KR102571507B1 - Finless grenade igniter and grenade equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pinless igniter comprising a lever (40), a pyrotechnic chain (10) and a striker (20) designed to fire the pyrotechnic chain (10) after the lever (40) is released, The igniter includes a ring 120, which includes an opening 125 such that the opening 125 is misaligned with respect to the lever 40 and cannot be released, and a locked position such that the opening 125 is aligned with the lever and released. It is characterized in that it is movable between permitted activation positions. The present invention relates to a finless grenade equipped therewith.

Description

Finless grenade igniter and grenade equipped therewith

The present invention relates not only to an igniter cap for a grenade, but also to a grenade equipped with such an igniter cap, particularly a hand grenade.

Various types of igniter caps exist for grenades.

As shown in Fig. 1, most known igniter caps for hand grenades consist of a detonator 12, a primer 14 associated with a delay composition 16, a striker 20 associated with a spring 22, and a spoon. It also includes a pyrotechnic train 10 comprising an arming lever 40 and a safety pin 50, also called.

The igniter cap is usually screwed into the body containing the working charge of the grenade.

When stopped, the safety pin 50 locks the spoon 40 and prevents operation.

To initiate the igniter cap and implement the grenade, the user must withdraw the safety pin 50 by pulling on the ring 52 connected to this pin.

After throwing, the unlocked lever 40 separates and releases the striker 20. The pyrotechnic train 10 starts: the striker 20 crashes into the primer 14. The primer 14 ignites the retarding composition 16 which activates the detonator 12 to cause the detonation of the main charge.

Accidents in operational theaters with devices for arming grenades using pins have been noted, demonstrating that securing an initiating device is essential.

Various security solutions have already been proposed.

Examples of known solutions may be found in the following patent literature: US 3865027, US 3765337, CH 466094, US 1521996, GB 1232283, US 2737116, US 4730559, FR 2825462, FR 2864220, ES 2067355, WO 2012 /080998, US 8561540, FR 2807510 and FR 2807511.

A specific solution is to prevent accidental removal of the safety pin, as in US patent publications 3865027 and 3765337.

Another solution is to block the striking mechanism as described in patent documents CH 466094, US 1521996 and GB 1232283.

Another solution is to offset the striker 20 or primer 14 with respect to the complete pyrotechnic train as suggested in US patents 2737116, 4730559 and 2825462.

Patent document FR 2864220 proposes an igniter cap comprising a three-level safety device: a safety mechanism comprising a cylinder movable between a passive position preventing removal of the pin and an active position allowing this, at least two stable positions. , a lock comprising a manually activated pushbutton between a position that blocks the safety mechanism in the manual position and an active position that blocks the safety mechanism in the active position as well as an intermediate position that releases the safety mechanism, and perpendicular to the spindle and A means for blocking ignition comprising an arming lever and a slider disposed in communication at its end. Thus, after pressing the push button, initiation is triggered after rotating the body relative to the cylinder, removing the pin and releasing the lever to induce translation of the slider towards a position through which the fire can pass.

Patent document US 8561540 discloses a pinless igniter cap for a grenade comprising a lever, a rotary thumb switch and a striking and triggering assembly. At rest, the lever and switch are engaged by their respective teeth, preventing displacement of the lever and switch respectively. To enable manipulation, the lever must be operated closer to the body to release the previously engaged tooth, and the switch must be rotated 90° to position the target facing the striker. The striker is released and activated by a spring when the lever is released.

