New bow-type weapon comprising a safety mechanism, and safety mechanism for a bow-type weapon

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bow-type weapon (10) comprising a safety mechanism (12) which is easier and safer to operate than previously known bow-type weapons. The safety mechanism is engaged and disengaged automatically without requiring particular knowledge and skills on the part of the operator of the bow-type weapon (10). The safety mechanism (12) can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively and can also be easily retrofitted to existing bow-type weapons. The established edge-lifter principle used in edge-lock mechanisms is revolutionised, combining the simplicity, robustness, and reliability of the proven trigger system with a previously unattained level of comfort and safety.

Description

[0001] New bow weapon with safety and safety for a bow weapon

[0002] The present invention relates to a bow weapon according to the preamble of claim 1 and a safety device for a bow weapon according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0003] Bows come in numerous different types, including primitive bows, longbows, reflex bows, compound bows, yumi, and crossbows (also called crossbows), all of which consist of a string attached to a bow. After drawing the bow and releasing the string, it can propel a projectile, such as an arrow or bolt.

[0004] Modern crossbows are typically constructed using the edge-lifting principle. This consists of a main body with a guide rail for the string, along which the string runs during cocking and after release. Once fully cocked, the string rests in a recess at the end of the guide rail and must be lifted over an edge of this recess to release it onto the guide rail.

[0005] The string is only fixed in the recess because the draw plane of the bow is located below the guide rail, so that the bow (also called the limb) pulls the string downwards away from the guide rail into the recess, so that the string remains in the recess when the crossbow is cocked.

[0006] When the shot is to be fired, a trigger mechanism lifts the string over the edge of the recess until it can slide forward on the guide rail and accelerate the arrow, bolt, or the like.

[0007] This design principle is characterized by simplicity, robustness, and reliability, as the mechanism is simple and requires few moving parts. The tendon, which is sometimes under considerable tension, is securely supported by the solid base.

[0008] Crossbows that use this edge-lifting principle are therefore widely used.

[0009] From recreational and training shooting to hunting, provided the legal framework permits. Magazine attachments are often used for recreational and training purposes, allowing for more dynamic tactical action and higher rates of fire. Single-shot variants (generally with higher precision) are more commonly used for hunting.

[0010] Due to its design, the edge-lifting principle, regardless of whether it's a multi-shot or single-shot crossbow, has disadvantages regarding safety when the crossbow is cocked. As a result, unintentional firing and thus accidents can occur.

[0011] This danger arises when a force other than that of the trigger mechanism moves the string towards the rib. For example, a branch or other object could strike the string from below while stalking. Another danger stems from the cocked weapon itself if it falls to the ground and the resulting vibrations cause the string to jump out of its holding groove (keyword: "lack of drop safety").

[0012] Therefore, it is already known to use safety devices in bow weapons, especially crossbows, which are intended to prevent unintentional firing due to incorrect operation, external foreign objects or shocks, for example caused by a fall.

[0013] Manual safeties are known for crossbows, which, when activated by the shooter, cover the groove in which the string rests after cocking, in the direction of the guide rail. However, for this to work, the shooter must manually activate the safety after each cocking operation by sliding a mechanism, and manually deactivate it before each shot by sliding the same mechanism in the opposite direction.

[0014] After each cocking, there is a risk of forgetting to engage the safety. Furthermore, after cocking, engaging the safety, and then disengaging it, there is a risk that if no shot has been fired, the safety will be forgotten. In both cases, there is a risk that an unintended shot could be fired due to the aforementioned factors. After engaging the safety, there is again a risk of forgetting to disengage it, so that the crossbow is not ready to fire at a potentially crucial moment. The object of the present invention is therefore to create a bow weapon that is improved in this respect. In particular, the bow weapon should have a safety mechanism that is more convenient and safer to operate. Preferably, the safety and / or disengagement should be automatic, requiring no special knowledge or skills from the operator of the bow weapon.

[0015] This problem is solved with the bow weapon according to claim 1 and the safety device according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures.

[0016] The inventors recognized that this problem could be solved surprisingly easily by mechanically coupling the trigger mechanism and the safety mechanism in such a way that pulling the trigger to release the string causes the safety mechanism to move in the cocking direction. This means that pulling the string automatically disengages the safety, which only disengages when the shot is fired.

[0017] The bow weapon according to the invention, comprising a bow and a string arranged thereon, as well as a trigger device for the string, wherein a safety mechanism exists which blocks the drawing of the string against the direction of tension of the string, wherein the safety mechanism comprises a locking piece which blocks the drawing of the string (22), is thus characterized in that a mechanical coupling exists between the trigger device and the locking piece such that actuation of the trigger device to draw the string leads to a displacement of the locking piece to release the string.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous further development, a control cam is provided between the trigger mechanism and the safety piece. This makes automatic unlocking especially easy to implement.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, a stop is arranged on the trigger mechanism, and a stop surface for the trigger mechanism is provided on the safety element. The stop surface is inclined with respect to the cocking direction and is preferably curved, particularly convex, and preferably segment-shaped. This ensures that the safety is fully disengaged before the string is released for firing. Alternatively, a straight design can be used.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, a stop can be provided on the safety piece, and a stop surface for the safety piece can be provided on the trigger mechanism. The stop surface is inclined with respect to the cocking direction and is preferably curved, particularly convex, and preferably segment-shaped. This also ensures that the safety is fully disengaged before the string is released for firing. However, a straight design can also be provided as an alternative to a curved design.

