Title:
ELECTRICAL FIRING MECHANISM
United States Patent 3786717
Abstract:
Electrical firing mechanism for a light weight, portable, rocket launcher. he mechanism includes means for actuating a battery for supplying an electrical pulse to the rocket carried in the launcher for ignition of the rocket motor.
US Patent References:
/3679487.html
Coyle - July 1972 - 3679487
Electrically controlled firearm utilizing a piezo-electric crystal
Calhoun et al. - September 1965 - 3208181
Illuminated safety indicator for guns
Jacobs - October 1938 - 2134406
Rocket projector
Skinner et al. - February 1950 - 2496316
/3679487.html
Coyle - July 1972 - 3679487
Electrically controlled firearm utilizing a piezo-electric crystal
Calhoun et al. - September 1965 - 3208181
Illuminated safety indicator for guns
Jacobs - October 1938 - 2134406
Rocket projector
Skinner et al. - February 1950 - 2496316
Inventors:
Vickers, Wiley B. (Huntsville, AL)
Looger, Lonnie L. (Madison, AL)
Looger, Lonnie L. (Madison, AL)
Application Number:
05/284533
Publication Date:
01/22/1974
Filing Date:
08/29/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army (Washington, DC)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
89/28.100, 42/84, 429/115
International Classes:
F41A19/60; F41A19/00; F41F3/04
Field of Search:
89/135,28,1.807 42/84,1A 102/70,70.2 136/90
Primary Examiner:
Engle, Samuel W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Kelly, Edward Berl Herbert Hilton Harold J. W.
Claims:
We claim
1. An electric fire control mechanism for a portable rocket launcher comprising:
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 including safety means to prevent misfiring of said apparatus.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said safety means includes a micro switch for shorting the firing circuit of said apparatus during non-use thereof to prevent stray electromagnetic energy from accidentally firing said apparatus.
4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said safety means further includes a member disposed for holding said trigger sear in a cocked position during non-use of said apparatus, said member disposed for displacement for release of said sear and removing said short from said micro switch.
1. An electric fire control mechanism for a portable rocket launcher comprising:
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 including safety means to prevent misfiring of said apparatus.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said safety means includes a micro switch for shorting the firing circuit of said apparatus during non-use thereof to prevent stray electromagnetic energy from accidentally firing said apparatus.
4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said safety means further includes a member disposed for holding said trigger sear in a cocked position during non-use of said apparatus, said member disposed for displacement for release of said sear and removing said short from said micro switch.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years there has been developed folding fin stabilized rockets which can be fired by one man from a light weight portable launcher. The rockets normally have a high explosive warhead and are extremely useful against tanks and vehicles. Since the launcher must be portable, weight is a prime consideration in such launcher design. Additionally, the launcher must have a relatively long shelf life.
The rocket launcher essentially comprises a long thin walled open end tube or barrel which is proportioned to receive a rocket. The launcher may be man-transportable and capable of being fired from an indvidual's shoulder or from a support such as a bipod, tripod, etc. The tube may be of the telescoping type so as to provide a length which is sufficiently greater than the rocket so that the propellant blast of the rocket will have substantially subsided before the rocket leaves the tube. The rocket firing mechanism, when actuated closes an electrical circuit thereby effecting discharge of the rocket. The launcher may or may not be reusable, as desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The rocket launcher of the present invention meets all of the above noted requirements. The firing mechanism is designed to be only a fraction of the weight of the overall system, including the rocket and launcher. The firing mechanism's safety mechanism which when removed permits firing of the rocket upon actuating a trigger which is provided for releasing a spring loaded striker arm for impact with a percussion ignited thermal battery. The battery provides the electricity needed to ignite the motor of the rocket.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a light weight mechanism for actuating a source of electrical power.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical firing mechanism for actuating a battery for supplying an electrical signal which ignites the motor of a rocket carried in a light weight portable rocket launcher.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following descriptions and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the rocket launcher of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the firing mechanism as seen in FIG. 2, illustrating a micro switch as used in the mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a view taken from FIG. 4, with elements removed to show said micro switch arrangment.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, a rocket launcher 10 is carried by an individual for directing a rocket, carried in the launcher, to a target. The launcher includes open ends 12 and 14. In FIG. 1, the launcher is provided with a harness 16 to aid the individual in supporting the launcher. However, it is to be understood, that the launcher may be supported in many other ways such as on a bipod, tripod or platform, etc.
A trigger and firing assembly 18 is mounted on the side of the launcher for igniting the rocket in the launch tube. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, firing mechanism 18 includes a housing 20 enclosing a striker detent 22, a striker 24, a trigger sear 26 and a thermal battery 28. Striker detent 22 includes a pair of spaced side portions 36 (FIGS. 4 and 6) secured by a pin 32 to supports 30 and 34 formed in housing 20. This arrangement serves to pivotally mount detent 22. Pin 32 also serves to mount a spring 38 to bias detent 22 for movement and has a kerf 40 in the end accessable from the outside of housing 20 for a purpose as set forth in the operation. A channel member 42 is also secured to detent 22 for engagement with striker 24.
