Sound reducer

Abstract

The invention relates to a sound reducer comprising an inlet opening for gases that are to be propagated in the sound reducer, an expansion chamber and a channel in communication with the expansion chamber and extending along an axis of the channel from the expansion chamber to an outlet opening through which the gases leave the reducer. An axis of revolution of the inlet opening of the reducer and an axis of revolution of the outlet opening of the reducer are perpendicular to a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the channel. The reducer comprises an absorption region for absorbing a sound wave which at least partially encases the channel. The absorption region at least partially formed of a one-piece architectured material and is arranged such that a portion of the gases flow from the channel through the architectured material to an outer wall of the architectured material delimiting the absorption region.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Sound Reducer

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention belongs to the technical field of noise reducers or silencers. The purpose of noise reducers is to reduce the noise generated by the expansion of pressurized gas. In particular, they aim to reduce the noise induced by the strong release of energy produced by the expansion of pressurized gases at the outlet of a conduit through which the pressurized gases are expelled.

[0005] The operation of a sound reducer consists of expanding the gases inside the sound reducer in a controlled manner. The expansion of the gases inside the sound reducer aims to slow the propagation speed of the pressurized gases and to homogenize the flow before the gases are released into the atmosphere through the duct outlet.

[0006] The invention relates, in particular but not limited to, exhaust gas silencers and suppressors or silencers for firearms or gas weapons.

[0007] The invention further relates to a hybrid device for a firearm or gas weapon having the function of reducing the noise generated by the weapon and of reducing the recoil of the weapon induced by the propulsion of gases out of the barrel.

[0008] State of the prior art

[0009] State-of-the-art sound absorbers consist of systems with flexible cups or slats. Sound absorbers with fiber fillings such as metal wool, glass wool, or rock wool are also known.

[0010] The main problems with state-of-the-art noise reducers are:

[0011] - the slight reduction or even absence of reduction in the recoil of the weapon that they cause,

[0012] - a limited lifespan,

[0013] - a significant weight,

[0014] - significant bulk, - the appearance of gas returns at the breech of the weapon causing fouling of the weapon and discomfort for the shooter.

[0015] Recoil reducers with radial or inclined vents or with bearing surfaces are also known in the state of the art.

[0016] The main problem with state-of-the-art recoil reducers is that they cause a significant increase, in the order of +15 decibels (dB), in the sound impact induced by the release of gases from the barrel.

[0017] The present invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks of the state-of-the-art devices.

[0018] An aim of the invention is, in addition, to propose a sound reducer:

[0019] - to overcome the disadvantages of state-of-the-art devices, and / or

[0020] - allowing to improve the gain of the attenuation of the sound volume compared to the state-of-the-art devices, and / or

[0021] - having better mechanical resistance than state-of-the-art noise reducers, and / or

[0022] - having a reduced weight and lower than the weight of state-of-the-art noise reducers,

[0023] - monobloc and / or in one piece and / or not comprising assembled or assemblable sub-parts, and / or

[0024] - whose shape can be any and / or adapted, tailor-made, depending on the desired application, and / or

[0025] - having the additional function of reducing the recoil of firearms or gas weapons, and / or

[0026] - combining the sound reduction and recoil functions of a firearm or gas weapon.

[0027] Presentation of the invention

[0028] For this purpose, a sound reducer, called a reducer, is proposed, comprising a gas inlet orifice, called gases, intended to propagate in the sound reducer. The sound reducer further comprises a gas expansion chamber and a channel communicating with said expansion chamber. The channel extends, along an axis, called the channel axis, preferably an axis of revolution of the channel, from the expansion chamber to a gas outlet orifice outside the reducer. An axis of revolution of the inlet orifice of the reducer and an axis of revolution of the outlet orifice of the reducer are perpendicular to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the channel.

[0029] The reducer further comprises a zone for absorbing a sound wave produced by the gases. The absorption zone envelops, at least in part, the channel and / or completely envelops the channel and / or extends radially beyond or from the channel. The zone for absorbing the sound wave comprises, at least in part, and / or is constituted, at least in part, preferably completely, by a single-piece architectural material. The absorption zone and / or the channel are arranged so that a portion of the gases flows from the channel through the architectural material to an external wall of the architectural material delimiting the absorption zone.

[0030] According to the invention, any plane perpendicular to the axis of the channel can be said or called or referred to as a "normal plane". A normal plane can be understood to mean any plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the channel and which preferably has an intersection with the reducer and / or with the axis of the channel. Also, according to the invention, it can be considered that the reducer comprises a set of normal planes each having a different point of intersection with the axis of the channel.

[0031] Preferably, at least a portion of the single-piece architectural material, more preferably at least a portion, more preferably all or the entire absorption zone, is porous.

[0032] The absorption zone can be understood as the absorption zone.

[0033] According to the invention, a channel can be understood to mean a conduit.

[0034] According to the invention, an orifice may be understood to mean a cavity or an opening.

[0035] It can be heard as gas inlet and gas outlet, a sound reducer inlet and a gas outlet.

[0036] Preferably, at least a portion of the gases flows through the channel, more preferably from the gas inlet to the gas outlet.

[0037] Preferably, the sound reducer is a single piece and / or a single piece and / or does not comprise any assembled or assemblable sub-parts. Preferably, the sound reducer is, more preferably entirely or completely, made of or formed by the architectural material. Preferably, the sound reducer does not comprise any part capable of being separated and / or disassembled or dissociated from the sound reducer. More preferably, the sound reducer is made of the same and / or a single material. Preferably, these characteristics have, among other things, the effect of improving the mechanical resistance to stresses of the sound reducer. Preferably, the architectural material, more preferably the sound reducer as a whole, is made of metal or polymer or a metal / polymer composite.

[0038] Preferably, the sound reducer comprises, in a direction in which gases are intended to propagate in and / or through the reducer, the gas inlet orifice, the expansion chamber, the absorption chamber, in the absence of a channel, the channel which passes through the absorption chamber where appropriate and the outlet orifice.

[0039] The channel may extend between, or from, an outlet of the expansion chamber and, or to, the outlet of the sound reducer.

[0040] In addition to gases being propagated into or through the reducer, a projectile may also be propagated into and / or through the sound reducer. Preferably, the reducer is arranged so that the projectile propagates through the inlet of the sound reducer, then into the expansion chamber, then into the channel and then through the outlet.

[0041] The inlet of the reducer may be an inlet of the expansion chamber or the inlet of the reducer may be connected to an inlet of the expansion chamber by an additional channel or conduit.

[0042] The wall delimiting the expansion zone can be an external wall of the reducer.

