A controllable combustion device suitable for electrically controlled propellant

Abstract

A controllable combustion device suitable for electrically controlled propellant, comprising a combustion chamber assembly and a base assembly, the combustion chamber assembly comprising an insulating sleeve with an anode chamber inside; two axially extending chambers are formed inside the anode chamber, one of which is provided with a cathode electrode, the outer side of one end of the cathode electrode is fixed with an insulating plug, and the cathode electrode and the insulating plug are inserted into the chamber through the insulating sleeve; the top of the chamber is respectively connected with a pressure control plug, and the bottom of the cylindrical section of the anode chamber is provided with a fixing ring; the area enclosed by the cathode electrode and the anode chamber is the filling area of the electrically controlled propellant; the base assembly is provided with a conductive part, which can realize the conduction between the cathode electrode and the anode chamber under the electrified state of the firing mechanism, and ignite the propellant. The pressure control plug is used instead of the diaphragm to realize effective sealing in limited operation space; an annular groove is arranged on the lower surface of the pressure control part of the pressure control plug, and the depth of the annular groove is controlled to realize accurate adjustment of the impact kinetic energy of the projectile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ammunition structure design technology, specifically relating to a controllable combustion device suitable for electronically controlled propellants. Background Technology

[0002] Electrically controlled propellant, as a novel type of solid propellant, can achieve controlled combustion and extinguishing by applying external voltage or current. The combustion rate can be precisely controlled by adjusting the input electrical energy. Furthermore, electrically controlled propellant possesses high flame and electrostatic inertia characteristics, is not easily ignited by impact or friction, and offers high safety. To address current practical needs, a device is required that can precisely adjust the projectile's kinetic energy to achieve different impact effects on different targets.

[0003] Existing technology (202310951757.8) discloses a novel ignition and combustion device adapted for electrically controlled combustion propellants, including an electronic control device and a combustion control electrode assembly. The electronic control device includes an insulator, within which an anode, an insulating gasket, and a cathode are arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside. One end of the cathode passes through the insulating gasket and the insulator, and is fixed at its tail end with an adjusting nut. The anode is fixed by the insulating gasket and the insulator. The cathode and the anode are coaxial, and the area enclosed by them is the filling area for the electrically controlled combustion propellant. The combustion control electrode assembly includes an insulating base, on which an inner conductive ring and an outer conductive ring are pressed. A central electrode is inserted into the hole of the inner conductive ring. The central electrode is connected to the cathode in the electronic control device by a thread. An outer electrode is inserted into the hole of the outer conductive ring, and the outer electrode simultaneously passes through an edge hole in a pressure plate, with its head pressing against the pressure plate. This coaxial electrode device enables end-face combustion of the electrically controlled combustion propellant. However, this invention uses a single chamber, which limits the range of adjustment of the projectile's impact kinetic energy and cannot meet the requirements of multi-level adjustment and precise adjustment. In addition, it requires the anode and cathode to be connected to an external power source through an external electrode and a central electrode, which increases the intermediate steps and raises the risk of unreliable contact.

[0004] Existing technology (202311210199.6) discloses a variable-power projectile launching method and ammunition structure, including a cartridge case, a projectile mounting space at the front end of the cartridge case, and two or more propellant chambers at the rear end of the cartridge case. Each propellant chamber is equipped with an independent ignition structure, enabling the simultaneous ignition of some or all propellant chambers. This invention solves the problem that existing variable-power multi-chamber ammunition structures can only adjust the projectile's muzzle velocity by changing the ignition sequence of the propellant chambers to achieve projectile power adjustment. The adjustment range is too small, and if a larger adjustment range is required, more propellant chambers are needed, resulting in a complex structure. However, this invention still uses a structure with a bursting diaphragm and a plug to seal the propellant chambers, which is prone to movement due to vibration, leading to sealing failure and crossfire. Furthermore, this invention has three propellant chambers, which can only achieve seven different levels of firing power adjustment, and cannot achieve precise adjustment of the projectile's muzzle velocity to precisely adjust the projectile's impact kinetic energy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the limitations of existing electronically controlled propellant combustion devices in adjusting projectile impact kinetic energy, and their inability to meet the requirements of multi-level and precise adjustment, this invention provides a controllable combustion device suitable for electronically controlled propellants.

