GB265570A - Depth bombs - Google Patents

Abstract

265,570. Dieter, W. F'eb. 3, 1926, [Convention date]. Projectile fuzes.-Relates to depth bombs controlled by hydrostats one of which at a certain depth positions the parts so that the charge can be fired by the detonator when exploded by the second hydrostat at a greater depth. According to the invention, safety means comprising a sliding member normally cuts off communication between the detonator and the charge and is moved by a hydrostat to establish communication at a given depth so that the detonator, when released at a greater depth by another hydrostat and exploded, can fire the charge. As shown, a sliding member J in a transverse sleeve H normally covers a firing hole p communicating with a primary charge C arranged within the main charge B, and at a given depth is moved against a spring b to align an aperture r with the hole p by the pressure of the water acting on a diaphragm a. An internal lug on a fixed ring s engages a longitudinal groove in the member J to prevent it from turning. This movement carries a piston i on the member J out of the part g of the slide H so that water can pass through the apertured cap j and a passage T to advance a spring-pressed piston L in a cylinder M, whereby a cartridge D, carried by a cylinder N from the piston L, and guided in a frangible disc t' in a ring t, is protruded into a chamber q in the primary charge. A firing pin P<1> is carried by a spring-pressed plunger P in the cylinder N and normally locked by sears R, but at a predetermined depth, the pressure on the piston I. is sufficient to force the sears against the ring t so that they disengage the firing pin which then explodes the cartridge, whereby first the primary charge C and then the main charge B are fired. The primary charge C may be dispensed with. The safety slide ensures that premature explosion of a cartridge shall not fire the main charge and provides for escaping gases from such explosion passing away through the hollow part w and merely blowing out a cap x which serves to prevent entrance of water and also as an indicator that the cartridge is intact. The protrusion of the member J through the side of the main shell A, when not correctly set in safety position, also constitutes an indicator and precludes its insertion in a torpedo discharging tube when used for launching the bomb. Vents y<1>, z prevent back-pressure on the hydrostats by communicating with a large chamber U in the bomb.