EP0069184A1 - Firearm for self-propelling projectiles, self-propelling projectiles and their production - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a firearm for firing self-propelling projectiles, forming a chamber (1a) containing a powder charge and a primer (4), the case having in its front part a metal mass comprising at least one element (1). This projectile is intended to be fired in weapons comprising a barrel (48) equipped with a chamber (48a) for receiving the projectile, a breech (47) and means for putting the weapon into the firing position and for triggering the shot. At the moment of firing, the part of the projectile containing the primer (4) is in the vicinity of a cavity (471c) which is reserved in the breech (47) and which constitutes a chamber for the expansion of the combustion gases which bring about the propulsion of the projectile. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a firearm for firing self-propelling cartridges, cartridges to be fired in such weapons and a method of manufacturing said cartridges.

The technical sector of the invention is that of the arms industry.

We have already carried out research in order to remove the shell from cartridges or other similar ammunition, which became mutilated after the shot was fired.

This research has resulted in various achievements.

One of these embodiments consists of a cartridge with a combustible cartridge case, another in a projectile in which a rocket-type propellant is incorporated, yet another a projectile with liquid fuel not integral with said projectile, another finally, a projectile with charge guard in form of combustible tablet and with retractable projectile skirt.

• Certains de ces projectiles sont complexes et difficilement réalisables et les armes qui les tirent sont d'une mise en oeuvre compliquée. Leur prix de revient est plus élevé que leurs homologues traditionnels; de plus ils sont d'une utilisation peu pratique.

These various embodiments have a certain number of drawbacks:

• Some of these projectiles are complex and difficult to carry out and the weapons which fire them are of a complicated implementation. Their cost price is higher than their traditional counterparts; moreover they are of an impractical use.

Others, incorporated into combustible casings, leave, after firing, solid residues in the chamber of the weapon, pro. as for harmful fouling. Such sockets are not protected against humidity or a relatively high accidental heat source. In the first case, the combustion of the propellant charge is incomplete or causes "long fires"; in the second case, the manipulator may be the victim of accidents, in particular in the case of automatic or semi-automatic weapons.

In other munitions of this type, the bottom of the base of the cartridge is composed of a fuel disc acting as a charge guard which has the same drawbacks as the projectiles with combustible case already mentioned.

Finally, rocket projectiles have the same drawbacks as projectiles with combustible casings and cannot be fired in automatic or semi-automatic weapons.

According to patent FR 2 221 991 (SCHIRNEKER) the projectile u _b L hollowed out and the propellant charge which is introduced into the cavity is traversed by an axial primer support integral with the core of the projectile. A combustible pellet or a metal wall, in form of funnel materializes the base of the projectile, which is intended to be deformed when passing through the barrel, which, of a particular design, has a conical part located on the side of its anterior end.

According to patent FR 2 045 904 (S.P.A. Giullo FIOCCHI), the projectile has an annular initiation and a combustible pellet constituting the bottom of the base protects the charge of propellant powder. According to this patent, the projectile can be fired in conventional weapons. Note however that the majority of current conventional weapons are designed to fire cartridges with central percussion, while the projectiles according to the FIOCCHI patent are annular percussion. The patent indicates that the projectiles are placed in the chamber of a conventional weapon, modified in an appropriate manner as regards the mechanisms for retaining and extracting the casing and possibly the position and the mode of operation of the striker. This patent is, however, silent on the means used to make conventional weapons capable of firing such projectiles.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks set out above.

The objective to be achieved is a new self-propelling cartridge and a weapon specially designed to fire such a cartridge.

This objective is achieved by the firearm according to the invention for firing self-propelling cartridges, which consist of a casing forming a chamber containing a charge of powder and a primer for firing. powder, which casing comprises, at its front part, a metallic mass comprising at least one element, this cartridge being intended to be fired in weapons comprising a barrel provided with a chamber for receiving the cartridge, a breech and means to put the weapon in the armed position and to start firing, characterized in that the part of the cartridge which contains the primer is, at the time of the firing, near a cavity reserved in the breech, which cavity constitutes a combustion gas expansion chamber which causes the propulsion of the cartridge.

A self-propelling cartridge according to the invention finding its application in a weapon as defined above, consists of a cartridge forming a chamber containing a charge of powder and a primer for igniting the powder, which cartridge comprises, at its front part, a metallic mass consisting of at least one spherical projectile or of a cylindrospherical or ogival projectile, and is characterized in that the projectile is extended at its posterior part by a cylindrical skirt which constitutes the socket , which forms a housing for receiving the charge of propellant powder, which housing is delimited at its rear part by a primer engaged forced into said housing in a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

According to one embodiment, the skirt is made of plastic and the cartridge is closed at its rear part by a crimping forming a wall at the base of the base and near which wall is the primer. The front part is secured to the skirt by screwing or crimping and the cartridge is closed at its rear part by a crimping forming a wall at the base of the base and near which is the primer, the latter being placed support on an annular shoulder.