[0006] The specific plan is as follows: A controllable combustion device for electronically controlled propellants, the device comprising a combustion chamber assembly and a base assembly, the combustion chamber assembly comprising an insulating sleeve, the insulating sleeve containing an anode chamber; The anode chamber has at least two axially extending chambers inside, and a cathode electrode is provided in each chamber. An insulating plug is fixed to the outside of one end of the cathode electrode. The cathode electrode and the insulating plug are inserted into the chamber through the insulating sleeve. The top of each of the drug chambers is connected to a pressure control plug, and the bottom cylindrical section of the anode drug chamber is fitted with a fixing ring, and the two are fixedly connected. The area enclosed by the cathode electrode and the anode chamber is the loading area for the electrically controlled propellant; The base assembly is equipped with conductive components. When the firing mechanism is energized, the conductive components can conduct electricity between the cathode electrode and the anode chamber, igniting the propellant.

[0007] The pressure control plug is provided with a pressure control part, and the pressure control part has an annular groove on the side near the medicine chamber. The pressure control plug has a ignition channel inside, which is coaxial with the annular groove and the diameter of the ignition channel is larger than the diameter of the annular groove. The outer surface of the pressure control plug is provided with threads, and the pressure control plug is threaded to the top of the medicine chamber.

[0008] The pressure control plug is made of material k, and the depth of the annular groove is h. The pressure threshold that the corresponding pressure control part can withstand is x. If the pressure generated by combustion in the combustion chamber exceeds the pressure threshold x, the pressure control part can rupture in one direction.

[0009] The surface of the cathode electrode in the filling area is provided with an insulating coating, and the upper 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of the cathode electrode area is left untreated.

[0010] The base assembly includes an insulating base, on which an inner conductive ring, an outer conductive ring, and a conductive connector are embedded respectively. The inner and outer conductive rings are arranged concentrically. The insulating base is provided with a cylindrical hole, which exposes the end face of the cylindrical segment at the bottom of the electrode. Both the inner and outer conductive rings are connected to their respective cathode electrodes through a conductive connector, enabling the conductive rings to conduct electricity to the cathode electrodes. The two conductive connectors are connected in parallel.

[0011] The conductive connector is U-shaped and has a concave surface and a convex surface. The concave surface fits into the cylindrical section at the bottom of the cathode electrode, and the convex surface is embedded in the conductive ring.

[0012] The combustion chamber assembly and the base assembly are interference fit.

[0013] The device also includes a pressure ring that fixes the base assembly in the cartridge case. The outer surface of the insulating base is also provided with a boss that cooperates with the cartridge case.

[0014] The fixed connection is achieved by adhesive bonding or hot pressing. Compared with the prior art, the present invention adopts an electrically controlled propellant and a dual-chamber structure to achieve reliable, precise and controllable ignition and combustion of the electrically controlled propellant, and to achieve multiple adjustable and controllable levels of strike kinetic energy.

[0015] This invention uses a pressure-controlled plug instead of a diaphragm to achieve effective sealing within a limited operating space; and an annular groove is provided on the lower surface of the pressure-controlled part of the pressure-controlled plug, so that the magnitude of the projectile's impact kinetic energy can be precisely adjusted by controlling the depth of the annular groove. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the combustion chamber assembly structure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base component structure.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the base component.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the base component.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controllable combustion device.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of a controllable combustion device.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure control plug structure.

