Self-sinking flare

Abstract

To provide a self-submerging type warning flare capable of emitting smoke over a long period of time while suppressing enlargement in size.SOLUTION: A self-submerging type warning flare 2 includes a wooden columnar body 10 including an ignition hole 14. A bottom cover 20 to be weight is attached to a bottom unit of the columnar body 10. A plurality of ignition powder tubes 200 serially connected by a fuse 50 and an ignition device 100 for igniting the leading ignition powder tube 200 are stored inside the columnar body 10. A plurality of cylindrical storage spaces 12 communicated with the ignition hole 14 for storing the plurality of ignition powder tubes 200 are formed in the columnar body 10. The plurality of cylindrical storage spaces 12 are serially communicated by having adjacent cylindrical storage spaces 12 coupled with each other by a communicating hole 16. A self-submerging device 30 is provided in between the cylindrical storage space 12 at beginning of the line and outside of the columnar body 10. The ignition powder tubes 200 lit last in lighting order is stored in the cylindrical storage space 12 where the self-submerging device 30 is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating marine flare that is dropped from an aircraft, and more particularly to a self-sinking floating marine flare. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose floating flares that sink after combustion. The flares disclosed in these prior art documents have a hollow metal body. A cavity formed inside the body serves as a buoyancy chamber for keeping the flare afloat, and also functions as a sinking device that sinks the flare by allowing water to flow in. The sinking devices for flares disclosed in the prior art documents are configured to allow water to flow into the cavity inside the body after the flare has burned, or after it has floated for a certain period of time even if it fails to explode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 178299 / 1983 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-061098 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Flares, particularly those used in rescue missions, are required to have a longer flaming time due to the need to indicate a location for a long period of time. Increasing the flaming time requires increasing the amount of flaring agent, but increasing the amount of flaring agent increases the overall weight of the flare. Because the flares disclosed in prior art documents are made of metal, in order to make the heavier flares float on the sea, the air gap must be widened to provide buoyancy that balances the increased weight. However, widening the air gap increases the size of the flare, which makes it difficult to load the flares onto aircraft.

[0005] Furthermore, when flares are dropped from aircraft, the time from when combustion begins to when water begins to flow into the flares varies due to individual differences in the flares themselves and the impact of landing on water. Furthermore, the flares disclosed in the prior art documents obtain buoyancy from the air in the airframe, so the time from when water begins to flow into the airframe to when the flares sink is short. Therefore, if the time until water begins to flow in is shorter than the designed value, there is a risk that sufficient flame time will not be ensured even if the amount of flares is increased.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a self-sinking flare that is capable of emitting a flame for a long period of time while preventing it from becoming too large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a self-sinking flare to achieve the above object.

[0008] The self-sinking flare of the present invention comprises a wooden columnar body having a flame hole, a weight attached to the bottom of the columnar body, a plurality of flame tubes, and an ignition device. The plurality of flame tubes are housed inside the columnar body and connected in series by a fuse. The ignition device is housed inside the columnar body and is configured to ignite the first flame tube in the series of the plurality of flame tubes.

[0009] The columnar body has a plurality of cylindrical storage spaces that communicate with the flame holes and store a plurality of flame tubes. One flame tube is stored in one cylindrical storage space. However, multiple flame holes may be provided and one cylindrical storage space may be connected to one flame hole, or one flame hole may be shared by multiple cylindrical storage spaces.

[0010] The columnar body has connecting holes that connect adjacent cylindrical storage spaces. However, connecting holes are not necessarily provided for all combinations of two adjacent cylindrical storage spaces. The connecting holes are provided so that multiple cylindrical storage spaces communicate in series.

