Pyrotechnic shock generation system, and associated process

Abstract

Pyrotechnic Shock Generation System and Associated Method. The invention relates to a pyrotechnic shock generation system (1), the system (1) comprising a firing stage (10): a barrel (12) extending along a principal axis (A), a firing pin (11) configured to be moved in translation relative to the barrel (12) along the principal axis (A), the barrel (12) comprising a barrel head (120), characterized in that the barrel head (120) comprises: a plurality of housings (120a) distributed around the principal axis (A), each housing (120a) being configured to receive a pyrotechnic cartridge (30), and in that the firing pin (11) comprises firing means (110a) configured to simultaneously strike the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges. Abstract figure: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Pyrotechnic shock generation system, and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of testing space equipment, other equipment, or devices to evaluate their ability to withstand shocks and other environmental conditions. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for generating pyrotechnic shocks designed to reproduce pyrotechnic-type shocks similar to those experienced during the launch of a spacecraft, satellite, or similar objects.

[0002] Components and devices used on spacecraft, such as electronic components, mechanical devices, or other apparatus, must be able to withstand the rigors of a space launch, which may include extreme shocks or vibrations such as those caused by pyrotechnic shock events, for example, ignition, liftoff, level separations, payload fairing separations, spacecraft separations, solid propellant rocket engine jettisoning, or similar events. These shock environments or events are difficult to reproduce or simulate. The actual use of explosives or pyrotechnic materials, or detonating cords, can be time-consuming and expensive to set up and difficult to control.Oversized, high-power electrodynamic exciters can also be used for high-energy shock simulations; however, such devices typically require costly modifications to simulate a high-energy shock event such as those associated with a space launch.

[0003] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a simplified pyrotechnic shock generation system enabling the generation of high-energy shocks, as well as an associated method.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a pyrotechnic shock generation system, the system comprising a percussion stage including:

[0005] - a cannon extending along a principal axis,

[0006] - a firing pin configured to be moved in translation relative to the barrel according the main axis,

[0007] - the cannon comprising a cannon head,

[0008] The invention is remarkable in that the gun head comprises a plurality of housings distributed, for example symmetrically or asymmetrically, around the main axis, each housing being configured to receive a pyrotechnic cartridge,

[0009] and in that the striker comprises striking means configured to strike simultaneously the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges.

[0010] The invention also provides the following features which may be taken alone or in combination with each other:

[0011] - the striking means of the striker include a lip formed on an edge of the firing pin designed to simultaneously strike multiple pyrotechnic cartridges,

[0012] - the barrel head of the cannon includes a groove shaped corresponding to that of the lip,

[0013] - the lip and the groove are annular,

[0014] - the center of each dwelling in the plurality of dwellings is at a first a predetermined distance from the main axis, and the groove extends along a groove line around the main axis, the groove line being at a second predetermined distance, the second distance being less than the first distance,

[0015] - at least one dwelling in the plurality of dwellings comprises a first section and a second section following the first section, the first section having a first diameter, and the second section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the first section being designed to receive the rim of the corresponding cartridge and the second section being designed to receive the body of the corresponding cartridge,

[0016] - said housing unit comprising a third section Following the second section, the third section has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, the third section being designed to form a barrel chamber for the corresponding cartridge.

[0017] - the groove line passes between the first diameter and the second diameter,

[0018] - the barrel comprises a central portion extending around the main axis from the cannon head, the central portion being designed to receive the firing pin and allow its translational movement along the main axis, and the central portion includes a housing designed to receive at least partially a compression means, the compression means being designed to disengage the firing pin from the cannon head,

[0019] - the cannon comprises a propulsion chamber for an impact means, the plurality of housings opening into the propulsion chamber,

[0020] and the system includes a mounting bracket configured to be fixed to a surface to be tested, the mounting bracket being fixed to the barrel,

[0021] and the propulsion chamber opening into the mounting bracket,

[0022] - the impact means to be propelled is attached to the barrel using a configured connector to retain the impact means in the barrel and to release the impact means when the cartridges of the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges generate propellant gases the means of impact,

[0023] - the mounting bracket includes a shock absorber arranged to be impacted by the means of impact,

[0024] - the system comprises, in addition to the percussion stage, referred to as the first percussion stage, a second percussion stage superimposed on the first percussion stage,

[0025] the second percussion stage comprising a striker configured to strike the striker of the first stage.

