IGNITION SYSTEM, PROPELLANT CHARGE AND PIECE OF AMMUNITION

Description

This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2023/077784, which was filed on Oct. 6, 2023, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2022 131 652.1, which was filed in Germany on Nov. 30, 2022, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an ignition system for igniting a propellant charge. The invention also relates to a propellant charge. Furthermore, the invention relates to a piece of ammunition.

Description of the Background Art

Ignition systems are of immense importance for igniting a propellant charge and propelling a projectile through the barrel of a barrel weapon. In particular, the ignition of propellant charges for artillery represents a particular challenge due to the often very long charge chambers of the barrel weapon. When igniting propellant charges for artillery, incidents often occur because the ignition of the propellant charge can lead to comparatively high gas pressure oscillations. Sealing systems currently used in artillery can compensate for gas pressure oscillations, but only to a certain extent. Apart from the general danger of gas pressure waves for the durability of a weapon system or a barrel weapon, gas pressure oscillations in such sealing systems quickly lead to leaks in the case base region. Both the weapon system and the operating crew can be seriously endangered by escaping combustion gases. In extreme cases, the weapon system can be destroyed by gas pressure oscillations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an objection of the invention to provide an ignition system in which gas pressure oscillations during ignition are reduced to a minimum or completely avoided.

The ignition system is designed and/or intended to ignite a propellant charge for a projectile. The ignition system has a (first) channel which extends along a channel longitudinal direction and which is delimited (radially) outwardly by a (first) wall. The channel contains a primary ignition material in the form of powder granules or prepared fibers. The powder granules or prepared fibers collectively fill the channel or its channel volume such that, when ignited, a flash-through of the primary ignition material occurs.

The proposed ignition system achieves a rapidly moving flame or particle front over the path or a partial path of the propellant charge to be ignited, e.g., from a first end to a second end of the (first) channel. For this purpose, the well-known effect in pyrotechnics of flash-through of a powder suitable for igniting a propellant charge, e.g., black powder, is used. This flash-through deflagration makes it possible to ignite a propellant charge evenly over a large length of the charge space. Due to the uniform or slightly bottom-heavy ignition (ignition starting from the ignition-side end (butt end or closure side of the tube), gas pressure waves are largely suppressed during ignition. This reduces risks to the weapon system and its operating crew. In addition, the rapid, uniform and reproducible ignition of the propellant charge contributes to reduced dispersion in projectile velocity and thus to higher accuracy. In addition, the uniform ignition of the propellant charge reduces the total mass of propellant powder required, since the energy of the propellant powder can be converted more effectively into kinetic energy of the projectile.

In concrete terms, the powder granules or the prepared fibers collectively can fill the (first) channel or its channel volume to a maximum of 90-95%, so that deflagration occurs when ignited (high ignition power). However, even if the powder granules or the prepared fibers collectively fill the (first) channel or its channel volume to 50% or 60%, deflagration can be achieved (less need for powder granules or prepared fibers or primary ignition material).

The powder granules can have a grain size of 0.5-5 mm (millimeters). The powder granules can be homogeneous (uniform shape and/or size) or present as a mixture (different shape and/or size). Even more advantageous combustion properties can be achieved if the powder granules, at least predominantly or preferably completely, have a grain size of 0.5-1.5 mm.

The powder granules can be firmly fastened to the wall of the (first) channel or to a carrier material introduced into the channel, e.g., by gluing. The powder granules can be poured loosely (loose bulk) or introduced into the (first) channel through another compartment. The powder granules can be spaced apart from each other or adjacent to each other.

The fact that the wall delimits the (first) channel outwardly does not mean that the channel must be completely closed to the outside. All that is required is sufficient insulation due to the increase in pressure inside the duct resulting from the ignition.

The channel can be completely closed to the outside at the sides and/or ends. For this purpose the channel can be open at the sides (e.g., slotted with one or more slots) and/or open at the ends (e.g., open front sides or open ends). The (first) channel can be designed as a tube, sack or bag. In the design as a tube, the channel can be designed as a tube with an elliptical or circular cross section.

A possible design as a tube can also be formed of the channel that is delimited by two separate and opposing wall portions (e.g., as “plane-parallel walls”), the wall portions enclosing between them the ignition material in the form of powder granules or prepared fibers, whereby it being possible for the channel to be open or closed at the sides and/or ends.

