Ammunition container

Abstract

The invention relates to an ammunition container, in particular a magazine insert for a magazine, for a gun, in particular for an airsoft gun, wherein the ammunition container comprises a first housing half and a second housing half, and when the ammunition container is in the installed state, the first housing half and the second housing half form a cavity for receiving ammunition, in particular BB pellets. The first housing half and the second housing half are connected in the installed state by means of a form-fitting connection.

Description

[0001] "Ammunition container"

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an ammunition container for a firearm, in particular for an airsoft firearm. The invention further relates to a method for assembling an ammunition container. The invention further relates to the use of an ammunition container. The invention also relates to a firearm, in particular a handheld firearm, with an ammunition container.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] An airsoft gun, also known as an airsoft gun, is used for the tactical field game of airsoft. It is also used in certain IPSC sport shooting disciplines. These weapons are realistic replicas of real firearms, but without the risk of life-threatening injuries. Airsoft guns operate using spring-loaded, gas-powered, or electromechanically operated compressed air systems to fire round pellets made of various materials.

[0006] Airsoft weapons have an ammunition container to hold the spherical ammunition. The ammunition container can be a magazine or a magazine insert, with the magazine insert possibly being surrounded by another, outer casing. The projectiles currently in circulation are mainly made of plastic and are called BB bullets. They typically have a diameter of 6 mm. This type of spherical projectile is housed either in an ammunition container within the weapon's receiver or in an ammunition container that is detachably attached to the weapon's receiver and is fed individually into the cartridge chamber at the rear of the barrel. According to industry regulations, the bullet diameter is 4.5 mm or larger. The ammunition containers used in these weapons are often surrounded by a decorative outer part with no technical function.However, ammunition containers are also conceivable which do not have such an outer part and / or which themselves have at least part of an outer part.

[0007] Such ammunition containers typically consist of two housing halves that are fastened together with screws. They are also often under the pressure of a coil spring that feeds the ammunition to the cartridge chamber. To evenly absorb the spring load, a large number of screws are required. This results in considerable effort and expense when assembling the ammunition container. Since users of airsoft weapons frequently assemble and disassemble the ammunition container, using the ammunition container is time-consuming. Furthermore, the large number of screws results in unnecessary manufacturing costs, and the service life of the ammunition container is limited, for example, due to abrasive wear between the screws and the screw receptacle.In particular, there is a risk that during assembly of the ammunition container, the screw could destroy the thread due to incorrect positioning or cut a new thread into the ammunition container. This could cause permanent damage to the ammunition container.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ammunition container which requires less assembly effort and costs and is more durable.

[0010] This object is achieved by an ammunition container according to claim 1, the method for assembling an ammunition container according to claim 13, the use of an ammunition container according to claim 14 and a firearm, in particular a hand-held firearm, according to claim 15.

[0011] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to replace the force-locking connection, for example, using a large number of screws, with a form-locking connection. This significantly reduces both the assembly effort and the number of components required for the ammunition container.

[0012] According to a first embodiment, the problem is solved by an ammunition container, in particular a magazine insert for a magazine, for a firearm, in particular for an airsoft firearm, wherein the ammunition container comprises a first housing half and a second housing half, wherein the first housing half and the second housing half form a cavity for receiving ammunition, in particular BB balls, in the assembled state of the ammunition container, wherein the first housing half and the second housing half are connected by a positive connection in the assembled state.

[0013] The advantage of a positive connection between the two housing halves is that the effort required for assembling or disassembling the ammunition container is reduced. This is due to less time and effort required, or due to fewer tools required. A further advantage of a positive connection is a reduced number of parts in the ammunition container and thus a reduced cost of the ammunition container. The positive connection also offers the advantage of an increased service life of the ammunition container compared to ammunition containers with a conventional connection, since positive connections exhibit low wear.

[0014] The ammunition container can be a replaceable or built-in device that can hold ammunition for a firearm and supply it to the firearm as needed. In particular, such an ammunition container can be designed to hold spherical ammunition, preferably BB ammunition. Preferably, the ammunition container is not suitable for holding ammunition containing explosives. If the ammunition container can be connected to a firearm, an ammunition container can be surrounded by an outwardly visible magazine part, in particular a decorative casing. However, the ammunition container can also be connected to a firearm without being surrounded by another outer casing.

[0015] If the ammunition container is not suitable for explosive ammunition, it can be designed particularly simply. In particular, it can be designed in such a way that it is not subject to any or less stringent firearms regulations.

