EP2816314B1 - Sequencer for secured firing device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sequencers for firing safety devices integrated in pyrotechnic systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a sequencer of this type made in MEMS technology (acronym for "micro electromechanical system" in English, or "electromechanical microsystem" in French) and including in particular a movable barrier which is intended in particular to be arranged between an initiator and an explosive section.

State of the art

In general, the purpose of the firing safety devices for pyrotechnic devices is to allow the energy released by an initiator to reach an explosive section, which can then itself initiate the explosion of the main charge. The general principle of this device is, when firing must take place, to retract a barrier screen that closes a channel connecting the initiator and the explosive section. Therefore, the energy released by the initiator can reach the explosive section and cause the desired explosion.

It is conceivable that this type of device must have high security and reliability to prevent inadvertent tripping. This is particularly sensitive insofar as the pyrotechnic devices are subjected to very many vibrations and other accelerations of extreme amplitude.

For example, the document FR2962210 gives an example of such a safety device made in the form of a micro-electromechanical system and implementing an inertial lock. However, in this type of system, the safety of the triggering is not really ensured, insofar as the device has a high sensitivity to vibrations and hazards in the control signals. In particular, the structure of the safety device as presented does not prevent the release of the barrier in the presence of vibrations or hazards in the control signals that induce an accidental displacement of the inertial lock, and therefore the contact between the initiator with the explosive section. The document US6,167,809 discloses a more secure system but more complex to implement.

Presentation of the invention

In this context, an object of the invention is to propose a sequencer intended to be integrated in a firing safety device in a pyrotechnic system which ensures both a high degree of safety in the control of the trigger, and which is also a simple mechanical design for low cost industrial manufacturing.

In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a high-performance sequencer, able to maintain the closed channel as long as an inertial or electrical control command has not been received by the device, so as to discriminate any displacement. Unexpected barrier or latch due to vibration or parasitic control signals.

• un canal de transmission ;
• une barrière apte à se déplacer en translation entre une position de repos obturant totalement le canal et une position de libération totale du canal ; et
• un organe mobile coopérant avec la barrière et apte à se déplacer, sous l'action d'un signal de validation, entre une position de verrouillage initiale interdisant le déplacement de la barrière jusqu'à la position de libération totale et une position de déverrouillage autorisant le déplacement de la barrière jusqu'à sa position de libération totale.

According to the present invention, the sequencer for secure firing device comprises in particular:

• a transmission channel;
• a barrier able to move in translation between a rest position completely closing the channel and a total release position of the channel; and
• a movable member cooperating with the barrier and able to move, under the action of a validation signal, between an initial locking position prohibiting the movement of the barrier to the total release position and an unlocking position allowing moving the barrier to its full release position.

In practice, the transmission channel connects an initiator and an explosive section. This sequencer is preferably made in MEMS technology and thus forms an electromechanical microsystem. In addition, the barrier is preferably formed in an SOI plate (acronym for "Silicon On Insulator").

• un premier ensemble de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage lorsque le déplacement de la barrière est initié avant celui de l'organe mobile, et ce tant que le déplacement de la barrière de la position de repos à la position de libération totale est inférieur à un seuil de déplacement ; et
• un deuxième ensemble de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile vers sa position de déverrouillage lorsque l'organe mobile est actionné préalablement au déplacement de la barrière vers la position de libération.

According to the invention, this sequencer further comprises:

• a first set of mechanical means able to prevent the displacement of the movable member to its unlocking position when the movement of the barrier is initiated before that of the movable member, and as long as the movement of the barrier of the rest position at the total release position is less than a displacement threshold; and
• a second set of mechanical means capable of preventing the displacement of the movable member towards its unlocking position when the movable member is actuated prior to the movement of the barrier towards the release position.

• le déplacement de la barrière doit avoir été initié avant celui de l'organe mobile ; et
• la course de la barrière depuis sa position de repos vers sa position de libération, doit être supérieure à un seuil de déplacement.

In other words, the structure of the sequencer is such that the channel remains closed by the barrier, despite the activation of the mobile member by a validation signal, as long as the following cumulative conditions are not met:

• the movement of the barrier must have been initiated before that of the movable member; and
• the stroke of the barrier from its rest position to its release position must be greater than a displacement threshold.

The sequencer thus described thus makes it possible to ensure double security since the movement of the barrier to its release position can be done only if both of the above conditions are met.

It is therefore easily understood that when the barrier is moved before the movable member over at least a minimum distance defined from its rest position, the activation of the movable member by a validation signal makes it possible to move the movable member . This displacement of the movable member may continue to its unlocking position, thereby allowing the barrier to be moved to its full release position of the channel.

Otherwise, when the conditions mentioned above are not met, the movable member remains locked in its locking position despite the presence of a validation signal, thereby preventing the movement of the barrier up to the full release position of the channel.

It is also understood that these conditions require the respect of a very precise sequence of displacement for the complete opening of the channel, namely the displacement of the barrier before that of the movable member. In the opposite case, that is to say moving the movable member before that of the barrier, the channel remains completely closed since the movable member does not reach its unlocking position, thus preventing the barrier from continuing its operation. race to free the channel.

In addition, thanks to this arrangement, it becomes possible to manufacture at low cost a sequencer for secure device which is compact to be easily integrated into the firing systems, and which is insensitive to mechanical vibrations or parasitic signals.