The tube(s) (round, square, oval or similar in cross section), the textile containers (sack or bag), or the membranes can be designed to be combustible, e.g., from combustible casing material, synthetic fibers or cotton, in order to leave no residue after the shot.

The primary ignition material can also be called “initial ignition material.” An igniter is assigned to the primary ignition material, or the primary ignition material has an igniter. The igniter may be a heat source, an electrical igniter, a flame or flame generator, or hot particles or a particle source containing hot particles.

The primary ignition material, in particular when in the form of powder granules, can contain black powder or mixtures based on charcoal, sulfur, boron and oxygen carriers such as nitrates or perchlorates, in particular black powder or boron potassium nitrate. This allows the pyrotechnic effect of deflagration to be achieved with different substances or mixtures. With the ignition, a rapidly moving flame and/or particle front can be achieved.

Expediently, the prepared fibers may be formed as textile synthetic or natural fibers that are partially or completely coated with ignition material. In other words, the primary ignition material can also be in the form of textile synthetic or natural fibers dipped or coated in ignition material-possibly even made of energetic material with nitrocellulose. In this example, the fiber material itself can already form one or more channels due to its porous structure.

Advantageously, the primary ignition material can have such a high ignition power that it is sufficient for the (uniform and safe) ignition of the propellant charge. In other words, the primary ignition material can be designed in such a way that it deflagrates when ignited and ignites the propellant charge itself or directly (without any further ignition material). This reduces the number of components of the ignition system and the propellant charge, as a separate ignition agent carrier is no longer required. The primary ignition material may extend along the channel longitudinal direction over a portion or from the first end to the second end of the (first) channel.

At least one shock tube can extend through the (first) channel.

A pyrotechnic shock tube, which is used as part of a shock tube ignition system (e.g., in mining), can contribute to a uniform and reliable ignition. The shock tube can extend from the first end to the second end of the (first) channel and optionally protrude beyond the two channel ends. The primary ignition material may extend along the channel longitudinal direction completely through the (first) channel or only over a part of the channel. In the latter case, the shock tube itself may be designed and/or intended for through-ignition.

As already mentioned, shock tubes or the shock tube ignition system contribute to a rapid propagation of the ignition front through a reaction similar to a dust explosion. The shock tube can contain aluminum, octogen or hexogen dust and/or, for example, potassium perchlorate aluminum (flash bang composition) as a booster charge. A shock tube or the shock tube ignition system requires a sensitive acceptor (ignition agent) to initiate the ignition material or propellant charge, since the energy of the passing shock wave is short and little energy is released per unit length. The heat energy is not always sufficient for the direct, safe ignition of many ignition materials.

Expediently, the powder granules or the prepared fibers of the primary ignition material can be applied to a separate carrier material, the carrier material with the powder granules or the prepared fibers being arranged in the (first) channel. This also makes it possible to achieve a rapidly moving flame or particle front due to the pyrotechnic effect of deflagration. The carrier material can be flat and/or flexible. The carrier material can be, for example, paper, cardboard or (other) combustible material. The carrier material (with applied powder granules) can be introduced into the (first) channel in flat or rolled form. The powder granules can be applied to one or both sides of the carrier material. The powder granules can be firmly fastened to the carrier material, in particular by gluing. The surfaces of the carrier material that can be coated with powder granules (flat sides) can be coated with powder granules either completely or only in portions. The powder granules of the primary ignition material applied to the carrier material can be used alone or in combination with loose ignition material and/or ignition material contained in tubes.

A further wall (second wall) can be provided which surrounds the (first) channel delimited by the wall (radially) outwardly in such a way that a further channel (second channel) is defined in the intermediate space between the wall and the further wall. This creates another channel that extends along the (first) channel. The further wall can, for example, be formed into an (outer) tube, within which the (first) wall, for example as an (inner) tube, or the (first) channel is arranged. The other channel can be free of ignition material or left empty. The additional wall can mechanically stabilize the (first) wall or the (first) channel and/or protect it from environmental influences.

The further channel may contain a further ignition material, in particular a main ignition material. This allows for even more reliable and, if necessary, more intense ignition. The further (second) channel can thus serve as a reservoir for main ignition material, while the primary ignition material is arranged in the (first) channel. This provides a “channel-in-channel” or “pipe-in-pipe” ignition system. The primary ignition material can generate a very fast moving flame front in the (first) channel. This ignition front, which runs rapidly over a large length of the (first) channel and, if applicable, a large length of the propellant charge, ignites the additional ignition material or main ignition material as evenly as possible over a large length of the (first) channel or the additional channel. This promotes a uniform ignition in which gas pressure waves are suppressed as far as possible (through-ignition inside-main ignition outside).

