Safety device for an igniter, use of the safety device and method of activating an igniter with this safety device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023713844
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-23
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing detonator safety units for military ammunition face issues with reliability due to 'single point of failure' in mechanical locking mechanisms and are complex, costly, and time-consuming to assemble, especially for small and medium caliber ammunition.
A safety unit with a deformable axial lock and a separate rotation lock, each capable of independent operation, utilizing a deformable S-shaped metal strip and a delay unit to ensure reliable and secure detonator activation, reducing the risk of premature ignition and simplifying production and assembly.
The solution provides increased reliability and cost-effectiveness in detonator safety, allowing for quick assembly and reduced risk of malfunction, meeting NATO standards for independent safety systems while ensuring secure detonator activation.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Safety unit for a detonator, use of the safety unit and method for activating a detonator with this safety unit
[0002] The invention relates to a safety unit for a detonator having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of this safety unit and a method for activating a detonator with this safety unit.
[0003] Fuzes are used to initiate the active charge of various explosive devices such as explosives, bombs, rockets, mines, grenades, or ammunition. In the specific case of military ammunition, there are a variety of different fuze types used in different applications. One type of fuze is proximity fuzes, which ignite the explosive charge when it approaches the target and are known, for example, from EPO 129 679 and US Pat. No. 3,839,963.
[0004] To prevent premature detonation of the active charge, military fuzes use safety units that prevent the fuze from being activated until a defined time after the ammunition has been fired. Known safety units typically comprise a two-stage safety mechanism, in which, in a first stage, a mechanical element is released by axial forces, and, in a second stage, another element is released by rotation-induced centrifugal forces.
[0005] US 3,595,169 discloses a safety unit for fuzes in which a single crescent-shaped ring element holds a spherical element with a detonator charge in a deactivated position with an ignition element. The ring element is first flattened by the acceleration-induced axial forces during the ammunition launch and then expanded by the rotation-induced centrifugal forces, releasing the spherical element. The spherical element then moves into the activated position and allows the detonator charge to be detonated. A disadvantage of this approach is the combination of the axial and centrifugally released safety mechanisms in a single element. In the event of a defective or damaged ring element, both safety mechanisms can fail simultaneously. This is also referred to as a "single point of failure." For this reason, this approach is no longer permitted in modern fuzes.The NATO standardization agreement STANAG 4187 sets out the following specifications for fuse units for detonators:
[0006] • The safety unit must have at least two independently operating and functionally isolated safety systems.
[0007] • Each of these safety systems must be able to prevent premature arming of the detonator.
[0008] • At least one of these independent safety systems must prevent arming after initiation (firing of a shot) until a defined forward barrel safety is reached.
[0009] • The securing unit should usually consist of an axial securing device and a radial securing device.
[0010] US 4,242,963 discloses a fuse assembly for fuzes that uses a spring element for axial locking and a wound band for centrifugal locking. The disclosed fuse assembly appears to meet the requirements of STANAG 4187. A disadvantage of this approach, however, is the complexity of the design and components, which results in a corresponding space requirement. Especially for small and medium-caliber ammunition, this limits the space for other fuze components. Furthermore, the assembly process is time-consuming and therefore costly.
[0011] The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the safety unit for a detonator, a use of the safety unit and a method for activating a detonator with this safety unit, and in particular of providing a safety unit for a detonator which has increased reliability, is inexpensive to manufacture and can be quickly assembled.
[0012] This problem underlying the invention is now initially solved by a safety unit for a detonator having the features of patent claim 1.
[0013] The basic principle of the invention is essentially that the axial locking device is movable from an axial locking holding position into an axial locking release position, wherein the axial locking device is in a secured state when the axial locking device is arranged in the axial locking holding position. The axial locking device engages in a first holding region of the rotating element when the axial locking device is in the secured state, so that the rotating element is held in the specific, first rotating element position by means of the axial locking device. The axial locking device is in a released state when the axial locking device is arranged in the axial locking release position. The axial locking device has a deformable region, wherein the deformable region is plastically deformable by the axial force.After and / or during the deformation of the deformable area, a movement of the axial locking device from the axial locking holding position to the axial locking release position is possible.
[0014] Using an axial safety device designed in this way, a high degree of functional reliability can be achieved. During transport of the safety unit, for example, in ammunition, the axial safety device remains securely in the axial safety holding position despite the forces acting on it during transport. The probability that the axial safety device will not release when the ammunition is fired remains very low. The axial safety device itself and the entire safety unit are inexpensive to manufacture and quick to assemble.
