EP0766807B1 - Personal firearm system - Google Patents

Personal firearm system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0766807B1
EP0766807B1 EP95923376A EP95923376A EP0766807B1 EP 0766807 B1 EP0766807 B1 EP 0766807B1 EP 95923376 A EP95923376 A EP 95923376A EP 95923376 A EP95923376 A EP 95923376A EP 0766807 B1 EP0766807 B1 EP 0766807B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fact
ammunition
firearm
tube
main
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95923376A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0766807A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Baricos
Guy Valembois
Michel Castarede
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA
Original Assignee
Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA
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Publication of EP0766807A1 publication Critical patent/EP0766807A1/en
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Publication of EP0766807B1 publication Critical patent/EP0766807B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • F41C7/00—Shoulder-fired smallarms, e.g. rifles, carbines, shotguns
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • F41C33/00—Means for wearing or carrying smallarms
    • F41C33/001—Shooting harnesses; Stabilising devices, e.g. straps on the body

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of firearms individual.
  • the main object of the present invention is to improve the existing individual gun systems.
  • the object of the present invention is in particular to provide a new individual firearm system with improved maneuverability, which allows the use of a wide variety of projectiles, either their range or their mode of action and which allows the use of projectiles large mass on a portable weapon.
  • the aforementioned aims are achieved in the scope of the invention thanks to a weapon comprising suitable means to allow support of the weapon by the user's forearm.
  • US-A-3854231 (BROYLES) describes a weapon system two-pipe fire. This document proposes to limit the backward effect, to expel a counter-charge from the rear of the weapon simultaneously with the ejection payload from the front. This document does not teach or suggest to associate a shock-absorbing anti-recoil system with the weapon.
  • the document FR-A-2697881 relates to a friction damper. This document does not teach a multi-tube weapon system.
  • the main tube 300 can present for example a 40mm caliber and the secondary tube of small 500 caliber 5.56mm caliber.
  • the support base 100 can be the subject of many variants of achievement. It is essentially made up of a rigid structure. This rigid structure defines two parallel chambers or channels 110, 120 which house the main tube 300 and the secondary tube 500 respectively.
  • the support means 200 are placed essentially on the upper surface 102 of the base 100. These support means 200 include a main handle 210 projecting from the surface upper 102 of base 100, for example substantially mid-length of it.
  • Main handle 210 is equipped with a firing button 214 and a safety contactor 216.
  • the support means 200 also include advantageously a front handle 220 projecting from the surface upper 102, located substantially on the front end of the base 100.
  • a front handle 220 projecting from the surface upper 102, located substantially on the front end of the base 100. The presence of the two handles 210, 220 makes it possible to hold the weapon with two hands.
  • the support means 200 also include preferably an elbow or forearm support 230 in the vicinity of the rear end of the base 100.
  • the elbow or forearm support 230 is formed by a concave shell which serves as a support for the forearm. It is preferably fitted with a safety contactor which prohibits initiation until the user's forearm is correctly positioned on the elbow or forearm support 230.
  • the main handle 210 and where appropriate the front handle 220 can be fitted with a retaining plate 212 at their end upper, as shown in broken lines in Figure 2.
  • the elbow or forearm support 230 is associated with a strap 232 designed to surround the forearm of the user, on the front of the elbow, as seen in Figure 1.
  • the carrying of the weapon by the forearm advantageously under the forearm as shown in the appended figures, allows a great mobility.
  • the recoil of the forearm itself after the shooting, allows by pendulum effect, to dampen the recoil effect.
  • a selector 250 is also provided on the upper surface 102 of the base 100 .
  • the selector 250 is adapted preferably to allow a selection between three positions: a) no shooting, b) firing a high caliber projectile using the tube main 300 or c) firing a small caliber projectile using the tube secondary 500.
  • sighting means 260 for example of the camera type, linked to an operating system provided on the user's helmet by any appropriate means.
  • the elbow or forearm support 230 is advantageously provided with a connector 234 enabling the connection with the aforementioned operating means provided on the helmet.
  • the two chambers 110, 120 are preferably superimposed vertically and not horizontally on the base 100. More specifically, the chamber 110 receiving the main tube 300 is preferably underlying the chamber 120 receiving the secondary tube 500 smaller caliber.
  • the two chambers 110, 120 can be juxtaposed horizontally.
  • the large caliber main tube 300 is a closed tube the rear by a breech or barrel bottom 310.
  • the main tube 300 thus works by mortar effect.
  • An electric ignition system 320 is provided on the rear of the cylinder head 310.
  • the main tube 300 is guided to slide in the chamber 110, along its longitudinal axis 302.
  • the tube main 300 is connected at its front end, at the end front of the parallel secondary tube 500, via a trigger guard 330.
  • the secondary tube 500 is also guided with sliding parallel to its axis 502 in the secondary chamber 120.
  • this secondary tube 500 serves as a damper rod. for the large gauge tube 300.
  • the damper 400 associated with the main tube 300 and the rod 500 is preferably of the type illustrated in FIG. 8, although that this provision is not limiting.
  • the internal chamber 304 of the main tube 300 is provided, at its rear end and at its lower part, a closing flap 340.
  • This closing flap can be moved perpendicular to axis 302 in a recess 342 provided in the lower part of the base 100, when the main tube 300 moves back into the chamber 110, so that the opening 341 thus released laterally in the main tube 300, ie placed next to a charger 350 secured to the base 100, for allow the automatic introduction of a new ammunition into said room 304.
  • the charger 350 is preferably designed to contain several types of ammunition, for example two types of ammunition.
  • This ammunition can be the subject of many variants of production. Their number can also vary over a wide range.
  • the charger 350 can be designed to hold two sets of three rounds: three bursts and three arrow munitions.
  • the main tube 300 is advantageously free to rotate around its axis 302, in an indexed fashion, so that by rotation around this axis 302, thanks to a selection lever 306, provided for example on the front end of the main tube 300, the opening 341 formed in the tube 300 opposite the flap 340 is placed respectively opposite either of the two rounds of ammunition.
  • the charger 350 formed of a housing suspended vertically under the base 100.
  • the housing 350 has a vertical central partition 352 which defines two compartments 354, 356 each housing three munitions 355, 357.
  • the charger 350 can be fixed under the base 100, so removable by any suitable means.
  • the large main tube 300 is also equipped with a muzzle brake and a silencer.
  • the small caliber secondary tube 500 is guided sliding along its axis 502 in the secondary chamber 120.
  • the secondary tube 500 is also a closed tube at its rear end and therefore works by mortar effect.
  • the secondary chamber 120 supports so fixes a shock absorber support 410.
  • the shock absorber 400 is linked to this support 410 and receives slidingly, along the axis 502, the secondary tube 500.
  • the damper 400 is immobilized in position in the chamber 120 of the base 100.
  • the system shock absorber 400 is of the type described and shown in an application for previous PCT patent filed in the name of the Applicant under priority of the French patent application filed under No. 92 13428 and published under No. 2697881; which PCT patent application and patent application French should be considered as incorporated into this description by the reference given to them here.
  • the shock absorber system 400 includes a pad 430 which rests on the tube 500.
  • This shoe 430 is preferably formed of a ring or split friction sleeve engaged on tube 500.
  • the damping system 400 further comprises control means 440 interposed between the shoe 430 and the housing 420, which control means 440 are adapted to exert an effort on the pad 430, tending to apply said pad against the secondary tube 500, during a recoil phase of the tubes 300 and 500 and to reduce the force exerted by the pad 430 during a phase of return of the aforementioned tubes.
  • control means 440 are preferably formed of elastic means working in buckling.