The displacement threshold cited above is set according to the geometry of the device, manufacturing tolerances and factors related to a specific use. This displacement threshold may be for example less than or equal to 10% of the total displacement of the barrier from its rest position to its full release position. This displacement threshold makes it possible in particular to ensure that the displacement of the barrier is not induced by a vibration or a parasitic electrical signal.

Advantageously, the channel remains completely closed as the movement of the barrier is less than said threshold displacement.

Advantageously, the device may comprise means for guiding the movement of the barrier and means for damping the limit of the barrier.

According to the invention, the sequencer further comprises means for maintaining the barrier in the full release position. The movable member is adapted to return to its initial locking position in the absence of the validation signal, when the barrier has reached its full release position. These holding means are for example a notch made in the barrier adapted to cooperate with the movable member in the locking position to maintain the barrier in the full release position.

Preferably, the displacement of the movable member is substantially perpendicular to that of the barrier.

Various geometries can be envisaged for the relative positioning of the barrier and the channel.

• Selon la première configuration, le canal définit une direction de transmission sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan principal de la barrière. Dans ce cas, la barrière est de préférence munie d'une lumière autorisant la libération totale du canal lorsque la barrière est dans sa position de libération totale.

Thus, the barrier can be arranged with respect to the channel according to one of the following two configurations:

• According to the first configuration, the channel defines a transmission direction substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the barrier. In this case, the barrier is preferably provided with a light allowing full release of the channel when the barrier is in its full release position.

According to the second configuration, the channel defines a transmission direction substantially parallel to the main plane of the barrier. In this case, the channel is preferably opposite the thickness of the barrier, the channel completely freeing when the barrier is completely displaced.

• une surface transversale sensiblement perpendiculaire au déplacement de la barrière, et contre laquelle vient buter une première surface de ladite extrémité de l'organe mobile lorsque le déplacement de la barrière atteint le seuil de déplacement, cette première surface étant sensiblement parallèle à la surface transversale ;
• au moins une surface longitudinale sensiblement parallèle au déplacement de la barrière, et contre laquelle vient s'appuyer une deuxième surface de ladite extrémité en présence du signal de validation, empêchant l'organe mobile de se déplacer jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage tant que le déplacement de la barrière vers sa position de libération totale est inférieur au seuil de déplacement, cette deuxième surface étant de préférence sensiblement parallèle à la surface longitudinale ; et
• une encoche dans laquelle vient s'engager une partie de ladite extrémité suite à un déplacement de l'organe mobile antérieure à un déplacement de la barrière vers la position de libération totale, l'engagement de cette partie de l'extrémité dans l'encoche empêchant tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière vers la position de libération, et tout déplacement ultérieur de l'organe mobile, par exemple tant que la barrière n'est pas revenue en position de repos.

In general, the edges of the barrier facing one end of the movable member in the locking position may comprise:

• a transverse surface substantially perpendicular to the movement of the barrier, and against which abuts a first surface of said end of the movable member when the displacement of the barrier reaches the displacement threshold, this first surface being substantially parallel to the transverse surface;
• at least one longitudinal surface substantially parallel to the movement of the barrier, and against which a second surface of said end abuts in the presence of the validation signal, preventing the movable member from moving to its unlocking position as long as the displacement of the barrier towards its total release position is less than the displacement threshold, this second surface preferably being substantially parallel to the longitudinal surface; and
• a notch in which is engaged a portion of said end following a displacement of the movable member prior to a displacement of the barrier towards the total release position, the engagement of this part of the end in the notch preventing any subsequent movement of the barrier to the release position, and any subsequent movement of the movable member, for example, until the barrier has returned to the rest position.

• un bras sensiblement parallèle au déplacement de la barrière ; et
• un segment disposé à l'une des extrémités dudit bras, sensiblement perpendiculaire à ce bras, le segment comprenant sur l'une de ses extrémités ladite première surface, l'autre extrémité du segment comprenant ladite deuxième surface ainsi qu'un ergot apte à s'engager dans l'encoche de la barrière suite à un déplacement de la barrière vers la position de libération totale lorsque le déplacement de l'organe mobile est initié avant celui de la barrière, la barrière restant bloquée tant que l'ergot est engagé dans l'encoche.

Advantageously, said end may comprise:

• an arm substantially parallel to the movement of the barrier; and
• a segment disposed at one end of said arm, substantially perpendicular to said arm, the segment comprising at one of its ends said first surface, the other end of the segment comprising said second surface and a lug adapted to engage in the notch of the barrier following a displacement of the barrier towards the total release position when the movement of the movable member is initiated before that of the barrier, the barrier remaining blocked as long as the lug is engaged in the notch.

The lug and the notch can of course be made in different ways.

• l'ergot présente une portion renflée solidarisée à ladite autre extrémité du segment par l'intermédiaire d'une tige ; et
• l'encoche est formée de deux ailettes conformées pour :
  • autoriser le coulissement de ladite portion renflée entre les ailettes lorsque le déplacement de l'organe mobile vers la position de déverrouillage est initié avant le déplacement de la barrière vers la position de libération ; et
  • empêcher tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière et de l'organe mobile.

In particular, according to an embodiment in which the engagement of the movable member in the notch is irreversible, the secure device may be such that:

• the lug has a bulged portion secured to said other end of the segment by means of a rod; and
• the notch is formed of two fins shaped for:
  • allow the sliding of said bulged portion between the wings when the movement of the movable member to the unlocking position is initiated before moving the barrier to the release position; and
  • prevent further movement of the barrier and the movable member.