Different black powder compositions (different percentages of the components sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate), boron-potassium nitrate, black powder charged with metal powders (aluminum, zirconium, titanium, magnesium, etc.) and mixtures of the above materials can be used as additional ignition material or main ignition material. In the applicant's tests, comparatively coarse black powder Y5930-6 (grain size approx. 2.5 to 5 mm) was used as the main ignition material. This made it possible to achieve a relatively gentle ignition with a longer burning time of the hot particles.

The speed of through-ignition can be regulated directly by the amount of ignition material, its grain size, the resulting gas pressure and/or the ignition of the primary ignition material. The higher the pressure, the higher the particle or gas vapor velocity in the (e.g., first) channel with primary ignition material (“through-ignition channel”). At a higher ignition speed in the through-ignition channel, the ignition and combustion of the additional ignition material or main ignition material in the (further) channel will take place faster and more evenly.

With regard to the arrangement of the further wall, further constellations are conceivable.

Thus, a further wall can extend along the channel longitudinal direction of the (first) channel and divide the (first) channel into a first channel portion and a second channel portion, wherein the primary ignition material is contained in the first channel portion and wherein a further ignition material, in particular a main ignition material, is contained in the second channel portion. This contributes to a comparatively material-saving design, since the further wall is designed as a kind of “partition wall,” but does not have to delimit or enclose outwardly any ignition material or the channel containing the ignition material. This allows rapid through-ignition in the first channel portion (primary ignition material), while the main ignition material in the second channel portion is ignited along a large longitudinal extent and burns evenly. In the example, the further wall can be designed as a membrane, in particular as a textile membrane (e.g., cotton or synthetic fiber).

In a further configuration, a further wall can be provided which is arranged within the (first) channel and surrounds a further channel to the (radial) outside, the further channel extending within the (first) channel and a further ignition material, in particular a main ignition material, being contained in the further channel. The primary ignition material is arranged in the intermediate space between the (first) wall and the other wall. The (first) wall can be formed into an (outer) tube. The further wall can be formed into an (inner) tube. This also makes it possible to provide a “channel-in-channel” or “tube-in-tube” ignition system, with the through-ignition occurring on the outside (primary ignition material in the first channel) and the main ignition occurring on the inside (main ignition material in the other channel). The further channel can have its (further) wall adjacent in portions to the (first) wall of the (first) channel or can be surrounded by primary ignition material in such a way that the further wall is spaced apart from the (first) wall.

The further channel can be continuous, i.e., extends at least largely or completely (in one piece) along the channel longitudinal direction of the (first) channel.

The further channel can also be designed in segments and have at least two segments arranged axially one behind the other and separated from one another, the segments being spaced apart from one another along the channel longitudinal direction. At this spacing, the (first) channel with primary ignition material is enlarged in cross section or volume. This causes a targeted turbulence with a gas pressure drop zone in the (first) channel (through-ignition path), so that the linear ignition speed is throttled. By the segmenting, the ignition can be made more or less intense at certain points along the channel longitudinal direction. Turbulences can be built into the spacing (interruption) between the segments to delay ignition or to reduce gas pressure by creating cavities. This allows the propagation speed of the ignition front to be slowed down. The segments can be closed at the front, for example at their end facing the spacing, for example by a (front) wall.

Advantageously, one or more transitions can be formed between the (first) channel and the further channel or between the first channel portion and the second channel portion. These transitions allow flame or particle permeability between the (first) channel or channel portion with primary ignition material (ignition channel) and the further channel or channel portion (reservoir with main ignition material), so that the flame front causes ignition of the main ignition material directly or with a time delay when it reaches one of these flame-permeable regions.

The transition(s) may be formed as a bore, slot portions or as a continuous slot in the relevant channel wall along the channel longitudinal direction.

The hole, the slot or the slot portions can optionally be covered by a permeable film, paper, combustible sleeve material, a gauze (“gauze bandage material”) or a textile membrane (e.g., cotton or synthetic fiber).