Patent document FR 2807510 describes a control mechanism comprising an arming lever and an impact mechanism cooperating with a main pyrotechnic module capable of ensuring the onset of a work load and capable of axially displacing the body towards that load from an initial safe position. An igniter cap containing a mounted body is described. A means for holding the main pyrotechnic module axially separated from the main load is provided to prevent the main pyrotechnic module from displaced towards the main load from its initial safe position where the latch obstructs the displacement path of the main pyrotechnic module. A latch that is resiliently biased towards a release position where the latch is disengaged from the displacement path of the module, and the latch itself is first held in an initial safe position by at least two mechanical block means so that the release of the latch is double-handled by the block means. requires

Patent document FR 2807511 discloses a control mechanism comprising an arming lever, a striking mechanism cooperating with a main pyrotechnic module capable of ensuring the initiation of an operating load and in its storage position to prevent free displacement of the arming lever towards its release position. Disclosed is an igniter cap comprising a latch engaged with a lever, the latch imparting an initial displacement to the lever opposite to that displacement required to release the percussion mechanism to separate the arming lever from the latch during implementation of the igniter cap. is formed to

All known solutions allow a certain stability to be reached, but have proven complex and are not entirely satisfactory.

The main object of the present invention is to improve the safety of an initiation system consisting of an igniter cap for a grenade by eliminating the pin.

In practice, the pins used in most igniter caps are currently identified as having two major drawbacks: on the one hand, the pin can be accidentally removed despite requiring considerable mechanical force to remove it; On the other hand, the pin may be deformed as a result to enable the user to extract it more quickly, but as a result increase the risk due to accidental operation.

The object is achieved within the scope of the present invention due to a pinless igniter cap comprising a spoon, a pyrotechnic train and a striker suitable for initiating the pyrotechnic train after release of the spoon. and wherein the igniter cap includes at least one aperture that moves between a locked position in which the aperture is misaligned with respect to the spoon and cannot be released, and an active position in which the aperture is aligned with the spoon to permit its release. It is characterized in that it further comprises a possible ring.

As described above, it can be seen that the present invention has a simple structure and implementation method compared to complicated solutions proposed according to the prior art. The implementation of the igniter cap according to the present invention is intuitive and visual: any user guides the alignment of the aperture of the ring on the spoon with manipulation by material visualization to allow release of the latter.

According to another advantageous feature of the invention, means are provided for imparting at least two separate motions or displacements to permit displacement of the ring between its locking position and its activation position.

The requirement for at least two separate actions to allow for displacement of the ring provides the following advantages in particular: Handling a grenade with the igniter cap increases the doubling of safety, inviolability and safety of the aforementioned two operations. Nevertheless, ergonomics and runtime are conserved, so it can be operated in a completely safe condition.

According to a first mode of implementation, the lever must first be retracted and secondly the ring must be rotated to align its aperture with the lever.

According to a second mode of implementation, the ring is first translated by pulling and then rotated a second time to align the aperture with the lever.

According to a third mode of implementation, firstly the ring is adapted to translate by pulling, secondly the lever must be retracted and finally, thirdly the ring must be rotated to align the aperture of the lever with the lever. do.

Preferably, the means according to the invention apply pressure to the lever at the moment of the arming phase to ensure the starting sequence. It is possible to ensure that the implementation is not due to accidental operation by applying pressure to the arming lever to block during the sequence.

An igniter cap according to the present invention includes a spring associated with a striker. According to the first embodiment, the spring is biased at rest to store the energy required for the implementation of the striker. According to the second embodiment, the spring is biased during translation of the ring to store during this displacement the energy necessary for the implementation of the striker.