In another embodiment, the cartridge consists of a cylindrical sheath comprising a peripheral internal rib delimiting a central orifice coaxial with the sheath, in which orifice is engaged a flock comprising a peripheral shoulder intended to come, at the time of placing on fire, pressing on said internal rib of the sheath, the flock associated with the rib dividing the internal volume of the cartridge into two compartments closed at the ends of the cartridge by crimping, the anterior compartment containing a load of shot of lead, the posterior compartment a charge of propellant powder and a primer in the form of a pellet or annular form disposed near the crimp which closes said posterior compartment.

• - on introduit l'amorce et on la met en appui sur ledit épaulement;
• - on exécute le sertissage de la partie postérieure de la gaine pour former le culot de la cartouche, lequel se situe à proximité de l'amorce;
• - on introduit la charge de poudre propulsive;
• - on solidarise par vissage ou sertissage, la partie antérieure du projectile à la gaine pour former une unité auto-propulsive.

A method of manufacturing a self-propelling cartridge according to the invention is characterized by the following operations:

• - Introducing the primer and it is supported on said shoulder;
• - the crimping of the rear part of the sheath to form the cartridge base, which is located near the primer;
• - Introducing the charge of propellant powder;
• - It secures by screwing or crimping, the front part of the projectile to the sheath to form a self-propelling unit.

The result of the invention consists of an improved self-propelling cartridge, adapted to be fired in a specially designed weapon such as a portable weapon of war or hunting or a weapon of higher caliber of the kind of those for firing shell ammunition, for example machine guns or light cannons.

In their production with a crimped plastic base, the cartridges according to the invention are perfectly sealed against all external agents; they can therefore be immersed in water without being rendered unusable.

The presence of a peripheral groove allows their extraction from the weapon in the event of a shooting incident or if the cartridge has not been fired.

By design, they are used in specially adapted automatic weapons, finally their cost is lower than traditional similar ammunition precisely because of their ease of manufacture.

The weapons for firing such cartridges are of a simple design and are provided with an extractor which, even in the case of automatic weapons, is manual operation. This extractor is intended to remove from the weapon cartridges which have not been fired or which have been the subject of a shooting incident. Thus and with regard more particularly to automatic weapons, the normal position of the extractor is, unlike traditional weapons in the erased position. It is known in fact that the extractor of a traditional automatic weapon is put in the position for extracting the casing as soon as the cartridge is engaged in the barrel chamber.

• - les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale de cartouches autopropulsives^- a projectile unique destinées au tir d'entraînement;
• - la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche selon l'invention comportant une gaine avec un noyau à sa partie antérieure et destinée au tir d'entraînement;
• - la figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche auto-propulsive pour pistolet ou carabine d'entraînement dont la charge propulsive est du fulminate de mercure ou similaire;
• - les figues 5 et 6 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale de cartouches auto-propulsives du même type que celle de la figure 4 mais dont le culot est formé par sertissage d'une jupe en matière plastique;
• - la figure 7 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche auto-propulsive formée d'une masse antérieure à extrémité profilée rapportée et fixée a une douille, l'ensemble formant un projectile;
• - la figure 8 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche selon l'invention dont la douille incorporée est d'un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre de la tête de projectile, laquelle correspond au calibre de l'arme;
• - la figure 9 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche selon l'invention dont l'amorce est protégée par une pastille combustible;
• - les figures 10 et 11 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale de cartouches auto-propulsives dans des modes préférentiels de réalisation, dont le culot est formé par sertissage de la douille, laquelle est solidaire de la masse antérieure, l'ensemble formant un projectile étanche;
• - la figure 12 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une cartouche auto-propulsive pour arme de chasse;
• - la figure 13 est une vue de profil schématique d'une cartouche selon l'invention illustrant la première phase, permettant d'obtenir un sertissage par pliage de la jupe postérieure;
• - la figure 14 est une vue de face de la partie postérieure d'une cartouche dont le culot est formé par un sertissage par pliage de la jupe postérieure;
• - la figure 15 est une vue de face de la partie postérieure d'une cartouche dont le culot est formé par un sertissage en étoile;
• - la figure 16 est une vue en coupe partielle très schématique donnant le principe de fonctionnement d'une arme à fonctionnement coup par coup dans sa version pour utiliser des cartouches auto-propulsives à percussion centrale;
• - la figure 17 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un pistolet- mitrailleur adapté pour tirer des cartouches auto-propulsivés selon l'invention et illustrant les parties essentielles d'une telle arme représentée schématiquement.

Other advantages and characteristics of the self-propelling cartridge and of the weapon for firing such cartridges according to the invention will emerge from the following description of several. embodiments of self-propelling cartridges and their manufacturing process, as well as of the weapon adapted to fire such cartridges, with reference to the appended drawing in which:

• - Figures 1 and 2 are views in longitudinal section self ^- propelled cartridges ^- single projectile intended for training shooting;
• - Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge according to the invention comprising a sheath with a core at its front part and intended for training shooting;
• - Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a self-propelling cartridge for pistol or training rifle whose propellant charge is mercury fulminate or the like;
• - Figs 5 and 6 are views in longitudinal section of self-propelling cartridges of the same type as that of Figure 4 but whose base is formed by crimping a plastic skirt;
• - Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a self-propelling cartridge formed of a front mass with attached profiled end and fixed to a socket, the assembly forming a projectile;
• - Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge according to the invention whose incorporated socket is of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the projectile head, which corresponds to the caliber of the weapon;
• - Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cartridge according to the invention, the primer of which is protected by a combustible tablet;
• - Figures 10 and 11 are views in longitudinal section of self-propelling cartridges in preferred embodiments, the base of which is formed by crimping the sleeve, which is integral with the anterior mass, the assembly forming a sealed projectile ;
• - Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a self-propelling cartridge for a hunting weapon;
• - Figure 13 is a schematic profile view of a cartridge according to the invention illustrating the first phase, for obtaining a crimping by folding the rear skirt;
• - Figure 14 is a front view of the rear part of a cartridge whose base is formed by crimping by folding the rear skirt;
• - Figure 15 is a front view of the rear part of a cartridge whose base is formed by a star crimping;
• - Figure 16 is a very schematic partial sectional view giving the operating principle of a functioning weapon piecemeal in its version to use self-propelling cartridges with central percussion;
• - Figure 17 is a partial sectional view of a submachine gun adapted to fire self-propelled cartridges according to the invention and illustrating the essential parts of such a weapon shown schematically.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing which illustrate self-propelling projectiles according to the invention in the simplified embodiments, such projectiles being mainly intended for training fire.

FIGS. 1 and 2 each represent a projectile 1/2 adopting a cylindro-spherical and cylindro-ogival shape, hollowed out in its center to form a cavity la / 2a, also called powder chamber, which is filled with a propellant powder 3 .

This chamber is either cylindrical as illustrated in FIG. 1, or cylindrical-spherical as illustrated in FIG. 2. A primer 4, in the form of a pellet, closes the chamber 1a / 2a at its rear part.

Preferably, the primer 4 is set back relative to the rear end of the cartridge for safety reasons.

According to Figure 1, the primer 4 is forced into the chamber la and is brought into contact with the propellant powder 3. The cartridge of Figure 2 has, at its rear end, a cylindrical housing 2b coaxial with the chamber 2a and at the outer periphery of the projectile and determining a peripheral shoulder 2c on which the primer 4 is supported. The latter is forcibly engaged in the cylindrical housing 2b and, like the cartridge of FIG. 1, is arranged in withdrawal from the posterior extreme part of the projectile.

The shoulder 2c delimits the powder chamber 2a at its rear part.

FIG. 3 represents a self-propelling projectile 5 in another embodiment. This consists of a cylindrical sheath made of light alloy, brass or plastic 5a, closed at its front part to form a semi-spherical end 5b (or ogival not shown). The front part of the projectile has a core, for example made of lead 6 and its rear part a charge of propellant powder 7. The powder chamber is delimited by a pellet-shaped primer 8, forced into the powder chamber and arranged in removal of the posterior end of the cartridge and by a metal wall in the form of a pellet covering the rear face of the core 6, which is made of a material having a higher melting point than that of lead, for example of copper alloy or of steel, which wall 9 is thus inserted between the core 6 and the powder 7.

FIG. 4 illustrates a projectile according to the invention, the propellant charge of which is mercury fulminate or the like. This projectile 10, of short length relative to its outside diameter, comprises a housing 10a, which is filled with mercury fulminate 11. The rear part of the projectile comprises a housing 10b with a diameter greater than that of the housing 10a and determining a shoulder 10c. A fuel pellet 12 is forced into the housing 10b and is supported on the shoulder 10c. This tablet 12 can be in contact with the mercury fulminate II or be separated from the latter by a space 13.

Figures 5 and 6 show a projectile 14 of the kind which has just been described with reference to Figure 4, which projectile consists of a mass of material such as for example lead, comprising a housing 14a. The projectile is extended at its rear part by a skirt 15 of plastic material, which is forced fitted around a groove 14b, so that the outside diameter of the skirt 15 is the same as that of the projectile 14.

A charge of mercury fulminate 16 is placed in the housing 14a (FIG. 6) and the skirt 15 is folded over the housing to form, by bending or star crimping, the base 17 of the projectile. An air vacuum 18 can be reserved between the fulminate 16 and the base 17 for safety reasons. In this embodiment the projectile is perfectly moisture-tight.

Referring now to Figure 7 of the drawing which illustrates a projectile according to the invention in another embodiment. This consists of a sleeve 19 and a cylindrical spherical anterior mass 20. The sleeve is forcibly fitted or screwed around the rear part of the mass 20, which forms a shoulder 20a on which the sleeve 19 is support. The front part 20 and the socket _. have the same outside diameter. The bottom 19a of the sleeve 19 is drilled in its center at 19b according to a diameter less than that of the powder chamber 19c, which determines a peripheral shoulder on which the primer 21 and the associated fuel disc 22 are supported. to each other.

The primer is placed in the wet state. After drying, the powder introduced into the sleeve 23. Depending on the characteristics of the earlier mass 20, in particular if it is made of lead, is interposed between said mass and powder 20 lozenge ACJ _Q r or copper 24, which is forced and applied against the rear face of the mass.

