EP3230682B1 - Fuze system for hand grenades - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a detonator system for hand grenades with an ignition element which triggers after initiation a delay and safety device, the delayed after initiation cheers a detonator, which then ignites a booster. The detonator has a double and independent safety device.

Known detonator systems for hand grenades are ignited in various ways, be it mechanically by a mechanism that resembles a clockwork, or pyrotechnically by an ignition retarder. Combinations are possible. Frequently used detonators are produced by Diehl and Rheinmetall. The company Diehl owns a system, which contains several security levels. Burning out the ignition retardant causes heat. As a result, a Lotsicherung melts after two seconds. This meltdown allows the detonator to go into the ignition position and trigger the explosion within 4 seconds.

EP 2 516 958 B1 describes this detonator system in detail. Simpler systems consist only of a conventional fire retardant that directly triggers the detonator (see US 5,196,649 A or EP 0277110 A2 ). Such systems are cheaper. Mechanical systems are basically possible, but relatively expensive to manufacture and problematic in terms of reliability in a large temperature range. With a "mechanical" dud, there is the possibility that a mine is created. The slightly older patent US 3,311,059 A describes such an invention. There are also already efforts to electronically fire hand grenades ( US Pat. No. 7,013,809 B1 ). However, such systems have not yet proven themselves because of the lack of reliability and the low market acceptance. In summary, the prior art can be described as follows: Mechanical systems are basically relative complex, moderately safe and expensive. Electronic systems lack a bad reputation because of the lack of reliability, ie security. This triggers the detonators usually directly pyrotechnic or pyrotechnic-mechanical.

US 3,823,669 A relates to a fully sealed improved hand grenade firing with two independent security elements in a detent held in a safety position.

FR 500 619 A1 describes a detonator system for hand grenades with pyrotechnic ignition delay and impact protection.

AT 310 041 B relates to a pyrotechnic detonator for hand grenades with deployable by thrust from a safety position in an armed detonator. Pyrotechnic-mechanical igniters are very safe and correspond to the 5 currently highest state of the art. Basically, however, the price is too high compared to simpler solutions that do not meet the need for security.

• Zuverlässigkeit
• Zu frühes Zünden
• Preis (ein eminenter Faktor)
• Einsatz bei allen Umweltbedingungen
• Gefahrengutklasse
• Massenexplosion

Important challenges that can occur with HG (grenade igniter) systems are as follows:

• reliability
• Too early ignition
• Price (an eminent factor)
• Use in all environmental conditions
• UN classification
• mass explosion

Previous well-secured pyrotechnic-mechanical ignition systems have, due to the fuse which is desoldered by the erosion of the delay element, an element which must take two functions. This should be prevented by the new ignition system. A simple, safe and clear operating principle is desired.

Each technical system can be equipped with a logical And switch, whether mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, thermodynamic or, as in this case, pyrotechnic. Of course, combinations of these principles of action 25 are possible. These logical and circuits bring system security. However, they often increase the complexity and therefore the price.

The novel detonator system for hand grenades according to the invention should contain a purely pyrotechnic detonation system instead of a pyrotechnic-mechanical system.

This object is achieved by a fuze system according to the features of claim 1.

Characterized in that the delay and safety device comprises two pyrotechnic ignition delay with different delay times,

namely a fuse element and a delay element, wherein the delay time of the fuse element is shorter than the delay time of the delay element and the fuse element includes a set of time that ignites after burning a gas set, the gas shut-off opens and the delay element includes a fire kit and only after opening the shut-off the fire set is in operative connection with the detonator, a double-secured pyrotechnic-mechanical detonation system is created, which has a simple, safe, inexpensive and clear operating principle.

