JP6618108B2 - Ordnance control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ordnance control system that controls ignition of pyrotechnics, and more particularly to an ordnance control system that controls ignition of a group of pyrotechnics mounted on an artificial satellite or a rocket.

  The ordnance control system controls the ignition of pyrotechnics mounted on satellites, rockets, flying objects, aerospace vehicles, and the like.

  Rockets and satellites usually use pyrotechnics for fairing, spacecraft separation, and spacecraft deformation. For example, a spacecraft to be an artificial satellite is launched in a fixed form using pins in a miniaturized state in which various onboard devices such as paddles and antennas are folded. Then, after reaching the desired space, the spacecraft ignites the pyrotechnics and blows off the pins, thereby releasing and deploying the onboard equipment from the fixed state.

  The ordnance control circuit is a circuit that supplies an ignition current to a pyrotechnic when the desired pyrotechnic is ignited. The ordnance control circuit receives an ignition signal from the control unit at the timing of igniting each pyrotechnic and ignites the pyrotechnic. The pyrotechnics contain an electric ignition device (EED: Electro Explosive Device).

  The ordnance control circuit is described in the following document, for example.

Patent Document 1 describes an ordnance control circuit that controls ignition of a plurality of pyrotechnics groups in which a plurality of pyrotechnics are connected in series with a control signal of an ignition relay provided in each system ( (See FIG. 9 (a)). “R _E1 to R _E16 ” in the figure is the EED in the pyrotechnic. “K ₁ to K ₄ ” is an ignition relay, and “K ₀₁ to K ₀₄ ” is an ignition command relay (relay driving relay). “R _CL1 to R _CL4 ” are current limiting resistors of each system.

Patent Document 2 describes an ordnance control circuit in which contact switches (relay contacts) of the respective systems are arranged on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of a pyrotechnic group to be connected (see FIG. 9B). The ordnance control circuit is configured to drive the contact switches on the positive side and the negative side of each system with different ignition relays. This ordnance control circuit is configured to ignite pyrotechnics of all systems at once. Thus, this ordnance control circuit is resistant to malfunction of one contact switch and erroneous input of an ignition command signal. The ordnance control circuit includes current limiting resistors (R _CL1 to R _CL4 ) in each system.

  Patent Document 3 describes an ordnance control circuit using FETs (Field Effect Transistors) for opening and closing a closed circuit for passing a current to a pyrotechnic (see FIG. 10). The ordnance control circuit includes a current limiting circuit in each system.

  Patent Document 4 describes an ordnance control circuit including a DC-DC converter, its control switch, and a capacitor for storage (see FIG. 11). This ordnance control circuit first temporarily stores an ignition charge in a storage capacitor with a voltage boosted by a DC-DC converter. Next, the ordnance control circuit supplies an ignition current to the EED of each system by closing the closed circuit with the switch of each system after releasing the storage control switch. The ordnance control circuit includes a current limiting resistor that works in common for all systems. Further, this ordnance control circuit requires a charge / discharge circuit such as a DC-DC circuit or a large-capacitance capacitor. This element group requires a physically large volume.

  The electric current igniter (EED) currently used for artificial satellites and rockets carries an ignition current of 4 to 7.5 [A] due to its characteristics. The current limiting resistor and the current limiting circuit described above have the ignition current within the desired range based on the battery voltage fluctuation range, the pyrotechnic resistance value, the harness resistance existing between the battery and each pyrotechnic product, etc. Designed to fit.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-157698 JP-A-10-178549 JP 2005-178549 A JP 2012-144056 A

  Many ordnance control circuits have multiple systems that ignite pyrotechnics. It is desirable that a plurality of pyrotechnics can be ignited in each system.

  In general, ordnance control circuits are strongly desired to have resistance to malfunction, power saving, and downsizing. It is also desirable to reduce variations in igniting pyrotechnics of each system at the same time.

  In view of these points, an ordinance control system superior to the prior art ordnance control system is desired under the same fault tolerance design policy. For example, for any of Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is desired that the circuit scale can be substantially reduced while providing equivalent safety.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, more reliable, and that can easily perform temporal control.