[0043] The circulation or propagation of gases in the expansion zone has the effect of relaxing the gases, i.e. reducing their pressure and / or their propagation speed. This makes it possible to reduce the noise generated by the gases escaping from the channel and / or the reducer. The expansion zone made of a single-piece architectural material, preferably a single-piece porous architectural material, makes it possible to improve the robustness of the noise reducer and therefore its service life.

[0044] The wall delimiting the absorption zone can be an external wall of the reducer.

[0045] The circulation or propagation of gases in the absorption zone has the effect of relaxing the gases, i.e. their pressure and / or propagation speed has decreased. This makes it possible to reduce the noise generated by the gases leaving the channel and / or the reducer. The absorption zone made of a single-piece architectural material, preferably a single-piece porous architectural material, makes it possible to improve the robustness of the sound reducer and therefore its service life. In addition, the single-piece architectural material, preferably a single-piece porous architectural material, makes it possible to reduce the weight of the sound reducer. Or, in comparison with state-of-the-art devices, for an equivalent or lower sound reducer weight, to achieve a noise attenuation of +30 decibels (dB) or more.

[0046] Furthermore, the use of a single-piece architectural material allows for better integration of the different components of a sound reducer and therefore reduces the size of the sound reducer according to the invention compared to state-of-the-art devices.

[0047] In addition, the absorption zone made of a single-piece architectural material, preferably a single-piece porous architectural material, makes it possible to control and / or adapt and / or obtain a desired conformation and / or geometry of the sound reducer depending on the application.

[0048] Preferably, a distance, extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the channel, between the channel and at least a portion, preferably only a portion, of the external wall of the architectural material varies, preferably increases, along the axis of the channel.

[0049] Preferably, a distance, extending along a normal plane, between the channel and a portion of the external wall of the silencer, intended to be opposite and / or located on one side of a line of sight or line of sight of a firearm, on which the silencer is intended to be mounted, does not vary and / or does not increase and / or is constant.

[0050] Preferably, the architectural material comprises a set of elementary patterns, called patterns, forming the single-block structure of the architectural material, each of the patterns has a three-dimensional structure and at least part of the patterns:

[0051] - has a hollow three-dimensional structure, and

[0052] - comprises at least two orifices through which a cavity of each of the patterns of the at least one part of the patterns communicates with the outside of said cavity of each of said patterns of the at least one part of the patterns; the absorption zone is arranged so that a portion of the gases circulates through the orifices and the cavities of the patterns of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone. One or more of the patterns of the absorption zone may comprise an orifice. One or more of the patterns of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone may comprise a blind hole.

[0053] Preferably, several or each of the patterns of the absorption zone, more preferably several or each of the patterns of at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, comprise an even number of orifices.

[0054] Preferably, the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone is arranged so that a part of the gases circulates, in or through the absorption zone, from the channel through the architectural material to an external wall of the architectural material delimiting the absorption zone.

[0055] Preferably, at least one of the patterns, more preferably at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, comprises or is constituted by or is delimited by a wall or a layer.

[0056] Preferably, each of the patterns comprises or consists of or is delimited by a wall or a layer.

[0057] Preferably, a wall or a part of a wall of one or more patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of one or more patterns of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, is, for a pattern considered of the absorption zone, preferably for a pattern considered of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, adjacent or contiguous or common to one or more patterns, preferably of the absorption zone, more preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, adjacent to the pattern considered.

[0058] Preferably, an orifice of one of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, forms or constitutes an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone. In other words, an orifice of a pattern of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, and an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, are or constitute or form the same orifice.

[0059] Preferably, for several, more preferably for each, of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone; an orifice of a considered pattern of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, forms or constitutes an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone. In other words, for several, more preferably for each, of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone; an orifice of a considered pattern of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, and an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, are or constitute or form the same orifice.

[0060] The circulation or propagation of gases in the absorption zone through the orifices and cavities makes it possible to further improve the expansion of the gases, i.e. to reduce their pressure and / or their propagation speed. This makes it possible to further increase the reduction in noise generated by the gases leaving the channel.

[0061] Preferably, the channel extends through a succession of patterns of the architectural material.

[0062] Preferably, the channel is formed or delimited or constituted by, at least a part, of each pattern of the succession of patterns, more preferably by a part of a wall of each pattern of the succession of patterns.

[0063] Preferably, the patterns of the pattern sequence are aligned along the channel axis.

[0064] Preferably, the architectural material comprises, more preferably constitutes or forms, the channel and the absorption zone.

[0065] Preferably, the patterns of the pattern sequence are adjacent or contiguous.

[0066] The porous nature of the reducer, in particular due to the cavities and orifices, preferably the porous nature of the absorption zone and the channel, allows a weight saving of the order of 40% in comparison with state-of-the-art reducers for the same material. It is not possible to obtain such a reducer architecture, preferably the presence of distinct patterns comprising orifices and cavities, more preferably in the absorption zone and the channel, with machining and / or assembly techniques.

[0067] Preferably, the channel is formed, at least in part, by a series of openings provided in a wall of each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends. Preferably, the channel is formed by two opposite or facing openings in each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends. Preferably, the channel is formed by two opposite or facing openings provided in the wall of each of the patterns in the succession of patterns.

[0068] Preferably, at least one pattern of the succession of patterns is adjacent or contiguous to a pattern of the absorption zone. Preferably, each of the patterns of the succession of patterns is contiguous or adjacent to a distinct pattern of the absorption zone.

[0069] Preferably, a wall or a portion of a wall of at least one pattern of the succession of patterns is adjacent or contiguous or common to a pattern of the absorption zone. Preferably, a wall or a portion of a wall of several or each of the patterns of the succession of patterns is contiguous or adjacent or common to a distinct pattern of the absorption zone.

[0070] The channel may, in a normal plane, comprise or be constituted or formed by several distinct patterns. A wall or part of a wall of the channel may, in a normal plane, comprise or be constituted or formed by one or more walls of several distinct patterns.

[0071] Preferably, several, or each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends comprise at least one orifice, preferably provided in the wall of each of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends. More preferably, the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends are arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the channel penetrate into the absorption zone.

[0072] Preferably, the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns are arranged so that a portion of the gases circulates from the channel through the architectural material to an external wall of the architectural material delimiting the absorption zone.

[0073] Preferably, each of the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, is arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the channel enter a distinct pattern of the absorption zone.

[0074] Preferably, an orifice of one of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least one pattern, forms or constitutes an orifice of a pattern of the absorption zone. In other words, an orifice of a pattern of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends comprising at least one pattern, and an orifice of a pattern of the absorption zone are or constitute or form the same orifice.

