Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PCT/I132020/051 536- 22.12.2020
TITLE: "ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A FIREARM"
***
DESCRIPTION
Technical field
The present invention relates to an actuation system
for a firearm.
Background art
In the artillery field, it is known to use firearms
that typically comprise a breech ring for geometrically
closing the firing chamber of the firearm when firing occurs.
In particular, the breech ring is configured for receiving
a shell to be fired. Such firearms also comprise a barrel,
through which the shell is intended to be channelled by the
breech ring after firing.
For firing the shell, different kinds of actuation
systems are known, which control the closing of the breech
ring.
However, prior-art actuation systems suffer from a
number of drawbacks which should desirably be overcome.
213 Summary of the invention
It is one object of the present invention to provide an
improved actuation system for a firearm, which are able to
overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
According to the present invention, this and other
/5 objects are achieved through an actuation system having the
technical features set out in the appended independent claim.
It is understood that the appended claims are an
integral part of the technical teachings provided in the
following detailed description of the present invention. In
30 particular, the appended dependent claims define some
preferred embodiments of the present invention that include
optional technical features.
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US 4 131 052 A discloses a drum cam for reciprocating
the operating group of an externally powered weapon, wherein
hang-fire is prevented by transferring the cam follower to
a separate cam path when the group is in in-battery position,
and the follower dwells until a chambered round has fired
before permitting the operating group to recoil.
Further features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent in light of the following
detailed description, provided merely as a non-limiting
example and referring, in particular, to the annexed drawings
as summarized below.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a firearm comprising
an actuation system made in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a enlarged partial side elevation view of
the firearm shown in Figure 1, wherein the above-mentioned
actuation system is better visible.
Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the above-mentioned
actuation system, which comprises a slide represented in a
first operating position.
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the above-mentioned
actuation system, wherein the slide is represented in a
second operating position.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the above-mentioned
actuation system, wherein the slide is represented in an
intermediate position between the first operating position
and the second operating position.
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a cam belonging
80 to the actuation system.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of a routing
mechanism belonging to the actuation system.
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Detailed description of the invention
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, numeral 1 designates
as a whole a firearm. By way of example, the firearm 1 is a
single-barrel firearm.
In a per as known manner, such firearm 1 comprises a
breech ring 12 configured for receiving a shell, e.g. a
thirty-millimeter (30mm) caliber shell, intended to be
fired. The firearm 1 comprises a barrel 13, through which
the shell is channelled when firing occurs.
Moreover, the firearm 1 comprises an actuation system
2 made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
The system 2 comprises a breechblock assembly 3
configured to close the breech ring 12 of the firearm 1.
Moreover, the system 2 comprises a slide 5, whereon the
breechblock assembly 3 is mounted. In particular, the
breechblock assembly 3 moves as a unit together with the
slide 5.
Furthermore, the system 2 comprises a linear guide,
which is per se known (and is not shown), whereon the slide
5 is configured to slide linearly.
The system 2 also comprises a cylindrical cam 4
configured to be rotatably actuated about a central axis X-
X by a motor, which is per as known (and is not shown). In
the illustrated embodiment, the cam 4 is configured to be
rotatably driven by the motor in a clockwise direction (in
particular when viewing the cam 4 from the rear, i.e. from
an opposed side to the breech 12 and the barrel 13, which
are situated in front of said cam 4).
The cam 4 co-operates with the slide 5 for controlling
the movement of the slide 5 along said linear guide between
a first operating position, shown in Figure 3, and a second
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operating position, shown in Figure 4. /n particular, the
slide 5 is situated at the top of the cam 4.
By way of non-limiting example, the linear guide may be
provided as a casing that surrounds the cam 4, allowing the
latter to rotate about the central axis X-X. Such casing may
have a straight groove within which the slide 5 is slidably
coupled. For example, the groove may be formed on the top of
said enclosure, so that the slide 5 is movable over the cam
4.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 4 is a single
drum-type cam.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 4 is a positive-
control multi-revolution cam.