[0016] If the ammunition container can be surrounded by an outwardly visible casing, it can be functionally and thus simply designed without being subject to aesthetic restrictions. The surrounding casing can then be more visually appealing. The airsoft firearm can be a firearm suitable for use with non-explosive ammunition. In particular, the airsoft firearm can be a weapon based on spring pressure, gas, or electromechanically operated compressed air systems to fire round balls made of various materials. The round balls can, in particular, be plastic balls with a diameter of 4 mm to 8 mm. The airsoft firearm can be a firearm with a muzzle energy of 0.03 joules to 7.5 joules.An airsoft gun can be a gun capable of accelerating BB pellets with a mass of 0.12 g–0.48 g to a muzzle velocity of more than 30 m / s, preferably more than 80 m / s. The airsoft gun can be a handheld gun. However, it can also be a non-handheld gun that is permanently mounted on another object.

[0017] The ammunition container has a first housing half and a second housing half. The first housing half and / or the second housing half can be a single body that forms part of the ammunition container. The first housing half and / or the second housing half can form half of the ammunition container. However, the first housing half and / or the second housing half can also form a larger or smaller part than half of the ammunition container.

[0018] The first housing half and / or the second housing half can have any shape, color, and texture. In a preferred embodiment, the first housing half and / or the second housing half can be made of a plastic. This allows the first housing half and / or the second housing half to be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. In a preferred embodiment, the first housing half and / or the second housing half can be injection-molded. This can enable a particularly efficient and thus cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0019] According to the invention, the first housing half and / or the second housing half form a cavity for receiving ammunition, in particular BB pellets, in the assembled state of the ammunition container. The cavity can be any space at least partially surrounded by the first housing half and / or the second housing half, which is suitable for receiving at least a portion of the ammunition required for the airsoft firearm. Accommodating ammunition here can mean the spatial limitation of the ammunition. Accommodating ammunition can also mean positioning the ammunition for feeding into a part of the airsoft firearm in which the ammunition is accelerated. According to the invention, the first housing half and the second housing half form a positive connection in the assembled state."In the assembled state" can describe a state in which the ammunition container is suitable for proper use in the airsoft firearm. In particular, "in the assembled state" can describe the state in which the first housing half and / or the second housing half are joined in such a way that they cannot be separated without damage without manipulation or the use of force.

[0020] The positive connection can be a fixed connection between two components in which their shapes can be coordinated in such a way that they can be held firmly together without additional aids. In particular, the positive connection can be a connection that is free of movable joining components, such as screws or bolts. The positive connection can be a connection that is not force-locked. The positive connection can be a connection in which one connection partner can prevent the other from moving in at least one direction. A positive connection can be a connection between two components in which one connection partner prevents the other from moving in the direction necessary for the two connection partners to be released from each other.A release of the two connecting partners can mean that the two connecting partners are moved so far apart that ammunition for a firearm located inside the two connecting partners can escape.

[0021] The positive connection can be detachable. For example, the positive connection can be detachable without causing damage. This allows the ammunition container to be disassembled and reassembled. This increases the sustainability and longevity of the ammunition container.

[0022] The positive connection can be designed such that the positive connection can be established by a displacement of the superimposed first housing half and second housing half. The displacement can occur along an axis. The displacement of the first housing half and the second housing half can occur relative to each other. For example, the first housing half and the second housing half can be displaced in opposite directions to each other.

[0023] The positive connection can be designed such that the positive connection can be established by first placing the first housing half on top of the second housing half along a first axis and then by displacing the superimposed first housing half and second housing half along a second axis. In particular, the first axis and the second axis can have an angle of 80° to 100°, preferably of 85° to 95°, and particularly preferably of 90°. The displacement of the first housing half and the second housing half can occur relative to one another. For example, the first housing half and the second housing half can be displaced in opposite directions to one another.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first housing half can comprise at least one connecting element and the second housing half can comprise at least one corresponding receiving device, wherein the receiving device can be designed to receive the connecting element, and wherein the positive connection between the first housing half and the second housing half can be produced by the connecting element and the receiving device.

[0025] This can have the advantage that the positive connection can be created particularly efficiently and easily, thus reducing the assembly effort for the ammunition container. This can also improve the service life of the ammunition container.