[0075] Preferably, for several, more preferably for each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least one pattern; an orifice of a pattern considered of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, forms or constitutes an orifice of a pattern of the absorption zone. In other words, for several, more preferably for each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least one pattern; an orifice of a pattern considered of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, and an orifice of the absorption zone are or constitute or form the same orifice.

[0076] Increasing the number of patterns comprising orifices in the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends and / or increasing the number of orifices in the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends makes it possible to increase the quantity of gas circulating or injected into the absorption zone. This makes it possible to further improve the expansion of the gases, i.e. to reduce their pressure and / or their propagation speed. This makes it possible to further increase the reduction in noise generated by the exit of the gases from the channel.

[0077] Preferably, the orifices of the patterns of the pattern succession are distinct from the openings of the patterns of the pattern succession.

[0078] Preferably, several, or each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprise at least two orifices. More preferably, the at least two orifices of a considered pattern of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, are arranged so that a portion of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate into at least two distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the considered pattern, of the absorption zone.

[0079] Several, preferably each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, may comprise at least two orifices and:

[0080] - an axis of revolution of one of the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, and an axis of revolution of another of the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, are parallel or coincident; in this case, for a pattern considered, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least two orifices, a portion of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate into two distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the pattern considered, of the absorption zone located on either side of the pattern considered, or

[0081] -an axis of revolution of one of the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, and an axis of revolution of another of the orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, form a non-zero angle so that a portion of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate into at least two distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the pattern in question, of the absorption zone.

[0082] Several, preferably each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, may comprise four or more distinct orifices and, for a considered pattern among the or each of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising four or more distinct orifices, one, several or each of the four or more distinct orifices are arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the channel enter a distinct pattern, preferably adjacent to the considered pattern, of the absorption zone.

[0083] Several, preferably each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, may comprise four or more distinct orifices and the axis of revolution of at least four or more of the distinct orifices of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, is included in a normal plane and the axis of revolution of a first orifice and the axis of revolution of a second orifice are coincident and perpendicular to the axis of revolution of a third orifice and to the axis of revolution of a fourth orifice. In this case, for a pattern considered among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least four or more orifices, a portion of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate into four distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the pattern considered, of the absorption zone.

[0084] Increasing the number of distinct patterns in the absorption zone into which the gases flowing in the channel enter further improves the expansion of the gases, i.e. reduces their pressure and / or their propagation speed. This further increases the reduction in noise generated by the gases leaving the channel.

[0085] Preferably, at least two orifices of a pattern considered, preferably among the patterns of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, are arranged so that a part of the gases circulating in the pattern considered of the absorption zone penetrate into at least two distinct patterns, adjacent to the pattern considered, of the absorption zone.

[0086] Preferably, several, or each, of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably at least some of the patterns of the absorption zone, comprise at least four orifices. Preferably, the at least four orifices of a given pattern are arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the given pattern of the absorption zone penetrate into at least four distinct patterns, adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.

[0087] Preferably, several, more preferably each, of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably at least a portion of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, comprises six or more orifices, and:

[0088] - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, form an angle, identical or distinct, of between 0 and 45° with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, and

[0089] - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, form an angle, identical or distinct, of between 0 and 45° with respect to an axis perpendicular, called the longitudinal axis, to the axis of the channel,

[0090] - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, form an angle, identical or distinct, of between 0 and 45° relative to an axis, called the vertical axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the axis of the channel.

[0091] Preferably, the at least six orifices of a pattern considered, among the patterns of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least six orifices, preferably among the patterns of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, are arranged so that a part of the gases circulating in the pattern considered of the absorption zone penetrate into at least six distinct patterns, adjacent to the pattern considered, of the absorption zone.

[0092] Preferably, each of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, comprises six orifices and, for each pattern of the absorption zone, preferably for each pattern of at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, an axis of revolution of an orifice of a pattern considered is coincident with an axis of revolution of another of the orifices of the pattern considered; and an axis of revolution of a first orifice of a pattern is perpendicular to the axis of the channel, an axis of revolution of a second orifice is parallel to the axis of the channel and an axis of revolution of a third orifice is perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the first orifice and perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the second orifice.

[0093] Increasing the number of holes in an absorption zone pattern further improves gas expansion, i.e. reduces their pressure and / or propagation speed. This further increases the reduction in noise generated by gases leaving the channel.

[0094] Preferably, the reducer comprises at least one recess extending between the external wall of the architectural material, and / or of the absorption zone, and an external wall of the sound reducer.

[0095] The reducer may include a plurality of stacked recesses or a plurality of recesses forming a stack of recesses, extending between the outer wall of the architectural material and an outer wall of the sound reducer.

[0096] Preferably, the reducer comprises at least two vents extending, at least in part, preferably entirely, into or through the absorption zone, between or from the absorption zone or, respectively, between or from the channel, more preferably from an opening provided in a pattern or a common opening provided in several adjacent patterns of the absorption zone, preferably from the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two orifices, or, respectively, from a lateral opening of the channel, and or to an external wall of the sound reducer, preferably an external and / or lateral opening of the external wall of the sound reducer; each of the vents is arranged so that a portion of the gases intended to circulate in the channel and / or in the absorption zone and / or in the expansion chamber is evacuated, out of the sound reducer, by the at least two vents.

[0097] It can be heard through a vent duct.

[0098] Preferably, the side opening of the outer wall of the sound reducer constitutes or forms an outlet of a vent or a gas outlet from a vent.

[0099] Preferably, one or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting each of the vents may be, in part or in whole, one or more pattern walls or may be, in part or in whole, one or more walls, preferably specific to the vents, distinct from the pattern wall or walls.

[0100] Preferably, a portion of the absorption zone extends between two consecutive vents.

[0101] One or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may be discontinuous.

[0102] One or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may be formed, at least in part or entirely, by the wall of the patterns. One or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may also comprise one or more orifices of the patterns delimiting or forming or constituting one or more walls or layers of one or each of the vents.

[0103] One or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may also comprise one or more orifices, preferably distinct from the orifices of the patterns. This makes it possible to further improve the sound reduction. The orifice(s) of the wall(s) or layer(s) delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may connect two successive orifices or may connect an orifice to a part of the absorption zone extending between two consecutive vents.

[0104] Preferably, the at least two vents extend between the absorption zone and the outer wall of the sound reducer. Thus, before entering the vents, the gases coming from the channel have already passed through a part of the absorption zone in which they have been expanded, that is to say their pressure and / or their propagation speed has decreased. This makes it possible to reduce the noise generated by the gases leaving the vents. The part of the absorption zone in which the gases coming from the channel pass may be included in the walls or layers, distinct from the wall(s) of the patterns, delimiting or forming or constituting a vent.