With reference to Figure 3, the first operating position
of the slide 5 corresponds to a condition in which the
breechblock assembly 3 is in a remote position relative to
the breech ring 12. In this condition, the breechblock
assembly 3 allows the extraction of the shell case of the
fired piece of ammunition and the insertion of a new piece
210 of ammunition. In particular, Figure 3 shows that the
breechblock assembly 3 carries a piece of ammunition M
intended to be pushed into the breech ring 12.
With reference to Figures 2 and 4, the second operating
position of the slide 5 corresponds to a condition in which
the breechblock assembly 3 is in proximity to the breech
ring 12. In such a condition, the breechblock assembly 3 is
able to co-operate with the breech ring 12 during the
ammunition firing phases. In such a condition, in particular,
when firing occurs the breechblock assembly 3 closes the
firing chamber of the firearm in which the piece of
ammunition N is contained.
The outer surface of the cam 4 defines a path indicated
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by reference 42.
In the illustrated embodiment, the slide 5 comprises a
coupling element 52 coupled with the path 42 defined by the
cam 4. In particular, the coupling element 52 is a pin, and
5 the path 42 is formed by a groove in which said pin is
slidably coupled.
= With particular reference to Figure 3, said path 42 has
a first parking section 42 (e.g. substantially annular),
where the slide 5 is kept in the first operating position.
With particular reference to Figure 4, said path 42 has
a second parking section 42b (e.g. substantially annular),
where the slide 5 is kept in the second operating position.
In addition, the path 42 has a pair of intermediate
sections 42c and 42d that connect the first parking section
42a and the second parking section 42b. Through the
intermediate sections 42c and 42d, the slide 5 is alternately
moved between the first operating position and the second
operating position.
The forward intermediate section 42c is configured to
allow the slide 5 to move from the first operating position,
in the first parking section 42a, to the second operating
position, in the second parking section 42b.
The backward intermediate section 42d is configured to
allow the slide 5 to move from the second operating position,
in the second parking section 42b, to the first operating
position, in the first parking section 42a.
Preferably, the forward intermediate section 42c is
shaped as a helical portion having a winding direction that
is discordant from the rotation direction in which the cam
4 is driven by the motor.
= Preferably, the backward intermediate section 42d is
shaped as a helical portion having a winding direction that
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is concordant with the rotation direction in which the cam
4 is driven by the motor.
In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate
sections 42c, 42d intersect each other at their ends, at the
first parking section 42c on one side and at the second
parking section 42d on the other side. In particular, when
the intermediate sections 42c, 42d are shaped as helical
portions, their intersections form cusp-shaped regions.
Preferably, the system 2 further comprises a routing
mechanism 7 configured to assume selectively a forward
condition and a backward condition, or blocking condition.
In the forward condition, visible in Figure 8, the
routing mechanism 7 constrains the slide 5 to move from the
first parking section 42a to said second parking section 42b
through the forward intermediate section 42c.
Vice versa, in the backward condition, the routing
mechanism 7 constrains the slide to move from the second
parking section 42b to the first parking section 42a through
the backward intermediate section 42d.
In the illustrated embodiment, the routing mechanism 7
comprises a pair of diverters 72a, 72b.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, the first
diverter 72a is associated with the first parking section
42a (in particular, it is situated therein) and is configured
for selectively connecting the first parking section 42a
with the forward section 42c and with the backward section
42d when the routing mechanism 7 is in the forward condition
and, respectively, in the backward condition.
With particular reference to Figure 5, the second
diverter 72b is associated with the second parking section
42b (in particular, it is situated therein) and is configured
for selectively connecting the second parking section 42b
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with the forward section 42c and with the backward section
42d when the routing mechanism 7 is in the forward condition
and, respectively, in the backward condition.
In Figures 3 to 5, the routing mechanism 7 is in the
forward condition, in which the diverters 72a and 72b create
a guiding path from the first parking section 42a to the
second parking section 42b through the forward section 42c.