FIG. 8 represents a projectile 25 the front part 25a of which is prominent with respect to its rear part 25b. Part 25a has an outside diameter corresponding to the caliber of the weapon. Part 25b has a slightly smaller diameter. The powder 26 is placed in a chamber 25c closed at the rear by a primer 27 and a combustible pellet 28 each disposed in a housing determining two peripheral shoulders 25d / 25e. The thickness of the wall of the part 25b is defined so as to create a resistance such that during the combustion of the powder 26, the diameter of the part 25b does not exceed the diameter of the front part 25a. This type of fuel can offer technical advantages, for example in the case where it is desired to produce cartridges overloaded with powder for unchanged external dimensions and whose wall of the powder chamber is thinned.

The projectile 29 of Figure 9 is similar to that of Figure 8 but is of the same diameter over its entire length. The powder 30 is housed in a coaxial chamber 29a closed by a primer 29b and a combustible tablet 31 separated from each other by a space 32.

Figures 10 and 11 each illustrate a self-propelling cartridge according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. The cartridge 33 of FIG. 10 comprises a socket 33a and a front mass 33b cylindro-spherical or cylindro-ogival fixed to the socket. The part 33b has a cylindrical constriction 33c at its coaxial posterior part and determining a shoulder 33d. In one embodiment, the constriction 33c is threaded and is screwed into the sleeve, the open end of which has an internal thread. In another embodiment, the sleeve 33a is force fitted on the cylindrical part 33c. In either embodiment, the thickness of the wall of the sleeve is such that its outside diameter is identical to that of the front mass 33b. The socket 33a is closed at its rear part by folding or star crimping, made hot to form the base 33e of the cartridge. A primer 34 is forcibly engaged and is supported on an annular shoulder 33g. Therefore the primer is located near the crimp 33e. A space can be left between the primer 34 and the base 33e. The powder 35 occupies the chamber of the socket delimited by the front mass 33b and the primer 34. The socket also has at its outer periphery and on the side of the base 33e, a groove 33f intended to allow the cartridge to be extracted from the weapon, in the event of a shooting incident or simply to remove the cartridge from the weapon.

Unlike the grooves of the casings of conventional cartridges, which are of small section and of a generally triangular shape, the peripheral groove 33f of the projectiles according to the invention is of a rectangular cross section so that the groove is in proportion to its depth of a large width, this width is determined according to the characteristics of the weapon which is described later in the text.

The primer 34, represented by a tablet, can however take the form of an annular primer.

• - on introduit d'abord l'amorce 34, celle-ci pouvant être à l'état humide, et on la met en appui sur l'épaulement 33g;
• - on exécute ensuite le culot 33e de la partie postérieure de la douille 33a par pliage ou sertissage étoilé à chaud, ce sertissage venant à proximité de l'amorce 34;
• - on laisse éventuellement sécher l'amorce 34;
• - on introduit la charge de poudre propulsive 35
• - et on solidarise par vissage, forcement ou par sertissage la partie antérieure 33b à la douille 33a, laquelle est de préférence réalisée en matière plastique.

For the manufacture of such a cartridge, the following operations are carried out:

• - The primer 34 is first introduced, the latter possibly being in the wet state, and it is supported on the shoulder 33g;
• - The base 33e of the rear part of the sleeve 33a is then executed by folding or hot star crimping, this crimping coming close to the primer 34;
• - The primer 34 is optionally left to dry;
• - the charge of propellant powder 35 is introduced
• - And is secured by screwing, forcing or crimping the front portion 33b to the sleeve 33a, which is preferably made of plastic.

The cartridge 36 of FIG. 11 is similar to that of FIG. 10, the rear part of the sleeve 36a is identical.

The socket 36a has, at its front part, a cylindrical boss 36b intended to penetrate into the front mass 36c, which comprises a corresponding cylindrical housing 36d.

In one embodiment, the boss 36b and the housing 36c are threaded and the attachment of the mass and the sleeve is done by screwing; in another embodiment, the assembly is carried out by forced fitting of the mass 36c on the boss 36b. The powder chamber 36e of the sleeve is closed at its front part 36f.

• - on dispose la douille verticalement, la partie postérieure dont le culot 36b n'est pas encore formé étant en haut;
• - on introduit la poudre 37 dans la chambre 36e;
• - on engage l'amorce 38, celle-ci pouvant être à l'état humide, dans la chambre et on la met en appui sur un épaulement périphérique 36h;
• - on laisse sécher éventuellement l'amorce,
• - et on forme le culot par pliage ou sertissage, tel que mentionné en référence à la figure 10.

The manufacturing process for this cartridge is as follows:

• - The sleeve is arranged vertically, the rear part, the base 36b of which is not yet formed, being at the top;
• - The powder 37 is introduced into the chamber 36e;
• - We engage the primer 38, it may be in the wet state, in the chamber and it is supported on a peripheral shoulder 36h;
• - the primer is optionally left to dry,
• - and the base is formed by folding or crimping, as mentioned with reference to FIG. 10.

The anterior mass 36c is either fixed before the filling of the sleeve and the formation of the base, or after.

Figures 13 and 14 schematically illustrate the formation of the folding of the sleeve or the skirt of a projectile to form the base.

In FIG. 13, the projectile 39 is shown in elevation, the front mass 39a is extended towards the rear by a sleeve or a skirt 39b, which is open at its rear part. To fold this part and obtain a base formed for example of four folded portions as illustrated in FIG. 14, pressure is first applied to the tubular wall by acting diametrically to give the sleeve or the skirt the shape illustrated in figure 13.

