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EP1780495B1 - Small-sized pyrothechnic safety device. - Google Patents

Small-sized pyrothechnic safety device. Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1780495B1
EP1780495B1 EP06291654A EP06291654A EP1780495B1 EP 1780495 B1 EP1780495 B1 EP 1780495B1 EP 06291654 A EP06291654 A EP 06291654A EP 06291654 A EP06291654 A EP 06291654A EP 1780495 B1 EP1780495 B1 EP 1780495B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elements
transmission channel
safety device
barrier
micro
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06291654A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1780495A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Magnan
Renaud Lafont
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KNDS Ammo France SA
Original Assignee
Nexter Munitions SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1780495A1 publication Critical patent/EP1780495A1/en
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Publication of EP1780495B1 publication Critical patent/EP1780495B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42C—AMMUNITION FUZES; ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR
    • F42C15/00—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges
    • F42C15/18—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein a carrier for an element of the pyrotechnic or explosive train is moved
    • F42C15/184—Arming-means in fuzes; Safety means for preventing premature detonation of fuzes or charges wherein a carrier for an element of the pyrotechnic or explosive train is moved using a slidable carrier

Definitions

  • the technical field of the invention is that of firing safety devices for pyrotechnic apparatus.
  • DSAs Security devices
  • DSAs are well known. They generally comprise a screen closing a transmission channel which connects an initiator and a pyrotechnic charge.
  • the screen is thus interposed on the flame passage between the initiator and the load and it prevents the ignition or firing of the latter.
  • the springs do not make it possible to produce a reversible operating device (that is to say that can move from its safety position to its armed position and vice versa).
  • the US-3750589 which forms a base for the preamble of claim 1, discloses a safety and arming device which is actuated by centrifugal force.
  • This device comprises several disks that are housed in a chamber that fills with a fluid during firing. Each disk carries a channel, the centripetal force causes the disks to move relative to each other in the fluid and the geometric characteristics of each disk are defined so that, after such a displacement, the different channels of each disk are are aligned and form a continuous axial transmission channel between a primer and an explosive charge.
  • the operation of such a device is complex and not very reproducible.
  • each disk alone constitutes a screen that must be moved from a safety position in which it closes the transmission channel to an armed position in which its hole is aligned with this channel.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a safety device for firing mass reduced and yet reliable and effective.
  • the subject of the invention is a firing safety device for a pyrotechnic device, the device described by claim 1.
  • the elements of the screen can move radially relative to the transmission channel, the elements being, in a safety position of the device, in mutual contact at a zone disposed opposite the transmission channel.
  • the elements of the screens will comprise, at their contact zone, form-concordance profiles whose juxtaposition will constitute at least one baffle providing a seal against the gases generated by the initiator.
  • the elements of the screens will have the shape of cylindrical sectors.
  • the device may thus comprise four elements in the form of sectors.
  • the elements of the screens may have a substantially parallelepipedal shape, and in that the axis of the transmission channel passes through them at one of their transverse plane of smaller section.
  • the elements of the screen may be arranged one over the other opposite the transmission channel, each element having lights separated by tabs, the tabs of a first element closing the lights the second element when the device is in a safety position and the tabs revealing the lights when the device is in the armed position.
  • the transmission channel will have a section whose surface will be less than or equal to 1 mm 2 while being chosen greater than the ignition surface of the pyrotechnic charge.
  • the elements and their motor means will be made in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts, reported or made on a wafer of a substrate.
  • the safety device may thus comprise at least two micro-machined or micro-engraved plates, stacked one on the other, control means ensuring a synchronized movement of the elements of the various plates.
  • a firing safety device 1 for a pyrotechnic vehicle 2 comprises a housing 3 which is fixed by means (not shown) on the holster 4 of the pyrotechnic machine 2.
  • the case 4 contains a pyrotechnic charge 5 (for example an explosive on which a priming relay 5a is placed) and the safety device 1 carries an initiator 6.
  • the initiator 6 is connected to the explosive charge 5 by a transmission channel 7.
  • a mobile screen 8 closes the transmission channel 7 and prevents the initiation of the charge 5,5a by the initiator 6.
  • the device 1 is represented on the figure 1 in his security position.
  • the screen 8 is held in this safety position by an electrically operated lock 9 (retractor). Once unlocked the screen 8 slides in its housing 10 by the action of a motor means 11, which is here a spring and it adopts an armed position.
  • a motor means 11 which is here a spring and it adopts an armed position.
  • the hole 12 carried by the screen 8 is positioned opposite the channel 7 and allows the initiation of the load 5, 5a.
  • An electronic control means 13 is connected to the initiator 6 and the latch 9. It ensures on the one hand the control of the lock leading to the arming of the device and on the other hand the firing of the initiator 6.
  • the arming of the device intervenes only as a result of the detection of a certain number of events necessarily associated with the shot (for example the acceleration of firing for a projectile). This is the way that manages these events. It is therefore connected to sensors (not shown) and incorporates event management software.
  • figure 1 is schematic and does not prejudge the dimensions and proportions of the different components shown.
  • Licences FR2650662 and FR2801099 describe known devices.
  • the main disadvantage of this device is the significant stroke of the screen 8. This stroke is usually of the order of ten mm and is related to the dimensions adopted for the screen.
  • the screen must have sufficient mechanical strength to ensure the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain.
  • the firing of the primer must not lead to that of the load 5, 5a.
  • the screen must therefore effectively stop the pyrotechnic effect from the initiator 6.
  • a first characteristic of the invention it will be sought to reduce the size of the device by reducing the stroke of the screen. For this we divide the screen into at least two elements that can move relative to each other. The total arming stroke of the screen can then be divided into several partial strokes of each element of the screen. Each screen element can not by itself close the transmission channel but the various screen elements will cooperate together to close this channel.
  • the figure 2 thus shows a first embodiment of the invention in which the screen 8 comprises two elements 8a and 8b which are arranged one on the other facing the transmission channel 7.
  • the element 8a is fixed (for example glued to a bottom wall of the housing 10) while the element 8b is movable and displaced by a motor means 11 which is here a micro motor actuated by the control means 13.
  • each element 8a, 8b of the screen comprises slots 14a or 14b which are separated by tabs 15a or 15b.
  • the elements 8a and 8b are more particularly visible on the Figures 3a and 3b .
  • the lights 14a and 14b of each element 8a and 8b have substantially the same dimensions.
  • the tabs 15a and 15b also have substantially the same dimensions as the lights.
  • Gas leakage can be minimized by mastering design sets and manufacturing tolerances.
  • the transmission channel 7 is then completely closed.
  • the motor means 11 When arming the device the motor means 11 will push the element 8b in the direction D. It pushes it on a stroke C which is equal to the width of a tongue 15a or 15b.
  • Elements 8a and 8b thus adopt the armed position of the figure 4b .
  • the lights 14a of the element 8a are opposite the lights 14b of the element 8b.
  • the transmission channel 7 is then partially unobstructed.
  • the skilled person will choose the number of lights 14 and size according to the desired opening area to ensure the initiation of the composition 5,5a by the initiator 6. This surface will of course also depend on the surface of the transmission channel 7 as well as pyrotechnic characteristics of the initiator 6 and the composition 5, 5a.
  • the race will therefore be reduced as the width of a tongue 15 will be small and therefore the number of lights 14 will be important for a given section of the transmission channel.
  • the thickness and nature of the material of the elements 8a, 8b will be chosen according to the characteristics of the initiator 6.
  • the elements 8a, 8b may be made of steel or of silicon.