[0021] Therefore, stop surfaces can exist on both the trigger device and the safety piece, with the stop surface of the trigger device acting as a stop for the stop surface of the safety piece and the stop surface of the safety piece acting as a stop for the stop surface of the trigger device.

[0022] In a further advantageous design, the coupling is configured such that actuation of the trigger mechanism to release the bowstring causes the safety piece to shift in the cocking direction. This allows for a particularly compact bow design.

[0023] In an advantageous further development, the coupling is designed as a lever connection. This makes unlocking particularly easy. If a return spring is then arranged on the trigger mechanism, it also acts directly on the safety piece, so that the safety piece does not require its own return spring. The lever connection can, for example, be a lever element that is pivotably or rotatably connected to the trigger mechanism at one point and pivotably or rotatably connected to the safety piece at an opposite point. Additionally, the lever element could also have its own pivot point located on the base body. This pivot point can be displaceable within the lever element and / or the base body, for example, by providing a slot in the lever element or a groove in the base body, in each of which a pivot axis is movably mounted.This allows the coupling movement between the trigger mechanism and the safety piece to be smooth and fluid, so that the safety piece does not jam in any state of the coupled movement.

[0024] In an advantageous further development, the safety mechanism is designed to be pre-tensioned in the direction of the safety position. This ensures that the safety is always engaged automatically without any intervention from the bow operator.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the preload is provided by a spring force, in particular by a return spring, which is arranged on the safety piece and / or on the trigger mechanism. This makes automatic safety engagement with the safety piece very simple.

[0026] In an advantageous further development, the spring tension is arranged so that it acts in the opposite direction to the tension of the bowstring. This makes the safety mechanism particularly simple and, at the same time, particularly secure.

[0027] In an advantageous further development, the safety piece is designed to be movable in the direction of tension and / or against the direction of tension. This results in a particularly compact bow weapon.

[0028] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the safety catch has a string stop surface inclined relative to the tensioning direction of the string. This inclination is preferably in the range of 45° to 75°, and especially in the range of 55° to 65°, and preferably 60°. This makes tensioning and automatic locking very simple and convenient. More precisely, this angle of 50° or greater ensures that, upon contact with the safety catch during tensioning, the string does not push the safety catch downwards into the recess, thus preventing the locking mechanism from being blocked. This makes the tensioning process both easier and smoother.If, on the other hand, the angle is chosen to be too acute, whereby in a preferred embodiment this is understood to mean angles of less than 50°, the locking piece may not be able to completely release the transition to the guide rail in extreme cases, which can lead to collisions between the locking piece and the string when pulling it off.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a running surface is provided on which the bowstring slides when released and / or during cocking, wherein the running surface preferably has a recess into which the trigger mechanism penetrates, at least partially, during release. This allows the bowstring to be released particularly easily, while the bow itself remains very compact.

[0030] In a further advantageous design, the bow is constructed such that the string, when fully drawn, rests in a recess from which it can be lifted using the trigger mechanism. This utilizes the principle of an edge lifter for the string, making drawing particularly simple and cost-effective. In conjunction with the safety catch, the recess provides a particularly effective and secure means of preventing accidental discharge.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, a trigger edge is provided in the recess, over which the string can be lifted when the trigger is released. The crossbow then implements the advantageous and simple edge-lifting principle. If the trigger edge is curved at least partially in the cocking direction, and in particular if it is rounded (convex) at least partially in the cocking direction, the string can slide over it more easily because the string's tension assists the sliding motion.

[0032] In a further advantageous development, the transition between the running surface and the trigger edge is rounded. This also reduces the resistance acting on the string, allowing for a smoother release. For example, this could be the surface of a roller, particularly made of plastic or aluminum. Even if the roller is not rotatable, the sliding friction on this roller would significantly reduce the trigger resistance.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the trigger edge is provided to have a rotating surface, at least in part, wherein the rotating surface is preferably part of a ball bearing, and in particular part of a needle bearing. This also reduces the resistance acting on the string, so that the string can be released more easily.

[0034] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the locking element is at least partially concealed beneath a cover, with the cover preferably adjacent to the recess. This prevents any external influence on the locking mechanism, whether intentional or unintentional. Contamination of the locking mechanism is also effectively prevented.

[0035] In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the safety piece, when secured, covers the recess in such a way that the string cannot be lifted out of the recess. This provides a particularly effective means of preventing the weapon from being fired.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the bow weapon is a crossbow, preferably a shoulder crossbow or a pistol crossbow. The safety mechanism according to the invention can be used particularly well in a crossbow.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the trigger mechanism is provided with a trigger safety device, preferably in the form of a lever integrated into the trigger blade. This effectively prevents unintentional firing, including unintentional actuation of the trigger mechanism.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the safety device is provided with a signal marking that is preferably only visible when the bow is in the safe position. This allows the operator of the bow to quickly and reliably check that the bowstring is automatically and correctly secured. It is advantageous in this context if the signal marking is concealed by the cover when the bowstring is in the unsecured position. Independent protection is claimed for the safety device for the bowstring of a bow according to the invention, wherein the safety device incorporates the safety features of the bow according to the invention.

[0039] The claims submitted now, as well as those submitted later, do not prejudice the obtaining of further protection.

[0040] Should closer examination, particularly of the relevant prior art, reveal that one or more features are advantageous but not essential for the objective of the invention, a formulation is naturally being sought that no longer includes such a feature, especially in the main claim. Such a sub-combination is therefore also covered by the disclosure of this application.