[0026] According to features of the process according to the invention which may be taken alone or in combination with each other, the process may comprise the following steps:

[0027] - a step of fixing the fixing support of the shock generation system py rotechniques,

[0028] - a step of generating a pyrotechnic shock to cause the percussion of the striker comprising said striking means,

[0029] - an assembly step of a single-cartridge firing stage, called second percussion stage, said second percussion stage being intended to be superimposed on the percussion stage having the striker comprising said percussion means,

[0030] - a triggering step in which a triggering of the second stage of percussion triggers the first percussion stage.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description and the accompanying figures which schematically illustrate several embodiments of the invention.

[0032] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a generation system pyrotechnic shocks with two stages of percussion, namely a first stage and a second stage, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a perspective view of the pyrotechnic shock generation system, where the first stage has been isolated to better represent its striker, its barrel, and a mounting bracket on which the first stage is mounted.

[0034] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents a cross-sectional view of the [Fig.2].

[0035] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a partial cross-sectional view of the barrel illustrated in detail at the [Fig.3] equipped with the striker.

[0036] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] represents a top perspective view of the cannon.

[0037] [Fig.6] Fig.6 shows a cross-sectional view of the shock generation system pyrotechnics with two percussion stages illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0038] In [Fig.1], a two-stage pyrotechnic shock generation system 1 is shown, namely a first percussion stage 10 and a second percussion stage 20.

[0039] The first percussion stage 10 mainly comprises a striker 11, called first firing pin 11 and a cannon 12, called first cannon 12.

[0040] The first percussion stage 10 is configured to be fixed to a mounting bracket 13.

[0041] As will be described later, the mounting bracket 13 is intended to be mounted on a surface to be tested. Such a surface may be a surface of equipment or a device intended to undergo pyrotechnic shock tests.

[0042] The second percussion stage 20 is configured to be associated with the first percussion stage 10, so that triggering the second percussion stage 20 causes the first percussion stage 10 to trigger.

[0043] The second percussion stage 20 and the first percussion stage 10 are advantageously directly associated with each other.

[0044] The second percussion stage 20 includes a striker 21, called the second striker 21, and a barrel 22, called the second barrel 22.

[0045] The second percussion stage 20 is configured to be associated with an actuator 60 causing the triggering of the second stage 20.

[0046] The actuator 60 is advantageously an electromechanical actuator 60.

[0047] It will be understood that the first percussion stage 10 is to be provided independently of the second percussion stage 20.

[0048] By way of example, the first percussion stage 10 can be configured to be associated with the actuator 60.

[0049] With reference to figures 2 and 3, we will now describe in more detail the first percussion stage 10.

[0050] The first percussion stage 10 is shown attached to the mounting bracket 13. More particularly, the barrel 12 of the first stage 10, or first barrel 12, is configured to be attached to the mounting bracket 13. The attachment of the barrel 12 of the first percussion stage 10 to the mounting bracket 13 can be made by any suitable fastening means.

[0051] The first cannon 12 extends along a main axis A. The first cannon 12 comprises a cannon head 120, a cannon body 121.

[0052] In one embodiment, the body 121 of the first barrel 12 has an external thread 121' intended to cooperate with an internal bore 13' of the mounting bracket 13, so that the first barrel 12 can be mounted by screwing into the mounting bracket 13.

[0053] The barrel head 120 also includes an external thread 120' intended to cooperate with an internal bore 200' of an association device such as, for example, the second stage 20 of percussion.

