Firearm with cartridge

Abstract

The firearm (1) according to the invention with a cartridge (3) has a barrel (2) with an inner surface (8), a barrel length (L), measured from a firing chamber (4) to a muzzle, and a barrel axis, wherein the cartridge (3) has a single, sabot-free projectile (5) with a circumferential surface (9). Between the circumferential surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inner surface (8) of the barrel (2) there is along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile (5) a gap (10), which is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fireable combination of a firearm with a cartridge, wherein the firearm has a barrel with an inner surface, a barrel length measured from a cartridge chamber to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel axis, wherein the cartridge is located in the cartridge chamber and wherein the cartridge has a single, sabot-free projectile with a peripheral surface.

[0002] The invention further relates to the use of such a firearm.

[0003] DE 199 25 676 C1 shows non-firing combinations of a firearm with cartridges, whereby the firearm has a barrel with an inner surface, a barrel length measured from a cartridge chamber to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel axis. The cartridges have a single, sabot-free projectile with a circumferential surface. In one of the two combinations, the diameter of the projectile is larger than the barrel diameter. In the other combination, although the diameter of the projectile is smaller than the barrel diameter, the diameter of the cartridge case is larger than the diameter of the cartridge chamber. The cartridges therefore cannot be fully inserted into the cartridge chamber, making it impossible to mix up the cartridges.

[0004] Cartridges for firearms usually comprise either a plurality of small projectiles, such as shot pellets, or, as in the present invention, a single projectile.

[0005] The majority of single-projectile cartridges use projectiles with an outer diameter equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter (larger than the field dimension in rifled barrels) of the firearm's barrel, so that the projectiles seal the barrel when fired. An arrow or bolt can also be used as the projectile, as in so-called kinetic energy projectiles. Since its outer diameter is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel, the projectile is equipped with a sabot that seals the firearm's barrel and prevents propellant gas from flowing past the projectile. The sabot is ejected after the projectile has left the barrel.

[0006] Muzzle-loading weapons were and still are fired with bullets slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel. To ensure the most gas-tight seal possible in the barrel, shot patches or bullet patches are used. Although this does not correspond to the technical term "sabot," such shot patches or bullet patches are considered sabots for the purposes of this invention because they seal the projectile from the barrel.

[0007] Therefore, the aim has always been to prevent propellant gas from flowing past the projectile over the entire length of the barrel so that the gas pressure is used to its maximum.

[0008] This requires the weapons to be equipped with a relatively thick-walled barrel along their entire length, as the barrel must withstand the gas pressure, which decreases along its length but remains considerable even in the area in front of the muzzle. This has a significant impact on the overall weight and material costs of the barrel and thus the firearm.

[0009] The weight of small arms plays a particularly important role in armed conflict, as soldiers often have to carry them long distances. Firefights, however, especially in urban scenarios, are often conducted at close range, so the key is often not high precision, but maximum efficiency in terms of firing as many shots as possible into a target area.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of providing a cartridge-loaded firearm of the type mentioned above that mitigates the problems of the prior art mentioned above. In particular, the invention aims to provide a cartridge-loaded firearm that is lighter than prior art firearms.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a firearm with a cartridge having the features of claim 1.

[0012] This object is further achieved by the use of a firearm having the features of claim 16. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0013] According to the invention, there is provided a gap that is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis between the peripheral surface of the projectile and the inner surface of the barrel along at least 90% of the barrel length and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile.

[0014] Since propellant gas flows past the projectile through the gap that is continuously open along the barrel axis when the projectile is expelled from the barrel, the gas pressure behind the projectile is significantly lower than in conventional firearms, even after a short distance of the projectile. Therefore, the firearm according to the invention can use a thinner-walled and thus lighter barrel compared to conventional firearms, especially after a short or increasing distance from the cartridge chamber.

[0015] In the firearm according to the invention, the projectile is stabilized in the barrel by the propellant gas flowing past it, allowing for surprisingly high target accuracy. The muzzle velocity of the projectile is also unexpectedly high, as not only are the frictional forces in the barrel minimized or eliminated, but the projectile is also accelerated by the suction effect of the flowing gases.