  • control means 440 include multiple stacked elastic washers, each formed a star washer formed by a cone provided with radial cutouts opening alternately on its inner periphery and on its outer periphery.
  • the 440 washers thus constitute a multitude of beams likely to burn.
  • the outer periphery of the washers 440 rests in a groove 422 formed on the housing 420.
  • the inner periphery of the washers 440 rests in a groove 432 formed on the shoe 430, so that the washers 440 urge the socket 430 on the rod 500.
  • This elastic support 450 can be the subject of numerous variants.
  • the axial support 450 is preferably adapted to generate a linear resistant force as a function of its deformation or stress axial.
  • the washers 440 are frustoconical. Therefore, the corresponding buckling beams are rectilinear, in a so-called waiting position. Elastic support 450 is not requested.
  • the friction sleeve 430 is supported on the tube 500 thanks to the elasticity of the washers 440.
  • the axial play and the authorized deformation of the axial support 450 are adapted to allow deformation of the washers 440 towards their second stable state of equilibrium, i.e. a tilting of the concavity of the washers (in the direction of movement of the tube 500 at rest and in the opposite direction after loading).
  • the relative displacement of the sleeve 430 relative to the housing 420 ends when, after undergoing buckling deformation, the 440 beams return to a straight position and are loaded by the elastic support 450.
  • the damping system is adapted so that the curve of the resilient force of the elastic support 450 cuts the curve of the force of friction of the pad 430 on the tube 500, at the level of the falling front of this curve.
  • the secondary tube 500 is guided with sliding in chamber 120 by means of a support or slide 510.
  • the cylinder head 520 of the secondary tube 500 is placed in this slide 510, ie on the rear of the support 410.
  • this cylinder head 520 is associated with electric firing means for the tube secondary 500.
  • the secondary tube 500 is preferably side loading.
  • a charger for this secondary tube 500 is referenced 550.
  • the operation of the weapon system in accordance with this invention is essentially the following.
  • the base 100 is integral with the shock absorber support 410 and shock absorber 400.
  • a ammunition contained in the main tube 300 is fired.
  • Tubes 300, 500 as well as their respective supports and cylinder heads 310, 520 move back simultaneously. More specifically, the recoil of the main tube 300 is damped by the shock absorber system 400.
  • the shutter 340 is deleted in the recess 342 provided in part bottom of base 100.
  • the chamber 304 of the main tube 300 is then open to the level of window 341, opposite the central partition 352 of the loader 350, in the maximum recoil position.
  • the main tube 300 can be recharged automatically in this recoil position, by rotation about its axis 302, in order to place the opening 341 next to a selected munition contained in the loader 350.
  • This main tube 300 can then be brought back to the firing position forward, manually or automatically.
  • the tube main 300 can initially be brought empty forward and then loaded subsequently by retraction and rotation to retract the flap 340.
  • the weapon is then ready for a new shot.
  • the weapon shoots from in a conventional manner in itself the projectiles contained in the magazine 550.
  • the ammunition fired by the secondary tube 500 is they preferably conventional kinetic effect ammunition.
  • Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 5 includes a main socket 610 which houses the 620 projectile and which is provided on the rear of an auxiliary socket 630 forming a propellant.
  • the 620 projectile is formed by an arrow composed a cylindrical central rod 622 provided in its rear part with a empennage 624.
  • the front point 626 of the arrow is advantageously tapered.
  • Such a projectile 620 is designed for drilling armor.
  • the rod 622 is advantageously based on tungsten.
  • the propellant assembly 630 can be the subject of numerous embodiments. It will therefore not be described in detail below.
  • this set 630 propellant complies with the provisions described in the application for patent filed in France on November 30, 1993 under number 93 14301.
  • this 630 power package includes a sleeve 632 which houses a central body 634 receiving a cartridge pyrotechnic 635 generator of pressurized gas.
  • Body 634 is connected to the sleeve 632, at its rear end. It is defined between the body central 634 and the sleeve 632 an intermediate annular chamber 636.
  • the pyrotechnic cartridge 635 communicates with the chamber intermediate 636 via radial through passages 633 formed in the central body 634.
  • Intermediate chamber 636 opens at its front end in an expansion chamber 640 formed between the base 612 of the socket main 610 and the propellant assembly 630. More specifically, the chamber intermediate 636 is partially closed, at its level of communication with the expansion chamber 640 via a elastic wall 638 in the shape of a generally frustoconical crown material coming from the front end of the central body 634 or attached on this one.
  • the elastic wall 638 thus makes it possible to regulate the pressure in the trigger 640 and therefore limit the recoil force applied to the base 100.
  • the functioning of this control is essentially the following.
  • the deformation of the elastic wall 638 makes it possible to close and gradually open the section of passage 642 to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the expansion chamber 640.
  • gas generator or "propellant” 630 is not not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
  • the elastic wall 638 can be replaced by any valve equivalent servo control, for example in the form of a distributor as described and represented in the aforementioned French patent application 93 14301.
  • the pressure control valve means in the expansion chamber 640 can be formed on the tube 300 itself, or on an element independent of the tube 300 and the ammunition and placed at the bottom of the tube 300.
  • Such a gas generator 630 makes it possible to reduce the amplitude maximum or peak pressure generated and therefore reduce the wall thickness of the tube, so the mass of it, and reduce the effort step back.
  • Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 6 includes a main casing 610 which houses in its part before the projectile 620 and in its rear part the 630 thruster assembly.
  • the propellant assembly 630 shown in FIG. 6 is substantially identical to that of FIG. 5 previously described.
  • Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 7 differs from that illustrated in Figure 6 by the fact that the propellant assembly 630 is composed of several stages juxtaposed axially. Specifically, it is thus provided for several 632 pistons juxtaposed axially and each associated to a propellant charge 634. The fire transmission is operated automatically between different loads 634 thanks to channels 633 provided centrally in each piston 632.
  • the sockets 610 of ammunition 600 are advantageously provided with a leak 614 on the rear, at their base, to operate an automatic ejection of these sockets from the front or mouth of the tube 300.
  • means are provided for maintaining the ammunition 600 at the bottom of each tube 300, 500 before firing.
  • These means can be formed for example of magnets provided at the level of the cylinder heads 310, 520.
  • the weapon system according to the present invention is preferably provided with a system shooting aid provided on the user's helmet, of the type of preference head-up vision.
  • a system shooting aid provided on the user's helmet, of the type of preference head-up vision.
  • Such a system is designed to visualize the objective on a visor available to the user.
  • the trajectory control of the projectile can be controlled by the user or by a computer provided on the helmet or on the weapon.
  • Such a head-up vision system is important in the measure where the weapon is held under the forearm, the line of sight is not directly aligned with the eye.
  • connection between the sighting means 260 provided on the system weapon and the head-up vision system provided on the helmet can be provided by any suitable means, for example by optical fiber.
  • the main tube 300 allows the firing of large ammunition range, for example of the order of 600m, while the secondary tube 500 allows the sending of classic kinetic projectiles therefore the carrying of conventional low mass ammunition for example of the order of 5g in large number.
  • the present invention allows great maneuverability, and by therefore a shot in any direction.
  • shock absorber system 400 makes it possible to use a closed mortar effect tube, therefore without projection of hot gases to the rear and without risk of burns for the user, for projectiles large mass, for example from 200 to 300g.
  • the two tubes 300, 500 can be of same caliber.
  • the weapon in accordance with this invention can be worn other than under the forearm, for example in the fist, or on the forearm or on one side of the forearm.
  • the two tubes 300, 500 may not be strictly parallel, depending on the ballistics sought.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des armes à feu individuelles.The present invention relates to the field of firearms individual.

