Quick-release 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

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-release fastener for the detachable attachment of a silencer to a barrel, comprising an internal mounting section for mounting the quick-release fastener in the region of the muzzle of the barrel and an external thread for detachable connection with a quick-release counterpart, wherein the external thread, viewed in a circumferential direction of the external thread, has at least two threaded segments and guide segments, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction, each threaded segment is followed by a guide segment and vice versa, wherein, viewed in a radial direction pointing from the inside to the outside, the threaded segments project beyond the guide segments, wherein the threaded segments are each formed with at least five thread recesses, wherein the thread recesses are arranged between thread flanks arranged one behind the other in an axial direction.wherein the threaded segments extend over threaded segment arc lengths when viewed in the circumferential direction, that the guide segments extend over guide segment arc lengths when viewed in the circumferential direction, wherein at least two threaded segment arc lengths are of different lengths and / or at least two guide segment arc lengths are of different lengths. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The use of silencers on firearms is becoming increasingly important, especially since the use of silencers for hunting has been permitted in many countries for some time now, and in some countries there is even a requirement for hunters to use silencers.

[0003] 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 area of ​​the muzzle, but this involves a certain amount of time.

[0004] To reduce assembly time, quick-release systems such as that described in EP 3514475 B1 are known, but these have a number of disadvantages. Typically, a quick-release component of the system is permanently or very difficult to detach mounted on the barrel near the muzzle, and the silencer has a corresponding quick-release counterpart that is either permanently integrated into the silencer or connected to it, particularly in a way that is difficult to detach.

[0005] Firstly, a specific system is chosen, which 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 parts of a "thread" on both the barrel and silencer sides, they actually feature locking elements with a typically trapezoidal cross-section that enable locking, but not a screw connection in the conventional sense, i.e., with a nut with a known thread. In other words, a single locking element does not actually form the thread flanks of a conventional thread.

[0006] These locking elements are arranged in a series, segmented or in sections, in the circumferential direction. Between these segments are free, recessed sections, which may be milled or milled to allow the silencer (with the attached quick-release fitting) to be quickly slid over the muzzle of the barrel. The connection is then established by a twisting motion. Due to design constraints and available space limitations, only a few locking elements, typically four or a maximum of five, are arranged in a single segment in the axial direction. Therefore, in addition to these locking elements, further components, such as additional grooves and engaging lugs, are usually required for a secure hold, which increases the manufacturing complexity.Furthermore, these additional elements generally increase the size, particularly the diameter. Another example of this is the additional support surfaces that come into contact or engage during locking, and against which the quick-release piece and its counterpart are supported or pressed. For example, known quick-release pieces feature one or more radially outward-projecting flanges as support surfaces, which are typically located at the end of the quick-release piece furthest from the muzzle when it is mounted on the barrel. Each such radially projecting flange requires space, making the firearm equipped with the quick-release piece not only visually but also in actual handling more cumbersome.

[0007] Another disadvantage of known quick-release systems is that, depending on the number of the aforementioned segments and the free sections between them, there are several, typically three, relative positions in which the silencer can be mounted on the barrel. Due to manufacturing tolerances that are unavoidable in practice, this leads to different points of impact for the different silencer positions, which is detrimental to shooters, especially hunters.

[0008] Another disadvantage typically exhibited by well-known quick-release systems, as well as conventional screw systems, is a lack of long-term stability. This means that, especially with repeated firing, the silencer can loosen from the barrel, not least due to unavoidable thermal expansion.

[0009] German patent DE 20 2018 005980 U1 discloses a system for the quick mounting and dismounting of a silencer on the barrel of a firearm. The fastening mechanism is a segmented thread consisting of equally sized segments.

[0010] US Patent 2008 / 0156183 A1 discloses a system for the quick mounting and dismounting of a silencer on the barrel of a firearm. The mounting mechanism also features a segmented thread and an O-ring to increase friction between the components connected by the mounting mechanism, thus ensuring a secure fit of the mounted silencer. To ensure unambiguous orientation during silencer mounting, the segments of the segmented thread are of different sizes. TASK OF INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a quick-release fastener for the detachable attachment of a silencer to the barrel of a firearm, as well as a corresponding quick-release fastener, which avoid the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, increased flexibility and compatibility with known silencers without a quick-release fastener are to be achieved.

