Rocker-arm igniter

Abstract

A rocker-arm igniter for irritation grenades, hand grenades, smoke or fog grenades, or similar, includes a rocker arm that may be pivoted by a tensioned spring about a pivot axis from a initial position into a second position, and that is firmly attached to a striker that, when the rocker arm is pivoted into its second position, strikes a igniter element of the rocker-arm igniter. A first mechanical securing device with a first securing device element is provided that holds the rocker arm in its initial position. Additionally, a second mechanical securing device with a second securing device element is provided that also holds the rocker arm in its initial position. The rocker arm is released to pivot into its second position only after removal of both securing device elements.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a rocker-arm igniter as is used for irritation grenades, hand grenades, smoke, or fog grenades. [0002] The rocker-arm igniter includes a housing in which a rocker arm may pivot about an axis with the help of a strong, pre-tensioned spring. The rocker arm is connected with a striker that strikes an ignition cap positioned in an igniter head when the spring pivots the rocker arm. [0003] The function of the rocker arm will be explained in connection with an irritation grenade. [0004] Such munitions include a housing that receives at least one, and often several, pyrotechnic loads, e.g., irritation loads that create a loud report and / or a flash of light upon ignition. A rocker-arm igniter is preferably threaded into the top part of the irritation grenade housing. For this, the rocker arm rests approximately against the housing of the irritation grenade, and is held in this initial position by a mechanical securing device, usual...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It is a principal object of the present invention to increase the safety of a rocker-arm igniter and to provide a design in which inadvertent arming of the rocker-arm igniter is practically impossible.

[0012] The second mechanical securing device increases safety against undesired or inadvertent triggering of the rocker-arm igniter since the user is forced to employ a controlled procedure to arm the rocker-arm igniter. If the user inadvertently removes the first securing device, or if it is otherwise removed without the irritation grenade being held securely, triggering of the rocker-arm igniter is prevented by the second securing device. The user, after noticing the removal of the first securing device, must hold the irritation grenade securely in the hand before removing the second securing device.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second mechanical securing device is positioned radially opposite the rocker arm resting against the housing so that there is good spatial separation between the two securing devices.

[0016] The two securing device elements are preferably so configured that they must be removed in different directions. This also requires more attention by the user to achieve a controlled arming of the rocker-arm igniter, and prevents inadvertent arming of the rocker-arm igniter.

[0018] One leg of the clamp is preferably provided with an engaging projection such as a small knob that engages with a corresponding engagement recess of the wing. This prevents the clamp from being removed from its rest position inadvertently when, for example, the irritation grenade is loaded. On the other side, the knob is so shaped that the fork may be extracted from the engagement recess with a strong pull.

Problems solved by technology

In unforeseen situations, it may occur that the extraction ring catches on an object, for example, and the securing pin is extracted inadvertently.

The pressure wave thus arising may lead to severe injury to the user.

There may also be situations in which the user inadvertently does not correctly hold the irritation grenade and does not hold the rocker arm securely.

If the user then extracts the securing devices, the irritation grenade loads are ignited, again leading to serious injury.

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