Quick-release piece and quick-release counter piece for releasably fastening a silencer to a barrel

Abstract

Quick-release fastener (1) for the releasable fastening of a silencer (2) to a barrel (3), comprising an internal mounting section (5) for mounting the quick-release fastener (1) in the region of a muzzle (4) of the barrel (3) and an external thread (6) for releasable connection to a quick-release counterpart (7), wherein the external thread (6) has at least two threaded part segments (9, 9') and guide part segments (10, 10') as viewed in a circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6), wherein, as viewed in the circumferential direction (8), each threaded part segment (9, 9') is followed by a guide part segment (10, 10') and vice versa, wherein, as viewed in a radial direction (11) pointing from the inside to the outside, the threaded part segments (9, 9') project beyond the guide part segments (10, 10').According to the invention, the threaded part segments (9, 9') are each designed as a metric or inch thread, in particular a metric or inch fine thread, with at least five thread recesses (12), wherein the thread recesses (12) are arranged between thread flanks (13) arranged one behind the other as seen in an axial direction (14).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-release fastener for releasably fastening a silencer to a barrel, comprising an internal mounting section for mounting the quick-release fastener in the region of a muzzle of the barrel and an external thread for releasably connecting it to a quick-release counterpart, wherein the external thread, viewed in a circumferential direction of the external thread, has at least two threaded part segments and guide part segments, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction, each threaded part segment is followed by a guide part segment and vice versa, wherein, viewed in a radial direction pointing from the inside to the outside, the threaded part segments project beyond the guide part segments.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a quick-release counterpart for detachable connection with a quick-release piece according to the invention. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The use of silencers in firearms is becoming increasingly important, especially because the use of silencers for hunting or for hunters has been permitted for some time now in many countries, and in some countries there is even an obligation for hunters to use silencers.

[0004] To attach a silencer to the barrel of a firearm, it is known to screw the silencer with an internal thread onto an external thread located on the barrel in the muzzle area, but this involves a certain amount of time.

[0005] To reduce the time required for assembly, quick-release systems such as the one in EP 3514475 B1 are known, but they have a number of disadvantages. Typically, a quick-release piece of the quick-release system is permanently mounted on the muzzle area of ​​the barrel or is very difficult to remove. The silencer has a corresponding quick-release counterpart that is permanently integrated into the silencer or connected to it, particularly in a way that is difficult to remove.

[0006] Firstly, a specific system is specified that does not allow compatibility with other quick-release systems or even with conventional screw threads. The reason for this is that while known quick-release systems are often described as having a "thread" or part of a "thread" on the barrel and silencer sides, they actually have locking elements with a typically trapezoidal cross-section that enable locking, but not a screw connection in the traditional sense, such as with a nut with a known thread. This means that a single locking element does not actually form the thread flanks of a conventional thread.

[0007] Said locking elements are arranged in certain segments or sections one behind the other in the circumferential direction, with free, recessed sections existing between the segments, which can be milled or designed as milled recesses, for example, in order to ensure rapid

[0008] To enable the silencer to be pushed over the muzzle area of ​​the barrel (with the quick-release piece attached), whereby the connection is established by turning after pushing it over. For design reasons and due to available space, only a few, typically four or a maximum of five, locking elements are arranged one behind the other in a single segment in the axial direction. In addition to these locking elements, further elements are generally required for a stable hold, such as additional grooves and lugs engaging into these, which increases the manufacturing effort. In addition, these additional elements generally increase the size, particularly the diameter. Another example of this are additional support surfaces which come into contact or engage during locking and on which the quick-release piece and the quick-release counterpart rest against each other or are pressed against each other.For example, known quick-release fasteners are provided with one or more radially outwardly projecting flanges as support surfaces, which are located in particular in an end region of the respective quick-release fastener facing away from the muzzle of the barrel when the respective quick-release fastener is mounted on the barrel. Each such radially projecting flange requires corresponding space, which makes the firearm equipped with the quick-release fastener more bulky, not only visually but also in actual handling.

[0009] Another disadvantage of known quick-release systems is that, depending on the number of the aforementioned segments and the free sections between the segments, there are several, typically three, positions in which the silencer can be mounted on the barrel, each rotated relative to the other. Due to manufacturing tolerances that are unavoidable in practice, this leads to different hit locations for the different silencer positions, which is disadvantageous for shooters, especially hunters.

[0010] Another disadvantage typically associated with known quick-release systems, as well as conventional screw systems, is a lack of long-term stability. This means that during repeated firing, especially, the sound suppressor may become loosened, not least due to unavoidable thermal expansion. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release fastener for releasably attaching a silencer to a barrel of a firearm, as well as a quick-release counterpart, which avoid the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, increased flexibility and compatibility with known silencers without a quick-release fastener are to be achieved. Preferably, a clear position of the silencer relative to a barrel of the firearm is to be enabled when attached with a quick-release fastener in order to guarantee a stable hit location. Furthermore, long-term stability of the attachment, i.e., particularly even during repeated firing, is to be guaranteed. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To achieve the stated object, in a quick-release fastener for the releasable attachment of a silencer to a barrel, comprising an internal mounting section for mounting the quick-release fastener in the region of a muzzle of the barrel and an external thread for releasable connection to a quick-release counterpart, wherein the external thread, viewed in a circumferential direction of the external thread, has at least two threaded part segments and guide part segments, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction, each threaded part segment is followed by a guide part segment and vice versa, wherein, viewed in a radial direction pointing from the inside to the outside, the threaded part segments project beyond the guide part segments, the invention provides that the threaded part segments are each designed as a metric or imperial thread, in particular a metric or imperial fine thread, with at least five thread recesses,wherein the thread grooves are arranged between thread flanks arranged one behind the other in an axial direction.