At the same time, in this forward condition, the diverters
72a and 72b interpose themselves between the ends of the
backward intermediate section 42d and the parking sections
42a, 42b. In the backward condition, the diverters 72a, 72b
are in an opposed position to that shown in Figures 3 to 5.
Preferably, the routing mechanism 7 comprises a
synchronization device 70 configured for synchronizing the
/5 movement of said pair of diverters 72a, 72b. In this manner,
the synchronization device 70 is configured to cause the
first diverter 72a and the second diverter 72b to
simultaneously provide the connection with the forward
intermediate section 42c when the routing mechanism 7 is in
the forward condition. Vice versa, the device 70 is
configured to cause the first diverter 72a and the second
diverter 72b to simultaneously provide the connection with
the backward intermediate section 42d when the routing
mechanism 7 is in the backward condition.
In the illustrated embodiment, the synchronization
device 70 is a bistable linkage. In particular, the linkage
has a first stable arrangement, visible in Figure 8,
corresponding to the forward condition of the routing
mechanism 7, and a second stable arrangement, visible in
Figure 9, corresponding to the backward condition of the
routing mechanism.
Preferably, said linkage comprises a shaft 71
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configured for simultaneously moving the diverters 72a, 72b
each time the routing mechanism 7 switches between the
forward condition and the backward condition.
In particular, the shaft 71 is configured for making
the diverters 72a, 72b rotate about respective transverse
axes of rotation Ya, Yb. For example, the transverse axes of
rotation Ya, Yb are substantially parallel to each other
and, in a preferred manner, substantially perpendicular to
both the longitudinal axis X'-X of the shaft 71 and the
central axis X-X about which the cam 4 is able to rotate. In
the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis X'-X' of
the shaft 71 and the central axis X-X of the cam are mutually
incident and define a plane relative to which the transverse
axes of rotation Ya s Yb are substantially perpendicular.
For example, each one of the ends 71a, 71b of the shaft
71 is hinged to an arm of a respective rocker 74a, 74b, which
is in turn pivoted about a respective transverse axis of
rotation Ya, Yb, and which carries a corresponding diverter
72a, 72b on the opposed arm.
201 In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 4 rotates as a
unit together with the routing mechanism 7. In particular,
the diverters 72a, 72b are supported by the outer surface of
the cam 4; moreover, the synchronization device 70 is housed
inside the cam 4, which is advantageously hollow.
When the actuation system 2 is in operation, at each
full revolution of the cam 4 about the axis X-X, the routing
mechanism 7 is switched between the forward condition and
the backward condition, in particular by means of the
synchronization device 70, e.g. through an action exerted by
the pin 52 of the slide 5 upon a respective diverter 72a (or
72b), which, through the linkage comprising the shaft 71,
causes a simultaneous movement of the other diverter 72b (or
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72a). Thus, when the slide 5 starts from the first operating
position, it goes into the second operating position after
one revolution of the cam 4 and returns into the first
operating position from the second operating position after
one further revolution of said cam 4. Therefore, after each
two revolutions of the cam 4, the actuation system 2 will
find itself in the starting position again.
Naturally, without prejudice to the principle of the
present invention, the forms of embodiment and the
implementation details may be extensively varied from those
described and illustrated herein merely by way of non-
limiting example, without however departing from the scope
of the invention as set out in the appended claims.