[0015] In a further embodiment of the securing unit, the rotation element is substantially spherical.
[0016] The deflected rotating element with the detonator positioned results in unequal positions of the rotating element's center of mass relative to the fuse unit's axis. This uneven distribution results in moments of inertia that allow the rotating element to move automatically from the first to the second rotating element position solely due to the forces acting on the rotating element during the ammunition's flight. Essentially spherical in this context means that deviations from the spherical shape are possible, as long as the possibility of the rotating element moving automatically from the first to the second rotating element position is maintained.
[0017] The deformable region preferably comprises an S-shaped metal band.
[0018] Such a deformable area is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the forces required to deform such an S-shaped metal strip can be easily and precisely calculated, thus simplifying the design of the axial locking device and minimizing the risk of axial locking device malfunction.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the securing unit, the rotation element, the axial securing device, and the rotation securing device are essentially arranged in a closure body. The closure body has a groove, with the axial securing device being arranged in the groove. The groove has a groove-holding region and a groove base. The groove-holding region and the groove base are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another. A holding edge is formed between the groove base and the groove-holding region. The axial securing device has a base body, with the metal strip being connected to the base body or formed on the base body. The base body is guided in the groove.In the axial locking position, the metal strip rests at least partially on the groove holding area. The axial force and the inertia of the axial locking device allow the metal strip to bend, allowing the base body to move in the groove against the axial force, and the metal strip to slide along the holding edge. The base body contacts the groove base in the axial locking release position.
[0020] This further simplifies the production of the axial locking device. Furthermore, the robustness of the axial locking device during use is increased. The axial locking device can be designed as a single piece. It would also be conceivable to connect the metal strip to the base body using a soldering process, for example. Such a closure body is also easy to manufacture, particularly with fewer machining steps and / or a simple casting process.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the securing unit, the axial securing device is connected, in particular fastened, to a closure body in the region of the metal strip, in particular in the region of a groove in the closure body. As an alternative to the separate design of the axial securing device and closure body, it is thus conceivable for the metal strip to be fixed to the closure body, in particular in the region of the groove. In this case, the metal strip does not slide over the retaining edge when the axial securing device moves from the axial securing holding position to the axial securing release position; instead, only the plastic deformation of the metal strip occurs. The metal strip could be fixed to the closure body, for example, by soldering or welding.
[0022] In a further embodiment of the securing unit, the axial locking device has a nose. The groove further has a release area. The nose of the axial locking device engages in the first holding area of the rotating element in the axial locking holding position. The nose of the axial locking device is arranged in the release area of the groove in the axial locking release position.
[0023] This lug allows the rotating element to be securely held in the first holding position, e.g., during transport of the fuse unit, so that no unwanted ignition of the detonator charge by the ignition element can occur during transport. The first holding area and the lug are adapted to each other, with the first holding area, as a recess in the rotating element, having a shape at least very similar to, if not identical to, the lug.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the securing unit, the rotation lock comprises a blocking element. The blocking element is movable from a blocking element holding position to a blocking element release position, wherein the rotation lock is in a secured state when the blocking element is arranged in the blocking element holding position. The blocking element engages in a second holding region of the rotation element when the rotation lock is in the secured state, so that the rotation element is held in the specific, first rotation element position by means of the rotation lock. The rotation lock is in a released state when the blocking element is arranged in the blocking element release position.
[0025] The required provision of two independently functioning and functionally isolated safety systems is achieved in particular by the formation of the second holding area, which is separate from, and in particular spaced apart from, the first holding area in the rotating element. For example, the first holding area and the second holding area are arranged and / or formed on two opposite sides of the rotating element.
[0026] The anti-rotation device advantageously has a delay unit. The delay unit can be used to delay the movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position.
[0027] This ensures that the detonator charge is not ignited too early by the firing element, for example, in a gun barrel or too close to a weapon. The delay unit, in particular, can thus achieve what is known as pre-barrel safety.
[0028] In a further embodiment of the safety unit, the delay unit comprises a band element. The blocking element is designed as a pin, wherein movement of the pin can be blocked by means of the band element in a wound state. The band element can be unwound by centrifugal force. When the band element is unwound, movement of the pin is enabled, whereby the pin can then be moved out of the rotating element by centrifugal force, thus releasing the rotation lock. The band element in combination with the pin enables a very robust and less error-prone design of the delay unit and the blocking element.
