GB467392A - Projectile percussion fuze - Google Patents

Abstract

467,392. Projectile fuzes. MATERIELS ET ARMEMENTS MODERNES. Sept. 30, 1936, No. 26533. Convention date, Sept. 30, 1935. [Class 9 (i)] Relates to a combined direct and momentum action percussion fuze employing centrifugal safety members to separate the striker from the percussion cap. According to the invention, the striker rests in its normal position on eccentrically pivoted safety leaves which are held together and abutting a pin or stop by means of a spring carried on said stop in such a manner that, when the projectile leaves the muzzle of the gun, the leaves open under centrifugal force against the action of the spring and release spring loaded latches which hold the leaves in the open position and allow the striker to be driven back along the axis of the fuze to meet the percussion cap precipitated forward by inertia at the moment of impact. As shown, the fuze body 1 encloses the inertia pellet 2 which carries the relay pellet 3 and percussion cap 4 and is held in place by the spring 5. The safety mechanism, which is carried by the threaded washer- 6, comprises a pair of spring loaded latches 7 which normally bear against the under side of safety leaves 9, 10 pivoted at 11 and held against a pin 12 by a spring 13 carried in a slot in the pin. The direct action striker 14, which is guided by the element 15 and held in place by the spring 16, rests-on the upper surface of the leaves 9, 10 which separate it from the cap 4. In operation, the leaves 9, 10, after opening under the action of centrifugal force, are held in the open position by the latches 7, so that, on impact, the striker 14 and pellet 2 approach one another and the striker pierces the cap 4. The cap burns and ignites the relay pellet 3 which, being brought back very close to its abutment 17 by expansion of the spring 5, more readily fires the detonator 18.