[0012] Preferably, a clear position of the silencer relative to the barrel of the firearm should be ensured when attached with a quick-release fastener, in order to guarantee stable point of impact. Furthermore, long-term stability of the attachment, particularly even after repeated firing, should be guaranteed. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To solve the aforementioned problem, a quick-release fastener for the detachable attachment of a silencer to a barrel is required, comprising an internal mounting section for mounting the quick-release fastener in the area of ​​the muzzle of the barrel and an external thread for detachable connection with a quick-release counterpart, wherein the external thread, viewed in a circumferential direction of the external thread, has at least two thread segments and guide segments, wherein, viewed in the circumferential direction, each thread segment is followed by a guide segment and vice versa, wherein, viewed in a radial direction pointing from the inside to the outside, the thread segments project beyond the guide segments, wherein the thread segments are each formed with at least five thread recesses, wherein the thread recesses are arranged between thread flanks arranged one behind the other in an axial direction.wherein the threaded segments extend over arc lengths of threaded segments viewed in the circumferential direction, wherein the guide segments extend over arc lengths of guide segments viewed in the circumferential direction, wherein at least two threaded segment arc lengths are of different sizes and / or at least two guide segment arc lengths are of different sizes, provided according to the invention that the threaded segments are each designed as a metric or inch thread, in particular a metric or inch fine thread, that the quick-release piece extends in the axial direction from a running-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 connects to one of the threaded segments,to prevent over-tightening of the quick-release counterpart when releasing the connection with the quick-release piece, and thus an unintentional reconnection of the quick-release counterpart to the quick-release piece, wherein the locking lug, viewed radially, projects beyond the guide segments and extends at most as far as the thread segments.

[0014] As mentioned at the beginning, "barrel" refers to the barrel of a firearm to which the quick-release fastener can be mounted.

[0015] It should be emphasized that the quick-release fastener can of course be used to mount not only silencers, but also other elements, such as a muzzle brake, on the barrel.

[0016] The quick-release fastener, which is designed for mounting on the barrel in a manner known per se (in particular by screwing and / or gluing), can also be referred to as a barrel locking sleeve. Clearly, the quick-release fastener has a continuous opening, in particular a bore, especially along its longitudinal axis, through which a projectile can pass when the weapon is fired.

[0017] Preferably, the quick-release fastener and / or its counterpart is made of titanium or a titanium alloy, or of stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy. This ensures a drastically increased service life compared to conventional solutions made of aluminum or aluminum alloys, allowing for virtually unlimited precise and mechanically highly stable connections between the quick-release fastener and its counterpart.

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

[0019] "At least two thread segments and guide segments" is to be understood as meaning that the external thread always has the same number of thread segments as guide segments. Theoretically, it would also be conceivable that at least one thread segment, viewed axially, has at least two sections arranged one behind the other, separated by a recess, the recess being in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] The guide segments can be formed by recesses or milled grooves and allow the quick-release counterpart to be slid parallel (unless explicitly stated otherwise, "parallel" also includes "antiparallel") to the axial direction over the quick-release piece, in order to then be connected or locked to the quick-release piece by a rotation. The rotation is such that the resulting relative movement of the quick-release piece to the quick-release counterpart occurs in the direction of rotation of the quick-release piece's external thread – viewed from the quick-release piece to the quick-release counterpart, or counter-clockwise if the external thread is a right-hand thread, in the direction in which the quick-release counterpart is moved relative to the quick-release piece when slid over it.The rotation is performed such that the quick-release counterpart is turned against the direction of rotation of the external thread of the quick-release element. The quick-release counterpart clearly has an internal thread for this purpose, which is designed and segmented to correspond to the external thread of the quick-release element. To release, the procedure is reversed: first, a rotation in the opposite direction, followed by pulling the quick-release counterpart off parallel to the axial direction.

[0021] The rotation in question can, for example, be a rotation in the range of 10° to 90°, preferably up to 80°, and particularly preferably up to 60°.