An ordnance control system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery connection terminal for connecting a battery, a plurality of pyrotechnic connection terminals for connecting a pyrotechnic group, and a pyrotechnic circuit including the battery connection terminal in the circuit. A contact switch that controls the opening and closing of a closed circuit for supplying power to the product, and a current that is provided on the closed circuit and that is commonly used for each system set to an amount of current that can ignite a pyrotechnic product for one system A limit circuit; a plurality of systems of semiconductor switches for controlling the opening and closing of closed circuits for each system for supplying power to the pyrotechnics in each system including the plurality of systems of pyrotechnics connection terminals; When igniting the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the workpiece connection terminal, while controlling the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit , while overlapping the timing of closing the contact switch Multiple systems of semiconductor switches Comprising a control means for opening and closing the semiconductor switch of each of said plurality of systems without overlapping the closing timing of each switch, the.

An ordnance control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery connection terminal for connecting a battery, a plurality of pyrotechnic connection terminals for connecting a pyrotechnic group, and a pyrotechnic circuit including the battery connection terminal in a circuit. A contact switch that controls the opening and closing of a closed circuit for supplying power to the product, and a current that is provided on the closed circuit and that is commonly used for each system set to an amount of current that can ignite a pyrotechnic product for one system A limit circuit; and a plurality of systems of semiconductor switches for controlling the opening and closing of closed circuits for each system for supplying power to the pyrotechnics in each system including the plurality of systems of pyrotechnics connection terminals. For the circuit network, the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal by controlling the contact switch and the semiconductor switches of the plurality of systems with the power of the battery connected to the battery connection terminal When igniting Control means controls the opening and closing of the contact switch and the closed circuit in the closed state, together, without overlapping the closing timing of each of the semiconductor switches of the plurality of systems while superimposed on the closing timing of the contact switch Open and close each semiconductor switch of the plurality of systems.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, more reliable, and that can easily perform temporal control.

It is a block diagram which shows the ordnance control system of 1st Embodiment concerning this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system of a 1st embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows another example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system of a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the ordnance control system of 2nd Embodiment concerning this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system of a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the ordnance control system of 3rd Embodiment concerning this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system of a 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the ordnance control system of the example of 1 structure concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the ordnance control circuit disclosed by the prior art document (patent document 1, patent document 2). It is explanatory drawing which shows the ordnance control circuit disclosed by the prior art document (patent document 3). It is explanatory drawing which shows the ordnance control circuit disclosed by the prior art document (patent document 4).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure is a diagram schematically showing components or control timings according to the invention. In the following description, a circuit having four systems for igniting pyrotechnics will be described as an example. In addition, the same description between the embodiments is simplified or omitted.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an ordnance control system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the ordnance control system 1 connects the battery BT and each pyrotechnic EED to each connection terminal, and controls the ignition timing of each pyrotechnic EED.

  The ordnance control system 1 is generally divided into an ordnance control circuit 10 and a control unit 20.

The ordnance control circuit 10 controls the opening and closing of the closed circuit of each system for supplying power to the pyrotechnics (EED1-EED4) of each system, and ignites the pyrotechnic EED of each system.
The control unit 20 controls each switch in the ordnance control circuit 10 to control the ignition timing of the pyrotechnics EED of each system.

Hereinafter, each component will be described.
The battery connection terminal 11 is provided in the ordnance control circuit 10 as a pair of a positive battery connection terminal and a negative battery connection terminal, and is connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery BT, respectively.

  The pyrotechnic connection terminal 12 is provided in the ordnance control circuit 10 as a pair of a positive-side pyrotechnic connection terminal and a negative-side positive-side pyrotechnic connection terminal of each system, and is connected to the pyrotechnic EED of each system. To do.

  The contact switch 13 is connected to the battery connection terminal 11 and controls opening and closing of a closed circuit for supplying power to the pyrotechnic. This opening / closing control is managed by a BUS_ON control signal of the control unit 20. The contact switch 13 may have a configuration for receiving a BUS_OFF control signal as necessary and cutting the closed circuit. The contact switch 13 may be provided on the negative electrode side and may be provided in a closed circuit.