  • Elements 8a and 8b may have a width and a length of the order of ten millimeters, which is two to three times smaller than the dimensions of known screens.
  • the elements may be of even smaller dimensions and will advantageously be in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts on a wafer of a substrate, for example an insulating substrate.
  • MEMS Micro Electro Mechanical System
  • the figures 5 and 6 show in a partial manner a second embodiment of a safety device according to the invention.
  • This device is shown in cross-section and the transmission channel 7 appears on the figure 5 in the form of a dashed circle.
  • the screen 8 here consists of four cylinder sectors of 90 ° each: 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. These sectors are each delimited by orthogonal planes 16.
  • Each sector 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be moved radially by a motor means 11a, 11b, 11c or 11d.
  • the device is represented at figure 5 in its safety position in which the four sectors are joined two by two and completely close the transmission channel 7.
  • the elements are in contact with each other at contact surfaces 16 which are here plans 16ab, 16ad, ... 16cb (cf. figure 6 ).
  • the different planes 16 are in contact at a zone which is arranged opposite the transmission channel 7.
  • the device is represented at figure 6 in its armed position in which each sector 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d has been moved radially along the directions Da, Db, Dc or Dd by the action of the motor means 11a, 11b, 11c or 11d.
  • the transmission channel 7 is then partially unobstructed.
  • each element 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d it is sufficient to move each element 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d by a relatively small distance to unobstruct a large part of the channel 7. It will be noted that with displacements elements of a distance D slightly greater than one third of the radius of the channel 7 have a surface of the channel 7 which is close to half of its total surface.
  • the movements required are therefore of reduced amplitude which allows a decrease in size of the device and a minimum stored energy to ensure the unlocking.
  • the dimensions of the sectors 8 and the amplitude of the displacements D will be chosen so that the unobstructed surface is sufficient to allow the initiation of the pyrotechnic charge 5, 5a by the initiator 6 (elements not represented in these figures but situated in both sides of channel 7).
  • the height of the different sectors 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d will of course be chosen according to the characteristics of the initiator 6 and the load 5,5a.
  • the various motor means may be made in the form of micro electric motors or in the form of springs. In the latter case there will be provided a locking means which will ensure the maintenance of the sectors in the safety position of the figure 5 .
  • This locking means will be released to allow the device to be armed.
  • the figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the invention.
  • the screen 8 consists of two elements 8a and 8b which can move radially with respect to the transmission channel 7.
  • the elements 8a and 8b here have a substantially parallelepipedal shape and their thickness is greater than or equal to the diameter of the channel 7.
  • Each element 8a, 8b is movable by a motor means 11a, 11b (here micro electric motors connected to the control means 13).
  • the elements 8a, 8b are in mutual contact at a zone which is arranged facing the transmission channel 7.
  • the contact surfaces 16a, 16b here have shape-concordant profiles consisting of a succession of teeth delimited by planes inclined with respect to the axis 17 of the channel 7.
  • the juxtaposition of the teeth thus constitutes baffles which make it possible to improve the tightness to the gases generated by the initiator 6.
  • the figure 8 shows the device in its armed position. Each motor means has moved an element in a direction Da or Db. The channel 7 is then released and the initiation of the load 5,5a is allowed.
  • Each element 8a, 8b has thus moved by a distance substantially equal to one half-diameter of the channel.
  • the movements are therefore of reduced amplitude which allows a decrease in the size of the device and a minimum stored energy to ensure the unlocking.
  • the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of the screen and to greatly reduce the travel strokes.
  • MEMS technology is well known to those skilled in the art. We will thus be able to consult patents EP1559986 and EP1559987 which describe security devices implementing MEMS. Generally, given their small size, the MEMS implemented in known security devices use a mobile screen to interrupt an optical firing signal. Such a screen is not directly interposed between the pyrotechnic initiator and the load, and the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain is not ensured.
  • the invention seeks on the contrary to implement a mobile MEMS technology screen to directly and reliably interrupt the pyrotechnic initiation chain between an initiator and a load.
  • an initiator comprising an output stage of 10 milligrams of Hexogen coupled to a very insensitive relay, for example in HNS (hexanotrostilbene), it was possible to make a transmission channel 7 of less than 1 mm 2 section (channel diameter of the order of mm) while ensuring the desired initiation transmission.
  • conventional initiators have an output stage of about 30 milligrams of Hexogen. The initiator 6 chosen therefore has a reduced power.
  • the critical diameter of the HNS is 0.5 mm and this explosive therefore requires to be initiated a surface priming substantially 0.2 mm 2 which is much lower than the section of the transmission channel.
  • a housing 3 of such a MEMS component encloses a substrate 18, for example insulating (glass or silicon) on which are formed the elements 8a and 8b in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts.
  • the elements 8a and 8b have been shown here schematically and in their safety position. They both carry on their contact surfaces 16a, 16b tooth profiles.
  • micro-machined latch 20 which may for example be constituted by a thermal fuse or an electrothermal or electromagnetic actuator.
  • motor means 11a and 11b which will for example be micro-machined springs.
  • the elements 8a and 8b have a substantially parallelepipedal shape and that the axis 17 of the transmission channel 7 passes through them at one of their transverse plane P of smaller section.
  • the screen does not receive, as in the prior art, the pyrotechnic effect along a direction oriented according to the thickness of the screen but in a direction which is parallel to the plane of movement of the elements and which thus encounters one of the most large dimensions of the screen.
  • MEMS micro-machined technology
  • Electrothermal or electromagnetic actuators are well known in the field of MEMS. The same applies to fuses and micro-machined springs.
  • fuses and micro-machined springs For example, we can refer to patents EP1573782 , US2005139577 , US6691513 and US2004027029 which describe possible solutions.
  • the thickness of the micro-machined elements does not exceed half a millimeter. To ensure the closure of a channel of 1 mm in diameter it is necessary to stack at least two micro mechanisms on one another.
  • the Figures 10a and 10b allow to specify the structure of such a device associating two MEMS.
  • the housing 3 thus encloses two plates of a substrate 18.1 and 18.2, for example an insulating substrate, each bonded to a glass plate 19.1, 19.2.
  • the plate 18.1 carries two movable elements 8a.1 and 8b.1.
  • the plate 18.2 similarly carries two movable elements 8a.2 and 8b.2.
  • Each movable element is displaceable by a motor means 11a.1, 11b.1; 11a.2, 11b.2.
  • a lock means 20.1 or 20.2 makes it possible to ensure at each plate the immobilization of the two elements of the screen in question.
  • a slight assembly clearance (a few microns) will be provided to allow the joint movements of the elements 8 carried by the two plates.
  • Each plate is connected to the electronic control means 13 which are designed to ensure the synchronized movement of the elements 8 of the various plates.
  • a connector 21 which provides the interface between the pads and the cable from the control means 13. It is also shown schematically on the figure 10b by bold lines certain conductive tracks carried by the pads 18.1, 18.2 and connecting the micro-machined elements and actuators to the connector 21.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Superstructure Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)

Abstract

A safety device for igniting a pyrotechnic device, comprising a channel (7) between an igniter (6) and a pyrotechnic charge (5, 5a), comprises a screen consisting of several elements (8a, 8b) that can be moved relative to each other by motors (11) between a safety position in which the channel is blocked and an armed position in which the channel is unblocked. None of the screen elements can block the channel on its own.

Description

Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui des dispositifs de sécurité de mise à feu pour engin pyrotechnique.The technical field of the invention is that of firing safety devices for pyrotechnic apparatus.

Les dispositifs de sécurité (ou DSA) sont bien connus. Ils comportent généralement un écran obturant un canal de transmission qui relie un initiateur et une charge pyrotechnique.Security devices (or DSAs) are well known. They generally comprise a screen closing a transmission channel which connects an initiator and a pyrotechnic charge.