[0011] The columnar body includes a water inlet hole that connects the first cylindrical storage space in a series of multiple cylindrical storage spaces connected in series with the outside of the columnar body, and a water-soluble, thermoplastic plug inserted in the water inlet hole. As described above, the multiple cylindrical storage spaces are connected in series by the connecting holes. If the arrangement is series, not circular or parallel, there will always be a first cylindrical storage space in the series and a last cylindrical storage space in the series. Either of the two cylindrical storage spaces at the ends of the series may be considered the first or the last of the series. The first cylindrical storage space in the series, i.e., the cylindrical storage space connected to the outside of the columnar body by the water inlet hole, houses the flame tube that will be ignited last in the ignition order among the multiple flame tubes.

[0012] The self-sinking flare of the present invention is configured as described above. According to the self-sinking flare of the present invention, the columnar body is made of wood and is buoyant in itself, so there is no need to provide a space inside to obtain buoyancy. Therefore, the overall size can be made smaller than that of a metal self-sinking flare. Furthermore, because the columnar body itself is buoyant, the effect on the self-sinking time of variations in the time from the start of combustion to the start of water flowing inside is minimized.

[0013] Furthermore, in the self-sinking flare of the present invention, multiple flame tubes are connected in series by a fuse, so that the flame tube ignited first by the ignition device burns in order, with the flame tube housed in the first tubular storage space in the row burning last. The first tubular storage space in the row is equipped with a water fill hole, but the water fill hole is plugged, preventing water from immediately entering through the water fill hole. Because the plug is thermoplastic, it melts due to the heat generated when the flame tube housed in the first tubular storage space in the row burns, and water begins to enter the tubular storage space through the water fill hole. In other words, in the self-sinking flare of the present invention, water can enter the interior only after the last flame tube in the ignition sequence has burned, allowing all flame tubes to burn and ensuring a long flame. Water that enters the first tubular storage space in the row through the water fill hole enters all tubular storage spaces in order via the connecting holes, eventually sinking the self-sinking flare.

[0014] Furthermore, if the ignition device fails to operate for some reason, or combustion stops at a flame tube midway through, the last flame tube in the ignition sequence will not burn, and the plug cannot be melted by heat. However, because the plug is also water-soluble, it will eventually dissolve in water over time, and water will begin to seep into the tubular storage space through the water filling hole. In other words, with the self-sinking flare of the present invention, water can penetrate into the interior even if the flare fails to explode. Water that penetrates into the first tubular storage space in the sequence through the water filling hole will penetrate into all the tubular storage spaces in turn through the connecting hole, gradually sinking the self-sinking flare.

[0015] In the self-sinking flare according to the present invention, of the two cylindrical storage spaces connected by the connecting hole, the connection position between the leading cylindrical storage space and the connecting hole may be set lower than the connection position between the trailing cylindrical storage space and the connecting hole. The leading cylindrical storage space may store a flare tube with a later ignition order, and the trailing cylindrical storage space may store a flare tube with an earlier ignition order. This configuration can prevent a fire occurring in the flare tube that is ignited first from spreading through the connecting hole to the flare tube that is ignited later.

[0016] In the self-sinking flare of the present invention, each of the plurality of cylindrical storage spaces may have a gap between its inner wall and the stored flame tube, and the gap may be filled with a spacer made of a high-porosity material. With this configuration, the flame tube can be held within the cylindrical storage space, and in the event of a misfire or a combustion stoppage, a collection area for water that has seeped into the flare through the water injection hole can be secured.

[0017] In the self-sinking flare of the present invention, the cylindrical body may be formed so that the thickness of the head is thinner than the thickness of the body, thereby reducing the buoyancy of the cylindrical body and making it easier for the flare to sink when water enters the inside of the flare through the water injection hole.

[0018] In the self-sinking flare of the present invention, the columnar body may have a plurality of insertion openings at its bottom for inserting a plurality of flame tubes into a plurality of cylindrical storage spaces. The weight attached to the bottom of the columnar body may be a bottom cap that covers the bottom and seals the plurality of insertion openings. With this configuration, the water will hit the bottom cap, which is a weight, and damage to the columnar body, whose bottom is protected by the bottom cap, can be prevented.