[0013] As mentioned at the beginning, "barrel" refers to the barrel of a firearm to which the quick-release piece can be mounted.

[0014] It should be emphasized that the quick-release piece can of course be used to mount not only silencers but also other elements, such as a muzzle brake, on the barrel.

[0015] The quick-release fastener, which is designed for mounting on the barrel in a conventional manner (particularly by screwing and / or gluing), can also be referred to as a barrel locking sleeve. Obviously, the quick-release fastener has a continuous opening, particularly a bore, along its longitudinal axis, through which a projectile can pass when fired.

[0016] Preferably, the quick-release fastener and / or the quick-release counterpart are made of titanium or a titanium alloy, or of stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy. Accordingly, a quick-release fastener is preferred over conventional solutions made of aluminum or...

[0017] Aluminum alloys ensure a drastically increased service life, so that a connection between the quick-release piece and the quick-release counterpart can be made precisely and with the highest mechanical stability practically as often as required.

[0018] The quick-release counterpart, which can be permanently integrated into an element to be mounted on the barrel, in particular into a silencer, or can be permanently or, in particular, only very difficultly, detachably connected to this element or silencer, clearly also has, in particular along its longitudinal axis, a continuous opening or bore through which the projectile can pass when the shot is fired.

[0019] "At least two threaded segments and guide segments" means that the external thread always has the same number of threaded segments as guide segments. It would also be theoretically conceivable for at least one threaded segment to have at least two consecutive sections, viewed axially, separated from each other by a recess, with the recess extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] The guide segments can be formed by recesses or milled recesses and allow the quick-release counterpart to be slid over the quick-release piece parallel (unless explicitly stated otherwise, "parallel" also includes "anti-parallel") to the axial direction, and then connected or locked to the quick-release piece by rotation. The rotation occurs in such a way that the resulting relative movement of the quick-release piece to the quick-release counterpart occurs in the circumferential direction of the quick-release piece's external thread - viewed from the quick-release piece to the quick-release counterpart, or counterclockwise to the direction in which the quick-release counterpart is moved relative to the quick-release piece when slid over one another, clockwise if the external thread is a right-hand thread.The rotation occurs in such a way that the quick-release counterpart is rotated counter to the direction of rotation of the external thread of the quick-release piece. The quick-release counterpart obviously has an internal thread for this purpose, which is designed and segmented to correspond to the external thread of the quick-release piece. To release, the procedure is reversed, i.e., first a rotation in the opposite direction, followed by pulling off the quick-release counterpart parallel to the axial direction.

[0021] Said rotation may, for example, be a rotation in the range of 10° to 90°, preferably up to 80°, particularly preferably up to 60°.

[0022] The radial direction refers to any of the strictly mathematically infinite number of radial directions that point outward from a radial center, through which the longitudinal axis of the quick-release fastener typically runs, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The axial direction, in turn, is parallel to the longitudinal axis or perpendicular to the radial direction(s).

[0023] As stated above, when viewed or measured in the radial direction, the threaded part segments have a projection or step compared to the guide part segments that follow in the circumferential direction.

[0024] By designing the threaded segments with metric or imperial threads, a screw connection with elements that have a corresponding conventional metric or imperial internal thread is possible, despite the guide segments. This means that the quick-release piece can not only be connected to a silencer with a quick-release counterpart, but also, for example, a silencer with a corresponding metric or imperial thread can be screwed onto the quick-release piece. This means that, for example, different silencers can be mounted on a firearm equipped with the quick-release piece.

[0025] To ensure a secure and mechanically stable connection, at least five thread recesses, also known as notches, are provided. Further securing elements, such as additional grooves and the lugs engaging with them, are therefore unnecessary for the quick-release fastener or its counterpart. The quick-release fastener can be designed accordingly slim, so that it does not protrude significantly beyond the barrel in the radial direction.

[0026] The number of locking elements is determined by multiplying the number of thread pitches by the number of thread segments. If the metric or imperial thread is designed as a fine pitch thread, the number of thread pitches can be increased accordingly without increasing the axial size of the quick-release fastener.

[0027] For example, ten thread recesses and three threaded segments (or guide segments) can be provided, so that the thread flanks result in 30 flat elements that act as a block or lock with high locking pressure, thus guaranteeing a firm hold.

[0028] As already mentioned, other elements necessary for a stable locking mechanism can be dispensed with. In particular, no additional support surfaces are required; instead, one end face of the quick-release piece forms a support surface that, during locking, comes into contact or engages with a corresponding support surface on the quick-release counterpart, so that the two support surfaces are pressed against each other. The end face of the quick-release piece that acts as a support surface is the one that forms the muzzle-side end of the quick-release piece, with the quick-release piece extending axially from one barrel-side end to the muzzle-side end. Thus, when the quick-release piece is used as intended, this support surface is located "at the front" of the firearm or barrel.

[0029] Accordingly, the quick-release fastener eliminates any radially protruding flanges, resulting in a significantly slimmer, more space-saving silhouette compared to existing solutions. Therefore, handling a firearm equipped with the quick-release fastener is no more cumbersome for the user than handling a firearm without it.