By this first folding of portions 39c, the partial formation of the base is obtained. The base is formed completely by folding the other two portions 39d onto those already folded 39c.

The fixing of the folded elements is carried out by means of an adhesive for plastic material or can also be carried out by hot welding.

Figure 15 illustrates a star crimp. The base is. thus formed by several sectors 40, interconnected along their junction lines 40a by hot welding.

FIG. 12 illustrates a hunting cartridge based on the principle adopted for the implementation of the self-propelling projectiles according to the invention. Such a cartridge 41 consists of a cylindrical sheath 41a comprising a peripheral internal rib 41b, which is located in the rear half of the cartridge and delimits a circular orifice in which is engaged a wad 42, for example of felt. This flock is relatively thick and comprises, at its end opposite to that which enters the orifice delimited by the rib 41b, a peripheral shoulder 42a, which is of a diameter such that it seals the interior in a sealed manner of the sheath while intimately bearing on its internal wall. The rib 41b and the flock 42a form a partition which divides the internal volume of the sheath into two compartments 41c / 41d. The compartment 41c receives a charge of propellant powder 43 and an annular primer 44, disposed in contact with the powder, and close to the wall 41e forming the base of the cartridge, which is produced for example by star crimping as described with reference to FIG. 15. A space 41f can be reserved between the primer 44 and the crimping 41e for safety reasons.

The compartment 41d receives a load of lead shot 45 and is closed, at the front part of the sheath, by another crimping 41g, the latter possibly being in a star or as shown in the drawing, composed of a pellet kept captive by the formation of a bead. Another flock 46, of small thickness, is interposed between the lead shot and the flock 42.

At the time of ignition and under the effect of the combustion of the powder 43, the flock 42, moving in the sheath until it abuts on the rib 41b, pushes, through the other fill 46, the charge of lead and serves the cartridge at its front part 41g. The set of pellets and sheath are propelled out of the barrel of the weapon. Due to the air resistance and the low inertia of the sheath, the stroke of the latter is of a short range while the pellets continue their course by forming a sheaf at suitable range.

With reference to FIG. 12, a preferred mode of annular priming and of formation of the base by star crimping has been given. Other crimps and priming modes, for example in the form of a pellet, can be applied to this cartridge, which can also have an extraction groove at its periphery to allow it to be extracted from the weapon in the case incident or to remove it from the weapon if it has not been fired.

FIG. 16 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view representing the main organs of a hand-held weapon according to the invention, including a breech 47, mounted in a known manner on the weapon to be able to slide in the longitudinal direction and come to lock against the barrel 48 or be distant from it to introduce the self-propelling projectile 1 into its chamber 48a. The cylinder head comprises, in its central part, a cylindrical chamber 47a in which is mounted a dog 50 subjected to the action of a compression spring 51. The dog 50 comprises a notch 50a, intended to cooperate with the trigger 52 which is connected to the trigger 53, which is pivotally mounted about an axis 54. A trigger guard 49 protects the trigger 53. A spring, not shown, tends to tilt the trigger in the direction of arrow F.

The chamber 47a, in which the dog 50 is mounted, is extended on the side of the barrel 48 by a cylindrical conduit 47b, the bottom of which is pierced through an orifice 47c. The orifice 47c, the conduit 47b and the chamber 47a are coaxial. The breech 47 is extended on the side of the barrel 48 by a removable part 47 _{1 which is} assembled to the breech by screwing or by any other means. Said part 47 ₁ comprises, in the extension of the orifice 47c, a cylindrical housing 47 ₁ a extended by a cylindrical conduit of small section 47 _I b. The orifice 47c, the housing 47 ₁ a and the conduit 47 ₁ b are coaxial. A striker 55 is slidably mounted in the housing 47 ₁ a and in the orifice 47c and extends on the one hand into the chamber 47a by a cylindrical portion 55a, intended to be struck by the hammer 50 and the other part of side of the barrel, by a rod 55b intended to strike the cartridge 1. An opposing spring 56, arranged in the housing 47 ₁ tends to bring the striker 55 and put it in abutment on the wall of the breech in which the port 47c to perform the erasure of the rod 55b in the conduit 47 _1b. The latter opens into a cavity 47 ₁ c reserved for the front part of the breech and extending therein the chamber 48a in which the projectile is placed awaiting the firing. The dog's stroke is less than that of the striker 55, which allows it to return under the effect of the spring 56 to its initial position before the dog 50 is rearmed.

The chamber 48a extends the core of the barrel to the rear part of the latter and in a known manner, comprises a connection cone 48b on which the front end of the projectile is supported. The sealed connection of the breech 47 and the barrel 48 is commonly carried out by interlocking. However and taking into account the design of the weapon intended to fire self-propelling projectiles, games 57/58 reserving equal spaces are provided to the right of said socket in order to compensate for the wear of the connection cone 48b and make it possible to reserve a cavity 47 ₁ c always having the same internal volume, which is an essential condition for the proper functioning of the weapon. This cavity 47 ₁ c takes the form of a cylindrical or frustoconical bowl and performs the function of a gas expansion chamber when the propellant powder of the projectile 1 is ignited.