[0026] The connecting element can be a part of the housing half, the purpose of which can be to form a positive connection with a corresponding receiving device. The connecting element can, in particular, have an undercut. If the connecting element can have an undercut, a particularly efficient and simple positive connection can be achieved, thus reducing the assembly effort of the ammunition container and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0027] In one embodiment, the connecting element can be mushroom-shaped. This can have the advantage of reducing the assembly effort of the ammunition container and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first housing half can have more than one, preferably more than three, more preferably more than five, particularly preferably eight or more connecting elements, and the second housing half can have more than one, preferably more than three, more preferably more than five, particularly preferably eight or more receiving devices. This can have the advantage of better load distribution, allowing the ammunition container to be more durable.

[0029] In one embodiment, the connecting elements can all have the same shape and size. In another embodiment, the connecting elements can have different sizes and / or shapes. This can have the advantage that the size and shape of the connecting elements can be adapted to the respective loading situation, thus making them more efficient, making the ammunition container easier to assemble, more cost-effective, and more durable.

[0030] The connecting element can be made in one piece with the first housing half. If the connecting element can be made in one piece with the first housing half, it can be manufactured particularly simply, allowing the ammunition container to be manufactured more cost-effectively. Assembly effort can be reduced.

[0031] The connecting element can have a core made of a different material from the connecting element, preferably a metal. This can have the advantage of increasing the mechanical strength of the connecting element, thus making the ammunition container more durable.

[0032] The receiving device can have edges, which can include at least one chamfer. This can facilitate the insertion of the connecting element into the receiving device, which can reduce the assembly effort of the ammunition container. The chamfer can also increase the durability of the connecting element and thus the ammunition container.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the at least one connecting element can have a lower part and an upper part, wherein the upper part can have a larger cross-section than the lower part, wherein the receiving device can comprise a receiving opening and a holding opening, wherein the receiving opening can have a larger cross-section than the upper part, wherein the cross-section of the holding opening can be larger than the cross-section of the lower part and smaller than the cross-section of the upper part, and wherein in the assembled state the lower part of the connecting element can penetrate the holding opening of the receiving device.

[0034] This enables a positive connection that can be particularly easy to assemble and disassemble, making the ammunition container easier and more cost-effective to assemble.

[0035] The lower part can be the part that is closer to the housing part. The upper part can be the part that is farther from the housing part than the lower part. The cross-section of the lower part or the upper part can be the cross-section that lies in a plane perpendicular to the main extension direction of the connecting element.

[0036] The receiving opening and the holding opening can be an opening that allows an object to completely penetrate the second housing half. However, the receiving opening and the holding opening can also be a recess in the second housing half that cannot completely penetrate the second housing half. The receiving opening and the holding opening can be in the form of a blind hole.

[0037] The receiving opening can be an opening that can be penetrated by the upper part of the connecting element and the lower part of the connecting element. The holding opening can be an opening that can be penetrated only by the lower part of the connecting element. The receiving opening and the holding opening can be directly adjacent to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving opening and the holding opening can overlap. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving opening can have a round or oval cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the holding opening can have a round or oval cross-section.

[0038] The cross-section of the receiving opening or the holding opening can be the smallest area of ​​a shape resulting from the border of the receiving opening or the holding opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the ammunition container can comprise a securing element, wherein the securing element can be connectable to the first housing half and / or the second housing half, wherein in the assembled state the securing element can be connected to the first housing half and / or the second housing half, and wherein in the assembled state the securing element can prevent a release of the positive connection between the first housing half and the second housing half.

[0040] Such a locking element can have the advantage of preventing accidental detachment of the two housing halves, thus increasing the security of the connection. This can increase the longevity of the ammunition container. It can also make the ammunition container easier to assemble.

[0041] The securing element can be an element that can cover at least one end face of the two housing halves, in particular completely or at least partially. The securing element can be designed in one piece. This can achieve the advantage of cost-effective production of the ammunition container, while additionally or alternatively, handling can be improved. The securing element can be designed in two pieces. This can result in easier assembly and disassembly of the ammunition container, which can improve handling.

[0042] The positive connection can be prevented from becoming loose by preventing the displacement of the first housing half against the second housing half, which may be necessary for the positive connection. This is particularly true if the positive connection can be brought about by the displacement of the first housing half against the second housing half. For example, a displacement of the superimposed first housing half against the second housing half can lead to a positive connection, which can prevent the housing halves from separating in a direction transverse to the displacement. Preventing the displacement using simple means can have the advantage that the positive connection and thus the ammunition container can be designed with a particularly simple structure.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the securing element can comprise at least one fastening element, wherein the first housing half and the second housing half can each comprise at least one receiving element for receiving the at least one fastening element, wherein the securing element can be connectable, in particular form-fitting, to the first housing half and / or the second housing half by means of the at least one fastening element and the at least one receiving element of the first housing half and / or the at least one receiving element of the second housing half.