[0016] Preferably, the minimum width of the gap measured in the radial direction of the barrel is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

[0017] In particular, the gap in the invention can have a minimum width of at least 0.3 mm, measured in the radial direction of the barrel, in particular a minimum width of at least 0.5 mm. In particular, the gap in the invention can further have a minimum width of at most 1 mm, measured in the radial direction of the barrel, in particular a minimum width of at most 0.6 mm. Any combination of the specified upper and lower limits of the gap width is possible.

[0018] Preferred gap width limits in the invention can also be defined, for example, such that the outer diameter of the projectile is at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, and in particular at least 10% smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel. Depending on the caliber, the outer diameter of the projectile can also be at most 25%, particularly preferably at most 10%, and in particular at most 5% smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel. Any combination of the specified upper and lower limits is possible.

[0019] It is understood that the specified limits of gap width and diameter differences may be exceeded or undercut, particularly - but not only - for particularly small and particularly large calibers.

[0020] In particular, however, according to the invention, the difference between the inner diameter of the barrel and the outer diameter of the projectile will be larger for smaller calibers and smaller for larger calibers, so that the gap width is not too small for small calibers and not too large for large calibers. In particular, however, according to the invention, the gap width will be smaller for smaller calibers and larger for larger calibers.

[0021] It is particularly preferred if the inner surface of the barrel is substantially smooth. For the purposes of the invention, the inner diameter of the barrel, in the case of a smooth-rifled barrel, is defined as the largest diameter of the inner surface in a longitudinal section of the barrel.

[0022] Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the inner surface of the barrel to be structured or rough, at least in some areas, i.e., to have a surface structured at least in some areas with small elevations or depressions of, for example, less than 0.2 mm in height or depth. Such structuring, in the form of, for example, scale-shaped, sawtooth-shaped, or cup-shaped elevations or depressions, can swirl the propellant gas in a targeted manner in order to utilize the resulting aerodynamic advantages.

[0023] Preferred embodiments are those in which the barrel has a substantially constant inner diameter. Such barrels are easier to manufacture.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the barrel can also have an inner diameter that changes along its length. In particular, the barrel can have an inner diameter that decreases in front of the muzzle. This can reduce the pressure loss due to the gap narrowing in the area in front of the muzzle, possibly reduced to a gap width of 0 mm, and the existing residual pressure can be used more effectively. This can also improve the guidance of the projectile in the barrel and thus the accuracy of the weapon. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the barrel to have an inner diameter that only increases at a distance of, for example, 5 to 10 cm from the cartridge chamber, whereby the gas pressure immediately after the cartridge chamber can be used optimally, and the advantages resulting from the gap according to the invention only become apparent afterwards.

[0025] According to the invention, it is also possible that webs projecting radially inwards from the inner surface of the barrel are arranged on the inner surface, and that the webs bear against the circumferential surface over a maximum of 10%, in particular over a maximum of 5%, measured in the circumferential direction.

[0026] In this case, the inner surface of the barrel is the area with the largest diameter in a longitudinal section of the barrel.

[0027] The webs preferably run straight along the length of the barrel or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel, ie in the direction of the barrel axis. With such a barrel, the maximum outer diameter of the projectile is only slightly smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the ribs. This allows the propellant gas to flow past the projectile through the stepped gap formed between the ribs, while the projectile is simultaneously guided through the ribs in the barrel.

[0028] If the projectile only rests on the relatively narrow front surfaces of the webs, only a very small frictional resistance has to be overcome when the projectile is expelled from the barrel, but the guidance of the projectile in the barrel is improved and thus the accuracy is improved.

[0029] Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange elevations on the peripheral surface of the projectile in the direction of the barrel axis and project radially outward from the peripheral surface, and for the elevations to be in contact with the inner surface of the barrel for a maximum of 10%, and in particular for a maximum of 5%, measured in the circumferential direction. This results in similar advantages to a barrel with inwardly projecting ridges.

[0030] The invention prefers the use of cartridges known in principle, which have a case containing a propellant charge serving as a propellant and, at least in part, the projectile. Ignition of the propellant charge provides propellant gas to expel the projectile from the barrel.

[0031] It is particularly preferred if the cartridge's propellant charge comprises an aggressive, particularly platelet-shaped or tubular, powder. An aggressive powder burns particularly quickly, so that a very high gas pressure is created right at the beginning of the combustion process, which then decreases more rapidly than with a less aggressive powder. A powder that is also used in shotgun ammunition is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0032] Preferred embodiments are those in which the projectile has a substantially spherical or oval shape or a cylindrical shape with a conical or ogival tip.