[0019] In addition, in the self-sinking flare of the present invention, the bottom cover may be provided with a space filled with silicone, and the fuse may pass through the space filled with silicone to connect multiple flame tubes. In this way, when the fuse burns and the silicone melts, a passage for water that has seeped into the flare through the water injection hole can be created, making the flare more likely to sink. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, the self-sinking flare according to the present invention can provide a long-lasting flame while preventing the flare from becoming too large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of a self-sinking flare according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the section AA of the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section BB of the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flame tube provided in the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a self-sinking device provided in the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a bottom view of the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1 without the bottom cover. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1 at the position of the self-sinking device. [Figure 8]2 is a diagram showing the operation sequence of the self-sinking flare shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of verification of the self-sinking time in an unburned state using a self-sinking device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of verification of the self-sinking time in a combustion state using a self-sinking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, a self-sinking flare (hereinafter simply referred to as a flare) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, when the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element is mentioned in the embodiments shown below, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the mentioned numbers unless otherwise specified or clearly specified in principle. Furthermore, the structures etc. described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential to the concept of the present invention unless otherwise specified or clearly specified in principle.

[0023] 1. Appearance of the flare First, the appearance of the flare 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of a flare 2. The flare 2 has a vertically long, columnar main body 10, with a bottom cover 20 attached to the bottom of the main body 10. More specifically, the main body 10 has a rectangular prism-like external shape. However, the main body 10 does not have a constant thickness, and the thickness of the head 10b of the main body 10 is thinner than the thickness of the trunk 10a. When attached to the main body 10, the bottom cover 20 has a low rectangular prism-like external shape.

[0025] On the exterior, moisture-proof tapes 42, 44 are attached to the head 10b of the main body 10 and near the bottom cover 20 of the trunk 10a. The moisture-proof tape 42 attached to the head 10b is attached to secure the pull ring 106, which will be described later. The moisture-proof tape 44 attached near the bottom cover 20 of the trunk 10a covers the self-sinking device 30, which will be described later, and is attached to protect the gunpowder and igniter inside the flare 2 from moisture when it is stored. Both moisture-proof tapes 42, 44 are peeled off when the flare 2 is to be used.

[0026] 2. Flare material The flare 2 having the above-described appearance has one feature in the material of the main body 10. Wood is used as the material for the main body 10. More specifically, wood has a specific gravity of less than 1, and specific examples include Hokkaido pine, Japanese silver pine, Japanese linden, and spruce. By selecting wood as the material for the main body 10, the main body 10 itself can provide buoyancy to the flare 2, without relying on the air inside a hollow structure like a metal flare.

[0027] On the other hand, the bottom cover 20 is made of a metal. Specific examples of metals include steel, copper alloy, zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and titanium. By placing the heavy bottom cover 20 at the bottom of the flare 2, the center of gravity of the flare 2 is lowered to the bottom, and the position of the flare 2 can be stabilized while falling from an aircraft or floating on the water surface. In other words, the bottom cover 20 functions as a weight. Furthermore, when the flare 2 lands on water, the bottom cover 20 lands first, which also has the effect of preventing damage to the main body 10.

[0028] 3. Internal structure of the flare Next, the internal structure of the flare 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] Figure 2 shows cross section AA of the flare 2 shown in Figure 1. Cross section AA includes the central axis of the flare 2 and is parallel to one side of the flare 2, which is formed in the shape of a rectangular pillar.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, an ignition device 100 is housed in the center of the main body 10 of the flare 2. A metal pull wire 108 is attached to the aforementioned pull ring 106. The tip of the pull wire 108 is connected to the ignition device 100. By pulling the pull ring 106 and removing the pull wire 108 from the ignition device 100, the ignition device 100 is activated, and the fuse 50 extending downward from the ignition device 100 is ignited. The ignition device 100 is sealed in the main body 10 by a wooden plug 104. The wooden plug 104 is made of wood, just like the main body 10.

