firearm

Abstract

A firearm (10) designed and modified for use in a weapons simulator for training purposes, comprising a bolt (12) movable back and forth between a forward starting position and a rearward end position, and a device for simulating recoil of the firearm (10) with means (14, 15, 16) for actuating the bolt (12), wherein the firearm (10) has a bolt catch (18) to hold the bolt (12) in or near the end position when required, characterized in that the bolt catch (18) comprises a movable bolt catch lever (20) movable into a range of motion of the bolt (12), an actuating element (22) arranged at a distance therefrom, and means (21) for mechanically transmitting a movement (25) of the actuating element (22) to the bolt catch lever (20).and that the means (21) for the mechanical transmission of the movement (25) of the actuating element (22) to the locking catch lever (20) comprise a Bowden cable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a firearm designed for use in a weapons simulator and modified for training purposes. The firearm has a bolt that can be moved back and forth between a starting position and a rearward-moving end position. Furthermore, the firearm includes a device for simulating recoil, with means for actuating the bolt.

[0002] Due to the deadly dangers associated with the operation of firearms, extensive training in their use is required. Such training typically includes firing blank cartridges or live ammunition. The noise of loading, the waste from spent cartridges, harmful residues from burnt gunpowder, repeated reloading, environmental restrictions, high costs, and the inherent danger of using firearms are all significant disadvantages of using either blank cartridges or live ammunition.

[0003] To overcome these disadvantages, so-called weapon simulators have been created that simulate the firing of weapons. These simulators utilize firearms that have been modified for training purposes. Weapon simulators are primarily used in military settings. US Patent 4,302,190 discloses a recoil simulator for a rifle, in which compressed air passes through openings in the rifle barrel to move the barrel upwards in a simulated recoil motion. A switch on the trigger activates an electromagnetic air valve to control the airflow to the openings in the rifle barrel. In this state of the art, the recoil is not simulated by a reciprocating bolt, but solely by a controlled airflow.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2004 / 015357 A2 discloses a modified firearm for a weapons simulator in which a reciprocating bolt is pneumatically triggered by compressed air when the trigger is pulled. This is intended to enable the most realistic possible use of the modified firearm. Since the modified firearm typically does not fire ammunition, there is no recoil caused by firing ammunition and the resulting reciprocating movement of the bolt. The recoil can be simulated by the known modified firearm. To achieve the pneumatic movement of the bolt, the known firearm contains a compressed air reservoir from which air can escape via electromagnetically actuated air valves when the trigger is pulled and used to move the bolt back and forth.

[0005] The electromagnetic valves in the firearm are controlled by a computer. The modified firearm communicates via a data link with a central control computer of the weapon simulator, which manages the firearm's operation. The intelligence of the conventional firearm is thus limited to sending status information about its current state to the central control computer, receiving control commands from the computer, and using these commands to actuate the electromagnetic hydraulic valves that control the compressed air flow within the firearm.

[0006] Another modified firearm for use in a weapons simulator is known, for example, from EP 2 385 337 A2. Here, too, the bolt is hydraulically driven into a back-and-forth motion to simulate recoil when the weapon is "fired." Compressed air is used as the hydraulic medium, supplied via a compressed air hose connected to the firearm. An abrupt back-and-forth movement of the bolt is achieved by a purely mechanical device that can be inserted into the firearm's magazine well in place of a magazine. This device contains no electronics and features a hydraulic control mechanism. Various hydraulic chambers within the device, in conjunction with hydraulic valves and their specific control system, cause a sudden acceleration of the firearm's bolt by means of a hydraulically operated piston within the device.

[0007] A special design of the control mechanism activates a pressure valve and an exhaust valve sequentially to achieve the reciprocating motion of the bolt. The device incorporates a closed hydraulic circuit, preventing any hydraulic fluid from escaping during operation or firing. The device is first filled with hydraulic fluid. High-pressure compressed air is introduced into a gas pressure chamber to serve as the hydraulic medium. By actuating the hydraulic valves, a specific amount of hydraulic fluid is drawn from the gas pressure chamber to actuate the bolt. The hydraulic fluid used to trigger the bolt's movement then collects in a return chamber and flows back into the gas pressure chamber, where it is available for further bolt actuation.