[0041] The cross-references cited in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective dependent claim. However, these are not to be understood as a waiver of the right to obtain independent, substantive protection for the features of the cross-referenced dependent claims.

[0042] It should also be noted that the embodiments and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another in any way. Individual or multiple features are interchangeable. These combinations of features are also disclosed.

[0043] Features disclosed only in the description, or individual features from claims comprising multiple features, may at any time be incorporated into the independent claim(s) as essential to the invention for the purpose of distinguishing it from the prior art, even if such features were mentioned in connection with other features or achieve particularly advantageous results in connection with other features. Thus, all features presented in the general description of the invention, the description of exemplary embodiments, the subsequent claims, and the figures may be essential to the invention, both individually and in any combination. These features or combinations of features may each constitute an independent invention, the right to claim them is expressly reserved.Individual features from the description of an embodiment need not necessarily be combined with one, several, or all other features specified in the description of that embodiment; any subcombination is expressly disclosed. Furthermore, material features of a device can be reformulated and used as process features, and vice versa. Such a reformulation is therefore automatically disclosed.

[0044] The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below with reference to the description of two preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures. These figures show, purely schematically:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows the bow weapon according to the invention in a first preferred configuration.

[0046] In a first preferred embodiment, the inventive safety device is shown in a side sectional view.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows the bow weapon according to the invention with the safety device according to Fig. 1 in the state of the bowstring being drawn,

[0048] Fig. 3 shows the bow weapon according to the invention with the safety device according to Fig. 1 in the fully drawn state of the bowstring,

[0049] Fig. 4 shows the bow weapon according to the invention with the safety device according to Fig. 1 in the state of drawing the string,

[0050] Fig. 5 shows the bow weapon according to the invention with the safety device according to Fig. 1 in a top view,

[0051] Fig. 6 shows the bow weapon according to the invention with the safety device according to Fig. 1 in a side view,

[0052] Fig. 7 shows the bow weapon according to the invention in a second preferred version.

[0053] In a second preferred embodiment, the inventive safety device is shown in a side view in detail in a first operating state.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows the bow weapon according to the invention as shown in Fig. 7 in a side view.

[0055] Detailed section view in a second operating state,

[0056] Fig. 9 the bow weapon according to the invention in a third preferred

[0057] Design in a side view detail section in a first operating state and

[0058] Figs. 10 to 13 show the bow weapon according to the invention as shown in Fig. 9 in detailed side sectional views in a second to fifth operating state.

[0059] Figures 1 to 6 show the bow weapon according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment in the form of a crossbow 10 together with the safety device 12 according to the invention in a first preferred embodiment in various views.

[0060] It can be seen that the crossbow 10 has a base body 14 on which a bow 16 is interchangeably mounted, and that the base body also has a pistol grip 18 for holding the crossbow 10 and a guide rail 20. It is therefore a pistol crossbow 10.

[0061] A chord 22 is attached to the bow 16 and rests on the guide rail 20. The reference numeral 22' indicates the position of the chord 22 at the ends 16' of the bow 16, which is clearly located below the guide rail 20. Fig. 1 shows the chord 22 in its resting position on the guide rail 20.

[0062] On the running rail 20, which has a slight groove 23, there is an arrow 24 or the like.

[0063] Projectile can be placed which can be accelerated by the tensioned chord 22 (see Fig. 4) on the guide rail 20 against the tensioning direction S.

[0064] The crossbow 10 further comprises a trigger mechanism 26, which includes a lifting element 28 integrally connected to a trigger blade 30, with a pivot point 32 between the lifting element 28 and the trigger blade 30. Pulling the trigger blade 30 in the cocking direction S causes the lifting element 28 to pivot upwards, engaging in a corresponding recess 33 in the guide rail 20 and thereby releasing the cocked bowstring 22 (see Fig. 4). Alternatively, the trigger mechanism can also be constructed in multiple parts, in which case, for example, the lifting element is not integrally connected to the trigger blade, but rather a toothed connection exists between them to achieve a transmission effect (not shown).

[0065] A pin 34 of the lifting element 28 engages a coil spring 36 (also called trigger return spring), which is supported on the base body 18 such that the lever element 28 is pre-tensioned in the cocking direction S. In its uncocked starting position (see Fig. 1) of the trigger mechanism 26, the lifting element 28 therefore does not engage in the recess 33 of the guide rail 20.

[0066] The trigger blade 30 is protected against unintentional triggering by unintentional contact, for example when dropped or by foreign objects, by means of a trigger guard 38.

[0067] The guide rail 20 has a recess 40 (also called string bearing) at its rear end in the tension direction S, which has an edge 42 that points towards the bow 16. When the string 22 is fully tensioned, the string 22 is located in the recess 40 (see Fig. 3), where it is held by the ends 16' of the bow 16, which exert a downward force on the string 22 below the guide rail 20, since the tension plane of the bow 16 is located below the guide rail 20.

[0068] In the clamping direction S with respect to the arc 16 behind the recess 40, there is a locking element 44 which can be displaced in a recess 46 of the base body 14 in and against the closing direction S. The locking element 44 has a projection 48 which extends from the locking element 44 in the opposite direction of the clamping direction S and, in the locked state, completely covers the recess 40 (see Fig. 1 and 3). This projection has a square cross-section, but could also be rectangular or the like, as long as the lower edge of the projection 48, which connects to the guide rail 20, runs parallel to the running surface 20.