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

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

[0024] Because the threaded segments are designed with metric or imperial threads, screw connections with elements that have a corresponding conventional metric or imperial internal thread are possible, despite the guide segments. This means that the quick-release fitting 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 fitting. In other words, different silencers can be mounted on a firearm equipped with the quick-release fitting.

[0025] To ensure a secure and mechanically stable connection, at least five threaded recesses, also known as notches, are provided. Additional locking elements, such as extra grooves and engaging lugs, are therefore unnecessary for the quick-release fastener and its counterpart. Consequently, the quick-release fastener can be designed to be 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 recesses by the number of thread segments. When designing the metric or imperial thread as a fine thread, the number of thread recesses can be increased accordingly in the axial direction without increasing the size of the quick-release fastener.

[0027] For example, ten thread recesses and three thread segments (or guide segments) can be provided, resulting in 30 flat, locking elements with high locking pressure on the thread flanks, which guarantee a secure hold.

[0028] As already mentioned, no further elements necessary for a stable locking mechanism are required. In particular, no additional support surfaces are needed; instead, an end face of the quick-release piece forms a support surface that, upon locking, comes into contact with a corresponding support surface on the counterpart of the quick-release piece, thus pressing the two support surfaces against each other. The end face of the quick-release piece that functions as a support surface is the one that forms the muzzle end of the quick-release piece, with the quick-release piece extending axially from one end near the barrel to the muzzle end. Therefore, when the quick-release piece is used as intended on the firearm or barrel, this support surface is located at the front.

[0029] Accordingly, the quick-release fastener does not require 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 one.

[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] The quick-release fastener according to the invention is designed so that the threaded segments, viewed in the direction of rotation, extend over arc lengths of threaded segments, and the guide segments extend over arc lengths of guide segments, wherein at least two threaded segment arc lengths and / or at least two guide segment arc lengths are of different lengths. This ensures that the counterpart to the quick-release fastener can only be connected to the quick-release fastener in one unambiguous position or arrangement. Other arrangements offset by a specific rotational angle are thus excluded. Accordingly, the impact pattern or point of impact does not change even after disassembly and reassembly of the silencer, resulting in a significant increase in precision compared to known quick-release systems with multiple possible mounting positions for the silencer.

[0032] It should be emphasized that, clearly, in such embodiments, the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart is also segmented accordingly. Specifically, the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart can have 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 of different sizes.

[0033] The aforementioned arc lengths naturally correspond to angular ranges, or rather, each arc length corresponds to a specific central angle, 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 segments and guide segments, it can be provided that two guide segments have an arc length corresponding to a central angle in the range of 40° to 60°, in particular 50°, and that one guide segment has an arc length corresponding to a central angle in the range of 20° to 40°, in particular 30°. Accordingly, two of the three threaded segments can then also have a specific arc length, with the third threaded segment having a smaller arc length.

[0034] In principle, it would be conceivable to achieve the described functionality with only two threaded and guide segments. However, a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention provides for at least three, preferably exactly three, threaded and guide segments. Three threaded and guide segments prove to be particularly advantageous in practice, as they ensure very high precision and allow for larger locking surfaces to guarantee a particularly strong locking effect and pressure. Of course, embodiments with a larger number of threaded and guide segments are also conceivable, for example, with four, five, or even more.

[0035] The quick-release fastener according to the invention is designed so that it extends axially from a running-side end to a closing-side end, and a locking lug is arranged axially in front of the external thread. This lug connects to one of the threaded segments to prevent over-tightening of the counterpart when the connection with the quick-release fastener is released, thus preventing unintentional reconnection of the counterpart to the quick-release fastener. The locking lug projects radially beyond the guide segments and extends only as far as the threaded segments. That is, the locking lug does not project radially beyond the threaded segments.