[0008] In principle, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of the movable bolt has proven particularly suitable for simulated firearms, as it allows for a highly realistic bolt action and recoil simulation. It is irrelevant whether the compressed air is stored in a cartridge inside the converted firearm or device, or supplied via a compressed air hose connected to the firearm or device. The compressed air used to move the bolt is directed via mechanically and / or electrically controlled valves to a hydraulic control mechanism, which then executes the bolt's reciprocating motion.

[0009] Furthermore, a firearm modified for simulation purposes is known, for example, from the subsequently published DE 10 2013 225 966 ​​A1, in which, when the firearm is "fired," a bolt can be hydraulically moved from a forward starting position to a rearward end position. To hold the bolt in its rearward end position if necessary, for example after the last shot has been "fired," the known firearm is provided with a bolt catch and a pneumatically actuated bolt catch lever.

[0010] The catch lever is actuated as needed by compressed air from a compressed air circuit, which also drives the movement of the gate. For this purpose, a shut-off valve in the compressed air circuit is opened, allowing compressed air to flow to the catch lever. As a result of the compressed air pressure, the lever extends upwards into the gate's range of motion, engages with the gate, and holds it in the rearward-moving end position.

[0011] Hydraulic or pneumatic actuation of the locking lever is problematic because relatively high forces must be transmitted from the actuating element to the locking lever to hold the lock in the reverse end position. This is very difficult to achieve hydraulically or pneumatically. Furthermore, only relatively low actuation speeds can be achieved, which is related to the compressibility of the pneumatic or hydraulic medium.

[0012] AT 514445 A1 discloses a firearm with a trigger element having an actuating surface that engages the bolt or the bolt catch lever. DE 10 2014 225 170 describes a firearm of a weapons simulator modified for training purposes, featuring a hydraulic bolt catch. EP 1 360 449 B1 relates to a compressed gas weapon simulating the recoil of a conventional firearm. US 2014 / 01 96267 A1 discloses a pneumatic system for simulated firearm training. US 2014 / 0065577 A1 also describes a training weapon.

[0013] Based on known firearms, the present invention therefore aims to enable rapid actuation of the bolt catch lever and, at the same time, the transmission of even larger actuating forces from the actuating element to the bolt catch lever, while enabling a simple and inexpensive implementation.

[0014] To solve this problem, it is proposed, starting from the firearm of the type mentioned above, that the firearm has a breech stop to hold the breech in or near its end position when necessary, wherein the breech stop comprises a movable breech stop lever that can be engaged with the breech, an actuating element spaced apart from it, and means for mechanically transmitting a movement of the actuating element to the breech stop lever, and that the means for transmitting the mechanical movement of the actuating element to the breech stop lever comprise a Bowden cable or pull cord.

[0015] Real firearms can only fire a limited number of shots, which depends on the number of cartridges in the magazine, particularly the magazine's maximum capacity. Therefore, if a magazine with a specific number of cartridges is inserted into a real firearm, the firearm can only fire a maximum number of shots corresponding to that specific number of cartridges. After the last shot, the bolt of a real firearm remains in its rearmost position. There may also be other reasons why it is desirable to keep the bolt in its rearmost position. To enable the most realistic operation possible of the firearm modified for simulation purposes, the modified firearm should also exhibit corresponding behavior. This can be achieved particularly safely and reliably with the present invention.