[0030] In principle, various common metric or imperial threads can be provided for the external thread of the quick-release fastener, for example, an M18 thread, an M22x1 fine thread, or an M22x1.5 fine thread. In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, the metric thread is an M18x1 fine thread. Due to the frequent use of this thread type in silencers, this achieves particularly high compatibility.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, it is provided that the threaded part segments extend over threaded part segment arc lengths, viewed in the circumferential direction, and that the guide part segments extend over guide part segment arc lengths, viewed in the circumferential direction, with at least two threaded part segment arc lengths being of different sizes and / or at least two guide part segment arc lengths being of different sizes. This guarantees that the quick-release counterpart can only be connected to the quick-release fastener in a unique position or arrangement. Other arrangements offset by a specific angle of rotation are thus excluded. The impact pattern orThe point of impact does not change even after disassembly and repeated assembly of the silencer, which leads to an enormous increase in precision compared to known quick-release systems with several possible mounting positions of the silencer.

[0032] It should be emphasized that, in such embodiments, the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart is also correspondingly segmented. Specifically, the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart can comprise internal thread segments and internal guide segments, wherein at least two of the arc lengths of the internal thread segments and / or at least two of the arc lengths of the internal guide segments are different.

[0033] The arc lengths mentioned naturally correspond to angular ranges, or a respective central angle belongs to the respective arc length, and the arc lengths can therefore also be specified as such central angles. For example, in an embodiment of the quick-release fastener with three threaded sub-segments and guide sub-segments, it can be provided that two guide sub-segments have an arc length that corresponds to a central angle in the range of 40° to 60°, in particular 50°, and that one guide sub-segment has an arc length that corresponds to a central angle in the range of 20° to 40°, in particular 30°. Accordingly, two of the three threaded sub-segments can then have a specific arc length, with the third threaded sub-segment having a smaller arc length.

[0034] In principle, it would be conceivable to provide only two threaded and guide segments to achieve the described functionality. In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, at least three, preferably exactly three, threaded and guide segments are provided. A number of three threaded or guide segments has proven particularly effective in practice, since on the one hand, very high precision is ensured and, on the other hand, the locking surfaces can be designed to be large in order to ensure a particularly strong locking effect or a particularly high locking pressure. Of course, embodiments with a larger number of threaded and guide segments are also conceivable, for example with four, five or even more threaded and guide segments.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, it is provided that the quick-release fastener extends in the axial direction from a barrel-side end to a mouth-side end and that, viewed in the axial direction, a locking lug is arranged in front of the external thread, which locking lug adjoins one of the threaded part segments in order to prevent over-tightening of the quick-release counterpart when the connection to the quick-release counterpart is released and thus an unwanted reconnection of the quick-release counterpart to the quick-release fastener, wherein the locking lug projects beyond the guide part segments viewed in the radial direction and extends at most as far as the threaded part segments. I.e. the locking lug does not project beyond the threaded part segments in the radial direction.

[0036] This further increases practicality, as even when the user operates quickly, the quick-release piece and quick-release counterpart are connected, locked, and released in an absolutely reliable and clear manner.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, it is provided that the mounting section has an internal thread in order to enable screwing with an external thread of the barrel, wherein the quick-release fastener has a driving profile, in particular a hexagon socket profile, in the region of a muzzle-side end, wherein the driving profile is arranged after the internal thread as seen in the axial direction and wherein the axial direction points from a barrel-side end of the quick-release fastener to the muzzle-side end.

[0038] The internal thread can be adapted to a wide variety of external threads of the respective barrel. In particular, the internal thread can be designed in the range M10x1 to M18x1, for example, as M12, M13, M14, or M15x1. Inch internal threads are also possible for screwing with corresponding external threads of the respective barrel, for example, 1 / 2x20", 1 / 2x28", or 5 / 8x24".

[0039] To ensure the most compact design possible, the mounting section, in particular the internal thread, of the quick-release fastener can be arranged so as to overlap the external thread of the quick-release fastener at least in sections in the radial direction. For such an arrangement, it is clearly necessary that there is a certain size difference between the external thread and the internal thread of the quick-release fastener. For example, the aforementioned arrangement is still possible in practice if the external thread of the quick-release fastener is of type M18x1 and the internal thread is of type M16x1. If, for example, the external thread of the quick-release fastener is of type M18x1 and the quick-release fastener is to be screwed onto a barrel with a thread of type M17x1, the internal thread of type M17x1 cannot have the aforementioned overlapping arrangement because insufficient material is available.In this or similar cases, the quick-connect piece can be made longer in the axial direction, so that the mounting section, in particular the internal thread, and the external thread of the quick-connect piece are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction. Since this typically roughly doubles the length or size in the axial direction of the quick-connect piece compared to a version with the above-described overlapping arrangement of internal and external threads in the radial direction, it can also be referred to as a "double adapter."

[0040] The drive profile allows the user to easily screw the quick-release fastener onto the barrel using the appropriate tool. For example, the drive profile can be designed as a 10 mm hexagon socket, allowing the quick-release fastener to be screwed or tightened onto the barrel using a 10 mm Allen key.

[0041] Analogous to what has been said above, a system is provided according to the invention, comprising a quick-release fastener according to the invention and a quick-release counterpart which has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release fastener, which is segmented with internal thread sub-segments and internal guide sub-segments corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release fastener, as seen in a circumferential direction of the internal thread, wherein, in order to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart can be pushed over the quick-release fastener against the axial direction and then, as seen in the axial direction, can be rotated against the circumferential direction of the external thread in order to first arrange the internal thread sub-segments over the guide sub-segments and then to bring them into engagement with the thread sub-segments.

[0042] It should be emphasized that due to the design of the internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release piece, the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart must also be a metric or imperial thread, preferably a fine thread. This allows not only a quick-release connection of the quick-release counterpart to the quick-release piece, but also a conventional screw connection of the quick-release counterpart to a conventional corresponding metric or imperial external thread. The latter can, in particular, be a metric or imperial fine thread and can be arranged on a barrel of a firearm, either on the barrel itself or on an adapter connected to the barrel.