[0036] This further increases practicality, as even with rapid operation by the user, an absolutely reliable and unambiguous connection or locking and release of the quick-release fastener and its counterpart is ensured.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the quick-release fastener according to the invention, the assembly section has an internal thread to enable screwing with an external thread of the barrel, wherein the quick-release fastener has a drive profile, in particular an internal hexagon profile, in the area of ​​a muzzle-side end, wherein the drive profile is arranged after the internal thread 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 on the respective barrel. In particular, the internal thread can be in the range of M10x1 to M18x1, for example, as M12, M13, M14, or M15x1. Furthermore, imperial internal threads are also possible to allow screwing into corresponding external threads on the respective barrel, for example, 1 / 2x20", 1 / 2x28", or 5 / 8x24".

[0039] To ensure the most compact design possible, the mounting section, particularly the internal thread, of the quick-release fastener can be arranged to overlap the external thread of the quick-release fastener, at least partially, when viewed radially. For such an arrangement to be possible, a certain size difference between the external and internal threads of the quick-release fastener is clearly necessary. For example, this arrangement is still feasible in practice if the external thread of the quick-release fastener is type M18x1 and the internal thread is type M16x1. However, if the external thread of the quick-release fastener is 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 there is insufficient material available.In this or similar cases, the quick-release fastener 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-release fastener are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction. Since the length or size in the axial direction of the quick-release fastener is typically about doubled compared to a version where the internal and external threads overlap in the radial direction as described above, it can also be referred to as a "double adapter".

[0040] The drive profile allows the user to conveniently screw the quick-release fastener onto the barrel using the appropriate tool. For example, the drive profile can be designed as a 10 mm internal hexagon profile, so that the quick-release fastener can be screwed or tightened onto the barrel using a 10 mm internal hexagon wrench.

[0041] Analogous to the 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, viewed in a circumferential direction of the internal thread, is segmented with internal thread segments and internal guide segments corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release fastener, wherein, in order to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart is slidable against the axial direction over the quick-release fastener and subsequently rotatable in the axial direction against the circumferential direction of the external thread in order to first arrange the internal thread segments over the guide segments and then bring them into engagement with the thread segments.

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

[0043] 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 mechanism but 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 in particular screwed to it, allows the conventional silencer to be attached to the barrel either by means of a quick-release mechanism or by means of a conventional screw connection.

[0044] Theoretically, it would be conceivable that the number of internal thread segments differs from the number of thread segments, and the number of internal guide segments differs 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 between the counterpart and the quick-release piece with optimal retention.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release counterpart is integrated into a silencer. That is, the quick-release counterpart forms part of the silencer, allowing the silencer to be quickly connected to a barrel when the quick-release counterpart is attached to the barrel. Furthermore, the silencer can also be connected to a barrel even if the barrel, or an adapter attached to the barrel, only has a conventional metric or imperial thread, for example, an M18x1 fine thread, the size of which corresponds to the internal thread of the quick-release counterpart.

[0046] The quick-release fastener can - but does not have to - be integrally formed with a part of the silencer, for example with a tube-like 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 allow screwing with an additional silencer, wherein the further external thread is preferably a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread. The quick-release counterpart here acts as an adapter that can be screwed to a conventional, additional silencer designed for screwing onto 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 piece).

[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 imperial, especially as an imperial fine thread.

[0050] In order to make it particularly easy to connect and tighten the quick-release counterpart to the further silencer, a particularly preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the quick-release counterpart has an internal drive profile, in particular an internal hexagon profile, wherein, viewed along a longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart, the drive profile is preferably arranged in an area between the internal thread and the screw section.

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

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the quick-release counterpart is screwed to the additional silencer. That is, the quick-release counterpart functions, as described above, as an adapter for the additional silencer, the additional silencer being 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, the silencer or the further silencer has a tube-like inner section extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the tube-like inner section has one or more slots on a lateral surface, wherein the respective slot forms a continuous opening in a wall of the tube-like inner section and has a profile that is inclined to the longitudinal axis and forms an angle with it that is between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, in order to cause the silencer or further silencer to be tightened on the quick-release fastener when the quick-release fastener is connected to the quick-release counterpart, in the event of gas escaping through the at least one slot caused by firing.As usual, the angle in question is that formed by the tangent to the path at each point along the path and by the longitudinal axis. Each slot represents an opening from the interior of the tubular inner section to the outside.

