Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Small arm having a locked breech
The invention relates to a large caliber gas-operated rifle with a central
power input part,
which holds the rear end of the barrel and the locking abutments of the
breech. This gas-
operated rifle employs the principle a small arm A ith a locked breech and a
bolt head
carrier whereby the bolt head is passed through by a locking block which can
move
transversal to the direction of motion of the breecir and which interlocks
with locking
projections over a large area when in the locking position.
By "large caliber" here in particular a rifle with a,aliber or greatest case
diameter of the
cartridge of more than 15 mm is understood.
In the case of large caliber rifles a heavy missile, i'or example a
projectile, an adapter base
projectile, a charge of shot, a gas body or the like is brought to a speed
which is rather
low when compared with other, small caliber high -performance rifles. For this
reason the
gas pressure is also comparatively low, particularly in the front region of
the barrel.
In the case of a large caliber, gas-operated rifle whose cartridge diameter is
above 15
mm, the breech is large and long, and hence heavy, so that the force required
to reload it
is also great. Since on the other hand the gas pressure, as already mentioned,
is low, the
action area of the gas piston must be great. Accorclingly the gas quantity
which is
depleted from the barrel during firing is also great.
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For this reason recoil-operated guns usually have been preferred, which
however have the
disadvantage of reacting particularly sensitively.
In addition in the case of a large caliber recently a central anchoring
element has been
provided to save weight, upon which all occurrinE forces are supposed to have
the
greatest possible effect. To a great extent the case can be designed in the
lightest plastic
style, since at the most it is subjected to little stress. A gas piston
however requires at the
tapping point of the barrel, which usually interact:, with the gas cylinder,
an additional
point of power input and consequently is rather he avy in construction.
In the case of large caliber rifles there is also the problem that the rifle
is built rather long,
when it is constructed as an enlarged, normal caliber rifle.
The invention is therefore based on the object of i nproving the initially
named large
caliber rifle so that at least one of the initially narr ed problems is at
least partially
corrected.
In particular the invention is based on the object of creating a semi-
automatic rifle for
large caliber shell cartridges with long cartridge le ngth and short cartridge
case which is
light and reloads reliably.
In accordance with the invention this task is solve I by having the initially
named rifle
exhibit a gas intake opening in the power input pa t in the barrel, and that a
gas cylinder
is firmly joined with the power input part, which i3 joined with the gas
intake opening,
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whereby the barrel exhibits a gas intake opening in the power input part and
whereby a gas cylinder is firmiy joined with the power input part, which is
joined
with the gas intake opening. Similar to a semi-automatic shotgun with a pipe
magazine, where the gas piston surrounds the magazine pipe, in accordance with
the invention it is preferred that a pipe be firmly joined to the bolt head
carrier, pass
through the gas cylinder and be passed through as an attachment pipe for a
breech-
closing spring. The inner surface of the gas cylinder exhibits therefore an
annular-
shaped surface, and moreover the action of force occurs precisely centrally on
the
bolt head carrier. The pull-back spring for the breech, the so-called breech-
closing
spring, further passes through the pipe, so that the bolt head carrier forming
the
gas piston can also be reset precisely centrally and consequently cannot jam.
The
gas cylinder can, viewed at its diameter, consequently also be built shorter
than
would otherwise be necessary. A tilting lever which is arranged in the bolt
head,
engages on the one hand in the path of motion of the bolt head carrier and on
the
other hand in the path of motion of the locking bolt and in a movement of the
bolt
head carrier pulls the locking bolt from its resting position out of the
constructions of
the power input part. Such a tilting lever is pivoted e.g. on a swiveling
axis, which is
transversally arranged in the bolt head. However, such a device can also be
formed
by a pressure spring which forces the locking bolt out of its resting position
when
the bolt head carrier makes room.
Moreover, normally a bolt head exhibits only one extractor. However, providing
two
extractors is also known. The invention deviates f the two teachings to the
effect
that two recesses are constructed in the bolt head transversal to the locking
bolt, in
which from the rear a bore hole for a set-bolt
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and a spring pressing it forward are constructed, tliat in one of the recesses
an extractor
which can be swiveled against the force of the set. bolt is inserted, and that
in the opposite
recess if possible a supporting element is inserted. which, opposite the
extractor, laterally
supports the base of a cartridge or cartridge case. The extractor and the
supporting
element are hence facing one another (Claim 1).
The gas intake opening in the power input part a rlakes a separate, power
absorbing
enclosure of the gas intake opening unnecessary. :Iimultaneously this is
placed far to the
rear, where the gas pressure is sufficient for unlocking and operating even a
heavy breech
with a long reloading path.
The barrel of the weapon of the invention is prefer=ably provided, as is
generally the
practice, with a cartridge chamber that is construc:ed in one piece with the
barrel.
However, it is also conceivable that the cartridge chamber be separated from
the barrel.
Within the scope of this invention the term "barre " includes the cartridge
chamber,
whether it is constructed in one piece with the bar=el or not. In accordance
with the
invention the gas intake opening is at the front encl of the cartridge chamber
and joins into
a bore hole in the power input part, which for its fart joins into the front
end of the gas
cylinder (Claim 2). The cartridge chamber is, compared with the caliber of the
barrel,
often rather short in the case of extremely large caliber rifles; in the case
of shell
cartridges of the above described type the cartridge chamber is even extremely
short.
Thus the slow acceleration of the breech by actior of the discharge gases is
sufficient to
ensure prior to the opening of the breech that the lirojectile has then
already left the
barrel. The pressure decrease occurs in the case oi'such large caliber rifles
usually so
prematurely that the excess
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pressure in the barrel is rather low when the proje,-tile leaves the barrel.
Simultaneously a
pipe or similar component has been dispensed with, while the power input part
ensures
that even a high pressure in its bore is harmlessly received and passed on to
a gas
cylinder.
This gas cylinder is preferably constructed in the power input part (Claim 3)
and
consequently does not require its own power absorbing component.
The bore can extend diagonally in or opposite the direction of fire in order
to utilize or
inhibit the kinetic energy of the discharge gases. 'Since this kinetic energy
at the end of
the chamber is quite slight, it is preferred that the bore hole extends at a
right angle to the
direction of fire (Claim 3). In this way the power : nput part can be kept as
compact as
possible.
The gas cylinder which directly connects to the bore can be seated laterally
or underneath
the chamber. However, in order to
avoid excessively extending the width of the wealion and to be able to mount a
magazine
under the breech, it is preferred that the gas cylinc er be seated above the
cartridge
chamber (Claim 4). Since the gas cylinder is cons ructed in the power input
part, in this
way a style that is very stout and in particular alsc short in longitudinal
direction is
ensured.
The breech is, as usual, formed from a locked boll head and a bolt head
carrier. To make
a regulator for the bolt head carrier unnecessary aa id to keep the style of
the weapon short
in spite of the gas cylinder located far in the rear; n accordance with a
further
embodiment
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it is proposed that the bolt head carrier form the g is piston (Claim 5).
In accordance with a further embodiment the pipe also has the purpose of
bearing a
loading handle, which is either mounted to the pipe or can be attached or
joined with it
for the purpose of reloading (Claim 6).
There are various means of locking, for example lateral locking shutters or
locking lugs
mounted in a circle to the longitudinal center of tr e barrel, but the
shutters are applied off
center, while lugs imply a backward motion of the bolt head and consequently
increase
the overall length of the rifle, even if only slightly. Therefore in
accordance with the
invention it is proposed that a locking bolt be pas: ed transversal through
the bolt head
and be pressed by the bolt head carrier in its restirag position into a safety
position, in
which it engages in constructions of the power input part and as a result
locks the bolt
head (Claim 7). The constructions are advantageo usly mounted thereby somewhat
circular-symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The bolt head
consequently
does not have to travel an unlocking path, when ii is unlocked, but rather
only the locking
bolt is pulled out at a right angle to the named longitudinal axis. The device
for this
purpose can be located above the bolt head and does not take up any overall
length.
Additionally it is preferred that the pulled out loci~ing bolt engages in the
bolt head
carrier so that with its movement the locking bolt and with it the
bolt head is taken (Claim 8). For example a positive connection is brought
about between
the bolt head and the bolt head carrier, regardless of how
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quickly the return of the bolt head carrier takes place, thus for example also
in the case of
slow reloading.
Preferably the locking bolt exhibits an oblong holo which is passed through by
the firing
pin, the firing pin exhibits a recess behind the locl.ing bolt, and the oblong
hole exhibits a
beveled edge to the rear, which engages on the rec ess of the firing pin and
pushes it back
when the locking bolt is pulled out of engagement with the constructions of
the power
input part (Claim 9). Thus after the shot the firing pin is forcefully pushed
out of
engagement with the cartridge and in the case of an unlocked breech cannot
reach the
cartridge base. Consequently neither can a burst b asting cap (so-called
primer failure)
keep the firing pin to the front, nor can a prematur e firing take place, when
the bolt head
is not yet locked. This guarantees reliability even : n the case of rare
malfunctions.
The supporting element supports the cartridge cas : after the extraction, so
that the
cartridge case does not slip from the opposing ext=actor hook. After the shot
the breech
first undergoes an acceleration phase and then a &-celeration phase. During
the
deceleration phase the base of the accelerated cart -idge case rests firmly on
the breech
block. The front area of the bolt head is called the "breech block".
Spring, set-bolt and extractor on one side and supporting element on the other
side can if
necessary be exchanged to change the ejection dir,-ction.
However, in the case of the initially named shell cartridges the cartridge
case is very
short, so that it could possibly
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leave the cartridge chamber while still in the acce eration phase or shortly
afterwards.
Since the supporting element and the extractor are seated in recesses of the
same type,
they can be interchanged. In this manner it is possible to rearrange the
ejection direction
of the rifle so that the rifle can be easily adapted to right-handed shooters
or left-handed
shooters.
The invention relates to a small arm having a locked breech and such a breech
itself
(Generic part of Claim 1).
This breech exhibits a bolt head and a bolt head carrier.
This breech should build particularly small, but b(: capable of withstanding
high recoils.
For this reason the breech exhibits a locking bolt, which can move transversal
to the
direction of motion of the breech and which interl :)cks with locking
projections over a
large area when in the locking position.