The main ignition material can be arranged at several locations along the longitudinal direction of the channel, over a certain portion or over the entire length of the channel. As the flame deflagrates from the fast-moving flame and/or particle front of the primary ignition material into the main ignition material, the main ignition material will burn more or less quickly, depending on its grain size, for example.

In other words, the burning or ignition of the main ignition material can take place through passages/holes in the walls, e.g., in the tubes, through textile-like material or other particle and/or flame-permeable materials or through channels that open in a pressure-dependent manner. The ignition of the main ignition material can be carried out point by point, area by area or over the entire surface.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a propellant charge for a projectile. As regards the advantages that can be achieved thereby, reference is made to the statements relating to the ignition system.

The propellant charge serves for a projectile and is in particular designed and/or intended to propel a projectile through a weapon barrel. The propellant charge comprises a propellant powder, which can be arranged in one or more volumes of propellant powder, and an ignition system arranged in or on the propellant powder with at least one of the aspects described above.

The ignition system can extend along the propellant powder or through the propellant powder. The propellant powder collectively can, for example, form a cylindrical body, in particular a vertical hollow cylinder, in the interior of which the ignition system is arranged.

For the further design of the propellant charge, the measures described and/or the measures explained below can be used.

The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a piece of ammunition. As regards the advantages that can be achieved thereby, reference is made to the statements relating to the ignition system.

The piece of ammunition is designed and/or intended in particular for firing from a barrel weapon. The piece of ammunition comprises a projectile and a propellant charge having at least one of the aspects described above.

The piece of ammunition can be cartridge-based ammunition, which combines the ignition system, propellant charge and projectile (e.g., tank ammunition). The projectile can optionally have a projectile and a sabot.

Also, it may be non-cartridge-based ammunition, in which the projectile, propellant charge and ignition system are handled separately and/or only combined in the charge chamber of a barrel of a gun (e.g., artillery ammunition).

For the further design of the piece of ammunition, the measures described and/or the measures explained below can be used.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

FIGS. 1a to 1b show a first example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 1a) and a cross section (FIG. 1b);

FIGS. 2a to 2c show a second example of an ignition system in a schematic and partially sectional plan view (FIG. 2a), a side view (FIG. 2b) and a front view (FIG. 2c);

FIGS. 3a to 3b show a third example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 3a) and a cross section (FIG. 3b);

FIGS. 4a to 4b show a fourth example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 4a) and a cross section (FIG. 4b);

FIGS. 5a to 5b show a fifth example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 5a) and a cross section (FIG. 5b);

FIGS. 6a to 6b show a sixth example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 6a) and a cross section (FIG. 6b);

FIGS. 7a to 7b show a seventh example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 7a) and a cross section (FIG. 7b);

FIGS. 8a to 8b show an eighth example of an ignition system, in each case in a longitudinal section and a cross section at a first time (FIG. 8a) and a second time (FIG. 8b) after ignition;

FIGS. 9a to 9b show a ninth example of an ignition system in a longitudinal section (FIG. 9a) and a cross section (FIG. 9b);

FIG. 10 shows a possible design of the ignition system from FIGS. 8a and 8b in a longitudinal section;

FIG. 11 shows an example of a piece of ammunition with an ignition system in a longitudinal section; and

FIGS. 12a to 12i show the ignition system from FIG. 11 in a flow chart from the beginning of ignition (FIG. 12a) to complete combustion (FIG. 12i).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1a and 1b show an ignition system 10 for igniting a propellant charge 100 for a projectile 202.

The ignition system 10 in the present case has a (first) channel 12 which extends along a channel longitudinal direction 14 and is outwardly delimited by a wall 16. In the example, the wall 16 is closed along the peripheral direction and forms a tube 18 with, here only as an example, a circular cross section. The tube 18 may be formed of combustible casing material, as explained above. The channel 12 can be open or closed at the end (e.g., by front walls). The channel 12 or the tube 18 has an ignition-side end A and a projectile-side end G.

Instead of a single, axially continuous tube 18, several separate, axially successive and spaced-apart tube portions 18 can be provided. In other words, the tube portions 18 can be cascaded, i.e., arranged one behind the other in any number and spaced apart from one another.

The channel 12 contains a primary ignition material 20, in this example in the form of powder granules 22. The powder granules 22 collectively fill the channel 12 such that, when ignited, a flash-through of the primary ignition material 20 occurs.