In a preferred embodiment, the set of time as well as the gas set of the fuse element in a fuse element chamber and the Zeitsatz and the fire set of the delay element are arranged in a delay element chamber and both chambers open into an active chamber with which the detonator is connected and between the active chamber and the delay element chamber and between the reaction chamber and the detonator each shut-off elements are arranged as a valve-like structure, preferably a one-way valve, a flap valve or rupture disc, the gas of the gas set can open the shut-off, the fire set or its pressure but not. The spatial separation of the security element of the delay element in each case has the advantage that the rate of burnup or the delay time of both Anzündverzögerer can be set individually and thus only in the Effective chamber, the gas set ignited by the Zeitsatz can actuate the valve-like structure. Only after this actuation the shut-off elements are opened. Thus, the fire set is in operative connection with the detonator.

The ignition element is preferably a primer that can be initiated by a hammer. Primers are safe, cost effective, reliable and ready for use in all environmental conditions.

So that the ignition element can simultaneously ignite the fuse element and the delay element, the firing cone of the firing element preferably leads into a cavity and the cavity is connected to the fuse element chamber and the delay element chamber, wherein a cone is arranged in the cavity in front of the two chambers, which directs the fire cone at the two sets of time in the two chambers.

The lower end of the securing element and the delay element is in each case preferably equipped with a throttle cup, which consists of a cone with individual evenly distributed holes or the lower end is equipped with a threaded screw. It is also conceivable that the set of time, the gas set and the fire set immediately have an admixture of an adhesive, with which the sentences can be glued into the cavities of the ignition retarder. As a result, the sentences are kept in their respective chambers.

The shut-off element is in a preferred embodiment, a rupture disc with predetermined breaking points on one side or a two-piece flap valve made of metal, which consists of two superposed discs. Such shut-off are inexpensive, lock in one direction and allow opening in a different direction without much pressure.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the detonator in a detonator housing from a securing position to an ignition position displaceable and locked in two positions, wherein the gas generated by the gas set moves the detonator from its securing position to its ignition position. As a result, a further assurance of Zündersytems is created in which the detonator is spatially separated in its securing position from the firing amplifier and this can not light it.

In order for the detonator to remain in its two positions, it preferably has on the outer circumference a bead or a plurality of beads, which latch into a corresponding recess in the housing.

Another additional assurance of the fuse system can also be achieved in that the detonator is displaceable in a detonator housing from a securing position to an ignition position and in a bore a displaceable piston is inserted, which is displaceable from a securing position to an ignition position, wherein the Piston via an elbow carries the detonator and is moved by moving the piston in its ignition position of the detonator also in its ignition position.

An embodiment with a further additional fuse of the fuse system provides that in the cavity, a spring, a safety panel and a locking pin are arranged, wherein the spring is supported on the one hand on the cone and on the other hand on the safety panel and the safety panel is supported on the locking pin and by pulling the fuse pin, the spring shifts the safety panel in the direction of the ignition element, whereby an ignition of the ignition delay is enabled. This means that it is possible to ignite the ignition delay only after pulling the safety pin.

Another fuse provides that the ignition element is arranged in a cup which is attached only via a paint in a capsule holder, whereby the unwanted ignition of the ignition element a sleeve blower arises, which prevents ignition of the ignition delay.

The invention will be further described with reference to figures.

Description of the fuse system according to the invention (functional principle):

FIG. 1 shows a section through a hand grenade with a detonator system according to the invention. FIG. 2a shows the detonator system when triggered, FIG. 2b about 2 seconds after the release and Figure 2c about 4 seconds after the trip. Like reference numerals designate the same article.

FIG. 1 shows a detonator system for hand grenades with an ignition element 1, which triggers after initiation a delay and safety device, the delayed after initiation cheers a detonator 7, which then ignites a booster 8, wherein the delay and safety device includes a double and independent safety device , There are two pyrotechnic Anzündverzögerer used with different delay times, namely a fuse element 3 and a delay element 4, wherein the delay time of the fuse element 3 is shorter than the delay time of the delay element 4 and the fuse element 3 includes a set of time that ignites after burning a gas set 9 whose Gas shut-off 5 opens and the delay element 4 includes a Zeitsatz and a fire kit and is only after opening the shut-off 5 of the fire set with the detonator 7 in operative connection.

