Firearm with cartridge

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] FIREARM WITH CARTRIDGE

[0002] The invention relates to a cartridge firearm having a barrel with an inner surface, a barrel length measured from a cartridge chamber to a barrel muzzle, and a barrel axis, the cartridge having a single, sabot-free projectile with a peripheral surface.

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of such a firearm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] In particular, however, according to the invention, the difference between the inner diameter of the barrel and the

[0021] The outer diameter of the projectile should be larger for smaller calibers and smaller for larger calibers, so that the gap width is not too small for small calibers and not too large for large calibers. In particular, the invention will make the gap width smaller for smaller calibers and larger for larger calibers.

[0022] It is particularly preferred if the inner surface of the barrel is essentially smooth. For the purposes of the invention, the inner diameter of the barrel in the case of a smooth-bore barrel is the largest diameter of the inner surface in a longitudinal section of the barrel. However, it is also possible within the scope of the invention for the inner surface of the barrel to be structured or rough at least in some areas, i.e. to have a surface structured at least in some areas with small elevations or depressions of, for example, less than 0.2 mm in height or depth. Such structuring in the form of, for example, scale-shaped, sawtooth-shaped or cup-shaped elevations or depressions can swirl the propellant gas in a targeted manner in order to be able to utilize the resulting flow-related advantages.

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

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the barrel can also have an inner diameter that varies along the barrel length. In particular, the barrel can have a

[0025] have an inner diameter that reduces the diameter of the barrel muzzle. This reduces the pressure loss due to the gap in the area in front of the muzzle becoming narrower, possibly reduced to a gap width of 0 mm, and allows the existing residual pressure to be used more effectively. This can also improve the guidance of the projectile in the barrel and thus the accuracy of the weapon. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible for the barrel to have an inner diameter that only increases at a distance of, for example, 5 to 10 cm from the cartridge chamber, whereby the gas pressure immediately after the cartridge chamber can be used optimally, and the advantages resulting from the gap according to the invention only become apparent afterwards.

[0026] According to the invention, it is also possible for ribs to be arranged on the inner surface of the barrel, projecting radially inward from the inner surface, and for the ribs to bear against the circumferential surface for a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, measured in the circumferential direction. In this case, the inner surface of the barrel is referred to as the area with the largest diameter in a longitudinal section of the barrel.

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

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

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

[0030] The invention prefers the use of cartridges known in principle, which have a case in which a propellant charge serving as a propellant and at least partially the projectile are accommodated. Ignition of the propellant charge provides propellant gas to expel the projectile from the barrel. However, embodiments in the form of compressed air weapons are also possible, in which the propellant gas is not provided by the propellant charge of a cartridge, but rather, for example, from a gas reservoir, such as a gas cartridge or gas canister. In such firearms, the chamber in which the projectile is accommodated is considered the cartridge chamber, and the projectile is considered the cartridge within the meaning of the invention.

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

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

[0033] In particular, the firearm with cartridge is within the scope of

[0034] Invention is a handgun. For example, the firearm can be a rifle, such as a rifle or shotgun, or a handgun, such as a pistol. However, it is also conceivable that the firearm is a cannon, a grenade launcher, an artillery piece, or a mortar.

[0035] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art

[0036] A firearm with a cartridge known from the technology, with the barrel shown in section,

[0037] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a firearm according to the invention with a cartridge and a barrel shown in section,

[0038] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the barrel of the firearm according to the invention with a cartridge in a simplified representation according to a first embodiment,

[0039] Fig. 4 is a cross-section through the barrel of the firearm according to the invention with cartridge according to Fig. 3,

[0040] Fig. 5 and 6 show a further embodiment of a barrel according to the invention in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section,

[0041] Fig. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of a barrel according to the invention with webs in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section, and Fig. 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of a barrel according to the invention with webs in a simplified representation in longitudinal and cross-section,

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a conventional firearm 1 with a barrel 2 shown in section. The barrel 2 has an inner diameter D LA cartridge 3 is located in a cartridge chamber 4 of the barrel 2. The length of the barrel 2, measured in the direction of the barrel axis from the front end of the cartridge chamber 4 to the muzzle 7 of the barrel 2, is referred to as the barrel length L.

[0043] The cartridge 3 has a projectile 5 with a maximum outer diameter D P which is received with a rear portion in a sleeve 6 of the cartridge 3. The sleeve 6 is further filled with a propellant charge, which can be ignited by an ignition mechanism (not shown) of the firearm 1. When the propellant charge is ignited, propellant gas is produced, with which the projectile 5 is propelled out of the barrel 2 by the gas pressure exerted by the propellant gas.

[0044] In a conventional firearm 1 as shown in Fig. 1, the projectile 5 has a maximum outer diameter D P which is essentially the same size or slightly larger than the inner diameter D Lof run 2.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a firearm 1 according to the invention with cartridge 3, wherein the barrel 2 is also shown in section.

[0046] The inner diameter D L of the smooth barrel 2 of the firearm 1 according to the invention shown in Fig. 2 is larger than the maximum outer diameter D P of the projectile 5. Between an inner surface 8 of the barrel and a peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, there is therefore a gap 10 that is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis and extends around the entire circumference of the projectile 5. Thus, when the projectile 5 is expelled from the barrel 2, the propellant gas can flow through the gap 10 between an inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5.