  In the ordnance control circuit 10, in a standby state (when no pyrotechnics are used), a contact switch 13 that physically separates the battery BT from the closed circuit so that unnecessary leakage current from the battery BT does not flow into the closed circuit. Is adopted. By including the contact switch 13 in the closed circuit, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the battery BT, deterioration of pyrotechnics, and the like due to a slight leakage current. Further, depending on the design policy of the ordnance control circuit, a semiconductor switch may be employed as the bus switch.

  A BUS_RL (bus relay) in the illustrated circuit allows an ignition current to be supplied to the pyrotechnic EED. For this reason, it is necessary to select a component with an appropriate capacity by comparing the allowable current amount of the bus relay and the ignition current. In the present embodiment, this allowable current value can be reduced to the equivalent of one system by the control method of the ordnance control circuit 10 described later. For this reason, a relatively small relay can be used for this BUS_RL.

  The semiconductor switch 14 is provided on a closed circuit for each system for supplying power to each pyrotechnic EED, and controls the opening and closing of the closed circuit of each system. This open / close control is managed by the FIRE 1 to 4 control signals of the control unit 20. Although a P-type FET is shown as a symbol, a bipolar transistor, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a thyristor, or the like may be used if necessary.

Further, Ordnance control circuit 10, it is desirable to include a suitable current limiting resistor r _b as necessary to the bus in the closed circuit. For example, the ignition current may be adjusted by adjusting the voltage value of the battery BT connected to the ordnance control circuit 10 or the number of series.

  The controller 20 controls the opening and closing of the contact switch 13 when igniting the pyrotechnics (EED1 to EED4) of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal 12. In addition, the control unit 20 opens and closes without overlapping the closing timing of each semiconductor switch 14 of each system while overlapping the closing timing of the contact switch 13.

  With this configuration, the ordnance control circuit 10 receives each control signal from the control unit 20 and opens and closes the closed circuit of each system according to each control signal. As a result, the ordnance control circuit 10 supplies an ignition current to only one of the pyrotechnics EED1 to EED4 with the electromotive force of the battery BT. At this time, the amount of current flowing through the main closed circuit (bus) is also suppressed to one system of ignition current.

  Next, a control method of the ordnance control system 1 will be described.

  2 and 3 are timing charts showing an example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system 1. FIG. Note that “CMD” in the figure represents a control signal.

  The control unit 20 sends each control signal (command BUS_ON, each FIRE in the figure) to the ordnance control circuit 10 at the timing of igniting the pyrotechnics of each system in accordance with the closing timing relationship of the closed circuit of each system described above. .

  The upper part of the timing chart shows each command (control signal) sent from the control unit 20. The lower part of the timing chart shows the application timing of the voltage applied to the pyrotechnic EED of each system. In addition, each FIRE control signal is illustrated by overlapping each FIRE control signal for the purpose of explaining the timing relationship. The same applies to timing charts used in the following description.

  In the timing chart shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 controls the opening / closing of the contact switch 13 with the BUS_ON control signal and applies the battery voltage to the bus line with respect to the circuit network of the ordnance control circuit 10. At the same time, the control unit 20 sequentially turns on each of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system with FIRE control signals (FIRE1 to FIRE4), and sequentially forms a closed circuit of each system.

  Further, the control unit 20 sets a time between the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system when sequentially transmitting the FIRE control signal.

  As a result, the ordnance control system 1 can sequentially ignite the pyrotechnics EED of each system with the power of the battery BT by opening and closing the contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 of each system. Further, by providing an interval between the FIRE control signals, even if an unintended fluctuation occurs in the FIRE control signal, each semiconductor switch can be opened and closed without overlapping each closing timing. That is, the interval between FIRE control signals can be used as a tolerance for this time.

  At this time, in the case of the current general pyrotechnic EED, the current flowing through each system is 4 [A] to 7.5 [A]. Further, the amount of current flowing through the bus is equivalent to one system at any energization timing. In other words, with the current general pyrotechnic EED, the current flowing through the bus can be increased from 4 [A] to 7.5 [A]. For this reason, the circuit elements related to the bus can be reduced in size.