[0044] This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective connection of the safety element to the two housing halves. In particular, a positive connection is achieved, which offers the advantage of further reduced assembly time and thus simpler and more cost-effective assembly of the ammunition container. The improved connection between the housing halves also increases the durability of the ammunition container.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the at least one receiving element can be a, in particular cylindrical or cuboid-shaped, depression and / or a, in particular cylindrical or cuboid-shaped, opening, wherein preferably the cross section of the receiving element cannot be constant, wherein further preferably the course of the cross section along the receiving element can comprise a discontinuity at at least one point and the fastening element can at least partially bear against the discontinuity in the mounted state.

[0046] For the purposes of this description, the term "recess" can encompass a space accessible through at least one opening. The opening can remain open. Additionally or alternatively, it may be possible for the opening to be closed. The term "breakthrough" for the purposes of this description can encompass the meaning that an opening and / or a space can be described.

[0047] This can have the advantage that the fastening element of the securing element can only be removed from the holding device in one direction, which can provide defined stops for the securing element except for one direction. This can simplify the assembly of the ammunition container. In addition, it can be possible to release the securing element from the holding device using a particularly simple tool, for example a gripping tool in the form of tweezers or a small lever, or without tools, which can increase usability and lead to easier assembly of the ammunition container. Because the ammunition container can be disassembled and reassembled more frequently in this way, it can also be more durable.

[0048] Cylindrical can mean a body in the sense of a general cylinder with any base area. A cylinder with a circular base area can be chosen. However, a circular shape that deviates from an exact circle, such as an elliptical shape, can also be chosen. Cuboid can mean that all interior angles are right angles, which can improve handling compared to arbitrary angles.

[0049] The discontinuity of the cross-section can be a nonlinear change in the cross-section. The purpose can be the at least partial surface contact between two bodies for force transmission.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the securing element can comprise an adapter, wherein the adapter can be used to connect the ammunition container to a firearm. Preferably, the securing element, in particular the adapter, can comprise an ammunition channel permeable to the ammunition. Further preferably, the ammunition channel can be designed to be connected to a receptacle for the ammunition belonging to a firearm, so that movement of the ammunition from the cavity to the firearm can be enabled. This allows for dual use of the securing element and thus simplifies the assembly of the ammunition container. The ammunition container can thus also be more cost-effective.

[0051] The adapter can be an element that can create a mechanical connection between at least two elements.

[0052] The adapter can preferably be designed in such a way that the part of the adapter which comes into contact with the firearm can be adapted to the respective specification of the firearm or is adapted to the respective specification of the firearm.

[0053] The ammunition channel can be designed to guide ammunition, particularly BB bullets. The ammunition channel can connect the cavity to the firearm, and the ammunition channel can have an inlet opening for admitting ammunition from the cavity and an outlet opening for discharging ammunition to the firearm. The inlet opening and the outlet opening can be connected in such a way that ammunition can flow from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the at least one connecting element of the first housing half and / or the fastening element of the securing element can consist of two different materials, wherein preferably the at least one connecting element of the first housing half and / or the at least one fastening element of the securing element can consist of a plastic material and a metal material, wherein further preferably the at least one connecting element of the first housing half and / or the at least one fastening element of the securing element can comprise a core made of a metal, in particular steel or aluminum. It can also be provided that the first and / or the second housing half, with the exception of the at least one connecting element and / or the fastening element of the securing element, are made of one material, in particular a plastic material.It can also be provided that the first housing half and the second housing half (complete with the at least one connecting element and / or fastening element of the securing element) consist of one material, in particular a plastic material. It can also be provided that the first housing half and / or the second housing half consist of more than two materials.

[0055] The material and / or materials can be selected to increase the mechanical strength of the fastening or connecting elements. In particular, the toughness of the fastening or connecting elements can be increased. This can have the advantage of increasing the longevity of the ammunition container.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the ammunition container can comprise a spring element, in particular a spiral spring. The spring element can be arranged in the cavity in the assembled state. The spring element can be configured to push the ammunition out of the cavity. The spring element, in particular one end of the spring element, can be attached to the first housing half and / or the second housing half by means of a spring holder. In particular, the spring element can be configured as a compression spring.