The invention also applies to grenades equipped with an igniter cap of the type described above.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example.
- Figure 1 described above shows a known igniter cap of the prior art.
- Figures 2 and 3 show two successive stages of its implementation - separately the stop position and locking position of the spoon by the ring and the alignment of the aperture of the ring by the spoon and the release position of the spoon after rotation of the ring - of the striker Shown is an axial longitudinal section of a grenade according to a first embodiment of the invention, with an operating energy installed thereon.
- Fig. 4 shows an exploded partial view of the inner surface of the skirt of the ring to show the cooperation defined between the complementary shape means respectively provided on the skirt and spoon to initially prevent any rotation of the ring; .
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the same grenade in the release position of the spoon.
- Figure 6 shows an axial longitudinal section of a grenade according to a second embodiment of the invention with the on-board activation energy of the striker in a rest position;
- Figures 7 to 10 show the same grenade in four successive stages of its implementation (stationary storage position, ring pull position, ring rotation position, ring throw position, respectively).
- Figures 11 and 12 show two variants of complementary shaped means provided on the inner surface of the ring and on the opposite face of the igniter cap, respectively, to impart translational motion of the ring before allowing rotation of the ring.
- Figures 13 to 16 show the invention without on-board activation energy of the striker at four successive stages of its implementation (stationary storage position, ring pull position, ring rotation position, ring throw position, respectively). Shows a grenade according to a third embodiment.
- Figures 17 to 22 show at five successive stages of the implementation (respectively stationary storage position, ring pull position, ring rotation position, spoon throw and ejection, striker holding drawer extraction position, impact position) A partially exploded view of the grenade according to the third embodiment is shown.
- Figures 23 to 26 show details of the structure and operation of a grenade according to a third embodiment.
- Figure 27 shows an axial longitudinal section of a grenade according to the invention;
- Figures 28 to 31 show a fourth embodiment according to the present invention. More precisely, FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a ring according to this fourth embodiment, and FIGS. 29 to 31 show three stages of its implementation (respectively, the storage position at rest, the pulling position of the ring and the subsequent rotation of the ring). bias position of the arming lever to allow for a bias position of the arming lever), the continuation of the sequence is similar to the steps shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 for the third embodiment.

The grenade according to the present invention shown in the attached FIG. 2 and below includes a body 60, the body accommodates a working load 62, and an Ignite cap 100 on the mouth of the body screwed together

The body 60, the working charge 62 and the modality of the connection of the igniter cap 100 and the body 60 may be subject to a number of embodiments and will not be described in detail below.

In all embodiments according to the invention, the igniter cap 100 comprises a body 110, said body comprising, as known therein, a detonator 12, a delay composition 16 Accommodates a pyrotechnic train 10 including a primer 14 associated with, a striker 20 associated with a spring 22, a latch 30, and an arming lever 40, also referred to as a spoon or trigger lever. and have

In the present invention, the igniter cap 100 does not include a pin locking the spoon 40.

The igniter cap 100 is typically screwed into the body 60 containing the working charge 62 of the grenade.

Pyrotechnic train 10 comprising body 110, detonator 12, primer 14 and delay composition 16, as well as striker 20, spring 22, latch 30 and spoon ( 40) may be the subject of a number of embodiments and will not be described in detail below.

However, it should be recalled that the striker 20 is intended to strike the primer 14 after the latch 30 ejects the lever 40 and releases the striker 20 . This initiates the pyrotechnic train 10: the primer 14 ignites the delay composition 16 which activates the detonator 12, causing the main charge 62 to explode.

As indicated earlier, in the present invention, the igniter cap 100 further includes a ring 120. This ring 120 includes an aperture 125 . This ring has a locked position (illustrated in FIG. 2 ) where aperture 125 is misaligned with respect to spoon 40 and cannot be released, and aperture 125 is aligned with spoon 40 to release and consequently It is movable between activation positions (illustrated in FIG. 3 ) allowing initiation of the low-tech train 10 .

In the attached figures, the longitudinal axis of principal symmetry of body 60 and igniter cap 100 is indicated as O-O. This axis O-O is perpendicular to the bottom 61 of the body opposite the igniter cap 100. This preferably coincides with the displacement axis of the striker 20 .

Ring 120 is mounted rotatably about axis O-O.

The ring 120 consists essentially of a wall 121 in the shape of a disk perpendicular to an axis O-O and centered on this axis O-O and extending by a cylindrical skirt 123 centered on the axis O. . Wall 121 constitutes the top of the igniter cap opposite body 60 . Skirt 123 surrounds the portion of body 110 that receives latch 30 . Thus, wall 121 and skirt 123 constitute the outer portion of the igniter cap that is directly accessible for masonry. Displacement of the ring 120 is therefore simple and easy.