[0031] The fuse 50 passes through a space 22 formed inside the bottom cover 20 and is connected to a flame tube, which will be described later. The space 22 in the bottom cover 20 is filled with silicone 24 to ensure liquid-tightness. Also, from Figure 2, it can be seen that the bottom of the main body 10 is fitted into the bottom cover 20. The bottom cover 20 is fixed to the bottom of the main body 10 with a number of metal wood screws 28.

[0032] Figure 3 shows cross section BB of the flare 2 shown in Figure 1. Cross section BB is a cross section obtained by cutting the flare 2 vertically midway between cross section AA and a side surface parallel to cross section AA. Note that the cross section on the opposite side of cross section BB with respect to cross section AA also has the same structure as that shown in cross section BB.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 , a flame tube 200 that generates flame and smoke when ignited is provided inside the main body 10 of the flare 2. The flame tube 200 is housed in a cylindrical storage space 12 formed inside the main body 10. The cylindrical storage space 12 opens to the bottom of the main body 10 and extends from this opening in the axial direction of the flare 2. The opening of the cylindrical storage space 12 is an insertion port through which the flame tube 200 is inserted. The ceiling surface of the cylindrical storage space 12 is connected to a flame hole 14 that opens to the top of the main body 10. The flame and smoke generated from the flame tube 200 are ejected to the outside from the flame hole 14. However, a metal lid 46 is attached to the opening of the flame hole 14. The lid 46 serves to prevent water from entering through the flame hole 14 in the event of water impact, and is designed to detach from the main body 10 when flame and smoke are ejected from the flame tube 200. The cover 46 also has an air vent hole for releasing the air inside the flare 2 to allow the flare 2 to sink if the flare 2 fails to explode.

[0034] In the cross section BB shown in Figure 3, two sets of cylindrical storage spaces 12 and flame holes 14 are formed in the main body 10. The cross section on the opposite side of the cross section BB with respect to the cross section AA has the same structure as that shown in the cross section BB, so a total of four sets of cylindrical storage spaces 12 and flame holes 14 are formed in the main body 10. One flame tube 200 is stored in each cylindrical storage space 12, so the flare 2 is provided with a total of four flame tubes 200. The flame tubes 200 are connected in series by a fuse 50 that passes through the space 22 in the bottom cover 20.

[0035] The volumes of the cylindrical storage space 12 and the flame holes 14 are designed to hold a sufficient amount of water to sink the flare 2 if flooded. As mentioned above, the head 10b of the main body 10 is thinner than the trunk 10a in which the flame tube 200 is housed. By forming the main body 10 in this shape, the buoyancy generated by the main body 10 itself can be reduced, and the weight of the bottom cover 20, which acts as a weight, can be reduced accordingly. In other words, the entire flare 2 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0036] Furthermore, inside the main body 10, connecting holes 16 are formed that connect adjacent cylindrical storage spaces 12 to each other. The connecting holes 16 are provided near the openings of the cylindrical storage spaces 12. However, the connection positions between the connecting holes 16 and the cylindrical storage spaces 12 are such that there is a difference in height between the two cylindrical storage spaces 12 connected by the connecting holes 16. The function of the connecting holes 16 and the reason for the difference in height will be described later.

[0037] Furthermore, the main body 10 is provided with a self-sinking device 30. The self-sinking device 30 is a mechanism that connects the outside of the flare 2 with the cylindrical storage space 12, floods the inside of the main body 10 with water, and causes the flare 2 to sink. Details of the self-sinking device 30 will be described later. The self-sinking device 30 is provided in only one of the four cylindrical storage spaces 12.

[0038] 4. Structure of the flame tube Next, the structure of the flame tube 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0039] Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the flame charge tube 200. As mentioned above, the flare 2 is provided with four flame charge tubes 200, and each of the flame charge tubes 200 has the same structure as that shown in Figure 4. However, the flame charge tube 200 shown in Figure 4 is assumed to be the first flame charge tube connected to the ignition device 100 by the fuse 50-1.