[0043] Accordingly, as explained in more detail below, the quick-release counterpart can also be used to screw a "conventional" silencer (which, in turn, does not have a quick-release fastener, but rather a conventional internal thread for mounting) onto a barrel with a metric or imperial external thread, or onto a conventional adapter with a metric or imperial external thread. This means that the quick-release counterpart, connected to the conventional silencer and particularly screwed on, allows the conventional silencer to be attached to the barrel using either a quick-release fastener or a conventional screw connection.

[0044] Theoretically, it would be conceivable for the number of internal thread segments to differ from the number of thread segments, and for the number of internal guide segments to differ from the number of guide segments, for example, because an additional groove is milled into an internal thread segment. In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the number of internal thread segments corresponds to the number of thread segments, and the number of internal guide segments corresponds to the number of guide segments. This enables a quick-release connection of the quick-release counterpart to the quick-release piece with optimal hold.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release counterpart is integrated into a silencer. This means that the quick-release counterpart forms part of the silencer, which allows the silencer to be quickly connected to a barrel when the quick-release piece is attached to the barrel. On the other hand, the silencer can also be connected to a barrel if the barrel or an adapter attached to the barrel only has a conventional metric or imperial thread, for example, an M18x1 fine thread, whose size corresponds to the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart.

[0046] The quick-release piece can - but does not have to - be designed in one piece with a part of the silencer, for example with a tubular inner section of the silencer.

[0047] The silencer is therefore clearly part of this preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release counterpart has a screw section with a further external thread to enable screwing to another silencer, wherein the further external thread is preferably a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread. The quick-release counterpart functions here as an adapter that can be screwed to a conventional, additional silencer designed for screwing to the barrel, so that the conventional, additional silencer can then be attached to the barrel both by conventional screwing and by means of a quick-release fastener (in conjunction with the quick-release fastener).

[0049] The additional external thread corresponds to an internal thread of the additional silencer or can be matched to the internal thread of the additional silencer, which is why the additional external thread does not necessarily have to be metric, but can also be inch, in particular as an inch fine thread.

[0050] In order to be able to connect and tighten the quick-release counterpart particularly easily to the further silencer, it is provided in a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention that the quick-release counterpart has an internal driving profile, in particular a hexagon socket profile, wherein, viewed along a longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart, the driving profile is preferably arranged in a region between the internal thread and the screw section.

[0051] The drive profile can be engaged with a suitable tool, in particular with an Allen key, to enable easy screwing and tightening. For example, the drive profile can be designed as a 10 mm hexagon socket profile, which can be engaged with a 10 mm Allen key.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release counterpart is screwed to the additional silencer. This means that the quick-release counterpart functions, as described above, as an adapter for the additional silencer, with the additional silencer being a part of this preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, it is provided that the silencer or the further silencer has a tubular inner section which extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular inner section has one or more slots on a lateral surface, wherein the respective slot forms a through opening in a wall of the tubular inner section and has a course which is inclined to the longitudinal axis and encloses an angle with it which lies between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, in order to tighten the silencer or further silencer on the quick-release piece when gas escapes through the at least one slot caused by a shot being fired, when the quick-release piece is connected to the quick-release counterpart.As usual, this refers to the angle enclosed by the tangent to the curve at each point along the curve, on the one hand, and the longitudinal axis, on the other. Each slot represents an opening from the inside of the tubular inner section to the outside.

[0054] The gases generated by a shot flow out of the barrel and through the slot(s) at high speed, for example, approximately 800 m / s, and high pressure, for example, approximately 4000 bar. The gas impacts the wall of the respective slot and, due to the angle mentioned, generates a torque on the tubular inner section, which in turn tightens the silencer or additional silencers.

[0055] This ensures a long-term, stable, and tight fit of the silencer on the barrel. Even with repeated firing and the associated inevitable thermal expansion of all components, the silencer cannot loosen, but instead retightens with each shot. This ensures that the detachable connection can only be deliberately removed by the user.

[0056] The tubular inner section can be made of titanium or a titanium alloy or of stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy to ensure a drastically increased service life compared to conventional solutions made of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0057] The silencer or additional silencers may - but need not - have, in addition to the tubular inner section, another tubular inner section adjoining it, which is connectable, in particular screwable, to the tubular inner section, or detachably connected, in particular screwed, to the tubular inner section, wherein the two inner sections are then arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the two inner sections may be bonded together.

[0058] To facilitate the screw connection to the further tubular inner section, the tubular inner section can have a corresponding drive profile, in particular a hexagon socket profile. A corresponding tool, in particular an Allen key, can be engaged with this drive profile to conveniently enable said screw connection, including tightening. For example, a 10 mm hexagon socket profile can be provided as the drive profile, with which a 10 mm Allen key can be engaged.

[0059] The further tubular inner section can also be made of titanium or a titanium alloy or of stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy in order to ensure a drastically increased service life compared to conventional solutions made of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0060] The silencer or further silencer typically also has an outer shell (sometimes also referred to as "outer tube" or "base body"), which surrounds the tubular inner section and, if applicable, the further tubular inner section during operation in a manner known per se and is connected to it / these (e.g. by screwing and / or gluing).

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release fastener counterpart is designed as a protective sleeve, wherein the protective sleeve preferably has an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the protective sleeve. This means that the protective sleeve can be attached to the quick-release fastener extremely quickly and detachably by means of a quick-release fastener, thus protecting the quick-release fastener, in particular the external thread of the quick-release fastener, from dirt and external influences.

[0062] To facilitate operation, a grip surface may be provided that increases the grip for the user, for example by means of grooves or ribbing.