[0054] The gun head 120 comprises a plurality of housings 120a distributed around the main axis A and each housing is configured to receive a pyro- cartridge technique 30.

[0055] The dwellings can be distributed along one or more rings, the ring(s) being, for example, centered around the main axis A. The ring(s) is / are, for example, circular. For example, the dwellings are distributed along several rings, centered around the main axis A, the rings having different radii.

[0056] The housings 120a of the plurality can be distributed symmetrically around the main axis A, for example according to a rotational symmetry, for example according to a central symmetry.

[0057] Alternatively, the dwellings 120a of the plurality can be distributed asymmetrically around the principal axis A, for example without central symmetry. For example, the dwellings can be distributed along several rings, for example centered around the principal axis A, the dwellings 120a of one of the rings being offset from those of another of the rings and / or being spaced from each other within each of the rings so as not to correspond to a central symmetry, for example so as not to correspond to a rotational symmetry, for example in a non-symmetrical manner.

[0058] Without being limited to this, in the illustrated example the gun head 120 comprises eight housings 120a. An odd or even number may be provided, for example 3, 6, 10, 12.

[0059] The gun head 120 includes a central cylindrical portion 120c intended to cooperate with a cavity 1 of the first firing pin 11 to allow a backlash-free translational movement of the first firing pin 11 relative to the first gun 12 along the main axis A.

[0060] More particularly, the central portion 120c of the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 includes a housing 120c 1 intended to receive a compression means 122, here a compression spring 122, configured to oppose the contact of an edge 110 of the first firing pin 11 with the barrel head 120 when the firing pin 11 is in the rest position.

[0061] According to the invention, the striker 11 includes percussion means 110a configured to simultaneously strike the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30, for example before the striker 11 strikes the barrel head 120, for example so that the striker 11 strikes the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30 without striking the barrel head 120.

[0062] The firing pin 11 includes the firing edge 110. The firing edge 110 is, for example, designed to strike the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 when none of the housings 120a as described below receives pyrotechnic cartridge(s) 30 as described below. As shown, the firing edge 110 delimits the cavity 1 of the striker 11. The edge 110 forms for example a surface, for example an annular surface, facing housings as described below.

[0063] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the striking means 110a of the striker 11 comprise an annular lip 110a extending from the striking edge 110, for example along the striking edge 110.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the annular lip 110 is continuous, that is, without any interruption in material. Alternatively, the annular lip 110 is discontinuous, that is, with an interruption in material, without departing from the scope of the invention. In all cases, the annular lip 110 is configured to allow the simultaneous percussion of the pyrotechnic cartridges 30.

[0065] Advantageously, the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 includes an annular groove 120b of shape corresponding to that of the annular lip 110.

[0066] The correspondence between the annular lip 110 and the annular groove 120b ensures the percussion of the pyrotechnic cartridges 30 intended to be housed in the plurality of housings 120a of the gun head 120.

[0067] As shown in [Fig.4], each dwelling 120a of the plurality of dwellings 120a comprises, in order, a first section 120al, a second section 120a2 and a third section 120a3, consecutive to each other.

[0068] The first section 120al has a first diameter 120al' and is designed to receive the rim 30a of the corresponding cartridge 30.

[0069] The second section 120a2 has a second diameter 120a2' and is intended to receive the body 30b of the corresponding cartridge 30.

[0070] The third section 120a3 has a third diameter 120a3' and is intended to form a barrel chamber for the corresponding 30 cartridge.

[0071] The first diameter 120al' is greater than the second diameter 120a2'.

[0072] The third diameter 120a3' is greater than the second diameter 120a2'.

[0073] The third section 120a3 of each housing of the plurality of housings 120a leads to a propulsion chamber 121a of the first of the gun 12.

[0074] The barrel chamber 12 of the third section advantageously allows the corresponding pyrotechnic cartridge 30 to gain speed when it is struck before allowing the propulsion chamber 121a of the first barrel 12.