[0040] The flame charge tube 200 has a tube body 202 made of aluminum moisture-proof film. The bottom of the tube body 202 is capped with a bottom metal fitting 212 and a nut 214. An ignition charge container 206 made of a thermosetting resin such as Bakelite is attached to the top of the tube body 202. An ignition charge 208 is packed inside the ignition charge container 206. The inside of the tube body 202, sandwiched between the ignition charge container 206 and the bottom metal fitting 212, is packed with a flame charge 210. The fuse 50-1 extending from the ignition device 100 passes through the bottom metal fitting 212, passes through the tube body 202, and reaches the inside of the ignition charge container 206.

[0041] The fire traveling along the fuse 50-1 reaches the ignition charge container 206 and ignites the ignition charge 208. Then, the combustion of the ignition charge 208 ignites the ignition charge 210. The ignited ignition charge 210 burns from above downward, emitting flame and smoke. Then, when the ignition charge 210 burns up to the fuse 50-2, the fuse 50-2 is ignited. The fuse 50-2 is the fuse 50 that connects the first and second ignition tubes of the four ignition tubes 200.

[0042] A spacer 220 made of a high-porosity material is wrapped around the tube body 202. A preferred example of a high-porosity material is single-faced corrugated cardboard. The spacer 220 fills the gap between the inner wall of the cylindrical storage space 12 and the tube body 202 to secure the tube body 202 and also serves as a space for water to collect in the event of flooding. However, when the ignition agent 210 burns, the spacer 220 burns down along with the tube body 202.

[0043] The top of the flame charge tube 200 is pressed against the ceiling surface of the cylindrical storage space 12 via a seat 204 made of a thermosetting resin such as Bakelite. A flow path is formed in the seat 204 for the combustion gas (including flame and smoke) that is generated when the flame charge 210 burns. Since the flame holes 14 are connected to the ceiling surface of the cylindrical storage space 12, the combustion gas flows through the flow path formed in the seat 204 to the flame holes 14.

[0044] 5. Details of the structure of the scuttling device Next, the structure of the self-sinking apparatus 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0045] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the self-sinking device 30. The self-sinking device 30 consists of a water inlet 32 ​​formed on the side of the body 10 of the flare 2 and a resin plug 34 inserted into the water inlet 32. The water inlet 32 ​​is a cylindrical metal member driven into the side of the body 10. The water inlet 32 ​​is positioned on the side of the body 10 so that it is below the water surface when the flare 2 is floating on water. The water inlet 32 ​​penetrates between the side of the body 10 and the tubular storage space 12, connecting the outside of the flare 2 to the tubular storage space 12. The resin plug 34 is made of a water-soluble, thermoplastic resin. Specific materials for the resin plug 34 include polyvinyl alcohol and thermoplastic starch glue. When the flare 2 is stored, the water inlet 32 ​​is sealed with moisture-proof tape 44.

[0046] When the flare 2 is to be used, the moisture-proof tape 44 is peeled off and the flare 2 is dropped onto the water surface. At the time of dropping the flare 2 onto the water surface, the water inlet hole 32 is blocked by the resin plug 34, so water does not seep into the interior of the flare 2. However, when the flares 210 burn, the heat melts the resin plug 34, and the exterior of the flare 2 communicates with the cylindrical storage space 12, allowing water to seep into the interior of the cylindrical storage space 12 through the water inlet hole 32. Even if the flares 210 do not burn, if the flare 2 floats on the water surface for a long time, the resin plug 34 will melt due to exposure to water, and the exterior of the flare 2 will communicate with the cylindrical storage space 12, allowing water to seep into the interior of the cylindrical storage space 12 through the water inlet hole 32. When water floods the inside of the cylindrical storage space 12, the air in the cylindrical storage space 12 escapes through the flame holes 14, and eventually, when the buoyancy becomes smaller than the weight, the flare 2 sinks by itself.