L'écran s'interpose ainsi sur le passage de flamme entre l'initiateur et la charge et il empêche l'allumage ou la mise à feu de cette dernière.The screen is thus interposed on the flame passage between the initiator and the load and it prevents the ignition or firing of the latter.

Les brevets FR-2650662 et FR-2801099 décrivent ainsi des dispositifs de sécurité connus.The patents FR-2650662 and FR-2801099 thus describe known safety devices.

Un des problèmes rencontrés avec ces dispositifs est leur encombrement. Les pièces sont relativement massives pour assurer l'interruption de la chaîne pyrotechnique. Les moyens moteurs permettant de déplacer l'écran doivent donc être puissants. On utilise le plus souvent des ressorts qui restent bandés au cours des phases de stockage, ce qui peut conduire à une dégradation de leurs caractéristiques mécaniques et à une perte de la fiabilité de l'armement.One of the problems encountered with these devices is their size. The pieces are relatively massive to ensure the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain. The motor means for moving the screen must be powerful. In most cases, springs are used which remain bandaged during the storage phases, which can lead to a degradation of their mechanical characteristics and to a loss of reliability of the armament.

Par ailleurs les ressorts ne permettent pas de réaliser un dispositif d'armement à fonctionnement réversible (c'est à dire pouvant passer de sa position sécurité à sa position armée et inversement).In addition, the springs do not make it possible to produce a reversible operating device (that is to say that can move from its safety position to its armed position and vice versa).

On peut également utiliser de petits moteurs électriques, mais ces derniers restent encombrants, fragiles, délicats à intégrer et nécessitent une source d'énergie importante.It is also possible to use small electric motors, but these remain bulky, fragile, delicate to integrate and require a significant source of energy.

Le brevet US-3750589 , qui forme une base pour le preambule de la revendication 1, décrit un dispositif de sécurité et d'armement qui est actionné par la force centrifuge. Ce dispositif comprend plusieurs disques qui sont logés dans une chambre qui se remplit d'un fluide lors du tir. Chaque disque porte un canal, la force centripète amène les disques à se déplacer les uns par rapport aux autres dans le fluide et les caractéristiques géométriques de chaque disque sont définies de telle sorte que, après un tel déplacement, les différents canaux de chaque disque se trouvent alignés et forment un canal de transmission axial continu entre une amorce et une charge explosive. Le fonctionnement d'un tel dispositif est complexe et peu reproductible. Par ailleurs chaque disque constitue à lui seul un écran qui doit être déplacé d'une position de sécurité dans laquelle il obture le canal de transmission à une position armée dans laquelle son trou est aligné avec ce canal.The US-3750589 , which forms a base for the preamble of claim 1, discloses a safety and arming device which is actuated by centrifugal force. This device comprises several disks that are housed in a chamber that fills with a fluid during firing. Each disk carries a channel, the centripetal force causes the disks to move relative to each other in the fluid and the geometric characteristics of each disk are defined so that, after such a displacement, the different channels of each disk are are aligned and form a continuous axial transmission channel between a primer and an explosive charge. The operation of such a device is complex and not very reproducible. Furthermore, each disk alone constitutes a screen that must be moved from a safety position in which it closes the transmission channel to an armed position in which its hole is aligned with this channel.

Une telle solution ne permet pas de réduire les dimensions et la masse du dispositif.Such a solution does not reduce the size and mass of the device.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de sécurité de mise à feu de masse réduite et cependant fiable et efficace.The object of the invention is to provide a safety device for firing mass reduced and yet reliable and effective.

Ainsi l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de sécurité de mise à feu pour engin pyrotechnique, dispositif décrit par la revendication 1.Thus, the subject of the invention is a firing safety device for a pyrotechnic device, the device described by claim 1.

Avantageusement les éléments de l'écran pourront se déplacer radialement par rapport au canal de transmission, les éléments étant, dans une position de sécurité du dispositif, en contact mutuel au niveau d'une zone disposée en regard du canal de transmission.Advantageously, the elements of the screen can move radially relative to the transmission channel, the elements being, in a safety position of the device, in mutual contact at a zone disposed opposite the transmission channel.

Suivant un mode de réalisation, les éléments des écrans comporteront au niveau de leur zone de contact des profils à concordance de forme dont la juxtaposition constituera au moins une chicane assurant une étanchéité aux gaz engendrés par l'initiateur.According to one embodiment, the elements of the screens will comprise, at their contact zone, form-concordance profiles whose juxtaposition will constitute at least one baffle providing a seal against the gases generated by the initiator.

Suivant un mode particulier de réalisation, les éléments des écrans auront la forme de secteurs cylindriques.According to a particular embodiment, the elements of the screens will have the shape of cylindrical sectors.

Le dispositif pourra ainsi comporter quatre éléments en forme de secteurs.The device may thus comprise four elements in the form of sectors.

Suivant un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments des écrans pourront avoir une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique, et en ce que l'axe du canal de transmission les traverse au niveau d'un de leur plan transversal de plus petite section.According to another embodiment, the elements of the screens may have a substantially parallelepipedal shape, and in that the axis of the transmission channel passes through them at one of their transverse plane of smaller section.

Suivant un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments de l'écran pourront être disposés l'un sur l'autre en regard du canal de transmission, chaque élément comportant des lumières séparées par des languettes, les languettes d'un premier élément obturant les lumières du deuxième élément lorsque le dispositif est dans une position de sécurité et les languettes découvrant les lumières lorsque le dispositif est en position armée.According to another embodiment, the elements of the screen may be arranged one over the other opposite the transmission channel, each element having lights separated by tabs, the tabs of a first element closing the lights the second element when the device is in a safety position and the tabs revealing the lights when the device is in the armed position.

D'une façon préférée, le canal de transmission aura une section dont la surface sera inférieure ou égale à 1 mm2 tout en étant choisie supérieure à la surface d'amorçage de la charge pyrotechnique.In a preferred manner, the transmission channel will have a section whose surface will be less than or equal to 1 mm 2 while being chosen greater than the ignition surface of the pyrotechnic charge.

Suivant un mode particulier de réalisation, les éléments et leurs moyens moteurs seront réalisés sous la forme de pièces micro-usinées ou micro gravées, rapportées ou réalisées sur une plaquette d'un substrat.According to a particular embodiment, the elements and their motor means will be made in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts, reported or made on a wafer of a substrate.

Le dispositif de sécurité pourra ainsi comporter au moins deux plaquettes micro usinées ou micro gravées, empilées l'une sur l'autre, des moyens de commande assurant un déplacement synchronisé des éléments des différentes plaquettes.The safety device may thus comprise at least two micro-machined or micro-engraved plates, stacked one on the other, control means ensuring a synchronized movement of the elements of the various plates.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre de différents modes de réalisation, description faite en référence aux dessins annexés et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente un dispositif de sécurité selon l'art antérieur,
  • la figure 2 montre un dispositif de sécurité selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • les figures 3a et 3b montrent d'une façon isolée les deux éléments d'écran mis en oeuvre dans ce premier mode de réalisation,
  • les figures 4a et 4b montrent les deux éléments d'écran superposés dans la position armée du système (figure 4b) et dans la position de sécurité du système (figure 4a),
  • les figures 5 et 6 montrent en vue de dessus partielle un dispositif de sécurité selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, la figure 5 présentant le dispositif en position de sécurité et la figure 6 en position armée,
  • les figures 7 et 8 montrent en vue de dessus partielle un dispositif de sécurité selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, la figure 7 présentant le dispositif en position de sécurité et la figure 8 en position armée,
  • la figure 9 représente schématiquement l'intégration du dispositif selon ce troisième mode de réalisation sous la forme d'une puce micro usinée,
  • les figures 10a et 10b sont deux vues schématiques du dispositif selon le troisième mode de réalisation, dispositif réalisé sous la forme de puces micro usinées, le dispositif est figuré suivant deux coupes transversales orthogonales.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of various embodiments, a description given with reference to the appended drawings and in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a safety device according to the prior art,
  • the figure 2 shows a safety device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • the Figures 3a and 3b show in an isolated manner the two screen elements implemented in this first embodiment,
  • the Figures 4a and 4b show the two superimposed screen elements in the armed position of the system ( figure 4b ) and in the system security position ( figure 4a )
  • the figures 5 and 6 show in partial top view a safety device according to a second embodiment of the invention, the figure 5 presenting the device in a safe position and the figure 6 in armed position,
  • the figures 7 and 8 show in partial top view a safety device according to a third embodiment of the invention, the figure 7 presenting the device in a safe position and the figure 8 in armed position,
  • the figure 9 schematically represents the integration of the device according to this third embodiment in the form of a micromachined chip,
  • the Figures 10a and 10b are two schematic views of the device according to the third embodiment, device made in the form of micro-machined chips, the device is shown in two orthogonal cross sections.