  The timing chart shown in FIG. 3 is a timing chart for igniting the first system pyrotechnic EED1 and the fourth system pyrotechnic EED4 at a desired timing.

  As described above, the ignition timing of each system can be freely controlled by controlling the closing timings of the plurality of semiconductor switches without overlapping each other.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, more reliable, and that can easily perform temporal control.
The ordnance control circuit 10 does not include any of the current limiting resistors of each system or the current limiting circuit of each system used in the ordnance control circuit described in the prior art document. For this reason, this ordnance control circuit can reduce the circuit scale.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the ordnance control system 2 according to the second embodiment. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be simplified.

  As shown in the figure, the ordnance control system 2 includes a current limiting circuit 15 in the ordnance control circuit 10 '.

  In the ordnance control system 2, a semiconductor switch 14 is also provided between the negative battery connection terminal and the negative pyrotechnic connection terminal. This negative-side semiconductor switch 14 is referred to as a return-line switch 16 for the sake of explanation.

  In addition, the control unit 20 ′ additionally transmits a FIER_ENA control signal that controls the ON timing of the return-side switch 16 in accordance with the other control signals. The return-side switch 16 becomes conductive while the FIER_ENA control signal is input. The current limiting circuit 15 is provided between the contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 of each system, and limits the amount of excessive current generated in the closed circuit. The current limiting circuit 15 may be any circuit configuration, but is preferably a power-saving and small-scale circuit.

In the current limiting circuit 15, the bus current that flows while the closed circuit of the bus is closed is limited to a set current value (maximum current value). This maximum current value is set to a value that is higher than the ignition current amount required for ignition of one system and lower than the allowable current amount of the contact switch 13.
Further, this maximum current value becomes an optimum value when the amount of pyrotechnics for one system is suppressed to a current amount that can be ignited. For this reason, the set value may be set between 4 [A] and 7.5 [A] in many cases.

  The return line side switch 16 controls the opening and closing of the closed circuit on the negative side of each system according to the FIER_ENA control signal.

  In this embodiment, a semiconductor switch is used as the return line side switch 16 to control the opening and closing of the closed circuit all together. The ordnance control circuit 10 'can replace this circuit element with a relay (contact switch). The ordnance control circuit 10 'may employ a circuit configuration in which the return-side switch 16 is provided for each system.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system 2.

  The control unit 20 ′ sends each control signal (commands BUS_ON, FIRE_ENA, and FIRE in the figure) at the timing of igniting the pyrotechnics of each system according to the closing timing relationship of the closed circuits of each system described above. Send to '.

  In the timing chart shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 20 'applies a battery voltage to the bus by first controlling the opening and closing of the contact switch 13 with a BUS_ON control signal with respect to the circuit network of the ordnance control circuit 10'. At the same time, the control unit 20 ′ sequentially turns on each of the return line side switch 16 and each semiconductor switch 14 by the FIRE_ENA control signal and the FIRE control signal (FIRE1 to FIRE4), and sequentially Form a closed circuit.

  The control unit 20 ′ transmits a FIRE control signal sequentially with a time between the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system. The control unit 20 ′ sends a FIRE_ENA control signal in which the closing timing of the return line side switch 16 is set in accordance with each FIRE control signal.

  In the example of FIG. 5A, the control unit 20 'generates the FIRE_ENA control signal in accordance with the rising edge of the FIRE1 control signal and the falling edge of the FIR4 control signal.

  In the example of FIG. 5B, the control unit 20 'generates the FIRE_ENA control signal from the FIRE1 control signal in accordance with all the rising and falling edges of the FIR4 control signal.

  The signal waveform of the FIRE_ENA control signal may be selected based on the element characteristics of the return-side switch 16 to be employed. Further, the FIRE_ENA control signal may be maintained at the Hi level longer than the rising edge of the FIRE1 control signal and the falling edge of the FIR4 control signal.