In the example, the powder granules 22 are arranged adjacent to one another on the inner surface 17 of the wall 16 and are firmly fastened there, for example by gluing. In the present case, the powder granules 22 collectively fill the channel 12 or its volume to approximately 50 percent.

In the present case, the primary ignition material 20 has such a high ignition power that it is sufficient to ignite the propellant charge for a projectile.

The through-ignition speed and the resulting conversion of the primary ignition material 20 can be influenced by grain size, introduced mass and/or volume (cross section of the channel 12 or tube cross section).

Optionally, obstacles to turbulence can be introduced into the channel 12, e.g., wall portions protruding into the clear cross section of the channel 12. Independently of this, the arrangement and/or distribution of the primary ignition material 20 in the channel 12 also influences the through-ignition of the primary ignition material 20 and ultimately of the propellant charge.

In the proposed design, igniting the primary ignition material 20 at the ignition-side end A (left in FIG. 1) results in the powder granules 22 breaking up into grain fragments 23, among other things, and, as a result of their movement in the channel 12, further powder granules 22 igniting (symbolized by arrows).

FIGS. 2a to 2c show a sandwich-like design of the ignition system 10.

In the present case, the channel 12 is outwardly delimited by a (first) wall 16 and a further wall 26 opposite the wall 16. The walls 16, 26 enclose the primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 between them in the manner of a tube. In the example, the walls 16, 26 each extend along a plane and are plane-parallel to each other. Furthermore, the powder granules 22 collectively fill the channel 12 such that, when igniting, the primary ignition material 20 deflagrates.

In principle, it is conceivable that the channel 12 is closed off at the sides and/or at its ends (e.g., by corresponding side walls and/or front walls). In the example, the channel 12 is open at the sides and at its ends (see FIGS. 2b and 2c). In other words, the walls 16, 26 are designed as two covers 16, 26 with open sides. A partially open design (ends open and sides closed, relationship should be reversed) is also conceivable.

The present ignition system 10 can also be designed in multiple layers, i.e., several layers can be stacked on top of each other in order to increase the total mass of the primary ignition material 20.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 1a and 1b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, the present ignition system 10 has one or more shock tubes 29 that extend through the channel 12 (in the example only one shock tube 29 is shown). Optionally, the shock tube 29 can extend beyond the ends of the channel 12 (as shown here) or only extend through part of the ignition system. The shock tube 29 contributes to sufficient and rapid through-ignition, as explained above.

As a further difference, the primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 is introduced in loose bulk form into the channel 12. The bulk of powder granules 22 can extend along the channel longitudinal direction 14 over a portion of the channel 12 (as shown here by way of example) or over the entire channel 12.

Optionally, the channel 12 can also contain main ignition material 30 in the form of powder granules 32. In the example, the powder granules 32 of the main ignition material 30 have a coarser grain size than the powder granules 22 of the primary ignition material 20. Possible materials and compositions of the main ignition material 30 have been described above.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 1a and 1b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, the powder granules 22 of the primary ignition material 20 are applied to a separate carrier material 34. The carrier material 34 is arranged with the powder granules 22 in the channel 12. In the example, the powder granules 22 are applied to a first flat side 35 of the carrier material 34 and are firmly fastened there, for example by gluing.

In principle, it is conceivable that the carrier material 34 is introduced flat (unrolled) into the channel 12. In the example, however, the carrier material 34 is introduced into the channel 12 in rolled form. The carrier material 34 is rolled such that the powder granules 22 are located on the inside of the rolled carrier material 34 (flat side 35 inside). The peripheral ends of the carrier material 34 overlap each other (see FIG. 4b). This overlap can be of any length and can occur until the volume is completely filled.

The second flat side 36 of the carrier material 34 (on the rolled carrier material 34 on the outside) is free of powder granules 22 in the example. Optionally, however, powder granules 22 can also be attached to the second flat side 36 of the carrier material 34 and firmly secured thereto. It is also conceivable that the first flat side 35 and/or the second flat side 36 are each provided with powder granules 22 of the primary ignition material 20 only in portions for local ignition enhancement.

FIGS. 5a and 5b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 1a and 1b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, in the present case a further wall 26 is provided which surrounds the (first) channel 12 or the tube 18 delimited by the (first) wall 16 radially outwardly in such a way that a further channel 27 (second channel 27) is defined in the intermediate space between the wall 16 and the further wall 26.

