The invention relates to the field of automatic weapon systems, and more specifically it relates to automatic weapons with the diversion of propellant gases for reloading through an opening in the barrel bore.
Currently, there are known systems that use the energy of the propellant gases formed when firing to recharge. Consequently, the use of the diversion of part of the gas through the opening in the barrel, combined with the change in the structure of the slide and the gas chamber makes it possible to regulate the speed and impact force of a bullet, as well as the rate of fire.
Russian Federation Patent No. 2347169 issued to V. A. Kaminsky for Automatic pistol discloses automatic weapon—a pistol that contains a stationary barrel, a slide with a drummer and ejector, a frame, a spring-loaded gas engine with a gas piston and a gas chamber, a firing mechanism, and a magazine. An essential feature of this patent is that the stationary barrel is equipped with a shank located at the lower part of the breechblock, the slide is designed to ensure that its front part is skewed down in the extreme forward position. At the same time at the front of the slide from the sides are mounted combat protrusions, and their responsive combat stops are located in the grooves provided at the tail of the stationary barrel, the gas piston is made with a window for the ejection of the casing and the ability to disengage and move the slide back when moving backward, and when moving the slide forward and ensure that its front part is skewed downwards, while the gas chamber installed to coverage the muzzle of the stationary barrel having the gas outlet channels located along its circumference.
Russian Federation Patent No. 2464518 issued to Reshniak for Beaver submachine gun teaches automatic small arms, having the automation which is based on the principle of diverting propellant gases into a gas chamber, containing a barrel with a chamber, a gas outlet channel with a cylinder in which a piston is located; a barrel box rigidly fastened to the barrel, a frame with a slide, having a rigid fixation, a single and automatic trigger mechanism, a cartridge magazine made with the possibility of insertion into a pistol grip. An essential feature of this patent is that the barrel has a combined channel consisting of accelerating, combat and stabilizing parts, a reclusive-rig frame on which from the side of the slide members are provided locking the slide on the lugs along the axis from the outside of the slide and to move the slide in the receiver along the guides, and to rotate the slide along the axis when locking, with the possibility of using cartridges of different lengths and for reverse rotation when unlocking the slide, while the firing mechanism is made of a striker type, and double-row cartridge magazines are attached to the pistol grip shaft hatch.
Both the above discussed weapons utilize at the base of the automatic reloading system utilize a gas engine, including a closed gas chamber with piston and rod, this complicates the kinematic and constructive recharge scheme, and accordingly reduces the reliability of the product in operation and convenience of maintenance.
Another pertinent prior art know to the applicant also discloses an automatic weapon system. This weapon system uses the removal of part of the propellant gases from the barrel bore through a special hole in the barrel bore for powering the automatic gas engine, including a barrel with a through hole for gas outlet, a gas outlet chamber with a piston and a rod, a device for immobilizing the barrel, a slide, a weapon frame with guides of the slide movement, the return spring mechanism of the slide and the breechblock (see glushiteli-zvuka-vystrela-dlya-avtomaticheskogo-oruzhiya/49-1-4-mekhanizmy-avtomatiki-strelkovogo-oruzhiya). The disadvantages of this weapon system are in the large recoil force, a strong upward movement of the barrel and significant shock impulses, which lead to a decrease in firing accuracy. In addition, the complexity of the gas engine design leads to a decrease in reliability and service life.
As to one aspect of the invention the system is provided a gas evacuation chamber which opens at the shot to divert the gases. The chamber is formed within a near-barrel space located at the outlet of the of the barrel bore. A front wall of the chamber is disposed where the barrel bore outlet and has the bottom part which rests on the frame of the weapon. The opposite rear wall of the chamber is formed, by at least one bridge assembly having a top area attached to the slide. The bridge assembly includes at least one substantially flat plate with a groove extending from the slide to the frame and also including at least one sealing gasket sliding on the barrel. A unitary frame of the weapon serves as a bottom part of the chamber. Parts of the slide functioning as top and side walls of the chamber.
As to another aspect of the invention a slide return spring mechanism returns the slide to the original front position, and a special mechanism is provided for pressing the slide to the frame of the weapon.