[0057] This can have the advantage of ensuring particularly simple assembly of the spring element and thus of the entire ammunition container.

[0058] The coil spring can have a circular helix shape. However, the coil spring can also have a helix shape based on a rectangular cross-section.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the spring holder can have a further groove which can be designed to connect the two housing halves to one another in a form-fitting manner.

[0060] This allows for a more even distribution of the positive connection and thus more efficient load distribution. This can increase the longevity of the ammunition container.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the first housing half and / or the second housing half can have a recess which can be arranged in the region of the spring holder and which can be designed to enable tool-free removal of the spring holder, for example by means of a user's finger, from the corresponding housing half.

[0062] This can offer the advantage that the ammunition container can be assembled and disassembled more easily without tools. Furthermore, a potentially wear-prone component, such as the spring, can be replaced—if necessary, along with the spring retainer. This can increase the longevity of the ammunition container.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first housing half can comprise a first spring holder form-locking element and / or the second housing half can comprise a second spring holder form-locking element, wherein the first spring holder form-locking element and / or the second spring holder form-locking element can be positively connected to the spring holder in the assembled state.

[0064] This allows for better load distribution of the positive connection, which can lead to easier assembly of the ammunition container. The improved load distribution can also increase the durability of the ammunition container.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first housing half can comprise a first, in particular rectangular, receiving recess for a fastening means, wherein the second housing half can comprise a second, in particular rectangular, receiving recess for a fastening means, wherein in the assembled state the fastening means can be arranged in the first receiving recess and in the second receiving recess.

[0066] Such a design can have the advantage that the first and second housing halves can be better connected and secured against accidental sliding apart. This can facilitate the assembly of the ammunition container.

[0067] If the receiving recess can be rectangular, it can accommodate the fastener particularly well, which can make the assembly of the ammunition container easier.

[0068] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening means can comprise a spring, by means of which a housing half can be loaded in one direction—in particular, opposite to the direction of the parallel displacement, which can lead to a separation of the housing halves from one another. In particular, the fastening means can be a spring-loaded plug.

[0069] This can have the advantage that the ammunition container is particularly easy to assemble.

[0070] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening means can be a polygonal body. In particular, the fastening means can be a cuboid.

[0071] This can have the advantage that the ammunition container is particularly easy to assemble.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening means can be a square nut. This can have the advantage of making the ammunition container particularly easy to install.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first housing half and / or the second housing half may comprise alphanumeric characters, in particular letters and / or numbers, on the outer surface, wherein preferably the alphanumeric characters may represent an indication of the assembly of the ammunition container.

[0074] By providing alphanumeric characters, especially assembly instructions, the user-friendliness of the ammunition container can be increased. The ammunition container can also be easier to assemble.

[0075] The alphanumeric characters can be letters or numbers. Preferably, the first and / or second housing halves can also feature pictograms in addition to the alphanumeric characters. This can have the advantage of being particularly easy to understand, even in different languages, which can facilitate assembly of the ammunition container.

[0076] In a further advantageous embodiment, the alphanumeric characters can be raised.

[0077] This can have the advantage of reducing friction between the ammunition container and any outer shell present. This can facilitate the assembly of the ammunition container. A synergistic effect can occur, combining user-friendliness with the technical aspect of reducing friction.

[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first housing half and / or the second housing half can each have a form-locking element which can be designed to form a form-locking connection with an element which does not belong to the ammunition container, for example a casing surrounding the ammunition container.

[0079] This can have the advantage of connecting the ammunition container to the other parts of the airsoft firearm in a simple and secure manner, thus facilitating the assembly of the ammunition container.

[0080] The invention also relates to a method for assembling an ammunition container, wherein a positive connection is produced between the first housing half and the second housing half, wherein preferably at least one connecting element of the first housing half is guided through the receiving device of the second housing half.

[0081] The invention also relates to the use of an ammunition container according to the invention in a firearm, in particular a hand-held firearm, in particular an airsoft firearm, wherein in particular the ammunition container can be surrounded by a further casing when attached to the firearm.

[0082] If the ammunition container can be surrounded by an additional shell, this can have the advantage of making the ammunition container more functional and thus simpler, without the user having to forego an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0083] The invention also relates to a handheld firearm, in particular an airsoft firearm, with an ammunition container according to the invention.