  As a result, the ordnance control system 2 can sequentially ignite the pyrotechnics EED of each system with the power of the battery BT by opening and closing the contact switch 13, the return switch 16 and the semiconductor switch 14 of each system. Further, the provision of the FIRE_ENA control signal increases the possibility that normal ignition can be maintained even if unintended noise occurs in the FIRE control signal or the return. Furthermore, even if the bus contact switch 14 operated by the FIRE control signal breaks down, the pyrotechnics do not operate unless the FIRE_ENA control signal is input, and the overall safety can be ensured.

  Further, the amount of current flowing through the bus in this control sequence is basically one system at any energization timing. Since the ordnance control system 2 includes the current limiting circuit 15, even if unintended noise occurs during operation, no bus current exceeding the limit of the current limiting circuit 15 flows at any energization timing. This noise may include noise such that the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system overlap for a short time. For this reason, for example, when two systems of closed circuits are formed, it can be assumed that the limited bus current is shunted to each system, and the ignition current of the pyrotechnic is a low value current. As a result, the possibility of maintaining normal ignition after returning to the normal state is increased.

  In addition, by providing the current limiting circuit 15, it is possible to secure a reduction in the scale of circuit elements related to the bus such as the contact switch 13.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, has higher reliability, and can easily perform temporal control.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the ordnance control system 3 according to the third embodiment. The description of the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments is simplified.

  As shown in the figure, the ordnance control system 3 includes alternative output circuits 17 and 18 in the ordnance control circuit 10 ″. The return line side switch 16 includes a semiconductor switch for each system. In the figure, the positive-side alternative output circuit is shown as a positive-side alternative output circuit 17, and the negative-side alternative output circuit is shown as a negative-side alternative output circuit 18.

  The alternative output circuits 17 and 18 may use any circuit configuration, but are preferably power-saving and small-scale circuits. Further, it is desirable that the alternative output circuits 17 and 18 are assembled by a logic circuit, an electronic circuit or a combination thereof.

  The alternative output circuit 17 receives an input signal (FIRE control signal) of a plurality of systems from the control unit 20 ″ and outputs an output signal with the same timing as the input signal to the semiconductor switch 14.

  On the other hand, the alternative output circuit 18 receives a plurality of systems of input signals (FIRE_ENA control signal) from the control unit 20 ″ and outputs an output signal of the same timing as the input signal to the return line side switch 16 (negative side semiconductor switch 14) Is output as an alternative.

  During normal operation, the control unit 20 ″ outputs an input signal (FIRE control signal or FIRE_ENA control signal) to the alternative output circuits 17, 18 as an alternative (without overlapping). On the other hand, the alternative output circuits 17 and 18 are effective preventive means when it is assumed that the ON control of the semiconductor switch 14 is caused by noise on the signal line or some failure.

  Note that the alternative output circuits 17 and 18 may have a configuration in which only one circuit is provided in the ordnance control circuit 10 ″. Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the event of some malfunction.

  The alternative output circuits 17 and 18 also function as an overcurrent protection circuit for circuit elements related to the bus such as the contact switch 13 when a circuit configuration without the current limiting circuit 15 is employed.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of a control sequence of the ordnance control system 3. Note that this control sequence example is not necessarily required to have a circuit configuration having an alternative output circuit or a return-side switch. What is necessary is just to combine a circuit structure and a control sequence suitably so that the failure tolerance design to employ | adopt may be satisfied.

  As in the first or second embodiment, the control unit 20 ″ sends each control signal to the ordnance control circuit 10 ″ at an appropriate timing for igniting each pyrotechnic product.

In the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 20 ″ sequentially transmits the FIR4 control signal from the FIRE1 control signal sequentially without leaving time between the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system. The control unit 20 ″ may send the FIR4 control signal sequentially from the FIRE1 control signal by slightly opening time between the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system.
Thus, by shortening the time between the closing timings of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system, the timings for igniting the pyrotechnics EED1 to EED4 can be made closer simultaneously. Even in such a control sequence, failure of the closed bus circuit can be allowed by appropriately arranging the alternative output circuits 17 and 18 and the current limiting circuit 15.

