Floating firing pin for firearms

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating firing pin assembly comprising a front part, designed for inertial movement from a rear position to a forward position to strike the primer of the cartridge. Upon hammer impact, the rear part advances towards the cartridge, carrying the front part until contact is made with the bolt action. Subsequently, the front part disengages from abutment with the rear part, initiating forward sliding by inertia, facilitating the progression of the longitudinal groove, thereby effecting the striking of the primer in the cartridge. In the event of a firearm fall or sudden shock, the front part and / or the rear part may slide forward towards the cartridge; however, the inertia remains insufficient for primer striking, enhancing the safety and security of the firearm.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of firearms and, more particularly, to floating firing pins that can mitigate the risk of inadvertent percussion during instances of firearm falls or accidental events.Background of the invention

[0002] Many firearms, particularly long firearms, are commonly equipped with a firing pin designed to receive the percussion energy from various possible percussion systems, such as rotating or linear hammers. This firing pin is responsible for transmitting the received energy during its stroke between the rear and the front positions.

[0003] In certain relatively long firearms with a hammer-strike firing pin, the firing pin is required to traverse the entire length of the magazine to reach the rear of the chamber and, consequently, the primer. Achieving this requires the firing pin to be sufficiently long and therefore massive.

[0004] The negative effect of incorporating a long and heavy firing pin into the firearm compromises safety, especially in instances of falls or severe, relatively heavy shocks, particularly on the front of the barrel. Inertia during such events may lead to the transmission of significant energy to the primer, giving rise to the risk of inadvertent percussion.

[0005] To overcome this drawback, firearm manufacturers face the necessity of either modularizing the bolt or percussion part or reducing the length and / or mass of the firing pin. However, these proposed solutions introduce challenges, such as the need for additional components, manufacturing feasibility, and potential compromises in robustness and reliability. Importantly, these solutions are not foolproof, and they do not guarantee complete elimination of the risk of accidental percussion.Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a firearm featuring a floating firing pin capable of disassociating the length of the firing pin from the mass of the percussion part. This invention seeks to enhance firearm safety by reducing the likelihood of accidental percussion during falls or sudden, relatively heavy shocks.

[0007] The present invention is related to a firing pin for a firearm comprising: a rear part defining a longitudinal axis A; a front part mounted with a relative movement along the longitudinal axis A on said rear part.

[0008] Preferably, the rear part comprises a longitudinally oriented chamber and a transverse opening in said longitudinally oriented chamber with said transverse opening being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0009] Preferably, the front part is partially accommodated in the longitudinally oriented chamber of the rear part with said front part comprising a longitudinal groove.

[0010] Preferably, the firing pin further comprises a spring coaxially arranged on the front part.

[0011] Preferably, the firing pin further comprises a pin inserted within the transverse opening and at least partially housed by the longitudinal groove, said pin guiding the front part to move along the longitudinal axis and holding it from disassembling from the rear part.

[0012] Preferably, the rear part comprises a head positioned opposite to the side of the longitudinally oriented chamber designed to be hit by a hammer.

[0013] Preferably, the firing pin is intended to be situated within a bolt comprising a breech plug housing the head and a bolt action housing at least partially the front part with the spring.

[0014] Preferably, the head of the rear part is intended to be maintained in contact against the breech plug by the spring when in a rested position.

[0015] Preferably, the rear part and the front part of said firing pin are configured to be in abutment with each other within the longitudinally oriented chamber when in a rested position.

[0016] Preferably, the rear part is configured to move forward toward the direction of the front part carrying the said front part until the said rear part comes into contact with the bolt action upon the hammer striking the head of the rear part.

[0017] Preferably, the front part comprises a tip configured to strike the primer of a cartridge.

[0018] Preferably, the front part is configured to disengage from abutment with the rear part inside the longitudinally oriented chamber and is able of partial sliding within the longitudinally oriented chamber when the front part is propelled forward by inertia.

[0019] Preferably, the front part is being able to advance forward by inertia upon the hammer striking the head of the rear part causing the longitudinal groove to progress until encountering an impediment from the pin, thereby effecting the striking of the primer of the cartridge.

