26b are then successively put on the projectile by interposing indexing pins 38 between them.

On place les pions d'indexation 39. On glisse la douille 22 autour des blocs propulsifs et on rivette celle ci sur la pièce de liaison 25.The indexing pins 39 are placed. The sleeve 22 is slid around the propulsion blocks and the latter is riveted on the connecting piece 25.

On met alors en place les différents tubes 3 au travers des canaux 28. Les tubes ont été préalablement raccordés au manchon 14 du moyen d'allumage.The different tubes 3 are then put in place through the channels 28. The tubes have been previously connected to the sleeve 14 of the ignition means.

On monte le bol 40 sur le culot 23 puis on colle le bloc propulsif arrière 26a dans le bol 40 (par des points de colle silicone). On pourra consulter le brevet FR2799831 qui décrit un mode de fixation d'un bol sur un culot.The bowl 40 is mounted on the base 23 and then the rear propulsion unit 26a is glued into the bowl 40 (by means of silicone glue). We can consult the patent FR2799831 which describes a method of fixing a bowl on a base.

On visse enfin l'allumeur sur le manchon 14 et on coiffe celui ci avec le culot qui sera fixé à l'allumeur par exemple par un écrou axial (voir le brevet FR2799831) et ensuite fixé par les rivets 41 à la douille 22.Finally, the igniter is screwed onto the sleeve 14 and the latter is capped with the base which will be fixed to the igniter, for example by an axial nut (see patent FR2799831) and then fixed by the rivets 41 to the socket 22.

Différentes variantes sont possibles sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.Different variants are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Il est ainsi possible de réaliser un chargement comportant trois blocs propulsifs agglomérés mais dans lequel l'allumage sera assuré à partir du seul bloc intermédiaire 26c. Les tubes diffuseurs traverseront alors le bloc 26b et seul le bloc intermédiaire 26c portera des canaux d'allumage 28.It is thus possible to make a load comprising three agglomerated propellant blocks but in which ignition will be provided from the only intermediate block 26c. The diffuser tubes will then pass through the block 26b and only the intermediate block 26c will carry ignition channels 28.

On pourra également faire varier le nombre et la répartition angulaire des tubes diffuseurs. On pourra aussi faire varier la profondeur des canaux d'allumage en prévoyant par exemple pour un bloc donné plusieurs canaux d'allumage de profondeurs différentes.It will also be possible to vary the number and the angular distribution of the diffuser tubes. It will also be possible to vary the depth of the ignition channels by providing for example for a given block several ignition channels of different depths.

Claims (10)

  1. An ignition device (1) for a propellant charge, comprising at least one ignition means (2), device wherein it incorporates at least one inert diffuser tube (3) extending through part of the propellant charge and allowing the flame generated by the ignition means (2) to be guided up to a receiver zone of the propellant charge.
  2. An ignition device according to Claim 1, wherein the diffuser tube (3) is made of a flexible plastic material.
  3. An ignition device according to Claim 2, wherein the diffuser tube (3) is of a thickness of between 0.7 and 1.5 mm.
  4. An ignition device according to Claim 3, wherein the diffuser tube (3) diffuser tube has an internal diameter of between 3 and 6 mm.
  5. An ignition device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the ignition means (2) generate a plasma.
  6. An ignition device according to Claim 5, wherein it incorporates an expansion chamber (20) placed between the plasma igniter (2) outlet and the diffuser tube or tubes (3).
  7. A propellant charge for a piece of ammunition intended to be initiated by a device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein it incorporates at least one block of agglomerated propellant powder (26b, 26c, 26d), such block having at least one closed-ended ignition channel (28b, 28c, 28d) intended to receive a diffuser tube (3b, 3c, 3d).
  8. A propellant charge for a piece of ammunition according to Claim 7, wherein it incorporates at least two blocks (26b, 26c, 26d) of agglomerated propellant powder stacked on top of one another, at least a first block (26b, 26c) having an open-ended connecting channel (32b, 32c) intended to receive a diffuser tube (3c, 3d) through said first block coming to lodge in an ignition channel (28c, 28d) made in a second block (26c, 26d).
  9. A propellant charge for a piece of ammunition according to Claim 8, wherein each block (26b, 26c, 26d) incorporate three closed-ended ignition channels (28b, 28c, 28d) evenly spaced angularly and each intended to receive a diffuser tube (3b, 3c, 3d).
  10. A propellant charge for a piece of ammunition according to Claim 9, wherein it comprises at least three agglomerated blocks (26b, 26c, 26d) that each incorporate three closed-ended ignition channels (28b, 28c, 28d) evenly spaced angularly and intended to receive a diffuser tube (3b, 3c, 3d), the block (26b) nearest to the igniter also incorporating six open-ended connecting channels (32b) and an intermediate block (26c) incorporating three open-ended connecting channels (32c).
EP02291470A 2001-07-06 2002-06-13 Igniter for propellant charges Expired - Lifetime EP1273875B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0109053A FR2827039B1 (en) 2001-07-06 2001-07-06 IGNITION DEVICE FOR PROPULSIVE CHARGING
FR0109053 2001-07-06

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EP1273875A1 EP1273875A1 (en) 2003-01-08
EP1273875B1 true EP1273875B1 (en) 2006-12-13

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EP02291470A Expired - Lifetime EP1273875B1 (en) 2001-07-06 2002-06-13 Igniter for propellant charges

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US (1) US6691621B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1273875B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE348312T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60216671T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2827039B1 (en)

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FR2844873B1 (en) * 2002-09-25 2006-11-24 Giat Ind Sa DOUBLE EFFECT INFLAMMATOR AND IGNITION METHOD USING SUCH AN INFLAMMATOR
US6904749B2 (en) * 2002-10-18 2005-06-14 Physical Sciences, Inc. Polyoxymethylene as structural support member and propellant
US6994519B2 (en) * 2003-05-20 2006-02-07 General Electric Company Apparatus and methods for coupling axially aligned turbine rotors
US8141822B2 (en) * 2004-09-01 2012-03-27 Thomas James P Autophagous multifunction structure-power system
US8607702B1 (en) * 2010-01-15 2013-12-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Low energy ignition system for large and medium caliber ammunition
WO2016016694A1 (en) * 2014-07-26 2016-02-04 Rami Shyam Swaminadhan Hybrid primer
US9546857B2 (en) * 2014-07-26 2017-01-17 Shyam Swaminadhan Rami Hybrid primer
CN109458887B (en) * 2018-12-27 2023-10-20 山西宸润隆科技有限责任公司 Digital safe electric detonator based on high-voltage plasma ignition tool energy-gathering detonation
FR3094476B1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2021-02-19 Nexter Munitions CARTRIDGE INCLUDING IGNITION CORDS
US11060831B1 (en) * 2020-05-14 2021-07-13 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army System and method for routing flame within an explosive device

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1273875A1 (en) 2003-01-08
FR2827039A1 (en) 2003-01-10
DE60216671D1 (en) 2007-01-25
US20030005847A1 (en) 2003-01-09
US6691621B2 (en) 2004-02-17
FR2827039B1 (en) 2003-11-28
DE60216671T2 (en) 2007-10-04
ATE348312T1 (en) 2007-01-15

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