[0063] If the protective sleeve is designed to be closed on one side, the protective sleeve can prevent dirt from entering the barrel if the protective sleeve is attached to the quick-release piece and the quick-release piece is attached to the barrel.

[0064] If the protective sleeve is open on both sides, i.e. has a through opening, in particular a bore, it is possible to shoot with the protective sleeve attached, since a projectile can pass through the through opening when the shot is fired.

[0065] In addition to its protective effect, the protective sleeve can also contribute to improving the aesthetic appearance of the firearm equipped with the quick-release piece.

[0066] The protective sleeve can be made of plastic, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy, for example. However, versions made of titanium or a titanium alloy, or stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy, which meet particularly high quality standards, are also conceivable.

[0067] Analogous to what has been said above, the invention also provides a quick-release counterpart for detachable connection with a quick-release piece according to the invention, comprising an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release piece, which internal thread is segmented with internal thread sub-segments and internal guide sub-segments corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release piece, as seen in a circumferential direction of the internal thread, wherein, in order to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart can be pushed over the quick-release piece against the axial direction and then, as seen in the axial direction, can be rotated against the circumferential direction of the external thread in order to first arrange the internal thread sub-segments over the guide sub-segments and then to bring them into engagement with the thread sub-segments.

[0068] With regard to possible embodiments of the quick-release counterpart according to the invention, what was said above in connection with the system according to the invention applies: That is, it can be provided that the number of internal thread sub-segments corresponds to the number of thread sub-segments and the number of internal guide sub-segments corresponds to the number of guide sub-segments.

[0069] The quick-release counterpart can be integrated into a silencer.

[0070] The quick-release counterpart can have a screw section with a further external thread to enable screwing to a further silencer, wherein the further external thread is preferably a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread.

[0071] The quick-release counterpart can have an internal driving profile, in particular a hexagon socket profile, wherein, viewed along a longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart, the driving profile is preferably arranged in a region between the internal thread and the screw section.

[0072] The quick-release counterpart can be designed as a protective sleeve, wherein the protective sleeve preferably has an opening extending along a longitudinal axis of the protective sleeve. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0073] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive concept, but in no way restrict it or represent it exhaustively.

[0074] It shows: Fig. 1 an axonometric view of a quick-release fastener according to the invention Fig. 2 a side view of the quick-release fastener fromFig. 1 Fig. 3 a rear view of the quick release piece from Fig. 1 Fig. 4a front view of the quick release piece from Fig. 1 Fig. 5 a sectional view along the section line VV in Fig. 2 , the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 6 a schematic axonometric view of a first embodiment of a quick-release counterpart according to the invention Fig. 7 a schematic rear view of the quick-release counterpart from Fig. 6 Fig. 8a schematic side view of the quick release counterpart from Fig. 6 Fig. 9 a schematic sectional view along the section line IX-IX in Fig. 8 , the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 10 a schematic axonometric view of a second embodiment of the quick-release counterpart according to the invention Fig. 11 a schematic side view of the quick-release counterpart from Fig. 10 Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view along the section line XII-XII in Fig. 11 , the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 13 a schematic axonometric view of a third embodiment of the quick-release counterpart according to the invention Fig. 14 a schematic rear view of the quick-release counterpart from Fig. 13 Fig. 15 a schematic side view of the quick release counterpart from Fig. 13 WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0075] Fig. 1 shows in an axonometric view a quick-release fastener 1 according to the invention for the releasable fastening of a silencer 2 (cf. Fig. 10, Fig. 11 und Fig. 12 ) or another silencer 28 (indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 8 , where only a section with one end of the silencer 8 is shown) on a barrel 3 (indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 5 , wherein only a section of the barrel 3 having a muzzle 4 is shown) of a firearm (not shown). The quick-release piece 1 comprises an internal mounting section 5 for mounting the quick-release piece 1 in the region of the muzzle 4 of the barrel 3.

[0076] The mounting portion 5 has an internal thread 20 to enable screwing with an external thread (not shown) of the barrel 3. Accordingly, the internal thread 20 is adapted to the external thread of the barrel 3 and can be, for example, of the type M12, M13, M14, or M15x1.

[0077] The quick-release fastener 1 has, in the region of a mouth-side end 19, a driving profile 21 which, in the embodiment shown, is designed as a hexagon socket profile, cf. Fig. 5 . The driving profile 21 is arranged after the internal thread 20, viewed in an axial direction 14, wherein the axial direction 14 points from a barrel-side end 18 of the quick-release piece 1 to the mouth-side end 19.

[0078] For detachable connection with a quick-release counterpart 7 (cf. Fig. 6 bis Fig. 15 ) the quick-release fastener 1 comprises an external thread 6, which, viewed in a circumferential direction 8 of the external thread 6, has at least two threaded part segments 9, 9' and guide part segments 10, 10`, cf. in particular Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 , wherein in the illustrated embodiment, three threaded segments 9, 9' and guide segments 10, 10' are provided. Viewed in the direction of rotation 8, each of the threaded segments 9, 9' is followed by one of the guide segments 10, 10' and vice versa.

[0079] Seen in a radial direction 11 pointing outwards from the inside or from a longitudinal axis 40 of the quick-release piece 1, the threaded part segments 9, 9' project beyond the guide part segments 10, 10` by a projection 17, cf. Fig. 4 . Radial direction 11 is understood to mean each of the strictly mathematically infinite number of radial directions 11 which point outwards from a radial center through which the longitudinal axis 40 of the quick-release fastener 1 runs, normal to the longitudinal axis 40.