De nombreuses armes à feu individuelles ont déjà été proposées.Many individual firearms have already been offered.

La présente invention a pour but principal de perfectionner les systèmes d'armes à feu individuelles existantes.The main object of the present invention is to improve the existing individual gun systems.

La présente invention a en particulier pour but de proposer un nouveau système d'arme à feu individuelle de maniabilité améliorée, qui permet l'utilisation d'une grande variété de projectiles, que ce soit quant à leur portée ou leur mode d'action et qui permet d'utiliser des projectiles de masse importante sur une arme portative.The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a new individual firearm system with improved maneuverability, which allows the use of a wide variety of projectiles, either their range or their mode of action and which allows the use of projectiles large mass on a portable weapon.

Ces buts sont atteints dans le cadre de la présente invention grâce à une arme à feu individuelle conforme à la revendication 1.These goals are achieved as part of the present invention by means of an individual firearm in accordance with claim 1.

Selon un aspect préféré, les buts précités sont atteints dans le cadre de l'invention grâce à une arme comprenant des moyens adaptés pour permettre un support de l'arme par l'avant-bras de l'utilisateur.According to a preferred aspect, the aforementioned aims are achieved in the scope of the invention thanks to a weapon comprising suitable means to allow support of the weapon by the user's forearm.

Le document US-A-3854231 (BROYLES) décrit un système d'arme à feu bitube. Ce document propose pour limiter l'effet de recul, d'expulser une contre-charge par l'arrière de l'arme simultanément à l'éjection d'une charge utile par l'avant. Ce document n'enseigne ni ne suggère d'associer un système amortisseur anti-recul à l'arme.US-A-3854231 (BROYLES) describes a weapon system two-pipe fire. This document proposes to limit the backward effect, to expel a counter-charge from the rear of the weapon simultaneously with the ejection payload from the front. This document does not teach or suggest to associate a shock-absorbing anti-recoil system with the weapon.

Le document FR-A-2697881 concerne un amortisseur à friction. Ce document n'enseigne pas un système d'arme multi-tubes.The document FR-A-2697881 relates to a friction damper. This document does not teach a multi-tube weapon system.

Les documents US-A-1599008 (DIENER) et US-A-4197666 (NG) concernent des armes multi-tubes. Cependant, ces documents ne suggérent aucunement des moyens amortisseurs.Documents US-A-1599008 (DIENER) and US-A-4197666 (NG) relate to multi-tube weapons. However, these documents do not in no way suggest damping means.

D'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, et en regard des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatif et sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue schématique en perspective d'un système d'arme conforme à la présente invention porté sous l'avant-bras d'un utilisateur,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue schématique en coupe axiale longitudinale d'un système d'arme conforme à la présente invention,
  • la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe transversale du même système d'arme selon un plan de coupe référencé III sur la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 représente une seconde vue en coupe transversale du même système d'arme conforme à l'invention selon un plan de coupe référencé IV sur la figure 2,
  • les figures 5, 6 et 7 représentent des vues en coupe axiale longitudinale de trois munitions conformes à la présente invention,
  • la figure 8 représente une vue en coupe axiale longitudinale d'un système amortisseur conforme à la présente invention.
Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting example and in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of a weapon system according to the present invention carried under the forearm of a user,
  • FIG. 2 represents a schematic view in longitudinal axial section of a weapon system according to the present invention,
  • FIG. 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the same weapon system according to a cutting plane referenced III in FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 represents a second cross-sectional view of the same weapon system according to the invention according to a section plane referenced IV in FIG. 2,
  • FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show views in longitudinal axial section of three munitions in accordance with the present invention,
  • FIG. 8 represents a view in longitudinal axial section of a damping system according to the present invention.

Le système d'arme à feu individuelle conforme à la présente invention représenté sur les figures annexées comprend essentiellement :

  • une embase support 100,
  • des moyens 200 liés à l'embase support et adaptés pour un port par l'avant-bras d'un utilisateur,
  • un tube principal ou canon 300,
  • un système amortisseur 400 associé au tube principal 300, et
  • un tube secondaire ou canon 500.
The individual firearm system according to the present invention shown in the appended figures essentially comprises:
  • a support base 100,
  • means 200 linked to the support base and adapted for carrying by the forearm of a user,
  • a main tube or barrel 300,
  • a damping system 400 associated with the main tube 300, and
  • a secondary tube or barrel 500.