This bulged portion can adopt various geometries that allow its movement through the notch in one direction, and prevents it in the opposite direction.

• autoriser l'engagement de ladite portion de l'ergot dans l'encoche lorsque le déplacement de l'organe mobile vers la position de déverrouillage est initié avant le déplacement de la barrière vers la position de libération, et
• empêcher tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière et l'organe mobile.

For example, in this embodiment, the bulged portion of the lug may have a shape in arrowhead with fins, the fins cooperating with the fins of the notch for:

• allow engagement of said pin portion in the notch when movement of the movable member to the unlocking position is initiated prior to movement of the barrier to the release position, and
• prevent further movement of the barrier and the movable member.

Of course, this principle of cooperation between the lug and the notch can be achieved in several ways. Generally speaking, it is meant that portion of the bulged portion that is near the segment as the proximal portion, and the portion of the bulged portion that is oriented toward the notch as the distal portion. For example, the distal portion may have a decreasing section in the direction of engagement of the lug in the notch, and the proximal portion preferably has a decreasing section in the opposite direction. Thus, when the lug comes into contact with the fins, the particular shape of this distal portion allows the application of a mechanical stress on these fins and therefore their deformation to allow the engagement of the bulged portion in the notch. Once this bulged portion is engaged in the notch, the particular shape of the proximal portion releases the fins returning to their rest position, thereby preventing any disengagement of the bulged portion and therefore any return of the movable member in its locking position. By way of example to illustrate this particular case, the bulged portion may for example be diamond-shaped or cylindrical.

Furthermore, the fins are preferably such that the distance between two fins facing decreases in the direction of engagement of the lug in the notch, or in the direction of the unlocking position of the movable member. Thus, once the lug engaged in the notch, the proximal portion of the lug abuts against its fins, thus avoiding any disengagement of the lug.

According to another embodiment in which the engagement of the movable member in the notch is reversible, the secure device may be such that the second set of mechanical means is able to allow the return of the barrier in its rest position subsequent to the locking of the movable member by this second set of mechanical means. This return of the barrier thus releases the movable member which can return to its locking position in the absence of the validation signal.

In this other embodiment, the device may further comprise return means secured to the barrier tending to bring the barrier back into its rest position. In this case, the engagement of the lug in the notch prevents any subsequent displacement of the barrier towards the release position, and any subsequent displacement of the movable member until the barrier returns to rest position. For example, the lug may be a finger extending perpendicularly to the segment.

These return means, for example a set of springs, can also be used for guiding the barrier and its damping at the end of the race.

Moreover, it is also possible to provide means for maintaining the barrier in the full release position, in order to avoid an unexpected return of the barrier and thus a total or partial closure of the channel. These holding means may for example comprise another notch, for example a notch, made in the barrier adapted to cooperate with another lug, for example a protrusion, of the organ mobile. In practice, when the barrier has reached its full release position, the movable member returns to its initial locking position, and said other pin of the movable member engages in said other notch of the barrier thus maintaining the barrier in full release position of the channel.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1 est une représentation schématique du dispositif sécurisé selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière, et selon une première configuration dans laquelle la direction de transmission du canal est perpendiculaire au plan principale de la barrière ;
• La figure 2 est une représentation schématique du dispositif sécurisé selon le premier mode de réalisation, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière, et selon une deuxième configuration dans laquelle la direction de transmission du canal est parallèle au plan principal de la barrière ;
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique partielle du dispositif sécurisé des figures 1 et 2 ;
• Les figures 4 à 10 sont des représentations schématiques partielles du dispositif sécurisé de la figure 1, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière illustrant différentes séquences de déplacement de la barrière et de l'organe mobile ;
• La figure 11 est une représentation schématique partielle du dispositif sécurisé de la figure 1 muni de moyen pour maintenir la barrière en position de libération ;
• La figure 12 est une représentation schématique du dispositif sécurisé selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière, et selon une première configuration dans laquelle la direction de transmission du canal est perpendiculaire au plan principale de la barrière ;
• La figure 13 est une représentation schématique du dispositif sécurisé selon le deuxième mode de réalisation, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière, et selon une deuxième configuration dans laquelle la direction de transmission du canal est parallèle au plan principal de la barrière ;
• La figure 14 est une représentation schématique partielle du dispositif sécurisé des figures 12 et 13 ;
• La figure 15 est une représentation schématique partielle d'une variante du dispositif sécurisé de la figure 14 ; et
• Les figures 16 à 21 sont des représentations schématiques partielles du dispositif sécurisé de la figure 12, vue dans le plan principal de la barrière illustrant différentes séquences de déplacement de la barrière et de l'organe mobile.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is a schematic representation of the secure device according to a first embodiment of the invention, seen in the main plane of the barrier, and in a first configuration in which the transmission direction of the channel is perpendicular to the main plane of the barrier;
• The figure 2 is a schematic representation of the secure device according to the first embodiment, seen in the main plane of the barrier, and in a second configuration in which the transmission direction of the channel is parallel to the main plane of the barrier;
• The figure 3 is a partial schematic representation of the secure device of the Figures 1 and 2 ;
• The Figures 4 to 10 are partial schematic representations of the secure device of the figure 1 , seen in the main plane of the barrier illustrating different sequences of movement of the barrier and the movable member;
• The figure 11 is a partial schematic representation of the secure device of the figure 1 provided with means for maintaining the barrier in the release position;
• The figure 12 is a schematic representation of the secure device according to a second embodiment of the invention, seen in the main plane of the barrier, and in a first configuration in which the transmission direction of the channel is perpendicular to the main plane of the barrier;
• The figure 13 is a schematic representation of the secure device according to the second embodiment, seen in the main plane of the barrier, and in a second configuration in which the transmission direction of the channel is parallel to the main plane of the barrier;
• The figure 14 is a partial schematic representation of the secure device of the Figures 12 and 13 ;
• The figure 15 is a partial schematic representation of a variant of the secure device of the figure 14 ; and
• The Figures 16 to 21 are partial schematic representations of the secure device of the figure 12 , seen in the main plane of the barrier illustrating different sequences of movement of the barrier and the movable member.