In particular the invention relates to a locked semi-automatic firearm with a
rigid barrel
with cartridge chamber, a bolt head which can be ~ocked opposite the barrel
and a bolt
head carrier which can be moved relative to the bolt head, against said bolt
head carrier
which a breech-closing spring is supported, whereby between the bolt head
carrier and
the bolt head additional, powerful springs are arranged, via which the heavy
bolt head
carrier supports itself in the case of the bolt head being locked upon the
latter.
Positional terms such as "up" in this document ahvays refer to the normal
firing position
of the semi-automatic firearm in the case of horizontal direction of firing,
which runs to
the "front".
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Semi-automatic firearms with sensitive cartridge (ases, in particular semi-
automatic
shotguns, have been problems; to be precise in paiticular due to the extremely
slight
resistance of the cartridges to residual gas pressur,: in the loading of the
weapon. In the
case of semi-automatic shotguns there is an additi )nal problem in that
cartridges of one
and the same dimension can have extremely varia )le charges, which in turn
causes
variable residual gas pressure readings.
In other respects many semi-automatic rifles have breeches that tend to open
when the
projectile is still in the barrel or the gas pressure has not yet sufficiently
decreased.
In the case of a semi-automatic rifle such as a sho gun or a semi-automatic
pistol
equipped for large cartridges and/or long-barrel semi-automatic pistols a
slight residual
gas pressure would already cause most cartridge cases to blow up or burst when
the
breech opens. Such a residual gas pressure is una-, oidable for example in a
simple semi-
automatic pistol with a blow back breech. Howevcr, even locked recoil-operated
guns
still have residual gas pressure when the breech opens which some shotgun
cartridge
cases wouldn't be a match for. Even recoil-operat: ng semi-automatic rifles
which are
equipped for weak cartridges as a rule jam in the c ase of considerably larger
ammunition,
said jamming which can be attributed to the incre, ~sed residual gas pressure.
It is true that shotgun cartridge cases have already been manufactured
completely out of
metal. However, due to the high price and weight these have not been
successful in
general.
A further problem is the slight tensile stress capacity of a shotgun cartridge
case in its
longitudinal direction. In the case of cheap shotgun cartridge cases made of
cardboard
with a metal base, this results in the metal base in the cartridge
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separating from the rest of the case. The low conic al form of shotgun
cartridges supports
this tendency.
For about one hundred years a recoil-operated sys7 em has proved itself with
shotguns, in
which the barrel and the closed breech first recoil )ver the full recoil
distance, and in the
process the pressure is almost entirely relieved (Bi -owning, Walther). Then
the breech
remains stationary in the rearmost position and the barrel is retarded by the
force of a
spring and is guided relatively slowly to the front. Together with the breech
the cartridge
case also remains stationary, so that it is gently drawn out of the barrel. In
the process,
excessive longitudinal force does not occur in the -artridge case. After the
ejection of the
cartridge case the breech snaps back to the front again under the effect of
the breech-
closing spring and takes a new cartridge with it.
Such a shotgun works quite reliably - even with viried loaded ammunition.
However, it
does have two critical disadvantages:
- a built-in brake, which slows down the movement of the barrel and which can
perform an adaptation to extreme loading clifferences, but works only under
strictly defined conditions (for example only when the components are lightly
oiled), and
- the relatively slow, powerful recoil moverr ent of the barrel requires
support by
means of the case. This takes place by pressing the rifle into the shoulder of
the
marksman. However, if the rifle is shot from the hip, then there is no support
and
there are serious jams in the loading mech,:Lnisms.
Thus such a system is not suitable for shotguns which are intended for use in
the military
or by the police.
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Lately in the case of shotguns there has been a trend to go over to gas
operated rifles. Gas
operated rifles have long been known in the case of semi-automatic rifles and
have
proven themselves in that area. However, in the case of semi-automatic
shotguns they
require a defined gas pressure and a shotgun cartr,dge case that is rugged and
easy to
extract. With modem, heavy cartridges which exl ibit a cartridge base made of
metal with
a long sleeve and a case made of longitudinally ri )bed plastic, such gas
operated
shotguns work free of jamming. However, compared to cartridges of poor quality
they
are not low maintenance like the recoil operated shotguns. To make up for it
the gas
operated rifles function when fired from the hip o- from the shoulder.
However, the gas operated rifles are rather compt cated. Depending on the kind
of
powder used, they require a more or less expensi,, e cleaning and are
susceptible to
fouling, rust, and lacking oil due to the many part, gliding upon one another.
An
economization of the gas piston by means of an ir.zpingernent of the breech
with tapped
powder gases results in a structural simplification but this is accompanied by
an
increased risk of fouling.
Modern recoil-operated guns are also known, which do manage to get by without
a
movement of the barrel (e.g. G3 rifle) - however his is at the expense of the
insensitivity
toward ammunition. In other words, such rifles, irt particular such shotguns,
are rather
particular with regard to ammunition.
Now a semi-automatic weapon, in particular a ser ii-automatic shotgun which
were
simple, robust and easy to maintain with regard tc the ammunition would have
universal
application: it could be used as a hunting weapon even in underdeveloped areas
where one is dependent on rather varying ammun tion; in addition to this it
could also be
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used as a reasonably-priced police or military weapon, as emergency equipment
in
military planes etc., thus in particular in cases
- where the weapon is used after a long period of non-use, without being
subjected
to an inspection and cleaning
- where one cannot be choosy with regard to ammunition and
- where the cost of the weapon cannot be too high.
However, a recoil-operated loading system for shc tguns is also known, which
is locked,
but nevertheless has a rigid barrel. This system is iiescribed in US 4 604 942
and exhibits
a bolt head carrier loosely supported in the rifle, m hich due to its mass
moment of inertia
remains in its position, when all remaining parts o F the rifle go to the rear
by means of the
recoil. The bolt head carrier and the bolt head are,,onstructed in such a way
that they run
to each other and ultimately contact one another.
However, this rifle, which is in principle so simplc, is rather complicated in
the
implementation. What is more, the recoil-operating loading system does not
seem to
function safely, because a weapon that came out on the market with this system
is no
longer offered. This system was later combined w th a pump gun mechanism,
whereby
the self-loading activity can optionally be disablec (Benelli Super M 3).
These known
weapons exhibit a pipe magazine, which is not prE etical for a service weapon.
Proceeding from this formulation of the problem, ffie invention is based on
the object of
finding a new semi-automatic small arm which at least partially avoids the
above named
disadvantages of the recoil-operated and gas-oper,ited rifles.
In particular, a simple, cheap semi-automatic sma 1 arm which can be
manufactured with
uncommonly high tolerances
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is to be found which is insensitive, in particular with regard to its
ammunition.
This object is solved in accordance with the invention by arranging powerful
springs
between the bolt head carrier and the breech of the initially named, generic
semi-
automatic small arm, by means of which arrangenient the (heavy) bolt head
carrier
supports itself on the bolt head when the latter is L)cked. However, there is
no contact
between the bolt head and the bolt head carrier, sc that the initial relative
movement
between these parts is not limited by a stop. (Clairn 2).
When the bolt head is locked opposite the barrel, I hen the weapon is closed.
The lock is,
as usual, only if the bolt head carrier has moved a piece back from this
position The bolt
head carrier moving further back now takes the bc lt head along with it. In
the ensuing,
also usual forward movement of the bolt head can-ier and head a cartridge is
introduced
into the cartridge chamber. The bolt head strikes t ie cartridge base or
cartridge chamber
and comes to a stop. The bolt head carrier openinl; on the bolt head locks the
bolt head
opposite the barrel and then also comes to a stop.
This is the sequence of movements of a conventional recoil-operated rifle with
a rigid
barrel and also the sequence of movements in the loading of the weapon of the
invention.
While in the case of all conventional semi-automatic weapons the bolt head
carrier is
pressed against a fixed stop by the breech-closing spring, usually against the
bolt head,
the bolt head carrier of the invention is not fixed c n the bolt head. Instead
it supports
itself on said bolt head by means of powerful spriiigs, but can basically be
moved forward
without
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hitting a stop. In the process the adjustment of the breech-closing spring and
the springs
determines the location that the bolt head carrier f.nally occupies. Broad
tolerances are
possible and admissible here.
In other respects when we talk about the breech-cl osing spring, a spring
arrangement is
meant, which can also consist of several springs.
In shooting (from the hip or from the shoulder) thi; weapon executes a short,
powerful
backward motion, which is felt by the marksman, is recoil. Also all parts that
are then
stationary toward the weapon as a whole, thus the fixed barrel and also the
locked bolt
head, follow this recoil motion.
However, in the case of the weapon of the inventi )n the bolt head carrier
does not follow
the recoil motion, but rather due to its mass mome nt of inertia first remains
in its absolute
position, which is in contrast to usual practical op,;ration. That is: as a
result of the recoil
the barrel and the bolt head move to the back relal ive to the bolt head
carrier, to be
precise against the force of the strong spring arrar gement; if necessary
supported by the
significantly weaker breech-closing spring. Consi iered from the barrel, the
barrel and the
bolt head remain stationary. The bolt head carrier moves to the front in
relation to said
barrel and bolt head and is bounded by the spring arrangement.
The heavier the cartridge, the stronger the recoil, i.e., the backward
acceleration of the
barrel and the parts of the rifle rigidly connected 0 it the correspondingly
stronger the
spring arrangement between bolt head and bolt head carrier is pressed
together, so that
the bolt head carrier moves that much further to tlie front relative to the
bolt head.
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In this connection it is expressly pointed out that the spring arrangement
acts directly or
also only indirectly between the bolt head carrier ;tnd the bolt head and
accordingly can
support itself on any other part of the weapon that can be brought in
stationary position
with the bolt head.
The described operation of relative motion betwee n bolt head and bolt head
carrier does
not come to a stop until a balance is brought abou between the spring
arrangement on the
one hand and the force of inertia of the bolt head carrier, if necessary
supported by the
force of the breech-closing springs, on the other hi.nd. The distance of
motion run is
accordingly rather short, since
- the shoulders or the arms of the marksman endeavor to counteract the recoil
of the
rifle and
- the recoil effect of the fired cartridge on the rifle (in essence) ends no
later than
the time when the projectile or the shot ha:; left the barrel. (In the case of
a
shotgun the proportion of the recoil is slov, due to gases which escape to the
front
behind the round or the projectile.)