[0084] Further objects, features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and the appended claims. However, it should be understood that the following description, the appended claims, and the specific examples showing preferred embodiments of the invention are given for illustrative purposes only. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosed invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following.

[0085] DEFINITIONS

[0086] The following expressions generally have the meanings set out below, unless the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.

[0087] As used herein, the term "comprise," in addition to its literal meaning, includes and specifically refers to the terms "consist essentially of" and "consist of." Thus, the term "comprise" refers both to embodiments in which the subject matter "comprises" specifically listed elements and does not include any other elements, as well as to embodiments in which the subject matter "comprises" specifically listed elements and / or may include other elements. Likewise, the term "have" is to be understood as the term "comprise," which also includes and refers to the terms "consist essentially of" and "consist of."The expression "consist essentially of" refers, where possible, in particular to embodiments in which the article comprises, in addition to the specifically listed elements of which the article essentially consists, 20% or less, in particular 15% or less, 10% or less, or in particular 5% or less, of further elements.

[0088] FIGURES

[0089] Fig. 1a shows an exemplary ammunition container in the assembled state, with a part of the securing element shown as an exploded view;

[0090] Fig. 1 b shows one of the two housing halves with part of the securing element;

[0091] Fig. 2a - 2c show the first housing half in three views;

[0092] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show the second housing half in two views;

[0093] Fig. 4 shows the ammunition container as an exploded view;

[0094] Fig. 5 shows the securing element;

[0095] Fig. 6 shows the spring holder.

[0096] SPECIAL DESCRIPTION

[0097] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary ammunition container 1.

[0098] The ammunition container 1, in particular a magazine insert for a magazine for a firearm, in particular for an airsoft firearm, comprises according to the invention a first housing half 2 and a second housing half 3, wherein the first and the second housing half 2, 3 form a cavity 4 for receiving ammunition, in particular BB balls, in the assembled state of the ammunition container 1, wherein the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 are connected in the assembled state by a positive connection.

[0099] Fig. 2a-2c shows the first housing half 2 and Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show the second housing half 3. The first housing half 2 comprises at least one connecting element 5, wherein the second housing half comprises at least one corresponding receiving device 6, wherein the receiving device 6 is designed to receive the connecting element 5, and wherein the positive connection between the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 is created by the connecting element 5 and the receiving device 6.The at least one connecting element 5 comprises a lower part 7 and an upper part 8, wherein the upper part 8 has a larger cross-section than the lower part 7, wherein the receiving device 6 comprises a receiving opening and a holding opening, wherein the receiving opening has a larger cross-section than the upper part 8, wherein the cross-section of the holding opening is larger than the cross-section of the lower part 7 and smaller than the cross-section of the upper part 8, and wherein in the assembled state the lower part 7 of the connecting element 5 penetrates the holding opening of the receiving device 6.

[0100] To create the positive connection, the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 are brought together in such a way that the connecting element 5 is guided through the receiving opening of the corresponding receiving device 6 until the upper part 8 has been guided completely through the receiving opening and the lower part 7 of the connecting element 5 penetrates the holding opening of the receiving device 6. By sliding the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 against each other, the lower part 7 of the connecting element 5 is then moved into the holding opening of the receiving device 6. Since the holding opening has a smaller diameter than the upper part 8, a part of the upper part 8 rests against a part of the second housing half 3. This creates the positive connection.

[0101] In the embodiment shown here, the connecting element 5 comprises a lower contact surface 9 and the second housing half 3 comprises a support surface 10. In the assembled state, the first housing half 2 rests with the lower support surface 9 on the support surface 10, so that force transmission is enabled.

[0102] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 each comprise a structure on their inner side which, according to the invention, together form a cavity 4 when assembled. This cavity 4 serves to accommodate ammunition, preferably BB ammunition. Here and preferably, the cavity 4 is designed in the form of a helically winding channel 4. At the end of the channel 4 located in the inner part of the ammunition container, the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 have a recess for receiving a spring holder 16. The spring holder 16 serves to receive a coil spring (not shown here). The coil spring is designed to press the ammunition located in the channel 4 towards the opening located at the other end of the channel 4.This causes the ammunition to be transported through the opening into a part of the firearm, for example, the firing chamber, where the ammunition is accelerated. The final chamber can be the hop-up chamber or the barrel of the firearm. In the embodiment shown here, the first housing half 2 has a further recess 23 in the area of ​​the recess for receiving the spring holder 16. This serves to easily remove the spring holder 16.

