Mechanical charger ("speedloader") for filling magazines for non-spherical projectiles

Abstract

Device for feeding projectiles into magazines regardless of their orientation, characterized in that the device comprises: • A feeder for receiving multiple projectiles (3) • A singulation device (Fig. 11-12) which feeds the projectiles individually to a conveyor line (35, 35a). • A position verification device (26) designed to detect the spatial orientation of a single projectile • A correction device (26a) which establishes a defined position depending on the detected position of the projectile • As well as a magazine interface (6) through which the correctly aligned projectiles are automatically inserted into a magazine, with position checking and position correction taking place automatically during the conveying process.

Description

2.) Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanical charger (“speedloader”) for filling / loading magazines for magazine-guided launching devices with non-spherical projectiles, in particular dimensionally stable precision projectiles with a defined flight attitude. 3.) State of the art

[0002] Various devices for filling magazines are known from the prior art. These devices often require the manual insertion of individual projectiles or utilize gravity-based systems in which the projectiles enter the magazine in an uncontrolled manner.

[0003] A disadvantage of existing solutions is that filling them is time-consuming, and especially with elongated, position-sensitive projectiles, tilting, blockages, or damage can occur. Furthermore, the handling of known speedloaders is often unergonomic or requires additional mechanical or electrical equipment, such as cordless screwdrivers with attachments, rotary loaders, or manual turning tools. 4.) Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a charger / charging aid that enables fast, controlled and damage-free filling of magazines and is simple in design and reliable in operation. 5.) Solution to the task

[0005] The problem is solved by a charger with the features of claim 1. The charger has a conveying element that feeds the projectiles into the magazine individually and in a position-oriented manner. A position check and correction section is provided to ensure the correct orientation. This achieves uniform filling without tilting or blockage of the projectiles. 6.) Brief description of the drawings Fig. shows the side view of the charger from the right, looking into the magazine slot. Fig. shows the front view of the charger. Fig. shows the bottom view of the charger. Fig. shows an isometric view of the charger to determine its orientation. Fig. shows an isometric representation of the charger Fig. shows another isometric representation of the device to make the actuating elements visible. Fig. shows an isometric view of the main gearbox in magnification Fig. shows another isometric view of the main gearbox in magnification Fig. shows an isometric view of the main gearbox from below to make the ejection and drive elements visible. Fig. shows an isometric representation of the main housing with the transport, testing and correction devices arranged inside, as well as the locking system. Fig. shows the singulation system in an enlarged view from the rear. Fig. shows the singulation system in an enlarged view from the front. Fig. shows a section of the main housing with handwheel and gear housing to illustrate the cutting axis AA. Fig. shows a cross-sectional view through the main gearbox in the unactuated position. Fig. shows a cross-sectional view through the main gearbox in the engaged position. 7.) Detailed description

[0006] The charger ( Fig. The speedloader, also referred to below, enables fast and controlled magazine filling. Compared to known devices such as pump-action loaders, it significantly reduces loading time and allows magazines to be filled more quickly, without the use of additional mechanical or electrical hand tools and without damaging the projectiles when used as intended.

[0007] The speedloader consists of a housing (1) in which a rotating conveying element (23) is arranged. The conveying element (23) is connected to a handwheel (11) via a reduction gear (18, 19, 20) and can be set in rotation by turning the handwheel (11).

[0008] A singulation and sorting element (25, 30) is coupled to the conveyor element (23) via an angle gear (25, 30). Fig. ) driven, which is hereinafter referred to as the sorting turret (31), wherein the bevel gear is designed such that the sorting turret (31) is operated in a synchronous, phase-correct relationship to the conveying element (23). Projectiles fed into the storage container (3) are set in motion by the rotating sorting element (31) and their position is influenced by an integrated mixing device (32) so that, utilizing gravity, they reach a substantially vertical orientation and subsequently fall into the cylindrical chambers (31a) of the sorting turret (31).

[0009] The singulation element is further associated with a stripping device (34) with an approach ramp (33), which serves to prevent the simultaneous entry of several projectiles into the conveying path. A stripping knife (34) arranged above the singulation element removes projectiles whose position does not correspond to the preferred orientation or which protrude above the level of a filled turret chamber (31a). The approach ramp (33) is designed such that projectiles that have already fallen into the chambers (31a) of the sorting turret (31) are reliably lifted out of the chambers (31a) during rotational movements against the conveying direction, thereby preventing premature blockage of the drive.

[0010] The projectiles enter a feed channel (35) by gravity. The feed channel (35) has a greater cross-sectional height in its upper section (35a), allowing the projectiles free movement.

[0011] This cross-sectional design allows the projectiles to automatically orient themselves into a preferred position. In this area, the conveying element (23) is arranged such that there is no direct contact between the conveying element (23) and the projectiles, so that the orientation is essentially based on friction and gravity.