An aperture 125 is formed in the cylindrical skirt 123 . It extends over the entire height of the skirt 123 . The width of the aperture 125 taken in the circumferential direction of the skirt 123 is at least equal to the width of the spoon 40 . Typically, the aperture includes an angular opening comprised between 20° and 45°.

Spoon 40 is transverse to axis O-O and is rotatably mounted within ring 120 and about axis 42 near wall 121 . During rest, spoon 40 extending longitudinally parallel to axis O-O rests against the inner surface of ring 120, and aperture 125 is not aligned with spoon 40 as shown in FIG. don't

The latch 30 is slidably mounted on the body 110 perpendicular to the axis O-O facing the spoon 40. The latch 30 is radially biased from the outside by a spring 32 . However, during stop, the radially outer end of the latch 30 contacts the inner surface of the spoon 40 so that the latch 30 cannot be ejected radially. Accordingly, the latch 30 urges the spoon 40 to lean against the inner surface of the ring 120.

In the stationary state, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the latch 30 interferes with the displacement path of the striker 20 so that the striker 20 cannot collide with the primer 14 .

2 and 3, the radially inner portion of the latch 30 is disposed between the striker 20 and the primer 14 such that the latch prevents any interference between the striker 20 and the primer 14. Contact is also clearly prohibited. However, other embodiments are possible, as described below. For example, the latch 30 can pass through a hole provided in the striker 20 when stationary to limit the allowed displacement of the striker 20.

In addition, complementary shape means are provided on the inner surfaces of the spoon 40 and the ring 120 in a stationary state to prevent any rotation of the ring 120. These complementary shaped means may be the subject of different embodiments.

In general, these complementary form means, schematically shown in FIG. As shown, it can be formed for the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As long as the spoon 40 is located between these two ribs 122 and 124, the rib 120 cannot be driven to rotate about the axis O-O. It is necessary to separate spoon 40 from these two ribs 122, 124 by moving spoon 40 closer to axis O-O to allow rotation of ring 120.

Alternatively, the complementary shaped means may comprise at least one rib projecting on the spoon and adapted to enter a complementary facing groove formed on the inner surface of the skirt 123 . To release the rotating ring 120, it is appropriate to separate the aforementioned rib formed on the spoon from the complementary facing groove formed on the ring.

The operation of the igniter cap described with reference to Figures 2-5 is essentially as follows.

The first action of pressure to move lever 40 closer to axis O-O must be performed to release ring 120 by releasing the aforementioned complementary shaped means.

Then, a second motion of rotation of ring 120 about axis O-O is performed so that aperture 125 is positioned to face at an angle with spoon or lever 40, thereby forming lever 40 as shown in FIG. ) to release.

Immediately after throwing, the spoon 40 retracts as shown in FIG. 5 under the influence of the biasing of the ejected latch 30, and under the influence of its associated spring 22 pre-biased for storage. Movement of the striker 20 allows storing the energy necessary to drive the striker 20 which initiates the primer 14.

Serial implementation of the pyrotechnic train is common.

Thus, the igniter cap according to this embodiment of the invention requires two separate movements. More precisely, according to the first embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, these two movements include a first retracting movement of the spoon 40 allowing rotation of the ring 120. Thus, this constitutes a first safety actuated by the nominal action of gripping the grenade, and a second motion of the ring 120 to align the top of the spoon 40 with the notch 125 of the ring 120. it's rotation

An embodiment starting according to FIG. 6 is now described.

Unlike the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 which requires activation/retraction of the spoon 40 followed by rotation of the ring 120 to achieve implementation, the method described in FIG. 6 below Embodiments require at least double activation/displacement of the rings: translation of the ring 120 along an axis O-O followed by rotation of the ring 120 about an axis O-O.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment shown in Figs. 28 to 31, biasing of the arming lever 40 is also required at an intermediate stage between the traction and rotation of the ring 120.

