Laser ignition device

Abstract

A laser ignition device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an ignition nozzle through which a flame, generated by the ignition of an igniter ignited by a laser beam, moves; an adapter coupled to one side of a propulsion charge; and a fixing member for fixing the ignition nozzle to the adapter, wherein the ignition nozzle can guide the flame so that the flame reaches the propulsion charge.

Description

laser ignition device

[0001] The description below is about the laser ignition device.

[0002] The modular propellant charge used in existing self-propelled howitzers features a cylindrical passageway along the central axis to facilitate flame propagation from the detonator upon firing. This structure is optimized for existing detonator-ignited firing systems. However, recent advancements in laser technology and the resulting technological advantages have led to ongoing efforts in various civilian and military sectors to replace existing ignition systems with laser ignition systems. Recent research has led to the development of a system that performs combustion tests using laser ignition under various pressure conditions, simultaneously measuring and analyzing the scattered laser beam to provide feedback on combustion characteristics. This system is expected to contribute to efficiently reducing analysis and development time by being applied to various combustion systems, such as aircraft and automobile engines. Furthermore, laser ignition is expected to be utilized in liquid rocket engines. This system ensures stable operation in harsh high-altitude atmospheric and space environments, and offers the advantage of being able to align the irradiation location based on the combustion chamber environment and igniter position. In addition, through research related to high-efficiency laser ignition devices, the idea of ​​combining a beam generated from a single emitter composed of multiple chips through a focusing lens and converting it into an output light form through a pump fiber was presented.

[0003] Laser ignition methods are being attempted in various fields, and offer many advantages. 1) In the case of combustion systems with complex mechanisms, the targeted ignition location can be precisely controlled based on the combustion chamber geometry and propellant distribution location (local concentration differences within the space during liquid / gas stratified combustion, solid propellant geometry, etc.). 2) If a high-strength transparent window capable of transmitting the laser beam is placed between the ignition system and the combustion system to form a sealed combustion system, the safety of the system can be increased and direct damage to the ignition system caused by exposure to harsh operating conditions (high pressure / high temperature) can be reduced. However, laser ignition systems have limitations in that they can only be implemented in certain systems. These limitations include that the fuel and operating environment must meet certain conditions, and that they are difficult to apply to energy sources with low ignition properties. While they are advantageous for targeting narrow combustion points, they are difficult to directly apply to systems that require wide-area ignition in a short period of time. Furthermore, the application of laser ignition systems requires additions and modifications to the overall design and manufacturing, making them difficult to apply.

[0004] In the case of the propellant charge (2) generally introduced in Korea, since it is a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty center, when the laser (L) is aimed at the center of the propellant charge (2), there is a problem that the laser beam irradiated from the laser (L) does not ignite the propellant charge (2) but passes through it as is, as shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the propellant charge (2) is basically designed to be ignited by the flame energy caused by the detonation of the primer. Therefore, when the existing ignition system (primer type) is changed to a laser ignition system, there is a possibility that ignition may not occur normally or ignition may not occur at all even if a contact point is created between the propellant charge (2) and the laser beam. This problem requires a change in the ignition series or the entire ignition system, and may incur a large cost during development work.

[0005] Korean Patent No. 10-2164993 (registration date: October 6, 2020) discloses a laser ignition device for firearms.

[0006] The background technology described above is technology that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a laser ignition device can be provided that can be applied to existing firearms to ignite a propellant charge without design changes.

[0008] A laser ignition device according to one embodiment comprises an ignition nozzle through which a laser beam ignites an igniter and a flame moves; an adapter coupled to one side of a propellant charge; and a fixing member fixing the ignition nozzle to the adapter, wherein the ignition nozzle can guide the flame to reach the propellant charge.

[0009] The ignition nozzle may include a cylindrical nozzle housing having a cavity formed therein; an ignition space in which the igniter is accommodated within the nozzle housing; a connection space communicating with the ignition space so that a flame moves from the ignition space toward the propellant; and a main diffusion path communicating with the connection space and forming an outlet open toward the propellant.

[0010] The above ignition nozzle further includes a backfire prevention passage forming an inlet of the nozzle housing and open to allow a laser beam to reach the igniter, and the backfire prevention passage can prevent a flame from coming out through the inlet.

[0011] The above-described anti-backfire device may include a first cavity, which is a space communicating with the inlet; and a second cavity, which is communicating with the first cavity and exposing a portion of the igniter.

[0012] The above-described anti-backfire passage may further include a anti-backfire plate disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity, and isolating the first cavity and the second cavity when a flame occurs, thereby preventing the flame from moving from the second cavity to the first cavity.

[0013] The above-mentioned anti-backlash plate is hingedly connected to the inside of the anti-backlash passage, and can be opened toward the second cavity before a flame is generated, and closed by increased pressure inside the second cavity when a flame is generated.

[0014] The ignition nozzle may further include an auxiliary diffusion path extending from the inside of the connection space and formed through the nozzle housing.

[0015] The above auxiliary diffusion path may be formed in a plurality of pieces and may be formed such that it moves away from the ignition space as it moves from the inner surface of the connection space to the outer surface of the nozzle housing.