Detailed presentation of particular embodiments

As explained above, the secure device applies a double security that allows opening the channel only if specific conditions are met. In particular, the secure device releases the transmission channel only if a particular sequence of movement of the barrier and the movable member is respected.

• première configuration : le plan principal de la barrière est perpendiculaire à la direction de transmission du canal ; et
• deuxième configuration : le plan principal de la barrière est parallèle à la direction de transmission du canal, le canal étant de préférence en regard de l'épaisseur de la barrière.

This secure device is particularly suitable for the following configurations of the barrier with respect to the transmission channel:

• first configuration: the main plane of the barrier is perpendicular to the transmission direction of the channel; and
• second configuration: the main plane of the barrier is parallel to the transmission direction of the channel, the channel is preferably facing the thickness of the barrier.

The implementation of this principle of double security will be described later through two embodiments.

In a first embodiment illustrated by the Figures 1 to 10 , in addition to the principle of double security, the structure of the secure device is such that it allows the return of the movable member in its locking position in the absence of the validation signal, especially in the case where the displacement sequence normal was not respected.

• un canal 1 de transmission destinée notamment à relier un initiateur et une section explosive (non représentés) ;
• une barrière 2 apte à se déplacer en translation entre sa position de repos et sa position de libération totale du canal 1, la barrière 2 pouvant être actionnée par un signal de commande (non représenté) de type signal électrique ou force inertielle ; et
• un organe mobile 3 coopérant avec la barrière 2, et apte à se déplacer, sous l'action d'un signal de validation (non représenté), entre sa position de verrouillage et sa position de déverrouillage.

Thus, in general and with reference to Figures 1 and 2 , the secure device according to this first embodiment comprises:

• a transmission channel 1 intended in particular for connecting an initiator and an explosive section (not shown);
• a barrier 2 able to move in translation between its rest position and its full release position of the channel 1, the barrier 2 can be actuated by a control signal (not shown) of the electric signal type or inertial force; and
• a movable member 3 cooperating with the barrier 2, and able to move, under the action of a validation signal (not shown), between its locking position and its unlocking position.

The displacement in translation of the barrier 2 from its rest position to its total release position is represented by a first direction arrow 20. When the barrier 2 is in the rest position, in particular in the absence of the control signal, the channel 1 is completely closed. On the contrary, when the barrier 2 is in its full release position, the channel 1 is completely open.

The displacement of the movable member 3 from its locking position to its unlocking position is represented by a second direction arrow 30. This displacement of the movable member 3 is preferably substantially perpendicular to that of the barrier 2. When the movable member 3 is in the locking position, in particular in the absence of a validation signal, the movement of the barrier 2 to its release position is limited so as to maintain the channel 1 completely closed. On the contrary, when the movable member 3 is in its unlocking position, the barrier 2 is allowed to move to its full release position of the channel 1 .

A third direction arrow 10 represents the direction of transmission of the channel. On the figure 1 the dotted lines represent the position of the channel 1 closed by the barrier 2 .

As can be seen on the Figures 1 and 2 , the main plane 21 of the barrier 2 may be perpendicular to the transmission direction 10 of the channel 1 ( figure 1 ), But may also be parallel to the transmission direction 10 of the channel 1 ( figure 2 ).

Thus, in the first configuration of the barrier with respect to the channel ( figure 1 ), the barrier 2 is preferably provided with a light 4 to release the channel 1 when the barrier 2 is in its full release position. In the second configuration ( figure 2 ), the channel 1 is preferably opposite the thickness of the barrier 2 , the channel 1 completely freeing when the barrier 2 is moved to its full release position.

• un premier ensemble A de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage lorsque le déplacement de la barrière 2 est initié avant celui de l'organe mobile 3, et ce tant que le déplacement de la barrière 2 de sa position de repos à sa position de libération totale est inférieur à un seuil de déplacement ; et
• un deuxième ensemble B de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 vers sa position de déverrouillage lorsque l'organe mobile 3 est actionné préalablement au déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération.

The secure device according to this first embodiment also comprises:

• a first set A of mechanical means able to prevent the displacement of the movable member 3 to its unlocking position when the movement of the barrier 2 is initiated before that of the movable member 3 , and as long as the displacement of the the barrier 2 from its rest position to its total release position is less than a displacement threshold; and
• a second set B of mechanical means capable of preventing the displacement of the movable member 3 towards its unlocking position when the movable member 3 is actuated prior to the displacement of the barrier 2 towards the release position.