Complementary shape means are suitable for imparting the aforementioned compound motion of ring 120, namely translation and then rotation, to align aperture 125 against spoon 40.

A number of complementary forms of means may be provided for this purpose.

According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , this complementary means of formation is at least one peg and ring 120 protruding on either the igniter cap body 110 or the ring 120 or and a complementary groove formed on the other of the igniter cap bodies 110, which comprises two orthogonal segments, one segment parallel to axis O-O and the other segment transverse to axis O-O. includes

According to the variant shown in FIG. 11 , the peg 111 is formed on the body 110 and the groove 126 formed on the inner surface of the skirt 123 includes two segments 127 and 128 .

According to the modification shown in FIG. 12, the peg 129 is formed protruding on the inner surface of the skirt 123 and the groove 116 formed on the body 110 includes two segments 117 and 118. .

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10 remains generally similar to that previously described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .

This embodiment corresponds to the case with on-board energy to activate the striker 20, i.e. the spring 22 associated with the striker 20 is pre-biased when at rest, so that the latch 30 ) stores the energy required to ensure collision of the cap by the striker 20 when it is retracted.

When stopped, the grenade is in the position shown in FIG. 7 .

First, ring 120 is driven to translate along axis O-O moving away from body 60 as shown in FIG. 8 .

Then, secondly, ring 120 is driven to rotate about axis O-O to align aperture 125 with the spoon, as shown in FIG. 9 .

As shown in Fig. 10, the spoon 40 is ejected at this stage to allow activation of the pyrotechnic train if a grenade is thrown.

6 shows the body 110 and the body 110 to bias the ring 120 in its initial rest position where it is pressed against the body 110 of the igniter cap to limit the risk of accidental activation of the igniter cap. Optional spring 130 is shown centered on axis O-O and operating during traction between rings 120.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 13 to 26 will now be described.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 13-26, there is again a body 60 which receives an actuating charge 62 and into which an igniter cap 100 is screwed.

An igniter cap (100) without a spoon includes a body (110), which includes a detonator (12), a primer (14) associated with a delay composition (16), a striker (20) associated with a spring (22), a latch (30) and an arming lever (40) also called a spoon.

The igniter cap 100 also includes a ring 120 including an aperture 125, the ring 120 including at least one aperture 125, the aperture 125 including the spoon A locked position misaligned with respect to (40) and the aperture (125) aligned with the spoon (40) allowing its release and consequently initiation of the pyrotechnic train (10), axis (O-O) ) and an activation position obtained by two successive movements of rotation along this axis O-O.

The aforementioned dual motion of the ring 120, namely translation and then rotation, is controlled by complementary means of the type shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 or equivalent means.

However, these embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 26 correspond to the case where there is no on-board energy for activating the striker 20. That is, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-26, the spring 22 associated with the striker 20 is not biased when stationary and therefore does not store energy capable of displacing the striker 20. In this case, the spring is not constrained until the point of translation of the ring 120. This arrangement allows the safety of the igniter cap and thus the loaded grenade to be further enhanced.

To this end, the spring 22 for compressing action is formed on the body 110 and is formed between the contact portion 115 toward the center of the body 60 and the collar 25 connected to the inner end of the striker 20. located in

In addition, the striker 20 is connected to the ring 120 by a temporary connecting means 200 to be described later in more detail. The spring 22 is thus compressed when the ring 120 is pulled on and moves the aforementioned collar 25 closer to the aforementioned abutment 115.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 below, the temporary connecting means 200 comprises an expandable claw 210 connected to either the ring 120 or the striker 20, which is connected to the striker 20 or the ring 120. ) cooperates with the attachment ball joint 29 connected to the other one of them.

Claws 210 may be formed, for example, from at least two inflatable jaws evenly distributed about an axis O-O.

These inflatable claws 210 cooperate with the drawer 220 . The function of drawer 220 is to inhibit expansion of claw 210 as long as spoon 40 is in place.