[0029] In a further embodiment of the safety unit, the delay unit comprises a rack and at least one gear. The rack is coupled to the blocking element. The rack and the at least one gear mesh with each other. By means of the rack and the at least one gear, a force opposing the centrifugal force can be applied to the blocking element, so that a movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position can be continuously delayed.
[0030] By means of the rack and the at least one gear wheel, a particularly precise control of the movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position is possible.
[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of the safety unit, the delay unit has a first chamber and a second chamber. A fluid can be moved from the first chamber into the second chamber by centrifugal force. The blocking element can be moved from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position when the fluid is in the second chamber and / or the movement of the fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber and the movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position occur simultaneously.
[0032] The first chamber, the second chamber, and the fluid also enable precise control of the movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position. Both chambers are mechanically simple to design and manufacture.
[0033] In a further embodiment of the safety unit, the blocking element can be locked by means of the delay unit. The movement of the blocking element from the blocking element holding position to the blocking element release position, namely out of the rotation element, is enabled by centrifugal force by means of the delay unit after a programmed time delay and / or after a delay based on parameters such as flight speed, spin speed, and / or pressure difference.
[0034] This allows the moment of release of the anti-rotation device to be controlled with particular precision. The anti-rotation device and / or the axial locking device advantageously comprise a metallic and / or polymeric material.
[0035] Such materials have the properties necessary for the rotational locking and / or axial locking function and are also readily available and economically viable to procure.
[0036] The object underlying the invention is also achieved by using the safety unit described above in a bottom fuse, a head fuse and / or in an ammunition of caliber 12.7 mm or larger.
[0037] The safety unit allows for increased reliability and continued cost-effective production of base detonators, head detonators, and / or ammunition of 12.7 mm caliber or larger. The base detonators, head detonators, and / or ammunition of 12.7 mm caliber or larger can still be assembled quickly.
[0038] Furthermore, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a method for activating a fuze of an ammunition with a safety unit as described above, the method comprising the following sequential steps: a) igniting a propellant charge of the ammunition, b) releasing the axial safety device by at least partially plastically deforming the axial safety device, c) generating spin in the projectile of the ammunition up to a maximum rotational speed, d) releasing the rotation safety device, and e) moving the rotation element from the first rotation element position to the second rotation element position.
[0039] The detonator charge can then be ignited by means of the ignition element, whereby a detonation of the detonator charge causes an active charge of the ammunition to explode.
[0040] There are now a multitude of possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the fuse unit according to the invention for a detonator, the use of the fuse unit according to the invention, and the method according to the invention for activating a detonator with this fuse unit. Reference may initially be made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the fuse unit according to the invention for a detonator, a preferred embodiment of the use of the fuse unit according to the invention, and a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for activating a detonator with this fuse unit are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the associated description. The drawing shows:
[0041] Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the safety unit for a detonator in a three-dimensional sectional view,
[0042] Fig.2 in a schematic exploded view the embodiment of the safety unit for a detonator according to Fig. 1,
[0043] Fig.3a shows a schematic representation of an axial securing device of the fuse unit for a detonator in a side view, and
[0044] Fig.3b shows a schematic representation of the axial securing device of the securing unit for a detonator in a three-dimensional view.
[0045] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a fuse unit 1 for a detonator 2 comprising an ignition element 3, a rotating element 4 comprising a detonator charge 5, an axial fuse 6, and a rotational fuse 7. Fig. 1 shows the fuse unit 1 in a three-dimensional sectional view, wherein a 90°, partially cylindrical region of the essentially cylindrical fuse unit 1 is omitted or cut out in the illustration. In Fig. 2, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 are used for identical components.
[0046] The rotating element 4 is also referred to by those skilled in the art as a firing chain lock. The rotating element 4 is held in a specific, first rotating element position 4.1 by means of the axial locking device 6. The rotating element 4 is also held in the specific, first rotating element position 4.1 by means of the rotation locking device 7. The detonator charge 5 is protected from ignition by the firing element 3 in the specific, first rotating element position 4.1 by a wall 8 of the rotating element 4. The axial locking device 6 is designed to be released by an axial force, in particular by the axial acceleration force occurring when ammunition having the safety unit 1 is fired. The rotation locking device 7 is designed to be released by a centrifugal force, in particular the centrifugal force occurring with spin-stabilized projectiles.The axial locking device 6 and the rotation locking device 7 are designed to enable the movement of the rotating element 4 into a specific, second rotating element position 4.2 when both locking devices 6 and 7 are released simultaneously. The detonator charge 5 can be ignited in the specific, second rotating element position 4.2 by means of the ignition element 3. The ignition element 3 is part of the detonator 2; further components of the detonator 2 are not shown here for the sake of clarity.