[0023] Among them, 1-combustion chamber assembly; 2-base assembly; 3-pressure ring; 4-shell; 5-anode chamber; 6-cathode electrode; 7-insulating plug; 8-pressure control plug; 9-insulating sleeve; 10-fixing ring; 11-insulating base; 12-inner conductive ring; 13-outer conductive ring; 14-conductive connecting joint; 15-chamber A; 16-chamber B; 17-pressure control part; 18-annular groove; 19-bore; 20-ignition channel; 201-ignition channel a; 202-ignition channel b. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, and the advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer with the description. However, unless otherwise specified, the specific experimental methods involved in the following embodiments are conventional methods or implemented according to the conditions recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.

[0025] This invention relates to a controllable combustion device suitable for electrically controlled propellants, such as... Figures 1-7 As shown, the controllable combustion device consists of a combustion chamber assembly 1 and a base assembly 2. The combustion chamber assembly 1 enables controllable combustion and precise pressure control of the propellant after electrical energy loading, while the base assembly 2 ensures effective circuit conduction. Both components have reliable insulation structures to prevent safety hazards caused by leakage under high loading voltage. The two components are connected by a shaft hole fit. To accommodate non-lethal ammunition, the base assembly 2 fits into the cartridge case 4 to install the combustion chamber assembly 1, and the pressure ring 3 fixes the base assembly 2 inside the cartridge case 4. The combustion chamber assembly 1 consists of an anode chamber 5, a cathode electrode 6, an insulating plug 7, a pressure control plug 8, an insulating sleeve 9, and a fixing ring 10. The base assembly 2 consists of an insulating base 11, an inner conductive ring 12, an outer conductive ring 13, and a conductive connecting joint 14.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the combustion chamber assembly 1 with a dual-chamber structure includes an insulating sleeve 9, within which is an anode chamber 5. The anode chamber 5 has a cylindrical structure, and two symmetrically distributed axially extending chambers, chamber A15 and chamber B16, are formed inside the anode chamber 5. The two chambers share a single anode, meaning the anode chamber 5 itself serves as the anode electrode. A cathode electrode 6 is disposed within each chamber, with one end of the cathode electrode 6 passing through an insulating plug 7. After assembly, the two parts are firmly connected using adhesive bonding or hot pressing. The cathode electrode 6 and the insulating plug 7 are inserted into the chamber through the insulating sleeve 9. The cathode electrode 6 is positioned at the center of the chamber, and the junction between the anode chamber 5 and the cathode electrode 6 is filled with an insulating material plug. To ensure reliable insulation between the two electrodes, this design employs a coaxial electrode structure, meaning the two cathode electrodes are located on the same pitch circle, and the axis of this pitch circle is the same as the axis of the anode chamber, constituting a coaxial design. The area enclosed by the cathode electrode 6 and the anode chamber 5 is the loading area for the electrically controlled propellant. To distinguish the two chambers, markings can be made on the surface of the anode chamber. The anode chamber 5 is placed within the insulating sleeve 7. After the anode chamber 5 and the insulating sleeve 7 are assembled, the retaining ring 10 is placed at the cylindrical section of the anode chamber 5 and fixed using adhesive or heat pressing. The anode chamber 5 is secured by the insulating plug 7, the insulating sleeve 9, and the retaining ring 10, preventing movement and ensuring effective insulation between the anode chamber 5 and the cathode electrode 6, the cartridge case 4, and the launching device. After loading, the tops of the two anode chambers are threaded onto the pressure control plugs 8, which are screwed in to achieve precise pressure control. The cathode and anode chamber materials should have sufficient mechanical strength while ensuring conductivity. The cathode surface should be insulated with an insulating coating. The upper 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of the cathode area should be left untreated to ensure stable combustion of the propellant when energized, and to ensure combustion at the propellant loading end face.