The drawer 220 is preferably disposed between the latch 30 and the cap 121 of the ring 120.

The drawer 220 is preferably mounted with a radial translation in the body 110 perpendicular to an axis O-O toward the end of the spoon 40 proximate the axis of rotation 42 . Drawer 220 is biased radially outward by spring 222 . However, the radially outer end of the drawer 220 rests against the inner surface of the spoon 40 so that the drawer 220 cannot be ejected radially. On the other hand, the drawer 220 is ejected when the spoon 40 is retracted.

The striker 20 is mounted in the central bore 119 of the body 110 by being centered and translated on an axis O-O.

The drawer 220 includes a longitudinal through hole 224 that secant the bore 119 . The width of the hole 224 is preferably equal to the diameter of the bore 119 and is considered to be the transverse dimension of the claw 210 in the retracted position, i.e., transverse to the axis O-O. It is the same as the dimensions of the claw 210 clamped on the joint 29.

Thus, as long as the claws 210 are received within the bores 119 or holes 224 of the drawer 220, the claws cannot expand and consequently the ball joint 29 remains held by the claws 210. It will be appreciated that this will keep the striker 20 connected to the ring 120.

On the other hand, when the drawer is withdrawn under the conditions described below, the claws 210 are no longer constrained by the holes 119 and expand under the bias of the spring 22 associated with the striker 20, which is then confined. can do.

According to the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 13 below, inflatable claws 210 are integrally formed on the inner surface of wall 121 and formed at the end of rod 129 centered on axis O-O.

The operation of the igniter cap shown in FIGS. 13-27 is essentially as follows.

When stopped, the grenade is in the position shown in FIGS. 13, 17 and 23. The spring 22 associated with the striker 20 is not constrained. Latch 30 inhibits collision. Claws 210 are confined within bore 119 and cannot be expanded.

First, ring 120 must be driven to translate along axis O-O so that it moves away from body 60 as shown in FIG. 14 . 18 and 24, the claw 210 holding the ball joint 29 drives the striker 20. Then, the spring 22 associated with the striker 20 is constrained. The claws 210 are now positioned within the holes 224 of the drawer 220. Therefore, it remains limited.

Then, secondly, ring 120 is rotationally driven about axis O-O to align aperture 125 with spoon 40 as shown in FIG. 15 . 19 and 25, the claw 210 remains positioned in the hole 224 of the drawer 220 and still holds the ball joint 29. The latch 30 still provides mechanical safety for the grenade as it obstructs the path of the striker 20 and does not hit the primer 14.

As shown in Figures 16, 20 and 21, when the grenade is thrown at this stage, the spoon 40 is ejected to allow activation of the pyrotechnic train. As shown in FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 26, the drawer 220 is ejected. The claw 210 is finally positioned within the volume containing the drawer 220 . This may inflate and release the ball joint 29.

The striker 20 released by the separation of the ball joint 29 and the claw 210 collides with the primer 14 under the influence of the pre-constrained spring 22 during the pulling of the ring 120, causing a pyrotechnic train. can be initiated.

In the embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 27 , only in FIGS. 13 to 26 , the latch 30 is engaged in the longitudinal through-hole of the striker, and the impact end of the striker 20 faces the primer 14. , that is, on the side of the latch 30 positioned towards the primer 14 so that the striker 20 extends at rest on either side of the latch 30, whereas in the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 13-26, by positioning the latch 30 to interleave between the striker 20 and the primer 14 so that the impact end of the striker 20 rests against the latch 30, when at rest. It is different from the embodiment described above.

It can be seen that the means according to the invention described above provides the advantage of holding the grenade safely, as it holds the spoon 40 in the palm without increasing the complexity or prolonging the implementation.

It should also be noted that the present invention provides full reversibility as long as the spoon is not ejected. In practice, the ring 120 can be displaced in the reverse direction and returned to a safe storage position as long as the spoon is not ejected.