As to still another aspect of the invention guides having channels are provided to coordinate movement of the slide backward and forward. The channels are formed on both sides of the weapon frame. Each channel at the barrel bore outlet is provided with downwardly directed ledge adapted to secure the slide in the front position. In order to fasten the slide on the frame of the weapon and to facilitate the direction of its movement, at the bottom of the side walls of the slide at its front region there are provided fixing lugs on the frame of the weapon in the form corresponding to the downwardly oriented ledge Sliding lugs having streamlined shape are disposed on at the of the breechblock region.
The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:
The terms “about” and “essentially” mean.+−.10 percent. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
The term “comprising” is not intended to limit inventions to only claiming the present invention with such comprising language. Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one or more claims using “consisting” or “consisting of” claim language and is so intended.
Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.
The term “or”, as used herein, is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination.
As to general features of the system of the invention
The slide is movably arranged on the frame in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the direction along the length of the barrel. The frame may serve to hold the mechanical parts of the firearm, such as the trigger housing and slide carrier group. The frame provides support for the control and guide movement elements for the slide.
The slide is the part of the weapon that moves during the operating cycle. A slide is a mechanical part of a firearm that blocks the rear of the chamber while the propellant burns, but moves out of the way to allow another cartridge or shell to be inserted in the chamber.
The slide cycles back and forward between each shot. When it moves back, an extractor pulls the spent casing from the chamber. When it moves forward, it strips a cartridge from the magazine and pushes it into the chamber. Once the cartridge case is clear of the chamber, the ejector kicks the case out of the weapon. The slide may be spring-loaded so that once it has moved to its rearmost position in the firing cycle, spring tension brings it back to the starting position chambering a fresh cartridge during the motion, provided that the magazine is not empty.
While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals, if any, are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.
Among essential elements of the system of the invention are as follows:
The invention provides an automatic weapon system 10 utilizing removal or diversion of a part of the propellant gases through a gas evacuation opening 12 formed in the bore of the barre 11. As illustrated in
A fastening coupling 27 having a front wall 18 is provided to facilitate connection of the barrel 11 to the frame 16 at the barrel bore outlet 31. Downwardly directed ledge 28, which can be in the form of a plate, is provided at an upper wall 33 of the front area of a slide 15. An opening 34 is provided in a central part of the fastening coupling 27 to accommodate a front region of the barrel including the barrel bore outlet 31. The coupling and the barrel are supported by the frame 16 of the weapon.
At the barrel outlet 31 a front part of the gas evacuation chamber 13 is formed by a front wall 18 of the fastening coupling 27. In the illustrated embodiment a rear part of the chamber 13 is formed by a bridge assembly 19 consisting of two members 36 spaced from each other by a gap 38. A sealing pad or gasket 20 tightly disposed within the gap 38 is provided for slidable motion along the barrel. A top part of the bridge assembly 19 is attached to an inner part of the upper wall 33 of the slide, whereas central and bottom parts of the bridge move or slide along the barrel 11. As best illustrated in
As illustrated in
Tightness of a rear part of the evacuation chamber 13 facing the immobilizing device 14 is facilitated by the bridge assembly 19 having the sealing gasket 20 freely slidable along the barrel and extending to the frame 16 (see
The members 36 of the bridge assembly 19 are typically in the form of substantially flat plates arranged parallel to each other and disposed transversely with respect to the top wall 33 of the slide. The members 36 are similar to each other, and each is formed with a groove 37 open from the bottom (see
In the preferred embodiment the bridge assembly 9 consists of two members/plates 36 with a single sealing gasket 20 interposed within the gap 38. The tight connection between the gasket 20 and the bridge members 36 is assured by a compression spring 42 of the return spring mechanism 23.
In an embodiment in which the bridge assembly 9 is formed with multiple members/plates 36, additional sealing gaskets are placed between each pair of the adjacent members. Such gaskets can be additional to the gasket facing the immobilizing device 14. When the bridge assembly 19 is formed by a single member/plate 26, a sealing gasket 20 can be attached to its surface facing the immobilizing device 14.
The above-discussed bridge assembly 19 including the respective sealing gaskets 20 form a sealed wall that isolates the rear part of the gas evacuation chamber 13 facing the immobilizing device 14.