[0069] Furthermore, the extension 48 has a string stop surface 50 (see Fig. 4) which is inclined in the tension direction S at an angle α of 60° (see Fig. 4). This has proven particularly effective because tensioning the string 22 then very easily moves the extension 48, and thus the entire locking piece 44, into the recess 46 in the tension direction S. Generally speaking, the angle α must be dimensioned such that the locking piece 44, or rather its extension 48, does not prevent the string 22 from sliding from the recess 40 to the guide rail 20 when the string is drawn.

[0070] The locking piece 44 has a recess 52 in which a spiral spring 54 (also called the locking piece compression spring) is arranged, which is supported on the rear wall 56 of the recess 46 and thus pre-tensions the locking piece 44 against the clamping direction S.

[0071] The recess 46 is closed on the upper surface 58 and, if necessary (but not shown here), also on the side surfaces 59 of the base body 14 by a cover 60, which extends to the rear wall 56 of the recess 46 (see Fig. 2). The extension 48 has a signal marking 64 (see Figs. 5 and 6) which is only visible when the crossbow is secured (see Figs. 5 and 6), but not when it is unsecured (see Figs. 2 and 4). This marking can, for example, be colored red and, in particular, be luminescent (e.g., fluorescent) so that an operator of the crossbow 10 can easily verify that the crossbow 10 is properly secured. Since this marking 64 does not extend over the entire extension 48, but only over its rear part, which is hidden under the cover 60 in the unsecured state (see Fig. 2 and 4), this marking 64 can only be seen in the secured state (see Fig. 5 and 6) of the fuse 12.

[0072] The locking piece 44 has a stop surface 66, which is convex and shaped like a circular segment. The lifting element 28, in turn, has a stop 68 which, when the lifting element is raised, acts against the stop surface 66 of the locking piece 44 and, as the lifting element 28 is raised, moves along the stop surface 66 like a cam.

[0073] Figure 1 shows that the throwing arm 16 is clamped to the base body 14. This is achieved using a threaded sleeve 70 with a fastening screw 72 located therein. Figure 3 shows the state in which, when the lifting element 28 is raised, the stop 68 first contacts the stop surface 66, and Figure 4 shows the state of the lifting element 28 raised to its maximum position when the stop 68 has reached the end of the stop surface 66.

[0074] By moving the cam 66 through the stop 68 during the lifting of the lifting element 28 and thus by pulling the trigger 30, the safety piece is moved from its position completely covering the recess 40 with the extension 48 (see Fig. 1 and 3) against the force of the spring 54 into a position releasing the recess 40 (see Fig. 4), i.e. in the direction of the rear wall 56 of the recess 46.

[0075] Alternatively to this design, the stop could also be arranged on the safety piece and a correspondingly designed stop surface could be arranged on the lifting element, or opposing stop surfaces could be arranged on both the safety piece and the lifting element, so that not one fixed stop moves along a stop surface, but two stop surfaces move towards each other.

[0076] Furthermore, the stop surface 66 could also be designed differently. However, the circular design shown is preferred because, firstly, it allows for smooth movement of the cam and, secondly, it results in an initially accelerated movement of the locking piece 44 in the tension direction S compared to the lifting of the lifting element 28. This ensures that the recess 40 is released from the extension 48 even before the string 22 is released.

[0077] Both the trigger guard 38 and the cover 60 can be removed using suitable screw connections (not shown). This allows both the trigger mechanism 26 and the safety piece 44 to be replaced if necessary. This also makes it easy to retrofit older crossbows that do not yet have the safety 12 according to the invention with this safety 12.

[0078] The following section will explain in more detail the functioning of the crossbow 10 with the safety device 12 according to the invention. The spring 54, which is supported on the base body 14, more precisely on the rear wall 56 of the recess 46, and is under tension, always guides the safety element 44 into its home position, in which it covers the recess 40, in which the string 22 rests after being fully cocked. The recess 46 in the base body 14 is closed at the top by the cover 60.

[0079] When the crossbow 10 is cocked, the string 22 slides in the cocking direction. This causes the string 22 to strike the string stop surface 50 of the extension 48 of the safety piece 44, displacing the safety piece 44 towards the rear wall 56, thus releasing the recess 40. Simultaneously, the string 22 is deflected downwards by the string stop surface 50, and, also due to the draw plane of the bow 16, the string 22 slides into the recess, where it is fixed by the draw plane of the bow and the edge 42 (see Fig. 2).

[0080] The spring tension of the spring 54 returns the safety piece 44 to its initial position (see Fig. 3), immediately covering the recess 40 again. This instantly secures the crossbow 10 against unintentional lifting of the string 22 over the edge 42 and thus against the unintentional release of the arrow 24, without any additional action required by the operator.

[0081] Should the crossbow 10 unintentionally fall to the ground in this cocked state (see Fig. 3), the spring tension of the spring 54 of the safety device 44 counteracts the accelerating forces and reliably prevents the string 22 from being moved from the retaining recess 40 over the edge 42 onto the guide rail 20. The safety device 12 according to the invention thus also acts as a fall arrestor.

