Active device for total inhibition of the recoil of firearms in the axis of the barrel

Abstract

The device (10) aligned with the axis of the barrel of a firearm (80) is designed to equalize, as well as possible, the momentum generated by the projectile and the burnt gases, by projecting (17) a mass of fluid at a given speed in the opposite direction. It consists of a support (11) to be attached to the weapon; a secondary valve mechanism (12) for sealing and filling the tank (13) with a pressurized fluid provided by an external system; a duct (14) for the gases to flow along; and a primary valve mechanism (15) for sealing and expelling the fluid in a discharge zone (16). The device according to the invention is particularly intended for military applications in order to improve the grouping of shots and to reduce the costs and limitations of using the barrels.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of devices for assisting in the shooting of a firearm.

[0002] More particularly, the invention belongs to the field of devices for assisting the shooting of a firearm, by absorbing the recoil of the weapon.

[0003] More particularly, the invention belongs to the field of devices for assisting the firing of a firearm, by actively absorbing the recoil of the weapon. PRIOR ART

[0004] Firing a projectile from a firearm generates a momentum that is generally applied to the breech in the direction opposite to the projectile's motion.

[0005] This momentum is transmitted to the rest of the weapon, then to the individual or support carrying the weapon. Depending on the rigidity of the system, the recoil force can be more or less significant depending on the time span during which the support will dissipate the energy associated with the recoil.

[0006] This recoil force generates violent impulses, requiring systems to limit the forces on the support. Each shot disrupts the accuracy of subsequent shots. For larger guns, it is necessary to use dampers and / or complex mechanisms, some of which are supported on the ground, to contain this impulse.

[0007] In current and future conflicts, the use of firearms by aerial drones is and will be very limited by the amount of movement generated by the weapon when fired. Even if a current drone can carry a large caliber weapon, it cannot use it repeatedly, because from the first shot, the stability of the drone is compromised, making subsequent shots non-grouped, even random and dangerous.

[0008] There are various systems for absorbing firearm recoil (gas, springs, muzzle brakes). However, most reduce the impulse due to the peak of the force by dissipating the energy over a longer time. Others deflect part of the burned gases perpendicular to the projectile.

[0009] Recoilless barrels, for example, are known today; these barrels have tubes that guide a self-propelled projectile. Starting with a use for standard ammunition, they gradually found their use against anti-tank weapons. The first were used during the First World War (e.g., Davis gun). The combustion gases are used to push the shell into the barrel by relying on the air at the rear of the barrel.

[0010] The energy loss to the rear is considerable and limits the use of this system because the shell speed is slow and the ammunition must be custom-made. Guide tubes gradually became interesting with the appearance of self-propelled munitions, and particularly those with shaped charges thanks to their effectiveness independent of the ammunition speed. Today we find these guide tubes under names such as rocket launcher, RPG, bazooka etc.

[0011] Another example operating on the same principle as guide tubes are gas launchers using a fluid to push the ammunition in one direction and relying on air such as the device described in US patent application 2,965,000 A.

[0012] The peculiarity of these weapons is that they are specifically designed to be recoil-free and not a solution adaptable to the multitude of guns. In addition, these existing systems are limited in effectiveness except those that use self-propelled munitions.

[0013] The present invention proposes a radical solution to this problem: Total inhibition in the axis of the barrel of the recoil transmitted to the support by means of a device fixed to the rear of a weapon. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention relates to a device for inhibiting the recoil of firearms, and to be effective, the device must be perfectly aligned with the axis of the projectile / breech.

[0015] More particularly, the invention relates to a device for inhibiting recoil in the axis of the barrel intended to be implemented with a firearm according to claim 1.

[0016] The ultimate goal is for the fluid expelled at a certain velocity through the discharge zone to equalize in momentum that of the projectile and the burnt gases. The shape of the discharge zone, the pressure and volume of the fluid in the reservoir can be optimized for each type of firearm ranging from small caliber to artillery gun.