After the stopping of the relative motion the comf ressed spring arrangement
begins to
extend again and powerfully hurls the bolt head c rrier to the rear against
the force of the
breech-closing springs. In the course of its backward motion the bolt head
carrier frees
the bolt head from the barrel and then takes it alor g to the rear. Therefore
an opening
cycle of the loading motions is completed.
As already mentioned above, due to the lack of a.top in the case of a heavier
cartridge
the relative motion of the bolt head carrier beyond the safety position
relative to the front
is more pronounced than in the case of a weak
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cartridge. The unlocking of the rifle thus requires more time in the case of a
heavy
cartridge than in the case of a weak cartridge. Sinc;e in the case of a heavy
cartridge a
slower gas pressure decrease is to be expected than in the case of a weak
cartridge, there
is consequently more time available for this gas pi,essure decrease.
The more strongly compressed spring arrangemer t however recoils the bolt head
carrier
more violently than a spring arrangement that is o rily weakly compressed by a
weak
cartridge. For this reason in the case of a heavy cartridge the bolt head
carrier will also
open the bolt head and extract the cartridge case niore rapidly than in the
case of a weak
cartridge. In the case of shotgun cartridges this is iarmless in and of
itself, since the
heavier shotgun cartridges are also more modem c,artridges, which are better
able to resist
the strains than the weaker cartridges with cardbo ird cases. However when a
certain
speed range of the bolt head carrier is exceeded oi fallen short of, the speed
frame in
which on the one hand a safe breech function and on the other hand a reliable
extraction
are to be reckoned with is abandoned. With that p)ssibly even the storage life
of the
weapon is jeopardized.
An especially violent opening of the breech is to te expected when the spring
arrangement is completely compressed beforehand, so that the intervals of the
springs, in
particular the flat spiral springs, are seated upon o ne another. Then the
opening speed can
be increased in an unexpected manner. In additior parasitic oscillations can
overlay the
system and interfere. Here too the storage life of t ie weapon is a critical
feature.
To avoid such disturbances and observe the strive i for speed range as far as
possible, in
accordance with the invention it is further proposc d that the spring
arrangement oppose
the compression with a progressively increasing f>rce.
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The lower limit of the named speed range and wita it the design of the spring
system is
selected in such a way that in the case of weak caltridges and fouling a
reliable function
can still be reckoned with. Now in the case of strain there is no linear
increase of the
force of the spring arrangement, but rather there i: a progressive increase of
force, to be
precise in such a measure that the spring arrangenient cannot be compressed
significantly
more even in the case of the firing of the heaviest cartridges. Thus the named
interference
must no longer be reckoned with.
An optimized spring characteristic can for example be achieved by means of a
kind of
disk spring stack. However, it is cheaper and easie:r to equip the spring
arrangement with
a powerful spring with essentially linear load displacement characteristics
and in addition
to provide a buffer arrangement that is not subjected to stress until after
the spring has
been partially compressed. In the process the spriiig and the buffer
arrangement can be
coordinated to one another in such a way that in tlie firing of weak
cartridges only the
spring is stressed and extends itself again, and on the other hand in the case
of the firing
of a heavier cartridge additionally the buffer arrangement is subjected to
stress. The
buffer arrangement can ensure the desired progre, sive behavior with simple
resources.
A buffer arrangement made up of at least one pile of elastomer buffers with a
large
hysteresis has proved to be optimal. The stack arr, i.ngement ensures that the
buffer
arrangement can be easily adapted to heavy cartridges. Further elastomer
buffers have a
tendency in the case of pressure load to deflect at right angles and in this
way to increase
their diameter. The measure of the diameter incre,lse however is a function of
the length
of the buffer, so that several stacked, short buffen: become less large in
diameter than a
single long buffer.
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The hysteresis is especially important. It prevents the total conducted force
from
being redirected back to the bolt head carrier, as for example in the case of
a
spring. Hysteresis buffers effect a lessening and phase shifting of the
redirected
spring power. Thus it is finally possible, even in the case of heavier
cartridges, to
reliably observe the above named speed range within which the breech works
correctly.
Consequently it is possible to correctly fire for example 12 gauge cartridges
that are
mixed, i.e. with such variable case lengths, as say 70 mm and 76 mm long
cartridges. By means of a simple adjustment to the spring and the buffer
device
even cartridges that are of the gauge 12/65 or 12/89 can be mixed together and
fired, if this should not be possible as it is with a standard adjustment.
In the case of a conventional semi-automatic weapon with bolt head and bolt
head
carrier the bolt head carrier executes a backward motion when releasing, while
the
bolt head for its part remains stationary. In the process the firing pin is
stored in the
bolt head carrier, so that the firing pin does not reach the blasting cap of a
cartridge
until the weapon is already at least to a great extent locked, In order to
prevent this
also, the weapon of the invention exhibits an intermediate link
- which supports itself in a locked state on the bolt head,
- by which the spring arrangement supports itself on the bolt head, and
- which is carried along by the bolt head carrier in its return motion, so
that at least
shortly after the release the released bolt head is no longer subjected to
direct
stress by the spring arrangement.
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Further, in accordance with the invention it is proposed that the firing pin
be directly
mounted on the bolt head.
However, the cartridge could be fired if the bolt hoad is still on the
cartridge, regardless
of whether the breech is locked or released.
To prevent this, in a further embodiment of the im-ention it is proposed that
a locking
block be assigned to the bolt head, which in a lock ed position is freely
passed through by
the firing pin and which in an unlocked state blocl:s the firing pin in a
withdrawn,
inoperative position. Consequently the locking bic ck acts so to speak as a
safety, because
the trigger can only fire the cartridge when the bolt head is locked.
This embodiment of the invention is improved evf:n further as a result of the
fact that the
locking block exhibits a bevel, with which it takes back the firing pin in the
inoperative
position in the transition from the locked to the unlocked position. If for
example as a
result of a cartridge defect the firing pin gets caug lt in the blasting cap
during the shot,
then it is unstuck by the locking block by means o f its movement in the
release and
brought to an inoperative position.
In accordance with a further, preferred embodimei it of the invention this
locking block
can move transversal to the axis of the bore in the bolt head in and out of
the locked state.
Moreover, it passes through the bolt head and in tlie locked position falls in
a recess in a
component, which is constructed with the barrel itt one piece or is rigidly
fastened to it.
The falling in preferably occurs at three places distributed somewhat
uniformly over the
periphery. Particularly in the case of a shotgun a generous overdimensioning
of recess
and locking
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bolt is possible due to the size of the cartridge. Th,; locking bolt is
preferably slightly
beveled in the section into which the recess engag :s, so that a gentle
locking (above all
for great case tolerances) as well as releasing of the lock is always
possible.
The bolt head carrier can be designed to be moved on the side of the bolt head
opposite
the recess along it. In the process the locking bloc:: has a front and a rear
foot strip and
the bolt head carrier has a front and a rear carryinÃ; strip, to be precise,
of the type that
- the returning bolt head carrier in the advan zed return movement with its
front
carrier strip runs into the front foot strip of the locking block, in order to
extract it
from the recess and
- the bolt head carrier in its closing motion ivith its rear carrier strip
runs into the
rear foot strip of the locking block, in order to force it into the recess,
whereby at least one each of the front or rear foot and carrier strips is
beveled.
When the bolt head is locked, then the bolt head c irrier can be moved freely
forward up
to the position that it occupies after locking has bc en completed. If the
bolt head carrier
moves from this position to the rear, then after a niore or less large lost
motion run it
pulls the locking block out of the recesses and the i carries the bolt head
along with it. In
the process it is unimportant how great the lost motion is that is formed
between the foot
strips of the locking block and the carrier strips of the bolt head. It is
only important that
the foot strips fit into the opening formed in betwf -en the carrier strips in
the bolt head
carrier.
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In this way a simple and less precise manufacture is possible; imprecise parts
or
replacement parts can be installed without further fitting.
The weapon of the invention can for example be used for long-barrel machine
guns or for
semi-automatic rifles. However, the system of the invention is particularly
suited for a
semi-automatic shotgun. Precisely here the person skilled in the art can by
means of
appropriate adjustment of the power and the strucl ure of the spring mechanism
and the
mass of the bolt head carrier, create a semi-autom;itic shotgun that processes
the most
variable kinds of ammunition free of disturbance, but which for manufacture
requires
only a fraction of the costs of other semi-automati -, shotguns.
However, the initially named small arm can also I e a repeating firearm with a
bolt head
that can be moved in longitudinal direction or in t;ie direction of fire, a
locking block that
can be moved transversal to this, which for the pupose of locking the breech
can be
inserted in recesses in said breech and in the case :)f the weapon, and a
handle for moving
the bolt head forward or backward as well as for iiserting and releasing the
locking
block.
Soon after the emergence of the repeating firearm 3 with cylinder breech
mechanisms
attempts were made to simplify the loading motion. To load by hand namely the
marksman had to make a transversal motion, a ba& motion, a forward motion and
again
a transversal motion. Therefore they introduced a kind of worm gear which
converts a
simple back and forward motion into the above sr ecified complicated movement.
Due to
the complicated mechanics these so-called straight pull action systems either
did not
prove themselves or were too expensive. In the case of these known straight
pull action
systems a breech block is assigned to the actual breech or bolt head, which
could be
viewed as a bolt head carrier.
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There are also other systems for simplifying the lc ading motion. Such a
system is
outlined in the generic term of Claim 13 and was :ven realized prior to the
above named
straight pull action system: the breech can be mmed in a straight line forward
until
reaching the cartridge base in the cartridge chamb r. When it reaches this
breech
position, a cross slide or locking block is moved iii recesses in the breech
and in the case
of the weapon and in this way locks the breech. A bottom lever is rotated
downward in an
arc-shaped motion and releases the locking block in an initial run. In an end
run then the
unlocked breech is pulled back. Not until the bottom level is rotated upward
is the breech
closed and locked. Since 1895 a box magazine ha,; also been known for this
system.
Similar systems are not activated by a bottom leve r, but rather by a slide
that can be
moved in a straight line, which is joined to the for-, end. However, from
there the locking
block executes a rotating motion.
All the described systems are quite complicated aiid correspondingly expensive
and
sensitive.