[0075] The annular groove 120b cuts the first section 120al of each housing 120a of the plurality of housings 120a of the gun head 120 of the first gun 12

[0076] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the center O of each dwelling 120a of the plurality of housings 120a is at a first predetermined distance DI from the main axis A, and annular groove 120b extends along a groove line L1 to a second predetermined distance D2 from the main axis, and the second distance D2 is less than the first distance DI.

[0077] Even more particularly, the annular groove 120b is delimited by an inner border 120b1 and an outer border 120b2, with respect to the main axis A, where only the outer border 120b2 of the annular groove 120b intersects the first diameter DI of the first section 120al and the second diameter D2 of the first section 120al of each housing 120a of the plurality of housings 120a.

[0078] This ensures that the edge of each pyrotechnic cartridge 30 is fully struck by the first striker 11. This is particularly advantageous since the pyrotechnic chemical compound contained in a pyrotechnic cartridge 30 is preferentially located at the edge of the head 30a of the pyrotechnic cartridges 30.

[0079] The barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 is configured, for example, to be struck by the first firing pin 11 when none of the housings 120a receives a pyrotechnic cartridge 30. For example, the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 is configured to be struck by at least a part of the percussion edge 110, or only the part of the percussion edge, when none of the housings 120a receives a pyrotechnic cartridge 30, the part of the percussion edge extending, for example, radially inwards with respect to the lip 110a, i.e., between the lip 110a and the main axis A, the part of the percussion edge forming, for example, a surface orthogonal to the main axis A and / or facing the face of the barrel head 120 having the housings 120a.For example, at least a portion of the barrel head, or only that portion of the barrel head, is configured to be struck by at least the portion of the firing edge 110, or only that portion of the firing edge, when none of the housings 120a receives a pyrotechnic cartridge 30, the portion of the barrel head extending, for example, radially outwards from the annular groove 120b, and / or the inner rim 120b1 and / or the outer rim 120b2, relative to the main axis, i.e., the annular groove 120b extends between the main axis A and the portion of the barrel head. The portion of the barrel head may form a surface orthogonal to the main axis A and / or facing the first firing pin 11, for example, the portion of the firing edge.

[0080] In the propulsion chamber 121a is housed an impact means 40 intended to be propelled.

[0081] As shown in [Fig.3], the impact means 40 to be propelled is attached to the first barrel 12 by means of a connector 40a configured to retain the impact means 40 in the first barrel 12 in a rest state and to release the impact means 40 when the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30 allows the impact means 40 to be pushed, for example when the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30 generates gases pushing the impact means 40.

[0082] More specifically, the connector 40a is formed of a fixing pin 40a 1 fixed in a bore of the head 120 of the first cannon 12 from the propulsion chamber 121a.

[0083] The connector 40a further includes a radial ring 40a2 surrounding an insertion head 40a3 of the fixing pin 40a1. The insertion head 40a3 is advantageously pressed forcefully into an opening 40b formed at one end of the impact means 40, which corresponds to the configuration illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0084] The impact means 40 advantageously comprises a flared shape at its end opposite to that by which it is fixed to the first barrel 12.

[0085] The first cannon 12 opens through its propulsion chamber 121a into the inside of the mounting support 13.

[0086] The mounting support 13 includes a housing 130 closed by a mounting plate 131 thus forming a blind housing.

[0087] This blind housing includes a shock absorber 50 disposed at the bottom of the blind housing in contact with the fixing plate 131.

[0088] As shown in the figures, the mounting plate 131 has on its contour a plurality of through openings 131a intended to allow the fixing of the fixing support 13 on a surface to be tested.

[0089] In [Fig.6], a cross-sectional perspective view of the pyrotechnic shock generation system 1 illustrated in [Fig.1] is shown.

[0090] We will now describe the second stage 20 of percussion in more detail.

[0091] As mentioned, the second percussion stage 20 comprises a striker 21, said second firing pin 21, and a cannon 22, said second cannon 22.

[0092] The second cannon 22 comprises a cannon head 220 and a cannon body 221.