The first and second sets A, B of mechanical means for this first embodiment are detailed below with reference to figure 3 where only the portions of the movable member 3 and the barrier 2 which are necessary for the description are shown. The first and second sets A, B of mechanical means are formed in particular by an end 31 of the movable member 3 as well as the perimeters of the barrier 2 which are opposite said end 31 of the movable member 3 .

• une surface transversale 22 sensiblement perpendiculaire au déplacement de la barrière 2, et contre laquelle vient buter une première surface 32 de ladite extrémité 31 de l'organe mobile 3 lorsque le déplacement de la barrière 2 atteint le seuil de déplacement;
• une surface longitudinale 23 sensiblement parallèle au déplacement de la barrière 2, et contre laquelle vient s'appuyer une deuxième surface 33 de ladite extrémité 31 en présence du signal de validation. La mise en contact de ces deux surfaces 23, 33 entre elles empêche l'organe mobile 3 de se déplacer jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage tant que le déplacement de la barrière 2 vers sa position de libération totale est inférieur au seuil de déplacement. Cette deuxième surface 33 étant sensiblement parallèle à la surface longitudinale 23 ; et
• une encoche 24 dans laquelle vient s'engager une partie de ladite extrémité 31 suite à un déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 antérieure à un déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération totale. L'engagement de cette partie de l'extrémité 31 dans l'encoche 24 empêchant tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération, et tout déplacement ultérieur de l'organe mobile 3 tant que la barrière n'est pas revenue en position de repos.

In general, the peripheries of the barrier 2 opposite said end 31 of the movable member 3 in the locking position, comprise:

• a transverse surface 22 substantially perpendicular to the displacement of the barrier 2, and against which abuts a first surface 32 of said end 31 of the movable member 3 when the displacement of the barrier 2 reaches the displacement threshold;
• a longitudinal surface 23 substantially parallel to the displacement of the barrier 2, and against which is supported a second surface 33 of said end 31 in the presence of the validation signal. The bringing into contact of these two surfaces 23, 33 between them prevents the movable member 3 from moving to its unlocking position as long as the displacement of the barrier 2 towards its total release position is less than the displacement threshold. This second surface 33 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal surface 23 ; and
• a notch 24 in which is engaged a portion of said end 31 following a displacement of the movable member 3 prior to a displacement of the barrier 2 to the total release position. The commitment of this part of the end 31 in the notch 24 preventing further movement of the barrier 2 to the release position, and any subsequent movement of the movable member 3 until the barrier has returned to the rest position.

More specifically, in this first embodiment, the movable member is formed by an arm 34 substantially parallel to the movement of the barrier 2 , and a segment 35 disposed at one end of the arm 34 , substantially perpendicular to this arm 34 . This segment 35 comprises on one of its ends said first surface 32 . The other end of the segment 35 comprises said second surface 33 and a lug 36 adapted to engage in the notch 24 of the barrier 2 following a displacement of the barrier 2 towards the full release position when the displacement of the movable member 3 is initiated before that of the barrier 2 . The movable member 3 remains locked as long as the lug 36 is engaged in the notch 24 . The lug 36 is for example a finger extending perpendicular to the segment 35 . The notch 24 and the lug 36 are shaped to allow the barrier 2 to return to its rest position following the engagement of the lug 36 in the notch 24 . The return of the barrier 2 thus releases the movable member 3 which can return to its initial locking position in the absence of the validation signal.

In this first embodiment, the device may further comprise return means (not shown) secured to the barrier and tending to return the barrier to its rest position. These return means, for example a set of springs, can also be used for guiding the barrier and its damping at the end of the race.

Different scenarios of displacement sequence are illustrated on the Figures 4 to 10 .

The Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the case in which the normal displacement sequence is respected but the travel of the barrier remains below the displacement threshold. In other words, the movement of the barrier towards its release position is initiated before that of the movable member, but the stroke of the barrier remains below the displacement threshold. The displacement threshold is here defined by the distance between the transverse surface 22 of the barrier 2 in the rest position and the first surface 32 of the movable member 3 in the locking position. In this case, barrier 2 moves first ( figure 4 direction arrow D ), but as long as its stroke is below the threshold of displacement, the movable member 3 is kept in the locked position even in the presence of the validation signal ( figure 5 ), thanks to the cooperation between the longitudinal surface 23 of the barrier 2 and the second surface 33 of the movable member 3 .

The Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the case in which the normal movement sequence is respected and the stroke of the barrier reaches the displacement threshold. As can be seen on the figure 6 when the stroke of the barrier 2 reaches the displacement threshold (displacement arrow D ), the first surface 32 of the movable member 3 abuts against the transverse surface 22 of the barrier 2 . The movable member 3 can thus move to its unlocking position in the presence of the validation signal, thereby allowing the barrier 2 to go, reversibly, to its full release position of the channel.

The Figures 8 to 10 illustrate the case in which the normal displacement sequence is not respected. In other words, the displacement of the movable member 3 (displacement arrow D on the figure 8 ) is initiated before that of the barrier 2. In this case, the second surface 33 of the movable member 3 bears against the longitudinal surface 23 of the barrier 2 ( figure 8 ), preventing the movable member 3 to move to its unlocking position. From this position, if the movable member 3 is deactivated (absence of validation signal), the latter returns to its initial locking position, but if the validation signal remains maintained and if the barrier 2 is activated (presence of a control signal), the displacement of the barrier 2 (direction arrow D on the figure 9 ) towards its release position engages the lug 36 of the movable member 3 in the notch 24 ( figure 9 ). This engagement prevents any subsequent movement of the movable member 3 and any movement of the barrier 2 to its release position. When the barrier 2 is then returned to its rest position (arrow direction D on the figure 10 ), the movable member 3 can return to its initial locking position in the absence of a validation signal. The system is then reset.