[0027] like Figure 7As shown, the pressure-controlling plug 8 is equipped with a pressure-controlling part 17. Under a certain pressure, the pressure-controlling part 17 can rupture unidirectionally, releasing combustion product gases to propel the projectile. It can also isolate the propellant chamber, preventing high-temperature flames or combustion products from affecting the unignited propellant chamber and preventing accidental crossfire. The pressure-controlling part 17 has an annular groove 18 on the side near the propellant chamber. The depth of the annular groove 18 can be used to precisely control the magnitude of the projectile's impact kinetic energy. For example, if the material of the pressure-controlling plug 8 is k and the depth of the annular groove 18 is h, then the pressure threshold that the pressure-controlling part 17 can withstand is x. When the pressure generated by combustion in the propellant chamber exceeds the pressure threshold x, the pressure-controlling part 17 of the pressure-controlling plug ruptures unidirectionally, releasing combustion product gases to propel the projectile and give it the corresponding impact kinetic energy. By controlling the depth of the annular groove 18, the magnitude of the projectile's impact kinetic energy can be precisely adjusted. A ignition channel is provided inside the pressure-controlled plug. The ignition channel is cylindrical and coaxial with the annular groove, with a diameter larger than that of the annular groove. When the pressure-controlled part ruptures, it connects the propellant chamber and the projectile head (not shown in the figure), allowing the gases generated by combustion in the propellant chamber to break through the pressure-controlled part and reach the projectile head through the ignition channel, propelling the projectile. Figure 7 As shown, a ignition channel can be provided on each side of the pressure control section, namely ignition channel a and ignition channel b; ignition channel a, ignition channel b and the annular groove are coaxial. The diameters of the two ignition channels are different. The diameter of ignition channel a, which is closer to the medicine chamber, is larger than the diameter of ignition channel b, which is farther from the medicine chamber, and the diameter of ignition channel b is larger than the diameter of the annular groove.

[0028] Furthermore, due to space constraints, the outer surface of the pressure control plug 8 is threaded, allowing it to be directly fixed to the anode chamber 5. This prevents it from falling off during transportation, storage, or vibration, increasing safety. Compared to diaphragm structures, no other parts are required for auxiliary fixation.

[0029] like Figures 2-4As shown, the base assembly 2 consists of an insulating base 11, an inner conductive ring 12, an outer conductive ring 13, and a conductive connector 14. The inner conductive ring 12, the outer conductive ring 13, and the conductive connector 14 are embedded in the insulating base made of insulating material. To ensure effective circuit conduction and reliable insulation of the base assembly 2, a ring-shaped bottom electrode structure is adopted, with the inner conductive ring 12 and the outer conductive ring 13 arranged concentrically. The insulating base 11 is provided with cylindrical holes. The position and size of the cylindrical holes are adapted to the cylindrical sections at the bottom of the anode chamber and the cathode. The cylindrical hole in the center of the insulating base is inserted into the cylindrical conductive section at the bottom of the anode chamber, and the cylindrical holes around the insulating base are inserted into the cylindrical conductive section at the bottom of the cathode electrode. The cylindrical hole exposes the end face of the cylindrical section at the bottom of the electrode, enabling direct energization and reducing intermediate steps, thus increasing contact reliability. The conductive connector 14 is U-shaped, including a concave and a convex surface. The concave surface fits into the cylindrical section at the bottom of the cathode electrode, and the convex surface is embedded in the corresponding conductive ring. The conductive ring has a notch, and the convex surface of the conductive connector is embedded in the corresponding conductive ring, fitting into the notch of the conductive ring to ensure energization between the conductive ring and the cathode. The two conductive connectors are connected in parallel. In addition, the conductive connector allows for individual control of the voltage loading on one cathode electrode, while simultaneously separating the corresponding conductive rings of the two cathode electrodes to prevent voltage load breakdown. The two conductive rings can be powered individually or simultaneously by the firing pin structure of the firing device to achieve separate or simultaneous ignition, thereby satisfying the multiple adjustable and controllable levels of impact kinetic energy. The outer surface of the insulating base also has a boss 19, which mates with the cartridge case 4. The base assembly 2 can mate with the pressure ring 3 to achieve fixed installation of the device inside the cartridge case.