  Note that the amount of current flowing through the bus in this control sequence is for one system at any energization timing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, has higher reliability, and can easily perform temporal control.

  Next, the present invention will be described by showing a configuration that further embodies the above embodiment.

[Configuration example 1]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the ordnance control system 4 according to the configuration example. The ordnance control system 4 shown in FIG. 8 is configured by combining the above embodiments. Some circuit elements are shown as specific electric circuits.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ordnance control circuit 10 ′ ″ includes a battery connection terminal 11, a pyrotechnic connection terminal 12, a contact switch 13, a positive-side semiconductor switch 14, a negative-side semiconductor switch 14 (return line-side switch 16), A current limiting circuit 15 is provided.

  The control unit 20 ′ ″ uses the electromotive force of the battery BT connected to the battery connection terminal 11 of the ordnance control circuit 10 ′ ″ to use the pyrotechnics connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal 12 of each system. Ignite product EED1-4 as required.

  Specifically, when igniting the pyrotechnic EED1-4, the control unit 20 ′ ″ sets the closing timing of the semiconductor switches 14 of each system on the positive side and the negative side while overlapping the closing timing of the contact switch 13. Align and close the closed circuit of each system without overlapping the closing timing of each system.

  As described in the previous embodiment, the contact switch 13 (BUS_RL in the figure) can employ a relatively small contact relay that can allow the equivalent of one system by flowing an ignition current sequentially through the closed circuit of each system. . In this circuit configuration, the contact switch 13 is controlled by a BUS_ON control signal to be connected and a BUS_OFF control signal to be disconnected. Assuming that the maximum value of the ignition current of one system is 7.5 A or less, a 10 A type relay can be used as the contact switch 13.

  If a small contact relay is employed, for example, a relay (relay driving relay) for driving the contact switch 13 that is required when a relay is employed in the 50A type can be eliminated.

  The positive electrode side semiconductor switch 14 and the negative electrode side semiconductor switch 14 (return line side switch 16) employ FETs. The positive-side semiconductor switch 14 (FET 1a to FET 4a) is a P-type FET, and receives a control signal (FIRE 1 to FIRE 4) as a gate signal of each system and is turned on. On the other hand, the negative-side semiconductor switch 14 (FET 1b to FET 4b) is an N-type FET, and is turned on by receiving the same control signal (FIRE_ENA) as a gate signal of each system.

  When the battery voltage is applied to the bus and each of the semiconductor switches 14 on the return line is turned on, the ordnance control circuit 10 ′ ″ inputs the FIRE control signal to any one of the semiconductor switches 14 on the positive side. An ignition current flows through the system. As a result, only the pyrotechnic EED of that system ignites.

  Further, by sequentially inputting the respective FIRE control signals to the positive-side semiconductor switch 14 without overlapping them, the ordnance control circuit 10 ″ ″ sequentially ignites the pyrotechnics EED of each system.

  At this time, the current flowing through the bus is for one system at any timing. From another point of view, the allowable current amount required for BUS_RL is sufficient for one system.

  The current limiting circuit 15 limits the maximum current of the bus current (return current). In the current electric circuit having the illustrated circuit configuration, the current limit value is generally determined by the value of the resistor Rr1 and the value of the ON resistance of TRr1. This current limit value is determined according to the ignition current for one system.

Here, the operation principle of the exemplified electric circuit will be briefly described.
In the current limiting circuit 15, when BUS_RL is closed, the voltage of the battery BT is applied to the resistors Rr1, Rr2, and Rr3 (the bus current is almost zero). At this time, the gate potential of the FETr1 is determined by the voltage dividing ratio of the resistors Rr1, Rr2, and Rr3. The FETr1 is turned on when the voltage between the gate and the source (potential difference between both ends of the resistor Rr2) is equal to or higher than the ON voltage of the FETr1. For this reason, in the state where the ignition current does not flow, the potential of the source electrode of the semiconductor switch 14 (FET 1a to FET 4a) is approximately the positive electrode potential of the battery BT.
When any FIRE control signal is input to the semiconductor switch 14 and an ignition current of any system flows, the bus current increases and the potential difference between both ends of the resistor Rr1 increases. When the potential difference generated in the resistor Rr1 reaches the ON voltage of the transistor TRr1, the transistor TRr1 is turned on. In this state, the voltage between the gate and source of FETr1 drops to a value that maintains the value at which transistor TRr1 is turned on. As a result, the maximum amount of current passing through FETr1 is limited. Thus, the current limiting circuit 15 limits an excessive current.