Striker 24 is pivotally secured to a support member 44 carried in the housing. A pin 45 extends through the striker and is carried in support member 44 for pivotal support of the striker. Pin 45 is also provided with a kerf 46 (for a purpose as set forth in the operation) and is accessable from the outside of housing 20. A spring 47 is disposed for biasing the striker for upward movement thereof.
Trigger sear 26 is privotally mounted in the upper portion 50 of the housing. A pin 52 is secured to the housing and is disposed for pivotal support of sear 26 thereon. A spring 54 includes one end 56 which abuts against an inner surface of housing 20 and a second end 58 secured to sear 26. Spring 54 is disposed for biasing sear 26 upwardly as shown in FIG. 4. Sear 26 further includes a first extended portion 60, a second extended portion 62 and a third extended portion 64.
A push button 66 (FIG. 4) is mounted in an aperture 68 disposed in a raised portion 70 of housing 20 and a protective cap 72 encloses the outer portion of push button 66.
A safety mechanism 74 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is slidably disposed on housing 20 and includes a spring 76 carried in a slot 78 of actuating member 80. Member 80 includes an element 82 which extends into housing 20 for engagement with portion 60 of sear 26.
A micro switch 84 (FIG. 5) is carried in housing 20 adjacent to sear 26. As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, switch 84 is secured to a bracket 86 which is secured to housing 20.
The firing mechanism is secured in the cocked position, as indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 4, prior to assembly of the firing mechanism to the launch tube. This is done by reaching in an open side 88 and engaging striker 24 with channel member 42 on detent 22 for retention of striker 24 in the position shown by the solid lines. Hook 85 formed on the end of detent 22, opposite portion 36, is disposed for engagement with extending portion 64 of sear 26 by a camming action between the detent and sear. After hook 85 and portion 64 are engaged, safety mechanism 74 is positioned so that spring 76 rests in a first slot 90 disposed in housing 20. This places the element 82 of safety mechanism 74 in engaged relation with the underside of extending portion 60 of sear 26 to retain the mechanism in "cocked" relation. The firing mechanism is then assembled to the launch tube.
When element 82 engages portion 60 it als operates micro switch 84 (FIG. 5) by engagement with a spring 87. Switch 84 serves as a further safety precaution during pre-use time of the mechanism since it includes a normally open, a normally closed and a common terminal which enables a short to be maintained in the firing circuit during pre-use to prevent stray electromagnetic energy from accidentally igniting the rocket. Switch 84 also serves to complete a circuit when precussion element 96 on battery 28 is energized, between electrical leads 98 and the rocket igniter (not shown).
OPERATION
In operation, the safety mechanism is moved back, so that spring 76 rests in a second groove 94 in housing 20. Movement of actuating member 80 also depresses button 95 on micro switch 84 to place the firing circuit in position for the firing. Cap 72 is removed and trigger 66 depressed to clear portion 64 of sear 26 from hook 85 of detent 22. Spring 38 then pivots detent 22 downward for disengagement of raised portions 42 from striker 24. Striker 24 is pivoted upwardly by spring 47 for impact with a precussion element 96 on thermal battery 28. The battery is energized and at a predetermined energy level, sends an electrical pulse through leads 98 to switch 84 and to the igniter in the rocket motor (not shown) for firing the rocket.
If the primer fails to fire, the mechanism can be re-cocked with a blade type tool, if desired. This may be accomplished by providing access plates on housing 20 for access to screw slots 40 and 46 of pins 32 and 45 respectively, or, if desired, the pins may be long enough to extend through the sides of housing 20 and sealed at the point where they extend through the housing.
In recent years there has been developed folding fin stabilized rockets which can be fired by one man from a light weight portable launcher. The rockets normally have a high explosive warhead and are extremely useful against tanks and vehicles. Since the launcher must be portable, weight is a prime consideration in such launcher design. Additionally, the launcher must have a relatively long shelf life.
The rocket launcher essentially comprises a long thin walled open end tube or barrel which is proportioned to receive a rocket. The launcher may be man-transportable and capable of being fired from an indvidual's shoulder or from a support such as a bipod, tripod, etc. The tube may be of the telescoping type so as to provide a length which is sufficiently greater than the rocket so that the propellant blast of the rocket will have substantially subsided before the rocket leaves the tube. The rocket firing mechanism, when actuated closes an electrical circuit thereby effecting discharge of the rocket. The launcher may or may not be reusable, as desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The rocket launcher of the present invention meets all of the above noted requirements. The firing mechanism is designed to be only a fraction of the weight of the overall system, including the rocket and launcher. The firing mechanism's safety mechanism which when removed permits firing of the rocket upon actuating a trigger which is provided for releasing a spring loaded striker arm for impact with a percussion ignited thermal battery. The battery provides the electricity needed to ignite the motor of the rocket.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a light weight mechanism for actuating a source of electrical power.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical firing mechanism for actuating a battery for supplying an electrical signal which ignites the motor of a rocket carried in a light weight portable rocket launcher.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following descriptions and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the rocket launcher of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the firing mechanism as seen in FIG. 2, illustrating a micro switch as used in the mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a view taken from FIG. 4, with elements removed to show said micro switch arrangment.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, a rocket launcher 10 is carried by an individual for directing a rocket, carried in the launcher, to a target. The launcher includes open ends 12 and 14. In FIG. 1, the launcher is provided with a harness 16 to aid the individual in supporting the launcher. However, it is to be understood, that the launcher may be supported in many other ways such as on a bipod, tripod or platform, etc.