[0082] In the event of a deliberate firing and the conscious actuation of the trigger 30 by the operator of the crossbow 10, the vertical movement of the lifting element 28 is translated into a backward movement of the safety piece 44 by a mechanical coupling with the lifting element 28 of the trigger mechanism 26, thus releasing the recess 40 in which the drawn string 22 rests. As a result, the crossbow 10 is simultaneously disengaged when the trigger 30 is actuated, and the shot can be fired immediately, because the disengagement always occurs before the string 22 is fully raised over the edge 42. If the bow is cocked again, the described process is repeated, and the crossbow 10 is both secured and ready to fire after the string 22 engages in the recess 40.

[0083] Figures 7 and 8 show the bow weapon according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment in the form of a crossbow 100, together with the safety device 102 according to the invention in a second preferred embodiment, in two detailed sectional views for two different operating states. Figure 7 shows the secured state of the safety device 102 and Figure 8 shows the unsecured state of the safety device 102.

[0084] In the description of this second preferred embodiment, identical and similar reference symbols are used for identical or similar components, and their function is generally not discussed again unless this is necessary for understanding.

[0085] It can be seen that this embodiment of the crossbow 100 differs from the crossbow 10 in that the safety piece 44a with the extension 48a does not have its own return spring or compression spring 52, nor a stop surface 66 of the safety piece 44, nor a stop 68 of the lifting element 28. Instead, a lever connection 104 serves as a mechanical coupling between the safety piece 44a and the lifting element 28a. This lever connection is formed by a lever element 106, which is pivotably connected to the lifting element 28a at a first connection point 108 and pivotably connected to the safety piece 44a at a second connection point 110.

[0086] Due to the fixed mechanical connection between the safety piece 44 and the lifting element 28 by means of the lever element 106, pulling the trigger mechanism 26a simultaneously causes an immediate displacement of the safety piece 44a in the tension direction S, so that, as shown in Fig. 8, the recess 40 is released from the extension 48a of the safety piece 44a, while, as shown in Fig. 7, resetting the trigger mechanism 26a via the return spring 36 simultaneously causes the recess 40 to be closed by the extension 48a of the safety piece 44a. Thus, the safety piece 44a is also pre-tensioned here, but not by means of its own return spring 52, but rather via the fixed mechanical coupling with the lever connection 104 between the safety piece 44a and the trigger mechanism 26a with the return spring 36.

[0087] Additionally, the lever element 106 could have its own pivot point (not shown) located on the base body 14a. For example, there could be an elongated hole in the lever element 106 through which a pivot axis protrudes, which is located on the base body 14a, and / or the pivot axis is arranged in an elongated guide on the base body 14a.

[0088] This would allow the movement of the safety piece 44a to be coupled even more smoothly with that of the trigger device 26a, so that jamming is effectively prevented in every case.

[0089] Figures 9 to 13 show the bow weapon according to the invention in a third preferred embodiment in the form of a crossbow 200, together with the safety device 202 according to the invention in a third preferred embodiment, in detailed sectional views for various operating states. Figure 8 shows the safety device 202 in the engaged state, Figure 10 shows the safety device 202 in the state during loading, Figure 11 shows the safety device 202 in the state during disengagement, Figure 12 shows the safety device 202 in the state when the bowstring 22 is raised, and Figure 13 shows the safety device 202 in the state when the bowstring 22 is released.

[0090] In the description of this third preferred embodiment, identical and similar reference symbols are again used for identical or similar components, and their function is generally not discussed again unless this is necessary for understanding.

[0091] It can be seen in Fig. 9 that the safety device 202 comprises a lifting element 28b and the safety piece 44b, wherein the lifting element 28b is designed here in two parts, with a rotating element 204 and a sliding element 206.

[0092] The rotary element 204, like the lifting elements 28, 28a, is rotatably mounted about the pivot point 32, again with the trigger return spring 36. The rotary element 204 has a toothed section 210 on its side 208 facing the sliding element 206, which is shaped like a circular segment.

[0093] The sliding element 206 slides with its rear surface 212 relative to a surface 214 of the base body 14b, against which it is pressed by the rotating element 204. On the surface 216 opposite surface 212, the sliding element 206 has a toothing 218 corresponding to the toothing 210 of the rotating element 204.

[0094] On the upper side 220 of the sliding piece 206 there is a first circular segment-shaped recess 222 and a second circular segment-shaped recess 224 as well as the stop 226 (see Fig. 10).

[0095] The underside 228 of the sliding element 206 is designed to rise between the front surface 216 and the rear surface 212, so that in the fully secured state (see Fig. 9) the sliding element 206 rests only with its front part 230 (see Fig. 10) on an inner surface 232 of the base body 14b. This creates a cavity 231 which prevents malfunctions caused by contamination.

[0096] The rotating element 204 has the trigger blade 30b, which is secured by a trigger safety 234. This trigger safety 234 has a lever 236 which is rotatably mounted on the trigger blade 30b via the axis 238, the deflection in both directions being limited by the elongated hole 240 located in the lever 236 and a pin 242 of the trigger blade 30b arranged in the elongated hole 240.

[0097] The lever 236 has a stop 244 on its upper side, which, in the state shown in Fig. 9, is blocked by a projection 246 of the trigger guard 38b, so that the trigger blade 30b cannot be actuated without simultaneously actuating the lever 236. When the lever 236 is actuated against the spring 248, the stop 244 is free relative to the projection 246 and the trigger blade 30b can be actuated.

[0098] The safety piece 44b is basically identical in construction to the safety piece 44 according to Fig. 1, with the difference that the tendon stop surface 50b here has a first straight section 250 and a second circular segment-shaped section 252, while the stop surface 66b is not curved but straight (see Fig. 10).