A titre d'exemple non limitatif, le tube principal 300 peut présenter par exemple un calibre de 40mm et le tube secondaire de petit calibre 500 un calibre de 5,56mm.By way of nonlimiting example, the main tube 300 can present for example a 40mm caliber and the secondary tube of small 500 caliber 5.56mm caliber.

L'embase support 100 peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes de réalisation. Elle est formée essentiellement d'une structure rigide. Cette structure rigide définit deux chambres ou canaux parallèles 110, 120 qui logent respectivement le tube principal 300 et le tube secondaire 500.The support base 100 can be the subject of many variants of achievement. It is essentially made up of a rigid structure. This rigid structure defines two parallel chambers or channels 110, 120 which house the main tube 300 and the secondary tube 500 respectively.

Les moyens supports 200 sont placés essentiellement sur la surface supérieure 102 de l'embase 100. Ces moyens supports 200 comprennent une poignée principale 210 en saillie sur la surface supérieure 102 de l'embase 100, par exemple sensiblement à mi longueur de celle-ci. The support means 200 are placed essentially on the upper surface 102 of the base 100. These support means 200 include a main handle 210 projecting from the surface upper 102 of base 100, for example substantially mid-length of it.

La poignée principale 210 est équipée d'un bouton de mise à feu 214 et d'un contacteur de sécurité 216.Main handle 210 is equipped with a firing button 214 and a safety contactor 216.

Les moyens supports 200 comprennent également avantageusement une poignée avant 220 en saillie sur la surface supérieure 102, située sensiblement sur l'extrémité avant de l'embase 100. La présence des deux poignées 210, 220 permet de tenir l'arme à deux mains.The support means 200 also include advantageously a front handle 220 projecting from the surface upper 102, located substantially on the front end of the base 100. The presence of the two handles 210, 220 makes it possible to hold the weapon with two hands.

Les moyens supports 200 comprennent également de préférence un maintien de coude ou d'avant bras 230 au voisinage de l'extrémité arrière de l'embase 100. Le maintien de coude ou avant-bras 230 est formé d'une coquille concave qui sert d'appui à l'avant-bras. Il est muni de préférence d'un contacteur de sécurité qui interdit l'initiation tant que l'avant-bras de l'utilisateur n'est pas correctement positionné sur le maintien de coude ou avant-bras 230.The support means 200 also include preferably an elbow or forearm support 230 in the vicinity of the rear end of the base 100. The elbow or forearm support 230 is formed by a concave shell which serves as a support for the forearm. It is preferably fitted with a safety contactor which prohibits initiation until the user's forearm is correctly positioned on the elbow or forearm support 230.

La poignée principale 210, et le cas échéant la poignée avant 220 peuvent être munies d'une plaque de maintien 212, à leur extrémité supérieure, comme cela est esquissé en traits interrompus sur la figure 2.The main handle 210, and where appropriate the front handle 220 can be fitted with a retaining plate 212 at their end upper, as shown in broken lines in Figure 2.

Par ailleurs, de préférence, le maintien de coude ou avant-bras 230 est associé à une sangle 232 conçue pour entourer l'avant bras de l'utilisateur, sur l'avant du coude, comme on le voit sur la figure 1.Furthermore, preferably, the elbow or forearm support 230 is associated with a strap 232 designed to surround the forearm of the user, on the front of the elbow, as seen in Figure 1.

Le port de l'arme par l'avant bras, avantageusement sous l'avant-bras comme représenté sur les figures annexées, permet une grande mobilité. Par ailleurs le recul de l'avant bras lui-même, après le tir, permet par effet de balancier, d'amortir l'effet de recul.The carrying of the weapon by the forearm, advantageously under the forearm as shown in the appended figures, allows a great mobility. In addition, the recoil of the forearm itself, after the shooting, allows by pendulum effect, to dampen the recoil effect.

De préférence, il est également prévu sur la surface supérieure 102 de l'embase 100 un sélecteur 250.Preferably, it is also provided on the upper surface 102 of the base 100 a selector 250.

Comme on le comprendra par la suite, le sélecteur 250 est adapté de préférence pour permettre une sélection entre trois positions : a) interdiction de tir, b) tir d'un projectile de fort calibre à l'aide du tube principal 300 ou c) tir d'un projectile de faible calibre à l'aide du tube secondaire 500.As will be understood later, the selector 250 is adapted preferably to allow a selection between three positions: a) no shooting, b) firing a high caliber projectile using the tube main 300 or c) firing a small caliber projectile using the tube secondary 500.

De préférence, il est en outre prévu sur la surface supérieure 102 de l'embase 100, des moyens de visée 260, par exemple du type caméra, reliés à un système d'exploitation prévu sur le casque de l'utilisateur par tout moyen approprié. Preferably, it is further provided on the upper surface 102 of the base 100, sighting means 260, for example of the camera type, linked to an operating system provided on the user's helmet by any appropriate means.

Pour cela, le maintien de coude ou d'avant-bras 230 est avantageusement muni d'un connecteur 234 permettant d'assurer la liaison avec les moyens d'exploitation précités prévus sur le casque.For this, the elbow or forearm support 230 is advantageously provided with a connector 234 enabling the connection with the aforementioned operating means provided on the helmet.

Les deux chambres 110, 120 sont de préférence superposées verticalement et non pas horizontalement sur l'embase 100. Plus précisément, la chambre 110 recevant le tube principal 300 est de préférence sous jacente à la chambre 120 recevant le tube secondaire 500 de plus petit calibre.The two chambers 110, 120 are preferably superimposed vertically and not horizontally on the base 100. More specifically, the chamber 110 receiving the main tube 300 is preferably underlying the chamber 120 receiving the secondary tube 500 smaller caliber.

Cependant en variante les deux chambres 110, 120 peuvent être juxtaposées horizontalement.However, as a variant, the two chambers 110, 120 can be juxtaposed horizontally.

Le tube principal 300 de gros calibre est un tube fermé à l'arrière par une culasse ou fond de canon 310. Le tube principal 300 travaille ainsi par effet mortier.The large caliber main tube 300 is a closed tube the rear by a breech or barrel bottom 310. The main tube 300 thus works by mortar effect.