According to the invention, the sequencer further comprises means for maintaining the barrier in the full release position, as shown in FIG. figure 11 . These holding means are for example another notch 25 made in the barrier 2 adapted to cooperate with another lug 37 of the movable member 3 to preferably irreversibly maintain the barrier in the full release position, when the movable member 3 is returned to its locking position.

In a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 21 , the structure of the secure device is such that it does not allow the return of the movable member 3 in its initial locking position in the absence of the validation signal, especially in the case where the normal displacement sequence n ' was not respected.

• le canal 1 de transmission reliant l'initiateur et la section explosive (non représentés) ;
• la barrière 2 apte à se déplacer en translation entre sa position de repos et sa position de libération totale du canal 1, et pouvant être actionnée par un signal de commande (non représenté) de type signal électrique ou force inertielle ; et
• l'organe mobile 3 coopérant avec la barrière 2, et apte à se déplacer, sous l'action d'un signal de validation (non représenté), entre sa position de verrouillage et sa position de déverrouillage.

Thus, in general and with reference to Figures 12 and 13 , found in the secure device according to this second embodiment:

• the transmission channel 1 connecting the initiator and the explosive section (not shown);
• the barrier 2 adapted to move in translation between its rest position and its full release position of the channel 1 , and can be actuated by a control signal (not shown) of the electrical signal or inertial force type; and
• the movable member 3 cooperating with the barrier 2 , and able to move, under the action of a validation signal (not shown), between its locking position and its unlocking position.

As for the first embodiment, the displacement in translation of the barrier 2 from its rest position to its total release position is represented by the first direction arrow 20 . When the barrier 2 is in the rest position, in particular in the absence of the control signal, the channel 1 is completely closed. On the contrary, when the barrier 2 is in its full release position, the channel 1 is completely open.

Similarly, the displacement of the movable member 3 from its locking position to its unlocking position is represented by the second direction arrow 30 , and is preferably substantially perpendicular to that of the barrier 2 . When the movable member 3 is in the locking position, in particular in the absence of a validation signal, the movement of the barrier 2 towards its release position is limited so as to keep the channel 1 completely closed. On the contrary, when the movable member 3 is in its unlocking position, the barrier 2 is allowed to move to its full release position of the channel 1 .

The third direction arrow 10 represents the transmission direction of the channel 1 .

As for the first embodiment, the main plane 21 of the barrier 2 can be perpendicular to the transmission direction 10 of the channel 1 ( figure 12 ), but can also be parallel to the transmission direction 10 of channel 1 ( figure 13 ). In addition, according to the first configuration ( figure 12 ), the barrier 2 is provided with a light 22 to release the channel 1 when the barrier 2 is in its full release position. In the second configuration ( figure 13 ), the channel 1 is opposite the thickness of the barrier 2 , the channel 1 completely free when the barrier 2 is moved to its full release position.

• le premier ensemble A' de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage lorsque le déplacement de la barrière 2 est initié avant celui de l'organe mobile 3, et ce tant que le déplacement de la barrière 2 de la position de repos à la position de libération totale est inférieur à un seuil de déplacement ; et
• le deuxième ensemble B' de moyens mécaniques apte à empêcher le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 vers sa position de déverrouillage lorsque l'organe mobile 3 est actionné préalablement au déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération.

Similarly, as for the first embodiment, the secure device according to this second embodiment also comprises:

• the first set A ' mechanical means capable of preventing the displacement of the movable member 3 to its unlocked position when the movement of the barrier 2 is initiated before that of the movable member 3, and that the displacement the barrier 2 from the rest position to the total release position is less than a displacement threshold; and
• the second set B ' of mechanical means able to prevent the displacement of the movable member 3 towards its unlocking position when the movable member 3 is actuated prior to the movement of the barrier 2 to the release position.

• une surface transversale 220 sensiblement perpendiculaire au déplacement de la barrière 2, et contre laquelle vient buter une première surface 320 de ladite extrémité 310 de l'organe mobile 3 lorsque le déplacement de la barrière 2 atteint le seuil de déplacement;
• une surface longitudinale 230 sensiblement parallèle au déplacement de la barrière 2, et contre laquelle vient s'appuyer une deuxième surface 330 de ladite extrémité 310 en présence du signal de validation, pour empêcher l'organe mobile 3 de se déplacer jusqu'à sa position de déverrouillage tant que le déplacement de la barrière 2 vers sa position de libération totale est inférieur au seuil de déplacement ; et
• une encoche 240 dans laquelle vient s'engager une partie de ladite extrémité 310 suite à un déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 antérieure à un déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération totale.

Similarly, the first and second sets A ' , B' of mechanical means are formed in particular by an end 310 of the movable member 3 and the perimeters of the barrier 2 which are opposite said end 350 of the movable member 3 . We find:

• a transverse surface 220 substantially perpendicular to the displacement of the barrier 2, and against which abuts a first surface 320 of said end 310 of the movable member 3 when the displacement of the barrier 2 reaches the displacement threshold;
• a longitudinal surface 230 substantially parallel to the displacement of the barrier 2 , and against which a second surface 330 of said end 310 bears in the presence of the validation signal, to prevent the movable member 3 from moving to its position unlocking as long as the displacement of the barrier 2 towards its total release position is less than the displacement threshold; and
• a notch 240 in which is engaged a portion of said end 310 following a displacement of the movable member 3 prior to a displacement of the barrier 2 to the total release position.