In the case of the locking blocks of bottom lever and fore end loaders,
particularly in the
case of heavy cartridges, high surface pressures occur. These can only be
counteracted
by means of awkwardly shaped constructions or extremely high precision.
Particularly in the case of weapons for emergency use, ruggedness, small
dimensions and
reliability should combine with a low price. After all, such weapons should
only be used
in rare emergencies, but are then supposed to func tion safely under contrary
circumstances.
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It is the object of the invention to improve the initl'ally named repeating
firearm in such a
way that at least some of the above named difficulties can at least be
partially avoided.
Preferably a straight pull action repeating firearm ~hould be created which is
suitable for
emergency use, but also for use in the military, po ice force or the like.
This task is solved by means of providing the initi illy named rifle with a
bolt head carrier
that can be moved parallel to the bolt head via an ; nitial and final run and
carries said bolt
head with it on the final run, and that on the bolt head carrier at least one
beveled surface
is constructed, which engages in an opposite surfaze on the locking block in
such a way
that the locking block is released or inserted when the initial run is made
(Claim 13).
In a way the longitudinal slide of the above descri':)ed straight pull action
breech is used
in order to activate a locking block which is known from the bottom lever
loader. In the
process the bolt head can be kept very short, as a i esult of which the total
length of the
rifle is decreased. Since the longitudinally movable bolt head carrier, which
can be
moved in a longitudinal direction, does not need to rest on the locking block
in
longitudinal direction, the path of motion of the bolt head carrier does not
have to be
precisely defined, but rather only has to be long ejiough.
In the process it is even practical that the bolt hea(l carrier be able to be
moved via a lost
motion run prior to the initial run, in said lost motion run which the breech
remains
locked. This lost motion run not only compensate:; for structural
inaccuracies, but also
makes it possible for the marksman to gather mon ientum. The locking block
consequently is not unlocked by the bolt head canier until it has picked up
speed.
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A breech block is simply carried along in the proc,,ss, perhaps without the
marksman
even noticing anything about the disturbance.
A preferred improvement of the invention consist,, in the case of the weapon
being
formed by the rear end of the barrel or by a barrel retainer case as well as
by a plastic
case, and that the recesses are constructed in the case of the weapon on the
rear end of the
barrel or in the barrel retainer case. During firing the occurring main forces
are
immediately conducted into the barrel by the bolt iead via the locking block.
The actual
case made of plastic absorbs only parasitic forces, if necessary carries
flexible parts and
protects all the parts from fouling.
Due to the large, structural degree of freedom the -ifle of the invention can
have
practically any kind of appearance. The handle foi the bolt head carrier can
be the butt,
the front shaft, or even a bottom lever or simply a handle which protrudes
laterally, from
the rear or from the front out of the (plastic) case.
Further in accordance with the invention it is proposed that the firing pin be
mounted
directly on the bolt head, in particular that it pass I hrough it.
However, the cartridge could be fired when the bc lt head is still on the
cartridge, no
matter whether the breech is locked or unlocked.
To prevent this, in a further embodiment of the in=7ention it is proposed that
a locking
block be assigned to the bolt head, which in a locl.ed position is freely
passed through by
the firing pin and which in an unlocked state blocl:s the firing pin in a
withdrawn,
inoperative position. Consequently the locking block acts so to speak as a
safety,
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because the trigger can only fire the cartridge whe n the bolt head is locked.
This embodiment of the invention is improved evim further as a result of the
fact that the
locking block exhibits a beveled edge, with whicl- it takes back the firing
pin in the
inoperative position in the transition from the locl:ed to the unlocked
position.
If for example as a result of a cartridge defect the firing pin gets caught in
the blasting
cap during the shot, then it is unstuck by the locki ng block by means of its
movement in
the release and brought to an inoperative position.
In accordance with a further, preferred embodime nt of the invention this
locking block
can move transversal to the axis of the bore in the bolt head in and out of
the locked
position. Moreover, it passes through the bolt heal and in the locked position
falls in a
recess in a component, which is constructed with :he barrel in one piece or is
rigidly
fastened to it (Claim 19). The falling in preferabl3 occurs at three places
distributed
somewhat uniformly over the periphery. Particularly in the case of a shotgun a
generous
overdimensioning of recess and locking bolt is possible due to the size of the
cartridge.
The locking bolt is preferably slightly beveled in .he section into which the
recess
engages, so that a gentle locking (above all for gr(,at case tolerances) as
well as releasing
of the lock is always possible.
The bolt head carrier can be designed to be movecl on the side of the bolt
head opposite
the recess along it. In the process the locking block has a front and a rear
foot strip and
the bolt head carrier has a front and a rear carryin; strip, to be precise, of
the type that
- the returning bolt head carrier in the advariced return movement with its
front
carrier strip runs into the
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26
front foot strip of the locking block, in ord ,r to extract it from the recess
and
- the bolt head carrier in its closing motion ivith its rear carrier strip
runs into the
rear foot strip of the locking block, in order to force it into the recess,
- whereby at least one each of the front or re ar foot and carrier strips is
beveled.
When the bolt head is locked, then the bolt head curier can be moved freely
forward up
to the position that it occupies after locking has bf en completed. If the
bolt head carrier
moves from this position to the rear, then after a niore or less large lost
motion run it
pulls the locking block out of the recesses and the z carries the bolt head
along with it. In
the process it is unimportant how great the lost motion is that is formed
between the foot
strips of the locking block and the carrier strips of the bolt head. It is
only important that
the foot strips fit into the opening formed in betwcen the carrier strips in
the bolt head
carrier.
In this way a simple and less precise manufacture is possible; imprecise parts
or
replacement parts can be installed without further fitting.
The weapon of the invention can for example be iised for small bore repeating
weapons.
However, the system of the invention is particular ly suited for a repeating
shotgun,
preferably a pump-action shotgun.
As a whole the system of the present invention proves to be especially well-
suited for a
repeating rifle for large cartridges, in particular for cartridges with a
caliber of more than
15 mm, the two or more extractor hooks then reli<<bly hold and conduct the
very large
cartridge.
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The repeating breech can also be used for a semi-, tutomatic weapon by
connecting a
reloading mechanism with the handle or a pivotal point provided in its place,
for example
a gas regulator.
The invention also relates to a cartridge ejection a:rangement with at least
two cartridge
extractor hooks spring mounted on a movable bre,;ch or bolt head, which are
preferably
opposing each other.
A small arm, in particular a semi-automatic weapon with a barrel and a breech
which
when opening moves approximately from the rear end of the barrel to the rear
along the
axis of the bore (median axis of the barrel) exhibii s as a rule a cartridge
ejection
arrangement with an extractor hook and an ejectoi . The extractor hook
encompasses the
border or semi-border of the cartridge or engages in its base-peripheral
groove. The
ejector is seated, in relation to the axis of the bore, approximately opposite
the hook, so
that the border of the cartridge base runs into it. Tne ejector is designated
here as
stationary. Among other things, by this it is under~tood here that it is
either rigidly
mounted to the weapon or its case or that it is flexibly mounted in the breech
or the bolt
head and at the end of its return motion runs into << weapons-proof resistor.
The cartridge or cartridge case is ejected transven al to the axis of the
bore. In the
process, the extractor hook is seated, in relation tc the axis of the bore, on
the side to
which the cartridge or cartridge case is ejected. The ejector is seated on the
opposite side.
In the case of cartridges with e.g., a border groove which, turned toward the
breech block
(front surface of the breech), forms an even surfac e, during ejection the
extractor hook is
snugly seated in the groove with a complementar-y supporting surface. The
cartridge or its
case therefore cannot be
CA 02493602 2007-12-04
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released from the hook until it is cocked. In this way a reliable ejection of
the
cartridge case is ensured. In the case of a cartridge border with a round
profile, as
for example in the case of small arm and shotgun cartridges, this support is
essentially only guaranteed by frictional connection. A correspondingly
powerful
spring then subjects the extractor hook to stress in order to make a reliable
ejection
possible.
As far as can be inferred from the figures of US-3 906 651, such a cartridge
is
shown there with a round profile. This cartridge is seated on the breech block
of a
breech which exhibits two opposing extractor hooks. The invention starts from
this
state of the art.
The reason why this ejection arrangement has been chosen cannot be inferred
from
this publication, nor is it possible to infer from it how the ejector should
be arranged
and constructed. The profile of the two extractor hooks is also unusual and
facilitates the sliding from the cartridge border. Such a sliding must be
possible in
the case of one of the hooks if it is not intended to be uncommonly softly
cushioned.
However, Figure 2 of this publication makes it possible to recognize a
longitudinal
groove in the breech which is located close to one of the hooks and could hold
the
ejector.
The ejection of shotgun cartridges for example of the gauge 12 or 10 is often
a
problem particularly in the case of very long cartridge eases and in semi-
automatic
weapons, because the rapidly opening breech takes the extractor hooks with it,
which for their part then could slip from the cartridge border with round
profile. Here
double the amount of extractor hooks known from the named publication could
possibly remedy the situation. Also in the case of extremely large cartridges,
which
have a disproportionately small border (flare, tear gas or shotgun cartridges
of the
gauge 4 (26.5 mm),
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shell cartridges (4 cm) or the like.) double the amount of extractor hooks
could be
advantageous.
Earlier with small arms, in particular with service weapons, it was required
that the
marksman be right-handed. Left-handers were trai ned to use the weapon with
their right
hand. Today they are attempting to do justice to tl.e characteristics of the
marksman and
also equip weapons for use by left-handers. Particalarly in the case of semi-
automatic
rifles of the Bullpup style (the magazine is locatec behind the butt) this
requires cartridge
ejection away from the face of the marksman, sinc,e the ejector is located at
the level of
the cheekbone.
But also in the case of other weapons, for examplt with aircraft machine guns
of
helicopters, the direction of ejection is not voluntzrily adjustable and
should be adapted to
the mounting conditions as best as possible. In the process the cartridge
ejection can take
place anywhere except at the reloading mechanisrl. For example if an cartridge
gripper
seated above the weapon is used, then the ejectior, can take place to the
right or to the
left, or even below, depending on where a cartridÃ;e case container or spent
ammunition
bag can be mounted.