[0093] The barrel body 221 of the second barrel 22 is intended to be fixed to the head of 120mm cannon from the first 12mm cannon by cooperation of complementary boring and threading means.

[0094] The gun head 220 of the second gun 22 includes a housing 220a for receiving a pyrotechnic device 70 consisting of a pyrotechnic cartridge 30 associated with a projectile 30c.

[0095] The second cannon 22 includes a propulsion chamber 221a for propelling the projectile 30c. The propulsion chamber 221a increases the velocity of the projectile 30c.

[0096] The propulsion chamber 221a of the second gun 22 leads to the first striker 11. Thus, the projection of the projectile 30c by the pyrotechnic cartridge 30 of the second stage 20 of percussion is intended to strike the first striker 11, thereby causing the percussion of the first stage 10 of percussion.

[0097] The second firing pin 21 of the second firing stage 20 comprises a breechblock 210 intended to be coupled to the gun head 220 of the second gun 22 by co- operation of complementary boring and threading equipment.

[0098] The second striker 21 further comprises a striker rod 211 mounted sliding in an opening 210' of the breechblock 210 to be translated relative to the breechblock 210.

[0099] The second striker 21 also includes an interface plate 212 arranged between the second striker 11 and the barrel head 220 of the second barrel 22.

[0100] A compression spring 213 is mounted to extend between an opening 121' in the interface plate 212 and the opening 210' in the cylinder head 210.

[0101] The compression spring 213 allows the percussion rod 211 to be kept disengaged from the pyrotechnic cartridge 30 or failing that in contact with it without the contact force being sufficient to trigger the pyrotechnic cartridge 30.

[0102] The percussion rod 211 is further associated with a cylinder 61 of the actuator 60 so that the actuation of the cylinder 61 causes the translation of the percussion rod 211 relative to the cylinder head 210.

[0103] The actuator 60 includes, in addition to an actuating block 63 integral with the percussion rod 211, actuating pins 62 connected to the actuating block 63 to enable the triggering of the actuator 60.

[0104] We will now describe the operating principle of the pyrotechnic shock generation system 1 in the two-stage configuration illustrated in Figures 1 and 6.

[0105] The triggering of the actuator 60 by its actuating pins 62 causes the actuating block 63 to slide relative to the breech 210 of the second firing pin 11. The cylinder 61 of the actuator 60 then presses on the firing pin 211 of the second firing pin 11 with a percussion force generated by the sliding of the cylinder 61 of the actuator 60. The percussion force is of course sufficient to cause the detonation of the pyrotechnic cartridge 30 of the second firing stage 20 and overcome the resistance of the compression spring 213 arranged between the interface plate 212 and the breech 210.

[0106] The percussion rod 211 then presses an edge of the pyrotechnic cartridge 30 of the second percussion stage 20 causing the explosion of the pyrotechnic charge contained in the pyrotechnic cartridge 30, so that the cartridge 30 propels the projectile 30c associated with it.

[0107] The projectile 30c is then propelled into the propulsion chamber 221a of the second gun 22 until it strikes the first striker 11.

[0108] The impact of the first firing pin 11 by the projectile 30c causes the first firing pin 11 to slide, leading it to translate relative to the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12 along the main axis A.

[0109] The annular lip 110 of the first striker 11 then engages in the groove annular 120b of the head of the first cannon 12.

[0110] Since the annular groove 120b cuts the first section 120al of each housing 120a of the plurality of housings 120a of the barrel head 120 of the first barrel 12. The support of the annular lip 110 of the first firing pin 11 causes the simultaneous support on the edge of each pyrotechnic cartridge 30 disposed in said housings 120a.

[0111] Thus, it is possible to trigger the priming of a plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30, for example of the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges 30, and advantageously, from a single pyrotechnic cartridge 30 of the second percussion stage 20.

[0112] The priming of the plurality of cartridges 30 causes combustion generating gases in their respective barrel chamber, the gases then enter the propulsion chamber 121a of the first barrel 12.