28 to 31 show a modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 or the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 23, which becomes a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, which , the lever or spoon at an intermediate step between the first step in which the ring 120 is translated by pulling and the final handling step in which the ring 120 must be rotated to align the lever 40 with its aperture 125 ( 40) is characterized by the presence of complementary shaped means provided separately on the ring 120 and the spoon 40 to be retracted.

Typically, as shown in FIG. 28, the above-mentioned means of complementary shape are formed on the inner surface of the skirt 123 and are complementary to the spoon 40 or the rib protruding on the spoon 40 and stop. It may include a groove 1200 suitable for accommodating it in the case. To release the ring 120 from rotation, the spoon 40 must separate from the complementary groove 1200 formed on the ring 120 to face it.

Optionally, these means of complementary shape are shown schematically in FIG. 4 from the two longitudinal ribs 122, 124 which project on the inner surface of the skirt 123 of the ring 120 and form the frame of the spoon 40. It can be formed as shown. As long as the spoon 40 is positioned between the two ribs 122 and 124, the ring 120 cannot be driven rotationally about the axis O-O. It is necessary to separate the spoon 40 from these two ribs 122, 124 by moving the spoon closer to the axis O-O to allow rotation of the ring 120.

Also, the structure and operation of this fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those previously described in the second and third embodiments.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, but extends to all modifications consistent with the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in a variant, the igniter cap optionally comprises an initial rupture of the pyrotechnic train formed by the physical separation between the primary detonation means and the secondary detonation means, which rupture of the pyrotechnic train causes the primary detonation during arming. Neutralize to eliminate the separation between the means and the second detonation means.

Also, the striker described above can be replaced with a rotational striker.

Where appropriate, the igniter cap may be integrated directly into the grenade and not formed as a component suitable for addition to the grenade.

It can be seen that the igniter cap according to the present invention can be implemented by rotating the ring 120 in one or the other direction. Thus, the igniter cap according to the present invention is suitable for any user, whether right-handed or left-handed.

Therefore, the igniter cap has an ambidextrous characteristic.

This ambidextrous characteristic can be achieved especially when aperture 125 is positioned 180° from lever 40 when stationary. In this case, in practice, the angle of rotation of ring 120 such that aperture 125 faces lever 140 is equal to 180° regardless of the direction of rotation of ring 120 .

As a variant, at least two symmetrical apertures 125 may be provided relative to the position of the lever 40 at rest to ensure a perfectly ambidextrous character while limiting the rotational angle required of the ring 120. .

Claims (24)