It is the object of the invention to create an improved cartridge ejection
arrangement. In
particular at least one of the above outlined disadi antages should be at
least partially
remedied and preferably an arrangement of the ini tially named type be
created, whose
ejection direction can be changed.
To solve this task it is proposed to improve the initially named arrangement
by being able
to assign a stationary ejector to one or each of the cartridge extractor hooks
in such a way
that in the case of a returning breech or bolt head he cartridge or cartridge
case is jointly
extracted from a cartridge chamber by all cartridg - extractor hooks
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when it is released from the cartridge chamber, pi,rots around the cartridge
extractor hook
and in the process is ejected to the side which doe ;n't have an ejector
assigned to it.
In the process it is assumed that each of the extractor hooks has only a
limited capacity
for keeping the cartridge or cartridge case in the p)sition in which it is
pulled out. The
use of several extractor hooks, moreover, definitel y has merits, in
particular with the
above mentioned cartridges. If all the extractor ho As, except for those on
whose side the
ejection is to take place, have an ejector assigned o them, then the ejection
can take place
in any direction to which an extractor is assigned.
Of course the number of extractor hooks is limited, and three or more hooks
will only be
practical for cartridges with very large diameters. [n an embodiment of the
invention it is
therefore proposed that only two cartridge extracto~r hooks opposing each
other and one
convertible ejector be provided (Claim 24). However this is necessary in the
case of a
Bullpup weapon, and also sufficient.
If now in addition the ejector exhibits two ejector projections, which are
arranged on both
sides of one of the two cartridge extractor hooks and run in longitudinal
grooves of the
breech or bolt head, which join in its breech block on both sides of the
cartridge extractor
hook, then an arrangement is created,
which
- extracts even difficult cartridges and cartri dge cases perfectly and
- can be converted with the simplest of reso-irces from right to left ejection
and vice
versa.
For conversion purposes only the ejector has to bt moved. The location of the
breech and
the extractor hooks remains unchanged.
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Conventional cartridge extractor hooks exhibit a l: ook-shaped end with
surfaces turned
toward the breech block, which encompass a cartridge border. In accordance
with a
further embodiment of the invention it is proposec that if the hook-shaped
ends
encompass a cartridge border whose surfaces forni an acute angle to a plane
parallel to
the breech block, so that they remove themselves -rom the middle of the breech
block to
the front.
Preferably this acute angle lies between 0 and 15'.
In contrast to the initially named US publication, in which the extractor
hooks are
designed complementary to the profile of the cartridge border, in the case of
the invention
preferably a surface is used which is seated on the border. Thus cartridges of
the most
variable style can be used, hence also a cartridge Nvhose border forms a
parallel surface to
the breech block and is turned away from it. Such a border can be present in
the case of
cartridge cases for special cartridges, for example flare cartridges. Such
cartridge cases
are manufactured for example by turning on a lathe or by indirect extrusion.
The arrangement of the invention can be used for ill kinds of small arms. It
is particularly
advantageous for large caliber cartridges. For exainple it is especially
preferred to assign
said arrangement e.g. to a shotgun, in particular a repeating or semi-
automatic shot gun.
Here the structural diversity and mutual deviation from cartridges for one and
the same
caliber is particularly great, on the other hand the ieed for retrofitting a
weapon for left-
handed and right-handed marksmen is particularly great. Such a weapon is
namely not a
personal weapon like an automatic rifle, which ca i accompany a soldier during
practically his entire period
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of duty, but rather is often only given out for spec _al operations. Basically
weapons with
a caliber of more than 15 mm are not included here.
The object of the invention will be explained in gi eater detail using an
embodiment and
the attached schematic drawing. The figures show the following:
Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through the rear part of the barrel piece and
the
breech of a shotgun in accordance =with the invention, with a closed and
locked breech;
Fig. 2 a section as in Figure 1, however m ith an unlocked breech and right
after
the firing of a shot;
Fig. 3.1 a longitudinal section through the t olt head carrier, on a slightly
enlarged
scale compared to Figures 1 and 2;
Fig. 3.2 a perspective view of the bolt head carrier represented in Figure 3.1
from
diagonally from above;
Fig. 4 a cross-section through the rear-mc st part (end section) of the barrel
piece along the center line of a lock ing recess;
Fig. 4a the detail of Fig. 4 enlarged and sef,n at a right angle to the
longitudinal
direction of the weapon;
Fig. 5.1 a view of the locking block from bf-hind;
Fig. 5.2 a lateral view of the locking block;
Fig. 6 a view of the breech approximately in the state shown in Fig. 1,
diagonally
from above;
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Fig. 7 a greatly enlarged extractor hook; Lnd
Fig. 8 a lateral view of the stripping blocl:; and
Fig. 9 a section along the line IX - IX thr:)ugh the stripping block of Fig.
8.
Fig. 10 a longitudinal section through the iear part of the barrel piece and
the
breech of a shotgun in accordance Nith the invention, with closed and
locked breech;
Fig. 11 a section as in Fig. 1, however witlL an unlocked breech and
immediately
after the firing of a shot;
Fig. 12.1 a longitudinal section through the bolt head carrier on a slightly
enlarged
scale compared to Figures 1 and 2
Fig. 12.2 a perspective view of the bolt head carrier represented in Fig. 3.3
diagonally from above;
Fig. 13 a view of the breech approximatel} in the state shown in Fig. 1,
diagonally
from above;
Fig. 14 an oblique view of a breech of a seni-automatic shotgun which is
equipped with the arrangement of i he invention;
Fig. 15 the top view of the breech with eje,;tor;
Fig. 16 the view of an extractor hook, and
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Fig. 17 the partial view of an ejector, seen from the front or the rear.
Fig. 18 a longitudinal section through a re,-:.r barrel end with power input
part and
breech,
Fig. 19 a perspective representation of the breech of Fig. 1,
Fig. 20 a schematic cross-section through 1he arrangement shown in Fig. 1, and
Fig. 21 a horizontal section through the bo t head, with the rear part of a
cartridge.
The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention as a whole. For this reason
in the
following reference will be made to individual fig ares of the drawing only
when this
facilitates the location of a specific element/featur.-.
The only partially shown rifle is a semi-automatic shotgun, which can be
provided with a
box magazine (Fig. 1, 2). The shotgun exhibits a t arrel piece 1 with a center
line or axis
of the bore 37. In the rear part of this barrel piece i cartridge chamber 3 is
constructed, to
which at the rear an end section 4 of the barrel piece 1 connects. The end
section 4 has a
somewhat U-shaped cross-section open to the botiom (Fig. 4) and exhibits an
axial, upper
locking recess 5 and two locking notches 6 below The latter are seated in the
free ends of
both legs of the U cross-section. About at half hei;;ht of each U leg a groove
10 running
parallel to the axis of the bore 37 is provided, in A hich a cartridge
extractor 61 (Fig. 6)
can run.
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In the case of a cocked weapon the cartridge chaniber 3 is closed to the rear
by a bolt
head 11. This bolt head 11 is passed through by a front vertical cross
borehole, which for
its part holds a locking block 25. This locking block exhibits at a right
angle to the axis of
the bore a reverse t-shaped cross section (Fig. 5); with a conical locking
extension 7 on
the free (top) end of the middle jamb and a locking finger 8 on each of the
two ends of
the (bottom) cross jamb.
In locked position the locking extension 7 engage 3 in the locking recess 5
and
simultaneously the locking fingers 8 engage in thc ! locking notches 6.
All areas of contact are diagonal to the vertical, in order to make possible
an effortless
establishment and release of the engagement of the locking block 25 in the end
section 4
of the barrel piece 1. However, the oblique angles of the areas are so low
that the
engagement is self-locking, that is cannot be opened by means of force on the
bolt head
11 along the axis of the bore 37 to the rear.
The barrel piece 1 and bolt head 11 are consequer tly directly connected with
each other
during the shot and transfer the high initial forces immediately to each
other. No other
element is affected by the transfer of force. The b~urel piece 1 can therefore
be admitted
with its rear end into a plastic case 2. The greatest occurring forces are
namely not
conducted into the case 2.
The bolt head 11 is seated on a bolt head carrier 13 (Fig. 3.1 and 3.2). The
bolt head
carrier 13 can be moved longitudinally around a c;rtain distance relative to
the bolt head
11. The bolt head carrier 13 exhibits a longitudina l recess 54, a lateral
recess in the area
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below the locking block 25 and a plane surface 55 behind the lateral recess.
To the front the lateral recess 53 is bounded on bcth sides of the
longitudinal recess 54 by
a nose 55 on either side, said noses which protrud upward and downward and
overhang
the plane surface 59.
The locking block 25 is constructed in such a way that in its upper locking
position the
lower area of its cross jamb is flush with the lowe area of the bolt head 11
(Fig. 1). In
this position the bolt head carrier 13 can move bac:k and forth below the
locking block 25
and in the process the bolt head 11 and the locking block 25 can glide on the
plane
surface 59 of the bolt head carrier 13.
However, if the bolt head carrier 13 moves over the resting position shown in
Fig. I to
the rear, then its two noses 55 with their rear edge 3 grasp the cross jamb of
the locking
block 25 on both sides and pull it down to lateral i ecess 53. This position
is shown in Fig.
2. In this position the breech block 25 disengages itself from the end section
4 of the
barrel piece 1. The bolt head 11 can now move to the rear relative to the
barrel piece 11.
The unlocked bolt head 11 runs in its further back ward movement into a guide
(not
shown) in the case 2 in such a way that the lockin;; block 25 cannot move up.
In closing the bolt head 11 it runs into the rear enc. of the cartridge
chamber 3. The bolt
head carrier 13 is then pulled further to the front oi pressed by a breech-
closing spring
(only indicated schematically as direction of force). In the process a bevel
57 forming the
rear wall of the lateral recess 53 subjects the lockiag block 25 to stress
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in an upward direction, thus shifts it upward in its forward motion, until
finally the plane
surface 59 engages the locking block 25 and the p:)sition of Fig. 1 is again
reached.
In the bolt head 11 a rotary stripping block 27 is a:ranged behind the locking
block 25
and approximately parallel to its middle jamb, sai(l stripping block 27 which
is secured
by means of a catch 28 in its normal position (Fig. 1, 2, 6 and 8, 9). The
stripping block
27 is held in a rear, vertical cross borehole 23 in tlie bolt head 11. The
catch 28 can be
released through the bore hole 24 in the bolt head 11 (Fig. 6).