[0012] Further along the feed channel (35), the projectiles are initiated by drive or support elements (23a) connected to the conveying element (23) and moved in the conveying direction. This causes the projectiles to tilt slightly in the conveying direction and be fed to a spring-loaded position checking and turning device (26).

[0013] This position checking and turning device (26) is designed to detect the position of the fed projectiles and to guide or turn them depending on their orientation.

[0014] The position checking and turning device (26) has a test element that is arranged in the conveying path of the projectiles. Upright projectiles come into contact with a front section of the test element and lift it due to their axial extension, so that they can pass underneath the test element.

[0015] Projectiles that are tilted too far in the conveying direction or are positioned horizontally, however, remain with their outer surface in the feed channel and enter an effective area of ​​the test element, which has a semicircular contour. A gripping element (26a) is provided in this area, which engages at least the collar formed on the projectile in sections.

[0016] The collar grips the projectile as it is conveyed. During the straightening process, the collar also lifts the gripping element, causing it to detach automatically from the projectile and allowing the projectile to continue in an upright position.

[0017] A spring-loaded pressure rail (27) is provided along the transport path, under which the projectiles are guided. The pressure rail (27) exerts a defined contact force on the projectiles and thereby prevents them from twisting or tilting during transport.

[0018] At the front end of the pressure bar (27) a spring-loaded insertion lip (28) is arranged, which projects into the area of ​​the magazine well. The insertion lip (28) is designed to open a partially opened magazine breech sufficiently during the feeding of the projectiles so that the projectiles can be inserted into the magazine without additional resistance and without releasing the magazine spring's locking mechanism.

[0019] At the end of the conveying section, an ejector (13a) is provided, which serves to remove any projectile remaining after completion of a conveying cycle from the conveying section, the ejector being retracted in a suitable manner. The ejector acts in such a way that the remaining projectile is removed from the effective area of ​​the conveying element, thereby protecting the device from damage caused by swollen projectiles.

[0020] The speedloader also features a winding device ( Fig. ) to pre-tension a spring arranged in the magazine (21c).

[0021] The handwheel (11) is slidably mounted along its longitudinal axis in ball bearings (21b) and is preloaded into its initial position by a return spring ( Fig. ). If a magazine (21c) is locked into the magazine well (6) of the speedloader, the handwheel (11) can be pressed axially towards the magazine (21c) against the spring force ( Fig. ). Ball bearings (21b) absorb lateral guiding and compressive forces.

[0022] In the depressed position, a coupling element (21a) located at the lower end of the handwheel shaft (21) engages with a winding device (21d)' of the magazine (21c), in particular with a winding mechanism provided therein. By turning the handwheel (11) in this position, the magazine spring can be wound.

[0023] At the same time, the conveying drive of the speedloader is mechanically decoupled (18, 19). For this purpose, a drive element of the conveying drive (18) is designed to be axially movable and is disengaged from the force transmission with the conveying element (23) when the handwheel (11) is pressed in.

[0024] After winding the magazine spring, the handwheel (11) can be released. The handwheel (11) is returned axially to its initial position by the return spring, thereby restoring the force transmission between the handwheel (11) and the feed drive (23). In this position, the handwheel (23) serves to drive the feed element (23) for feeding the projectiles.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the speedloader is associated with a reservoir (3) designed to hold a plurality of projectiles. This reservoir has a bottom that tapers slightly towards the outlet, thereby facilitating the automatic feeding of the projectiles.

[0026] The storage container can be closed by means of a lid (4), the locking mechanism of the lid preferably being designed as a snap closure.

[0027] The speedloader may also have a carrying handle (15) to facilitate handling and transport. 8.) List of reference symbols 1 Main case 2 housing covers 3 storage containers 4 hinged lids 5 Magazine locking mechanism 6 magazine slots 7 Gearbox cover 8 turret cover 9 deflection gears 10 decorative lids 11 Handwheel 12 Handwheel Pin 13 Manual ejection - sliding lever 13a Manual ejection - deflection lever 14 Magazine release button 15. Carrying handle 16 Gearbox carriers 17 spring plates 18 Main gear 19 Gear Reduction 20 Gear with coupling element 21 Main drive shaft 21a Coupling element 21b ball bearings (standard) 21c Magazine (subsection) 21d Magazine winding shaft 22 chain drive wheel 23 Conveyor chain 23a Stakes elements Conveyor chain 24 chain drive sprocket 25 Bevel gear output conveyor chain 26 Position checking and turning device 26a Intervention element 27 Pressure bar (spring-loaded) 28 Inlet lip (spring-loaded) 29 Deflection lever magazine locking mechanism 30 Bevel gear drive singulation 31 Singling revolver 31a Single-person chambers revolver 32 mixer loop 33 Ramp with floor opening 34 Singulation scraper knife 35 Feed channel 35a Feed channel upper section

Images