[0113] The penetration of gases from pyrotechnic cartridges 30 into the propulsion chamber 121a of the first gun 12 aims to push the impact means 40 housed in the propulsion chamber 121a.

[0114] The thrust force generated by the gases of the pyrotechnic cartridges 30 makes it possible to disengage the impact means 40 from the connector 40a which retains it and allows its projection into the propulsion chamber 121a.

[0115] Once disengaged from connector 40a, the impact means 40 is then propelled into the propulsion chamber 121a at a predetermined speed sufficient to generate a desired impact force for the shock test to be performed.

[0116] The shock absorber 50 in the mounting bracket 13 is intended to prevent damage to the mounting bracket 13 while transmitting the desired impact force.

[0117] Preferably, the desired impact force is designed to compensate for the force that the shock absorber 50 can absorb.

[0118] It will be understood of course that the desired impact force is intended to be transmitted to the surface to be tested.

[0119] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Specifically, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. System (1) for generating pyrotechnic shocks, the system (1) comprising a percussion stage (10) including: - a barrel (12) extending along a main axis (A), - a striker (11) configured to be moved in translation relative to the barrel (12) along the main axis (A), the barrel (12) including a barrel head (120), characterized in that the barrel head (120) includes a plurality of housings (120a) distributed around the main axis (A), each housing (120a) being configured to receive a pyrotechnic cartridge (30), and in that the striker (11) includes percussion means (110a) configured to simultaneously strike the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges.

2. A pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the percussion means (110a) of the striker (11) comprise a lip (110a) formed on an edge (110) of the striker (11) intended to simultaneously strike the plurality of pyrotechnic cartridges, and for example in that the barrel head (120) of the barrel (12) comprises a groove (120b) shaped corresponding to that of said lip.

3. System (1) for generating pyrotechnic shocks according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lip (110a) and the groove (120b) are annular.

4. System (1) for generating pyrotechnic shocks according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the center (O) of each housing (120a) of the plurality of housings (120a) is at a first predetermined distance (Dl) from the main axis (A), and in that the groove extends along a groove line (Ll) around the main axis (A), the groove line (Ll) being at a second predetermined distance (D2), the second distance (D2) being less than the first distance (Dl).

5. A pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one housing (120a) of the plurality of housings (120a) comprises a first section (120al) and a second section (120a2) following the first section (120al), the first section (120al) having a first diameter (120al'), and the second section (120a2) having a second diameter (120a2') smaller than the first diameter (120al'), the first section (120al) being intended to receive a rim (30a) of the corresponding cartridge (30) and the second section (120a2) being intended to receive the body (30b) of the corresponding cartridge (30).

6. System (1) for generating pyrotechnic shocks according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove line (Ll) passes between the first diameter (Dl) and the second diameter (D2).

7. A pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrel (12) comprises a central portion (120c) extending around the main axis (A) from the barrel head (120), the central portion (120c) being provided to receive the firing pin (11) and to allow its translational movement along the main axis (A), and in that the central portion (120c) comprises a housing (120cl) provided to receive at least partially a compression means (122), the compression means (122) being provided to disengage the firing pin (11) from the barrel head (120).

8. A pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrel (12) comprises a propulsion chamber (121a) of an impact means (40), the plurality of housings (120a) opening into the propulsion chamber (121a), in that the system (1) comprises a mounting bracket (13) configured to be fixed to a surface to be tested, the mounting bracket (13) being fixed to the barrel (12), and in that the propulsion chamber (121a) opens into the mounting bracket (13).

9. A pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system (1) comprises, in addition to the percussion stage (10), referred to as the first percussion stage (10), a second percussion stage (20) superimposed on the first percussion stage (20), the second percussion stage (20) comprising a pyrotechnic device (70) configured to strike the striker (11) of the first

10. percussion stage (10). Method for generating pyrotechnic shocks implementing the pyrotechnic shock generation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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