[0103] Fig. 4 shows the ammunition container 1 in an exploded view. Here, it can be seen that the ammunition container 1 comprises a securing element 11, also shown in Fig. 5, wherein the securing element 11 is connectable to the first housing half 2 and / or the second housing half 3. In the assembled state, the securing element 11 is connected to the first housing half 2 and / or the second housing half 3, and wherein the securing element 11, in the assembled state, prevents the positive connection between the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 from becoming loose.

[0104] Here, the securing element 11 is shown as a two-part element. In another embodiment (not shown), the securing element 11 can be designed as a single piece.

[0105] The securing element 11 comprises at least one fastening element 13, wherein the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3 each comprise at least one receiving element 12 for receiving the at least one fastening element 13, wherein the securing element 11 can be connected, in particular positively connected, to the first housing half 2 and / or the second housing half 3 by means of the at least one fastening element 13 and the at least one receiving element 12 of the first housing half 2 and / or the at least one receiving element 12 of the second housing half 3.

[0106] The at least one receiving element 12 is a, in particular cylindrical, recess and / or a, in particular cylindrical, opening, wherein preferably the cross section of the receiving element 12 is not constant, wherein further preferably the course of the cross section along the receiving element 12 comprises a discontinuity at least at one point and the fastening element 13 in the mounted state rests at least partially against the discontinuity.

[0107] The securing element 11 comprises an adapter 14, wherein the adapter 14 can be used to connect the ammunition container 1 to a firearm, wherein the securing element 11, in particular the adapter 14, preferably comprises an ammunition channel 15 permeable to the ammunition, wherein further preferably the ammunition channel 15 is designed to be connected to a receptacle for the ammunition belonging to a firearm, so that a movement of the ammunition from the cavity 4 to the firearm is made possible.The at least one connecting element 5 of the first housing half 2 and / or the fastening element 13 of the securing element 11 consists of two different materials, wherein preferably the at least one connecting element 5 of the first housing half 2 and / or the at least one fastening element 13 of the securing element 11 consists of a plastic material and a Meta II material, wherein further preferably the at least one connecting element 5 of the first housing half 2 and / or the at least one fastening element 13 of the securing element 11 comprises a core made of a metal, in particular steel or aluminum.

[0108] The ammunition container 1 comprises a spring element (not shown), in particular a spiral spring, wherein the spring element is arranged in the cavity 4 in the assembled state, wherein the spring element is designed to press the ammunition out of the cavity 4, and wherein the spring element, in particular the end of the spring element, is fastened to the first housing half 2 and / or the second housing half 3 by means of a spring holder 16.

[0109] The first housing half 2 comprises a first spring holder form-locking element 17 and / or the second housing half 3 comprises a second spring holder form-locking element 18, wherein the first spring holder form-locking element 17 and / or the second spring holder form-locking element 18 are positively connected to the spring holder 16 in the assembled state.

[0110] Furthermore, the first housing half 2 comprises a first, in particular rectangular, receiving recess 19 for a fastening means and the second housing half 3 comprises a second, in particular rectangular, receiving recess 20 for a fastening means, wherein in the assembled state the fastening means is arranged in the first receiving recess 19 and in the second receiving recess 20.

[0111] The first housing half 2 and / or the second housing half 3 comprises alphanumeric characters 22, in particular letters and / or numbers, on its outer surface, wherein the alphanumeric characters 22 represent an indication of the assembly of the ammunition container 1.

[0112] The method for assembling an ammunition container 1 provides that a positive connection is produced between the first housing half 2 and the second housing half 3, wherein at least one connecting element 5 of the one housing part 2 is guided through the receiving device 6 of the other part 3.

[0113] The invention also provides for the use of an ammunition container 1 in a, in particular hand-held, firearm, in particular an airsoft firearm, wherein in particular the ammunition container 1 is surrounded by a further casing when attached to the firearm.

[0114] The invention also relates to a handheld firearm, in particular an airsoft firearm, with an ammunition container 1 according to the invention.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Ammunition container, in particular a magazine insert for a magazine, for a firearm, in particular for an airsoft firearm, wherein the ammunition container (1) comprises a first housing half (2) and a second housing half (3), wherein the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3) form a cavity (4) for receiving ammunition, in particular BB balls, in the assembled state of the ammunition container (1), characterized in that the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3) are connected by a positive connection in the assembled state.

