Firing device for an initiator

Abstract

An initiator firing device has a firing member adapted to generate heat for allowing the initiation of an energetic material arranged in the initiator. The device also has an electrical switch mounted in series with the firing member, the switch changing from an open condition to a closed condition by application at its terminals of a voltage higher than a predetermined cut-in voltage.

1 . An initiator firing device comprising a firing member adapted to generate heat to initiate an energetic material arranged in the initiator, an electrical switch arranged in series with the firing member and having states changing from an open state to a closed state by application at terminals of a voltage larger than a predetermined cut-in voltage, wherein the electrical switch comprises at least one thyristor having a non-used trigger and a breakover voltage corresponding to the predetermined cut-in voltage. 
     
     
         2 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical switch comprises a single thyristor. 
     
     
         3 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical switch comprises a Triac. 
     
     
         4 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined cut-in voltage is higher than an alternating voltage of 500 V. 
     
     
         5 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined cut-in voltage is lower than 1 000 V. 
     
     
         6 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the firing member comprises a laser diode. 
     
     
         7 . The firing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the firing member comprises a resistive element. 
     
     
         8 . The firing device according to  claim 7 , wherein the resistive element comprises a resistance. 
     
     
         9 . The initiation device according to  claim 7 , wherein the resistive element comprises a tantalum capacitator. 
     
     
         10 . An initiation system of a pyrotechnic chain comprising:
 a firing device which comprises a firing member adapted to generate heat to initiate an energetic material arranged in the initiator, an electrical switch arranged in series with the firing member and switching from an open state to a closed sate by application at terminals of a voltage higher than a predetermined cut-in voltage, wherein the electrical switch comprises a thyristor having a non-used trigger and a breakover voltage corresponding to the predetermined cut-in voltage,   and an initiator to which the firing device is connected.   
     
     
         11 . The initiation system according to  claim 10 , wherein the initiator is an igniter. 
     
     
         12 . The initiation system according to  claim 10 , wherein the initiator is a detonator. 
     
     
         13 . The initiation system according to  claim 10 , wherein the electrical switch comprises a single thyristor. 
     
     
         14 . The initiation system according to  claim 10 , wherein the electrical switch comprises a Triac.