[0080] The quick-release fastener 1 has a continuous opening along the longitudinal axis 40.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide segments 10, 10' are designed as milled recesses. The guide segments 10, 10' allow the quick-release counterpart 7 to be pushed over the quick-release piece 1 against the axial direction 14, and then connected or locked to the quick-release piece 1 by rotation.

[0082] During locking, a support surface 48 of the quick-release fastener 1, which is formed by the mouth-side end 19 or by an end face forming the mouth-side end 19, cf. Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 , with a support surface 49 of the quick-release counterpart 7 (cf. Fig. 9 and Fig. 12 ) are brought into contact or engagement, so that the two support surfaces 48, 49 are pressed against each other. Accordingly, the connected or locked quick-release fastener counterpart 7 rests with its support surface 49 on the support surface 48 of the quick-release fastener piece 1.

[0083] For this purpose, the quick-release counterpart 7 clearly has an internal thread 22, which is designed and segmented to correspond to the external thread 6 of the quick-release piece 1, as explained in more detail below. To release, the procedure is reversed, i.e., first a rotation in the opposite direction, followed by pulling off the quick-release counterpart 7 in the axial direction 14.

[0084] The threaded part segments 9, 9' are each designed as a metric or inch thread with at least five, in particular with at least ten, thread recesses 12, wherein the thread recesses 12 are arranged between thread flanks 13 arranged one behind the other as seen in the axial direction 14, cf. Fig. 2 oder Fig. 5 . By designing the threaded segments 9, 9' as metric or inch threads, a screw connection with elements having a corresponding conventional metric or inch internal thread is possible despite the guide segments 10, 10`.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded segments 9, 9' are designed as a metric fine thread M18x1. (At least) ten thread recesses 12 are provided, so that the three threaded segments 9, 9', due to the thread flanks 13, result in (at least) thirty flat elements that act as a blocking element or lock with high locking pressure, ensuring a secure hold.

[0086] In order to always guarantee clear positioning relative to one another when quickly connecting the quick-release piece 1 to the quick-release counterpart 7, the exemplary embodiment shown provides that the threaded part segments 9, 9' extend over threaded part segment arc lengths 15, 15' as seen in the direction of rotation 8, wherein the guide part segments 10, 10' extend over guide part segment arc lengths 16, 16' as seen in the direction of rotation 8, wherein the threaded part segment arc lengths 15, 15' are of different sizes and the guide part segment arc lengths 16, 16' are of different sizes. This means that the threaded part segment arc lengths 15 of the two threaded part segments 9 are of the same size, and the threaded part segment arc length 15' of the threaded part segment 9' differs from the threaded part segment arc lengths 15 in that it is greater than the latter.Analogously, the guide segment arc lengths 16 of the two guide segments 10 are the same size, and the guide segment arc length 16' differs from the guide segment arc lengths 16 in that it is smaller than the latter. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide segment arc lengths 16 each correspond to a center angle of approximately 50°, and the guide segment arc length 16' corresponds to a center angle of approximately 30°.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-release piece 1 also has a locking nose 37 which is arranged in front of the external thread 6 as seen in the axial direction 14, cf. Fig. 3 The locking lug 37 adjoins the threaded part segment 9' in order to prevent overtightening of the quick-release counterpart 7 when releasing the connection with the quick-release counterpart 7 and thus an unintentional reconnection of the quick-release counterpart 7 to the quick-release piece 1. The locking lug 37 projects beyond the guide part segments 10, 10' when viewed in the radial direction 11 and extends at most as far as the threaded part segments 9, 9'.

[0088] Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic axonometric view, a first embodiment of the quick-release counterpart 7 according to the invention, which together with the quick-release piece 1 forms a system according to the invention. As already explained, the quick-release counterpart 7 is designed for detachable connection to the quick-release piece 1. The quick-release counterpart 7 comprises an internal thread 22 corresponding to the external thread 6 of the quick-release piece 1, which, viewed in a circumferential direction 25 of the internal thread 22, is segmented with internal thread sub-segments 23 and internal guide sub-segments 24 corresponding to the external thread 6 of the quick-release piece 1, cf. Fig. 7 . To produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart 7 can be pushed over the quick-release piece 1 against the axial direction 14 and then rotated against the circumferential direction 8 of the external thread 6, viewed in the axial direction 14, in order to first arrange the internal thread segments 23 over the guide segments 10, 10' and then to bring them into engagement with the thread segments 9, 9'.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the number of internal thread segments 23 corresponds to the number of thread segments 9, 9' and is three. Likewise, in the illustrated embodiments, the number of internal guide segments 24 corresponds to the number of guide segments 10, 10' and is three.

[0090] In the illustrated first embodiment, the quick-release counterpart 7 has a screw section 26 with a further external thread 27 in order to enable a screw connection with the further silencer 28, wherein the further external thread 27 is matched to a corresponding internal thread (not shown) of the further silencer 28 and is preferably a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread.

[0091] In the first embodiment shown, the quick-release counterpart 7 extends along a longitudinal axis 29 from a first end 43 to a second end 44 (cf. Fig. 9 as well as Fig. 7 , which shows a rear view looking at the second end 44) ​​and has a continuous opening along the longitudinal axis 29. For screwing to the additional silencer 28, the quick-release counterpart 7 is inserted into the additional silencer 28 with the first end 43. For connection to the quick-release piece 1, the quick-release counterpart 7 is pushed with its second end 44 over the quick-release piece 1 and then twisted, as already described above.

[0092] To enable a user to easily tighten the quick-release counterpart 7 to the additional silencer 28, the quick-release counterpart 7 in the illustrated first embodiment has an internal drive profile 21, which in the illustrated first embodiment is designed as a hexagon socket. In the illustrated first embodiment, the drive profile 21 is arranged in the region of the first end 43, see. Fig. 9 . An Allen key can be brought into engagement with the driving profile 21 through the through opening from the side of the second end 44 in order to conveniently enable screwing and tightening with the additional silencer 28.