As shown in the drawing in Figure 16, the projectile is located partly in said bowl 47 ₁ c. This arrangement makes it possible to manually remove the cartridge which has not been pulled after having retracted the cylinder head 47.

As the connecting cone 48b wears and after a certain number of shots, the projectile 1, disposed in the chamber 48a, tends to penetrate more and more therein. The games 57/58 make it possible to maintain the volume of the bowl 47 ₁ c at a value ensuring the proper functioning of the weapon, in particular at the level of the percussion system. This design also has the effect of ensuring the initial speed of the projectile at the time of ignition as the wear of the connection cone 48b.

To ensure a good seal of the weapon, the fitting of the breech 47 and the barrel 48 is conical.

FIG. 17 represents in longitudinal section an automatic weapon, for example a submachine gun comprising a barrel 59, screwed into the carcass 60, in which the breech block 61 is mounted. The carcass 60 comprises, at its lower part, a stock of fist 60a and a trigger guard 60b which advances relaxation. The weapon comprises, in its rear part, another stock 62 extending in the extension of the barrel 59. In front of the trigger guard is provided a housing 60c intended to receive a magazine 63, designed like the magazines currently known equipping such weapons. This consists of a sheath 63a of a rectangular cross section in relation to the caliber of the projectiles 64 and comprises an elevator 63b subjected to the action of a spring 63c. Bearing on the bottom of the magazine. The latter also has at its upper part a belt 63d making it possible to fix it in the carcass by means of a locking device 65. Like the known magazines, the magazine 63 has, at its upper part, two curved side walls defining a space between their upper longitudinal edges and the projectiles are supported on these walls.

The upper front wall of the magazine, located at said walls is hollowed out to allow the passage of the projectile on the one hand to fill the magazine and on the other hand to allow engagement during the firing of the projectiles in the chamber 59a of the barrel. The latter is connected to the core 59b by a connection cone 59c on which the projectile 64 is supported before firing.

The rear part of the barrel comprises, in line with the upper part of the magazine 63, a ramp 59d for guiding the projectiles 64: from the magazine 63 towards the chamber 59a.

The breech 61 is in a known manner slidably mounted in the carcass 60 and comprises an operating handle 61a extending on one of the lateral sides of the weapon; this handle having for object to put the weapon in position of the armed just before the shooting. The cylinder head 61 is subjected to the action of a recuperator spring 66 disposed in a sheath 67 engaged in the buttstock 62 and closed at its rear part by a screwed plug, not shown in the drawing. The weapon also comprises, on the top, a sight 68 disposed behind, the breech 61 and a handlebar 69 fixed to the front end of the barrel.

The cylinder head 61, slidably mounted in the carcass 60, is in the form of a block of steel, the lower part of which comprises a notch 61b called "arm notch" intended to be put under I ⁿ action of the handle 61a and by a longitudinal movement from front to back, in the hooking position in contact with the trigger 70, which also comprises a notch 70a. This is carried by a support 70b mounted pivoting about an axis 71 and is subjected to the action of a spring 72 which tends to pivot the trigger on the side of the cylinder head block 61. The release of the cylinder head, after the weapon has been placed in the position of the weapon to cause it to move towards the barrel 59, is obtained by the trigger 73, pivotally mounted around an axis 74 and subjected to the action of a spring 75. the cylinder head further includes, at its part in- fe _r ieure, a transfer pin 61c of the projectiles 64, for movement in the space existing between said curved walls .to the top of the feeder 63 for moving the projectiles 64 in translation and put them in the chamber 59a. When the magazine is engaged in the frame, the projectile placed at the top is in contact with the transfer pin 6Ic.

The cylinder head 61 comprises, in the extension of the rear part of said chamber 59a, a cavity 61d constituting a gas expansion chamber at the time of firing of the projectiles 64. This chamber may be of a cylindrical, semi-spherical or frustoconical shape as shown in the drawing in FIG. 17. It includes a striker 76 which is united. This can be arranged, as shown in FIG. 17, on the side of the chamber if the weapon is designed to receive projectiles 64 with annular percussion, or (not shown) placed in the center of said chamber if the weapon is designed to use projectiles with central percussion. In addition to its function of combustion gas expansion chamber, this chamber also has the purpose of allowing the base of the projectiles to be expanded when they are ignited, insofar as these projectiles are of the type illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 in particular.

Given the design of the self-propelling projectiles according to the invention, the weapon does not include a device for extracting the cartridges from the cartridges fired as in traditional weapons. However, it is necessary that it be equipped with a device for extracting projectiles 64 which have not been fired or which have been the subject of a firing incident.

The extraction device is mounted in the cylinder head block 61 and consists of an extractor 77 pivotally mounted in a housing 61e reserved in the cylinder head around an axis 78 and comprises a claw: 77a extending in a notch 59e , reserved in the rear part of the barrel and on the side of the chamber 59a, which claw is maintained in the normal position, at rest or during shooting, erased in said notch. The end of the claw is positioned near and at the level of the extraction groove reserved for the projectiles as previously described.