[0099] The release edge 42b in the recess 40b is also formed in two parts, with a first circular segment-shaped surface 254 and a second surface 256 extending perpendicularly along the vertical V. The circular segment-shaped surface 254 is part of a cylindrical surface 258 of a needle bearing 260, which is mounted on a shaft 262 of the base body 14b.

[0100] The surface 256 has such a height that the chord 22 is held against it in the stretched state, without the chord 22 being able to slide over the circular segment-shaped surface 254 (see Fig. 9)

[0101] The circular segment-shaped section 252 of the string stop surface 50b has a contour that corresponds to the contour of the cylindrical surface 258 of the needle bearing 260. The first circular segment-shaped recess 222 of the sliding element 206 also has a contour that corresponds to the contour of the cylindrical surface 258 of the needle bearing 260. The second circular segment-shaped recess 224 of the sliding element 206 has a contour that corresponds to the contour of the string 22.

[0102] The following describes how this 200mm crossbow works:

[0103] During the tensioning of the string 22, it strikes against the straight section 250 of the string stop surface 50b, thereby pushing the locking piece 44b backwards in the tensioning direction S and releasing the recess 40b (see Fig. 10).

[0104] The chord 22 then slides on the cylindrical surface 258 into the depression 40b, finally coming to rest against the vertical surface 256. The downward-sloping pull on the chord 22, relative to the vertical V, holds the chord against the vertical surface 256, preventing it from sliding across the cylindrical surface 258.

[0105] In this secured state (see Fig. 9), the safety piece 44b is released from the string 22, and the circular segment-shaped section 252 of the string stop surface 50b rests against the cylindrical surface 258 of the needle bearing 260, thereby locking the recess 40b. During disengagement (see Fig. 11), the trigger blade 30b is pulled backward in the cocking direction S, unlocking the lever 235. This allows the interaction of the gear teeth 210, 218 on the rotary element 204 and the sliding element 206 to cause the sliding element 206, with its rear surface 212, to slide upwards along the vertical V on the surface 214 of the base body 14b, whereby the stop 236 of the sliding element 205 slides along the stop surface 66b of the locking piece 44b and displaces the locking piece 44b in the clamping direction S. This releases the recess 40b.Furthermore, the second circular segment-shaped recess 224 of the sliding element 206 grips the tendon 22 and lifts it, so that the tendon 22 rolls over the nail bearing 260 (see Fig. 12).

[0106] When the string 22 has overcome the apex 263 on the cylindrical surface 258, the tension force of the string 22 causes the string 22 to automatically slide further over the needle bearing 260 to the guide rail 20, in order to then release the shot there (see Fig. 13).

[0107] The two-part design of the stop surface 66b of the locking piece 44b, with a first, flatter surface 264 and a second, steeper surface 266 (see Fig. 12), causes the first surface 264 to open or close the recess 40 very quickly when unlocking (see Fig. 10) or locking (see Fig. 9), while the second surface 266 reduces the displacement path of the locking piece 44b and thus the dimensions of the base body 14b.

[0108] This special design of the crossbow 200 with the needle bearing 260 offers the advantage that friction is significantly minimized and thus the trigger pull is made more consistent.

[0109] The following additional advantages should be noted with regard to all crossbow designs 10, 100, 200:

[0110] The crossbow 10, 100, 200 and the safety device 12, 102, 202 according to the invention have a very simple and robust construction with a very small number of individual parts. In the case of the first preferred embodiment (see Figs. 1 to 6), the described functionality can be reduced to only three individual parts (safety piece 44, coil spring 54, cover 60) when using a dovetail joint (instead of screws) to connect the cover 60 to the base body 14 (instead of five individual parts when the cover 60 is screwed on – safety piece 44, coil spring 54, cover 60 and two screws (not shown)). This also applies to the third preferred embodiment 200 according to Figs. 9 to 13.

[0111] In the case of the second preferred embodiment (see Figs. 7 and 8), the number of individual parts would increase to four (locking piece 44a, two lever elements 106, cover 60) when a dovetail joint (instead of screws) is used to connect the cover 60 to the base body 14a. The solution with the cover 60 screwed to the base body 14a requires six individual parts (locking piece 44a, two lever elements 106, cover 60, and two screws (not shown)). Thus, the present invention (especially in the first and third preferred embodiments 10, 200) consistently continues the simple and therefore reliable design of the edge lifter principle.

[0112] Likewise, the automatic function (requiring no additional action from the operator beyond normal operation such as cocking and pulling the trigger) eliminates the need to familiarize oneself with the operation of the crossbow 10, 100, 200 or the safety mechanism 12, 102, 202. Even an operator completely unaware of the existence of the safety mechanism 12, 102, 202 would have access to the full range of functions of the crossbow 10, 100, 200 thanks to the automatic safety system.

[0113] Since the present invention thus manages without external operating elements, incorrect operation by the operator is excluded.

[0114] The pulling force of the throwing arm 16, 16' acts via the string 22 only on the main body 14, 14a, 14b and not on any parts of the lock, such as the trigger mechanism 26, 26a, 26b and the safety 12, 102, 202. The trigger mechanism 26, 26a, 26b has a smooth trigger characteristic with a pre-travel and a clearly defined pressure point, which is particularly characteristic of the third embodiment of the crossbow 200.

[0115] Furthermore, it offers a high level of safety at low manufacturing costs.