[0016] The above adapter may include an insertion portion inserted into the propulsion charge; and a support portion formed at the lower end of the insertion portion to have an outer circumference larger than the insertion portion, thereby limiting the depth to which the insertion portion is inserted into the propulsion charge.

[0017] The diameter of the first cavity may be larger than the diameter of the laser beam.

[0018] The volume of the second cavity may be larger than the volume of the first cavity.

[0019] The above-mentioned connection space may include a portion whose cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it moves away from the ignition space, and the above-mentioned main diffusion path may include a portion whose cross-sectional area becomes larger as it moves away from the ignition space.

[0020] A laser ignition device according to one embodiment can be applied to an existing firearm to ignite a propellant charge without any design changes.

[0021] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the process of igniting a conventional propulsion charge system with a laser beam.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a propellant charge equipped with a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a propellant charge equipped with a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 is a front view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a side view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ignition nozzle according to one embodiment.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given identical reference numbers, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments, detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of the embodiments. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0030] Components included in one embodiment and components with common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a process of igniting a conventional propulsion charge system with a laser beam, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a propulsion charge equipped with a laser ignition device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of a propulsion charge equipped with a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a laser ignition device (1) can be applied to an existing firearm to ignite a propellant charge (2) without any design changes. The propellant charge (2) illustrated in FIG. 1 is a form of a propellant charge (2) generally introduced in Korea, and has a hollow cylindrical shape with a hollow center. As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam irradiated from the laser (L) penetrates the propellant charge (2) without igniting it. Therefore, when the laser ignition device (1) is mounted on the propellant charge (2) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the laser (L) does not directly penetrate it, but ignites the igniter (133, see FIG. 7) to generate a flame, thereby igniting the propellant charge (2). According to this configuration, the laser ignition method can be applied to an existing firearm, and the advantages of the laser ignition system, such as precise ignition position control and high system stability, can be obtained without any design changes.

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is a front view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a side view of a laser ignition device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, for example, the laser ignition device (1) may include an ignition nozzle (), an adapter (11), and a fixing member (12).

[0037] The ignition nozzle (13) is a part through which a flame generated by a laser beam igniting an igniter moves. The ignition nozzle (13) can guide the flame to reach the propellant charge (2).

[0038] The adapter (11) is a part that is connected to one side of the propellant charge (2). The adapter (11) is a part that is attached or connected to one side of the propellant charge (2) so that an ignition method using a laser (2) can be implemented. For example, the adapter (11) may include an insertion part (111) and a support part (112).

[0039] The insertion portion (111) is a portion inserted into the propellant charge (2). The diameter of the insertion portion (111) may be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the empty space of the propellant charge (2). When the diameter of the insertion portion (111) is equal to the diameter of the empty space of the propellant charge (2), the adapter (11) can be fitted.

[0040] The support member (112) is formed to have an outer circumference larger than the insertion member (111) at the lower end of the insertion member (111), thereby limiting the depth at which the insertion member (111) is inserted into the propelling charge (2). The diameter of the support member (112) is larger than the diameter of the empty space of the propelling charge (2), thereby solving the problem of the adapter (11) itself not being fixed in position by entering the propelling charge (2). According to this structure, the adapter (11) can be easily attached and detached from the propelling charge (2).

[0041] The fixing member (12) can fix the ignition nozzle (13) to the adapter (11). For example, the fixing member (121) can fix the ignition nozzle (13) to the adapter (11) in position through a plurality of members.

[0042]

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an ignition nozzle according to one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the ignition nozzle (13) may include a nozzle housing (131), an ignition space (134), a connection space (135), a main diffusion path (136), a backfire prevention path (132), and an auxiliary diffusion path (137).

[0045] The nozzle housing (131) may be cylindrical in shape with a cavity formed therein. The nozzle housing (131) may be formed of a heat-resistant material, and a laser beam may move through the cavity therein, ignite the igniter (133), and cause the flame to move.

[0046] The ignition space (134) is a space where the ignition agent (133) is accommodated inside the nozzle housing (131). For example, the ignition space (134) may have a larger cross-sectional area than the connection space (135), and according to such a configuration, a greater pressure may be formed upon ignition.

[0047] The connecting space (135) is a space that is connected to the ignition space (134) so ​​that the flame moves from the ignition space toward the propellant charge (2). The connecting space (135) may include a portion whose cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it moves away from the ignition space (134).

[0048] The main diffusion path (136) may be connected to the connecting space (135) and form an outlet open toward the propellant charge (2). The main diffusion path (136) may include a portion whose cross-sectional area increases as it moves away from the ignition space (134). According to such a configuration, since the flame can be ejected and sprayed to both sides simultaneously, there is an advantage in that the propellant charge (2) can be ignited entirely.

[0049] The auxiliary diffusion path (137) may be formed by extending from the inside of the connection space (135) and penetrating the nozzle housing (131). For example, the auxiliary diffusion paths (137) may be formed in multiple numbers, and may be formed such that they are further away from the ignition space (134) from the inside surface of the connection space (135) toward the outside surface of the nozzle housing (131). According to this configuration, the flame is not only moved in the longitudinal direction of the propellant charge (2), but also can be moved toward the side surface of the propellant charge (2), so there is an advantage in that the propellant charge (2) can be ignited as a whole.