The extractor 77 comprises, opposite the claw 77a, an inclined lever 77b forming a ramp intended to cooperate with a lug 61f adjoining the operating handle 61a of the cylinder head. A spring 79 tends to pivot the extractor to erase the claw 77a in the notch 59e and put the ramp 77b in contact with the lug 61f. In order to put the claw in the projectile extraction position and to engage it in the peripheral groove thereof, the handle 61a is movable in the breech 61 in the longitudinal direction, according to a stroke sufficient to cause the tilting of the extractor on the projectile side. To this end, the handle 61a is slidably mounted on a slide 61g, reserved in the cylinder head and is subjected to the action of a compression spring 80, disposed in a cylindrical housing 61h extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder head 61. This spring is centered on the cylinder head around a pin 6Ij extending to the back of it. The slide forms a stop 61k at the opening of the housing 61h and another stop 61k _l on the side of the cavity 61d on which the spring 80 tends to apply the handle 61a. The stroke C of the lever is defined as a function of the slope of the ramp 77b of the extractor and the length of its claw 77a.

To put the weapon in position of the armed, one successively causes the pivoting of the extractor and the drive of the breech. The pivoting of the extractor 77 occurs under the effect of the handling of the handle 61a which comes, by driving in translation towards the rear, bearing on the stop 61k. Continuing to maneuver the handle in rearward translation, the cylinder head 61 is moved, the notch 61b of which is brought into contact with the notch 70a of the trigger 70. The handle 61a, under the effect of the spring 80, returns to its initial position and simultaneously the extractor disappears in the notch 59e.

The handle 61a also includes a curved plate 61l extending parallel and close to the cylinder head to protect it from external agents. This plate disappears during its movements in the longitudinal direction of the breech block 61, in a housing _' 81a, of a housing 81 fixed to the stock 62. Like the weapon described with reference to FIG. 16, l interlocking of the breech 61 and the barrel 59 of the submachine gun of FIG. 17 is carried out so as to reserve games 82/83 in order to mitigate the wear of the connection cone 59c and have a chamber 61d always having the same internal volume.

The magazine is put in place when the breech block 61 is fitted into the barrel 59. In this position, the projectiles 64, bearing on the stud 61c, are slightly pushed back into the magazine 63. To put the weapon in the armed position, one acts on the handle 61a and brings the breech block 61 until it hooks the notch of the trigger 70. Simultaneously with the handling of the breech, the projectiles 64, under the effect of the spring 63c, are supported on the upper curved walls of the magazine, so that the highest projectile 64 is then on the path of the transfer stud 61c. The triggering of the fire occurs by acting on the trigger 73.

In the event of a possible shooting incident, the projectile 64 engaged in the chamber 59a is extracted by means of the extractor device 77 and is expelled by an oblong orifice 84 reserved on the side of the carcass of the weapon and at the level of the path of the breech block 61 by means already used in weapons traditional.

Note that given the design of the weapon, a clearance J must be reserved between the end of the claw and the anterior wall of the notch receiving the extractor, this clearance having to be equal to the spaces 82/83 located at the level of the socket of the breech 61 and the barrel 59.

As described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrating two embodiments of the projectiles according to the invention, the peripheral groove 33f is of width in relation to the spaces 82/83 mentioned above to allow the operation of the extractor as the connection cone 59c wears.

Claims (20)

