Optoelectronic ignition system and method for operating such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to an ignition system (10) comprising at least one ignition device (16), in particular for igniting an explosive charge or propellant or activating a light source, and a safety device (14) assigned to the ignition device (16), wherein the ignition system (10) comprises an optical interface (22), wherein the optical interface (22) is designed to receive optical signals, wherein the safety device (14) is designed such that a safety element (18) of the safety device (14) is able to be activated and / or deactivated by way of the safety device (14) on the basis of a corresponding optical input signal and / or the ignition device (16) is able to be electronically actuated by way of the safety device (14) on the basis of a corresponding optical input signal.

Description

[0001] Title: Optoelectronic ignition system and method for

[0002] Operating such a system

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to an ignition system with at least one ignition device, in particular for igniting an explosive charge or propellant charge or activating a light source, and with a safety device associated with the ignition device.

[0005] In previously known ignition systems that use conventional electronic ignition cables, such as copper wires, voltage spikes along the ignition cables result in strong electromagnetic fields, which can disrupt the surrounding area as well as the ignition system itself. Electrostatic discharges caused by large potential differences can also be problematic.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the problems known from the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by an ignition system having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it is proposed that the ignition system comprises an optical interface, wherein the optical interface is designed to receive optical signals, wherein the security device is designed such that a security element of the security device can be activated and / or deactivated by means of the security device as a function of a corresponding optical input signal and / or the ignition device can be controlled electronically as a function of a corresponding optical input signal by means of the security device.

[0008] The ignition device is an electronically controlled ignition device.

[0009] According to the invention, signals are transmitted to the ignition system from an external unit, such as a control unit or a computer, using optical signals. Signal transmission using optical signals is comparatively fast and low-loss, even over long distances. Furthermore, this type of data transmission guarantees complete galvanic isolation between transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, optical transmission paths are immune to magnetic fields and EMC interference, and do not themselves cause interference—potential interference effects such as crosstalk are also eliminated.

[0010] It proves to be advantageous if the security device is an electronic security device, wherein in the context of the present invention an electronic security device is understood to mean that the security element is designed electronically. For example, an electronic security element is an electronic circuit, implemented in hardware and / or software, for example a locking and / or unlocking circuit which can, for example, output an enable signal. An electronic security device can advantageously be designed in such a way that re-security can take place. Re-security can, for example, take place if the corresponding optical input signal is lost. Alternatively or additionally, re-security can also be commanded, i.e. controlled by a corresponding optical signal.

[0011] Alternatively, the safety device can also be an electromechanical safety device. An electromechanical safety device is understood to be, for example, a switch, relay, or a mechanical actuator driven by an electric motor.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the ignition system comprises at least one converter device for converting an optical signal into an electronic signal and / or for converting an electronic signal into an optical signal. The converter device can be assigned to the optical interface and / or integrated into the optical interface. In this case, communication between the optical interface and the safety device takes place by means of electronic signals.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the optical interface is designed to emit optical signals. The optical signals are transmitted, for example, to an external unit, for example a control unit, for example a computer. For example, the security device can be designed to transmit various information, such as operating variables, system status, etc. to the external unit. The security device can be designed such that the transmission takes place upon request (bidirectional) or without request (unidirectional) and / or permanently, cyclically repeating, or event-triggered. It can also be provided that the optical signals are transmitted to a further ignition system. For example, several ignition systems are connected to form a type of transmission chain, in particular in the form of a daisy chain.The connection of several ignition systems can also be carried out according to a different topology, for example star, ring, tree, strand, segmented, or as a combination of the above-mentioned topologies.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the ignition system comprises an energy converter for converting optical energy into ignition energy, electrical energy. Advantageously, the ignition energy required for the electronic ignition device can thereby be provided by means of optical energy. The ignition system, in particular the safety device, can comprise a storage device for storing the ignition energy. When generating the ignition energy by converting optical energy into electrical energy, mechanically moving parts, which are otherwise used in conventional energy generation by generators, can advantageously be dispensed with.

[0015] Instead of generating the ignition energy in the ignition system by converting optical energy into electrical energy, already stored energy can be provided or released by an optical signal.

[0016] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the

[0017] Transmission of the optical signals to and / or from the optical interface, for example between the optical interface and an external unit in the form of a directed free-space transmission, i.e. not via a cable or fiber.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the optical interface is connected or connectable to at least one line. The transmission of the optical signals to and / or from the optical interface is then carried out via a line or fiber. The connection can be detachable.