[0047] The ignition element 3 has, for example, a piercing needle and / or is designed as a piercing needle, wherein the detonator charge 5 can be initiated by means of a tip of the piercing needle. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the ignition element 3 to be designed as an electronic ignition element. The detonator charge 5 is, for example, cylindrical. The detonator charge 5 further forms a surface of the rotating element 4 on at least one side of the rotating element 4. Fig. 1 shows the rotating element 4 in the first rotating element position 4.1 with solid lines. The second rotating element position 4.2 is symbolized in Fig. 1 by a dashed representation of the part of the detonator charge 5 forming the surface of the rotating element 4. The detonator charge 5 can then be ignited, for example, by a movement of the ignition element 3 towards the detonator charge 5 and a force that can be generated in this way between the ignition element 3 and the detonator charge 5.If the fuse unit 1 is substantially cylindrical, the movement of the ignition element 3 could take place in a direction of an axis of the substantially cylindrical fuse unit 1.
[0048] The axial locking device 6 is movable from an axial locking holding position 6.1 into an axial locking release position 6.2, wherein the axial locking device 6 is in a secured state when the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the axial locking holding position 6.1. The axial locking device 6 engages in a first holding region 4.3 of the rotating element 4 when the axial locking device 6 is in the secured state, so that the rotating element 4 is held in the specific, first rotating element position 4.1 by means of the axial locking device 6. The axial locking device 6 is in a released state when the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the axial locking release position 6.2. The axial locking device 6 has a deformable region 6.3, wherein the deformable region 6.3 is plastically deformable by the axial force. After and / or during deformation of the deformable area 6.3 enables the axial locking device 6 to move from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2.
[0049] The rotating element 4 is essentially spherical. Two opposing sides of the essentially spherical rotating element 4 could be flattened, with the resulting surfaces then being aligned, for example, parallel to an axis of the then cylindrical detonator charge 5. The use of a rotating element 4 with a different shape, such as a cylinder, would also be conceivable.
[0050] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b each show a schematic representation of the axial securing device 6 of the securing unit 1 for the detonator 2, in Fig. 3a in a side view, and in Fig. 3b in a three-dimensional view. The deformable region 6.3 comprises an S-shaped metal band 6.4.
[0051] The rotation element 4, the axial lock 6 and the rotation lock 7 are essentially arranged in a closing body 9. It is also conceivable that the rotation element 4, the axial lock 6 and / or the rotation lock 7 is / are arranged at least partially, possibly temporarily, outside the closing body 9. The closing body 9 has a groove 9.1, with the axial lock 6 being arranged in the groove 9.1. The groove 9.1 has a groove holding area 9.2 and a groove base 9.3. The groove holding area 9.2 and the groove base 9.3 are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another. A holding edge 9.4 is formed between the groove base 9.3 and the groove holding area 9.2. The axial lock 6 has a base body 6.5, with the metal strip 6.4 being connected to the base body 6.5 or formed on the base body 6.5. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3b show a one-piece design of the axial locking device 6. It would also be conceivable that the deformable area 6.3, in particular the S-shaped metal band 6.4, is connected to the rest of the axial safety device 6 by means of, for example, a soldered connection. The base body 6.5 is guided in the groove 9.1. In the axial safety device holding position 6.1, the metal band 6.4 rests at least partially on the groove holding area 9.2, wherein the axial force, in particular the axial acceleration force occurring when ammunition having the safety unit 1 is fired, and a mass inertia of the axial safety device 6, make the metal band 6.4 bendable, so that the base body 6.5 moves against the axial force in the groove 9.1 and the metal band 6.4 slides along the holding edge 9.4. The metal strip 6.4 contacts the groove base 9.3 from the time after the metal strip 6.4 has slid with one end over the holding edge 9.4 during the movement of the axial locking device 6 from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2.