However, unlike the first embodiment, in this second embodiment, the engagement of this part of the end 310 in the notch 240 is final, thereby preventing any further displacement of the barrier 2 and the movable member 3 .

More specifically, in this second embodiment, the movable member 3 is formed in particular by an arm 340 substantially parallel to the displacement of the barrier 2 , and a segment 350 disposed at one end of the arm 340 , substantially perpendicular to this arm 340 . This segment 350 comprises on one of its ends said first surface 320 . The other end of the segment 350 comprises said second surface 330 and a lug 360 adapted to engage in the notch 240 of the barrier 2 following a displacement of the movable member 3 initiated before that of the barrier 2 .

• autoriser le coulissement de la portion renflée 380, 381 entre les ailettes 260 lorsque le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 vers la position de déverrouillage est initié avant le déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération ; et
• pour empêcher tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière 2 et de l'organe mobile 3.

In this second embodiment, the lug 360 has a bulged portion 380 , 381 secured to said other end of the segment 350 via a rod 370 , and the notch 240 is defined in particular by two fins 260 shaped to :

• allow the sliding of the bulged portion 380 , 381 between the fins 260 when the displacement of the movable member 3 to the unlocking position is initiated before moving the barrier 2 to the release position; and
• to prevent further movement of the barrier 2 and the movable member 3.

• autoriser l'engagement de la portion 380 de l'ergot 360 dans l'encoche 240 lorsque le déplacement de l'organe mobile 3 vers la position de déverrouillage est initié avant le déplacement de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération, et
• empêcher tout déplacement ultérieur de la barrière 2 vers la position de libération et tout déplacement ultérieur de l'organe mobile 3.

In a variant, the bulged portion 380 of the lug 360 may be cylindrical in shape, or have the shape of a pinhead ( figure 13 or 14 ). In another variant, the bulged portion 381 of the lug 360 may have a shape with arrowhead with fins ( figure 15 ), the fins 390 cooperating with the fins 260 of the notch 240 for:

• allow the engagement of the portion 380 of the lug 360 in the notch 240 when the displacement of the movable member 3 to the unlocking position is initiated before the movement of the barrier 2 to the release position, and
• prevent any subsequent displacement of the barrier 2 to the release position and any subsequent displacement of the movable member 3.

In the same way, different scenarios of displacement sequence are illustrated on the Figures 16 to 21 .

The Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the case in which the normal displacement sequence is respected but the barrier travel remains below the displacement threshold. In other words, the movement of the barrier towards its release position is initiated before that of the movable member, but the stroke of the barrier remains below the displacement threshold. The displacement threshold is here also defined by the distance between the transverse surface 220 of the barrier 2 in the rest position and the first surface 320 of the movable member 3 in the locking position. In this case, the barrier 2 moves first (arrow direction D on the figure 16 ), but as long as its stroke is below the displacement threshold, the movable member 3 is kept in the locked position even in the presence of the validation signal ( figure 17 ), thanks to the cooperation between the longitudinal surface 230 of the barrier 2 and the second surface 330 of the movable member 3 .

The Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the case in which the normal movement sequence is respected and the stroke of the barrier reaches the displacement threshold. As can be seen on the figure 18 , the barrier 2 moves first (direction arrow D on the figure 18 ). When the stroke of the barrier 2 reaches the displacement threshold, the first surface 320 of the movable member 3 abuts against the transverse surface 230 of the barrier 2 ( figure 18 ). The movable member 3 can then move to its unlocking position in the presence of a validation signal ( figure 19 ), thereby allowing the barrier 2 to go to its full release position of the channel (direction arrow D on the figure 19 ).

The Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the case in which the normal displacement sequence is not respected. In other words, the displacement of the movable member 3 is initiated before that of the barrier 2 (direction arrow D on the figure 20 ). In this case, the portion 380 moves towards the notch 240 and enters this notch 240 ( figure 21 ). Once this portion 380 is engaged the notch 240 , the movable member 3 can not return to its initial locking position due to the fins 260 , finally blocking the barrier 2 .

• séquence de déplacement normale : le déplacement de la barrière doit avoir été initié avant celui de l'organe mobile ; et
• course minimum : la course de la barrière depuis sa position de repos vers sa position de libération, doit être supérieure à un seuil de déplacement.

It emerges from these two examples of embodiments that the secure device of the invention allows opening of the channel only if the following conditions are met:

• normal movement sequence: the movement of the barrier must have been initiated before that of the movable member; and
• minimum stroke: the stroke of the barrier from its rest position to its release position must be greater than a displacement threshold.

The implementation of this double security thus prevents any inadvertent opening of the transmission channel.