[0047] For better illustration, the maximum outer diameter D is shown in Fig. 2 P of the projectile 5 much smaller than the inner diameter D Lof the barrel 2. In fact, however, embodiments are preferred in which the maximum outer diameter D P of the projectile 5 only between 2% and 25%, in particular between 5% and 10%, smaller than the inner diameter D L of run 2.

[0048] Figs. 3 to 10 show the barrel 2 of the firearm 1 according to the invention in different embodiments, each in a longitudinal section (Figs. 3, 5, 7 and 9) and in a cross-section (Figs. 4, 6, 8 and 10). The projectile 5 is shown in Figs. 3 to 10 after the propellant charge contained in the casing 6 has been ignited, i.e., during the expulsion of the projectile 5 from the barrel 2. The propellant gas flows past the projectile 5 through the gap 10 formed between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5, as shown by the arrows 11.

[0049] In the embodiment according to Figs. 3 and 4, the barrel 2 has a substantially constant inner diameter D over its length L L The width B of the gap 10 formed continuously between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 is the same over the entire length L of the barrel 2.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the inner diameter D L of the barrel 2 towards the muzzle 7, so that the width B of the gap 10 between the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and the peripheral surface 9 of the projectile 5 also increases more and more from the cartridge chamber 4 towards the muzzle 7.

[0051] 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention, in which webs 12 are arranged on the inner surface 8 of the barrel 2 and run in the longitudinal direction of the barrel 2, i.e. in the direction of the barrel axis. The gap 10 therefore does not extend around the entire circumference of the projectile 5, but only over at least 90% of the circumference. The interruptions in the gap 10 caused by the width of the webs 12 therefore amount to a maximum of 10% of the circumference of the projectile 5, but preferably less, for example less than 5% of the circumference, so that the friction between the end faces of the webs 12 and the circumferential surface 9 of the projectile 5 is as low as possible. In the exemplary embodiments in Figs. 7 and 8, the gap width B is determined by the height of the webs 12.

[0052] Radially inwardly directed end faces of the webs 12 form a guide channel 13 which has a diameter D F The diameter D Fof the guide channel 13 is only slightly larger than or equal to the maximum outer diameter D P of the projectile 5. The projectile 5 is thus guided in the guide channel 13, but the propellant gas can flow past the projectile 5 between the webs 12 through the gap 10 which is continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis.

[0053] The embodiment of the firearm 1 according to the invention shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, with the difference that an oval projectile 5 is used instead of a spherical one. The oval projectile 5 has fins 14 that stabilize the projectile 5 in flight.

[0054] The illustrated embodiments represent only preferred embodiments of the firearm 1 with cartridge 3 according to the invention. Combinations resulting therefrom are also conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0055] List of reference symbols:

[0056] 1 firearm

[0057] 2nd run

[0058] 3 cartridges

[0059] 4 cartridge chambers

[0060] 5 Projectile

[0061] 6 sleeve

[0062] 7 Mouth

[0063] 8 Inner surface of barrel

[0064] 9 Circumferential surface of the projectile

[0065] 10 gap

[0066] 11 arrows

[0067] 12 jetty

[0068] 13 Guide channel

[0069] 14 Survey

[0070] B gap width

[0071] L Barrel length

[0072] D P Projectile outer diameter

[0073] D L Inner diameter barrel

[0074] D F Diameter of guide channel

Claims

Claims:

1. Firearm (1) with cartridge (3) comprising a barrel (2) with an inner surface (8), a barrel length (L) measured from a cartridge chamber (4) to a muzzle and a barrel axis, wherein the cartridge (3) comprises a single, propellant-free projectile (5) with a circumferential surface (9), characterized in that along at least 90% of the barrel length (L) and over at least 90% of the circumference of the projectile (5) between the circumferential surface (9) of the projectile (5) and the inner surface (8) of the barrel (2) a gap continuously open in the direction of the barrel axis (10) is available.

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

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

4. Firearm according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inner surface (8) which is substantially smooth.

5. Firearm according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inner surface (8) with a substantially constant inner diameter (D) over the barrel length (L). L ) exhibits.

6. Firearm according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inner surface (8) with an inner diameter (D) that changes along the barrel length (L). L ) exhibits.

7. Firearm according to claim 6, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inner surface (8) with an inner diameter (D) that decreases before the muzzle. L ) exhibits.

8. Firearm according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the barrel (2) has an inner surface (8) with an inner diameter (D) that increases at a distance of preferably 5 to 10 cm from the cartridge chamber (4). L ) exhibits.

9. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that ribs (12) extending in the direction of the barrel axis and projecting radially inwards from the inner surface (8) are arranged on the inner surface (8) of the barrel (2), and that the ribs (12) bear against the circumferential surface (9) of the projectile (5) for a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, measured in the circumferential direction.

10. Firearm with cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that an inner diameter (D F) of the webs (12) is constant over the running length (L).

11. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that projections (14) extending in the direction of the barrel axis and projecting radially outwards from the circumferential surface (9) of the projectile (5) are arranged, and that the projections (14) bear against the inner surface (8) of the barrel (2) for a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, measured in the circumferential direction.

12. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cartridge (3) has a sleeve (6) in which a propellant charge serving as a propellant and at least partially the projectile (5) is received.

13. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the propellant charge comprises an offensive, in particular platelet-shaped or tubular, powder.

14. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the projectile (5) has a substantially spherical or oval shape or a cylindrical shape with a conical or ogival tip.

15. Firearm with cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the firearm (1) is a handgun, in particular a rifle or a handgun, or a cannon.

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

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