[0116] In the general context of safety devices for weapons, those located as close as possible to the element to be secured in the mechanical chain are generally considered to be particularly effective and safe. The present invention implements this principle in the best possible way, since the bowstring 22 is secured as the last link before the arrow 24 is released.

[0117] To wind or change the string 22, many crossbow manufacturers require the limb 16 to be tensioned using a so-called cocking aid in the form of a cocking cord (not shown) so that the string 22 can be threaded "loosely." In this context, the urgent warning in all operating instructions never to reach between the cocked limb 16 and the string 22 during other use of the crossbow (due to the risk of serious injury!) is a clear contradiction. The present invention, however, allows for safe string changes because the cocking cord (not shown) is always secured in the recesses 40, 40b.

[0118] Furthermore, the design is maintenance-free and encapsulated, preventing the ingress of foreign objects that could impair its function. Nevertheless, functional tests can be easily performed. The normal movement of the locking element 44, 44a, 44b during each clamping operation constitutes such a functional test.

[0119] Since the safety element 44, 44a, 44b is visible from all sides (i.e., from above and from both sides) in its basic position, the operator or bystanders can visually check the correct function of the safety 12, 102, 202 at any time. (Of course, if a magazine or other components are mounted on the top of the crossbow, the operator or bystanders can only see the safety indicator from the side.) For example, if plastics with fluorescent / phosphorescent pigments 64 are used for the safety element 44, 44a, 44b, this check can even be performed in complete darkness after prior charging by other light sources.

[0120] The selection of suitable materials is very diverse. Many plastics, as well as aluminum alloys, can be used. This means that manufacturing can be carried out using milling, injection molding, 3D printing, etc. The manufacturing effort is therefore low, which enables cost-effective production of the individual parts.

[0121] Maintaining or even improving the trigger characteristics when subsequently integrating the safety device 12, 102, 202 according to the invention into existing bow weapons, in particular crossbow models, can be achieved by skillfully selecting the pressure force of the springs 36 and 54.

[0122] Common crossbow designs 10, 100, 200 with the edge-lifting principle consist of "upper" and "lower" assemblies. The "lower" usually comprises the main body 14, 14a, 14b including the guide rail 20 and trigger mechanism 26. The extended functionality of the crossbow 10, 100, 200 is achieved through various designs of the "upper" (with magazine attachments, single-shot modules, alternative cocking mechanisms, etc.). Since the present invention focuses essentially on the "lower" component, with the exception of the string 22 and the draw plane of the bow 16, there is no obstacle to a wide variety of models of the crossbow 10, 100, 200. All variants benefit from increased safety combined with maximum ease of use.

[0123] Although the invention is presented here in the context of a pistol crossbow 10, 100, 200, the inventive principle presented can also be used in shoulder crossbows and other bow weapons that have a safety device against the unintentional pulling of the string.

[0124] Furthermore, in addition to the safety 12, 102, 202 and the trigger guard 38, 38b, a trigger safety 234 can be provided, for example, in the form of a lever 236 integrated into the trigger blade 30, 30a, 30b. This effectively prevents unintentional firing even if objects or body parts are caught under the trigger guard 38b. As has been made clear from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a solution that offers improvements in that the bow 10, 100, 200 has a safety 12, 102, 202 that is more convenient and safer to operate than those found on previously known bows. The safety mechanism (10, 100, 200) engages and disengages automatically without requiring any special knowledge or skills from the operator. The safety mechanism (12, 102, 202) is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and can also be easily retrofitted to existing bows.The proven principle of the edge lifter is revolutionized into an edge lock, combining the simplicity, robustness and reliability of the proven trigger system with an unprecedented level of comfort and safety.

[0125] Reference numeral list of the first preferred embodiment of the bow weapon according to the invention,

[0126] Crossbow, pistol crossbow, first preferred embodiment of the safety device according to the invention, 14a, 14b base body, bow, throwing arm, ends of the bow 16, 18a pistol grip, barrel rail, 22' string

[0127] Groove of the running rail 20

[0128] Arrow, projectile, 26a, 26b trigger mechanism, 28a, 28b lifting element, 30a, 30a trigger blade pivot point recess of the guide rail 20 pin of the lifting element 28 coil spring, trigger return spring, 38b trigger guard recess, string bearing edge of the recess 40, 44a, 44b safety piece, 46a recess of the base body 14, 48a extension, 50b string stop surface recess of the safety piece 44 coil spring, compression spring of the safety piece 44, return spring, 56a rear wall of the recess 46, 46a top of the base body 14, 14a side surfaces of the base body 14, 60b cover signal marking, 66b stop surface of the safety piece 44, 44b Stop of the lifting element 28 Threaded sleeve Fastening screw 0 Second preferred embodiment of the bow weapon according to the invention,

[0129] Crossbow, pistol crossbow 2 second preferred embodiment of the safety device according to the invention 4 Lever connection between safety piece 44a and lifting element 28a 6 Lever element 8 pivotable connection between lifting element 28a and lever element

[0130] 106 0 swivel connection between locking piece 44a and

[0131] Lever element 106 0 third preferred embodiment of the bow weapon according to the invention,

[0132] Crossbow, pistol crossbow 2 safety device according to the invention in a third preferred embodiment 4 rotating element 6 sliding element 8 side of the rotating element 204 facing the sliding element 206 0 toothing 2 rear surface of the sliding element 206 4 surface of the base body 14b 6 surface of the sliding piece 206 opposite the surface 212 8 toothing 0 top surface of the sliding piece 206 2 first circular segment-shaped recess 4 second circular segment-shaped recess 6 stop 226 8 bottom surface of the sliding element 206 0 front part of the sliding element 206 1 cavity 2 inner surface of the base body 14b 4 trigger safety 6 lever 238 axle