[0047] 6.Details of the structure of the flare Next, the structure of the flare 2 including the ignition device 100, the flame tube 200, and the self-sinking device 30 having the above-described structure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the flare 2 without the bottom cover 20. The bottom surface of the main body 10 of the flare 2 is square, and the ignition device 100 is located at the center. Four cylindrical storage spaces 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are open at positions equidistant from the ignition device 100. Here, the symbol "12-n" refers to the cylindrical storage space 12 that houses the nth flame tube in the ignition order. That is, the cylindrical storage space 12-1 is the cylindrical storage space 12 that houses the first flame tube, which is the first in the ignition order. The cylindrical storage space 12-2 is the cylindrical storage space 12 that houses the second flame tube, which is the second in the ignition order. The cylindrical storage space 12-3 is the cylindrical storage space 12 that houses the third flame tube, which is the third in the ignition order. The cylindrical storage space 12-4 is the cylindrical storage space 12 that stores the fourth flame charge tube, which is the fourth in the ignition order. The four cylindrical storage spaces 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 are adjacent to each other in the counterclockwise direction in numerical order.

[0049] Four fuses 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, and 50-4 are attached to the bottom surface of the main body 10. Here, the symbol "50-n" refers to the fuse 50 that ignites the nth fuse tube in the ignition order. That is, the fuse 50-1 extending from the ignition device 100 enters the cylindrical storage space 12-1 and is connected to the first fuse tube. The fuse 50-2 extending from the cylindrical storage space 12-1 enters the cylindrical storage space 12-2 and is connected to the second fuse tube. The fuse 50-3 extending from the cylindrical storage space 12-2 enters the cylindrical storage space 12-3 and is connected to the third fuse tube. And the fuse 50-4 extending from the cylindrical storage space 12-3 enters the cylindrical storage space 12-4 and is connected to the fourth fuse tube.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flare 2 at the position of the self-sinking device 30. Flame tubes 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 are housed in the cylindrical storage spaces 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 formed in the main body 10, respectively. Here, the symbol "200-n" refers to the nth flame tube 200 in the ignition order. As shown in FIG. 7, the self-sinking device 30 is provided only for the fourth flame tube 200-4, which is ignited last. In addition, two self-sinking devices 30 are provided on different sides of the main body 10.

[0051] In addition, connecting holes 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 are provided in three locations excluding the area between the cylindrical storage spaces 12-1 and 12-4. Here, the symbol "16-n" refers to the connecting hole 16 through which water flows n-th during flooding. During flooding, water flows into the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4, where the self-sinking device 30 is installed, and then flows into the third cylindrical storage space 12-3 through the first connecting hole 16-1. Next, water flows from the third cylindrical storage space 12-3 through the second connecting hole 16-2 into the second cylindrical storage space 12-2. Finally, water flows from the second cylindrical storage space 12-2 through the third connecting hole 16-3 into the first cylindrical storage space 12-1. That is, the order in which water flows in between the cylindrical storage spaces 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 when the spaces are flooded is the reverse of the order in which the flame nozzles 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 are ignited.

[0052] Each of the connecting holes 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 has a difference in height at the connection position with the cylindrical storage spaces on both sides (see connecting hole 16 shown in FIG. 3). Specifically, the connection position between the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4 and the first connecting hole 16-1 is set at a lower position than the connection position between the third cylindrical storage space 12-3 and the first connecting hole 16-1. The connection position between the third cylindrical storage space 12-3 and the second connecting hole 16-2 is set at a lower position than the connection position between the second cylindrical storage space 12-2 and the second connecting hole 16-2. The connection position between the second cylindrical storage space 12-2 and the third connecting hole 16-3 is set at a lower position than the connection position between the first cylindrical storage space 12-1 and the third connecting hole 16-2. In other words, the connection position between the cylindrical storage space containing the flame charge tube with the later ignition order and the connecting hole is set at a lower position than the connection position between the cylindrical storage space containing the flame charge tube with the earlier ignition order and the connecting hole. By providing each connecting hole 16-1, 16-2, 16-3 in this way, it is possible to prevent a fire that occurs in the flame charge tube that is ignited first from spreading through the connecting hole to the flame charge tube that is ignited later.