En se reportant à la figure 1, un dispositif de sécurité de mise à feu 1 pour un engin pyrotechnique 2 selon l'art antérieur comporte un boîtier 3 qui est fixé par des moyens (non représentés) sur l'étui 4 de l'engin pyrotechnique 2.Referring to the figure 1 , a firing safety device 1 for a pyrotechnic vehicle 2 according to the prior art comprises a housing 3 which is fixed by means (not shown) on the holster 4 of the pyrotechnic machine 2.

L'étui 4 renferme une charge pyrotechnique 5 (par exemple un explosif sur lequel est mis en place un relais d'amorçage 5a) et le dispositif de sécurité 1 porte un initiateur 6. L'initiateur 6 est relié à la charge explosive 5 par un canal de transmission 7.The case 4 contains a pyrotechnic charge 5 (for example an explosive on which a priming relay 5a is placed) and the safety device 1 carries an initiator 6. The initiator 6 is connected to the explosive charge 5 by a transmission channel 7.

Un écran 8 mobile obture le canal de transmission 7 et empêche l'initiation de la charge 5,5a par l'initiateur 6.A mobile screen 8 closes the transmission channel 7 and prevents the initiation of the charge 5,5a by the initiator 6.

Le dispositif 1 est représenté sur la figure 1 dans sa position de sécurité.The device 1 is represented on the figure 1 in his security position.

L'écran 8 est maintenu dans cette position de sécurité par un verrou à commande électrique 9 (rétracteur). Une fois déverrouillé l'écran 8 glisse dans son logement 10 par l'action d'un moyen moteur 11, qui est ici un ressort et il adopte une position armée.The screen 8 is held in this safety position by an electrically operated lock 9 (retractor). Once unlocked the screen 8 slides in its housing 10 by the action of a motor means 11, which is here a spring and it adopts an armed position.

Dans cette position armée, le trou 12 porté par l'écran 8 se positionne en regard du canal 7 et autorise l'initiation de la charge 5, 5a.In this armed position, the hole 12 carried by the screen 8 is positioned opposite the channel 7 and allows the initiation of the load 5, 5a.

Un moyen électronique de commande 13 est relié à l'initiateur 6 et au verrou 9. Il assure d'une part la commande du verrou conduisant à l'armement du dispositif et d'autre part la mise à feu de l'initiateur 6.An electronic control means 13 is connected to the initiator 6 and the latch 9. It ensures on the one hand the control of the lock leading to the arming of the device and on the other hand the firing of the initiator 6.

L'armement du dispositif n'intervient que comme suite à la détection d'un certain nombre d'événements associés obligatoirement au tir (par exemple l'accélération de tir pour un projectile). C'est le moyen 13 qui gère ces événements. Il est donc relié à des capteurs (non représentés) et il incorpore un logiciel de gestion des événements.The arming of the device intervenes only as a result of the detection of a certain number of events necessarily associated with the shot (for example the acceleration of firing for a projectile). This is the way that manages these events. It is therefore connected to sensors (not shown) and incorporates event management software.

Un tel dispositif est bien connu de l'Homme du Métier.Such a device is well known to those skilled in the art.

Bien entendu la figure 1 est schématique et ne préjuge pas des dimensions et proportions des différents composants représentés.Of course, figure 1 is schematic and does not prejudge the dimensions and proportions of the different components shown.

Par ailleurs il existe d'autre solutions dans lesquelles le verrou est commandé non pas électriquement mais mécaniquement, comme suite par exemple aux forces d'inertie d'un tir ou par la détection à l'aide d'un palpeur de la sortie du projectile hors d'un tube de lancement.Moreover there are other solutions in which the lock is controlled not electrically but mechanically, such as following for example the inertial forces of a shot or by the detection using a probe of the exit of the projectile out of a launch tube.

Les brevets FR2650662 et FR2801099 décrivent des dispositifs connus.Licences FR2650662 and FR2801099 describe known devices.

Le principal inconvénient de ce dispositif est la course importante de l'écran 8. Cette course est habituellement de l'ordre d'un dizaine de mm et elle est liée aux dimensions adoptées pour l'écran.The main disadvantage of this device is the significant stroke of the screen 8. This stroke is usually of the order of ten mm and is related to the dimensions adopted for the screen.

Par ailleurs l'écran doit avoir une résistance mécanique suffisante pour assurer l'interruption de la chaîne pyrotechnique. Ainsi lorsque le dispositif est en position de sécurité, la mise à feu de l'amorce ne doit pas conduire à celle de la charge 5, 5a. L'écran doit donc arrêter efficacement l'effet pyrotechnique issu de l'initiateur 6.In addition, the screen must have sufficient mechanical strength to ensure the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain. Thus when the device is in the safety position, the firing of the primer must not lead to that of the load 5, 5a. The screen must therefore effectively stop the pyrotechnic effect from the initiator 6.

Il semble donc plutôt contradictoire de chercher à réduire la taille de l'écran pour réduire sa course tout en maintenant pourtant un état de sécurité acceptable.It seems rather contradictory to try to reduce the size of the screen to reduce its course while maintaining an acceptable security.

Selon une première caractéristique de l'invention on va chercher à réduire l'encombrement du dispositif en réduisant la course de l'écran. Pour cela on divisera l'écran en au moins deux éléments pouvant se déplacer l'un par rapport à l'autre. La course d'armement totale de l'écran pourra alors se trouver divisée en plusieurs courses partielles de chaque élément de l'écran. Chaque élément d'écran ne pourra pas à lui seul obturer le canal de transmission mais les différents éléments d'écran coopèreront ensemble pour obturer ce canal.According to a first characteristic of the invention, it will be sought to reduce the size of the device by reducing the stroke of the screen. For this we divide the screen into at least two elements that can move relative to each other. The total arming stroke of the screen can then be divided into several partial strokes of each element of the screen. Each screen element can not by itself close the transmission channel but the various screen elements will cooperate together to close this channel.

La course nécessaire pour désobturer le canal peut alors être fortement réduite.The stroke necessary to unclog the channel can then be greatly reduced.

La figure 2 montre ainsi un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel l'écran 8 comporte deux éléments 8a et 8b qui sont disposés l'un sur l'autre en regard du canal de transmission 7.The figure 2 thus shows a first embodiment of the invention in which the screen 8 comprises two elements 8a and 8b which are arranged one on the other facing the transmission channel 7.

L'élément 8a est fixe (par exemple collé à une paroi de fond du logement 10) alors que l'élément 8b est mobile et déplacé par un moyen moteur 11 qui est ici un micro moteur actionné par le moyen de commande 13.The element 8a is fixed (for example glued to a bottom wall of the housing 10) while the element 8b is movable and displaced by a motor means 11 which is here a micro motor actuated by the control means 13.