[0020] Preferably, the front part is being able to advance forward by inertia upon the sudden movement of the firearm causing the tip to progress until encountering the primer of the cartridge without initiating a strike.Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a general view of the firing pin of a firearm according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-section of the firing pin of figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-section of the firing pin installed in the firearm in a rested position. Figure 4 is a cross-section of the firing pin installed in the firearm upon hammer striking. Figure 5 is a cross-section of the firing pin installed in the firearm and moved by inertia upon hammer striking. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] The present invention will be described in greater detail in one or more preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended figures and for which elements or details can be combined. The same principle applies when combining elements from the figures which illustrate the principal component of the current invention.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a 3D overview of the firing pin 10 specifically designed for firearms, comprising two primary components or parts, namely the rear part 1 and the front part 2, which are at least partially interlocked with a relative movement between both parts. In the present embodiment, the rear part 1 encases partially the front part 2 but it is possible to have other embodiments where the front part 2 houses the rear part 1. Both the rear part 1 and the front part 2 may share a common longitudinal axis A. The front part 2 of the firing pin 10 features a tip 12 protruding from one end of its cylindrical shape toward the cartridge, designed to strike the primer of the cartridge. For instance, the diameter of the tip 12 may be smaller than that of the diameter of the front part 2 to fit the primer's size of the cartridge and allow the spring 3 to fit through the front part 2 that is restrained by a portion or a segment of the cylinder with a larger diameter.

[0024] Similarly, the front part 2 may possess a diameter smaller than that of the rear part 1 to fit through a cylindrical hallow in the proximal end of the rear part 1, from the perspective of the front part 2. At the opposing end, a head 11 is configured to be hit by the hammer of the firearm.

[0025] Figure 1 further depicts a pin 4 inserted into the transverse opening 21 of the rear part 1. In the present embodiment, the transverse opening 21 may constitute a through transverse opening, allowing the pin 4 to ingress from one transverse side and extend to the opposite transverse side. It is crucial to note that the pin 4 plays a pivotal role in accommodating the front part 2 within the rear part 1, specifically providing a stop for dry firing and ensuring the secure retention of the front 2 within the rear part 1 to prevent disassembly.

[0026] In Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the firing pin 10 provides a detailed presentation of the connection between the rear part 1 and the front part 2. The illustration reveals that the rear part 1 may incorporate a longitudinally oriented chamber 20 wherein a portion of the front part 2 is accommodated.

[0027] In Figure 2, additional details are revealed, showcasing a front part 2 that may incorporate a longitudinal groove 22 interlocked with the pin 4 within the housed part or section of the rear part 1 called chamber 20. The configuration within the chamber 20 may allow the longitudinal movement of the front part 2 without any potential for disassembly from the rear part 1.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the transverse opening 21 within the rear part 1 needs not be a through transverse opening. In this configuration, the pin 4 may ingress from one transverse side and extend partially within the longitudinal groove 22, ensuring longitudinal movement of the front part 2 while maintaining its position within the chamber 20 of the rear part 1.

[0029] The longitudinally oriented chamber 20 and the transverse opening 21 within said chamber 20, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A in the rear part 1, represent one possible technical arrangement for implementing the present invention. A person skilled in the art may devise alternative technical arrangements that achieve the same results. Such alternative arrangements delivering the same results should not be excluded as another embodiment of this invention.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the transverse opening 21, along with the pin 4, may be replaced with one or more detachable components designed to secure the longitudinal movement of the front part 2 within the chamber 20, preventing complete disassembly from the rear part 1. Alternatively the longitudinal groove 22 may be replaced by a longitudinal opening, whether transversely through or not.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the insertion of the firing pin 10 in the firearm 50, where the head 11 of the rear part 1 has reached its terminal position, firmly contacting the breech plug 7 within the assembly of the bolt 5 (Detail C). The spring 3, confined between the bolt action 6 and the front part 2, exerts a force on the entire firing pin 10 block, comprising the rear part 1 connected to the front part 2, propelling it to its furthest backward position. This particular configuration represents the resting position of the firing pin.

[0032] In the rested position of the firing pin 10, not only the rear part 1 may maintain contact against the breech plug 7, but the front part 2 may also abut against the rear part 1 (Detail D in Figure 3). In other words, the front part 2 is configured to engage with the rear part 1 within the chamber 20, causing the firing pin 10 to be positioned backward in general and the rear part 1 to be in abutment with the breech plug 7 of the bolt 5 in particular. Consequently, the head 11, or at least a portion thereof, is exposed within the opening of the breech plug 7 and is ready to be impacted or hit by the hammer 8 upon the release of the trigger.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the breech plug 7 housing the head 11 may be replaced by a simple pin or any other mechanical solution cable for stopping the head 11.