[0017] The device of the invention may also include all or one of the following features in any operable technical combination: The discharge zone comprises said neck, an expansion zone, and an outlet section having a Laval nozzle shape. The discharge zone has a flow profile of convergent then divergent shape, and in which the length and the end diameter of the divergent make it possible to equalize the pressures between the expelled fluid and the external environment. The pressurized fluid may very well be in its liquid or gaseous state, hot or cold, or resulting from combustion. The support and the weapon may be attached to one or more intermediate parts or mechanisms. The primary mechanism is configured to allow the discharge of a quantity of pressurized fluid generating a quantity of movement at an outlet section of the discharge part equal to the quantity of movement generated by the shot and the combustion gas of said weapon. The discharge zone is sized to generate said desired quantity of movement when the fluid passes through its outlet section.The pressurized fluid is selected from a pressurized gas or a mixture of pressurized gases, air, CO2, water or any other liquid. The primary mechanism for discharging the pressurized fluid into the part with the discharge zone uses a mechanism selected from an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or hydraulic mechanism to actuate and / or control the fluid discharge. For example, a cylinder or an electromechanical force transmitting the discharge order to a valve of the primary mechanism following the detection of a rise in combustion gas pressure of the weapon or the movement of the breech relative to the frame. The device is configured to perform the filling of the tank from an external source of fluid and following each firing of the weapon, or continuously to maintain a predefined fluid level and / or fluid pressure.The secondary mechanism for filling the tank uses a mechanism selected from an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or hydraulic mechanism to operate the filling of the tank. For example, the device uses the movement of the cylinder head relative to the frame to operate a valve of said secondary mechanism allowing the filling of the tank. The primary mechanism includes means for regulating the discharge time of pressurized fluid, such as a return spring or a timer.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the system transmitting the discharge order (14) of the device of the invention comprises: a pipe comprising an incompressible fluid and capable of connecting with a gas supply pipe of the weapon when the device is attached to said weapon, said pipe opening onto the primary mechanism ensuring the sealing and discharge of the tank, and in which device the discharge order is transmitted by the incompressible fluid transmitting a pressure rise in the gas supply pipe during a shot, said pressure rise accumulates at the level of the primary mechanism configured to actuate the discharge of fluid below a certain pressure threshold.

[0019] The primary mechanism comprises a needle valve having a head regulating the fluid discharge flow rate by blocking / unblocking the neck of the discharge zone, and the pressure rise in the pipe causes the needle valve to move when the pressure rise is greater than the internal pressure of the tank, thus allowing the discharge of the pressurized fluid contained in said tank.

[0020] In another embodiment, the system transmitting the discharge order relies on the recoil of the breech relative to the support or relies on the detection of gas or combustion gas pressure of the weapon to transmit the discharge order to the primary system to discharge the fluid, said discharge order being transmitted by means of a mechanism selected from an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or hydraulic mechanism. For example, the device uses the movement of the breech relative to the frame to actuate the valve of the primary mechanism by means of an electromechanical mechanism, thus allowing the discharge of fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. These are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention. [ Fig. 1 ] represents the device according to the invention (10) mounted at the rear of a gun (80) according to one embodiment. The partial section of the isometric view makes it possible to understand the interactions, as well as the resulting jet of material. [ Fig. 2 ] represents the device according to the invention, according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 3 ] represents the device (10) at the rear of a firearm (80) in one embodiment constituting the assembly 90. [ Fig. 4 ] represents an exploded view of the figure 2 of the device according to the invention in one embodiment. [ Fig. 5 ] represents in section the figure 3 with the device at the rear of a firearm, as well as their interactions in one embodiment. Fig. 6 ] is a detailed section of the figure 2 representing the device according to the invention in one embodiment.

[0022] In the drawings, similar elements performing the same functions, even if they are of different shapes, bear the same reference. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention provides a weapon recoil inhibiting device for attachment to the rear of a weapon. The device is highly advantageous in that it can be adapted for use with various types of commercially available weapons. Depending on a chosen weapon, said device is adapted to effect a fluid discharge generating a momentum counteracting the momentum generated by the projectile and the burnt gases when said weapon is fired.

[0024] More particularly, the present invention relates to a device ( Fig. 1 ) for inhibiting the recoil in the axis of the barrel intended to be implemented with a firearm, said device carrying out a discharge of pressurized fluid in a direction opposite to the axis of the barrel to absorb the recoil of the weapon.

[0025] Unlike recoil-free weapons of the prior art, the device of the invention is particular in that it is an independent part of the weapon which is fixed to the rear of the latter and comprises specific and exclusive elements for the operation of said device.

[0026] The device (10) of the invention comprises: a support (11) for attachment to the weapon; a tank (13) exclusive to said device and comprising the fluid to be discharged; a secondary mechanism (12) ensuring the sealing and filling of the tank (13) by an external system (not shown) intended to supply said tank and being independent of the firearm; a system transmitting a discharge order (14) of the fluid synchronized with the firing of the weapon; a primary mechanism (15) ensuring the sealing and the discharge of the fluid; a part with a discharge zone (16) comprising a neck (16b) cooperating with said primary mechanism (15).