[0093] Fig. 10 shows a schematic axonometric view of a second embodiment of the quick-release counterpart 7, wherein the quick-release counterpart 7 is integrated into the silencer 2. Unless otherwise stated, the above statements regarding the quick-release counterpart 7 apply, and therefore no repetition is required here.

[0094] The quick-release counterpart 7 is manufactured in one piece with a tubular inner section 30 of the silencer 2 or is milled into it.

[0095] The tubular inner section 30 extends along a longitudinal axis 31, cf. Fig. 11 . On a lateral surface 32, the tubular inner section 30 in the illustrated second embodiment has four slots 33. Each of these slots 33 forms a continuous opening in a wall 34 of the tubular inner section 30 and has a course (in Fig. 12 indicated by dotted lines), which is inclined to the longitudinal axis 31 and forms an angle 47 with it, which lies between 15° and 60°, cf. Fig. 12 . As usual, this refers to the angle enclosed, on the one hand, by the tangent (not shown) to the curve at each point along the curve and, on the other hand, by the longitudinal axis 31. This ensures that, in the event of gas escaping through the slots 33 caused by a shot being fired, the silencer 2 is tightened on the quick-release piece 1 when the quick-release piece 1 is connected to the quick-release counterpart 7. This reliably prevents any undesired loosening of the silencer 2 during a shot being fired, particularly due to unavoidable thermal expansion.

[0096] As in Fig. 11 As indicated by dashed lines, the silencer 2 in the illustrated embodiment has, in addition to the tubular inner section 30, a further tubular inner section 39 which is connected to the tubular inner section 30, in particular screwed, or detachably connected, in particular screwed, with the tubular inner section 30, wherein the two inner sections 30, 39 are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis 31. Fig. 11 only one section is shown with one end of the further tubular inner section 39. For the aforementioned screw connection of the inner sections 30, 39, the tubular inner section 30 has an external thread 41, which is brought into engagement with a corresponding internal thread (not shown) of the further tubular inner section 39.

[0097] In order to facilitate the screw connection with the further tubular inner section 39, the tubular inner section 30 has a corresponding driving profile 21, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a hexagon socket profile, cf. Fig. 12 . This drive profile 21 allows an Allen key to be engaged to conveniently enable the aforementioned screw connection and tightening.

[0098] The tubular inner section 30 extends along the longitudinal axis 31 from a first end 45 to a second end 46. Along the longitudinal axis 31, the tubular inner section 30—like the further tubular inner section 39—has a continuous opening. The driving profile 21 is arranged in the region of the first end 45, and the external thread 41 is arranged in the region of the second end 46. The internal thread 22 is also arranged in the latter region, see FIG. Fig. 12 .

[0099] For connection to the barrel 3 or to the quick-release piece 1, the latter is pushed from the side of the second end 46 through the further tubular inner section 39 into the tubular section 30 in the area of ​​the second end 46 with the internal thread 22 and then twisted, as already described above.

[0100] The silencer 2 also has an outer shell 42 (sometimes also referred to as "outer tube" or "base body"), which surrounds the tube-like inner section 30 and the further tube-like inner section 39 during operation in a manner known per se and is connected to them (e.g. by screwing and / or gluing) and in Fig. 11 is indicated by dotted lines, whereby only a section with one end of the outer shell 42 is shown.

[0101] Fig. 13 shows a schematic axonometric view of a third embodiment of the quick-release counterpart 7, wherein the quick-release counterpart 7 is designed as a protective sleeve 35. Unless otherwise stated, the above statements regarding the quick-release counterpart 7 apply, and therefore, repetition is omitted here.

[0102] This means that the protective sleeve 35 can be fastened to the quick-release fastener 1 in an extremely quick and detachable manner by means of a quick-release fastener, in that, as described in detail above, the internal thread 22 with its internal thread segments 24 (cf. Fig. 14 ) is brought into engagement with the threaded part segments 9, 9' of the external thread 6 in order to protect the quick-release fastener 1, in particular the external thread 6 of the quick-release fastener 1, from dirt and external influences.

[0103] To facilitate operation, a grip surface 38 with grooves is provided, which increases the grip for the user, see. Fig. 15 .

[0104] In the third embodiment shown, the protective sleeve 35 has a continuous opening along a longitudinal axis 36. Accordingly, firing is also possible with the protective sleeve 35 attached, since a projectile can pass through the continuous opening when the shot is fired. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0105] 1Quick-release piece 2Silencer 3Barrel 4Mouth 5Mounting section 6External thread 7Quick-release counterpart 8Direction of rotation 9, 9`Threaded part segment 10, 10'Guide part segment 11Radial direction 12Thread recess 13Thread flank 14Axial direction 15, 15'Threaded part segment arc length 16, 16'Guide part segment arc length 17Protrusion 18Barrel-side end 19Mouth-side end 20Internal thread 21Drive profile 22Internal thread of the quick-release counterpart 23Internal threaded part segment 24Internal guide part segment 25Direction of rotation of the internal thread 26Screw section 27Further external thread 28Further silencer 29Longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart 30Tubular inner section 31Longitudinal axis of the tubular inner section 32Surface of the tubular inner section 33Slot 34Wall of the tubular inner section 35Protective sleeve 36Longitudinal axis of the protective sleeve 37Locking lug 38Grip surface 39Further tubular inner section 40Longitudinal axis of the quick-release piece 41External threadof the tubular inner section 42 Silencer outer shell 43 First end of the quick-release counterpart 44 Second end of the quick-release counterpart 45 First end of the tubular inner section 46 Second end of the tubular inner section 47 Angle 48 Support surface of the quick-release piece 49 Support surface of the quick-release counterpart