[0052] As an alternative to the separate design of the axial locking device 6 and the closure body 9, it is conceivable that the metal strip 6.4 is fixed to the closure body 9, particularly in the area of the groove 9.1. In this case, the metal strip 6.4 does not slide over the retaining edge 9.4 when the axial locking device 6 moves from the axial locking holding position 6.1 to the axial locking release position 6.2, but only the plastic deformation of the metal strip 6.4 occurs.
[0053] The axial locking device 6 has a nose 6.6. The groove 9.1 also has a release area 9.5. The nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 engages in the first holding area 4.3 of the rotating element 4 in the axial locking holding position 6.1. The nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the release area 9.5 of the groove 9.1 in the axial locking release position 6.2.
[0054] When the nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 is arranged in the release area 9.5 of the groove 9.1, the nose 6.6 does not engage the first holding area 4.3 of the rotating element 4. Fig. 1 shows the axial locking device 6 in the axial locking holding position 6.1 with solid lines. Fig. 1 also shows the nose 6.6 of the axial locking device 6 in the axial locking release position 6.2 with dashed lines.
[0055] The anti-rotation device 7 has a blocking element 7.1. The blocking element 7.1 is movable from a blocking element holding position 7.2 into a blocking element release position 7.3, wherein the anti-rotation device 7 is in a secured state when the blocking element 7.1 is arranged in the blocking element holding position 7.2. The blocking element 7.1 engages in a second holding area 4.4 of the rotating element 4 when the anti-rotation device 7 is in the secured state, so that the rotating element 4 is held in the specific, first rotating element position 4.1 by means of the anti-rotation device 7. The anti-rotation device 7 is in a released state when the blocking element 7.1 is arranged in the blocking element release position 7.3.
[0056] Fig. 1 shows the blocking element 7.1 in the blocking element holding position 7.2 with solid lines. Fig. 1 also shows the blocking element 7.1 in the blocking element release position 7.3 with dashed lines.
[0057] The anti-rotation device 7 has a delay unit 7.4. The delay unit 7.4 can be used to delay the movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3.
[0058] The deceleration unit 7.4 has a band element 7.5. The blocking element 7.1 is designed as a pin 7.6, whereby the movement of the pin 7.6 can be blocked by means of the band element 7.5 in a wound state. The band element 7.5 can be unwound by centrifugal force. In an unwound state of the band element 7.5, a movement of the pin 7.6 is enabled, whereby the pin 7.6 can then be moved out of the rotating element 4 by centrifugal force, thus releasing the rotation lock 7.
[0059] The pin 7.6, for example, is cylindrical. The band element 7.5 has a ring 7.5.1, a spring band 7.5.2, and a safety band 7.5.3. Due to a rotational movement of the safety unit 1, in particular due to the rotational movement of a projectile having the safety unit 1, the safety band 7.5.3 releases and the spring band 7.5.2 connected to the ring 7.5.1 unwinds. As soon as the ring 7.5.1 has deformed sufficiently, the blocking element 7.1, in particular the pin 7.6, is guided into the blocking element release position 7.2, since the blocking element 7.1, in particular the pin 7.6, is then no longer held in the blocking element holding position 7.3 by the ring 7.5.1 against the centrifugal force.
[0060] The deceleration unit 7.4 could also comprise a rack and at least one gear. Such a rack is then coupled to the blocking element 7.1. The rack and the at least one gear mesh with each other. By means of the rack and the at least one gear, a force opposing the centrifugal force can then be applied to the blocking element 7.1, so that a movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 can be continuously delayed.
[0061] The delay unit 7.4 could further comprise a first chamber and a second chamber. A fluid can then be moved from the first chamber into the second chamber by centrifugal force. The blocking element 7.1 can be moved from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 when the fluid is in the second chamber, and / or the movement of the fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber and the movement of the blocking element 7.1 from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3 occur simultaneously.
[0062] The blocking element 7.1 can also be locked, for example, by means of the delay unit 7.4. The movement of the blocking element 7.1 is enabled by centrifugal force from the blocking element holding position 7.2 to the blocking element release position 7.3, namely from the rotating element 4, by means of the delay unit 7.4, after a programmed time delay and / or after a delay based on parameters such as flight speed, spin speed, and / or pressure difference. The rotation lock 7 and 1 or the axial lock 6 advantageously comprises a metallic and / or polymeric material.
[0063] The described safety unit 1 is used, for example, in a bottom fuse, a head fuse and / or in an ammunition of caliber 12.7 mm or larger.