[0050] The flashback prevention passage (132) forms an inlet of the nozzle housing (131) and is an open portion that allows the laser beam to reach the igniter (133). The flashback prevention passage (132) can guide the flame to move in one direction. That is, the flashback prevention passage (132) can prevent the flame from coming out through the inlet. For example, the flashback prevention passage (132) can include a first cavity (1321), a flashback prevention plate (1322), and a second cavity (1323).

[0051] The first cavity (1321) may be a space communicating with the inlet. A laser beam may be irradiated into the first cavity (1321) through the inlet. For example, the diameter of the first cavity (1321) may be larger than the diameter of the laser beam.

[0052] The second cavity (1323) communicates with the first cavity (1321) and can expose a portion of the igniter (133). A laser beam irradiated into the interior of the first cavity (1321) can travel into the interior of the second cavity (1323) and ignite the igniter (133) by interacting with a portion of the exposed igniter (133). For example, the volume of the second cavity (1323) can be larger than that of the first cavity (1321). According to this structure, as will be described later, when the first cavity (1321) and the second cavity (1323) are isolated by the flashback prevention plate (1322), the flame can be blocked within the larger volume of the second cavity (1323), which is advantageous in space utilization.

[0053] The flashback prevention plate (1322) is disposed between the first cavity (1321) and the second cavity (1323), and when a flame occurs, it can isolate the first cavity (1321) and the second cavity (1323), thereby preventing the flame from moving from the second cavity (1323) to the first cavity (1321). For example, the flashback prevention plate (1321) is hingedly connected to the inside of the flashback prevention passage (132), and can be opened toward the second cavity (1323) before the flame occurs, and can be closed by the increased pressure inside the second cavity (1323) when the flame occurs. For example, the flashback prevention plates (1321) can be configured as a pair that are hingedly connected at opposite positions on the inside of the flashback prevention passage (132). For example, the hinge can be elastically connected, closed by pressure from a flame, and then moved to an open state by elastic force after the propellant charge (2) is ignited and detonated.

[0054]

[0055] Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations are possible based on the above description. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described structures, devices, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

Claims

1. An ignition nozzle through which a flame is generated by a laser beam igniting an igniter and moving; an adapter coupled to one side of the propellant; and including a fixing member for fixing the ignition nozzle to the adapter; The above ignition nozzle, A laser ignition device characterized in that it induces a flame to reach the propellant charge.

2. In paragraph 1, The above ignition nozzle, A cylindrical nozzle housing having a cavity formed inside; An ignition space in which the igniter is accommodated inside the nozzle housing; a connecting space communicating with the ignition space so that the flame moves from the ignition space toward the propellant; and A laser ignition device comprising a main diffusion path communicating with the above connecting space and forming an outlet open toward the above propellant charge.

3. In paragraph 2, The above ignition nozzle, forming an inlet of the above nozzle housing, and further including an open anti-backfire path to allow the laser beam to reach the igniter; The above anti-reverse euro is, A laser ignition device characterized in that it prevents flames from escaping through the above inlet.

4. In paragraph 3, The above anti-reverse euro is, A first cavity which is a space communicating with the above entrance; and A laser ignition device comprising a second cavity communicating with the first cavity and exposing a portion of the igniter.

5. In paragraph 4, The above anti-reverse euro is A laser ignition device further comprising a flashback prevention plate disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity, which isolates the first cavity and the second cavity when a flame occurs, thereby preventing the flame from moving from the second cavity to the first cavity.

6. In paragraph 5, The above anti-reverse plate is, A laser ignition device characterized in that it is hingedly connected to the inside of the above-mentioned anti-reverse flow path, and is opened toward the second cavity before a flame is generated, and is closed by increased pressure inside the second cavity when a flame is generated.

7. In paragraph 2, The above ignition nozzle, A laser ignition device further comprising an auxiliary diffusion path extending from the inside of the above connection space and formed by penetrating the nozzle housing.

8. In paragraph 7, The above auxiliary diffusion euro is, A laser ignition device formed in a plurality of pieces, characterized in that the laser ignition device is formed such that it is formed so as to be further away from the ignition space from the inner surface of the connection space toward the outer surface of the nozzle housing.

9. In paragraph 1, The above adapter, An insertion part inserted into the above propulsion charge; and A laser ignition device including a support formed at the lower end of the insertion portion to have an outer circumference larger than the insertion portion, thereby limiting the depth to which the insertion portion is inserted into the propellant.

10. In paragraph 4, The diameter of the first cavity is A laser ignition device characterized by having a diameter larger than the diameter of the laser beam.

11. In paragraph 4, A laser ignition device characterized in that the volume of the second cavity is larger than the volume of the first cavity.

12. In paragraph 2, The above connection space includes a portion whose cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it gets farther away from the ignition space, A laser ignition device characterized in that the main diffusion path includes a portion whose cross-sectional area increases as it moves away from the ignition space.

Images