[0019] Compared to conventional ignition cables (wires), fiber optic cables are lighter, more flexible, more space-saving, and pose a lower fire risk. Last but not least, fiber optic cables also have very low attenuation properties and enable higher bandwidth transmission. Depending on the fiber technology used, distances of several meters to several kilometers are possible.

[0020] According to an advantageous application of the ignition system, it can be provided that the ignition device is designed to ignite a pyrotechnic explosive charge, and the pyrotechnic explosive charge drives an actuator, for example a switch or circuit breaker. For example, the ignition system can be used in conjunction with an active protection system. It is conceivable, for example, that the actuator is a windshield wiper, a flap or protective glass, in particular of a sensor or an opening in a protection system. With such sensors or openings, it can be advantageous, for example, to keep them closed for as long as possible and to only open them quickly and precisely when necessary, for example to avoid danger or contamination. A further area of ​​application is, for example, the targeted physical destruction of data storage devices using pyrotechnic explosive devices.The pyrotechnic explosive device can also be used to provide a time delay if necessary.

[0021] According to an advantageous application of the ignition system, the ignition device can be designed to ignite a propellant charge, and the propellant charge can propel a projectile. For example, the ignition system can be used in conjunction with ammunition for neutralization or for initiating a controlled explosion.

[0022] According to an advantageous application of the ignition system, it can be provided that the ignition device is designed to activate a light source. The light source is, for example, a laser or a UV light source. Light sources are used, for example, in connection with target detection or for dazzling. Furthermore, a light source, for example in the form of a laser or UV light source, can be used as an initiator of an ignition chain or for controlling, for example in the form of a laser diode, in particular actuators. Further embodiments relate to a method for operating an ignition system according to the described embodiments. The method comprises the following steps:

[0023] Providing an optical input signal and receiving the optical input signal by means of an optical interface of the ignition system; and depending on a corresponding optical input signal, activating and / or deactivating a safety element of the safety device by means of the safety device and / or electronically controlling the ignition device by means of the safety device.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it is provided that the optical input signal is converted into an electronic input signal and the security device evaluates the electronic input signal and the activation and / or deactivation of the security element and / or the electronic control of the ignition device takes place depending on the evaluation.

[0025] According to one embodiment, received optical energy is converted into ignition energy, i.e., electrical energy. In this way, ignition energy can be provided based on optical energy, for example, generated from the environment itself. Optionally, provision can be made for the ignition energy to be stored.

[0026] According to one embodiment, an optical output signal is provided and emitted by the ignition system. The optical output signal is transmitted, for example, to an external unit, for example a control unit, for example a computer. It can be provided, for example, that the safety device transmits various information, such as operating variables, system status, etc., to the external unit. The transmission takes place, for example, upon request (bidirectional) or without request (unidirectional) and / or permanently, cyclically repeating, or event-triggered.

[0027] It can also be provided that the optical signals are transmitted to another ignition system. For example, several ignition systems are connected to form a transmission chain, particularly in the form of a daisy chain. However, several ignition systems can also be connected according to a different topology, for example, star, ring, tree, strand, segmented, or as a combination of the aforementioned topologies.

[0028] Further advantages will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Examples of embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Identical reference symbols in different figures designate identical or at least functionally comparable elements. In the description of individual figures, reference may also be made to elements from other figures. They each show, in schematic form,

[0029] Form : Fig . 1 an ignition system according to an exemplary

[0030] Form of execution, and

[0031] Fig. 2 is a sequence diagram of an exemplary operation of the ignition system from Fig. 1

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an ignition system 10 .

[0033] The ignition system 10 comprises a housing 12. A safety device 14 and an electronically controllable ignition device 16 are housed in the housing 12. The housing 12 protects the components housed therein from environmental influences and enables mechanical adaptation.

[0034] The security device 14 comprises, for example, a security element 18. The security device 14 is particularly designed to deactivate, i.e., unlock, or activate, i.e., lock, the security element 18. The security device 14 can also comprise multiple security elements 18. Unlocking can then also occur in stages.

[0035] The security element 18 is, for example, electronically implemented. For example, an electronic security element 18 is an electronic circuit implemented in hardware and / or software, such as a locking and / or unlocking circuit that can, for example, output a release signal. Alternatively, the security device 14 can also be an electromechanical security device. An electromechanical security device comprises, for example, a switch, relay, or a mechanical actuator driven by an electric motor.

[0036] In the example, the security device 14 comprises an evaluation unit 20, for example, a programmable logic device, microcontroller, or microprocessor. The electronic security element 18 can also be integrated into the evaluation unit 20 in a different way than shown in the example.