[0016] According to the invention, it has first been recognized that a bolt catch can be particularly well arranged in a firearm modified for simulation purposes if the various components of the bolt catch are not installed as a single integral unit in the firearm, but rather arranged as separate components spatially distributed within the weapon. This makes it possible to position the bolt catch lever at a particularly suitable location within the bolt's range of motion. The actuating element can be located at virtually any point in the firearm. Preferably, the actuating element is located in a grip or buttstock of the firearm. The mechanical transmission means can also be arranged in virtually any configuration within the firearm.Preferably, the means for the mechanical transmission of the movement of the actuating element to the breech stop lever are located inside a finger guard or trigger guard that surrounds a trigger or trigger of the firearm, e.g. to prevent unintentional "firing" of the firearm.

[0017] The mechanical transmission means allow for particularly short response times and rapid action, as well as the transmission of large forces. During action, the bolt catch is preferably moved from a rest position, in which the bolt catch lever is located outside the bolt's range of motion, to an engagement position, in which the bolt catch lever is located within the bolt's range of motion. The movement of the bolt catch from the engagement position back to the rest position can also be effected by an actuating movement of the actuating element. Alternatively or additionally, this movement can also be effected or assisted by a spring element.

[0018] The locking lever can be pivotable about a rotary axis, linearly displaceable, or, for example, moved in any way between the rest position and the engagement position by means of a cam guide.

[0019] The converted firearm can take the form of a pistol or a rifle. In all these weapons, the bolt catch, with its mechanical linkage between the actuating element and the bolt catch, can be installed to catch the bolt in its rearmost position when necessary.

[0020] The mechanical transmission means transfer the movement of the actuating elements to the locking lever in a mechanical manner (i.e., not electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically). They can include a lever, a gear mechanism, or similar devices.

[0021] The Bowden cable provided according to the invention is a movable machine element for transmitting a mechanical movement or a (tensile) force by means of a flexibly layable combination of a wire rope and a sheath stable in the direction of travel.

[0022] A Bowden cable consists of a steel wire or wire rope (so-called Bowden cable core, pull cable, inner cable, or inner rope) which is housed in a flexible, but in the direction of tension, compression-resistant sheath (Bowden cable sheath or pull cable sheath). The sheath acts as a mechanical guide for the cable and as a counter-bearing for the transmitted tensile forces, so that the Bowden cable can transmit forces even across bends. Instead of transmitting tensile force through the Bowden cable, one can equally speak of a compressive force exerted by the sheath. The sheath must be able to withstand changes in length (shortening). A flexible guide tube (inner lining, inner guide tube), e.g., made of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene (PE), or polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), can be inserted between the sheath and the pull cable. The following basic sheath designs exist: - Spiral casing: A tightly wound spiral, usually made of square wire, less often of (round) wire, ensures compressive strength. Spring steel is used as the wire material; in weight-optimized versions, an aluminum alloy is used. - Compressionless sheath: Here, ring-shaped steel wires run linearly along the sheath. The wires are held together by being embedded between the outer and inner sheaths made of flexible material. Fiberglass wires can be used instead of linear steel wires if lower compressive strength requirements apply. If the Bowden cable core consists of a single wire, compressive forces can also be transmitted. This is sometimes referred to as a push-pull Bowden cable or a push-pull actuating cable. - Linked sleeve: Here, individual rigid sleeve segments made of steel, aluminum, or plastic are articulated and connected together. A flexible hose is inserted within this linked sleeve for stabilization and to optimize sliding properties. Advantages include its low weight compared to spiral sleeves, the ability to route tight radii, and a constant length of the central axis regardless of position (comparable to non-compression sleeves).

[0023] The connection between the cable and the locking lever is achieved either by a force-fit clamp or by hooking a nipple into a suitably shaped eyelet. It is important that bending moments on the Bowden cable core are avoided and that only tensile forces are transmitted to prevent premature breakage. The nipples can be attached to the Bowden cable core by pressing, soldering, or screwing.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element comprises an electrically controlled solenoid. To activate the bolt catch lever, the solenoid is subjected to a control voltage. This causes the solenoid to push the bolt catch lever, via the mechanical transmission means, into the bolt's range of motion. This movement can be further assisted by a spring element. As soon as the bolt reaches its rear end position during the next firing, it is prevented from moving forward further by the activated bolt catch lever. To release the bolt catch, the bolt is pulled back as with conventional firearms.Briefly activating the solenoid releases the catch lever by moving it out of the locking mechanism's range of motion via the mechanical linkage. To release the catch lever, the solenoid is subjected to a voltage with the opposite polarity to that used when activating the catch lever.