The set of time and the gas set 9 of the fuse element 3 are in a fuse element chamber and the time set and the fire set of the delay element 4 are arranged in a delay element chamber. Both chambers open into an active chamber 34, with which the detonator 7 is connected. Between the reaction chamber and the delay element chamber and between the reaction chamber and the detonator are each shut-off elements as a valve-like structure 5, preferably a one-way valve, a flap valve or a rupture disc arranged, the gas of the gas set 9 can open the shut-off, the fire set or its pressure but not.

The ignition element 1 is a by a hammer 2 (see Figures 2 ) initiable primer.

The fire cone of the ignition element 1 leads into a cavity 12 and the cavity 12 is connected to the fuse element chamber and the delay element chamber, wherein in the cavity 12 in front of the two chambers, a cone 13 is arranged, the fire cone on the two Anzündverzögerer. 3 , 4 leads in the two chambers.

The shut-off element 5 may be a rupture disk with predetermined breaking points on one side or the shut-off element 5 may be a two-part flap valve 20 made of metal, which consists of two superimposed disks (see Figures 6-8 ).

FIG. 2a shows the trigger. The hammer 2 is triggered and is accelerated in the direction of ignition element 1 (known for example from EP 2 516 958 B1 ). The further course of the ignition chain envisages double ignition of two pyrotechnical ignition retarders. A pyrotechnic ignition retarder, namely the fuse element 3 is needed for the ignition distance about 2-3 sec. At the end, this fuse element 3 ignites a small gas set 9, which is in operative connection with it at the end (gas set means an gas set or overpressure generator). This gas set 9 generates a gas and thus a pressure that opens two shut-off 5. The delay element, also referred to as ignition delay 4, can act unhindered on the detonator 7 and thus on the booster 8 only after opening the one-way valves 5. After that, the explosion takes place.

FIG. 2b shows the process after about 2 seconds. The ignition element 1 was initiated by the hammer 2 and has both the fuse element 3 and the delay element 4 ignited. The fuse element 3 is, as in FIG. 2b to see burned and has opened the one-way valves as shut-5. However, the delay element 4 is first burned to a part.

Figure 2c shows the second step after about 4 seconds. The delay element 4 is burned down and has created a Feuerungskegel 6, which then activates the detonator 7, which then ignites the firing amplifier 8.

An essential feature of the invention is that the shut-off elements 5 are opened only by the securing element 3, which ignites the small gas set 9. The delay element 4 or its pressure is so dimensioned that it can not open the shut-off elements 5.

construction

In the FIGS. 3a and 3b the principle of the inventive ignition system is shown. FIG. 3a shows the upper part and FIG. 3b the lower part of the detonator system, also referred to as detonator. The igniter preferably has a main sleeve 10 with two separate pipe systems 11, each containing a separate ignition retarder, namely the fuse element 3 and the delay element 4. The main sleeve 10 is preferably provided with two threads. The upper serves to secure the igniter head 30 to the hammer 2. The lower thread secures the grenade body.

This fuze system requires two pyrotechnic ignition retarders, the security element 3 in the end generates pressure and the delay element 4 in the end generates a fire jet or a flame cone 6. The two ignition delay 3, 4 are preferably ignited via a common ignition element 1, such as primer. The cavity is 12 (see also Figures 2 ) between the ignition element 1 and the ignition retarder equipped with a cone 13 to direct the fire cone 6 starting from the ignition element 1 directly to the two Anzündverzögerer.

FIG. 4 shows this cone 13 in section of the main sleeve 10th

The two ignition delay 3, 4 are designed differently to achieve different delay times. Different ignition delay lengths are possible, which are filled with the same time-set mix, or different time-set mixes with the same set length. The ignition retarders are also implemented differently in their effect. The end of the fuse element 3 which is intended to initiate pressure is filled with a gas set 9, i. provided with a spark-weak but quickly burning pyrotechnic system, preferably a brisantes propellant charge powder. The end of the firing delay, which should ultimately fire the detonator 7, i. the delay unit 4, is charged with a set of fire in particular (fire set). Preference is given here to the addition of a metal, for example zirconium, titanium, magnesium, nickel.