[0037] The ignition system 10 further comprises an optical interface 22. In the example, the optical interface 22 provides at least one optical signal input 24. The signal input is an optical receiver, wherein the number and design can be adapted depending on a specific configuration. In the example, the optical interface 22 provides at least one optical signal output 26. The signal output is an optical transmitter, wherein the number and design can be adapted depending on a specific configuration.

[0038] The ignition system 10 receives optical signals via the optical interface 22. The optical signals are transmitted, for example, in the form of directed free-space transmission. However, the transmission can also be conducted via cable or fiber.

[0039] The signal transmission to the ignition system 10 occurs, for example, from an external, remotely located unit 30, such as a control unit, such as a computer, with a corresponding communication device. The signal transmission to the ignition system 10 is schematically represented by the arrow 28.

[0040] The ignition system 10 receives the optical signals in the form of light and converts them into electrical signals. The ignition system 10 comprises at least one corresponding converter device (not shown) for converting an optical signal into an electronic signal and / or for converting an electronic signal into an optical signal. The converter device can be assigned to the optical interface 22 and / or integrated into the optical interface 22. In this case, communication between the optical interface 22 and the safety device 14 takes place by means of electronic signals.

[0041] Advantageously, the ignition system 10 is also supplied with electrical energy by means of optical signals. By supplying a sufficient amount of light, the optical-electrical energy converter generates the electrical energy required to power the electronic components of the ignition system 10, for example, the safety device 14.

[0042] The optical signals received by the ignition system 10 relate to a locking / unlocking of the ignition device 18, to a release of ignition energy and / or to a fire command.

[0043] It can be provided that a respective signal is received at a separate corresponding input 24 or that several signals (for example appropriately modulated) are received via a common input 24.

[0044] The safety device 14 evaluates the electronic signals by means of the evaluation unit 20. Depending on the evaluation, the safety element 18 is then activated and / or deactivated and / or the ignition device 16 is electronically controlled.

[0045] An optical signal refers, for example, to a command to unlock the ignition device 18.

[0046] Depending on such a signal, the safety element 18 is deactivated, for example. For example, the safety element 18 is an unlocking circuit that now applies an enable signal to a circuit of the electronic ignition device 16 for a predetermined period of time (for example, a few seconds). Another optical signal relates, for example, to a command to release ignition energy.

[0047] For example, an enable signal is then applied to a circuit of a memory device for a predetermined period of time (for example a few seconds).

[0048] Another optical signal refers, for example, to a fire order.

[0049] Depending on such a signal, the ignition device 16 is controlled, for example.

[0050] The electronic security device 18 can advantageously be designed such that re-locking can occur. Re-locking can occur, for example, if the corresponding optical input signal is lost, i.e., if the command to unlock the ignition device is lost. Alternatively or additionally, re-locking can also be commanded, i.e., triggered by a corresponding optical signal. A corresponding optical signal relates, for example, to a command to lock the ignition device 16.

[0051] The example shows that the ignition system 10 comprises an energy converter 32 for converting optical energy into ignition energy, electrical energy. Advantageously, the ignition energy required for the electronic ignition device 16 can thus be provided by means of optical energy. The ignition system 10, in particular the safety device 14, can comprise a storage device 32 for storing the ignition energy.

[0052] It is further provided that the optical interface 22 is designed to emit optical signals. The optical signals are transmitted, for example, to the external unit 30, for example a control unit, for example a computer. The signal transmission from the ignition system 10 is shown schematically by the arrow 34. It can be provided, for example, that the security device 14 is designed to transmit various information, such as operating variables, system status, etc. to the external unit. The security device 14 can be designed such that the transmission takes place upon request (bidirectional) or without request (unidirectional) and / or permanently, cyclically repeating, or event-triggered.

[0053] For example, it can be provided that after reaching a defined supply voltage level by supplying a sufficient amount of light, the safety device 14 is initialized, in particular checks a system status and communicates this by means of an optical transmitter, signal output 26.

[0054] It can also be provided that the optical signals are transmitted to another ignition system. In the figure, the system is shown schematically by another ignition system.

[0055] 10 ' .

[0056] The signal transmission from the ignition system 10 to the ignition system 10' is shown schematically by the arrow 36. For example, a plurality of ignition systems 10, 10' are connected to form a type of transmission chain, in particular in the form of a daisy chain. However, the connection of a plurality of ignition systems 10, 10' can also be made according to a different topology, for example star, ring, tree, strand, segmented, or as a combination of the aforementioned topologies. The ignition system 10 can transmit optical signals to the further ignition system 10' which relate, for example, to a locking / unlocking of the ignition device 18, to a release of ignition energy and / or to a firing command.