[0030] Finally, as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the combustion chamber assembly 1 and the base assembly 2 are placed into the cartridge case 4. The combustion chamber assembly 1 and the base assembly 2 are connected by a shaft hole fit, and the two components are interference fit. The base assembly 2 is pressed into the cartridge case 4 by a pressure ring 3. The pressure ring 3 is screwed into the cartridge case and fixed to it. Since the outer surface of the insulating base has a ring of bosses 19, the pressure ring 3 and the cartridge case 4 fix the base assembly 2 by pressure. The base assembly 2 and the cartridge case 4 cooperate to install the combustion chamber assembly 1 in place, realizing the reliable installation of the combustion chamber assembly 1 and the base assembly 2 in the cartridge case. After the pressure ring 3 is screwed into the cartridge case 4, the various structural components are tightly fixed. The projectile head (not shown in the figure) is inserted, and it can be effectively fired after being energized. The kinetic energy of the projectile can be adjusted by adjusting the voltage and duration between the electrodes to achieve different impact effects on different targets.

[0031] The working principle of this invention is as follows: In use, the combustion chamber assembly 1 and the base assembly 2 are assembled and fixed in the cartridge case 4 by the pressure ring 3. The electrically controlled propellant is filled in the area enclosed by the cathode electrode and the anode chamber. The lower end face of the two cathode electrodes and the bottom cylindrical conductive section of the anode chamber is exposed, allowing direct energization. The inner conductive ring 12 and the outer conductive ring 13 are respectively connected to the corresponding cathode electrode 6 through conductive connectors 14, ensuring energization between the conductive rings and the cathode electrodes. This ensures that no matter what angle the combustion device is rotated axially, the firing pin structure can fully contact the two conductive rings while remaining stationary. Under the action of the conductive connectors, electricity is applied to the corresponding cathode, ensuring effective conduction and reliable ignition of the device. The pressure control plug 8 with an annular groove 18 is screwed into the top of the two chambers to achieve precise pressure control and accurately adjust the magnitude of the projectile's impact kinetic energy. When the firing pin structure of the launching device supplies power to the anode chamber 5 and the conductive ring, a current is generated between the anode chamber and the cathode electrode, and the propellant begins to burn. When the energizing time ends or the input electrical energy changes, the propellant extinguishes or the burning rate changes, resulting in different pressures, which in turn adjusts the projectile's impact kinetic energy. Because the cathode surface is coated with an insulating layer, only the upper part of the electrode is left untreated. The electrically controlled propellant in the combustion chamber assembly 1 burns at the end face of the propellant under the action of the current, while other locations cannot be charged with current due to the presence of the insulating coating and therefore cannot burn. As combustion progresses, the insulating coating is gradually ignited, and the cathode and anode chambers gradually become conductive, thus ensuring the controllable combustion of the electrically controlled propellant. To ensure adjustability, the inner conductive ring 12 and the outer conductive ring 13 are supplied individually or simultaneously through the firing pin structure of the launching device, allowing the two chambers to ignite separately or simultaneously, thereby satisfying the need for multiple adjustable and controllable levels of impact kinetic energy.

[0032] The drug chamber is not limited to the dual drug chamber shown in this embodiment; it can be a triple drug chamber, a quadruple drug chamber, etc. The base assembly is correspondingly configured with 3 conductive rings and 3 conductive connecting sections, 4 conductive rings and 4 conductive connecting sections, etc.

[0033] The ignition of electronically controlled propellants requires the formation of a circuit when external electrical energy is applied. Therefore, for dual-chamber and multi-chamber combustion chamber structures, this solution adopts a common anode structure, that is, two or more propellant chambers share one anode, that is, the anode chamber body is the anode, which saves materials, facilitates processing, and increases the contact area between the electronically controlled propellant and the anode and cathode.