[0033] In particular, the cartridge-loading firearm within the scope of the invention is a handgun. For example, the firearm can be a rifle, such as a rifle or shotgun, or a handgun, such as a pistol. However, it is also conceivable that the firearm is a cannon, a grenade launcher, an artillery piece, or a mortar.

[0034] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a firearm with a cartridge known from the prior art, with the barrel shown in section, Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a firearm with a cartridge according to the invention with a barrel shown in section, Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the barrel of the firearm with a cartridge according to the invention in a simplified representation according to a first embodiment, Fig. 4 is a cross section through the barrel of the firearm with a cartridge according to the invention according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 and 6 a further embodiment of a barrel according to the invention in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section, Fig. 7 and 8 a third embodiment of a barrel according to the invention with webs in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section, and Fig. 9 and 10 a fourth embodiment of a barrel according to the invention with webs in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section,

[0035] Fig. 1shows a conventional firearm 1 with a barrel 2 shown in section. The barrel 2 has an inner diameter DL. A cartridge 3 is located in a cartridge chamber 4 of the barrel 2. The length of the barrel 2, measured in the direction of the barrel axis from the front end of the cartridge chamber 4 to the muzzle 7 of the barrel 2, is referred to as the barrel length L.

[0036] The cartridge 3 has a projectile 5 with a maximum outer diameter DP, which is received by a rear portion in a cartridge case 6. The case 6 is further filled with a propellant charge that can be ignited by an ignition mechanism (not shown) of the firearm 1. Upon igniting the propellant charge, propellant gas is generated, which propel the projectile 5 out of the barrel 2 by the gas pressure exerted by the propellant gas.

[0037] In a situation like Fig. 1In the conventional firearm 1 shown, the projectile 5 has a maximum outer diameter DP which is substantially the same size as or slightly larger than the inner diameter DL of the barrel 2.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a firearm 1 according to the invention with cartridge 3, wherein the barrel 2 is also shown in section.

[0039] The inner diameter DL of the smooth barrel 2 of the Fig. 2 The diameter of the firearm 1 according to the invention shown is larger than the maximum outer diameter DP of the projectile 5. Between an inner surface 8 of the barrel and a peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, there is therefore a gap 10 that is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis and extends around the entire circumference of the projectile 5. Thus, when the projectile 5 is expelled from the barrel 2, the propellant gas can flow through the gap 10 between an inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5.

[0040] In Fig. 2 For better illustration, the maximum outer diameter DP of the projectile 5 is shown much smaller than the inner diameter DL of the barrel 2. In fact, however, embodiments are preferred in which the maximum outer diameter DP of the projectile 5 is only between 2% and 25%, in particular between 5% and 10%, smaller than the inner diameter DL of the barrel 2.

[0041] The Fig. 3 to 10 show the barrel 2 of the firearm 1 according to the invention in different embodiments, each in a longitudinal section ( Figs. 3, 5, 7 and 9 ) and in a cross-section ( Figs. 4, 6, 8 and 10 ).

[0042] Projectile 5 is in the Fig. 3 to 10after ignition of the propellant charge contained in the casing 6, ie during the expulsion of the projectile 5 from the barrel 2. The propellant gas flows past the projectile 5 through the gap 10 formed between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, as shown by the arrows 11.

[0043] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 3 and 4 The barrel 2 has a substantially constant inner diameter DL over its length L. The width B of the gap 10 formed continuously between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 is the same over the entire length L of the barrel 2.

[0044] In the Figs. 5 and 6In the embodiment shown, the inner diameter DL of the barrel 2 increases continuously towards the muzzle 7, so that the width B of the gap 10 between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 also increases more and more from the cartridge chamber 4 to the muzzle 7.

[0045] The Figs. 7 and 8show an embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention, in which webs 12 are arranged on the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2, which webs run in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 2, i.e. in the direction of the barrel axis. The gap 10 therefore does not extend around the entire circumference of the projectile 5, but only over at least 90% of the circumference. The interruptions of the gap 10 by the width of the webs 12 therefore amount to at most 10% of the circumference of the projectile 5, but preferably less, for example less than 5% of the circumference, so that the friction between the end faces of the webs 12 and the circumferential surface 9 of the projectile 5 is as low as possible. The gap width B is in the embodiments of the Figs. 7 and 8 determined by the height of the webs 12.