[0057] The ignition device 16 is shown schematically. It is generally intended that the ignition device 16 ignites an electrically ignitable ignition means or ignition means.

[0058] It can be provided that the ignition device 16 is designed to ignite a pyrotechnic explosive charge, and the pyrotechnic explosive charge drives an actuator, for example a switch or circuit breaker. For example, the ignition system can be used in conjunction with an active protection system. It is conceivable, for example, that the actuator is a windshield wiper, a flap or protective glass, in particular a sensor or an opening in a protection system. A further area of ​​application is, for example, the targeted physical destruction of data storage devices by means of pyrotechnic explosive devices. If necessary, a time delay can also be provided by means of the pyrotechnic explosive device, for example using chemical means.

[0059] Use with additional ignition stages, for example delay charge, booster charge can also be provided.

[0060] It can be provided that the ignition device 16 is designed to ignite a propellant charge, and the propellant charge drives a projectile. For example, the ignition system can be used in conjunction with ammunition for neutralization or for initiating a controlled explosion.

[0061] It can be provided that the ignition device 16 is designed to activate a light source. The light source is, for example, a laser or a UV light source. Light sources are used, for example, in connection with target detection or for dazzling. Furthermore, a light source, for example in the form of a laser or UV light source, can be used as an initiator, an ignition chain or for controlling, for example in the form of a laser diode, in particular actuators. An example of operation of the ignition system 10 is explained with reference to Fig. 2.

[0062] In a first step 40, a sufficient amount of light is supplied so that, after reaching a defined supply voltage level of the ignition system 10, the safety device 14 is initialized, in particular, a system status is checked (see step 42). In a step 44, the ignition system transmits the system status to the external unit 30 by means of an optical transmitter, signal output 26.

[0063] In a step 46, optical signals relating to a locking / unlocking of the ignition device 18, to a release of ignition energy and / or to a firing command are transmitted, for example.

[0064] The safety device 14 evaluates the electronic signals by means of the evaluation unit 20. Depending on the evaluation, the safety element 18 is then activated and / or deactivated and / or ignition energy is released and / or the ignition device 16 is electronically controlled, see step 48.

[0065] In a step 50, the ignition system 10 again transmits the system status to the external unit 30 via an optical transmitter, signal output 26. For example, the renewed transmission relates to a successful ignition. The dashed arrows in Fig. 2 schematically show that optical signals can also be transmitted from the ignition system 10 to another ignition system 10'. The ignition system 10 can, for example, also receive optical signals from the other ignition system 10' and, for example, forward them to the external unit 30.

Claims

Patent claims Ignition system (10) comprising at least one ignition device (16), in particular for igniting an explosive charge or propellant charge or activating a light source, and a safety device (14) assigned to the ignition device (16), characterized in that the ignition system (10) comprises an optical interface (22), wherein the optical interface (22) is designed to receive optical signals, wherein the safety device (14) is designed such that a safety element (18) of the safety device (14) can be activated and deactivated by means of the safety device (14) as a function of a corresponding optical input signal and the ignition device (16) can be electronically controlled as a function of a corresponding optical input signal by means of the safety device (14).The ignition system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ignition system (10) comprises at least one converter device for converting an optical signal into an electronic signal and / or for converting an electronic signal into an optical signal. The ignition system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the optical interface (22) is configured to transmit optical signals.

4. Ignition system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition system (10) comprises an energy converter (32) for converting optical energy into ignition energy, i.e. electrical energy.

5. Ignition system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical interface (22) is connected or connectable to a line.

6. Ignition system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission of optical signals takes place in the form of a directed free-space transmission.

7. Ignition system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition device (16) is designed to ignite a pyrotechnic explosive charge, and wherein the pyrotechnic explosive charge drives an actuator.

8. Ignition system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition device (16) is designed to ignite a propellant charge, and the propellant charge drives a projectile.

9. Ignition system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition device (16) is designed to activate a light source.

10. A method for operating an ignition system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising the following steps: Providing an optical input signal and Receiving the optical input signal by means of an optical interface (22) of the ignition system (10); and, depending on a corresponding optical input signal, activating or deactivating a safety element (18) of the safety device (14) by means of the safety device (14); and, depending on a corresponding optical input signal, electronically controlling the ignition device (16) by means of the safety device (14). Method according to claim 10, wherein the optical input signal is converted into an electronic input signal, and the safety device (14) evaluates the electronic input signal, and the activation and / or deactivation of the safety element (18) and / or the electronic control of the ignition device (16) occurs depending on the evaluation. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein received optical energy is converted into ignition energy, electrical energy.Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein an optical output signal is provided and emitted by the ignition system (10).

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