[0025] Advantageously, the actuating element includes a permanent magnet core. This core can be part of a solenoid within the actuating element. The latch release lever is pulled downwards out of the latch's range of motion by the solenoid via mechanical transmission and held in this rest position by the permanent magnet core within the solenoid. To release the latch, the latch is pulled back as usual, and the solenoid is briefly activated to release the release lever. This action retracts the release lever via the mechanical transmission and is held in place by the permanent magnet core within the solenoid.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The figures show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a converted firearm according to the invention for use in a weapon simulator with a breech movable between a front starting position and a rear end position with the breech in the front starting position; Fig. 2 a further embodiment of a firearm according to the invention in detail with a breech catch in a rest position; and Fig. 3 the firearm according to the invention made of Fig. 2 with the locking catch in an engagement position.

[0027] In Fig. 1 is a firearm according to the invention, designated in its entirety by reference numeral 10. The firearm 10 comprises a bolt 12 that can be moved back and forth between a forward starting position and a rearward end position, and a bolt catch to hold the bolt in or near the end position when necessary. The bolt catch is designated in its entirety by reference numeral 18. The firearm 10 is shown here as a converted pistol. However, the bolt catch 18 can also be installed in any other type of firearm. In particular, it is conceivable to install the bolt catch 18 in a rifle.

[0028] The modified firearm 10 is part of a weapons simulator (not shown). The weapons simulator includes, for example, a central control computer in which all firearms used in the vicinity of the weapons simulator that have been modified for training purposes, such as the firearm 10 and other firearms, are registered. The weapons simulator serves to train for the most realistic possible scenarios using firearms. When using firearms 10 according to the invention in the weapons simulator, the use of the central control computer can be completely dispensed with.

[0029] The Firearm 10 resembles real firearms in appearance, weight, feel, and operation. However, the Firearm 10 has been modified so that it does not fire blanks or live ammunition. The various actions that occur in a real firearm before, during, and after a shot is fired are simulated in the modified Firearm 10. One such action is, for example, the back-and-forth movement of the bolt 12 of the Firearm 10 during the "firing" of a shot. To simulate these various actions, the Firearm 10 is equipped with sensors that detect its current operating state and actuators that perform corresponding actions depending on this state, thus ensuring the most realistic possible use of the Firearm 10. The sensors and actuators in the Firearm 10 will not be discussed in detail here.

[0030] The modified firearm 10 is "fired" by actuating a trigger 11. The trigger 11 is surrounded by a finger guard or trigger bar 19. Actuation of the trigger 11 can be detected by a sensor (not shown). To simulate recoil of the firearm 10, the bolt 12 of the weapon 10 is removed from the Fig. 1 starting position shown, backwards, in Fig. 1 also moves to the right. The movement of the shutter 12 can be detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0031] The energy of a fired cartridge cannot be used to move the bolt 12, as the converted firearm 10 of the weapon simulator does not fire cartridges or other ammunition. Instead, a hydraulic medium, such as compressed air or a liquid, is used to actuate the bolt 12. The firearm 10 is equipped with a hydraulic supply, hydraulic lines, hydraulic chambers, and hydraulic valves, so that a hydraulic circuit is established within the firearm 10, controlled by the hydraulic valves. This circuit, for example, causes the bolt 12 to move back and forth when the trigger 11 is actuated. The individual hydraulic components of the firearm 10, their interaction, and their function are not discussed in detail here. Reference is made to the relevant information in the prior art, for example, in WO 2004 / 105357 A2 or EP 2 385 337 A2.Regarding the design and operation of the hydraulic circuit for moving the bolt 12 back and forth in the firearm 10, these printed documents are expressly incorporated into the present description. Besides hydraulic movement, the bolt 12 can also be moved in any other way, even by means of electromagnets or electric motors.