[0034] Based on the adjustable burning rate of electronically controlled propellants, a dual-chamber structure for the controllable combustion chamber of electronically controlled propellants was designed for use in non-lethal ammunition design. This allows for precise adjustment of strike effectiveness. To ensure adjustability, in addition to using electronically controlled propellants, a dual-chamber structure is employed to achieve reliable, precise, and controllable ignition and combustion of the propellant. The ignition chamber is selectable, enabling multiple adjustable and controllable levels of strike kinetic energy. A pressure-controlled plug replaces the diaphragm, achieving effective sealing within a limited operating space. An annular groove is provided on the lower surface of the pressure-controlled part of the pressure-controlled plug; by controlling the depth of the annular groove, the magnitude of the projectile's strike kinetic energy can be precisely adjusted. The structure is simple, easy to manufacture, reliably insulated, highly safe, and possesses reliable ignition capability. This structure can also be used in riot control weapon ammunition.

[0035] This invention provides a common electrode dual-chamber combustion and pressure control structure, which can be widely used in precise thrust control.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the overall concept of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A controllable combustion device suitable for electronically controlled propellants, characterized in that, The device includes a combustion chamber assembly (1) and a base assembly (2), the combustion chamber assembly (1) including an insulating sleeve (9) and an anode chamber inside the insulating sleeve (9); The anode chamber (5) has at least two axially extending chambers inside, and a cathode electrode (6) is provided in one chamber. An insulating plug (7) is fixed to the outside of one end of the cathode electrode (6). The cathode electrode (6) and the insulating plug (7) pass through the insulating sleeve (9) and are inserted into the chamber. The top of each of the drug chambers is connected to a pressure control plug (8), and the bottom cylindrical section of the anode drug chamber (5) is fitted with a fixing ring (10), and the two are fixedly connected. The area enclosed by the cathode electrode (6) and the anode chamber (5) is the loading area for the electrically controlled propellant; The base assembly (2) is provided with a conductive component. When the firing mechanism is energized, the conductive component can conduct electricity between the cathode electrode and the anode chamber to ignite the propellant. The pressure control plug (8) is provided with a pressure control part (17), and the pressure control part (17) is provided with an annular groove (18) on the side near the medicine chamber. The pressure control plug (8) is provided with a ignition channel (20), which is coaxial with the annular groove (18) and the diameter of the ignition channel (20) is larger than the diameter of the annular groove (18). The outer surface of the pressure control plug (8) is provided with threads, and the pressure control plug (8) is threadedly connected to the top of the medicine chamber. The base assembly (2) includes an insulating base (11), on which an inner conductive ring (12), an outer conductive ring (13), and a conductive connector (14) are respectively embedded. The inner conductive ring (12) and the outer conductive ring (13) are arranged concentrically. The insulating base (11) is provided with a cylindrical hole, which allows the end face of the cylindrical section at the bottom of the electrode to be exposed. The inner conductive ring (12) and the outer conductive ring (13) are each connected to their respective cathode electrodes (6) through a conductive connector (14) to realize the conduction of the conductive ring and the cathode electrode. The two conductive connectors are connected in parallel. The conductive connector (14) is U-shaped and has a concave surface and a convex surface. The concave surface fits into the cylindrical section at the bottom of the cathode electrode, and the convex surface is embedded in the conductive ring.

2. The controllable combustion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the cathode electrode in the filling area is provided with an insulating coating, and the upper 1 / 8 to 1 / 6 of the cathode electrode area is left untreated.

3. The controllable combustion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The combustion chamber assembly (1) and the base assembly (2) are interference fit.

4. The controllable combustion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a pressure ring (3), which fixes the base assembly (2) in the cartridge case (4). The outer surface of the insulating base is also provided with a boss (19), which cooperates with the cartridge case.

5. The controllable combustion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed connection is achieved by adhesive bonding or hot pressing.

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