Claims

1. A quick-release fastener (1) for releasably fastening a silencer (2) to a barrel (3), comprising an internal mounting section (5) for mounting the quick-release fastener (1) in the region of a muzzle (4) of the barrel (3) and an external thread (6) for releasably connecting it to a quick-release counterpart (7), wherein the external thread (6) has at least two threaded segments (9, 9') and guide segments (10, 10') viewed in a circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6), wherein each threaded segment (9, 9') is followed by a guide segment (10, 10') viewed in the circumferential direction (8) and vice versa, wherein the threaded segments (9, 9') project beyond the guide segments (10, 10') viewed in a radial direction (11) pointing from the inside outwards, characterized in thatthe threaded part segments (9, 9') are each designed as a metric or inch thread, in particular a metric or inch fine thread, with at least five thread recesses (12), wherein the thread recesses (12) are arranged between thread flanks (13) arranged one behind the other as seen in an axial direction (14).

2. Quick-release fastener (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metric thread is an M18x1 fine thread.

3. Quick-release fastener (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the threaded part segments (9, 9`) extend over threaded part segment arc lengths (15, 15`) as seen in the direction of rotation (8), that the guide part segments (10, 10`) extend over guide part segment arc lengths (16, 16`) as seen in the direction of rotation (8), wherein at least two threaded part segment arc lengths (15, 15`) are of different sizes and / or at least two guide part segment arc lengths (16, 16`) are of different sizes.

4. Quick-release fastener (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least three, preferably exactly three, threaded part segments (9, 9`) and guide part segments (10, 10`) are provided.

5. Quick-release fastener (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe quick-release fastener (1) extends in the axial direction (14) from a barrel-side end (18) to a mouth-side end (19), and in that, viewed in the axial direction (14), a locking lug (37) is arranged in front of the external thread (6), which locking lug adjoins one of the threaded part segments (9, 9') in order to prevent over-tightening of the quick-release fastener counterpart (7) when the connection to the quick-release fastener counterpart (7) is released, and thus an unwanted reconnection of the quick-release fastener counterpart (7) to the quick-release fastener (1), wherein the locking lug (37) projects beyond the guide part segments (10, 10') viewed in the radial direction (11) and extends at most as far as the threaded part segments (9, 9').

6. Quick-release fastener (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatthe mounting section (5) has an internal thread (20) to enable screwing to an external thread of the barrel (3), wherein the quick-release fastener (1) has a driving profile (21), in particular a hexagon socket profile, in the region of a muzzle-side end (19), wherein the driving profile (21) is arranged after the internal thread (20) as seen in the axial direction (14), and wherein the axial direction (14) points from a barrel-side end (18) of the quick-release fastener (1) to the muzzle-side end (19).

7. System comprising a quick-release fastener (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a quick-release counterpart (7) which has an internal thread (22) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release fastener (1), which, as seen in a circumferential direction (25) of the internal thread (22), is segmented with internal thread sub-segments (23) and internal guide sub-segments (24) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release fastener (1), wherein, to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart (7) can be pushed over the quick-release fastener (1) against the axial direction (14) and then rotated against the circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6) as seen in the axial direction (14), in order to first arrange the internal thread sub-segments (24) over the guide sub-segments (10, 10') and then to bring them into engagement with the thread sub-segments (9, 9').

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe number of internal thread segments (23) corresponds to the number of thread segments (9, 9`) and the number of internal guide segments (24) corresponds to the number of guide segments (10, 10`).

9. System according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the quick-release counterpart (7) is integrated into a silencer (2).

10. System according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the quick-release counterpart (7) has a screw section (26) with a further external thread (27) to enable screwing to a further silencer (28), wherein the further external thread (27) is preferably a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread.

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe quick-release counterpart (7) has an internal driving profile (21), in particular a hexagon socket profile, wherein, viewed along a longitudinal axis (29) of the quick-release counterpart (7), the driving profile (21) is preferably arranged in a region between the internal thread (22) and the screw section (26).

12. System according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the quick-release counterpart (7) is screwed to the other silencer (28).

13. System according to claim 9 or 12, characterized in thatthe silencer (2) or the further silencer (28) has a tubular inner section (30) which extends along a longitudinal axis (31), wherein the tubular inner section (30) has one or more slots (33) on a lateral surface (32), wherein the respective slot (33) forms a through-opening in a wall (34) of the tubular inner section (30) and has a profile which is inclined to the longitudinal axis (31) and encloses an angle (47) with the latter which lies between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, in order to tighten the silencer (2) or further silencer (28) on the quick-release piece (1) when gas escapes through the at least one slot (33) caused by the firing of a shot, when the quick-release piece (1) is connected to the quick-release counterpart (7).

14. System according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in thatthe quick-release counterpart (7) is designed as a protective sleeve (35), wherein the protective sleeve (35) preferably has an opening extending along a longitudinal axis (36) of the protective sleeve (35).

15. Quick-release counterpart (7) for detachable connection to a quick-release piece (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an internal thread (22) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release piece (1), which, viewed in a circumferential direction (25) of the internal thread (22), is segmented with internal thread sub-segments (23) and internal guide sub-segments (24) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release piece (1), wherein, to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart (7) can be pushed over the quick-release piece (1) against the axial direction (14) and then rotated against the circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6), viewed in the axial direction (14), in order to first arrange the internal thread sub-segments (24) over the guide sub-segments (10, 10') and then to bring them into engagement with the thread sub-segments (9, 9').

Images