[0034] In Figure 3, the head 11, indicated by arrow B, is situated at its farthest backward position, securely maintained in contact with the breech plug 7 of the bolt 5 by the spring 4, exemplifying the rested position. Additionally, the arrow A points to the connection between the front part 2 and the rear part 1 within the chamber 20. The front part 2, also in its utmost backward position, is either in contact with or abutting against the rear part 1. This abutment may be achieved through its end contact surface against the transverse surface of the chamber 20 or by the interaction of its groove 22 with the pin 4. Most importantly, the front part 2 possesses the capability to move backward, engaging with the rear part 1 and subsequently propelling the rear part 1 backward until it makes contact with or abuts against the breech plug 7, facilitated by the action of the spring 3.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the firing pin 10 inserted in the firearm 50, specifically when the hammer 8 hits the head 11 of the rear part 1. Upon pulling the trigger, the hammer is released, subsequently striking the firing pin 10 at its head 11 (Arrow B). As the head 11 protruded into the void of the breech plug 7 within the bolt 5, the impact of the hammer 8 causes the rear part 1 to move forward towards the direction of the front part 2 (Detail C). With the front part 2 either abutting against or in contact with the rear part 1, the rear part 1 may carry the front part 2 forward together from the backward position (rest position) until the rear part 1 makes contact with the bolt action 6.

[0036] In Figure 4, arrow A highlights the point of contact between the rear part 1 and the bolt action 6 of the bolt 5. In more detail, the bolt action 6 serves to hinder any further forward movement of the rear part 1, promptly arresting it in a precise position. It is important to mention that the connection or engagement of the rear part 1 with the front part 2 within the chamber 20 remains unchanged, as does the engagement between the pin 4 and the groove 22. The front part 2 remains configured to abut against the rear part 1 and / or the pin 4 through its groove 22 (Detail D).

[0037] In another embodiment, the bolt action 6 does not need to be integrated with the bolt 5. Instead, it could be implemented as a separate stop within the frame. This alternative configuration may allow for greater flexibility in design and manufacturing, enabling the bolt action 6 to be positioned independently of the bolt 5. Additionally, various other technical solutions that may achieve the same functional outcome are also possible.

[0038] It is worth mentioning that two changes pertain to two parts, namely the spring 3 and the tip 12. Firstly, the spring 3 initiates compression as the rear part 1, and consequently, the coaxially inserted front part 2 begins to move forward. Secondly, the tip 12 also advances in the direction of the cartridge 9 but does not extend far enough to make contact or interact with the primer 13.

[0039] Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view illustrating the firing pin 10 inserted in the firearm 50. Building upon the previous position described above, wherein the rear part 1 moves further forward, carrying the front part 2 with it as the latter abuts against the rear part 1 and instantly halts upon impacting the bolt action 6, the abrupt movement of the hammer, triggered by pulling the trigger, impacts high energy to the firing pin 10 through the head 11. As the front part 2 is able to advance further by sliding within the chamber 20 and compressing the spring 3, the rapid sliding motion, induced by the high energy impact of the hammer 8, propels the front part 2 forward by inertia when the rear part 1 is immobilized by the fixed wall formed by the bolt action 6.

[0040] In essence, the substantial energy from the rear part 1 may dissipate to the front part 2, adequately comprising the spring 3 and permitting forward movement. The action of the pin 4 comes into play by obstructing the front part 2 from sliding further or disassembling from the chamber 20 of the rear part 1. The front part 2 may partially slide within the chamber 20 (Detail C in Figure 5), guided by the longitudinal groove 22, until the end of the groove 22 encounters the pin 4 (Arrow B in Figure 5). The forward travel distance of the front part 2 may be sufficient to enable the tip 12 to impact or strike the primer 13 of the cartridge 9 (Detail D in Figure 5).

[0041] The pin 4 is only used for dry firing, without ammunition in the chamber. When the primer 13 is fired, the front part 2 of the firing pin 10 may not make contact with the pin 4.

[0042] In the event of a fall, the rear part 1 and the front part 2 may remain isolated, preventing any energy transfer between them. The rear part 1 may be halted by the bolt 5, while the front part 2, if necessary and depending on the acceleration, may be stopped by the primer 13.

[0043] Incorporating a floating front part 2, responsible for striking the primer 13 of the cartridge 9, and intentionally limiting its mass compared to the rear part 1, may help to minimize the potential for transferring sufficient energy to the primer 13 through simple inertia.