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CLAIMS
1. Actuation system (2) for a firearm (1); said system
comprising:
- a breechblock assembly (3) adapted to close a breech
5 ring (12) of said firearm (1);
- a slide (5) whereon said breechblock assembly (3) is
mounted;
- a linear guide whereon said slide (5) is configured to
slide linearly; and
10 - a cylindrical cam (4) configured to be rotatably
actuated by a motor and co-operating with said slide (5) for
controlling the movement of said slide (5) along said linear
guide between a first operating position and a second
operating position; the outer surface of said cylindrical
cam (4) defining a path (42) having:
a substantially annular first parking section (42a)
wherein said slide (5) is kept in said first operating
position, wherein said breechblock assembly (3) is in a
remote position relative to said breech ring (12) and allows
the extraction of the shell case and the insertion of a new
piece of ammunition,
a substantially annular second parking section (42b)
wherein said slide (5) is kept in said second operating
position, wherein said breechblock assembly (3) is in
proximity to said breech ring (12) and is able to co-operate
with said breech ring (12) during the ammunition firing
phases,
a helical portion shaped forward intermediate section
(42c) and a helical portion shaped backward intermediate
section (42d) connecting said first parking section (42a)
and said second parking section (42b), and wherein said slide
(5) is moved forward from said first operating position to
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said second operating position and, respectively, backward
from said second operating position to said first operating
position.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein said forward
intermediate section (42c) is shaped as a helical portion
having a winding direction that is discordant from the
rotation direction in which the cam (4) is driven by the
motor.
3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the backward
intermediate section (42d) is shaped as a helical portion
having a winding direction that is concordant with the
rotation direction in which the cam (4) is driven by the
motor.
4. System according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the intermediate sections (42c, 42d) intersect each
other at their ends, at the first parking section (42c) on
one side and at the second parking section (42d) on the other
side
5. System according to claim 4, wherein the intersection
between the intermediate sections (42c, 42d) form cusp-
shaped regions.
6. System according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said system comprises a single drum-type cam (4).
7. System according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said slide (5) comprises a coupling element (52),
and said cam (4) has an external groove (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d)
which defines said path (42) and in which said coupling
element (52) is configured to slide.
8. System according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said cam (4) comprises a routing mechanism (7)
configured to selectively assume:
a forward condition, wherein said routing mechanism (7)
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constrains said slide (5) to move from said first parking
section (42a) to said second parking section (42b) through
said forward intermediate section (42c), and
a backward condition, wherein said routing mechanism
(7) constrains said slide (5) to move from said second
parking section (42b) to said first parking section (42a)
through said backward intermediate section (42d).
9. System according to claim 6, wherein said routing
mechanism (7) comprises a pair of diverters (72a, 72b), each
one of them being associated with a respective parking
section (42a, 42b) and being configured for selectively
connecting the respective parking section (42a, 42b) with
the forward section (42c) and with the backward section
(42d), when the routing mechanism (7) is in the forward
condition and, respectively, in the backward condition.
10. System according to claim 9, wherein each one of said
diverters (72a, 72b) is situated in the respective parking
section (42a, 42b) with which it is associated.
11. System according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said routing
mechanism (7) comprises a synchronization device (70)
configured for synchronizing the movement of said pair of
diverters (72a, 72b), so that both of said diverters (72a,
72b) simultaneously provide connection with the forward
intermediate section (42c) and, respectively, with the
backward intermediate section (42d) when the routing
mechanism (7) assumes the forward condition and,
respectively, the backward condition.
12. System according to claim 11, wherein said
synchronization device (70) is a bistable linkage.
60 13. System according to claim 12, wherein said bistable
linkage comprises a shaft (71) configured for simultaneously
moving said diverters (72a, 72b) each time said routing
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mechanism (7) switches between said forward condition and
said backward condition.
14. System according to claim 13, wherein said shaft (71)
is configured for simultaneously rotating the diverters
(72a, 72b) about transverse axes of rotation (Ye, Yb).
15. System according to claim 14, wherein said transverse
axes of rotation (Ye, Yb) are substantially parallel to each
other.
16. System according to claim 15, wherein said transverse
axes of rotation (Ya, Yb) are substantially perpendicular to
the central axis of rotation (X-X) of said cam (4) and to
the longitudinal axis (X'-X') of said shaft (71).
17. Firearm comprising:
- a breech ring (12) configured to receive a shell to be
fired;
- a barrel (13) through which the shell is intended to be
channelled when firing occurs in the breech ring (12); and
- an actuation system (2) according to any one of the
preceding claims.
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