GB717204A - Firing means for anti-tank mines or similar weapons - Google Patents

Abstract

717,204. Land mines. SANTUCCI, G. June 4, 1952 [June 4, 1951], No. 14160/52. Class 9(2) An anti-tank mine comprising an explosive container 6 has a domed lid 5 responsive to pressure, so that when a tank passes over the mine the lid is deflected downwardly and thus compresses the air within to deform a resilient diaphragm 3 and thereby initiate the mine. The diaphragm closes a box 4 defined by an upstanding flange on the bottom of the container. Above the diaphragm is an apertured structure supporting a striker 1, a fuse and a detonator. Within the box is a perforator 2 which penetrates the diaphragm 3 when the latter is deformed to a predetermined extent. The firing pin 1 is then forced upwardly to initiate the detonator 28. In the modification shown in Fig. 2 a resilient plate 5<SP>1</SP> spaced from the bottom of the container defines a chamber 25 communicating through a passage 21 with the interior of the mine. On pressure being applied to the mine, the perforator 2<SP>1</SP> is carried upwards by the plate 5<SP>1</SP> to penetrate a flangible disc 22 in the base 23. By this means a sealed chamber 20 formed in the base of the mine by a-partition 24 is put in communication with the chamber 25. The pressure on the diaphragm 3 is thus relieved and the firing pin 1 moves upwards as before. This form of the mine may be modified to increase its sensitivity by providing a small-bore conduit between the passage 21 and the space above the diaphragm 3'. The passage 21 may be closed by a valve 27 to prevent sympathetic explosion of the mine by neighbouring mines. In a third embodiment, the firing means comprises a box 12 supported in the mine and closed at one end by a deformable diaphragm 9 communicating with the interior of the mine through an opening in a cover 9<SP>1</SP>, so that on increase of pressure within the mine the diaphragm moves downwardly pressing a firing pin 7 against a detonator assembly to detonate the mine. The sensitivity may be increased by providing a second diaphragm 13 carrying a perforator 13<SP>1</SP> adapted to fracture an evacuated capsule 11 and thus reduce the pressure within the box 12 causing depression of the diaphragm 9. Mechanical means may be provided for fracturing the capsule. The mine may also be fired by remote control. Fig. 4 (not shown) shows a pressure sensitive chamber connected by a pipe to the interior of the container 6. The mine may have a bracket attached on which is pivoted a bar so that when the mine is straddled by a tank both ends of the bar will be loaded by the tank tracks and the mine will be actuated.