2. Ammunition container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing half (2) comprises at least one connecting element (5), wherein the second housing half (3) comprises at least one corresponding receiving device (6), wherein the receiving device (6) is designed to receive the connecting element (5), and wherein the positive connection between the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3) is produced by the connecting element (5) and the receiving device (6).

3. Ammunition container according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (5) comprises a lower part (7) and an upper part (8), wherein the upper part (8) has a larger cross-section than the lower part (7), wherein the receiving device (6) comprises a receiving opening and a holding opening, wherein the receiving opening has a larger cross-section than the upper part (8), wherein the cross-section of the holding opening is larger than the cross-section of the lower part (7) and smaller than the cross-section of the upper part (8), and wherein in the assembled state the lower part (7) of the connecting element (5) penetrates the holding opening of the receiving device (6).

4. Ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ammunition container (1) comprises a securing element (11), wherein the securing element (11) is connectable to the first housing half (2) and / or the second housing half (3), wherein in the assembled state the securing element (11) is connected to the first housing half (2) and / or the second housing half (3), and wherein in the assembled state the securing element (11) prevents a release of the positive connection between the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3).

5. Ammunition container according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing element (11) comprises at least one fastening element (13), wherein the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3) each comprise at least one receiving element (12) for receiving the at least one fastening element (13), wherein the securing element (11) can be connected, in particular positively connected, to the first housing half (2) and / or the second housing half (3) by means of the at least one fastening element (13) and the at least one receiving element (12) of the first housing half (2) and / or the at least one receiving element (12) of the second housing half (3).

6. Ammunition container according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one receiving element (12) is a, in particular cylindrical or cuboidal, depression and / or a, in particular cylindrical or cuboidal, opening, wherein preferably the cross section of the receiving element (12) is not constant, wherein further preferably the course of the cross section along the receiving element (12) comprises a discontinuity at at least one point and the fastening element (13) in the mounted state rests at least partially on the discontinuity.

7. Ammunition container according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing element (11) comprises an adapter (14), wherein the adapter (14) can be used to connect the ammunition container (1) to a firearm, wherein preferably the securing element (11), in particular the adapter (14), comprises an ammunition channel (15) permeable to the ammunition, wherein further preferably the ammunition channel (15) is designed to be connected to a receptacle for the ammunition belonging to a firearm to be brought so that movement of the ammunition from the cavity (4) to the firearm is possible.

8. Ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (5) of the first housing half (2) and / or the fastening element (13) of the securing element (11) consists of two different materials, wherein preferably the at least one connecting element (5) of the first housing half (2) and / or the at least one fastening element (13) of the securing element (11) consists of a plastic material and a metal II material, wherein further preferably the at least one connecting element (5) of the first housing half (2) and / or the at least one fastening element (13) of the securing element (11) comprises a core made of a metal, in particular steel or aluminum.

9. Ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ammunition container (1) comprises a spring element, in particular a spiral spring, wherein the spring element is arranged in the cavity (4) in the assembled state, wherein the spring element is designed to press the ammunition out of the cavity (4), and wherein the spring element, in particular the end of the spring element, is fastened to the first housing half (2) and / or the second housing half (3) by means of a spring holder (16).

10. Ammunition container according to claim 9, characterized in that the first housing half (2) comprises a first spring holder form-locking element (17) and / or the second housing half (3) comprises a second spring holder form-locking element (18), wherein the first spring holder form-locking element (17) and / or the second spring holder form-locking element (18) are positively connected to the spring holder (16) in the assembled state.

11. Ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first housing half (2) comprises a first, in particular rectangular, receiving recess (19) for a fastening means, and wherein the second housing half (3) comprises a second, in particular rectangular, receiving recess (20) for a fastening means, wherein in the assembled state the fastening means is arranged in the first receiving recess (19) and in the second receiving recess (20).

12. Ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first housing half (2) and / or the second housing half (3) comprise alphanumeric characters (22), in particular letters and / or numbers, on their outer surface, wherein preferably the alphanumeric characters (22) represent an indication of the assembly of the ammunition container (1).

13. A method for assembling an ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a positive connection is produced between the first housing half (2) and the second housing half (3), wherein preferably at least one connecting element (5) of the first housing half (2) is guided through the receiving device (6) of the second housing half (3).

14. Use of an ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 12 in a, in particular hand-held, firearm, in particular a soft air firearm, wherein in particular the ammunition container (1) is surrounded by a further casing when attached to the firearm.

15. Hand-held firearm, in particular a soft air firearm, with an ammunition container according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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