[0032] A housing of the firearm 10 is designated by reference numeral 13. The housing 13 of the firearm 10 includes a grip 17. This grip may have an opening on its lower end face, behind which a magazine receptacle formed inside the grip 17 is concealed. In real firearms, a magazine containing one or more cartridges is inserted into the magazine receptacle and releasably secured. In the present case of the converted firearm 10 for use in the weapon simulator, a modified magazine may be inserted and secured instead of the real magazine. This modified magazine contains, instead of cartridges, at least part of the hydraulic circuit for reciprocating the bolt 12 and / or—if present—all or part of the control electronics. A sensor (not shown) may be provided to detect the proper insertion and securing of the modified magazine in the magazine receptacle.

[0033] The hydraulic valves of the hydraulic circuit include, for example, a check valve 14 to set the closure 12 into a reciprocating motion. Hydraulic lines of the hydraulic circuit for moving the closure 12 are shown only schematically and partially, and are collectively designated by reference numeral 15. When the check valve 14 opens, hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuit flows via the hydraulic lines 15 to a recoil cylinder / piston assembly 16, which is moved backward by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, triggering a corresponding backward movement of the closure 12 into its end position.

[0034] The components contained in the firearm 10 for supplying the firearm 10 with the hydraulic medium for actuating the breech 12 are in Fig. 1 is shown schematically and not completely. Except for the points in Fig. In addition to the components shown and described above, further components, in particular further gas pressure chambers, hydraulic lines and / or hydraulic valves, may be provided.

[0035] The control electronics can detect and count the number of shots "fired" with the Firearm 10 from a specific point in time (e.g., the start of a training session). The control electronics also store a specific maximum number of "shots" that can be fired with the Firearm 10. This maximum number corresponds, for example, to the maximum number of rounds that a magazine of a comparable real firearm can hold, or a lower number if a partially filled magazine is to be simulated. The control electronics can compare the current number of "shots fired" with the stored maximum number and thus determine when the last "shot" was fired.

[0036] Under certain conditions, for example, after the last shot has been fired by the firearm 10 or to simulate a jam in the firearm 10, it may be desirable to hold the bolt 12 in or near its rear end position. For this purpose, the firearm 10 is equipped with a bolt catch 18. This comprises an actuating element 22 and a bolt catch lever 20 that can be moved into the range of motion of the bolt 12. In the illustrated example, the bolt catch lever 20 is part of a piston 5 and can be moved linearly in the direction 5' into the range of motion of the bolt 12 or a component 12' rigidly connected to it. Pivoting or other movement of the catch lever 20 into the range of motion of the bolt 12 is also conceivable. Suitable means 21 are provided for the mechanical transmission of the movement of the actuating element 22 to the bolt catch lever 20.The actuating element 22 preferably comprises a solenoid and a permanent magnet core. The mechanical transmission means 21 preferably comprise a Bowden cable or a cable pull.

[0037] The initial assumption is a situation involving firearm 10, as described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the bolt 12 in its forward rest or starting position. In the position of the bolt catch lever 20 shown, the bolt 12 is freely movable back and forth and, for example, by the force of a return spring, immediately returns to its rest or starting position after reaching its end position. When a shot is fired, the bolt 12 is moved rearward to its rear end position (so-called recoil 12') and can be held there, if necessary, by the bolt catch lever 20, which is moved into the bolt 12's range of motion.

[0038] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the modified firearm 10 according to the invention, or a section of the firearm 10. In this figure, Fig. Figure 2 shows the locking lever 20 in a rest position, in which the locking lever 20 is located outside the range of motion of the locking mechanism 12. Fig. Figure 3 shows the bolt catch lever 20 in an engaged position, in which the catch lever 20 is located within the movement range of the bolt 12. In this example, a solenoid 22 and a permanent magnet 23 of the actuating element 22 are shown. It is further shown that the actuating element 22 is located in the grip of the weapon 10 and the bolt catch lever 20 is located in front of the trigger 11. The mechanical transmission means 21 also include a Bowden cable or cable in this example, which runs through the finger guard or trigger guard 19. The actuating movement of the actuating element 22 is symbolized by a double arrow 25. The corresponding action movement transmitted to the bolt catch lever 20 via the mechanical transmission means 21 is symbolized by a double arrow 26.