Claims (16)

1. Sequencer for secure firing device forming an electromechanical microsystem, comprising:

   - a transmission channel (1);

   - a barrier (2) capable of translating from a rest position totally blocking off channel (1) and a position totally releasing the channel; and

   - a mobile device (3) working together with barrier (2) and capable of moving, under the effect of a validation signal, from an initial locking position preventing the movement of barrier (2) to a totally released position and an unlocking position allowing the movement of barrier (2) to its totally released position;

   - a first assembly (A, A') of mechanical means capable of preventing the movement of mobile device (3) to its un-locking position when the movement of barrier (2) is initiated before that of mobile device (3), and provided that the movement of barrier (2) from the rest position to the totally released position is less than a movement threshold; and

   - a second assembly (B.B') of mechanical means capable of preventing the movement of mobile device (3), to its unlocking position when mobile device (3) is actuated prior to the movement of barrier (2) to its released position characterized in that it includes, in addition, means (25, 37) of maintaining barrier (2) in the totally released position, situated on barrier (2) and mobile device (3), and capable of working together, with mobile device (3) being capable of returning to its initial locking position in the absence of a validation signal when barrier (2) has reached the totally released position.
2. Sequencer according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement threshold is less than or equal to 10% of the total movement of barrier (2) from its rest position to its totally released position.
3. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that channel (1) remains totally blanked off as long as the movement of barrier (2) is less than said threshold movement.
4. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it also includes means of guiding the movement of barrier (2) and means of damping the travel end of barrier (2).
5. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movement of mobile device (3) is more or less perpendicular to that of barrier (2).
6. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that:

   - channel (1) defines a transmission direction (10) more or less perpendicular to the main plane (21) of barrier (2); and

   - barrier (2) is provided with a hole (4) allowing the total release of channel (1) when barrier (2) is in its totally released position.
7. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that channel (1) defines a transmission direction (10) more or less parallel to the main plane (21) of the barrier with channel (1) facing the thickness of barrier (2).
8. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the perimeters of barrier (2) facing one end (31) of mobile device (3) in the locked position, include:

   - a transversal area (22, 220) more or less perpendicular to the movement of barrier (2) and against which abuts a first area (32, 320) of said end (31, 310) of mobile device (3) preventing mobile device (3) when the movement of barrier (2) reaches said movement threshold, said first area (32, 320) being more or less parallel to said transverse area (22, 220).

   - at least one longitudinal area (23, 230) more or less parallel to the movement of barrier (2), and against which a second area (3, 330) of said end (31,310) bears, in the presence of a validation signal, preventing mobile device (3) from moving up to its unlocking position as long as the movement of barrier (2) to said totally released position is less than the said movement threshold; and

   - a notch (24, 240) in which one part of said end (31, 310) engages following the movement of the mobile device (3) prior to the movement of barrier (2) to the totally released position, with the engaging of said part of end (31, 310) in notch (24, 240) preventing any subsequent movement of barrier (2) to the released position, and any subsequent movement of mobile device (3) until barrier (2) has returned to its rest position.
9. Sequencer according to claim 8, characterized in that the said end includes:

   - an arm (34, 340) more or less parallel to the movement of the barrier;

   - a ring (35, 350) placed at one end of said arm (34, 340), more or less perpendicular to said arm (34, 340), said ring (35, 350) including on one end said first area (32, 320), the other end of said ring (35, 350) including said second area (23, 230) and a stud (36, 360) capable of engaging in said notch (24, 240) of barrier (2) following the movement of barrier (2) to the totally released position when the movement of the mobile device (3) is initiated before that of the barrier (2) with the barrier (2) remaining locked for as long as stud (36, 360) is engaged in said notch (24, 240).
10. Sequencer according to claim 9, characterized in that:

    - said stud (360) has a swollen portion (380, 381) made integral with said other end of ring (350) by means of a spindle (370);

    - said notch (240) has two fins (260) shaped to:

    - allow the sliding of the said swollen portion (380, 381) between the fins (260) when the movement of mobile device (3) to the unlocking position begins before the movement of barrier (2) to the released position; and

    - prevent any subsequent movement of barrier (2) and of mobile device (3).
11. Sequencer according to claim 10, characterized in that said swollen portion (381) of stud (360) is shaped like an arrow tip with ailerons, said ailerons (390) working together with said fins (260) to:

    - allow the engaging of said portion (381) in notch (240) when the movement of the mobile device (3) to the unlocking position begins before the movement of barrier (2) to the releasing position; and

    - prevent any subsequent movement of barrier (2) and of mobile device (3).
12. Sequencer according to claim 10, characterized in that said swollen portion (380) of stud (360) has a proximal part, near the ring, and a distal part wherein the distal part has a decreasing section in the direction of engagement of stud (360) in notch (240), and wherein the proximal part has a decreasing section in the direction opposite to said direction of engagement of stud (360) in notch (240).
13. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that second assembly (B) of mechanical means is capable of allowing barrier (2) to return to the rest position subsequent to the blocking of mobile device (3) by said second assembly (B) of mechanical means while the return of barrier (2) releases mobile device (3) in the absence of a validation signal.
14. Sequencer according to claim 13 characterized in that it also includes return means made integral with the barrier, tending to bring the barrier back to its rest position;
    and in that the engaging of stud (36) in notch (24) prevents any subsequent movement of barrier (2) to the released position and any subsequent movement of mobile device (3) until barrier (2) returns to the rest position.
15. Sequencer according to claim 14, characterized in that said stud (36) is a pin extending perpendicularly with respect to said ring (35).
16. Sequencer according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the mobile device can also include a stud (37) capable of working together with another notch (25) in barrier (3) when the mobile device is returned to its initial locking position, to retain barrier (3) in the totally released position.

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