[0133] 240 slotted hole

[0134] 242 pin

[0135] 244 Lever stop 236

[0136] 246 Trigger guard projection 38b

[0137] 248 spring

[0138] 250 first straight section of the tendon attachment surface 50b

[0139] 252 second circular segment-shaped section of the

[0140] String attachment surface 50b

[0141] 254 first circular segment-shaped surface of the release edge 42b

[0142] 256 second surface extending perpendicularly along the vertical V of the

[0143] Trigger edge 42b

[0144] 258 cylinder area

[0145] 260 needle bearings

[0146] 262 wave

[0147] 263 Vertex on the cylindrical surface 258

[0148] 264 first, flatter surface of the stop surface 66b of the locking piece 44b

[0149] 266 second, steeper surface of the stop surface 66b of the safety piece 44b

[0150] S clamping direction

[0151] V Vertical

Claims

Patent claims 1. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) with a bow (16) and a string (22) arranged thereon, and a trigger device (26) for the string (22), wherein a safety device (12; 102) is provided which blocks the drawing of the string (22) against a tension direction (S) of the string (22), wherein the safety device (12; 102) comprises a locking element (44; 44a) which blocks the drawing of the string (22), characterized in that a mechanical The coupling (66, 68; 104) consists such that actuation of the trigger mechanism (26; 26a) to pull the string (22) leads to a displacement of the safety piece (44; 44a) to release the string (22).

2. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that a control cam (66, 68; 106, 108, 110) exists between trigger device (26; 26a) and safety piece (44; 44a).

3. Bow weapon (10; 100;200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a stop (68) is arranged on the trigger device (26) and a stop surface (66) for the stop (68) of the trigger device (26) is provided on the locking piece (44), wherein the stop surface (66) is inclined with respect to the clamping direction (S), wherein the stop surface (66) is preferably curved, wherein the stop surface (66) is in particular convexly curved, wherein the stop surface (66) is preferably curved in a circular segment shape, and / or that a stop is arranged on the locking piece and a stop surface for the stop of the locking piece is provided on the trigger device, wherein the stop surface is inclined with respect to the clamping direction, wherein the stop surface is preferably curved, wherein the stop surface is in particular convexly curved, wherein the stop surface is preferably curved in a circular segment shape.; 4. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling is designed such that actuation of the trigger device (26) to draw the string (22) leads to a displacement of the safety piece (44) in the cocking direction. - TI - 5. Bow weapon (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling is designed as a lever connection (104) which preferably has a lever element (106) which is pivotably connected at one point (108) to the trigger device (26a) and pivotably connected at an opposite point (110) to the safety piece (44a), wherein the lever element in particular also has a pivot point which is connected to a base body of the bow weapon.

6. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety element (44; 44a) is pre-tensioned in the direction of the safety position, preferably spring-loaded, wherein the spring load is provided in particular by a return spring (54; 36) which is arranged on the safety element (44) and / or on the trigger device (26a), and / or that the safety element (44; 44a) is displaceable in the cocking direction (S) and / or against the cocking direction (S).

7. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to claim 6, characterized in that the spring load acts against the tension direction (S) of the bowstring (22).

8. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety piece (44; 44a) has a string stop surface (50) inclined with respect to the tension direction (S) of the string (22), wherein the inclination (a) is preferably in the range of 45° to 75° and in particular in the range of 55° to 65° and preferably is 60°, and / or that a running surface (20) is provided on which the string (22) slides in the undrawn state and / or during tensioning, wherein the running surface (20) preferably has a recess (33) into which the trigger device (26) penetrates at least partially when the string is drawn.

9. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bow weapon (10; 100) is designed such that the string (22) in the in a fully tensioned state rests in a recess (40), from which it can be lifted out using the release device (26, 26a).

10. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to claim 9, characterized in that a trigger edge (42; 42b) is provided in the recess (40; 40b) over which the string (22) can be lifted when released, wherein the trigger edge (42; 42b) is preferably bent at least partially in the tension direction (S), in particular being rounded at least partially in the tension direction (S).

11. Bow weapon (200) according to claim 10, characterized in that the transition between the running surface (20) according to claim 8 and the trigger edge (42b) is rounded and / or that the trigger edge (42b) has at least partially a rotating surface (254), wherein the rotating surface (254) is preferably part of a ball bearing, in particular part of a needle bearing (260).

12. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the locking piece (44; 44a; 44b) in the secured state covers the recess (40; 40b) in such a way that the bowstring (22) cannot be lifted out of the recess (40; 40b).

13. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety piece (44; 44a) is at least partially arranged under a cover (60), wherein the cover (60) preferably adjoins the recess (40) according to claim 9.

14. Bow weapon (10; 100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bow weapon is a crossbow (10; 100), preferably a shoulder crossbow or a pistol crossbow (10; 100), and / or that the trigger device (26; 26a) has a trigger safety, preferably in the form of a lever integrated into a trigger blade (30), and / or that the locking piece (44; 44a) has a signal marking (64) which is preferably only visible in the locked state.

15. Safety device (12; 102) for the tensioned bowstring (22) of a bow weapon (10; 100), characterized in that the safety device has the features relating to the safety device (12; 102) of one of the preceding claims.

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