The breech block 25 and the stripping block 27 art; passed through by a firing
pin 19 and
each exhibit a bore hole 31 and 34 for this purposf:.
The bottom end of the stripping block 27 is constructed as a hammer foot 51,
which runs
in a groove 49 open at the top with reverse T-shaped cross section in the head
bolt carrier
13. In operating state, i.e. in the normal position, i l which the hammer foot
51 engages
the flanks of the groove on both sides and the stril ping block 27 is held by
its catch 28, a
recess 35 of the firing pin 19 runs into a projectior, 36 in the bore hole of
the stripping
block 27. This prevents the firing pin 19 from falling backwards out of the
bolt head 11
when it is in normal position. If the stripping blocl: 27 after negotiating
the catch 28 is
turned by about an eighth turn, then the firing pin 19 can be removed to the
rear. Since in
this state the hammer foot 51 is still engaging the iipper flanks of the
groove 49, the bolt
head 11 and the bolt head carrier 13 are still fitted together, while a
replacement of the
firing pin 19 can be performed. Not until a full quarter turn of the stripping
block 27
(only possible after removal
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of the firing pin 19) is the hammer foot 51 released from the groove 49 and
the bolt head
11 can be removed from the bolt head carrier 13.
The bore hole 31 in the locking block 25 passed tlirough by the firing pin 19
is shaped as
an oblong hole, which makes it possible for the locking block 25 to occupy the
positions
of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (locked and unlocked) in spite of the presence of the
firing pin 19.
The firing pin 19 exhibits a bulge 29 behind the o )long hole 31, while in the
rear side of
the oblong hole 31 at the bottom a complementarl, beveled recess 33 to the
bulge 29 is
constructed. The recess 33 and the firing pin bulg, ; 29 are designed in such
a way that
the firing pin 19 can only submerge into the oblor g hole 31 when the locking
block 25 is
located in its uppermost position (locking positior of Fig. 1). In this
position the firing
pin 19 can submerge so deeply into the oblong ho le 31 that its tip for
igniting a cartridge
can emerge from the front area of the bolt head 11.
If the locking block 25 is lowered, then the recess 33, due to its special
shape, presses the
firing pin bulge 29 back so far that the firing pin t p can no longer reach a
cartridge. This
ensures that a cartridge can only be fired when the bolt head 11 is
sufficiently locked.
As described, bulge 29 and recess 35 hold the firiiig pin 19 loosely between
two end
positions; the beveled recess 33 of the locking blo~k forces a withdrawal of
the firing pin
when unlocking. Consequently, as a rule a firing pin spring is unnecessary and
therefore
does not need to be provided.
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Now a handle, for example a movable front shaft, could be mounted on the bolt
head
carrier 13. A detachable lock could secure this hai idle in the front most
position. In this
case the breech-closing spring 9 is of course not roquired, but rather the
handle and with
it the bolt head carrier would be moved back and orth to reload the weapon.
However, in the example shown it is a matter of a semi-automatic. Here the
bolt head 11
is extended to the rear by an axial extension pipe 5, which holds and guides
the - here
also - extended firing pin 19. The rear end of the')olt head carrier 13 is
extended upward
in the formation of an abutment 43.
At a distance to the abutment 43 a transition piece 39 is lowered into the
bolt head carrier
13 from above in such a way that it is held in fron [ in the bolt head carrier
13 by means of
a step 40, but can be moved to the rear.
The abutment 43 and the transition piece 39 each :xhibit a through hole, both
of which
are in alignment with each other and which are pa3sed through by the extension
pipe 15.
The extension pipe 15 serves as a holder for a povTerful pressure spring or
opening spring
17 which is preferably constructed as a spiral-shalied curved wire spring and
surrounds
the extension pipe. The pressure spring 17 suppor s itself in unstressed state
in the rear
and in the front on the abutment 43 or on the transition piece 39 (until the
transition 39 is
seated on the step 40 of the bolt head carrier 13).
As a result of this a rattling (caused by the pressuxe spring 17 moving back
and forth) is
prevented when the breech is opened.
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As can be recognized, the powerful opening sprin ~ 17 is to a great extent
inactive. It only
goes into action when the bolt head 11 moves to t ie rear relative to the bolt
head carrier
13 in the locked position of Fig. 1.
Such a movement actually does occur, to be preci ;e when the weapon is being
fired: then
the rifle, that is also the barrel piece 1 and the boli head 11 locked with
it, are forced into
a backwards motion which endeavors to keep the heavy bolt head carrier 13 in
its
position. This backwards motion does not need to exhibit great amplitude. The
compression of a shaft cap made of rubber, which for example is propped
against a wall,
is perfectly sufficient.
If one looks at the drawing, this real movement is difficult to imagine.
Instead of that one
can assume that the bolt head carrier 13 moves ashort distance to the front
when the shot
is fired.
The following happens: in the case of this movement forward the pressure on
the breech-
closing spring 9 is insignificantly decreased, but i istead of this the
opening spring 17 is
under tension. In the process the transition piece 3 9 and the abutment 43
move towards
each other. This movement stops, depending on tt e strength of the recoil and
therefore
depending on the strength of the momentum of tho fired cartridge.
When this movement comes to a standstill as a re< ult of the compression of
the opening
spring 17, then a counter-movement begins, triggc red by precisely this
compressed spring
17. In the course of this counter-movement the bott head carrier 13 is now
powerfully
yanked to the rear, whereby it pulls the locking bL ock 25 down with its noses
55 and via
the block then carries the bolt head 11 along in its further backwards
movement. In the
process the rear end of the bolt head carrier 13 coc:ks the hammer of a
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41
known striking mechanism not shown here, and p,-rforms a loading motion. In
the
advance motion the locking block 25 is pressed back up again in the above
described
manner and supported from below by the plane, upper surface 59 of the bolt
head carrier
13. It is completely unimportant whether the bolt -iead carrier 13 is located
one
millimeter further to the front or not. Side by side tolerances therefore have
no influence.
As already mentioned above, the - relative - adva nce motion of the bolt head
carrier 13
during the shot is that much longer, the stronger tlie recoil is during the
firing.
Correspondingly the opening spring 17 is under tlLat much more tension the
stronger the
recoil is. And the more powerful then the recoil o- 'the entire breech 11, 13
is. To
compensate for this, additional shock absorbers in the form of elastomer
buffers 41 are
mounted. For this purpose, on both sides of the m ddle in the bolt head
carrier 13 there
are two bars arranged parallel to the axis of the bc re 37, which pass through
the abutment
43 and submerge into recesses in the transition picce 39. These bars 45 pass
through the
named elastomer buffers 41. A flange 47 on each bar 45 between the abutment 43
and the
buffer 41 prevents the bar 45 from slipping to the rear. The named recesses
are open at
the bottom for easy installation.
The elastomer buffers 41 are preferably composec of several ring elements and
consist
preferably of a material with high hysteresis. Whe n a weak cartridge is
fired, then the
elastomer buffers 41 are either not compressed or are barely compressed.
However,
when a very heavy cartridge is fired, then the two elastomer buffers 41 are
greatly
compressed, whereby they return less energy in tl eir renewed extension than
they
previously took in. The increased recoil energy of heavier cartridges is thus
at least
partially destroyed - to be more precise converted into other energy forms. As
a
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result of this the breech is able to fire cartridges with very greatly varying
recoil energy
and hence muzzle energy, without have to use for example another locking
spring 17 or
without having malfunctions occur. A special stor between the bolt head 11 and
the bolt
head carrier 13 is lacking. Only the arrangement of opening springs 17 and
elastomer
buffer(s) 41 serves as a stop.
A further advantage of the shown breech 11, 13 li,;s in the fact that in its
unlocked state
(Fig. 2) the front area of its bolt head carrier 13 a protrudes bit above the
front area of the
bolt head 11. In this way a cartridge can be conve: red up without getting its
base caught
on a cartridge extractor or on a projection of the ftont area of the bolt head
11. The bolt
head 11, which as a result of this is not subjected to stress, also does not
have the
tendency to lock "in transit".
As can be seen in Figure 6, in departure from cusom the bolt head 11 in this
embodiment
exhibits two opposed cartridge extractors 61. One such cartridge extractor 61
is shown
enlarged in Figure 7. As can be recognized, it exh bits a hook-like formation
with a hook
surface 63 turned toward the rear, which is meant for the purpose of sitting
on the border
of a shotgun cartridge from the front. This border is curved to the front and
the outside,
so that the hook surface 63 is seated on a curved fmmation. Depending on
whether the
cartridge ejector (not shown) is arranged on the right or the left, the
cartridge case is
ejected to the left or to the right. However, it is important that there be no
eccentric
longitudinal force or lateral force acting on the caitridge case when it is
being pulled out,
which could originate from a single cartridge extr;ictor 61. Thus the perfect
extraction of
even very long cartridge cases is guaranteed. Not intil the end of the return
path of the
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breech does an eccentric force act on the cartridge case, which first effects
its release by
the one and then by the other cartridge extractor 6 I.
In other respects one only has to convert the ejector in the switch from right
to left
ejection. The two cartridge extractors 61 remain where they are.
A repeating firearm is represented in Figures 9-12. The previous Figures 4,
5.1, 5.2, 7, 8
and 9 also apply for this design.
The only partially shown repeating shotgun can bf: provided with a box
magazine (Fig.
10, 11). The shotgun exhibits a barrel piece I with a center line or axis of
the bore 37. In
the rear part of this barrel piece a cartridge chamb :r 3 is constructed, to
which at the rear
an end section 4 of the barrel piece 1 connects. The end section 4 has a
somewhat U-
shaped cross-section open to the bottom and exhiY its an axial, upper locking
recess 5 and
two locking notches 6 below. The latter are seated in the free ends of both
legs of the U
cross-section. About at half height of each U leg a groove 10 running parallel
to the axis
of the bore 37 is provided, in which a cartridge ex:ractor 61 (Fig. 13) can
run.