In the evacuation chamber 13 within the wall of the barrel bore 32 facing an upper wall 33 of the slide the through gas evacuation opening 12 is provided to evacuate a part of the propellant gases. As best illustrated in
It will be discussed later in the application that when the propellant gases are ejected through the gas evacuation opening 12, an excess pressure is created in the chamber 13, causing depressurization of the chamber along the boundaries of contact of the chamber walls. This occurs while the slide 15 is displaced up and back, as illustrated in at least
To return the slide 15 to its initial position after a shot is fired, the return mechanism 23 is provided, which is located between the immobilizing device 14 and the bridge assembly 19. The mechanism 23 is typically consists of a helical compression return spring 42 which is located under the slide 15 surrounding the barrel 11 in the space between the device 14 and the bridge assembly 19 having the sealing gaskets 20.
Although in the illustrated embodiment the mechanism 23 is illustrated with a single spring 42. In an alternate embodiment, the return mechanism 23 can be in the form of at least two helical compression springs, which are fixed along the axis of the barrel in the space between the barrel immobilizing device 14 and the bridge assembly 19. These springs can be placed within suitable guides, for example in special grooves in the frame or in guides of the frame.
The slide 15 is pressed against the weapon frame 16 utilizing a mechanism 24. The mechanism 24 consists of at least one bending spring 44 fixed at a proximal end 46 to the area of attachment of the bridge 19 to the slide 15. A distal end 48 is movably connected or mated within a support 50 located along the barrel having a guide groove or channel 52 (see at least
The spring 44 is movably retained within the guide channel or groove 52 throughout the combat stroke of the slide (see
As to an alternate embodiment, it is also possible to press the slide 15 to the weapon frame 16 by means of at least one helical tension spring attached at one end on the upper part of the slide or to the upper part of the bridge 19, whereas the other end is attached the barrel 11 or frame 16 of the weapon in the area of the barrel bore outlet.
Another alternate embodiment of the pressing mechanism 24 may include two helical tension springs located on opposite sides of the barrel and fixed to the barrel or frame of the weapon in the area of the exit of the barrel bore. The other side is fixed to the upper part of the slide in the area adjacent to the bridge attachment to the slide. Leaf springs located in the channels above the lugs can also be used as a pressing mechanism.
A downwardly directed protrusion 28, which can be in the form of a plate, is positioned at the upper wall 33 at the front part of the slide 15. The protrusion 28 provides a delay in the release of pressure in the chamber 13. By changing the width of the protrusion 28, it is possible to regulate the beginning of the slide rollback and other essential characteristics of the invention. Typically, the width of the protrusion 28 is greater than the height of the fixation lugs and typically is within the range 4-16 mm.
The guides 54 having channels 21 are provided to coordinate movement of the slide 15 backward and forward. The channels 21 are formed on both sides of the weapon frame 16, with their length corresponding to the backward movement of the slide. Extension of the channels 21 can be provided for removing the slide 15 during disassembly of the weapon. The guide channels 21 are typically in the form of grooves open on one side facing exterior of the frame. The cross-sectional shape of the channels varies, but typically it has a rectangular configuration. In each guide channel 21 at the barrel bore outlet region 31, a downwardly directed ledge 22 is formed. At the bottom of the side walls of the slide at its front region, lugs 25 are provided configured to match the shape of the corresponding ledges 22 in the channels 21. This arrangement assures a reliable fixation of the corresponding lugs 25 provided on the slide. The ledges 22 are directed downwardly relative to the horizontal orientation of the slide on the frame.
Sliding lugs 26 having streamlined shape are disposed at the of the breechblock 17 region. An essential function of the lugs is to fasten the slide on the frame 16 of the weapon and to facilitate the direction of its movement.
The front lugs 25 are provided for fixing the slide and prevent displacement in the initial state of the weapon's operation. The height/lengths of the lugs are preferably between 2 to 6 mm. The transverse fixation of the slide is provided by the pressure mechanism 24 and the frame 16 of the weapon as described above.