[0105] At least one vent may extend, at least in part, preferably entirely, into or through the expansion chamber, from the expansion chamber, more preferably from an opening in the expansion chamber, and an outer wall of the sound reducer, preferably an external opening of the outer wall of the sound reducer.

[0106] Preferably, the sound reducer comprises an even number of vents.

[0107] Preferably, the at least two vents extending, at least in part, through the absorption zone extend through a succession of adjacent or contiguous patterns of the architectural material.

[0108] Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that a portion of the gases intended to circulate in the channel are evacuated radially relative to the axis of the channel, preferably laterally and / or vertically towards the rear relative to the axis of the channel, through the vents, out of the sound reducer.

[0109] Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that the portion of the gases intended to circulate in the channel evacuated by the vents is evacuated laterally and / or laterally and rearwardly, by the vents, out of the sound reducer.

[0110] Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that the portion of the gases intended to circulate in the channel evacuated by the vents is evacuated, by the at least two vents, out of the sound reducer by two sides, preferably two lateral sides, more preferably opposite sides of the sound reducer.

[0111] Preferably, the opening, preferably each opening, of the channel is an opening provided in a wall of a pattern of the architectural material.

[0112] Preferably, the vents have the effect of creating a resultant opposite to the direction of the vents, which helps reduce the recoil of the weapon in the case of a weapon sound reducer.

[0113] Preferably, at least one of the vents, more preferably each of the vents, are arranged so that the gas discharged from the sound reducer through the vents exerts a force on the walls of the vents which is opposite to the recoil force so as to reduce the recoil of the weapon.

[0114] Arranging a vent or vents so that they extend between, or from, the absorption zone and, or to, the outer wall of the sound reducer can be defined as arranging the sound reducer so that a portion of the absorption zone is disposed or extends between the channel and the vent or vents. This feature has the effect that the gases in the channel are expanded, i.e. their pressure and / or propagation velocity decreases, before entering and propagating in the vent or vents. This reduces the noise generated by the gases escaping from the vent or vents.

[0115] Preferably, the at least two vents extend through patterns, preferably through a succession of patterns, of the architectural material, preferably of the absorption zone. Preferably, the at least two vents extend through patterns, preferably through a succession of patterns, of the absorption zone.

[0116] The patterns of the succession of patterns through which the at least two vents extend may be aligned. Preferably, the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the at least two vents extend are not aligned.

[0117] Preferably, the at least two vents are formed or delimited or constituted by, at least a part, of each pattern of the succession of patterns, more preferably by a part of a wall of each pattern of the succession of patterns.

[0118] Preferably, the architectural material comprises, more preferably constitutes or forms, the channel, the absorption zone and the at least two vents.

[0119] Preferably, the patterns of the pattern sequence are adjacent or contiguous.

[0120] Preferably, the at least two vents comprise two consecutive walls, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, facing each other; a tangent to a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of a vent considered forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent to the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of the vent considered. Preferably, the two consecutive walls of the at least two vents delimit and / or form, at least in part, the at least two vents.

[0121] Preferably, a tangent to a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of at least one of the vents considered and a tangent to a distal end of the other of the two consecutive walls of the at least one vent considered form an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent to the distal end of at least one of the two walls of the vent considered.

[0122] Preferably, the two consecutive walls are opposite each other and separated, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, by a non-zero distance.

[0123] The distal end of one of the two consecutive walls of a vent may be defined as the end of one of the two consecutive walls which is contiguous with an outlet surface of a vent, preferably through which gases are expelled out of a vent, more preferably through which gases are expelled out of the reducer.

[0124] Preferably, a tangent to a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of a vent considered intersects the axis of the channel and forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with an outlet surface of a vent and / or with the axis of the channel.

[0125] Preferably, each tangent at each point of the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent at the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of the vent considered.

[0126] Preferably, each tangent at each point of the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls intersecting the axis of the channel forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with an outlet surface of a vent and / or with the axis of the channel.

[0127] Preferably, for at least one of the vents, preferably for each of the vents, and at any point on the outlet surface of the at least one vent in question, through which the gases are expelled from the reducer, a tangent at a point on the outlet surface of the at least one vent in question forms an angle |3, called the projection angle, with a straight line extending along the axis of the channel from an intersection of the tangent with the axis of the channel to the gas outlet orifice which is greater than 0° and less than 90°. Preferably, for a vent in question, arranging the reducer so that it forms the angle p makes it possible to further increase the reduction in the recoil of the weapon by means of the force exerted, which is opposite to the recoil force, on a surface, called the projected surface, of one of the walls delimiting, in part, the vent in question.

[0128] Preferably, for a vent considered, the outlet surface is delimited, in part, by one end of two consecutive walls, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, of the vent considered. Preferably, for the vent considered, one of the walls, among the two consecutive walls, is located on the side of the gas inlet orifice and the other of the walls, among the two consecutive walls, is located on the side of the gas outlet orifice. Preferably, the wall, among the two consecutive walls, located on the side of the gas outlet orifice comprises the projected surface.

[0129] Preferably, a distance, extending along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, separating two consecutive walls, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, preferably delimiting or forming a vent and / or a part of the absorption zone, preferably located between the channel and a vent, of a vent, called the section of a vent, increases and / or decreases, for at least one of the vents, preferably for each of the vents, in a direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and / or extending from the absorption zone or from the channel or from the expansion chamber towards the external wall of the sound reducer.

[0130] Preferably, the two consecutive walls of a vent are opposite each other.

[0131] Preferably, the wall of a vent circumscribes a volume through which gases from the channel are discharged from the sound reducer through the at least two vents.

[0132] The section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and in the direction connecting the absorption zone or the channel to the external wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, decrease then increase so as to form a neck or a constriction which may be central.

[0133] The section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and in the direction connecting the absorption zone or the channel to the external wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, increase then decrease so as to form a flare which may be central. The section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and in a direction connecting the absorption zone or the channel to the external wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, decrease then increase, or vice versa, so as to form a neck or a constriction and / or so as to form a flare.

[0134] The effect of the constriction is to accelerate the flow of gases circulating in the vent and then control its expansion. This effect is particularly interesting for supersonic gases, that is to say when the projectile speed is greater than 330 m / s. The effect of the flaring is to control the flow of gases circulating in the vent and then accelerate it. This effect is particularly interesting for supersonic gases, that is to say when the projectile speed is greater than 330 m / s.

[0135] Preferably, the section of a vent increases between two consecutive vents or from one vent to another in a direction connecting the gas inlet orifice and the gas outlet orifice.

[0136] Preferably, the section of a vent considered is less than the section of a vent following the vent considered in a direction connecting the gas inlet orifice and the gas outlet orifice.