In the case of a cocked weapon the cartridge charr ber 3 is closed to the rear
by a bolt
head 11. This bolt head 11 is passed through by a front vertical cross
borehole, which for
its part holds a locking block 25. This locking blo(;k, as already described
above, exhibits
at a right angle to the axis of the bore a reverse t-s zaped cross section;
with a conical
locking extension 7 on the free (top) end of the middle jamb and a locking
finger 8 on
each of the two ends of the (bottom) cross jamb.
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In locked position the locking extension 7 engage 3 in the locking recess 5
and
simultaneously the locking fingers 8 engage in thf: locking notches 6.
All areas of contact are diagonal to the vertical, ir order to make possible
an effortless
establishment and release of the engagement of the locking block 25 in the end
section 4
of the barrel piece 1. However, the oblique angles of the areas are so low
that the
engagement is self-locking, that is cannot be open ed by means of force on the
bolt head
11 along the axis of the bore 37 to the rear.
The barrel piece 1 and bolt head 11 are consequer tly directly connected with
each other
during the shot and transfer the high initial forces immediately to each
other. No other
element is affected by the transfer of force. The b,trrel piece 1 can
therefore be admitted
with its rear end into a plastic case 2. The greatest occurring forces are
namely not
conducted into the case 2.
The bolt head 11 is seated on a bolt head carrier 13 (Fig. 12.1 and 12.2). The
bolt head
carrier 13 can be moved longitudinally around a c -rtain distance relative to
the bolt head
11. The bolt head carrier 13 exhibits: a longitudinil recess 54, a lateral
recess in the area
below the locking block 25 and a plane surface 5S behind the lateral recess.
To the front the lateral recess 53 is bounded on both sides of the
longitudinal recess 54 by
a nose 55 on either side, said noses which protrud,, upward and downward and
overhang
the plane surface 59.
The locking block 25 is constructed in such a way that in its upper locking
position the
lower area of its cross jamb is flush with the lowe = area
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of the bolt head 11 (Fig. 10). In this position the b-)lt head carrier 13 can
move back and
forth below the locking block 25 and in the proce~ s the bolt head 11 and the
locking
block 25 can glide on the plane surface 59 of the I olt head carrier 13.
However, if the bolt head carrier 13 moves over tr.e resting position shown in
Fig. 1 to
the rear, then its two noses 55 with their rear edge ; grasp the cross jamb of
the locking
block 25 on both sides and pull it down to lateral 1 ecess 53. This position
is shown in Fig.
2. In this position the breech block 25 disengages itself from the end section
4 of the
barrel piece 1. The bolt head 11 can now move to the rear relative to the
barrel piece 11.
The unlocked bolt head 11 runs in its further back xard movement into a guide
(not
shown) in the case 2 in such a way that the locking block 25 cannot move up.
In closing the bolt head 11 it runs into the rear enc of the cartridge chamber
3 or cartridge
base. The bolt head carrier 13 is then pulled furthe = to the front or pressed
by a breech-
closing spring (only indicated schematically as dii ection of force). In the
process a bevel
57 forming the rear wall of the lateral recess 53 subjects the locking block
25 to stress in
an upward direction, thus shifts it upward in its fo -ward motion, until
finally the plane
surface 59 engages the locking block 25 and the p :)sition of Fig. I is again
reached.
In the bolt head 11 a rotary stripping block 27 is arranged behind the locking
block 25
and approximately parallel to its middle jamb, sai(i stripping block 27 which
is secured
by means of a catch 28 in its normal position (Fig 10, 11, 13 and 8, 9). The
stripping
block 27 is held in a rear,
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vertical cross bore hole 23 in the bolt head 11.
The breech block 25 and the stripping block 27 ar :~ passed through by a
firing pin 19 and
each exhibit a bore hole 31 and 34 for this purpos..
The bottom end of the stripping block 27 is constiucted as a hammer foot 51,
which runs
in a groove 49 open at the top with reverse T-shal~ed cross section in the
head bolt carrier
13. In operating state, i.e. in the normal position, in which the hammer foot
51 engages
the flanks of the groove on both sides and the stripping block 27 is held by
its catch 28, a
recess 35 of the firing pin 19 runs into a projectioi 13 6 in the bore hole of
the stripping
block 27. This prevents the firing pin 19 from fal ing backwards out of the
bolt head 11
when it is in normal position. If the stripping bloc c 27 after negotiating
the catch 28 is
turned by about an eighth turn, then the firing pin 19 can be removed to the
rear. Since in
this state the hammer foot 51 is still engaging the upper flanks of the groove
49, the bolt
head 11 and the bolt head carrier 13 are still fitted together, while a
replacement of the
firing pin 19 can be performed. Not until a full qu-irter turn of the
stripping block 27
(only possible after removal of the firing pin 19) i3 the hammer foot 51
released from the
groove 49 and the bolt head 11 can be removed fr )m the bolt head carrier 13.
The bore hole 31 in the locking block 25 passed through by the firing pin 19
is shaped as
an oblong hole, which makes it possible for the locking block 25 to occupy the
positions
of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (locked and unlocked) in spite of the presence of the
firing pin 19.
The firing pin 19 exhibits a bulge 29 behind the ol)long hole 31, while in the
rear side of
the oblong
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hole 31 at the bottom a complementary beveled re cess 33 to the bulge 29 is
constructed.
The recess 33 and the firing pin bulge 29 are designed in such a way that
the firing pin 19 can only submerge into the oblor g hole 31 when the locking
block 25 is
located in its uppermost position (locking positior. of Fig. 10). In this
position the firing
pin 19 can submerge so deeply into the oblong hole 31 that its tip for
igniting a cartridge
can emerge from the front area of the bolt head 11.
If the locking block 25 is lowered, then the recess 33, due to its special
shape, presses the
firing pin bulge 29 back so far that the firing pin t p can no longer reach a
cartridge. This
ensures that a cartridge can only be fired when thf bolt head I 1 is
sufficiently locked.
As described, bulge 29 and recess 35 hold the firii ig pin 191oosely between
two end
positions; the beveled recess 33 of the locking block forces a withdrawal of
the firing pin
when unlocking. Consequently, as a rule a firing pin spring is unnecessary and
therefore
does not need to be provided.
A handle 65 is mounted to the bolt head carrier 13, which for example could be
connected to a movable front shaft. A detachable : ock could secure this
handle in the
front most position. The handle and with it the bo: t head carrier are be
moved back and
forth to reload the weapon.
In pulling back the handle 65 the bolt head carrier 13 is pulled along to the
rear, whereby
it pulls the locking block 25 down with its noses f 5 and via the block then
carries the bolt
head 11 along in its further backwards movement. In the process the rear end
of the bolt
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head carrier 13 cocks the hammer of a known stril:ing mechanism not shown
here, and
performs a loading motion. In the advance motion the locking block 25 is
pressed back
up again in the above described manner and suppcrted from below by the plane,
upper
surface 59 of the bolt head carrier 13. It is comple :ely unimportant whether
the bolt head
carrier 13 is located one millimeter further to the front or not. Side by side
tolerances
therefore have no influence.
One advantage of the shown breech 11, 13 lies in he fact that in its unlocked
state (Fig.
11) the front area of its bolt head carrier 13 a proti udes bit above the
front area of the bolt
head 11. In this way a cartridge can be conveyed i:p without getting its base
caught on a
cartridge extractor or on a projection of the front area of the bolt head 11.
The bolt head
11, which as a result of this is not subjected to strc ss, also does not have
the tendency to
lock "in transit".
As can be seen in Figure 13, in departure from cu;tom the bolt head 11 in this
embodiment exhibits two opposed cartridge extrac tors 61. This corresponds
with the
cartridge extractor 61 of Figure 7.
Figure 14 shows a bolt head 71 which can be mov -d along two guide rods 73.
This
breech exhibits a breech block 75, on both sides o:'which an extractor hook 77
is
mounted.
The extractor hook 77 is shown enlarged in Figurc 16. It is for example
stamped out of
sheet metal and exhibits in total a somewhat T-shE ped profile, whose middle
jamb
exhibits a bore hole 79 on the end. A rear leg 81 aid a front leg 83 extend at
a right angle
to the middle jamb at its other end. The rear leg 81 bears an angular
connecting piece 85
on its free end, which
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is intended for engagement in a spiral pressure spring (not shown). The front
leg 83 bears
the actual hook 87 on its free end, which exhibits a surface 89 turned toward
the middle
jamb, said surface 89 which runs at an acute angle to the extent of the middle
jamb and
therewith also at an acute angle to the breech bloc:c 75 (Fig. 15). The two
extractor hooks
77 can each be pivoted around an axis, somewhat in the form of a retaining pin
91, which
passes through the bore hole 79.
The breech 1 exhibits on both sides a longitudinal cross-piece 95 on whose
outer side the
corresponding extractor hook 77 is mounted. Eacl: longitudinal cross-piece 95
exhibits an
upper and a lower edge, which extend into the bre,.ch block 75.
Figure 15 shows the breech of Figure 14 in top vie w. The two hooks 77 are
seated on
both sides of a cartridge 93. Behind the breech 71 in the region of its return
motion an
ejector 97 is seated. This ejector 97 is shown brok,,n and seen from above.
Viewed from
the front or from the rear, the ejector 97 exhibits a U-shaped cross-section.
When the
breech 71 returns, then one of the longitudinal cro ;s-pieces 95 runs through
the ejector
97. The two U-legs of this ejector 97 engage the corresponding longitudinal
cross-piece
95 from above and below and extend with their ends into the breech block 75.
Figure 17
shows the ends of these legs marked 99.
Since the cartridge or cartridge case 93 is held on he breech 71 by means of
the extractor
hooks 77 and is carried along with it, it returns with the breech 71. The
ejector 97 on the
other hand remains stationary during this moveme nt of the breech. In this way
the
longitudinal cross-piece moves through the two le;;s of the ejector 97 to the
rear. When
the breech block 75 gets to the ejector 97, then the base of the cartridge 93
runs into its
end and is pressed against the (right) extractor hock 77. Due
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to the interaction of the round profile of the cartricige border with the
beveled edge 89
(Fig. 16) the extractor hook 77 is pressed back and the ejector 97 imparts a
powerful
thrust to the right part of the cartridge border, so tltat the cartridge 93
tilts around the left
extractor 77 and is ejected.
Switching the ejector 97 to the other (left) side of :he breech similar causes
an ejection to
the right.