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

[0055] This ensures a long-term, stable, and secure fit of the silencer to the barrel, preventing it from loosening even with repeated firing and the inevitable thermal expansion of all components. Instead, the silencer tightens with each shot. This means that the detachable connection can only be intentionally released 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 further silencers may – but need not – have, in addition to the tubular inner section, a further tubular inner section adjoining it, which is connectable to the tubular inner section, in particular by screwing, or detachably connected to it, in particular by screwing, with the two inner sections then arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis. In particular, 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 drive profile, in particular an internal hexagon profile. A suitable tool, especially an Allen key, can be engaged with this drive profile to conveniently enable the screw connection and tightening. For example, a 10 mm internal hexagon profile can be provided as the drive profile, into 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 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 (e.g. by screwing and / or gluing).

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

[0062] To facilitate operation, a gripping surface may be provided to increase the user's grip, for example through grooves or ribbing.

[0063] Provided the protective sleeve is closed on one side, it can prevent dirt from entering the barrel if the protective sleeve is attached to the quick-release fitting and the quick-release fitting is attached to the barrel.

[0064] Provided the protective sleeve is open on both sides, i.e., has a through opening, especially a bore, it is possible to fire 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 function, the protective sleeve can also contribute to improving the aesthetic appearance of the firearm equipped with the quick-release fastener.

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

[0067] Analogous to the above, a quick-release counterpart for a detachable connection with a quick-release piece according to the invention is also provided, comprising an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release piece, which, viewed in a circumferential direction of the internal thread, is segmented with internal thread segments and internal guide segments corresponding to the external thread of the quick-release piece, wherein, in order to produce a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart is slidable against the axial direction over the quick-release piece and subsequently rotatable in the axial direction against the circumferential direction of the external thread in order to first arrange the internal thread segments over the guide segments and then bring them into engagement with the thread segments.

[0068] Regarding possible embodiments of the quick-release counterpart, what has been said above in connection with the system according to the invention applies: i.e., it can be provided that the number of internal threaded part segments corresponds to the number of threaded part segments and the number of internal guide part segments corresponds to the number of guide part 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 allow screwing with 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 drive profile, in particular an internal hexagon profile, wherein, viewed along a longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart, the drive profile is preferably arranged in an area between the internal thread and the screw section.

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

[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 to restrict or even exhaustively represent it.

[0074] This 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 made ofFig. 1 Fig. 3 a rear view of the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 1 Fig. 4 a front view of the quick-release fastener made of Fig. 1 Fig. 5 a sectional view according to the section line VV in Fig. 2 , where the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 6 a schematic axonometric view of a first embodiment of a quick-release counterpart Fig. 7 a schematic rear view of the quick-release counterpart made of Fig. 6 Fig. 8 a schematic side view of the quick-release counterpart made of Fig. 6 Fig. 9 a schematic sectional view according to section line IX-IX in Fig. 8 , where the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 10 a schematic axonometric view of a second embodiment of the quick-release counterpart Fig. 11 a schematic side view of the quick-release counterpart made of Fig. 10 Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view according to section line XII-XII in Fig. 11 , where the arrows indicate the viewing direction Fig. 13 a schematic axonometric view of a third embodiment of the quick-release counterpart Fig. 14 a schematic rear view of the quick-release counterpart made of Fig. 13 Fig. 15 a schematic side view of the quick-release counterpart made of Fig. 13 WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0075] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of a quick-release fastener 1 according to the invention for the detachable fastening of a silencer 2 (cf. Figure 2). Fig. 10, Fig. 11 und Fig. 12 ) or a further 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 (where only a section of the barrel 3 having a muzzle 4 is shown) of a firearm (not shown). The quick-release fastener 1 comprises an internal mounting section 5 for mounting the quick-release fastener 1 in the area of ​​the muzzle 4 of the barrel 3.

[0076] The assembly section 5 has an internal thread 20 to allow it to be screwed onto 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 type M12, M13, M14 or M15x1.