On pourrait bien entendu remplacer le moyen moteur par un ressort et prévoir un verrou de blocage qui serait libéré par le moyen de commande 13.It would of course be possible to replace the motor means with a spring and to provide a locking latch which would be released by the control means 13.

Selon une caractéristique importante de ce mode de réalisation, chaque élément 8a, 8b de l'écran comporte des lumières 14a ou 14b qui sont séparées par des languettes 15a ou 15b.According to an important characteristic of this embodiment, each element 8a, 8b of the screen comprises slots 14a or 14b which are separated by tabs 15a or 15b.

Les éléments 8a et 8b sont plus particulièrement visibles sur les figures 3a et 3b. Les lumières 14a et 14b de chaque élément 8a et 8b ont sensiblement les mêmes dimensions. Les languettes 15a et 15b ont par ailleurs sensiblement les mêmes dimensions que les lumières.The elements 8a and 8b are more particularly visible on the Figures 3a and 3b . The lights 14a and 14b of each element 8a and 8b have substantially the same dimensions. The tabs 15a and 15b also have substantially the same dimensions as the lights.

Les figures 4a et 4b permettent de mieux comprendre le fonctionnement du volet suivant ce mode de réalisation.The Figures 4a and 4b provide a better understanding of the operation of the component according to this embodiment.

On a représenté sur ces figures par un cercle en pointillés le canal de transmission 7.These figures are represented by a dashed circle of the transmission channel 7.

On voit sur la figure 4a les éléments 8a et 8b en position de sécurité. Dans cette position les languettes 15b de l'élément 8b obturent les lumières 14a de l'élément 8a.We see on the figure 4a the elements 8a and 8b in the safety position. In this position the tabs 15b of the element 8b block the lights 14a of the element 8a.

Les fuites de gaz peuvent être minimisées grâce à la maîtrise des jeux de conception et des tolérances de fabrications.Gas leakage can be minimized by mastering design sets and manufacturing tolerances.

Le canal de transmission 7 est alors complètement obturé.The transmission channel 7 is then completely closed.

Lors de l'armement du dispositif le moyen moteur 11 va pousser l'élément 8b suivant la direction D. Il le pousse sur une course C qui est égale à la largeur d'une languette 15a ou 15b.When arming the device the motor means 11 will push the element 8b in the direction D. It pushes it on a stroke C which is equal to the width of a tongue 15a or 15b.

Les éléments 8a et 8b adoptent ainsi la position armée de la figure 4b. Dans cette position les lumières 14a de l'élément 8a sont en regard des lumières 14b de l'élément 8b.Elements 8a and 8b thus adopt the armed position of the figure 4b . In this position, the lights 14a of the element 8a are opposite the lights 14b of the element 8b.

Le canal de transmission 7 est alors partiellement désobturé.The transmission channel 7 is then partially unobstructed.

L'Homme du Métier choisira le nombre de lumières 14 et les dimensionnera en fonction de la surface d'ouverture souhaitée pour assurer l'initiation de la composition 5,5a par l'initiateur 6. Cette surface dépendra bien entendu également de la surface du canal de transmission 7 ainsi que des caractéristiques pyrotechniques de l'initiateur 6 et de la composition 5, 5a.The skilled person will choose the number of lights 14 and size according to the desired opening area to ensure the initiation of the composition 5,5a by the initiator 6. This surface will of course also depend on the surface of the transmission channel 7 as well as pyrotechnic characteristics of the initiator 6 and the composition 5, 5a.

Il est bien entendu possible de faire varier le nombre et la forme des languettes 15 et des lumières 14.It is of course possible to vary the number and shape of the tongues 15 and the lights 14.

On voit ainsi qu'avec une course réduite (C = la largeur d'une languette 15) il est ici possible d'ouvrir une section égale à trois fois la surface d'une ouverture 14.It is thus seen that with a reduced stroke (C = the width of a tongue 15) it is possible here to open a section equal to three times the surface of an opening 14.

La course sera donc d'autant plus réduite que la largeur d'une languette 15 sera faible et donc que le nombre de lumières 14 sera important pour une section du canal de transmission donnée.The race will therefore be reduced as the width of a tongue 15 will be small and therefore the number of lights 14 will be important for a given section of the transmission channel.

On choisira bien entendu l'épaisseur et la nature du matériau des éléments 8a, 8b en fonction des caractéristiques de l'initiateur 6. Les éléments 8a, 8b pourront être réalisés en acier ou bien en silicium.Of course, the thickness and nature of the material of the elements 8a, 8b will be chosen according to the characteristics of the initiator 6. The elements 8a, 8b may be made of steel or of silicon.

Les éléments 8a et 8b pourront avoir une largeur et une longueur de l'ordre de la dizaine de millimètres, ce qui est deux à trois fois inférieur aux dimensions des écrans connus.Elements 8a and 8b may have a width and a length of the order of ten millimeters, which is two to three times smaller than the dimensions of known screens.

Suivant un mode particulier de réalisation qui sera détaillé par la suite, les éléments pourront être de dimensions encore plus faibles et seront avantageusement réalisés sous la forme de pièces micro-usinées ou micro gravées sur une plaquette d'un substrat, par exemple d'un substrat isolant. Cette technologie connue sous le nom de MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) permet en effet aujourd'hui de réaliser des micro mécanismes en mettant en oeuvre une technique proche de celle permettant de réaliser les circuits intégrés électroniques.According to a particular embodiment which will be detailed later, the elements may be of even smaller dimensions and will advantageously be in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts on a wafer of a substrate, for example an insulating substrate. This technology known under the name of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) makes it possible today to achieve micro mechanisms by implementing a technique similar to that for producing electronic integrated circuits.

Les figures 5 et 6 montrent d'une façon partielle un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de sécurité selon l'invention.The figures 5 and 6 show in a partial manner a second embodiment of a safety device according to the invention.

Ce dispositif est représenté en coupe transversale et le canal de transmission 7 apparaît sur la figure 5 sous la forme d'un cercle en pointillés.This device is shown in cross-section and the transmission channel 7 appears on the figure 5 in the form of a dashed circle.

L'écran 8 est ici constitué par quatre secteurs de cylindres de 90° chacun : 8a, 8b, 8c et 8d. Ces secteurs sont délimités chacun par des plans 16 orthogonaux.The screen 8 here consists of four cylinder sectors of 90 ° each: 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. These sectors are each delimited by orthogonal planes 16.

Chaque secteur 8a,8b,8c,8d peut être déplacé radialement par un moyen moteur 11a, 11b, 11c ou 11d.Each sector 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be moved radially by a motor means 11a, 11b, 11c or 11d.

Le dispositif est représenté à la figure 5 dans sa position de sécurité dans laquelle les quatre secteurs sont jointifs deux par deux et obturent complètement le canal de transmission 7. Les éléments sont en contact mutuel au niveau de surfaces de contact 16 qui sont ici des plans 16ab, 16ad, ...16cb (cf figure 6).The device is represented at figure 5 in its safety position in which the four sectors are joined two by two and completely close the transmission channel 7. The elements are in contact with each other at contact surfaces 16 which are here plans 16ab, 16ad, ... 16cb (cf. figure 6 ).

Lorsque les éléments sont dans la position de sécurité, les différents plans 16 sont en contact au niveau d'une zone qui est disposée en regard du canal de transmission 7.When the elements are in the safety position, the different planes 16 are in contact at a zone which is arranged opposite the transmission channel 7.