Un système de mise à feu électrique 320 est prévu sur l'arrière de la culasse 310. Le tube principal 300 est guidé à coulissement dans la chambre 110, selon son axe longitudinal 302. De préférence, le tube principal 300 est relié au niveau de son extrémité avant, à l'extrémité avant du tube secondaire parallèle 500, par l'intermédiaire d'un pontet 330. Le tube secondaire 500 est également guidé à coulissement parallèlement à son axe 502 dans la chambre secondaire 120.An electric ignition system 320 is provided on the rear of the cylinder head 310. The main tube 300 is guided to slide in the chamber 110, along its longitudinal axis 302. Preferably, the tube main 300 is connected at its front end, at the end front of the parallel secondary tube 500, via a trigger guard 330. The secondary tube 500 is also guided with sliding parallel to its axis 502 in the secondary chamber 120.

Par ailleurs, ce tube secondaire 500 sert de tige d'amortisseur pour le tube de gros calibre 300.Furthermore, this secondary tube 500 serves as a damper rod. for the large gauge tube 300.

Plus précisément, l'amortisseur 400 associé au tube principal 300 et à la tige 500 est de préférence du type illustré sur la figure 8, bien que cette disposition ne soit pas limitative.More specifically, the damper 400 associated with the main tube 300 and the rod 500 is preferably of the type illustrated in FIG. 8, although that this provision is not limiting.

La chambre interne 304 du tube principal 300 est pourvue, à son extrémité arrière et en sa partie inférieure, d'un volet de fermeture 340. Ce volet de fermeture est susceptible d'être déplacé perpendiculairement à l'axe 302 dans un chambrage 342 prévu en partie inférieure de l'embase 100, lorsque le tube principal 300 recule dans la chambre 110, de sorte que l'ouverture 341 ainsi libérée latéralement dans le tube principal 300 soit placée en regard d'un chargeur 350 solidaire de l'embase 100, pour permettre l'introduction automatique d'une nouvelle munition dans ladite chambre 304. The internal chamber 304 of the main tube 300 is provided, at its rear end and at its lower part, a closing flap 340. This closing flap can be moved perpendicular to axis 302 in a recess 342 provided in the lower part of the base 100, when the main tube 300 moves back into the chamber 110, so that the opening 341 thus released laterally in the main tube 300, ie placed next to a charger 350 secured to the base 100, for allow the automatic introduction of a new ammunition into said room 304.

A cet effet, le chargeur 350 est de préférence conçu pour contenir plusieurs types de munition, par exemple deux types de munition. Ces munitions peuvent faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes de réalisation. Leur nombre peut également évoluer dans une large gamme.For this purpose, the charger 350 is preferably designed to contain several types of ammunition, for example two types of ammunition. This ammunition can be the subject of many variants of production. Their number can also vary over a wide range.

A titre d'exemple non limitatif, le chargeur 350 peut être conçu pour contenir deux séries de trois munitions : trois munitions à éclat et trois munitions à flèche.By way of nonlimiting example, the charger 350 can be designed to hold two sets of three rounds: three bursts and three arrow munitions.

Le tube principal 300 est avantageusement libre de rotation autour de son axe 302, de façon indexée, de sorte que par rotation autour de cet axe 302, grâce à une manette de sélection 306, prévue par exemple sur l'extrémité avant du tube principal 300, l'ouverture 341 ménagée dans le tube 300 en regard du volet 340 soit placée respectivement en regard de l'une ou l'autre des deux séries de munitions.The main tube 300 is advantageously free to rotate around its axis 302, in an indexed fashion, so that by rotation around this axis 302, thanks to a selection lever 306, provided for example on the front end of the main tube 300, the opening 341 formed in the tube 300 opposite the flap 340 is placed respectively opposite either of the two rounds of ammunition.

Sur la figure 3 on distingue le chargeur 350 formé d'un boítier suspendu verticalement sous l'embase 100. Le boítier 350 possède une cloison centrale verticale 352 qui définit deux compartiments 354, 356 logeant chacun trois munitions 355, 357.In Figure 3 we distinguish the charger 350 formed of a housing suspended vertically under the base 100. The housing 350 has a vertical central partition 352 which defines two compartments 354, 356 each housing three munitions 355, 357.

Ces différentes munitions 355, 357 sont poussées en direction de l'ouverture 341 du tube principal 300 prévue en regard du volet 340, par un poussoir respectif 358 associé à un ressort 359.These different munitions 355, 357 are pushed towards the opening 341 of the main tube 300 provided opposite the flap 340, by a respective pusher 358 associated with a spring 359.

Le chargeur 350 peut être fixé sous l'embase 100, de façon amovible, par tout moyen approprié.The charger 350 can be fixed under the base 100, so removable by any suitable means.

De préférence, le tube principal 300 de gros calibre est également muni d'un frein de bouche et d'un silencieux.Preferably, the large main tube 300 is also equipped with a muzzle brake and a silencer.

Le tube secondaire 500 de petit calibre est quant à lui guidé à coulissement le long de son axe 502 dans la chambre secondaire 120. Le tube secondaire 500 est également un tube fermé à son extrémité arrière et travaille par conséquent par effet mortier.The small caliber secondary tube 500 is guided sliding along its axis 502 in the secondary chamber 120. The secondary tube 500 is also a closed tube at its rear end and therefore works by mortar effect.

Plus précisément, la chambre secondaire 120 supporte de façon fixe un support d'amortisseur 410. L'amortisseur 400 est lié à ce support 410 et reçoit à coulissement, selon l'axe 502, le tube secondaire 500. Ainsi l'amortisseur 400 est immobilisé en position dans la chambre 120 de l'embase 100.More specifically, the secondary chamber 120 supports so fixes a shock absorber support 410. The shock absorber 400 is linked to this support 410 and receives slidingly, along the axis 502, the secondary tube 500. Thus the damper 400 is immobilized in position in the chamber 120 of the base 100.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le système amortisseur 400 est du type décrit et représenté dans une demande de brevet PCT antérieure déposée au nom de la Demanderesse sous priorité de la demande de brevet français déposée sous le n° 92 13428 et publiée sous le n° 2697881 ; lesquelles demande de brevet PCT et demande de brevet français doivent être considérées comme intégrées dans la présente description par la référence qui leur est faite ici.According to an advantageous embodiment, the system shock absorber 400 is of the type described and shown in an application for previous PCT patent filed in the name of the Applicant under priority of the French patent application filed under No. 92 13428 and published under No. 2697881; which PCT patent application and patent application French should be considered as incorporated into this description by the reference given to them here.

On va maintenant décrire un mode de réalisation préférentiel d'un tel système amortisseur 400, en regard de la figure 8 annexée.We will now describe a preferred embodiment of such a damping system 400, with reference to FIG. 8 appended.

Cette figure 8 annexée est identique à la figure 15 de la demande de brevet PCT précitée.This appended figure 8 is identical to figure 15 of the application of the aforementioned PCT patent.