[0137] Preferably, the outlet surface, through which the gases are expelled from the reducer, of a vent considered is less than the outlet surface, through which the gases are expelled from the reducer, of a vent following the vent considered in a direction connecting the gas inlet orifice and the gas outlet orifice.

[0138] Increasing the cross-section of a vent or the outlet surface of a vent between two consecutive vents has the effect of compensating for the decrease in gas pressure, following their expansion, as they progress along the axis of the channel.

[0139] Description of figures

[0140] Other advantages and particularities of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of implementations and embodiments which are in no way limiting, and the following appended drawings:

[0141] [Fig. 1] FIGURE 1 is a photograph in oblique view of a sound reducer according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0142] [Fig. 2] FIGURE 2 is a photograph in oblique view of a sound and recoil reducer, called a hybrid reducer, according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0143] [Fig. 3] FIGURE 3 is a side view photograph of a central section along the vertical plane of a sound reducer according to the invention,

[0144] [Fig. 4] FIGURE 4 is a photograph in oblique view of a partial section along the vertical and horizontal planes of the hybrid sound reducer of FIGURE 2, [Fig. 5] FIGURE 5 is a simplified schematic representation in top view of a section in a transverse plane including the axis of the channel of a variant of the hybrid reducer shown in FIGURES 2 and 4,

[0145] [Fig. 6] FIGURE 6 is a simplified schematic representation in top view of a section in a transverse plane including the axis of the channel of a variant of the hybrid reducer shown in FIGURES 2 and 4,

[0146] [Fig. 7] FIGURE 7 is a simplified schematic representation in top view of a section in a transverse plane including the axis of the channel of the hybrid reducer shown in FIGURES 2 and 4,

[0147] Description of the embodiments

[0148] The embodiments described below being in no way limiting, it will be possible in particular to consider variants of the invention comprising only a selection of the described characteristics, isolated from the other described characteristics (even if this selection is isolated within a sentence comprising these other characteristics), if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art. This selection comprises at least one characteristic, preferably functional without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part only is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared to the state of the prior art.

[0149] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 7, an embodiment of the invention is described. This embodiment relates to a sound reducer for a firearm. This embodiment is applicable to sound reducers for firearms and more generally to any sound reducer, including sound reducers for vehicles or sound reducers for air tubes for example.

[0150] According to the embodiment, and with reference to FIGURE 1, there is presented a sound reducer 1, called reducer 1. The reducer 1 comprises a gas inlet orifice 12, called gases, intended to propagate in the sound reducer 1. The reducer 1 comprises an expansion chamber 2 and a channel 3 communicating with the expansion chamber 2. The channel 3 extends along an axis 8, called the axis of the channel 8, from the expansion chamber 2 to a gas outlet orifice 13 outside the reducer 1. An axis of revolution of the inlet orifice 12 of the reducer and an axis of revolution of the outlet orifice 13 of the reducer are perpendicular to a plane, called the normal plane, perpendicular to the axis of the channel 8. The reducer 1 further comprises an absorption zone 4 of a sound wave produced by the gases. The absorption zone 4 envelops the channel 3. According to the embodiment, the absorption zone 4 extends radially from the channel 3 and completely envelops the channel 3.

[0151] The absorption zone 4 of the sound wave is constituted by a single-piece architectural material. The absorption zone 4, or the part of the architectural material constituting the absorption zone 4, is arranged so that a part of the gases circulates from the channel 3 through the architectural material to an external wall 11 of the architectural material delimiting the absorption zone 4. The external wall 11 of the architectural material can be defined as the external wall 11 of the absorption zone 4.

[0152] Depending on the embodiment, the entire reducer 1, i.e., among other things, the channel 3, the expansion chamber 2, the outer wall 11, the inlet 12 and outlet 13 ports and the absorption zone 4, is formed by the architectural material. The reducer 1 is therefore a single-piece or single-piece unit.

[0153] According to the embodiment, the reducer 1 is intended to be mechanically fixed at the end of the barrel. The reducer 1 may comprise a thread at the inlet 12 of the reducer 1 to mechanically fix the reducer 1 at the end of the barrel. The reducer 1 may comprise any other mechanical fixing system, such as claws or quick fasteners, to mechanically fix the reducer 1 at the end of the barrel. The thread may be obtained by machining after the reducer 1 has been entirely manufactured by additive manufacturing, in particular by 3D printing.

[0154] At the exit of the barrel, the warhead enters the reducer 1 through channel 3 and successively passes through the expansion chamber 2 and then the absorption zone 4. The warhead is preceded by moving compressed air and followed by the pressurized combustion gases. These two types of gas are expanded in the expansion chamber 2 and then in the absorption zone 4. This action makes it possible to reduce the intensity of the sound impact of the shot.

[0155] According to the non-limiting embodiment, the architectural material can be a light alloy, a titanium alloy, a ferrous base alloy or a nickel base alloy. Light alloys, such as aluminum alloys, are considered when a low-weight reducer 1 is an absolute necessity. Nickel base alloys are considered when mechanical resistance to temperature is an absolute necessity. Titanium alloys are an adequate compromise between light alloys and nickel bases. The architectural material can also be made of polymer, with or without integrated reinforcement, such as short or long fiber reinforcements.

[0156] According to the embodiment, a distance, extending along a normal plane, between the channel 3 and at least a portion of the external wall 11 of the architectural material varies along the axis of the channel 8. This distance increases along the direction connecting the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 of the reducer 1. This distance increases on the lower and lateral portions of the reducer 1 or located towards the rear and on the sides relative to a vertical axis. Thus, the line of sight of the reducer remains rectilinear. This makes it possible to increase the volume of the absorption zone, and therefore the attenuation of the noise, without obstructing the line of sight of the shooter. As seen in particular in FIGURE 1, the reducer 1 therefore has a flared profile. In other words, the volume of the reducer, or its section in a normal plane, increases along the direction connecting the inlet 12 and the outlet 13 of the reducer 1.

[0157] Such a design is made possible, in particular, by the 3D printing manufacturing process used to implement the reducer 1. It is not possible to obtain these types of shapes with reducers obtained by machining.

[0158] The part of the architectural material constituting, at least in part, the absorption zone 4 comprises a set of elementary patterns 5, called patterns 5, forming the monobloc structure of the architectural material. Each of the patterns 5 of the architectural material has a three-dimensional structure and at least part of the patterns 5 has a hollow three-dimensional structure.

[0159] According to the particular non-limiting embodiment, the patterns 5 are dodecahedrons. The patterns 5 can be any type of geometric shape. As non-limiting examples, the patterns 5 can be any type of polyhedron or a sphere.