An essential function of the front lugs 25 is to retain the slide 15 within the frame of the weapon. In the area of the breechblock 17 streamlined lugs 26 are situated. The lugs are formed to correspond to the configuration of the channels 21 and the ledge 22 and to accommodate the direction of the slide 15 movement at the bottom of the frame side walls.
The rear lugs 26 serve as guides for movement within the channels. The streamlined shape of the lugs 26 facilitates a rotational moment of the slide 15 around an axis of rotation passing through these lugs. In other words, during the rotation lugs 26 allow the front of the slide 15 to be lifted up as shown in
Removal of the slide 15 from the frame is carried out by pressing on a spring-loaded lug 30 limiting the active movement of the slide. Then the slide 15 is manually moved further than its active movement and rests on the end part of the guiding channels. Then by movement through the ledge 12 extending upwardly from the channels until the exit from the weapon frame is reached and combined with the position of the grooves of the channels of the slide, the slide is detached from the frame.
The system 10 of the invention operates in the following manner, as illustrated in
The movement of the front part of the slide 15 upward is facilitated by a streamlined shape of the lugs 26 located at the breechblock 17 area. When the chamber 13 is opened the inside pressure drops to atmospheric and the slide, after stopping in the rear position, returns back, as illustrated in
In the movement of the slide 15, the action of the pressuring mechanism 24 assures that the slide is pressed against the frame. During the movement of the slide back, in its final stage, a cartridge case is ejected. Upon movement to the initial position, the cartridge is directed into the cartridge chamber (see
When the gases through the gas evacuation opening 12 enter the space of evacuation chamber 3. Due to the action of gases on the slide 5, the front part of the slide at the wall 33 rises up. As to the guiding channels 21, the front lugs 25 come out of the engagement with the fixing ledge 22, and the slide is disengaged from the frame and rolled back. Simultaneously the front part of the slide 15 is raised by approximately 4-16 mm. When the slide 15 returns to its initial state, the weapon is reloaded, and it is ready to fire again.
As illustrated in
To carry out the disassembly of the system of the invention, the extension of the channels beyond of the length of the action is used for its removal. Removal of the slide 15 is carried out by pressing inwardly the spring-loaded lugs 30, limiting the movement of the slide. As a result, the slide is manually moved further than the combat stroke and rests against the end of the guiding channels. Then it moves along the grooves passing from the channels vertically upward to the exit from the weapon frame 16 and to be aligned with the position of the guide groves 29. As a result, the slide is separated from the frame 16 of the weapon.
It has been discussed above that among the essential features of the system of the invention are the following components.
The automatic weapon system 10 of the invention includes the mechanism 23 for returning the slide 15 to the original, front position comprising the compression spring 42 surrounding the barrel and located between the device 14 for immobilizing the barrel and the bridge assembly 19 sliding on the barrel and provided with the sealing gasket 20.
An alternate embodiment of the automatic weapon system 10 of the invention includes the mechanism for returning the slide to the original front position comprising at least two compression springs, disposed along the axis of the barrel in the space between the device 14 for immobilizing the barrel and sliding on the barrel bridge assembly 19.
The automatic weapon system 10 also includes the mechanism 24 for pressing the slide to the frame 16 of the weapon which is formed by at least one bending spring 44 having one end connected to the area of attaching the bridge 19 to the slide, whereas the other end is movably disposed with the guide channel 52 provided in a support 50 placed along the barrel.
In a more specific embodiment the mechanism 24 of pressing the slide 15 to the frame 16 is in the form of at least one stretching spring attached at its top end to the area of the attachment of the bridge to the slide, whereas the other lower end of the spring is connected to the barrel or the frame of the weapon at the area of the barrel outlet.
The automatic weapon system 10 of the invention includes the bridge sliding on the barrel consisting of at least two substantially flat plates, each having a groove extending from the barrel to the frame, having the sealing pads disposed in the respective gaps.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2019106869 | Mar 2019 | RU | national |
This application is continuation-in-part application of PCT Application PCT/RU2020/000112 having international filing date Mar. 2, 2020, claiming priority of Russian Patent Application S.N. 2019106869 filed Mar. 11, 2019 the disclosure of which applications is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | PCT/RU2020/000112 | Mar 2020 | US |
Child | 17470945 | US |