On retrouve sur la figure 8 le tube secondaire 500. Celui-ci est placé dans un boítier d'amortisseur 420 lié rigidement à l'embase 100. Le tube secondaire 500 est gà translation selon son axe 502, dans le boítier 420.We find in Figure 8 the secondary tube 500. It is placed in a shock absorber housing 420 rigidly connected to the base 100. The secondary tube 500 is translatable along its axis 502, in the housing 420.

Le système amortisseur 400 comprend un patin 430 qui repose sur le tube 500. Ce patin 430 est formé de préférence d'une bague ou douille de friction fendue engagée sur le tube 500. Le système amortisseur 400 comprend de plus des moyens de commande 440 intercalés entre le patin 430 et le boítier 420, lesquels moyens de commande 440 sont adaptés pour exercer un effort sur le patin 430, tendant à appliquer ledit patin contre le tube secondaire 500, lors d'une phase de recul des tubes 300 et 500 et pour réduire l'effort exercé par le patin 430 lors d'une phase de retour des tubes précités.The shock absorber system 400 includes a pad 430 which rests on the tube 500. This shoe 430 is preferably formed of a ring or split friction sleeve engaged on tube 500. The damping system 400 further comprises control means 440 interposed between the shoe 430 and the housing 420, which control means 440 are adapted to exert an effort on the pad 430, tending to apply said pad against the secondary tube 500, during a recoil phase of the tubes 300 and 500 and to reduce the force exerted by the pad 430 during a phase of return of the aforementioned tubes.

Ces moyens de commande 440 sont formés de préférence de moyens élastiques travaillant au flambage.These control means 440 are preferably formed of elastic means working in buckling.

Plus précisément de préférence, ces moyens de commande 440 comprennent plusieurs rondelles élastiques empilées, formées chacune d'une rondelle en étoile formée d'un cône pourvu de découpes radiales débouchant alternativement sur sa périphérie intérieure et sur sa périphérie extérieure.More precisely preferably, these control means 440 include multiple stacked elastic washers, each formed a star washer formed by a cone provided with radial cutouts opening alternately on its inner periphery and on its outer periphery.

Les rondelles 440 constituent ainsi une multitude de poutres susceptibles de flamber.The 440 washers thus constitute a multitude of beams likely to burn.

La périphérie extérieure des rondelles 440 repose dans une gorge 422 formée sur le boítier 420. La périphérie intérieure des rondelles 440 repose dans une gorge 432 formée sur le patin 430, de sorte que les rondelles 440 sollicitent la douille 430 sur la tige 500. The outer periphery of the washers 440 rests in a groove 422 formed on the housing 420. The inner periphery of the washers 440 rests in a groove 432 formed on the shoe 430, so that the washers 440 urge the socket 430 on the rod 500.

Il faut noter que, selon la figure 8, il est prévu en outre, entre la douille de friction 430 et le boítier 420, un appui élastique 450.It should be noted that, according to FIG. 8, provision is also made, between the friction sleeve 430 and housing 420, elastic support 450.

Cet appui élastique 450 peut faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes. Il s'agit avantageusement de deux rondelles de type Belleville 452, 454 montées tête-bêche, concavité en regard et en appui mutuel par leur périphérie extérieure.This elastic support 450 can be the subject of numerous variants. Advantageously, these are two Belleville type washers 452, 454 mounted head to tail, concavity facing and in mutual support by their outer periphery.

On notera la présence d'un léger jeu axial, au repos, entre l'appui élastique 450 et la douille de friction 430 ou le boítier 420.Note the presence of a slight axial clearance, at rest, between the elastic support 450 and the friction sleeve 430 or the housing 420.

L'appui axial 450 est adapté de préférence pour générer un effort résistant linéaire en fonction de sa déformation ou contrainte axiale.The axial support 450 is preferably adapted to generate a linear resistant force as a function of its deformation or stress axial.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif amortisseur représenté sur la figure 8 est le suivant.The operation of the damping device shown in the Figure 8 is as follows.

Lorsque le système est au repos, les rondelles 440 sont tronconiques. Par conséquent, les poutres de flambage correspondantes sont rectilignes, dans une position dite d'attente. L'appui élastique 450 n'est pas sollicité.When the system is at rest, the washers 440 are frustoconical. Therefore, the corresponding buckling beams are rectilinear, in a so-called waiting position. Elastic support 450 is not requested.

La douille de friction 430 est en appui sur le tube 500 grâce à l'élasticité propre des rondelles 440.The friction sleeve 430 is supported on the tube 500 thanks to the elasticity of the washers 440.

Lors d'un recul des tubes 300 et 500, l'arc-boutement du mécanisme permet l'entrainement de la douille de friction 430 avec le tube 500. Les rondelles 440 sont alors sollicitées en flambage.When tubes 300 and 500 retreat, the bracing of the mechanism allows the friction sleeve 430 to be driven with the tube 500. The washers 440 are then subjected to buckling.

Le jeu axial et la déformation autorisée de l'appui axial 450 sont adaptés pour permettre la déformation des rondelles 440 vers leur deuxième état stable d'équilibre, c'est-à-dire un basculement de la concavité des rondelles (dans le sens de déplacement du tube 500 au repos et dans le sens opposé après chargemen).The axial play and the authorized deformation of the axial support 450 are adapted to allow deformation of the washers 440 towards their second stable state of equilibrium, i.e. a tilting of the concavity of the washers (in the direction of movement of the tube 500 at rest and in the opposite direction after loading).

Le déplacement relatif de la douille 430 par rapport au boítier 420 se termine lorsque, après avoir subi une déformation de flambage, les poutres 440 reprennent une position rectiligne et qu'elles sont chargées par l'appui élastique 450.The relative displacement of the sleeve 430 relative to the housing 420 ends when, after undergoing buckling deformation, the 440 beams return to a straight position and are loaded by the elastic support 450.

Le système amortisseur est adapté de sorte que la courbe de l'effort résistant de l'appui élastique 450 coupe la courbe de l'effort de friction du patin 430 sur le tube 500, au niveau du front descendant de cette courbe. The damping system is adapted so that the curve of the resilient force of the elastic support 450 cuts the curve of the force of friction of the pad 430 on the tube 500, at the level of the falling front of this curve.

Lors d'un déplacement relatif dans le sens actif de sollicitation, l'effort de friction du au patin 430 s'oppose à l'action de l'appui élastique 450.During a relative movement in the active direction of stress, the friction force of the pad 430 opposes the action of the elastic support 450.