[0053] 7. Flare activation sequence Next, the operation sequence of the flare 2 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] 8 is a diagram showing the operating sequence of the flare 2. When activating the flare 2, first, the moisture-proof tapes 42, 44 on the pull ring 106 and the sinking device 30 are peeled off, releasing the fixation of the pull ring 106 and the moisture-proofing of the sinking device 30 (step S01). Next, the pull ring 106 is pulled to pull out the pull-out wire 108, which ignites the ignition device 100 due to friction (step S02).

[0055] In step S02, the pull ring 106 is pulled to pull out the withdrawal line 108, and then the flare 2 is dropped onto the water surface (step S06). The dropped flare 2 lands on the water surface and floats with a part of the body 10, including the head 10b, protruding from the water surface (step S07).

[0056] Furthermore, as a result of the ignition device 100 being ignited, the ignition device 100 ignites the first fuse 50-1 (step S03). Then, the first fuse 50-1 ignites the first flame charge tube 200-1, and flame and smoke are ejected from the flame orifice 14 (step S04). The four flame charge tubes 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 provided in the flare 2 are connected in series by fuses 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4. Therefore, combustion occurs in the order of the first flame charge tube 200-1, the second flame charge tube 200-2, and the third flame charge tube 200-3, and finally the fourth flame charge tube 200-4 stored in the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4.

[0057] When the fourth flame charge tube 200-4 burns, heat is transferred to the resin plug 34 of the self-settling device 30 just before the end of combustion. Because the resin plug 34 is thermoplastic, it melts due to the heat when the fourth flame charge tube 200-4 burns (step S05). As the resin plug 34 melts, water begins to seep into the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4 through the water injection hole 32 (step S09). In other words, with the flare 2 having the above-described structure, water can enter the interior after the fourth flame charge tube 200-4, which is the last in the ignition order, has burned, and all of the flame charge tubes 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, and 200-4 can be burned in sequence, ensuring a long flame.

[0058] Water seeps into the interior of the flare 2 via the connecting holes 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3, in the order of fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4, third cylindrical storage space 12-3, second cylindrical storage space 12-2, and first cylindrical storage space 12-1. Furthermore, when the fuses 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, and 50-4 passing through the bottom cover 20 burn and melt the silicone 24, a path for water seeping into the interior of the flare 2 through the water injection hole 32 may be created. The creation of a water path within the bottom cover 20 further accelerates water seepage into the interior of the flare 2.

[0059] However, in the unlikely event that the ignition device 100 malfunctions or combustion is interrupted in one of the flame tubes 200, the fourth flame tube 200-4 will not burn, and the resin plug 34 cannot be melted by heat. However, because the resin plug 34 is also water-soluble, it gradually dissolves in water while the flare 2 is floating (step S08). As the resin plug 34 dissolves, water begins to seep into the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4 through the water inlet 32 ​​(step S09). In other words, with the flare 2 having the above-described structure, water can penetrate into the interior even if the flare 2 fails to explode.

[0060] The water that has entered the fourth cylindrical storage space 12-4 from the water filling hole 32 flows through the connecting holes 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 into all of the cylindrical storage spaces 12-4, 12-3, 12-2, and 12-1 in order. When the buoyancy of the flare 2 becomes less than its weight, the flare 2 sinks (step S10).

[0061] 8. Verification results of scuttling time using scuttling device Finally, the verification results of the self-sinking time by the self-sinking device 30 will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0062] Figure 9 shows the results of a verification of the sinking time in an unburned state using the sinking device 30. In the verification, the time from floating on the water surface to sinking was measured for flares 2 with varying thicknesses of resin plugs 34. The verification results showed that there is a relationship between plate thickness and sinking time, and that with a plate thickness of about 4 to 5 mm, flares 2 sink within an average of 11 hours after hitting the water.