[0160] Furthermore, at least a portion of the patterns 5 comprises at least two orifices 6 through which a cavity 7 of each of the patterns 5 of the at least a portion of the patterns 5 communicates with the exterior of the cavity 7 of each of the patterns of the at least a portion of the patterns 5.

[0161] The absorption zone 4 is arranged so that a portion of the gases circulates through the orifices 6 and the cavities 7 of the patterns 5 of at least one portion of the patterns 5 of the portion of the architectural material constituting, at least in part, the absorption zone 4.

[0162] As illustrated, and directly deducible from FIGURES 3 and 4, at least a portion of the patterns 5, all of the patterns 5 according to the embodiment, are closed or closed. For at least a portion of the patterns 5, preferably for each of the patterns 5 according to the embodiment, the cavity 7 of a pattern 5 considered is delimited and circumscribed by the wall 51 of the pattern 5 considered. For at least a portion of the patterns 5, preferably for each of the patterns 5 according to the embodiment, the cavity 7 of a pattern 5 considered communicates with the exterior of the pattern 5 considered only through the at least two orifices 6.

[0163] The channel 3 extends through a succession of patterns 5 of the architectural material. The channel 3 is formed by a series of openings 14 provided in a wall 51 of each of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. Furthermore, the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends forms a row of adjacent patterns 5.

[0164] According to the particular non-limiting embodiment, the section of the channel 3, in a normal plane considered, is smaller than the section, in the normal plane considered passing through the center of a pattern 5, of the cavity 7 of the patterns of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. Also, the channel 3 is included in the row of adjacent patterns 5. Furthermore, still according to the particular non-limiting embodiment, each pattern 5 comprises two opposite openings 14 located opposite each other. An opening 14 is common to two adjacent patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. Finally, each of the openings 14 is included in and formed by the wall 51 of the same pattern 5, in particular a wall 51 common to two adjacent patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends, of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends.However, the channel 3 could be included in or formed by several adjacent rows of patterns 5. In this case, the section of the channel 3, in the normal plane considered, could be greater or less than the section, in the normal plane considered passing through the center of a pattern 5, of the cavity 7 of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. In this case again, each of the openings 14 could be included in and formed by the wall 51 of several adjacent patterns 5 of several adjacent rows.

[0165] Several of the patterns 5, each of the patterns 5 according to the embodiment, of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends comprise at least one orifice 6 and preferably at least two orifices 6. The orifices 6 of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 are arranged so that a portion of the gases circulating in the channel 3 penetrate into the absorption zone 4. In particular, the orifices 6 of a pattern 5 considered in the succession of patterns 5 are arranged so that a portion of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate into at least two distinct patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4. According to the particular non-limiting embodiment, each of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends comprises four orifices 6. The axis of revolution of each of the orifices 6 is included in a normal plane.The axis of revolution of a first orifice 6 is coincident with the axis of a second orifice 6 which extends along the vertical axis in FIGURES 3 and 4. The axis of revolution of a third orifice 6 is coincident with the axis of a fourth orifice 6 which extends along the horizontal axis in FIGURES 3 and 4.

[0166] According to the non-limiting embodiment, each pattern 5 of the absorption zone 4, with the exception of the peripheral patterns 5 adjacent to the external wall 11 of the absorption zone 4, comprises at least two orifices 6. Each pattern 5 considered in the absorption zone 4 is arranged so that a portion of the gases circulating in a pattern considered in the absorption zone 4 penetrate into at least two distinct patterns 5, adjacent to the pattern 5 considered, of the absorption zone 4. However, there is nothing to prevent some of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 from having a blind orifice 6.

[0167] According to the non-limiting embodiment, each of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4, with the exception of the peripheral patterns 5 adjacent to the external wall 11 of the absorption zone 4, comprises six orifices 6. However, the patterns of the absorption zone could comprise four orifices 6 or more than six orifices 6. According to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form an identical angle of 0° with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the channel 8. Still according to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form a identical angle of 0° relative to an axis perpendicular, called the longitudinal axis, to the axis of channel 8.According to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form an identical angle of 0° with respect to an axis, called the vertical axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the axis of the channel 8. The reducer 1 comprises at least one recess 15, a single recess 15 according to the embodiment, extending between the external wall 11 of the architectural material and an external wall 10 of the reducer 1. The recess 15 extends radially around the external wall 11 of the absorption zone. According to the non-limiting embodiment, the recess 15 extends only over an upper half, with respect to the vertical axis, of the reducer 1.

[0168] The recess 15 or the successive recesses 15 extend, at a minimum, to the level of the part of the reducer 1 intended to be positioned in the line of sight of a weapon on which it is intended to be mounted.

[0169] The at least one recess comprises or is filled with a gas. The at least one recess serves to thermally insulate the outer wall of the architectural material and / or the absorption zone of the outer wall of the sound reducer. This makes it possible to attenuate, or even prevent the occurrence of, convection effects in the line of sight of the weapon.

[0170] With reference to FIGURES 2 and 4 to 7, an improvement of the embodiment presented above and illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3 is described. This is a reducer 1, called hybrid, combining or capable of combining all or part of the characteristics and properties of the sound reducer 1 described above and illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 3 with those of a recoil reducer. The characteristics of the reducer 1 described above are all combinable with the improvement. According to the improvement, the reducer 1 further comprises twelve vents 9 extending between the absorption zone 4 and the external wall 10 of the reducer 1. Each of the vents 9 is arranged so that a portion of the gases intended to circulate in the channel 3 is evacuated, out of the reducer 1, through the vents 9. The vents 9 are arranged laterally. Six vents 9 are arranged on one side and six others on the opposite side.

[0171] The vents 9 extend through patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4.

[0172] The geometric characteristics, in terms of distances and angles in particular, of the simplified schematic presentation of FIGURES 5 to 7 are illustrative and do not necessarily or not exactly correspond to the geometric characteristics of the hybrid reducer 1 of FIGURES 2 and 4.

[0173] Each of the vents 9 comprises an outlet surface 18 through which the gases are expelled from the reducer 1. According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, the outlet surfaces 18 are curved. With reference to FIGURES 5 to 7, each vent 9 comprises two consecutive walls 16 along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel 8. The two consecutive walls 16 are opposite each other. For at least one vent 9, for each vent 9 according to the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, a tangent 25, 26 to a distal end 27, 28 of at least one of the two consecutive walls 16 of the vent 9 forms an angle, denoted λ, less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal 29, 30 to the axis of the channel 8 intersecting the tangent 25, 26 to the distal end 27, 28 of at least one of the two walls 16 of the vent 9.