On voit sur la figure 5 que ces plans forment une croix centrée sur le canal de transmission 7.We see on the figure 5 that these planes form a cross centered on the transmission channel 7.

Le dispositif est représenté à la figure 6 dans sa position armée dans laquelle chaque secteur 8a, 8b, 8c et 8d a été déplacé radialement suivant les directions Da, Db, Dc ou Dd par l'action des moyens moteurs 11a, 11b, 11c ou 11d.The device is represented at figure 6 in its armed position in which each sector 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d has been moved radially along the directions Da, Db, Dc or Dd by the action of the motor means 11a, 11b, 11c or 11d.

Le canal de transmission 7 est alors partiellement désobturé.The transmission channel 7 is then partially unobstructed.

On voit ainsi qu'il suffit de déplacer chaque élément 8a, 8b, 8c et 8d d'une distance relativement réduite pour désobturer une grande partie du canal 7. On notera ainsi qu'avec des déplacements des éléments d'une distance D légèrement supérieure au tiers du rayon du canal 7 ont dégage une surface du canal 7 qui est proche de la moitié de sa surface totale.Thus, it is sufficient to move each element 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d by a relatively small distance to unobstruct a large part of the channel 7. It will be noted that with displacements elements of a distance D slightly greater than one third of the radius of the channel 7 have a surface of the channel 7 which is close to half of its total surface.

Les mouvements requis sont donc d'amplitude réduite ce qui autorise une diminution de taille du dispositif et une énergie stockée minimale pour assurer le déverrouillage.The movements required are therefore of reduced amplitude which allows a decrease in size of the device and a minimum stored energy to ensure the unlocking.

On choisira les dimensions des secteurs 8 et l'amplitude des déplacements D de telle sorte que la surface désobturée soit suffisante pour permettre l'initiation de la charge pyrotechnique 5,5a par l'initiateur 6 (éléments non représentés sur ces figures mais situés de part et d'autre du canal 7).The dimensions of the sectors 8 and the amplitude of the displacements D will be chosen so that the unobstructed surface is sufficient to allow the initiation of the pyrotechnic charge 5, 5a by the initiator 6 (elements not represented in these figures but situated in both sides of channel 7).

La hauteur des différents secteurs 8a, 8b, 8c et 8d sera bien entendu choisie en fonction des caractéristiques de l'initiateur 6 et de la charge 5,5a.The height of the different sectors 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d will of course be chosen according to the characteristics of the initiator 6 and the load 5,5a.

Les différents moyens moteurs pourront être réalisés sous la forme de micro moteurs électriques ou bien sous la forme de ressorts. Dans ce dernier cas on prévoira un moyen de verrouillage qui assurera le maintien des secteurs dans la position de sécurité de la figure 5.The various motor means may be made in the form of micro electric motors or in the form of springs. In the latter case there will be provided a locking means which will ensure the maintenance of the sectors in the safety position of the figure 5 .

Ce moyen de verrouillage sera libéré pour permettre l'armement du dispositif. On pourra prévoir un seul moyen de verrouillage pour l'ensemble des secteurs ou autant de moyens de verrouillage qu'il y a de secteurs.This locking means will be released to allow the device to be armed. One can provide a single locking means for all sectors or as many locking means as there are sectors.

Là encore les secteurs pourront être réalisés sous la forme de pièces micro-usinées ou micro gravées (MEMS).Here again the sectors can be made in the form of micro-machined or micro-engraved parts (MEMS).

Les figures 7 et 8 montrent un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the invention.

Suivant ce mode l'écran 8 est constitué de deux éléments 8a et 8b qui peuvent se déplacer radialement par rapport au canal de transmission 7.In this mode the screen 8 consists of two elements 8a and 8b which can move radially with respect to the transmission channel 7.

Les éléments 8a et 8b ont ici une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique et leur épaisseur est supérieure ou égale au diamètre du canal 7.The elements 8a and 8b here have a substantially parallelepipedal shape and their thickness is greater than or equal to the diameter of the channel 7.

Chaque élément 8a, 8b est déplaçable par un moyen moteur 11a, 11b (ici des micro moteurs électriques reliés au moyen de commande 13).Each element 8a, 8b is movable by a motor means 11a, 11b (here micro electric motors connected to the control means 13).

A la place des micro moteurs 11 on pourrait bien entendu mettre en oeuvre des moyens ressorts et utiliser des dispositifs de blocage qui seraient actionnés par le moyen de commande 13.Instead of the micro-motors 11, it is of course possible to use spring means and to use locking devices that would be actuated by the control means 13.

Là encore lorsque le dispositif se trouve dans sa position de sécurité, les éléments 8a, 8b sont en contact mutuel au niveau d'une zone qui est disposée en regard du canal de transmission 7.Again when the device is in its safety position, the elements 8a, 8b are in mutual contact at a zone which is arranged facing the transmission channel 7.

Les surfaces de contact 16a, 16b ont ici des profils à concordance de forme constitués d'une succession de dentures délimitées par des plans inclinés par rapport à l'axe 17 du canal 7.The contact surfaces 16a, 16b here have shape-concordant profiles consisting of a succession of teeth delimited by planes inclined with respect to the axis 17 of the channel 7.

La juxtaposition des dentures constitue ainsi des chicanes qui permettent d'améliorer l'étanchéité aux gaz engendrés par l'initiateur 6.The juxtaposition of the teeth thus constitutes baffles which make it possible to improve the tightness to the gases generated by the initiator 6.

La figure 8 montre le dispositif dans sa position armée. Chaque moyen moteur a déplacé un élément suivant une direction Da ou Db. Le canal 7 se trouve alors dégagé et l'initiation de la charge 5,5a est autorisée.The figure 8 shows the device in its armed position. Each motor means has moved an element in a direction Da or Db. The channel 7 is then released and the initiation of the load 5,5a is allowed.

Chaque élément 8a, 8b s'est ainsi déplacé d'une distance sensiblement égale à un demi-diamètre du canal. Les mouvements sont donc d'amplitude réduite ce qui autorise une diminution de la taille du dispositif et une énergie stockée minimale pour assurer le déverrouillage.Each element 8a, 8b has thus moved by a distance substantially equal to one half-diameter of the channel. The movements are therefore of reduced amplitude which allows a decrease in the size of the device and a minimum stored energy to ensure the unlocking.

Les différents modes de réalisation de l'invention décrits précédemment peuvent être mis en oeuvre avec des écrans dont les dimensions sont de l'ordre de la dizaine de millimètres. Ces écrans peuvent obturer un canal d'environ 10 mm de diamètre.The various embodiments of the invention described above can be implemented with screens whose dimensions are of the order of ten millimeters. These screens can close a channel about 10 mm in diameter.

Dans tous les cas l'invention permet de diminuer la taille de l'écran et de réduire fortement les courses de déplacement.In any case, the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of the screen and to greatly reduce the travel strokes.

Suivant un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, et comme cela a été suggéré dans la description des différents modes, on cherchera à réduire encore plus les dimensions des différents éléments en ayant recours à la technologie MEMS.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and as has been suggested in the description of the different modes, we will try to further reduce the dimensions of the different elements by using MEMS technology.

On réalisera ainsi les éléments de l'écran sous la forme de pièces micro-usinées ou micro gravées sur une plaquette d'un substrat, par exemple d'un substrat isolant.This will make the screen elements in the form of micro-machined or micro-engraved parts on a wafer of a substrate, for example an insulating substrate.