[0063] Figure 10 shows the results of a verification of the self-sinking time when burning using the self-sinking device 30. In the verification, a flare 2 with a resin plug 34 having a thickness of 5 mm was set afloat on the water surface and burned, and the time from ignition to self-sinking was measured. The verification results showed that the device sank within one hour of ignition, and about 10 minutes after burning.

[0064] From the above verification results, it was found that the flare 2 would reliably sink whether the flare 2 was unburned or burned. Furthermore, there was no difference in the burning time of the flare 2 when it burned, or the time from the start of burning to sinking, between the two tests, confirming that the four flame tubes were reliably burned before sinking. Furthermore, since the time it took for the unburned flare 2 to sink was significantly longer than the time it took for the flare 2 to sink after burning, it was also confirmed that there was no risk of the resin plug 34 dissolving in water and causing the flare 2 to sink while it was burning.

[0065] 9.Other In the above embodiment, the number of flame tubes provided in the flare is four. However, in the practice of the present invention, the number of flame tubes may be two or more. Furthermore, the shape of the main body of the flare may be a polygonal pillar other than a rectangular pillar, as long as it is a pillar, or may be a cylindrical pillar. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 2 Self-sinking flares 10 Main body (columnar main body) 10a Torso 10b head 12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4 Cylindrical storage space 14 Blowhole 16,16-1,16-2,16-3 Connection hole 20 Bottom lid (weight) 22 Space (Koryo) 24 Silicone 28 wood screws 30 Scuttling device 32 Water injection hole 34 Resin stopper 42,44 Moisture-proof tape 46 Lid 50, 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4 fuse 100 Ignition system 104 Wood plug 106 Pull Ring 108 Pulling wire 200,200-1,200-2,200-3,200-4 Flame tube 202 Cylinder body 204 seats 206 Ignition powder container 208 Ignition Powder 210 Inflammatory Agent 212 Bottom hardware 220 Spacer

Claims

1. a wooden pillar-shaped body having a flame hole; a weight attached to the bottom of the columnar body; a plurality of flame tubes housed inside the columnar body and connected in series by fuses; an ignition device housed inside the columnar body and configured to ignite a leading flame tube in a row of the plurality of flame tubes connected in series; The columnar body is a plurality of cylindrical storage spaces communicating with the flame holes and storing the plurality of flame tubes; a connecting hole that connects adjacent cylindrical storage spaces to each other and communicates the plurality of cylindrical storage spaces in series; a water injection hole that connects the leading cylindrical storage space of the series-connected cylindrical storage spaces to the outside of the columnar body; a water-soluble and thermoplastic plug packed in the water injection hole; the plurality of cylindrical storage spaces are arranged to surround the center of the columnar body, The cylindrical storage space at the beginning of the row stores a flame tube that is to be ignited last in the ignition order among the plurality of flame tubes. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

2. The self-sinking flare according to claim 1, Of the two cylindrical storage spaces connected by the connecting hole, the connection position between the leading cylindrical storage space and the connecting hole is set at a lower position than the connection position between the rear cylindrical storage space and the connecting hole, The front cylindrical storage space accommodates the flame charge tube with the later ignition order, and the rear cylindrical storage space accommodates the flame charge tube with the earlier ignition order. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

3. The self-sinking flare according to claim 1 or 2, Each of the plurality of cylindrical storage spaces has a gap between its inner wall and the flame tube stored therein, and the gap is filled with a spacer made of a high porosity material. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

4. The self-sinking flare according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The columnar body is formed so that the thickness of the head is thinner than the thickness of the body. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

5. The self-sinking flare according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the columnar body has a plurality of insertion openings at its bottom for inserting the plurality of flame tubes into the plurality of cylindrical storage spaces; The weight is a bottom cover that covers the bottom and seals the multiple insertion openings. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

6. The self-sinking flare according to claim 5, The bottom cover has a cavity filled with silicone, The fuse passes through the silicone-filled space and connects the plurality of flame tubes. A self-sinking flare characterized by:

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