[0174] According to the embodiment, the angle λ formed between the tangent 25 and the plane normal 29 to the axis of the channel 8 intersecting the tangent 25 at the distal end 27 is of the order of 30°. The angle λ is different from the angle λ formed between the tangent 26 and the plane normal 30 to the axis of the channel 8 intersecting the tangent 26 at the distal end 28. The angle λ is of the order of 45°. In other words, in the section plane shown, the two consecutive walls 16 are not parallel. Furthermore, with reference to FIGURE 4, the consecutive walls 16 are not planar. Furthermore, the consecutive walls 16 are not parallel. However, the consecutive walls 16 could be planar and / or parallel.

[0175] The angle λ describes an arrangement of the vents 9 such that the gases flowing through each vent 9 are ejected from each vent 9 by generating a thrust on one or both of the consecutive walls 16 opposite each other. This thrust is opposite to the direction of ejection of the gases. This thrust is the main resultant opposite to the recoil of the weapon. This thrust, and therefore the angle λ, makes it possible to obtain the effect of reducing the recoil. For this effect to be obtained, it is sufficient for the angle λ to be different from 0° and 90°. An angle λ between 20° and 70° offers a particularly advantageous effect. An angle λ between 30° and 60° offers an optimal effect.

[0176] With reference to FIGURE 4 to 7, according to the embodiment presented, each vent 9 extends mainly in a direction 19, called main direction 19, extending from the absorption zone 4 to the external wall 10 of the reducer 1. Each vent 9 comprises a median surface equidistant from each of the two consecutive walls 16. The median surface comprises the main direction 19 of a vent 9. The main direction 19 is a straight line according to the embodiment. However, the main direction 19, like the walls 16 delimiting the vents 9, like the median surface, can be an axis having any shape, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, a concave or convex curved shape.For each of the vents 9, the main direction 19 of a vent 9 considered forms an angle 0, called thrust angle 0, with a straight line extending along the axis of the channel 8 from an intersection 22 of the gas outlet axis 19 with the axis of the channel 8 to the gas inlet orifice 12 which is greater than 0°, preferably 20°, and less than 90°, preferably 70°. According to the embodiment presented, the thrust angle 0 is 52.5°.

[0177] The main direction 19 forms an angle 5 with a normal plane 23 which includes the point of intersection of the main axis 19 with the axis of the channel 8. The medial surface of a vent 9 forms an angle 5 with a normal plane 23 which includes the axis of intersection of the medial surface with the normal plane 23. The angle 5 formed between the medial surface and a normal plane 23 which includes the axis of intersection of the medial surface with the normal plane 23 may vary along the axis of intersection of the medial surface with the normal plane 23. The axis of intersection of the medial surface with the normal plane 23 may be curved or may be a straight line. The angle 5 formed between this main axis 19, and respectively between the median surface, and the normal plane 23 comprising the point of intersection of the main axis 19, and respectively the axis of intersection of the median surface, with the axis of the channel 8 is 30 to 60 degrees. According to the embodiment presented, the angle 5 is 45°.

[0178] The gases flowing through each vent 9 are ejected primarily along this main axis 19 and generate a thrust along this main axis 19 and opposite to the ejection direction. This thrust is the main resultant opposite to the recoil of the weapon. The angles λ, 5 and 0 are three alternative descriptions of the arrangement of the vents 9 which make it possible to obtain the recoil reduction effect. For this effect to be obtained, it is sufficient that the angles λ, 5 and 0 are different from 0° and 90°. Angles λ, 5 and 0 between 20° and 70° provide a particularly advantageous effect. Angles λ, 5 and 0 between 30° and 60° provide an optimal effect.

[0179] With reference to FIGURE 7, an improvement of the embodiment shown in FIGURES 2 and 4 to 6 is described. In this improvement, for each vent 9, a tangent 20 at a point on the outlet surface 18 of a vent 9 considered forms an angle p, called projection angle p, with a straight line extending along the axis of the channel 8 from an intersection 24 of the tangent 20 with the axis of the channel 8 to the gas outlet orifice 13 which is between 0° and 60°. The projection angle p is equal to 0° in the embodiments shown in FIGURES 5 and 6.

[0180] The function of the angle p is to create a differential of projected surface 21 so as to induce a resultant force opposite to the recoil of the weapon. The resultant force is generated by the pressure exerted by the gases, evacuated from the reducer 1 by the vents 9, on the projected surface 21 of the wall 16 of the vents 9 located on the side of the gas outlet orifice 13. In the illustration of FIGURES 5 to 7 which is a section plane in a transverse plane of the reducer 1, the projected surface 21 is therefore an axis. This force is the secondary resultant opposite to the recoil of the weapon. The effect provided by the angle p, that is to say the secondary resultant, is different from the effect provided by the angles 0 and 5.

[0181] According to the non-limiting embodiments presented, each vent 9 comprises a wall 16 which is distinct from the wall 51 of the patterns 5. The wall 16 of the vents 9 may extend from the channel 3, in particular from a wall 51 of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends, to the external wall 10 of the reducer 1. The wall 16 of the vents 9 is optional and one or more vents may be composed of only partial patterns 5.

[0182] According to the non-limiting embodiments presented, the gas intended to propagate in the channel 3 passes from the channel 3 to an outlet of a vent 9 formed in the external wall 10 of the reducer 1. The gas coming from the channel 3 circulates through a volume of structured material forming part of the absorption zone 4 then in the vent 9. Also, according to the embodiment, the patterns 5 forming the absorption zone 4 are included in the walls 16 of the vents 9. Parts of the absorption zone 4 are located or extend between two consecutive vents 9.

[0183] According to the invention, the section of a vent 9 is defined as the distance, extending along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel 8, separating two consecutive walls 16, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel 8, of a vent 9. The section of a vent 9 increases along the main direction 19 of a vent 9 from the absorption zone 4 towards the external wall of the sound reducer 10. The section of a vent 9 can also decrease or increase then decrease or decrease then increase along the main direction 19 of a vent 9 from the absorption zone 4 towards the external wall of the sound reducer 10. Furthermore, the section of the vents 9 increases between two consecutive vents 9 along a direction connecting the gas inlet orifice 12 and the gas outlet orifice 13.

[0184] According to the non-limiting embodiments presented, the thickness of the external walls 10, 11 and / or the walls 51 of the patterns 5 and / or the walls 16 of the vents 9 can be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm depending on the application and the needs.

[0185] The size of the 5 patterns can be between 0.5 mm and 20 mm depending on the application and needs. The 5 patterns can have any type of shape.

[0186] The orifices 6 have a diameter between 0.2 mm and 10 mm depending on the application and requirements. The orientation of the orifices 6 as well as the orientation of their axes of revolution is variable depending on the application and requirements.

