GB283585A - Electric fuses for projectiles - Google Patents

Abstract

283,585. Rheinische Metallwaaren und Maschinenfabrik. Jan. 14, 1927, [Convention date]. Projectile fuzes.-Relates to electric projectile fuzes, as described in Specification 273,338, in which the energy of discharge of a condenser is utilized for igniting the detonator. According to the invention, two condensers which are connected together over the detonator are charged to the same potential before or during the firing of the projectile from a gun; the electrodes of one of the condensers are joined by a resistance, so that during the flight the charge on that condenser diminishes, and by this means an increasing potential difference is set up between the electrodes that are connected over the detonator, and after a predetermined time is sufficient to cause ignition. Fig 1 shows diagrammatically a percussion fuze embodying the invention. The condensers c, d, connected (with a contact-device p interposed) to an ignition wire n embedded in the detonator m, are automatically charged when the projectile is fired, by a current generated by the movement, due to inertia, of a magnet a through a coil b. Contacts f, g are opened by the magnet at the end of its movement, and at this instant the points k, l are at the same potential. As the projectile travels, the condenser d discharges through a resistance q. This sets up an increasing potential difference between the points k, l, which, after a given time, is sufficient to cause ignition when a circuit is completed from the condensers through the wire n. In the fuze shown in Fig. 1, such action occurs when the contacts p are closed by impact upon a target. Instead of using a wire n to ignite the detonator m, a spark gap may be provided. The resistance q may be adjustable, so that the time taken for the fuze to become armed, by the creation of the necessary potential difference at the points k, l may be varied as desired. Alternatively, by dispensing with the contacts p, and connecting the condensers over the detonator m except for a spark gap, the fuze may be converted into a time fuze. The width of the, gap may in this case be variable. Instead of charging the condensers by the means shown in Fig. 1, they may be charged from an external source of current. For this purpose, the modified arrangement shown in Fig. 3 may be used. Contacts connected by leads e, h, i to the condensers c, d are in this case provided on the outside of the fuze body, for connection to a generator or battery. The latter may be connected to contacts in the gun barrel, so that the condensers are when the projectile is placed in or fired from the gun. A switch is interposed when necessary, between the resistance q and the condenser d, this switch being closed automatically when the projectile is discharged.