La technologie des MEMS est bien connue de l'Homme du Métier. On pourra ainsi consulter les brevets EP1559986 et EP1559987 qui décrivent des dispositifs de sécurité mettant en oeuvre des MEMS. Généralement, compte tenu de leur faible taille, les MEMS mis en oeuvre dans les dispositifs de sécurité connus utilisent un écran mobile pour interrompre un signal de mise à feu optique. Un tel écran n'est donc pas directement interposé entre l'initiateur pyrotechnique et la charge, et l'interruption de la chaîne pyrotechnique n'est pas assurée.MEMS technology is well known to those skilled in the art. We will thus be able to consult patents EP1559986 and EP1559987 which describe security devices implementing MEMS. Generally, given their small size, the MEMS implemented in known security devices use a mobile screen to interrupt an optical firing signal. Such a screen is not directly interposed between the pyrotechnic initiator and the load, and the interruption of the pyrotechnic chain is not ensured.

L'invention cherche au contraire à mettre en oeuvre un écran mobile de technologie MEMS pour interrompre directement et de façon fiable la chaîne d'initiation pyrotechnique entre un initiateur et une charge.The invention seeks on the contrary to implement a mobile MEMS technology screen to directly and reliably interrupt the pyrotechnic initiation chain between an initiator and a load.

Pour obtenir un tel résultat il est nécessaire d'optimiser l'ensemble de la chaîne pyrotechnique et de mettre en oeuvre un initiateur 6 ayant la taille minimale permettant d'assurer le fonctionnement, initiateur couplé à un relais pyrotechnique 5a approprié qui est disposé du côté de la charge pyrotechnique 5.To obtain such a result it is necessary to optimize the entire pyrotechnic chain and to implement an initiator 6 having the minimum size to ensure operation, initiator coupled to a suitable pyrotechnic relay 5a which is arranged on the side the pyrotechnic charge 5.

On a pu vérifier qu'en mettant en oeuvre un initiateur comportant un étage de sortie de 10 milligrammes d'Hexogène couplé à un relais très peu sensible, par exemple en HNS (hexanotrostilbène), il était possible de réaliser un canal de transmission 7 de moins de 1 mm2 de section (diamètre de canal de l'ordre du mm) tout en garantissant la transmission d'initiation souhaitée. On notera que les initiateurs classiques ont un étage de sortie d'environ 30 milligrammes d'Hexogène. L'initiateur 6 choisi a donc une puissance réduite.It has been verified that by using an initiator comprising an output stage of 10 milligrams of Hexogen coupled to a very insensitive relay, for example in HNS (hexanotrostilbene), it was possible to make a transmission channel 7 of less than 1 mm 2 section (channel diameter of the order of mm) while ensuring the desired initiation transmission. It should be noted that conventional initiators have an output stage of about 30 milligrams of Hexogen. The initiator 6 chosen therefore has a reduced power.

En effet le diamètre critique de l'HNS est de 0,5 mm et cet explosif nécessite donc pour être initié une surface d'amorçage de sensiblement 0,2 mm2 ce qui est bien inférieur à la section du canal de transmission.Indeed the critical diameter of the HNS is 0.5 mm and this explosive therefore requires to be initiated a surface priming substantially 0.2 mm 2 which is much lower than the section of the transmission channel.

On a ensuite vérifié qu'il était possible d'assurer une interruption de l'effet pyrotechnique avec un écran de silicium de l'ordre de 3 mm d'épaisseur ce qui est réalisable avec les technologie MEMS.It was then verified that it was possible to ensure an interruption of the pyrotechnic effect with a silicon screen of the order of 3 mm thick which is achievable with MEMS technology.

Grâce aux configurations d'écrans proposées par l'invention et avec une section de canal inférieure ou égale à 1 mm2, il est possible de limiter le déplacement des éléments d'écran à 0,5 mm maximum ce qui est également compatible avec les technologies MEMS.Thanks to the screen configurations proposed by the invention and with a channel section smaller than or equal to 1 mm 2 , it is possible to limit the displacement of the screen elements to a maximum of 0.5 mm which is also compatible with the MEMS technologies.

On a schématisé sur la figure 9 un boîtier 3 d'un tel composant MEMS. Le boîtier renferme un substrat 18, par exemple isolant (en verre ou silicium) sur lequel sont réalisés les éléments 8a et 8b sous la forme de pièces micro-usinées ou micro gravées. Les éléments 8a et 8b ont été ici représentés de façon schématique et dans leur position de sécurité. Ils portent tous deux sur leurs surfaces de contact 16a, 16b des profils de dentures.We have schematised on the figure 9 a housing 3 of such a MEMS component. The housing encloses a substrate 18, for example insulating (glass or silicon) on which are formed the elements 8a and 8b in the form of micro-machined or micro engraved parts. The elements 8a and 8b have been shown here schematically and in their safety position. They both carry on their contact surfaces 16a, 16b tooth profiles.

Les éléments sont maintenus verrouillés par un verrou 20 micro usiné qui pourra par exemple être constitué par un fusible thermique ou un actionneur électrothermique ou électromagnétique.The elements are kept locked by a micro-machined latch 20 which may for example be constituted by a thermal fuse or an electrothermal or electromagnetic actuator.

Les éléments une fois déverrouillés s'écartent l'un de l'autre par l'action de moyens moteurs 11a et 11b qui seront par exemple des ressorts micro-usinés.The elements once unlocked deviate from one another by the action of motor means 11a and 11b which will for example be micro-machined springs.

On voit sur cette figure que les éléments 8a et 8b ont une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique et que l'axe 17 du canal de transmission 7 les traverse au niveau d'un de leur plan transversal P de plus petite section.It can be seen in this figure that the elements 8a and 8b have a substantially parallelepipedal shape and that the axis 17 of the transmission channel 7 passes through them at one of their transverse plane P of smaller section.

Ainsi l'écran ne reçoit pas comme dans l'art antérieur l'effet pyrotechnique suivant une direction orientée suivant l'épaisseur de l'écran mais suivant une direction qui se trouve parallèle au plan de déplacement des éléments et qui rencontre donc une des plus grandes dimensions de l'écran.Thus, the screen does not receive, as in the prior art, the pyrotechnic effect along a direction oriented according to the thickness of the screen but in a direction which is parallel to the plane of movement of the elements and which thus encounters one of the most large dimensions of the screen.

Il est ainsi possible de mettre en oeuvre une technologie micro usinée (MEMS) tout en assurant une longueur de silicium de l'ordre de 3 mm entre l'initiateur et la charge pyrotechnique. Cette longueur est suffisante pour arrêter les effets pyrotechniques dus à une initiation intempestive de l'initiateur choisi.It is thus possible to implement micro-machined technology (MEMS) while ensuring a length of silicon of the order of 3 mm between the initiator and the load pyrotechnic. This length is sufficient to stop the pyrotechnic effects due to inadvertent initiation of the chosen initiator.

Par ailleurs le déplacement des éléments est réduit et de l'ordre de 0,5mm.Moreover the displacement of the elements is reduced and of the order of 0.5mm.

L'Homme du Métier déterminera aisément la structure des différents éléments micro usinés. Les actionneurs électrothermiques ou électromagnétiques sont bien connus dans le domaine des MEMS. Il en est de même des fusibles et des ressorts micro usinés. On pourra se reporter par exemple aux brevets EP1573782 , US2005139577 , US6691513 et US2004027029 qui décrivent des solutions possibles.The skilled person will easily determine the structure of the various micro machined elements. Electrothermal or electromagnetic actuators are well known in the field of MEMS. The same applies to fuses and micro-machined springs. For example, we can refer to patents EP1573782 , US2005139577 , US6691513 and US2004027029 which describe possible solutions.

On pourra éventuellement rapporter sur une plaquette portant les moyens moteurs micro usinés ou micro gravés, des éléments d'écran qui auront été préalablement micro usinés sur une autre plaquette.It may possibly be reported on a plate carrying micro-machined or micro-engraved motor means, screen elements that have been previously micro machined on another plate.