[0064] A method for activating the fuze 2 of an ammunition with a safety unit 1 described above comprises the following sequential steps: a) igniting a propellant charge of the ammunition, b) releasing the axial safety device 6 by at least partially plastically deforming the axial safety device 6, c) generating spin in the projectile of the ammunition up to a maximum rotation speed, d) releasing the rotation safety device 7, and e) moving the rotation element 4 from the first rotation element position 4.1 to the second rotation element position 4.2.
[0065] The ammunition is fired, for example, from a weapon barrel. The rotation safety device 7 is preferably released only when the projectile has already left the weapon barrel and is at a distance from the weapon barrel at which the weapon barrel itself and / or the associated weapon can no longer be damaged by the detonation of the projectile's active charge.
[0066] List of reference symbols Fuse unit Igniter Ignition element Rotating element
[0067] 4.1 first rotation element position
[0068] 4.2 second rotation element position
[0069] 4.3 first stopping area
[0070] 4.4 second holding area detonator charge axial securing
[0071] 6.1 Axial locking holding position
[0072] 6.2 Axial locking release position
[0073] 6.3 deformable area
[0074] 6.4 S-shaped metal band
[0075] 6.5 Basic body
[0076] 6.6 Nose anti-rotation device
[0077] 7.1 Blocking element
[0078] 7.2 Blocking element holding position
[0079] 7.3 Blocking element release position
[0080] 7.4 Delay unit
[0081] 7.5 Band element
[0082] 7.5.1 Ring
[0083] 7.5.2 Spring band
[0084] 7.5.3 Backup tape
[0085] 7.6 Pin wall end body
[0086] 9.1 Groove
[0087] 9.2 Groove holding area
[0088] 9.3 Groove base
[0089] 9.4 Holding edge
[0090] 9.5 Release area
Claims
Patent claims 1. Safety unit (1) for a detonator (2) comprising an ignition element (3), a rotating element (4) comprising a detonator charge (5), an axial safety device (6) and a rotating safety device (7), wherein the rotating element (4) is held in a specific, first rotating element position (4.1) by means of the axial safety device (6), wherein the rotating element (4) is also held in the specific, first rotating element position by means of the rotating safety device (7). (4.1) is durable, wherein the detonator charge (5) in the specified first rotating element position (4.1) is protected from ignition by the ignition element (3) by a wall (8) of the rotating element (4), wherein the axial safety device (6) is designed to be released by an axial force, in particular by the axial acceleration force occurring when a munition having the safety unit (1) is fired, wherein the rotating safety device (7) is designed to be released by a centrifugal force, in particular the centrifugal force occurring with spin-stabilized projectiles, wherein the axial safety device (6) and the rotating safety device (7) are designed to allow the movement of the rotating element (4) into a specified second rotating element position (4.2) when both safety devices (6, 7) are released simultaneously, wherein the detonator charge (5) in the specified second rotating element position (4.2) can be ignited by means of the ignition element (3), characterized in that the axial safety device (6) is movable from an axial safety device holding position (6.1) to an axial safety device release position (6.2), wherein the axial safety device (6) is in a secured state when the axial safety device (6) is arranged in the axial safety device holding position (6.1), wherein the axial safety device (6) engages in a first holding area (4.3) of the rotating element (4) when the axial safety device (6) is in the secured state, so that the rotating element (4) is held by means of the axial safety device (6) in the specified, first rotating element position (4.1), wherein the axial safety device (6) is in a released state when the axial safety device (6) is in the axial safety device release position (6.2) is arranged, wherein the axial locking device (6) has a deformable area (6.3), wherein the deformable area (6.3) is plastically deformable by the axial force, wherein after and / or during the deformation of the deformable area (6.3) a movement of the axial locking device (6) from the axial locking holding position (6.1) to the axial locking release position (6.2) is enabled.
2. Safety unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotating element (4) is essentially spherical.
3. Safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformable area (6.3) comprises an s-shaped metal band (6.4).
4. Locking unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotating element (4), the axial locking device (6) and the rotational locking device (7) are substantially arranged in a cover body (9), wherein the cover body (9) has a groove (9.1), wherein the axial locking device (6) is arranged in the groove (9.1), wherein the groove (9.1) has a groove-holding area (9.2) and a groove base (9.3), wherein the groove-holding area (9.2) and the groove base (9.3) are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein a retaining edge (9.4) is formed between the groove base (9.3) and the groove-holding area (9.2), wherein the axial locking device (6) has a base body (6.5), wherein the metal strip (6.4) is connected to or formed on the base body (6), wherein the base body (6) is in the groove (9.1) ) is guided, wherein the metal band (6.4) in the axial securing holding position (6.1) is at least partially on the groove holding area (9.2) rests on, wherein the metal strip (6.4) is bendable due to the axial force and inertia of the axial locking device (6), so that the base body (6.5) moves in the groove (9.1) against the axial force and the metal strip (6.4) slides along the retaining edge (9.5), wherein the base body (6.5) contacts the groove bottom (9.3) in the axial locking release position (6.2).