The ejector 97 can be inserted into a longitudinal or transverse slot in the
case of the
weapon. The ejector can hold a component of the veapon or a pin in this
location.
The shown parts belong to a large caliber semi-au omatic rifle for shell
cartridges whose
overall length amounts to about 90 mm, but the case length is less than 30 mm.
The
caliber is 20 mm. All the figures show the same model; the reference symbols
apply for
all the figures.
The rifle exhibits a barrel 101 which is inserted in: o a power input part
104. The rear end
of the barrel 101 is constructed as a cartridge chan iber 103. The cartridge
chamber holds
the cartridge case 165 of a cartridge 163.
The power input part 104 forms a central anchorin g element, to which not only
the barrel
101, but rather also a case, a sighting electronic ur it, a sling carrier and
an attachment
(grenade launcher, automatic pistol etc.) can be fa,;tened.
The power input part 104 is passed through by a b :)re hole via the locating
bore hole for
the barrel 101,
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said bore hole whose front part exhibits a smaller, iiameter, is constructed
as bore hole
167 for the breech-closing spring pipe 160 and joi:is into a greater bore
hole, which forms
a gas cylinder 171. The transition between the tw bore holes 167, 171 is
beveled. This
transition is connected to the barrel 101 by means of a gas intake bore hole
173, which
extends at a right angle to it and joins into it at the end of the cartridge
chamber 103.
In the two above named bore holes 167, 171 a one-piece pipe is seated, which
is
composed of two cylindrical pipe sections with variable diameter: one breech-
closing
spring pipe 169 and a gas piston 175. The breech-closing spring pipe 169 is
adjustable,
but essentially acts as a seal in the bore hole 167. 'he gas piston 175 is
adjustable, but
essentially acts as a seal in the gas cylinder 171. T rne recess between the
two pipe sections
169 and 174 forms the active area of the gas pistoji 175. The gas piston 175
is extended
to the rear in a single piece through a bolt head cai rier 113.
The movable component made up of the pipe 169, the gas piston 175 and the bolt
head
carrier 113 is passed through by a bore hole open 1 o the rear. The front side
of the bore
hole is closed. In this bore hole, a breech-closing spring locating bore hole,
a breech-
closing spring is seated which is not shown here, Nrhich is supported behind
the shown
arrangement in the breech. On the front side of the breech-closing spring pipe
169 (not
shown here) a firing lever is applied, by means of which the entire component
169, 175,
113 can be moved back, to be precise against the f orce of the breech-closing
spring.
When the cartridge 179 in the cartridge chamber 103 is fired, powder gases
penetrate
through the gas intake bore hole 173 into gas cylir der 171 and via gas piston
175 press
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this entire component 169, 175, 113 against the foi ce of the breech-closing
spring to the
rear.
In this way the bolt head carrier is moved back eitlier by hand or
automatically. It travels
a straight-line path of motion, which runs parallel 1 o the center line of the
barrel.
Longitudinal grooves in the case, which are not shown, guide the bolt head
carrier,
together with the guide of the breech-closing sprin g pipe 169 in the bore
hole 167 and gas
piston 175 in the gas cylinder 171 in the power inf ut part 104.
A bolt head 111 is located behind the barrel 101 arid therewith under the bolt
head carrier
113. This bolt head can be moved together with thi ; bolt head carrier 113
back and forth,
however not alone. The movement distance is lonà er than the length of a
cartridge 163.
Also the movement of the bolt head 111 is guided by longitudinal grooves or
cross-pieces
in the case.
The bolt head 111 is passed through by a locking bolt 125, which has the shape
of a
vertical letter "T", whose vertical beam passes thrciugh a vertical bore hole
121 in the bolt
head 111. This vertical beam ends below in a locki ng extension 107. A
diagonally
running, horizontal beam of the "T" ends on both ,ides in a locking finger
108. In the
middle the horizontal beam exhibits a coupling prc jection 183 extending to
the rear.
As Fig. 20 in particular shows, three abutments for the locking bolt 125 are
constructed in
the power input part 104, namely a lower abutment, a locking recess 105
forming a
conical bore hole, whose middle lies on a vertical, which passes through the
barrel center
line,
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and two locking notches 106 symmetrical to this N ertical. The locking notches
106 are
seated in front of projections of the inner surface c f the power input part
104.
If the locking bolt 125 is located in the lower posi .ion shown, the locking
position, then it
engages with the locking extension 107 into the locking recess 105, and the
locking
fingers 108 engage in the locking notches 106. Th ~ bolt head 111 is then
rigidly locked in
the power input part 104. This is the locking posit on of the locking bolt
125.
When the locking bolt 125 is raised, the locking e::tension 1071ifts up to the
top out of
the locking recess and the locking fingers 108 lift up to the top out of the
locking notches
106. Now the bolt head 111 is unlocked and can niove to the rear. This is the
unlocked
position of the locking bolt 125.
A firing pin 119 passes horizontally and centrally, relative to the barrel
101, through the
locking bolt 125.
For this purpose the firing pin 119 passes through an oblong hole 131 in the
locking bolt
125, so that it can move unhindered between the locked position and the
unlocked
position.
As can be seen in Figure 21, the firing pin 119 exltibits a recess or a bulge
129. In the
locking bolt 125 the rear side of the oblong hole 131 is provided with a
beveled edge 133
that extends from the rear and the bottom to the top and the front.
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This beveled edge allows the firing pin 119 to sut merge into the locking bolt
125 from
the rear when the locking bolt is in the locked position shown in the figure.
When the
locking bolt 125 moves up to its unlocked positio i, then the beveled edge 133
moves the
bulge 129 of the firing pin 119 and with it moves the firing pin 119 to the
rear. The firing
pin can thus only reach its front most position wh,;n the locking bolt 125 is
in its locked
position, so that a firing of a cartridge 163 can als ) only take place in
this position.
A spring, which is necessary for other weapons to push back the firing pin 119
is
replaced here by the positive control which is realized by means of the
beveled edge 133.
In the bolt head 111 a cross shaft 189 is further an=anged behind the locking
bolt 125,
upon which an axial tilting lever 187 is pivoted. C ne leg of this tilting
lever 187 engages
the coupling projection 183; the other leg ascends to the bottom of the bolt
head carrier
113.
In front of this ascending leg of the tilting lever 1 f 7 a descending locking
projection 185
is constructed, whose front side exhibits a beveled edge 193 extending to the
top and
front.
This arrangement functions in the following manner:
In the locked position of the breech bolt 125 (low(:r position) the bolt head
carrier 113 is
in the front most position (Fig. 18). The locking p;-ojection 185 is seated
above the
locking bolt 125 and prevents
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it from being removed from its position. The location of the tilting lever 187
is such as
can be seen from Fig. 18.
Now if the bolt head carrier 113 is moved to the r-,ar by hand or through gas
pressure, the
locking projection 185 also moves to the rear and releases the locking bolt
125.
Simultaneously the locking projection 185 runs irto the vertical leg of the
tilting lever
187 and turns it in the sequence (clockwise in the drawing). In the process
the horizontal
leg of the tilting lever 187 lifts the coupling projeotion 183 and
consequently also the
locking bolt 25. The upper part of the locking bol 125 now falls into a
coupling groove
191, which is constructed at the bottom side of tho bolt head carrier 113 in
front of the
bevel 193. Simultaneously the locking projection 185 runs up to the upper leg
of the
tilting lever 187 and keeps it tilted, so that it keep, the locking bolt 125
in the top
position, in which it engages in the groove 191. Consequently the locking bolt
125
follows the motion of the bolt head carrier 113 to the rear, and with it,
compulsorily, the
bolt head 111. In the process a (not shown) case f>rmation engages the locking
bolt 125
from below and prevents it from falling down. Tb described connection between
the
parts consequently is maintained.
When the bolt head carrier 113 returns to the fron then the bolt head 111
first contacts
the rear of the barrel 101. Located here under the >ections 108, 107 of the
locking bolt
125 are the recesses 106, 105 of the power intake part 104 (see Fig. 20). The
locking bolt
125 can now drop down.
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This downward movement is forced by the bevele d edge 193 of the locking
projection
185, which pushes the locking bolt 125 down in tlie ascent. Simultaneously the
rear side
of this locking projection 185 releases the tilting I -ver 187 so that it can
pivot again into
the position shown in Figure 1. Now the gas pisto 1 175 constructed in one
piece with the
bolt head carrier 113 runs into the front end of the gas cylinder 171. The
bolt head 111 is
now locked. In the process the locking bolt 125 is located in its bottom
position, in which
the beveled edge 133 releases the firing pin 119.
The weapon is now ready to fire, if there is a cartridge 163 in the cartridge
chamber 103.
As shown, the length of the cartridge case 165 is l,:ss than one third of the
total return
motion of the breech 111, 113. This means that thf: cartridge case 165 has
already been
completely removed from the cartridge chamber 1)3, even before the breech 111,
113
has been appreciably retarded by the breech-closir g spring. The acceleration
phase of the
breech 111, 113 is however already completed, sir ce the barrel 101 must be
practically
pressure-less when the cartridge case 165 has been completely removed.
In order to support the cartridge case 165 the breech block 181 of the bolt
head 111 is
therefore provided with a lateral cross-piece 195 al the top and at the
bottom. It is more
difficult to guarantee the lateral support of the carti-idge case 165.
Reference is made here to Figure 21, which shows a horizontal section through
the center
of the bolt head 111. The bolt head I 11 exhibits, oi i both sides and
symmetrical to one
another, two slot-shaped recesses 110, which run to the rear through a spring
bore hole
197.
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In one of the recesses 110 (the bottom one) an extractor hook 161 is inserted,
upon which
a (not shown) spring in the associated spring bore hole 197 acts via a tappet.
The
extractor hook 161 can be pivoted around a vertical axis. A supporting body
199 is seated
in the other recess 110, which is also held by a veatical axis. This
supporting body 199 is
similar to the extractor hook 161, but it is a bit larger, so that it cannot
move in the recess
I 10. Moreover, the supporting body 199, unlike tr e extractor hook 161, does
not
encompass the cartridge base of a cartridge 163 lo ;ated in the cartridge
chamber 104. In
rearranging the ejection direction it is merely necessary to exchange the
extractor hook
161 with the spring for the supporting body 199 ar_d change the ejector (not
shown).
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