A trigger and firing assembly 18 is mounted on the side of the launcher for igniting the rocket in the launch tube. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, firing mechanism 18 includes a housing 20 enclosing a striker detent 22, a striker 24, a trigger sear 26 and a thermal battery 28. Striker detent 22 includes a pair of spaced side portions 36 (FIGS. 4 and 6) secured by a pin 32 to supports 30 and 34 formed in housing 20. This arrangement serves to pivotally mount detent 22. Pin 32 also serves to mount a spring 38 to bias detent 22 for movement and has a kerf 40 in the end accessable from the outside of housing 20 for a purpose as set forth in the operation. A channel member 42 is also secured to detent 22 for engagement with striker 24.
Striker 24 is pivotally secured to a support member 44 carried in the housing. A pin 45 extends through the striker and is carried in support member 44 for pivotal support of the striker. Pin 45 is also provided with a kerf 46 (for a purpose as set forth in the operation) and is accessable from the outside of housing 20. A spring 47 is disposed for biasing the striker for upward movement thereof.
Trigger sear 26 is privotally mounted in the upper portion 50 of the housing. A pin 52 is secured to the housing and is disposed for pivotal support of sear 26 thereon. A spring 54 includes one end 56 which abuts against an inner surface of housing 20 and a second end 58 secured to sear 26. Spring 54 is disposed for biasing sear 26 upwardly as shown in FIG. 4. Sear 26 further includes a first extended portion 60, a second extended portion 62 and a third extended portion 64.
A push button 66 (FIG. 4) is mounted in an aperture 68 disposed in a raised portion 70 of housing 20 and a protective cap 72 encloses the outer portion of push button 66.
A safety mechanism 74 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is slidably disposed on housing 20 and includes a spring 76 carried in a slot 78 of actuating member 80. Member 80 includes an element 82 which extends into housing 20 for engagement with portion 60 of sear 26.
A micro switch 84 (FIG. 5) is carried in housing 20 adjacent to sear 26. As more clearly shown in FIG. 3, switch 84 is secured to a bracket 86 which is secured to housing 20.
The firing mechanism is secured in the cocked position, as indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 4, prior to assembly of the firing mechanism to the launch tube. This is done by reaching in an open side 88 and engaging striker 24 with channel member 42 on detent 22 for retention of striker 24 in the position shown by the solid lines. Hook 85 formed on the end of detent 22, opposite portion 36, is disposed for engagement with extending portion 64 of sear 26 by a camming action between the detent and sear. After hook 85 and portion 64 are engaged, safety mechanism 74 is positioned so that spring 76 rests in a first slot 90 disposed in housing 20. This places the element 82 of safety mechanism 74 in engaged relation with the underside of extending portion 60 of sear 26 to retain the mechanism in "cocked" relation. The firing mechanism is then assembled to the launch tube.
When element 82 engages portion 60 it als operates micro switch 84 (FIG. 5) by engagement with a spring 87. Switch 84 serves as a further safety precaution during pre-use time of the mechanism since it includes a normally open, a normally closed and a common terminal which enables a short to be maintained in the firing circuit during pre-use to prevent stray electromagnetic energy from accidentally igniting the rocket. Switch 84 also serves to complete a circuit when precussion element 96 on battery 28 is energized, between electrical leads 98 and the rocket igniter (not shown).
OPERATION
In operation, the safety mechanism is moved back, so that spring 76 rests in a second groove 94 in housing 20. Movement of actuating member 80 also depresses button 95 on micro switch 84 to place the firing circuit in position for the firing. Cap 72 is removed and trigger 66 depressed to clear portion 64 of sear 26 from hook 85 of detent 22. Spring 38 then pivots detent 22 downward for disengagement of raised portions 42 from striker 24. Striker 24 is pivoted upwardly by spring 47 for impact with a precussion element 96 on thermal battery 28. The battery is energized and at a predetermined energy level, sends an electrical pulse through leads 98 to switch 84 and to the igniter in the rocket motor (not shown) for firing the rocket.
If the primer fails to fire, the mechanism can be re-cocked with a blade type tool, if desired. This may be accomplished by providing access plates on housing 20 for access to screw slots 40 and 46 of pins 32 and 45 respectively, or, if desired, the pins may be long enough to extend through the sides of housing 20 and sealed at the point where they extend through the housing.