[0044] In situations where the firearm 50 experiences a fall or encounters sudden, relatively significant shocks or impacts, the front part 2 may undergo partial or complete sliding within the chamber 20 due to inertia. In such instances, the tip 12 may also advance towards the primer 13 of the cartridge 9. However, the partial or total sliding of the front part 2 may not suffice to reach the primer 13 of the cartridge 9. In a worst-case scenario, if the forward movement of the front part 2 by inertia is triggered by sudden movement of the firearm 50, the tip 12 may progress until it reaches the primer 13 of the cartridge 9. However, the energy or force may be insufficient to initiate a strike. Additionally, the sliding of the front part 2 relative to the rear part 1 may only occur after the rear part 1 has come into contact with the bolt 5.

[0045] Partitioning the firing pin 10 into more than one component allows for the independent adjustment of the firing pin 10 length for the mass of the striking part, i.e., the front part 2. In this configuration, it may be unnecessary for the entire assembly of the firing pin 10 to slide along the length of the bolt 5 to impact the primer 13 of the cartridge 9. Furthermore, the entire assembly of the floating firing pin 10 may not be obliged to strike the primer 13 of the cartridge 9 in a single motion.

[0046] A firing pin 10 comprising multiple parts allows the rear part 1 to be unrestricted in weight, enabling it to absorb percussion energy from the hammer 8 or any other percussion system. This energy is subsequently transmitted during its stroke from the rear position (rested position), compelled by the spring 3, to its front position, constrained by a stop that may be formed by the bolt action 6 or any component within the firearm 50. This mechanism allows the rear part 1 to come to a halt without further transmission of percussion energy. The floating front part 2, responsible for striking the primer 13 of the cartridge 9, is preferably designed with limited mass to mitigate the risk of transferring sufficient energy to the primer 13 through simple inertia, for instance, in scenarios where the firearm 50 is dropped or experiences a shock during use.

Claims

1. A firing pin (10) for a firearm (50) comprising: - a rear part (1) defining a longitudinal axis (A); - a front part (2) mounted with a relative movement along the longitudinal axis (A) on said rear part (1).

2. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claim 1, wherein the rear part (1) comprises a longitudinally oriented chamber (20) and a transverse opening (21) in said longitudinally oriented chamber (20) with said transverse opening (21) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).

3. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claim 2, wherein the front part (2) is partially accommodated in the longitudinally oriented chamber (20) of the rear part (1) with said front part (2) comprising a longitudinal groove (22).

4. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said firing pin (10) further comprises a spring (3) coaxially arranged on the front part (2).

5. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein said firing pin (10) further comprises a pin (4) inserted within the transverse opening (21) and at least partially housed by the longitudinal groove (22), said pin (4) guiding the front part (2) to move along the longitudinal axis (A) and holding it from disassembling from the rear part (1).

6. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein the rear part (1) comprises a head (11) positioned opposite to the side of the longitudinally oriented chamber (20) designed to be hit by a hammer (8).

7. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claim 6, wherein said firing pin (10) is intended to be situated within a bolt (5) comprising a breech plug (7) housing the head (11) and a bolt action (6) housing at least partially the front part (2) with the spring (3).

8. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claim 7, wherein the head (11) of the rear part (1) is intended to be maintained in contact against the breech plug (7) by the spring (3) when in a rested position.

9. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the rear part (1) and the front part (2) of said firing pin (10) are configured to be in abutment with each other within the longitudinally oriented chamber (20) when in a rested position.

10. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the rear part (1) is configured to move forward toward the direction of the front part (2) carrying the said front part (2) until the said rear part (1) comes into contact with the bolt action (6) upon the hammer (8) striking the head (11) of the rear part (1).

11. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front part (2) comprises a tip (12) configured to strike a primer (13) of a cartridge (9).

12. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the claims 2 to 11, wherein the front part (2) is configured to disengage from abutment with the rear part (1) inside the longitudinally oriented chamber (20) and is able of partial sliding within the longitudinally oriented chamber (20) when the front part (2) is propelled forward by inertia.

13. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the front part (2) is being able to advance forward by inertia upon the hammer (8) striking the head (11) of the rear part (1) causing the longitudinal groove (22) to progress until encountering an impediment from the pin (4), thereby effecting the striking of the primer (13) of the cartridge (9).

14. The firing pin (10) for the firearm (50) according to any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the front part (2) is being able to advance forward by inertia upon the sudden movement of the firearm (50) causing the tip (12) to progress until encountering the primer (13) of the cartridge (9) without initiating a strike.

15. A firearm (50) comprising the firing pin (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images