By providing the current limiting circuit 15 between the contact switch 13 and the semiconductor switch 14 of each system, the current limiting circuit 15 becomes a protection circuit from various design viewpoints.
One is a protection circuit for the contact switch 13.
Moreover, it becomes a protection circuit of the semiconductor switch 14 of each system.
In addition, it becomes a protection circuit that prevents pyrotechnics from igniting when a closed circuit of a plurality of systems is turned ON due to some malfunction.

  As is obvious from this circuit configuration, the ordnance control circuit 10 ″ ″ of this configuration example does not cause an ignition current to flow through any pyrotechnic EED unless the contact switch 13 is turned on. Further, if both the FIRE_ENA control signal and each FIRE control signal are input to the ordnance control circuit 10 ″ ″, no ignition current flows through any pyrotechnic EED.

  As described above, the condition for supplying the ignition current to any pyrotechnic EED is normal switching of the contact switch 13 and the three switches of the semiconductor switch 14 on each of the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of each system. The current limiting circuit 15 also provides the function of the pyrotechnic EED protection circuit.

As a result, the ordnance control system 4 with the multiple fault tolerance design shown in this configuration example can strongly prevent accidental ignition of the pyrotechnic EED.
In addition, the large-current relay, which is a circuit element that has a practically large volume compared to the conventional ordnance control circuit, can be changed to a small relay. In addition, if the number of systems and the design values are exemplified, circuit elements other than the bus relay can be mounted on board. Further, it is possible to eliminate a relay driving relay and a power supply circuit therefor, which are often required for a large current relay.
Furthermore, the current limiting resistor inserted in each system can be excluded.
As a result, a reduction in size and weight can be realized practically.

  As described above, the ordnance control system 4 of the present configuration example is smaller and more reliable, and can easily perform temporal control.

  The control unit may be realized as appropriate using a combination of hardware and software. In a form in which hardware and software are combined, an ignition program is developed in a RAM (Random Access Memory), and hardware such as a processor is operated based on this program. Further, this program may be recorded non-temporarily on a recording medium and distributed.

  Although the embodiments and configuration examples have been illustrated and described above, the specific circuit configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and configuration examples, and there are changes in the scope that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ordnance control system that is smaller, more reliable, and that can easily perform temporal control.

  In the recent space field, onboard equipment has a strong tendency to increase the pyrotechnic system, and in addition, high density mounting and weight reduction of the onboard equipment are required. In addition, on-board equipment is also required to have tolerances corresponding to various multiple fault tolerance designs. The same applies to the ordnance control system.

  The present invention is also effective when, for example, the ignition system of the pyrotechnics performs ignition control of five systems (5. ch) or more. Further, as the number of systems increases, the degree of high-density mounting and weight reduction due to the contribution of the present invention becomes more conspicuous compared with the conventional ordnance control system.

1, 2, 3, 4 Ordnance control system 10, 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ′ ″ Ordnance control circuit (Pyrotechnic ignition circuit)
11 Battery connection terminal 12 Pyrotechnic connection terminal 13 Contact switch 14 Semiconductor switch 15 Current limiting circuit 16 Return line side switch 17, 18 Alternative output circuit 20, 20 ′, 20 ″, 20 ′ ″ Control unit (control means )

BT battery
EED electric ignition device
EED1 Electric ignition device in the first system pyrotechnics
EED2 Electric ignition device in the second system pyrotechnics
EED3 Electric ignition device in the third system pyrotechnics
EED4 4th system pyrotechnics electric ignition device

Claims (9)