En cas de surintensité de l'effort de friction, l'effondrement de l'appui élastique 450 provoque un relachement des rondelles 440.In the event of an overcurrent of the friction force, the collapse of the elastic support 450 causes the washers 440 to loosen.

Le glissement se produit donc avec un effort de friction parfaitement contrôlé par l'appui élastique 450.Slippage therefore occurs with a friction force perfectly controlled by elastic support 450.

Lorsque le mécanisme n'est plus sollicité, la géométrie des rondelles 440 et de l'appui élastique 450, ainsi que le jeu renvoient les rondelles 440 dans leur premier état d'équilibre stable comme représenté sur la figure 8.When the mechanism is no longer used, the geometry of the washers 440 and elastic support 450, as well as the clearance return the 440 washers in their first stable equilibrium state as shown in figure 8.

Pour résumer la déformation au début du recul pour passer de l'état d'attente à l'état de friction contrôlée se fait en passant par déformation de flambage forcée, d'une position d'équilibre initiale des rondelles 440 favorisant l'arc-boutement du système vers une seconde position d'équilibre des rondelles 440 favorisant leur relachement, relachement par ailleurs contrôlé par l'appui élastique 450.To summarize the deformation at the beginning of the recoil to pass from the waiting state in the state of controlled friction is done by passing through forced buckling deformation from an initial equilibrium position of 440 washers favoring the system bracing to one second equilibrium position of the washers 440 promoting their relaxation, relaxation also controlled by the elastic support 450.

On démontre en effet que l'action tangentielle de friction, pendant le glissement relatif du tube 500 dans la douille 430 peut s'écrire : T = Fof (f + tg α) avec :

  • f = coefficient de frottement de la douille 430 sur le tube 500,
  • α = angle d'inclinaison des lamelles de flambage 440, par rapport à une normale à l'axe 502, dans la position de friction contrôlée, et
  • Fo = effort axial résistant produit par l'appui élastique 450.
    • It is shown in fact that the tangential friction action, during the relative sliding of the tube 500 in the socket 430 can be written: T = Fof (f + tg α) with:
  • f = coefficient of friction of the sleeve 430 on the tube 500,
  • α = angle of inclination of the buckling blades 440, with respect to a normal to the axis 502, in the position of controlled friction, and
  • Fo = resistant axial force produced by the elastic support 450.

    • Par ailleurs, le tube secondaire 500 est guidé à coulissement dans la chambre 120 par l'intermédiaire d'un support ou coulisseau 510.In addition, the secondary tube 500 is guided with sliding in chamber 120 by means of a support or slide 510.

    La culasse 520 du tube secondaire 500 est placée dans ce coulisseau 510, soit sur l'arrière du support 410. De préférence, cette culasse 520 est associée à des moyens de mise à feu électrique pour le tube secondaire 500.The cylinder head 520 of the secondary tube 500 is placed in this slide 510, ie on the rear of the support 410. Preferably, this cylinder head 520 is associated with electric firing means for the tube secondary 500.

    Comme on le voit sur la figure 1, le tube secondaire 500 est de préférence à chargement latéral. Sur la figure 1 un chargeur pour ce tube secondaire 500 est référencé 550.As seen in Figure 1, the secondary tube 500 is preferably side loading. In Figure 1 a charger for this secondary tube 500 is referenced 550.

    Le fonctionnement du système d'arme conforme à la présente invention est essentiellement le suivant. The operation of the weapon system in accordance with this invention is essentially the following.

    L'embase 100 est solidaire du support d'amortisseur 410 et de l'amortisseur 400.The base 100 is integral with the shock absorber support 410 and shock absorber 400.

    Lors de l'initiation des moyens de mise à feu 320 par actionnement du bouton 214 et après sélection du tube principal 300, une munition contenue dans le tube principal 300 est tirée. Les tubes 300, 500 ainsi que leurs supports et culasses respectives 310, 520 reculent simultanément. Plus précisément, le recul du tube principal 300 est amorti par le système amortisseur 400.During the initiation of the ignition means 320 by actuation of the button 214 and after selection of the main tube 300, a ammunition contained in the main tube 300 is fired. Tubes 300, 500 as well as their respective supports and cylinder heads 310, 520 move back simultaneously. More specifically, the recoil of the main tube 300 is damped by the shock absorber system 400.

    Le volet 340 est effacé dans le chambrage 342 prévu en partie inférieure de l'embase 100.The shutter 340 is deleted in the recess 342 provided in part bottom of base 100.

    La chambre 304 du tube principal 300 est alors ouverte au niveau de la fenêtre 341, en regard de la cloison centrale 352 du chargeur 350, en position de recul maximum.The chamber 304 of the main tube 300 is then open to the level of window 341, opposite the central partition 352 of the loader 350, in the maximum recoil position.

    Le tube principal 300 peut être rechargé automatiquement dans cette position de recul, par rotation autour de son axe 302, afin de placer l'ouverture 341 en regard d'une munition sélectionnée contenue dans le chargeur 350.The main tube 300 can be recharged automatically in this recoil position, by rotation about its axis 302, in order to place the opening 341 next to a selected munition contained in the loader 350.

    Ce tube principal 300 peut ensuite être ramené en position de tir vers l'avant, manuellement ou automatiquement. Bien entendu, le tube principal 300 peut initialement être ramené vide vers l'avant, puis chargé ultérieurement par recul et rotation pour escamoter le volet 340.This main tube 300 can then be brought back to the firing position forward, manually or automatically. Of course, the tube main 300 can initially be brought empty forward and then loaded subsequently by retraction and rotation to retract the flap 340.

    Lorsque le tube principal 300 est revenu en position avant, le volet 340 se referme sous l'action d'un ressort de rappel. Il centre par conséquent la munition dans ce dernier.When the main tube 300 has returned to the front position, the flap 340 closes under the action of a return spring. It centers by therefore the ammunition in the latter.

    L'arme est alors prête pour un nouveau tir.The weapon is then ready for a new shot.

    Lorsque le tube secondaire 500 est sélectionné, l'arme tire de façon classique en soi les projectiles contenus dans le chargeur 550.When the secondary tube 500 is selected, the weapon shoots from in a conventional manner in itself the projectiles contained in the magazine 550.

    Lors du tir d'une munition à partir du tube secondaire 500, celui-ci peut connaítre un léger recul amorti par l'amortisseur 400. Le retour en position de tir du tube secondaire 500 peut être assuré manuellement ou automatiquement, par exemple à l'aide d'un ressort 504 placé entre le corps de l'amortisseur 400 et le pontet 330, sur le tube secondaire 500.When firing ammunition from the secondary tube 500, it may experience a slight recoil damped by the shock absorber 400. The return to the firing position of the secondary tube 500 can be ensured manually or automatically, for example using a 504 spring placed between the body of the shock absorber 400 and the trigger guard 330, on the tube secondary 500.