[0077] The quick-release fastener 1 has a drive profile 21 in the area of ​​an end 19 facing the opening, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as an internal hexagon profile, cf. Fig. 5 The drive profile 21 is arranged in an axial direction 14 after the internal thread 20, wherein the axial direction 14 points from a running-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 (see below). 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] Viewed in a radial direction 11 pointing outwards from the inside or from a longitudinal axis 40 of the quick-release fastener 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 means any of the strictly mathematically infinitely many radial directions 11 that point outwards from a radial center through which the longitudinal axis 40 of the quick-release fastener 1 runs, perpendicular 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' enable the quick-release counterpart 7 to be pushed over the quick-release piece 1 against the axial direction 14, in order to then be connected or locked to the quick-release piece 1 by a rotation.

[0082] When locking, a support surface 48 of the quick-release piece 1 is formed by the end 19 on the open side or by an end face forming the end 19 on the open side, cf. Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 , with a support surface 49 of the quick-release counterpart 7 (see 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 counterpart 7 rests with its support surface 49 against the support surface 48 of the quick-release piece 1.

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

[0084] The thread segments 9, 9' are each designed as a metric or inch thread with at least five, in particular at least ten, thread recesses 12, wherein the thread recesses 12 are arranged between thread flanks 13 arranged one behind the other in the axial direction 14, cf. Fig. 2 oder Fig. 5 . By designing the threaded part segments 9, 9' as metric or inch threads, screwing with elements having a corresponding conventional metric or inch internal thread is made possible despite the guide part 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, together with the three threaded segments 9, 9', the thread flanks 13 result in at least thirty flat, locking elements that act with high locking pressure and guarantee a secure hold.

[0086] To ensure unambiguous positioning between the quick-release fastener 1 and the quick-release counterpart 7 during quick connection, the illustrated embodiment provides that the threaded segments 9, 9' extend over thread segment arc lengths 15, 15' when viewed in the direction of rotation 8, while the guide segments 10, 10' extend over guide segment arc lengths 16, 16' when viewed in the direction of rotation 8. The thread segment arc lengths 15, 15' and 16, 16' are of different lengths. That is, the thread segment arc lengths 15 of the two threaded segments 9 are equal, and the thread segment arc length 15' of the thread segment 9' differs from the thread segment arc lengths 15 in that it is greater than the latter.Similarly, the guide segment arc lengths 16 of the two guide segments 10 are equal, and the guide segment arc length 16' differs from the guide segment arc lengths 16 in that it is smaller. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide segment arc lengths 16 each correspond to a central angle of approximately 50°, and the guide segment arc length 16' corresponds to a central angle of approximately 30°.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-release fastener 1 also has a locking lug 37, which is arranged in front of the external thread 6 when viewed in the axial direction 14, cf. Fig. 3 The locking lug 37 connects to the threaded segment 9' to prevent over-tightening of the quick-release counterpart 7 when the connection is released, thus preventing an unintended reconnection of the quick-release counterpart 7 to the quick-release piece 1. The locking lug 37 projects beyond the guide segments 10, 10' in the radial direction 11 and extends at most as far as the threaded segments 9, 9'.

[0088] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic axonometric view of a first embodiment of the quick-release counterpart 7, which together with the quick-release piece 1 forms a system according to the invention. As already described, the quick-release counterpart 7 is designed for detachable connection with 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 segments 23 and internal guide segments 24 corresponding to the external thread 6 of the quick-release piece 1, cf. Fig. 7 To create a detachable connection, the quick-release counterpart 7 can be pushed over the quick-release piece 1 against the axial direction 14 and then, viewed in the axial direction 14, rotated against the direction of rotation 8 of the external thread 6 in order to first arrange the internal thread segments 23 over the guide segments 10, 10' and then engage 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 to enable screwing 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 (see figure). Fig. 9 as well as Fig. 7 (which shows a rear view looking towards the second end 44) ​​and has a continuous opening along the longitudinal axis 29. For screwing it to the further silencer 28, the quick-release counterpart 7 is inserted into the further silencer 28 with its first end 43. For connecting it to the quick-release piece 1, the quick-release counterpart 7 is pushed over the quick-release piece 1 with its second end 44 and then rotated, as already described above.