In the example, the further wall 26 is closed along the peripheral direction and forms a tube 28 with, here only by way of example, a circular cross section. The tube 28 may be formed of combustible casing material as explained above. The channel 27 can be open or closed at the end (e.g., by front walls).

The powder granules 22 of the primary ignition material 20 are arranged in the channel 12, as explained above. In the example, no ignition material is arranged in the further channel 27. In the example, the tube 28 serves as an outer tube for mechanical stabilization or as protection against environmental influences.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 5a and 5b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, the (first) channel 12 (here in the example to a lesser extent than in the example of FIGS. 5a and 5b) contains ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 and the further channel 27 contains main ignition material 30 in the form of powder granules 32. The powder granules 22, 32 can each be firmly fastened to the corresponding wall 16, 26 or arranged in loose bulk form in the corresponding channel 12, 27.

A plurality of transitions 40 are formed between the (first) channel 12 and the further channel 27.

In the example, the transitions 40 are designed as passages 42 formed in the wall 16, for example in the form of holes or slots. This creates a flame or particle permeability between the (first) channel 12 with ignition material 20 (“ignition channel”) and the further channel 27 with main ignition material 30 (“reservoir”). Thus, the flame front generated by the ignition material 20 can cause ignition of the main ignition material 30 when it reaches one of the transitions 40 or passages 42. In other words, a through-ignition (primary ignition material 20) takes place in the inner tube 18 and a main ignition (main ignition material 30) takes place in the outer tube 28.

Optionally, a (further) passage 44 can be formed in the wall 26, preferably closer to the ignition-side end A, for example as a bore or slot. Via the passage 44, the flame generated by the main ignition material 30 can pass through to the propellant charge and ignite it (symbolized by an arrow).

FIGS. 7a and 7b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 1a and 1b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, in the present case a further wall 46 extends along the channel longitudinal direction 14 of the (first) channel 12. The further wall 46 divides the channel 12 into a first channel portion 12′ and a second channel portion 12″. The first channel portion 12′ contains the primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 and the second channel portion 12″ contains the main ignition material 30 in the form of powder granules 32.

The further wall 46 is designed in the example as a membrane, in particular as a textile membrane (e.g., cotton or synthetic fiber), which has a plurality of transitions 40. In the example, the primary ignition material 20 is present in a smaller quantity than in the example according to FIG. 1 and is arranged in loose bulk form in the first channel portion 12′. In the example, the main ignition material 30 is also arranged in loose bulk form in the second channel portion 12″.

In the wall 16, preferably closer to the ignition-side end A, a passage 44 can be formed, for example as a bore or slot. Via the passage 44, the flame generated by the main ignition material 30 can pass through to the propellant charge and ignite it (symbolized by an arrow).

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 1a and 6b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, a further wall 48 is provided, which is arranged within the (first) channel 12 and surrounds a further channel 49 to the (radial) outside, the further channel 49 or the (inner) tube 50 formed by the further wall extending within the (first) channel 12 and the main ignition material 30 in the form of powder granules 32 being contained in the further channel 49. The primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 is arranged in the (first) channel 12. The powder granules 22, 32 can each be firmly fastened to the corresponding wall 16, 48 or arranged in loose bulk form in the corresponding channel 12, 49.

A plurality of transitions 40 are formed between the (first) channel 12 and the further channel 49.

In the example, the transitions 40 are designed as passages 42 formed in the wall 48, for example in the form of holes or slots. This creates a flame or particle permeability between the (first) channel 12 with ignition material 20 (“ignition channel”) and the further channel 27 with main ignition material 30 (“reservoir”). Thus, the flame front generated by the ignition material 20 can cause ignition of the main ignition material 30 when it reaches one of the transitions 40 or passages 42. In other words, a through-ignition (primary ignition material 20) occurs in the outer tube 18 and a main ignition (main ignition material 30) occurs in the inner tube 50 (course of the through-ignition at two different times after the ignition shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b).

Optionally, a (further) passage 44 can be formed in the walls 18, 48, preferably closer to the ignition-side end A, for example as a bore or slot. Optionally, a further passage 44′ can be formed in the walls 18, 48, which is smaller than the passage 44 and is offset along the channel longitudinal direction 14 towards the projectile-side end G. Via the passages 44, 44′, the flame generated by the main ignition material 30 can pass through to the propellant charge and ignite it (symbolized by arrows).