[0039] To activate the bolt catch lever 20, the solenoid 23 is supplied with a control voltage. Preferably, the control electronics of the firearm 10 apply the control voltage. This causes the solenoid 23 to push the bolt catch lever 20 via the mechanical transmission means 21 into the movement range of the bolt 12 (see figure). Fig. 3) This movement can be further assisted by a spring element 5". As soon as the bolt 12 reaches its rear end position during the next firing, it is prevented from moving forward further by the activated bolt catch lever 20. To release the bolt catch, the bolt 12 is pulled back – as is customary with conventional firearms. By briefly activating the solenoid 23, the bolt catch lever 20 is released by moving the lever 20 out of the bolt 12's range of motion via the mechanical transmission means 21. To release the bolt catch lever 20, the solenoid 23 is subjected to a reverse-polarized voltage, as when the bolt catch lever 20 is activated.

[0040] If the actuating element has a permanent magnet core 24, this can be part of the lifting magnet 23 of the actuating element 19. The locking lever 20 is pulled downwards out of the movement range of the lock 12 by means of the lifting magnet 23 via the mechanical transmission means 21 and is held in this rest position by the permanent magnet core 24 (see figure). Fig. 2) In order to release the lock 12 after a locking action, the lock 12 is pulled back as usual and the locking lever 20 is released again by briefly actuating the lifting magnet 23, by pulling the locking lever 20 back via the mechanical transmission means 21 and holding it in place by the permanent magnet core 24.

Claims

[1] Firearm (10) which is designed and modified for use in a weapons simulator for training purposes and which has a bolt (12) that can be moved back and forth between a forward starting position and a rearward end position and a device for simulating recoil of the firearm (10) with means (14, 15, 16) for actuating the bolt (12), wherein the firearm (10) has a bolt catch (18) to hold the bolt (12) in or near the end position when required, characterized by, that the locking catch (18) has a movable locking catch lever (20) that can be moved into a movement range of the locking clasp (12), an actuating element (22) arranged at a distance therefrom and means (21) for the mechanical transmission of a movement (25) of the actuating element (22) to the locking catch lever (20), and that the means (21) for the mechanical transmission of the movement (25) of the actuating element (22) to the locking catch lever (20) comprise a Bowden cable. [2] Firearm (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the actuating element (22) comprises an electrically controllable lifting magnet (23). [3] Firearm (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the lifting magnet (23) is designed to move the locking lever (20) into an engagement position when electrically actuated, in which the locking lever (20) is arranged in the movement range of the locking mechanism (12). [4] Firearm (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the actuating element (22) comprises a permanent magnet core (24). [5] Firearm (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the permanent magnet core (24) is designed to hold the locking lever (20) in a rest position in which the locking lever (20) is arranged outside the range of motion of the locking mechanism (12). [6] Firearm (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the locking lever (20) for holding the locking mechanism (12) is spring-loaded. [7] Firearm (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the locking catch (18) has a spring element (5") designed and arranged in such a way that it moves the locking catch lever (20) into an engagement position in which the locking catch lever (20) is arranged in the movement range of the locking mechanism (12). [8] Firearm (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the actuating element (22) is arranged in a handle (17) or a shoulder stock of the firearm (10). [9] Firearm (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the means (21) for the mechanical transmission of the movement (25) of the actuating element (22) to the breech stop lever (20) comprise a Bowden cable which runs inside a finger guard or trigger guard (19) which surrounds a trigger or trigger (11) of the firearm (10). [10] Firearm (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the firearm (10) is designed as a pistol or a rifle.

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