[0027] The detailed description below relates to particular embodiments of the invention, but it is not limited to these embodiments alone. Similarly, the numerical values ​​are given only as examples and are in no way limiting of the invention. The device illustrated in figures 1- 6 corresponds to an embodiment in which the system transmitting the discharge order comprises a pipe comprising an incompressible fluid capable of connecting with a gas borrow pipe of the weapon when the device is fixed with said weapon. Said pipe opens onto the primary mechanism ensuring the sealing and the discharge of the tank (13) and transmits the discharge order by means of a pressure increase in said pipe, as will be detailed below. This embodiment is given by way of example and the device of the invention can use other mechanisms to transmit the discharge order to the primary mechanism (15) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0028] In reference to the figure 2 [Fig. 2 ] And figure 4 [Fig. 4 ], the device (10) according to the invention comprises: a support for fixing a weapon (11); a secondary mechanism (12) such as a valve or gate mechanism; a tank (13); a gas borrow pipe (14); a primary mechanism (15) such as a valve or gate mechanism; a part with a discharge zone (16).

[0029] In reference to the figure 3 [Fig. 3 ] And figure 5 [Fig. 5 ], the assembly (90) is composed of the device (10) according to the invention in an embodiment fixed to the rear of any firearm (80). The latter (80) not being part of the device of the invention, but necessary for compression, mainly comprises: a fixing frame (81) transmitting all forces to the support (11); a projectile (82); an expanding combustion gas duct (83); a sleeve (84); a piston (85) which transmits the pressure of the combustion gases to the gas borrow duct (14) via a fluid (14a).

[0030] In reference to the figure 5 [Fig. 5 ] And figure 6 [Fig. 6 ], the gas borrow pipe (14) comprises: the fluid (14a) propagating the pressure wave coming from the piston (85) towards the device (10); a pipe (14b) containing the fluid (14a) connected at one end to the firearm (80) and at the other end to the device (10); a filling zone (14c).

[0031] In reference to the figure 6 [Fig. 6 ], the primary mechanism (15) ensuring sealing and discharge comprises: a support (15a) fixed to the part with the discharge zone (16) via fixing members (15h); a pipe (15c) allowing the passage of the fluid (14a); a needle (15d) a return spring (15e);

[0032] With reference to detail C and detail D of the figure 6 [Fig. 6 ], the needle (15d) mainly has 2 specific zones located at its ends: a head of the needle (15f); a back of the needle (15g).

[0033] In reference to the figure 6 [Fig. 6 ], the part with the discharge zone (16) mainly comprises: a machined support (16a) allowing the assembly of the different elements of the device; the flow neck (16b); an expansion zone (16c); an outlet section (16d); an internal pipe (16f) connecting the pipes (14b) and (15c) together to allow the passage of the fluid (14a).

[0034] The reservoir (13) contains a pressurized fluid which in this embodiment may be air. This reservoir is supplied by an external system via a secondary filling mechanism (12). Filling may be provided permanently or synchronized with the mechanism of the firearm.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the firearm (80) is fired, the burning chemical element contained in the cartridge case (84) generates hot gases which push the projectile (82) forward. As soon as the projectile has passed the entry point (83), the piston (85) is moved by the pressure transmitting the pressure wave generated by the burning gases to the gas borrow pipe (14). The fluid (14a) from this pipe will, via the pipe (16f) and (15c) accumulate in the space (14c), between the support (15a) and the tail of the needle (15g) (fig.7). This pressure increase greater than the internal pressure of the tank will move the needle (15d). The movement of the latter will break the seal between the head of the needle (15f) and the rear of the neck (16b) (fig. 8), which will release the pressurized fluid in the expansion zone (16c).

[0036] When the force exerted on the needle (15d) by the internal pressure in the tank and the return spring (15e) is greater than the pressure of the fluid (14a) borrowing the gases; the head of the needle (15f) will fall back on the neck (16b) and once again ensure a seal allowing the tank (13) to fill. The device (10) is once again ready for a new firing cycle.

[0037] In this embodiment, the neck (16b) and the expansion zone (16c) take the form of a Laval nozzle. This neck (16b) imposes a sonic limit on the outgoing fluid and consequently the mass flow rate of the device (10). The divergent expansion zone (16c) allows the expansion of this fluid by reducing pressure and increasing speed. The end diameter of this zone (16d) is said to be “adapted” to allow maximum use of the energy contained in the pressurized fluid by ensuring an outlet pressure of the fluid equivalent to the pressure of the external environment.

[0038] At this point, the momentum of the expelled air equalizes the momentum of the projectile and the burnt gases.

[0039] More specifically, the nozzle has a physical phenomenon specific to it where the fluid velocity in its throat cannot have a speed greater than the speed of sound in the throat. The flow can be subsonic, sonic, but not supersonic.