Généralement l'épaisseur des éléments micro usinés ne dépasse pas le demi-millimètre. Pour assurer l'obturation d'un canal de 1 mm de diamètre il est donc nécessaire d'empiler au moins deux micro mécanismes l'un sur l'autre.Generally the thickness of the micro-machined elements does not exceed half a millimeter. To ensure the closure of a channel of 1 mm in diameter it is necessary to stack at least two micro mechanisms on one another.

Les figures 10a et 10b permettent de préciser la structure d'un tel dispositif associant deux MEMS.The Figures 10a and 10b allow to specify the structure of such a device associating two MEMS.

Le boîtier 3 renferme ainsi deux plaquettes d'un substrat 18.1 et 18.2, par exemple d'un substrat isolant, collées chacune sur une plaque de verre 19.1, 19.2.The housing 3 thus encloses two plates of a substrate 18.1 and 18.2, for example an insulating substrate, each bonded to a glass plate 19.1, 19.2.

La plaquette 18.1 porte deux éléments mobiles 8a.1 et 8b.1.The plate 18.1 carries two movable elements 8a.1 and 8b.1.

La plaquette 18.2 porte d'une façon analogue deux éléments mobiles 8a.2 et 8b.2.The plate 18.2 similarly carries two movable elements 8a.2 and 8b.2.

Chaque élément mobile est déplaçable par un moyen moteur 11a.1, 11b.1; 11a.2, 11b.2.Each movable element is displaceable by a motor means 11a.1, 11b.1; 11a.2, 11b.2.

Un moyen verrou 20.1 ou 20.2 permet d'assurer au niveau de chaque plaquette l'immobilisation des deux éléments de l'écran considéré.A lock means 20.1 or 20.2 makes it possible to ensure at each plate the immobilization of the two elements of the screen in question.

Il sera prévu un léger jeu de montage (quelques micromètres) permettant d'autoriser les mouvement conjoints des éléments 8 portés par les deux plaquettes.A slight assembly clearance (a few microns) will be provided to allow the joint movements of the elements 8 carried by the two plates.

Chaque plaquette est reliée aux moyens électroniques de commande 13 qui sont conçus de façon à assurer le déplacement synchronisé des éléments 8 des différentes plaquettes.Each plate is connected to the electronic control means 13 which are designed to ensure the synchronized movement of the elements 8 of the various plates.

On a représenté sur la figure 10b un connecteur 21 qui assure l'interface entre les plaquettes et le câble issu du moyen de commande 13. On a également représenté schématiquement sur la figure 10b par des traits gras certaines pistes conductrices portées par les plaquettes 18.1,18.2 et raccordant les éléments et actionneurs micro usinés au connecteur 21.We have shown on the figure 10b a connector 21 which provides the interface between the pads and the cable from the control means 13. It is also shown schematically on the figure 10b by bold lines certain conductive tracks carried by the pads 18.1, 18.2 and connecting the micro-machined elements and actuators to the connector 21.

On a décrit ici des dispositifs de sécurité à base de MEMS mettant en oeuvre le mode de réalisation des figures 7 et 8.MEMS-based security devices embodying the embodiment of the invention have been described here. figures 7 and 8 .

Il est bien entendu possible de réaliser sous la forme de MEMS le dispositif selon les autres modes de réalisation.It is of course possible to realize in the form of MEMS the device according to the other embodiments.

Concernant le mode selon la figure 2, et en fonction de la nature de l'initiateur utilisé, on pourra empiler plusieurs plaquettes pour assurer l'épaisseur de barrière souhaitée.Regarding the mode according to the figure 2 and, depending on the nature of the initiator used, several platelets may be stacked to provide the desired barrier thickness.

Il en est de même pour le mode de réalisation selon les figures 5 et 6. On pourra éventuellement empiler des plaquettes portant chacune quatre éléments en forme de secteurs. Les mouvements des différents secteurs seront bien entendu synchronisés.It is the same for the embodiment according to the figures 5 and 6 . It will eventually be possible to stack plates each carrying four sector-shaped elements. The movements of the different sectors will of course be synchronized.

Claims (10)

  1. A firing safety device (1) for a pyrotechnic device (2), such device incorporating a case (3), a barrier (8) blocking a transmission channel (7) connecting an igniter (6) and a pyrotechnic charge (5, 5a), so as the barrier (8) comprises at least two elements (8a, 8b) able to move with respect to one another by the action of motor means (11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) between a safety position in which they cooperate to block the transmission channel (7) and an armed position in which they free at least partially one part of the transmission channel, device characterised in that each barrier element (8a, 8b) alone being unable to block the channel (7) but the elements of the barrier (8) cooperate together to close the channel (7).
  2. A safety device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the barrier elements (8) may be displaced radially with respect to the transmission channel (7), the elements being, in a safety position of the device, in mutual contact at a zone positioned opposite the transmission channel (7).
  3. A safety device (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the elements of the barrier (8) incorporate profiles (16a, 16b) at their contact zone with a matching shape whose juxtaposition will constitute at least one deflector ensuring gastightness for the gases generated by the igniter (6).
  4. A safety device (1) according to one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the elements (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the barrier (8) are in the shape of cylindrical sectors.
  5. A safety device (1) according to Claim 4, wherein it incorporates four sector-shaped elements (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d).
  6. A safety device (1) according to one of Claims 2 or 3, wherein the elements (8a, 8b) of the barrier (8) are substantially parallelepipedic in shape, and wherein the axis of the transmission channel (7) passes through their transversal plane P with the smallest section.
  7. A safety device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the elements (8a, 8b) of the barrier (8) are positioned one on top of the other and opposite the transmission channel (7), each element incorporating slots (14a, 14b) separated by tongues (15a, 15b), the tongues (15a, 15b) of a first element blocking the slots (14a, 14b) in the second element when the device is in a safety position and the tongues (15a, 15b) uncovering the slots (14a, 14b) when the device is in the armed position.
  8. A safety device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission channel (7) has a section whose surface area will be less than or equal to 1 mm2 whilst being chosen to be greater than the priming surface of the pyrotechnic charge (5, 5a).
  9. A safety device (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the elements (8a, 8b) and their motor means (11) are made in the form of micro-machined or micro-engraved parts, added onto or made in a board of a substrate (18, 18.1, 28.2).
  10. A safety device (1) according to Claim 9, wherein it incorporates at least two micro-machined or micro-engraved boards (18.1, 18.2) stacked one on top of the other, control means (13) ensuring a synchronised displacement of the elements of the different boards (18.1, 18.2).
EP06291654A 2005-10-27 2006-10-25 Small-sized pyrothechnic safety device. Active EP1780495B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0511120A FR2892809B1 (en) 2005-10-27 2005-10-27 PYROTECHNIC SAFETY DEVICE WITH REDUCED DIMENSIONS

Publications (2)

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EP1780495A1 EP1780495A1 (en) 2007-05-02
EP1780495B1 true EP1780495B1 (en) 2009-06-10

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EP06291654A Active EP1780495B1 (en) 2005-10-27 2006-10-25 Small-sized pyrothechnic safety device.

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US (1) US7490553B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1780495B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE433560T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006007202D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2328061T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2892809B1 (en)
NO (1) NO340125B1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
FR2892809A1 (en) 2007-05-04
FR2892809B1 (en) 2010-07-30
EP1780495A1 (en) 2007-05-02
NO340125B1 (en) 2017-03-13
NO20064899L (en) 2007-04-30
US20070131127A1 (en) 2007-06-14
DE602006007202D1 (en) 2009-07-23
US7490553B2 (en) 2009-02-17
ATE433560T1 (en) 2009-06-15
ES2328061T3 (en) 2009-11-06

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