5. Safety unit (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the axial safety device (6) is connected in the area of the metal band (6.4) to a closing body (9), in particular in the area of a groove (9.1 ) of the closing body (9).
6. Locking unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axial locking device (6) has a lug (6.6), wherein the groove (9.1) has a release area (9.5), wherein the lug (6.6) of the axial locking device (6) engages in the first holding area (4.3) of the rotating element (4) in the axial locking holding position (6.1), wherein the lug (6.6) of the axial locking device (6) is arranged in the release area (9.5) of the groove (9.1) in the axial locking release position (6.2).
7. Safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation safety device (7) has a locking element (7.1), wherein the locking element (7.1) is movable from a locking element holding position (7.2) to a locking element release position (7.3), wherein the rotation safety device (7) is in a secured state when the locking element (7.1) is in the locking element holding position (7.2). is arranged, wherein the locking element (7.1 ) engages in a second holding area (4.4) of the rotation element (4) when the rotation lock (7) is in the secured state, so that the rotation element (4) is held in the specified first rotation element position (4.1 ) by means of the rotation lock (7), wherein the rotation lock (7) is in a released state when the locking element (7.1 ) is arranged in the locking element release position (7.3).
8. Safety unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotation safety device (7) has a delay unit (7.4), wherein the movement of the locking element (7.1) from the locking element holding position (7.2) to the locking element release position (7.3) can be delayed by means of the delay unit (7.4).
9. Safety unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a band element (7.5), wherein the blocking element (7.1 ) is designed as a pin (7.6), wherein a movement of the pin (7.6) can be blocked by means of the band element (7.5) which is in a wound-up state, wherein the band element (7.5) can be unwound by centrifugal force, wherein in an unwound state of the band element (7.5) a movement of the pin (7.6) is enabled, wherein the pin (7.6) can then be moved out of the rotating element (4) by centrifugal force, and thus the rotation lock (7) can be released.
10. Locking unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a rack and at least one gear, wherein the rack is coupled to the locking element (7.1), wherein the rack and the at least one gear are in engagement with each other, wherein a force opposing the centrifugal force can be applied to the locking element (7.1) by means of the rack and the at least one gear, so that a movement of the locking element (7.1) from the locking element holding position (7.2) to the locking element release position (7.3) can be continuously delayed in time.
11. Safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the delay unit (7.4) has a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein a fluid is movable from the first chamber to the second chamber by centrifugal force, wherein the locking element (7.1) is moved from the locking element holding position (7.2) is movable into the locking element release position (7.3) when the fluid is in the second chamber and / or wherein the movement of the fluid from the first chamber into the second chamber and the movement of the locking element (7.1 ) from the locking element holding position (7.2) to the locking element release position (7.3) takes place simultaneously.
12. Safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the locking element (7.1) can be locked by means of the delay unit (7.4), wherein the movement of the locking element (7.1) by centrifugal force from the locking element holding position (7.2) to the locking element release position (7.3), namely out of the rotation element (4), is enabled by means of the delay unit (7.4) after a programmed time delay and / or after a delay based on parameters such as a flight speed, a spin speed and / or a pressure difference.
13. Safety unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotational safety device (7) and / or the axial safety device (6) comprises a metallic and / or polymeric material.
14. Use of the safety unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims in a base fuze, a nose fuze and / or in ammunition of caliber 12.7 mm or larger.
15. Method for activating a fuze (2) of ammunition with a safety unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the sequential steps: a) igniting a propellant charge of the ammunition, b) releasing the axial safety device (6) by at least partial plastic deformation of the axial safety device (6), c) generating spin in the projectile of the ammunition up to a maximum rotational speed, d) releasing the rotation safety device (7), and e) moving the rotation element (4) from the first rotation element position (4.1) to the second rotation element position (4.2).