FIGS. 9a and 9b show a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 8a and 8b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, the present ignition system 10 has a shock tube 29 which extends through the channel 12. Optionally, the shock tube 29 can extend beyond the ends of the channel 12 (as shown here). The shock tube 29 contributes to sufficient and rapid ignition, as explained above.

FIG. 10 shows a further example of the ignition system 10, which largely corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 8a and 8b. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made initially to the explanations there.

In contrast, the further channel 49 is segmented and in this example has two segments 51, 52 arranged axially one behind the other and separated from one another, the segments 51, 52 being spaced apart from one another along the channel longitudinal direction 14 (spacing 54).

At this spacing 54, the (first) channel 12 with primary ignition material 20 is enlarged in cross section or volume. This causes a targeted turbulence 56 with a gas pressure drop zone in the (first) channel 12 (ignition path), so that the linear ignition speed is throttled, as explained above.

In the example, the segments 51, 52 are closed at their end facing the spacing 54 by a front wall 51′, 52′.

FIG. 11 shows an ammunition 200 with a projectile 202 and a propellant charge 100. The propellant charge 100 has a propellant powder 102, which in the example forms a cylindrical body 104 in its entirety. An ignition system 10 is arranged inside the cylindrical body 104. In the example, the ammunition 200 is designed as cartridge-based ammunition and has a cartridge case 204.

The present ignition system 10 corresponds to the example described in FIGS. 8a and 8b and is described again here in its basic features.

The ignition system 10 has a (first) channel 12 which extends along a channel longitudinal direction 14 and is outwardly delimited by a wall 16. The wall 16 is closed in the peripheral direction and forms an (outer) tube 18. The channel 12 contains a primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22. The powder granules 22 fill the channel 12 such that, when igniting, the primary ignition material 20 deflagrates.

In addition, a further wall 48 is provided, which is arranged within the (first) channel 12 and surrounds a further channel 49 to the (radial) outside, wherein the further channel 49 extends within the (first) channel 12. The wall 48 is closed in the peripheral direction and forms an (inner) tube 50.

The main ignition material 30 in the form of powder granules 32 is contained in the further channel 49 (main ignition channel). The primary ignition material 20 in the form of powder granules 22 is arranged in the (first) channel 12 (through-ignition channel). The powder granules 22, 32 can each be firmly fastened to the corresponding wall 16, 48 or arranged in loose bulk form in the corresponding channel 12, 49. In the example, the tubes 18, 50 are arranged concentrically to each other. In the inner tube 50 and/or in the outer tube 18, passages from the further channel 49 to the (first) channel 12 or from the (first) channel 12 to the propellant charge 100 can be formed. The passages can also be called “relief windows.” The ignition of the ignition system 10 takes place from the ignition-side end A (cf. ignition symbolized by a star) and continues to the projectile-side end G.

FIGS. 12a to 12i show the basic sequence of ignition schematically, whereby for reasons of clarity only the ignition system 10 is shown (without propellant charge, projectile and cartridge case and with break-off lines in the middle for a shortened representation).

The structure of the ignition system 10 corresponds to the design of the ignition system described in FIG. 11. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements. For better clarity, the reference symbols are omitted in FIGS. 12a to 12i. FIG. 12a shows the initial situation before ignition.

FIG. 12b shows how the ignition system 10 is ignited from the ignition end A (symbolized by arrows). The flame and particle front, deflagration or detonation front passes through the (outer) channel 12 (cf. increasing blackening “to the right” in the figures), which contains the primary through-ignition material 20 (“through-ignition channel”). A part of this passage takes place without ignition of the main ignition material 30 in the further channel 49 (cf. FIGS. 12b to 12d).

After a certain passage of the flame and particle front in the outer channel 12, the first parts of the main ignition material 30 are initiated from the ignition-side end A (cf. FIG. 12e). The first parts of the main ignition material 30 burn gradually according to particle size and gas pressure (cf. increasing blackening), with the combustion spreading from radially inside to radially outside and from the ignition-side end A in the direction of the projectile-side end G (cf. FIG. 12f to FIG. 12h).

The relief windows open or the tubes 18, 50 rupture due to the internal gas pressure, so that the burning ignition material and its combustion products (particles and hot combustion gas) can flow into the propellant powder (cf. FIG. 12i).

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.