[0040] However, the nozzle divergent is generally supersonic.

[0041] The pressure and temperature of the tank define the density of the fluid in the neck.

[0042] Consequently, the throat section, the temperature and the pressure in the tank determine the mass flow rate obtained through the throat. The fluid in this throat is not fully expanded and will gradually do so in the divergent until its pressure equals the external pressure (adapted nozzle).

[0043] The pressure in the nozzle diverge decreases, but the volume increases and continues to accelerate to reach its exit velocity which is a function only of the final section of the diverge.

[0044] To obtain a certain amount of movement at the end of the nozzle, it is sufficient to determine the corresponding speed, because the mass flow rate is constant along the entire length of the nozzle.

[0045] The physics of the proposed solution is illustrated in the following momentum equation in which the influence of the device is represented by an additional term P nozzle: If we consider current guns / howitzers / ... with their shock absorber system, we have: 0 → = P affut → + P obus → + P gaz combustion →

[0046] And we want to remove the amount of movement on the mount / frame.

[0047] However if Paffut =0 in this equation this means that Pobus =0, (i.e. the shell has no mass or speed). − P affut → = P obus → + P gaz combustion → ≠ 0

[0048] The device according to the invention makes it possible to add an analytical term so that Paf fut =0. P affut → = P obus → + P gaz combustion → + P tuyere → = 0 − P tuyere → = P obus → + P gaz combustion → INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0049] This device according to the invention is particularly intended for the military field where the forces and impulses generated during firing are limiting factors in current or future designs and uses. The use of the device allows, for example, self-supporting artillery systems using wheeled vehicles to be able to fire in any direction without relying on the ground.

Claims

1. A device (10) for inhibiting recoil in an axis of the barrel intended to be implemented with a firearm, said device performing a discharge of a pressurized fluid in a direction opposite to firing of the barrel to absorb the recoil of the weapon, wherein said device is fastened to the rear of said weapon and includes: - a support (11) for fastening with the weapon; - a tank (13) exclusive to said device and including the fluid to be discharged; - a secondary mechanism (12) ensuring sealing and filling of the tank (13) by an external system intended to supply said tank and being independent from the firearm; - a system transmitting an order (14) to discharge the fluid synchronized with firing of the weapon; - a primary mechanism (15) ensuring sealing and discharge of the fluid; - a part with a discharge area (16) including a neck (16b) cooperating with said primary mechanism (15), and in that the system transmitting the discharge order (14) includes; - a duct including an incompressible fluid (14a) and connectable with a gas flow duct of the weapon when the device is fastened with said weapon, and said duct opens onto the primary mechanism (15) ensuring sealing and discharge of the tank (13), and in which device, the discharge order is transmitted by the incompressible fluid (14a) transmitting a rise in pressure in the gas flow duct during firing, said rise in pressure accumulating at the level of the primary mechanism (15) configured to actuate the discharge of fluid below a given pressure threshold.

2. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge area includes said neck (16b), an expansion area (16c) and an outlet section (16d) having a Laval nozzle shape.

3. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge area has a flow profile with a convergent and then divergent shape, and wherein the length and the diameter of the end of the divergent allow equalizing the pressures between the expelled fluid and the external environment.

4. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mechanism (15) includes a needle (15d) including a head (15f) regulating the fluid discharge flow rate by plugging / unplugging the neck (16b) of the discharge area.

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mechanism is configured to enable the discharge of an amount of pressurized fluid generating a momentum at the level of an outlet section (16d) of the discharge area equal to a momentum generated by firing of the projectile and the combustion gas of said weapon.

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressurized fluid is selected from among a pressurized gas or a mixture of a pressurized gases, air, CO2, water or any other liquid.

7. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the discharge area is sized so as to generate said desired momentum when the fluid passes through its outlet section (16d).

8. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary mechanism (15) enabling the discharge of the pressurized fluid in the part with the discharge area (16) uses a mechanism selected from among an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or hydraulic mechanism to actuate and / or control the discharge of the fluid.

9. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mechanism includes a needle (15d) including a head (15f) regulating the fluid discharge flow rate by plugging / unplugging the neck (16b) of the discharge area, and the rise in pressure in the duct causes the movement of the needle (15d) when the increase in pressure is higher than the internal pressure of the tank (13) thereby enabling the discharge of the pressurized fluid contained in said tank (13).

10. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is configured to perform filling of the tank (13) from an external fluid source and following each firing of the weapon, or continuously to keep a predefined fluid level and / or fluid pressure.

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