[0046] Radially inwardly directed end faces of the webs 12 form a guide channel 13 having a diameter DF. The diameter DF of the guide channel 13 is only slightly larger than, or equal to, the maximum outer diameter DP of the projectile 5. Although the projectile 5 is thus guided in the guide channel 13, the propellant gas can flow past the projectile 5 between the webs 12 through the gap 10, which is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis.

[0047] The Figs. 9 and 10 The embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention shown is similar to that shown in the Figs. 7 and 8 illustrated embodiment, with the difference that an oval projectile 5 is used instead of a spherical one. The oval projectile 5 has fins 14 that stabilize the projectile 5 in flight.

[0048] The illustrated embodiments represent only preferred embodiments of the firearm 1 with cartridge 3 according to the invention. Combinations resulting therefrom are also conceivable within the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols:

[0049] 1Firearm 2Barrel 3Cartridge 4Cartridge chamber 5Projectile 6Case 7Muzzle 8Inner surface of barrel 9Peripheral surface of projectile 10Gap 11Arrows 12Bridge 13Guide channel 14Elevation BSlit width Lbarrel length DP Projectile outer diameter DL Barrel inner diameter DF Guide channel diameter

Claims

1. Shootable combination of a firearm (1) with a cartridge (3), wherein the firearm (1) has a barrel (2) with an inside surface (8), a barrel length (L) that is measured from a chamber (4) to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel axis, wherein the cartridge (3) is located in the chamber (4) and wherein the cartridge (3) has a single, sabot-free projectile (5) with a peripheral surface (9), characterized in that along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile (5) there is a gap (10) which is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis between the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2).

2. Combination according to Claim 1, characterized in that the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, in particular a minimum width (B) of at least 0.5 mm.

3. Combination according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gap (10) has a minimum width (B), measured in the radial direction of the barrel (2), of at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm, in particular a minimum width (B) of at most 0.6 mm.

4. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) that is essentially smooth.

5. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an essentially uniform inside diameter (DL) over the barrel length (L).

6. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (DL) that changes along the barrel length (L).

7. Combination according to Claim 6, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (DL) that narrows before the barrel muzzle.

8. Combination according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inside surface (8) with an inside diameter (DL) that increases at a distance of preferably 5 to 10 cm from the chamber (4).

9. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that arms (12) are arranged on the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2) that run in the direction of the barrel axis and that project radially inward from the inside surface (8), and in that, measured in the peripheral direction, the arms (12) adjoin the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) over at most 10%, in particular over at most 5%.

10. Combination according to Claim 9, characterized in that an inside diameter (DF) of the arms (12) is constant over the barrel length (L).

11. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that projections (14) are arranged on the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) that run in the direction of the barrel axis and that project radially outward from the peripheral surface (9), and in that, measured in the peripheral direction, the projections (14) adjoin the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2) over at most 10%, in particular over at most 5%.

12. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cartridge (3) has a sleeve (6), in which a propelling charge that is used as propellant as well as at least in sections the projectile (5) are accommodated.

13. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the propelling charge has an offensive powder, in particular a flake or tubular powder.

14. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the projectile (5) has an essentially spherical or oval shape or a cylindrical shape with a conical or ogival tip.

15. Combination according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the firearm (1) is a small arm, in particular a gun or a handgun, or a cannon.

16. Use of a firearm (1) for firing a single, sabot-free projectile (5) of a cartridge (3), wherein the firearm (1) has a barrel (2) with an inside surface (8), a barrel length (L) that is measured from a chamber (4) to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel axis, and wherein the projectile (5) has a maximum circumference and a peripheral surface (9), characterized in that as the projectile (5) moves along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the maximum circumference of the projectile (5) between the peripheral surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inside surface (8) of the barrel (2), a gap (10) that is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis is present, through which gap the propellant accelerating the projectile (5) flows past the projectile (5).

17. Use according to Claim 16, characterized in that the firearm (1) is a firearm (1) with a cartridge (3) according to one of Claims 2 to 15.

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