1. Firearm for firing self-propelling cartridges, which consist of a casing forming a chamber (1a / 2a / 10a / 19c / 36e / 41c) containing a charge of powder and a primer (4/8/21 / 30/34/44) for igniting the powder, which casing comprises, at its front part, a metallic mass comprising at least one element (1/2/6/20 / 33b / 45) this cartridge being intended to be fired in weapons comprising a barrel (48/59) provided with a chamber (48a / 59a) for receiving the cartridge, a breech (47/61) and means for placing the weapon in the position of the armed and to trigger the firing, characterized in that the part of the cartridge which includes the primer (4/8/21/34) is, at the time of the firing, near a cavity (47 ₁ c / 61d) reserved in the cylinder head (47/61), which cavity constitutes a combustion gas expansion chamber which causes the cartridge to be propelled. 2. Firearm according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas expansion chamber (47 _¡ c / 61d) is coaxial with the chamber (48a / 59a) of the barrel and extends the latter when the breech (47 / 61) is brought closer to the barrel (48/59) in the firing position. 3. Firearm according to claim 2, the breech (61) of which comprises an operating handle (61a) and means for extracting the cartridges from their chamber (59a) and ejecting them from the weapon, which means act in a groove reserved for the periphery of the rear part of the cartridge, characterized in that said means consist of an extractor (77) comprising an extraction claw (77a) controlled by the handle (61a) of the cylinder head (61), which handle is slidably mounted therein and in the longitudinal direction to act on said extraction claw (77a) and make it penetrate into the groove of the cartridge and then come into abutment on the cylinder head (61) to move the latter in translation and move it away from the barrel (59) in order to extract from the weapon the non-fired cartridge, which handle (61a) is subjected to the action of an opposing spring (80), so that when the manipulator releases the handle (61a) the claw (77a) returns to its erased position. 4. Firearm according to claim 3, characterized in that the extractor (77) is pivotally mounted in the breech (61) and comprises, on either side of its pivot axis, said claw (77a) intended to penetrate into the groove of the cartridge and an inclined ramp (77b), which cooperates with a slide (61f) integral with the handle (61a) of the breech, the part of which which is in contact with the ramp (77b) moves parallel to the longitudinal axis of the weapon in order to cause the pivoting of the claw (77a) on the side of the cartridge. 5. Firearm according to claim 4, characterized in that the slide (61f) of the breech handle (61a) is slidably mounted on a slide (61g) determining two end stops, one of which (61 _k 1) is located on the side of the gas expansion chamber (61d) and on which the slide (61f) abuts is at rest, supported by the action of a compression spring (80), placed in a housing (61h) reserved in the breech and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the weapon, and the other stop (61k) which is located opposite said stop (61K _I ) delimits the stroke C of the slide in order to cause the tilting of the extractor (77) to put it in the cartridge extraction position. 6. Firearm according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the weapon comprises a breech / barrel tight fitting (47 / 48-61 / 59) and at said fitting an annular clearance (57 / 58-82 / 83) allowing a relative longitudinal movement between the breech (47/61) and the barrel (48/59) to compensate for the wear of the connection cone (48b / 59c) so as to maintain the front part of the cartridge resting on said cone and keeping constant the volume of the barrel chamber (48a / 59a), associated with that of said gas expansion chamber (47 ₁ c / 61d). 7. Self-propelling cartridge finding its application in a firearm according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which cartridge consists of a socket forming a chamber (la / 2a / l0a / 19c / 36e / 41c) containing a powder charge and a primer (4/8/21/30 / 34/44) for igniting the powder, which casing comprises, at its front part, a metallic mass consisting of at least one spherical projectile (45) or of a cylindrical or ogival projectile (1/2/6/20 / 33b / 36c), characterized in that the projectile is extended at its rear by a cylindrical skirt (33a / 36a) which constitutes the socket, which forms a housing (1a / 2a / 10a / 19c / 36e / 41c) for receiving the charge of propellant powder (3/7/23/35/37/43), which housing is delimited at its rear part by a primer (4/8/21/30/34/44), forcibly engaged in said housing in a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. 8. Cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the primer (4/8/21/39/38) takes the form of a pellet and is set back from the open end of the sleeve. 9. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the primer is forcibly engaged in a cylindrical housing (2b), coaxial with the skirt and with an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter thereof , said housing determining a circular shoulder (2c) on which the primer (4) is supported. 10. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the primer (30) is protected by a combustible pellet (31) forcibly engaged in the skirt, which pellet closes the cartridge at its rear part. 11. Cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the combustible pellet (31) is arranged in the skirt so as to reserve a vacuum of air (32) between it and the primer (30). 12. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it consists of an outer sheath (5a) closed at its front part, which part comprises a mass of lead constituting a core (6) and a pellet-shaped wall (9), forced into the sheath, which wall separates the core (6) from the charge of propellant powder (7) and is made of a material whose melting point is greater than that of lead. 13. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the front part (20) of the projectile is secured to the skirt (19) by crimping or by screwing and the skirt (19) has at its rear part a wall (19a) forming bottom of base, which wall is pierced in its center (19b) to form a peripheral shoulder on which is supported the fuel disc (22) and / or the primer (21). 14. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 and 10 to 13, characterized in that the primer takes the form of a ring (44) and is pressed at the internal periphery of the skirt to the rear part of the cartridge . 15. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 12 and 14, characterized in that the skirt (33a / 36a) is made of plastic and in that the cartridge is closed at its rear part by crimping (33e / 36g ) forming a wall at the base of the base and near which wall is the primer (34/38). 16. Cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that the front part (33b / 36c) is secured to the skirt by screwing or crimping and the cartridge is closed at its rear part (33e / 36g) forming a wall at the base of the base and near which is the primer (34/38) this being supported on an annular shoulder (33g / 36h). 17. Cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that it consists of a cylindrical sheath (41a) having a peripheral internal rib (41b) delimiting a central orifice coaxial with the sheath, in which orifice is engaged a flock (42 ) comprising a peripheral shoulder (42a) intended to come, when the powder (43) is ignited, bearing on said internal rib (41b) of the sheath, the flock (42) associated with the rib (41b) dividing the internal volume of the cartridge into two compartments (41c / 41d) closed at the ends of the cartridge by crimping (41g / 41e), the anterior compartment (41d) containing a charge of lead shot (45), the compartment posterior (41c) a propellant powder charge (43) and a pellet-shaped or annular-shaped primer (44) disposed near the crimp (41e) which closes said posterior compartment. 18. Cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that the charge of lead shot (45) is in contact with a thin flock (46), which is supported on said rib (41b) and occupies all of the sheath section. 19. Cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that it comprises an extraction groove (33f) at its periphery situated on the side of the rear part of the cartridge forming a base, which groove is of a rectangular cross section and is shallow relative to its width. 20. A method of manufacturing self-propelling cartridges according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized by the following operations: the primer (34) is introduced and it is supported on the shoulder (33g); - The crimping (33e) of the rear part of the sheath is carried out to form the base of the cartridge, which is located near the primer (34); - Introducing the charge of propellant powder (35); - the part is secured by screwing or crimping anterior (33b) of the projectile to the sheath (33a) to form a self-propelling unit.

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