[0187] The architectural material may incorporate one or more internal, free-form reinforcing structures. The architectural material may also include structures communicating or extending from the interior of the reducer 1 with or to the exterior of the reducer 1.

[0188] The reinforcing structure may comprise or form at least one strip or bar or rod. The reinforcing structure may be free-form. The reinforcing structure may extend between one of the walls of the architectural material, inter alia, between one or more external walls 10, 11 and / or one of the walls 51 of the patterns 5 and / or one or more walls 16 of the vents 9. The reinforcing structure may form one or more internal partitions, preferably within a pattern 5 and / or a cavity 7. The main function of the reinforcing structure is to reinforce the architectural material, preferably the area of ​​the architectural material located between the parts of the architectural material between which the reinforcing structure extends.

[0189] According to the non-limiting embodiments presented, the reducer 1 comprises a lug 17 located on the side of the outlet 13 of the reducer 1 and on the upper part, relative to the vertical direction, of the reducer 1. The lug 17 can also be located on the lower part relative to the vertical direction, of the reducer 1. The lug 17 is arranged to allow the attachment of an anti-convection veil or fabric, commonly called an anti-mirage strip. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0190] Thus, in variants which can be combined with each other of the embodiments described above:

[0191] - an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form a distinct angle, between 0 and 45 with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the channel 8, and / or

[0192] - an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form a distinct angle, between 0 and 45° relative to an axis perpendicular, called the longitudinal axis, to the axis of the channel 8, and / or

[0193] - an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an orifice 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form a distinct angle, between 0 and 45°, with respect to an axis, called the vertical axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the axis of the channel 8, and / or

[0194] - the reducer 1 comprises at least two vents 9, and / or

[0195] - one or more vents 9 extend between the channel 3 and / or between the expansion chamber 2 and / or between the absorption zone 4 and an external wall 10 of the reducer 1, and / or

[0196] - thrust angle 0 and / or angle 5 is less than 90° and / or greater than 0°.

[0197] In addition, the various features, forms, variations and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Sound reducer (1), referred to as reducer, comprising a gas inlet orifice (12), referred to as gas, intended to propagate in the sound reducer, an expansion chamber (2) and a channel (3) communicating with said expansion chamber and extending, along an axis (8), referred to as channel axis, from the expansion chamber to a gas outlet orifice (13) out of the reducer; an axis of revolution of the reducer inlet orifice and an axis of revolution of the reducer outlet orifice are parallel to the channel axis (8); the reducer further comprises a sound wave absorption zone (4), produced by the gas, said absorption zone enveloping, at least in part, said channel;the sound wave absorption zone is constituted, at least in part, by a monolithic structured material and is arranged so that a part of the gas flows from the channel through the structured material to an external wall (11) of the structured material delimiting the absorption zone; the monolithic structured material comprises a set of elementary motifs (5), called motifs, forming the monolithic structure of the structured material, at least a part of the motifs:; - are closed and delimited by a wall (51) forming a cavity (7), - include at least two openings (6) through which the cavity of each of the motifs of at least a part of the motifs communicates with the outside of the cavity of each of the motifs of at least a part of the motifs 5.

2. Reducer (1) according to claim 1, in which a distance, extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the channel (8), between the channel (3) and at least a part of the outer wall (11) of the structured material varies along the axis of the channel.

3. Reducer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the motifs (5) has a three-dimensional structure and at least part of the motifs has a hollow three-dimensional structure; the absorption zone (4) is arranged so that part of the gas flows through the orifices (6) and cavities (7) of the motifs of at least part of the motifs of the absorption zone.

4. Reducer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (3) extends through a succession of patterns (5) of the architectural material.

5. Reducer (1) according to claim 4, in which the channel (3) is formed by a series of openings (14) made in the wall (51) of each of the motifs (5) of the succession of motifs through which the channel extends.

6. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein several of the motifs (5) of the sequence of motifs through which the channel extends (3) include at least one orifice (6); the orifices of the motifs in the succession of motifs are arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the channel enter the absorption zone.

7. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein several of the motifs (5) of the succession of motifs through which the channel (3) extends comprise at least two orifices (6); the at least two orifices of a considered motif of the succession of motifs are arranged so that a portion of the gases flowing in the channel enter at least two distinct motifs of the absorption zone (4).

8. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein several motifs of at least a portion of the motifs of the absorption zone comprise six orifices and: - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the motifs of at least a part of the motifs of the absorption zone and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the motifs of at least a part of the motifs of the absorption zone form an angle between 0 and 45° with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, and - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the patterns of at least a part of the patterns of the absorption zone and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the patterns of at least a part of the patterns of the absorption zone form an angle between 0 and 45° with respect to an axis perpendicular, called the longitudinal axis, to the axis of the channel, - an axis of revolution of an orifice of one of the patterns of at least a part of the patterns of the absorption zone and an axis of revolution of an orifice of another of the patterns of at least a part of the patterns of the absorption zone form an angle between 0 and 45° with respect to an axis, called the vertical axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the axis of the channel.

9. Reducer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one recess extending between the outer wall (11) of the structured material and an outer wall (10) of the sound reducer.

10. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two vents (9) extending between the absorption zone (4) or between the channel (3) or between the expansion zone (2) and an external wall (10) of the sound reducer, each of the vents being arranged so that a portion of the gases intended to flow in the channel are evacuated, out of the sound reducer, through the at least two vents.

11. Reducer (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least two vents (9) extend through patterns (5) of the architectural material.

12. Reducer (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least two vents (9) comprise two consecutive walls (16), along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel (8), opposite each other; a tangent (25, 26) at a distal end (27, 28) of at least one of the two consecutive walls of a vent considered forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal (29, 30) to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent at the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of the vent considered.

13. Reducer (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein for at least one of the vents (9) and at any point of an outlet surface (18) of the at least one of the vents (9) considered, through which the gases are expelled out of the reducer, a tangent (20) at a point of the outlet surface of the at least one of the vents (9) considered forms an angle p, called the projection angle, with a straight line extending along the axis of the channel (8) from an intersection (24) of the tangent with the axis of the channel to the gas outlet orifice (13) which is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

14. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein a distance, extending along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel (8), separating two consecutive walls (16), along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, of a vent, referred to as the vent section, increases and / or decreases, for at least one of the vents (9), in a direction along which the at least one vent extends mainly from the absorption zone (4) or from the channel (3) or from the expansion chamber (2) towards the outer wall of the sound reducer (10).

15. Reducer (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein a distance, extending along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel (8), separating two consecutive walls 16, along an axis parallel to the axis of the channel, opposite a vent, referred to as the vent section, increases between two consecutive vents in a direction connecting the gas inlet orifice (12) and the gas outlet orifice (13).

Images