A battery connection terminal for connecting the battery;
Multiple systems of pyrotechnics connection terminals for connecting pyrotechnic groups,
A contact switch for controlling opening and closing of a closed circuit for supplying power to a pyrotechnic containing the battery connection terminal in the circuit;
A current limiting circuit which is provided on the closed circuit and which works in common for each system, which is set to an amount of current that can ignite pyrotechnics for one system;
A plurality of systems of semiconductor switches for controlling the opening and closing of closed circuits for each system for supplying power to the pyrotechnics in each system including the plurality of systems of pyrotechnics connection terminals;
When the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal are ignited, the opening and closing of the contact switch is controlled to close the closed circuit , and overlapped with the closing timing of the contact switch. While controlling means for opening and closing each semiconductor switch of the plurality of systems without overlapping the closing timing of each of the plurality of semiconductor switches,
Including ordnance control system. The semiconductor switch of the plurality of systems comprises a semiconductor switch that controls opening and closing of the closed circuit on each of the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of each system,
The control means controls the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit when the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal are ignited, and the contact switch 2. The ordnance control system according to claim 1 , wherein the closed circuit of each system is opened and closed without overlapping the closing timing of each system without overlapping the closing timing of each system while overlapping the closing timing of each system while overlapping the closing timing of each system. . The semiconductor switches of the plurality of systems comprise switch means for controlling opening and closing of a closed circuit in which a plurality of systems are gathered on one of the positive electrode side or the negative electrode side of each system,
The control means controls the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit when the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal are ignited, and the contact switch 3. The ordnance control system according to claim 2 , wherein the closed circuit of each system is opened and closed without overlapping the closing timing of each of the plurality of systems of semiconductor switches while overlapping with the closing timing of the switching means and the closing timing of the switch means. The ordnance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising an alternative output circuit that alternatively outputs an input signal to the plurality of systems of semiconductor switches. The control means, when igniting each system pyrotechnics connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal, the time between each of the plurality of systems semiconductor switch close timing, The ordnance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein each semiconductor switch is opened and closed without overlapping. Controls opening and closing of a battery connection terminal for connecting a battery, a plurality of pyrotechnic connection terminals for connecting a pyrotechnic group, and a closed circuit for supplying power to the pyrotechnics including the battery connection terminal in the circuit. Contact switch, one current limiting circuit which is provided on the closed circuit and is set to an amount of current capable of igniting one system of pyrotechnics, and which works in common to each system, and the plurality of systems of pyrotechnic connection terminals For a circuit network comprising a plurality of systems of semiconductor switches each controlling the opening and closing of a closed circuit for each system for supplying power to pyrotechnics in each system including in the circuit,
When igniting the pyrotechnics of each system connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal by controlling the contact switch and the semiconductor switch of the plurality of systems with the power of the battery connected to the battery connection terminal,
The control means of the network controls the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit ,
In addition, an ordnance control method for opening and closing without overlapping the closing timing of each of the plurality of semiconductor switches while overlapping the closing timing of the contact switch. The semiconductor switches of the plurality of systems of the circuit network include semiconductor switches that control opening and closing of the closed circuit on each of a positive electrode side and a negative electrode side of each system,
The control means includes
Controlling the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit ;
In addition, claim to open and close the closed circuit of each system without overlapping the closing timing of and the respective systems aligns the closing timing of the semiconductor switches of each path of the positive side and the negative side while overlapping the closing timing of the contact switch 6 The ordnance control method described in 1. The semiconductor switches of the plurality of systems of the circuit network include switch means for controlling opening and closing of a closed circuit in which a plurality of systems are collected on one of the positive side or the negative side of each system,
The control means includes
Controlling the opening and closing of the contact switch to close the closed circuit ;
The ordnance control method according to claim 7 , wherein the closed circuit of each system is opened and closed without overlapping the closing timing of each of the plurality of semiconductor switches while overlapping the closing timing of the contact switch and the closing timing of the switch means. The control means, when igniting each system pyrotechnics connected to the pyrotechnic connection terminal, the time between each of the plurality of systems semiconductor switch close timing, 9. The ordnance control method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein each semiconductor switch is opened and closed without overlapping.

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