The lower end of the ignition delay can each with throttle cups 14 (see FIG. 5 ). The throttling bowl 14 serves to concentrate the jet of fire and to hold the set. The throttling bowl 14 in a preferred embodiment consists of a cone 16 with individual uniformly distributed bores 17. The throttling bowl 14 has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the pipe system 11. In order to fix the ignition retarder, instead of a throttling bowl 14, only a threaded screw 15 into which the pipe system or the ignition retarders are incorporated can be used (see FIG FIGS. 3a . 3b ).

A critical assembly is the opening mechanism or are the disposable flaps or shut-off 5. The FIGS. 6a to 6c demonstrate various embodiments of the shut-off 5. The fuse element 3, which generates the pressure is responsible for the opening of the shut-off elements 5 as a valve-like structure. The shut-off elements 5 are preferably a thin rupture disk or a one-way flap. Requirement here is that the fuse element 3 can open the shut-off 5, the delay element 4 is not able to open the shut-off. The rupture disk or the one-way flap of the shut-off elements 5 are preferably formed of a part consisting of three to eight segments 18. Die Segstscheibe bzw. FIG. 6a shows a rupture disk or the one-way flap of the shutoff element 5 with three segments 18, FIG. 6b with 4 segments and FIG. 6c with 6 segments. FIG. 6d shows a section through the rupture disk or the disposable flap. The grooves 19 represent the predetermined breaking points, see FIG. 6d , In the direction of the structured surface, the rupture disk can, due to the notch effect, expose the pressure to a much smaller resistance (see FIG. 7). Figure 7a shows the voltage curve when the pressure comes from the side are arranged on the predetermined breaking points 19, FIG. 7b shows the voltage curve when the pressure comes from the opposite side, on which no predetermined breaking points 19 are arranged.

In another case, the shut-off element 5 may also be designed as a two-part flap valve 20 ( FIGS. 8a to 8d ). This flap valve 20 consists of two superimposed discs of a metal. By a retaining tongue 22 of the folding mechanism is only possible in one direction. The effect is the same as in the rupture disc, but it is a significantly lower force required to open this valve. The folding mechanism can be realized with a simple and also multiple flap. FIG. 8a shows a two-leaf flap valve 20 with two flaps 21. Die Figures 8b and 8c show two slices of a flap valve 20 according to the invention, which, as in FIG. 8d shown superimposed. The different ones

ignition delay

In conjunction with the opening mechanism allows to implement a fuze system, which meets the safety standards. If a deceleration system does not work properly, it will not ignite.

Advanced detonator safety

Another level of security can be realized by keeping the detonator 7 in the original position away from the booster 8. When activating the opening mechanism, e.g. the one-way flaps 5 is fixed by the residual pressure of the detonator 7 with a closure on the booster 8 and thus goes into the ignition position. The closure is preferably designed as a snap closure. Also bayonet and frictional closures are conceivable.

FIG. 9a shows the fuse in its fuse position, ie blurred original position. The detonator 7 is arranged at a distance from the ignition amplifier 8. FIG. 9b shows the detonator in its ignition position. The gas generated by the fuse element 3 has opened the rupture disks 23 and has pushed the detonator 7 from its securing position to the ignition position. In the safety position, the safety panel 24 conceals the parallel ignition delay. If the locking pin 25 pulled by triggering the percussion hammer, the biased by the spring 26 safety panel 24 can accelerate upwards and thus there is the possibility of ignition of both Anzündverzögerer. The detonators safety is implemented eg by a simple click system. When opening the rupture discs 23, the detonator 7 is pressed into the ignition position, ie sharp position by the overpressure. The detonator 7 only needs to be modified minimally.

FIG. 10a shows a fuse in case of accidental ignition of the ignition element. The ignition element 1 is located in a cup 33, which is attached only via a paint in the igniter or in the capsule holder 31. In the securing position is the ignition element 1 thus only with a paint, also called Ringfugenlack 32, secured. The cup 33 is not fixed by a press fit in the capsule holder 31. This creates when ignited the ignition element 1 in the securing position a sleeve blower. The ignition delay 3, 4 are not ignited thereby.