[0092] To enable a user to conveniently tighten the quick-release counterpart 7 onto the further 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 an internal hexagonal profile. In the illustrated first embodiment, the drive profile 21 is arranged in the region of the first end 43, cf. Fig. 9 . An Allen key can be inserted through the through opening from the side of the second end 44 and engaged with the drive profile 21 to facilitate screwing and tightening with the further silencer 28.

[0093] Fig. 10 Figure 1 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, what has already been said above regarding the quick-release counterpart 7 applies, and therefore repetition is omitted here.

[0094] The quick-release counterpart 7 is manufactured in one piece with a tube-like inner section 30 of the silencer 2 or 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 through opening in a wall 34 of the tubular inner section 30 and has a profile (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, the angle referred to here is that which is enclosed on the one hand by the tangent (not shown) to the curve at each point of the curve and on the other hand by the longitudinal axis 31. This ensures that when gas escapes through the slots 33 due to firing, the silencer 2 is tightened against the quick-release fitting 1 when the quick-release fitting 1 is connected to the quick-release counterpart 7. This means that unwanted loosening of the silencer 2 during firing, particularly due to unavoidable thermal expansion, is reliably prevented.

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

[0097] To facilitate the screwing together with the further tubular inner section 39, the tubular inner section 30 accordingly has a drive profile 21, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as an internal hexagon profile, cf. Fig. 12 . This drive profile 21 allows an Allen key to be engaged in order to conveniently enable the aforementioned screw connection including 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—as well as the further tubular inner section 39—has a continuous opening. The drive profile 21 is located in the region of the first end 45, and the external thread 41 in the region of the second end 46. The internal thread 22 is also located in the latter region (see figure). Fig. 12 .

[0099] To connect 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 rotated as described above.

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

[0101] Fig. 13 Figure 1 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, what has already been said above regarding the quick-release counterpart 7 applies, and therefore repetition is omitted here.

[0102] The protective sleeve 35 can be attached to the quick-release fastener 1 extremely quickly by means of a quick-release fastener, by means of the internal thread 22 with its internal thread segments 24 (see above). Fig. 14 ) is brought into engagement with the threaded 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, cf. Fig. 15 .

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

[0105] 1 Quick-release fitting 2 Silencer 3 Barrel 4 Muzzle 5 Mounting section 6 External thread 7 Quick-release counterpart 8 Direction of rotation 9, 9' Threaded segment 10, 10' Guide segment 11 Radial direction 12 Thread recess 13 Thread flank 14 Axial direction 15, 15' Threaded segment arc length 16, 16' Guide segment arc length 17 Projection 18 Barrel end 19 Muzzle end 20 Internal thread 21 Drive profile 22 Internal thread of quick-release counterpart 23 Internal thread segment 24 Internal guide segment 25 Direction of rotation of the internal thread 26 Screw section 27 Further external thread 28 Further silencer 29 Longitudinal axis of the quick-release counterpart 30 Tubular inner section 31 Longitudinal axis of the 32 Tubular inner section 33 Shell surface of the tubular inner section 34 Slot 35 Wall of the tubular inner section 36 Protective sleeve 37 Longitudinal axis of the protective sleeve 38 Locking lug 39 Grip surface 30 Further tubular inner section 40 Longitudinal axis of the quick-release fastener 41 External thread42 Silencer outer casing 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. Quick-release piece (1) for releasably fastening a silencer (2) to a barrel (3), comprising an interior mounting section (5) for mounting the quick-release piece (1) in the region of a muzzle (4) of the barrel (3) and an external thread (6) for the releasable connection to a quick-release mating piece (7); the external thread (6), as viewed in a circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6), comprising at least two thread sub-segments (9, 9') and guide sub-segments (10, 10'); as viewed in the circumferential direction (8), a guide sub-segment (10, 10') following each thread sub-segment (9, 9') and vice versa; as viewed in a radial direction (11) pointing from the inside to the outside, the thread sub-segments (9, 9') protruding beyond the guide sub-segments (10, 10'); each of the thread sub-segments (9, 9') being designed with at least five thread convolution recesses (12); the thread convolution recesses (12) being located between thread flanks (13) arranged one behind the other, as viewed in an axial direction (14); the thread sub-segments (9, 9'), as viewed in the circumferential direction (8), extending over thread sub-segment arc lengths (15, 15'), and that the guide sub-segments (10, 10'), as viewed in the circumferential direction (8), extend over guide sub-segment arc lengths (16, 16'); at least two thread sub-segment arc lengths (15, 15') being different in size and / or at least two guide sub-segment arc lengths (16, 16') being different in size; each of the thread sub-segments (9, 9') being designed as a metric or an inch thread, in particular a metric or an inch fine thread; the quick-release piece (1) extending in the axial direction (14) from a barrel-side end (18) to a muzzle-side end (19); and, as viewed in the axial direction (14), a locking cam (37) being arranged in front of the external thread (6), which adjoins one of the thread sub-segments (9, 9') so as to prevent the quick-release mating piece (7) from overwinding, and thereby prevent the quick-release mating piece (7) from undesirably connecting to the quick-release piece (1) again, when the connection with the quick-release mating piece (7) is released; and the locking cam (37), as viewed in the radial direction (11), protruding beyond the guide sub-segments (10, 10') and at most extending as far as the thread sub-segments (9, 9').