An igniter cap comprising a spoon (40), a pyrotechnic train (10) and a striker (20) that initiates the pyrotechnic train (10) after release of the spoon (40), The igniter cap includes at least one aperture 125 and a locked position in which the aperture 125 is misaligned with respect to the spoon 40 such that the spoon 40 cannot be released and the aperture ( 125) further comprises a ring (120) movable between an activated position aligned with said spoon (40) allowing release of said spoon (40). 2. The igniter cap according to claim 1, wherein the igniter cap comprises means for enabling displacement of the ring (120) between its locked position and its activated position by imposing at least two distinct motions or displacements. Igniter cap made with . Igniter cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for applying pressure to the spoon (40) at the moment of the arming phase, in order to ensure an initiation sequence. The igniter cap according to claim 1, wherein the ring (120) is rotatably mounted about a major axis (O-O) of the igniter cap. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ring (120) consists of a disc-shaped wall (121), extended by a cylindrical skirt (123) comprising the aperture (125), the skirt (123) for manipulation. An igniter cap, characterized in that it constitutes a directly accessible outer part of the igniter cap. The igniter cap according to claim 1, wherein the aperture (125) has a width at least equal to the width of the spoon (40). The method according to claim 1, wherein the igniter cap is initially limited in displacement by the spoon (40) and obstructs the displacement path of the striker (20) so that the striker initially releases the primer (14) of the pyrotechnic train. An igniter cap comprising a latch (30) slidably mounted in the igniter cap to prevent striking. 8. The igniter cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the igniter cap is on the spoon (40) or cap body and on the inner surface of the ring (120) to inhibit any initial rotation of the ring (120). An igniter cap comprising individually provided complementary shaped means. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the means of complementary shape, for example, protrude on the spoon (40) and enter at rest into a complementary opposing groove formed on the inner surface of the skirt (123) of the ring (120). or in the form of two longitudinal ribs 122, 124 projecting on the inner surface of the skirt 123 of the ring 120 and framing the spoon 40. , the igniter cap comprising the complementary rib/groove type means provided separately on the spoon (40) or cap body and on the ring (120). 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the complementary shaped means allow for a compound motion of the ring (120) - translation followed by rotation - to allow alignment of the aperture (125) facing the spoon (40). An igniter cap comprising means for imparting. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the complementary shaped means allow alignment of the aperture (125) facing the spoon (40), translational movement of the spoon (40) and rotation of the spoon (40). The igniter cap, characterized in that it further comprises means for imparting pressure to the spoon (40) after movement. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the complementary shaped means are formed on at least one peg protruding on one of the igniter cap or the ring 120 and on the other one of the ring 120 or the igniter cap. Complementary grooves comprising two orthogonal segments, one orthogonal segment parallel to the axis O-O and the other orthogonal segment transverse to the axis O-O - for example, a peg 111 is formed on the igniter cap and a groove 126 is formed on the inner surface of the skirt 123 of the ring and includes two segments 127, 128, or a peg 129 The igniter cap according to claim 1 , wherein a protruding portion is formed on the inner surface of the skirt (123) and a groove (116) is formed on the igniter cap and includes two segments (117, 118). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the igniter cap faces the spoon (40) and is mounted radially translated from the body (110) of the igniter cap and the spoon (40) is not ejected. The igniter cap further comprises a drawer (220) comprising a means (224) for securing the connection between the ring (120) and the striker (20). 8. The igniter cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the striker (20) is connected to the ring (120) by a temporary connecting means (200). 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the temporary connecting means (200) comprises an inflatable claw (210) connected to either the ring (120) or the striker (20), the inflatable claw (210) comprising the An igniter cap characterized in that it cooperates with an attachment ball joint (29) connected to either the striker (20) or the other of said rings (120). 16. The igniter cap of claim 15, wherein the claws (210) are formed by at least two inflatable jaws evenly distributed about the translational axis (O-O) of the striker (20). The method according to claim 13, wherein the striker 20 is connected to the ring 120 by a temporary connection means 200, and the temporary connection means 200 is connected to either the ring 120 or the striker 20 a connected inflatable claw (210), which cooperates with an attachment ball joint (29) connected to the other of the striker (20) or the ring (120), and the drawer (220) ) is the igniter cap, characterized in that it comprises a hole 224 whose width is the same as the horizontal dimension of the claw 210 in a retracted position. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the igniter cap causes the spoon (40) to be retracted first, then the ring (120) secondly opens its aperture (125) to the spoon ( 40) and a guide means which must be rotated to align with the igniter cap. 8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the igniter cap causes the ring (120) to firstly be translated by pulling and then secondly to align its aperture (125) with the spoon (40). An igniter cap, characterized in that it comprises a guide means that allows it to be rotated to 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the igniter cap causes the ring (120) to be translated by pulling first, then the spoon (40) to be retracted a second time, and finally and, thirdly, the igniter cap comprising guide means by which the ring (120) must be rotated to align its aperture (125) with the spoon (40). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the igniter cap includes a spring (22) associated with the striker (20) and the spring (22) biases during translational displacement of the ring (120). biased so that the spring (22) stores the energy necessary for the realization of the striker (20) during this displacement. 8. The igniter cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the aperture (125) is disposed stationary at 180° from the spoon (40). 8. The igniter cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the igniter cap comprises at least two apertures (125) symmetrical with respect to the position of the spoon (40) at rest. A grenade equipped with the igniter cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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