FIG. 10b shows the detonator according to FIG. 10a in the ignition position. The initiated by the fuse element 3 pressure has opened the rupture disks or shut-off elements 5 and brought the igniter 7 in the ignition position in which it rests on the booster 8.

Claims (15)

1. A detonator system for hand grenades, having an ignition element (1) which after initiation triggers a delay and safety device which, with a delay after the initiation, fires a detonator (7), which subsequently fires an ignition booster (8), wherein the delay and safety device contains a dual safety device of two independent parts, wherein the delay and safety device comprises two pyrotechnic ignition delay devices with different delay times, specifically a safety element (3) and a delay element (4), wherein the delay time of the safety element (3) is shorter than the delay time of the delay element (4), and the safety element (3) includes a timing composition which, once it has burned through, ignites a gas charge (9), the gas of which opens blocking elements (5), and the delay element (4) includes a firing charge and a timing composition, and the firing charge is only in operative connection with the detonator (7) after the opening of the blocking elements (5).
2. The detonator system according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing composition and the gas charge (9) of the safety element (3) are arranged in a safety element chamber, and the timing composition and the firing charge of the delay element (4) are arranged in a delay element chamber.
3. The detonator system according to claim 2, characterized in that the safety element chamber and the delay element chamber open into a working chamber (34) to which the detonator (7) is connected.
4. The detonator system according to claim 3, characterized in that between the working chamber and the delay element chamber and between the working chamber and the detonator there are respectively arranged blocking elements, as a valve-like structure (5), preferably a one-way valve, a flap valve, or a bursting disk.
5. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gas of the gas charge (9) can open the blocking elements, but the firing charge and/or the pressure thereof cannot.
6. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ignition element (1) is a primer which can be initiated by a firing pin (2).
7. The detonator system according to one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the fire cone of the ignition element (1) leads into a cavity (12), and the cavity (12) is connected with the safety element chamber and the delay element chamber, wherein a cone (13) is arranged in the cavity (12) in front of the two chambers and directs the fire cone into the two chambers and to the two ignition delay devices (3, 4).
8. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lower ends of the safety element (3) and of the delay element (4) are each equipped with a throttle cup (14) consisting of a cone (16) with individual, evenly distributed bore holes (17), or the lower ends are equipped with a threaded screw.
9. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the blocking element (5) is a bursting disk with predetermined breaking points (19) on one side, or the blocking element (5) is a two-part flap valve (20) made of metal, consisting of two superimposed disks.
10. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the detonator (7) can slide in a detonator housing (36) from a safety position into a firing position.
11. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the detonator (7) can slide in a detonator housing (36) from a safety position into a firing position and is locked in both positions, wherein the gas generated by the gas charge (9) slides the detonator (7) out of its safety position and into its firing position.
12. The detonator system according to claim 11, characterized in that one bead (37) or a plurality of beads (37) is/are preferably arranged on the outer circumference of the detonator (7), and latch/latches into a corresponding recess (38) in the housing.
13. The detonator system according to claim 10, characterized in that the detonator (7) can slide in a detonator housing (36) from a safety position into a firing position, and a sliding piston (28) is inserted into a bore hole (27), able to slide from a safety position into a firing position, wherein the piston (28) supports the detonator (7) via an elbow (29), and when the piston (28) slides into its firing position, the detonator (7) is likewise pushed into its firing position.
14. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a spring (39), a safety shutter (24), and a safety pin (25) are arranged in the cavity (12), wherein the spring (39) is supported on one side on the cone (13) and on the other side on the safety shutter (24), and the safety shutter (24) is supported on the safety pin (25), and when the safety pin (25) is pulled, the spring (39) slides the safety shutter (24) toward the ignition element (1), thereby enabling ignition of the ignition delay device (3, 4).
15. The detonator system according to one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the ignition element (1) is arranged in a cup (33) which is only fixed via a lacquer (32) in a capsule holder (31), such that if the ignition element (1) is unintentionally ignited, a jacket blowout occurs which prevents ignition of the ignition delay devices (3, 4).

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