2. The quick-release piece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metric thread is a M18x1 fine thread.

3. The quick-release piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least three, preferably exactly three, thread sub-segments (9, 9') and guide sub-segments (10, 10') are provided.

4. The quick-release piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mounting section (5) has an internal thread (20) so as to allow screw-mounting to an external thread of the barrel (3), the quick-release piece (1) in the region of a muzzle-side end (19) comprising a driver profile (21), in particular a hexagon socket profile; the driver profile (21), as viewed in the axial direction (14), being arranged after the internal thread (20); and the axial direction (14) pointing from a barrel-side end (18) of the quick-release piece (1) to the muzzle-side end (19).

5. A system comprising a quick-release piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a quick-release mating piece (7), which has an internal thread (22) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release piece (1), which, as viewed in a circumferential direction (25) of the internal thread (22), is segmented to have internal thread sub-segments (23) and internal guide sub-segments (24) corresponding to the external thread (6) of the quick-release piece (1), wherein, for establishing a releasable connection, the quick-release mating piece (7) is slidable counter to the axial direction (14) over the quick-release piece (1) and thereafter, as viewed in the axial direction (14), is rotatable counter to the circumferential direction (8) of the external thread (6), so as to first arrange the internal thread sub-segments (24) over the guide sub-segments (10, 10') and then bring these into engagement with the thread sub-segments (9, 9').

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the number of internal thread sub-segments (23) corresponds to the number of thread sub-segments (9, 9'), and the number of internal guide sub-segments (24) corresponds to the number of guide sub-segments (10, 10').

7. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the quick-release mating piece (7) is integrated into a silencer (2).

8. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the quick-release mating piece (7) comprises a screw section (26) having a further external thread (27) so as to allow screw-mounting to a further silencer (28), the further external thread (27) preferably being a metric thread, particularly preferably a metric fine thread.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the quick-release mating piece (7) has an interior driver profile (21), in particular a hexagon socket profile, the driver profile (21), as viewed along a longitudinal axis (29) of the quick-release mating piece (7), preferably being arranged in a region between the internal thread (22) and the screw section (26).

10. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the quick-release mating piece (7) is screw-mounted to the further silencer (28).

11. The system according to claim 7 or 10, characterized in that the silencer (2) or the further silencer (28) comprises a tubular inner section (30), which extends along a longitudinal axis (31); the tubular inner section (30) having one or more slots (33) on a lateral surface (32); the respective slot (33) forming a continuous opening in a wall (34) of the tubular inner section (30) and having a progression that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (31) and includes an angle (47) therewith that is between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 60°, so as to effectuate a tightening of the silencer (2) or further silencer (28) at the quick-release piece (1) during the escape of gas through the at least one slot (33) caused by a shot being fired when the quick-release piece (1) is connected to the quick-release mating piece (7).

12. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the quick-release mating piece (7) is designed as a protective sleeve (35), the protective sleeve (35) preferably having a continuous opening along a longitudinal axis (36) of the protective sleeve (35).

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