    On va maintenant décrire les munitions représentées sur les figures 5 à 7. We will now describe the ammunition represented on the Figures 5 to 7.

    Il s'agit de munitions conçues pour le tube principal de gros calibre 300. Les munitions tirées par le tube secondaire 500 sont quant à elles de préférence des munitions à effet cinétique classiques.This is ammunition designed for the big main tube 300 caliber. The ammunition fired by the secondary tube 500 is they preferably conventional kinetic effect ammunition.

    La munition 600 représentée sur la figure 5 comprend une douille principale 610 qui loge le projectile 620 et qui est munie sur l'arrière d'une douille auxiliaire 630 formant propulseur.Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 5 includes a main socket 610 which houses the 620 projectile and which is provided on the rear of an auxiliary socket 630 forming a propellant.

    En l'espèce, le projectile 620 est formé d'une flèche composée d'une tige centrale cylindrique 622 munie en sa partie arrière d'un empennage 624. La pointe avant 626 de la flèche est avantageusement tronconique.In this case, the 620 projectile is formed by an arrow composed a cylindrical central rod 622 provided in its rear part with a empennage 624. The front point 626 of the arrow is advantageously tapered.

    Un tel projectile 620 est conçu pour le perçage de blindage. La tige 622 est avantageusement à base de tungstène.Such a projectile 620 is designed for drilling armor. The rod 622 is advantageously based on tungsten.

    L'ensemble propulseur 630 peut faire l'objet de nombreux modes de réalisation. Il ne sera donc pas décrit dans le détail par la suite.The propellant assembly 630 can be the subject of numerous embodiments. It will therefore not be described in detail below.

    On notera cependant que de préférence cet ensemble propulseur 630 est conforme aux dispositions décrites dans la demande de brevet déposée en France le 30 Novembre 1993 sous le n° 93 14301.Note however that preferably this set 630 propellant complies with the provisions described in the application for patent filed in France on November 30, 1993 under number 93 14301.

    Pour l'essentiel, cet ensemble propulseur 630 comprend un fourreau 632 qui loge un corps central 634 recevant une cartouche pyrotechnique 635 génératrice de gaz sous pression. Le corps 634 est relié au fourreau 632, à son extrémité arrière. Il est défini entre le corps central 634 et le fourreau 632 une chambre annulaire intermédiaire 636.Essentially, this 630 power package includes a sleeve 632 which houses a central body 634 receiving a cartridge pyrotechnic 635 generator of pressurized gas. Body 634 is connected to the sleeve 632, at its rear end. It is defined between the body central 634 and the sleeve 632 an intermediate annular chamber 636.

    La cartouche pyrotechnique 635 communique avec la chambre intermédiaire 636 par l'intermédiaire de passages radiaux traversants 633 formés dans le corps central 634.The pyrotechnic cartridge 635 communicates with the chamber intermediate 636 via radial through passages 633 formed in the central body 634.

    La chambre intermédiaire 636 débouche à son extrémité avant dans une chambre de détente 640 formée entre le culot 612 de la douille principale 610 et l'ensemble propulseur 630. Plus précisément, la chambre intermédiaire 636 est obturée partiellement, au niveau de sa zone de communication avec la chambre de détente 640 par l'intermédiaire d'une paroi élastique 638 en forme de couronne généralement tronconique venue de matière sur l'extrémité avant du corps central 634 ou rapportée sur celui-ci.Intermediate chamber 636 opens at its front end in an expansion chamber 640 formed between the base 612 of the socket main 610 and the propellant assembly 630. More specifically, the chamber intermediate 636 is partially closed, at its level of communication with the expansion chamber 640 via a elastic wall 638 in the shape of a generally frustoconical crown material coming from the front end of the central body 634 or attached on this one.

    Il est défini entre la périphérie extérieure de la paroi élastique 638 et un épaulement annulaire 631 formé sur l'extrémité avant du fourreau 632 un passage contrôlé 642 en forme de lumière annulaire. La paroi élastique 638 permet ainsi de réguler la pression dans la chambre de détente 640 et par conséquent de limiter l'effort de recul appliqué à l'embase 100. Le fonctionnement de cet asservissement est essentiellement le suivant. La déformation de la paroi élastique 638 permet de fermer et d'ouvrir progressivement la section du passage 642 pour maintenir une pression sensiblement constante dans la chambre de détente 640.It is defined between the outer periphery of the elastic wall 638 and an annular shoulder 631 formed on the front end of the sleeve 632 a controlled passage 642 in the form of an annular light. The elastic wall 638 thus makes it possible to regulate the pressure in the trigger 640 and therefore limit the recoil force applied to the base 100. The functioning of this control is essentially the following. The deformation of the elastic wall 638 makes it possible to close and gradually open the section of passage 642 to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the expansion chamber 640.

    Une forte pression dans la chambre intermédaire 636 ferme la section du passage 642, tandis qu'une plus faible pression dans la chambre intermédiaire 636 permet l'ouverture du passage 642.Strong pressure in the intermediate chamber 636 closes the section of passage 642, while lower pressure in the chamber intermediate 636 allows the opening of passage 642.

    Bien entendu, le générateur de gaz ou "propulseur" 630 n'est pas limité au mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 5. En particulier, la paroi élastique 638 pourra être remplacée par tout clapet d'asservissement équivalent, par exemple sous forme de distributeur comme décrit et représenté dans la demande de brevet français précitée 93 14301.Of course, the gas generator or "propellant" 630 is not not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In particular, the elastic wall 638 can be replaced by any valve equivalent servo control, for example in the form of a distributor as described and represented in the aforementioned French patent application 93 14301.

    Par ailleurs, comme décrit dans cette même demande de brevet FR-93 14301, les moyens à clapet d'asservissement régulant la pression dans la chambre de détente 640 peuvent être formés sur le tube 300 lui-même, ou encore sur un élément indépendant du tube 300 et des munitions et placé au fond du tube 300.Furthermore, as described in this same patent application FR-93 14301, the pressure control valve means in the expansion chamber 640 can be formed on the tube 300 itself, or on an element independent of the tube 300 and the ammunition and placed at the bottom of the tube 300.

    Un tel générateur de gaz 630 permet de réduire l'amplitude maximale ou crête de pression générée et par conséquent de réduire l'épaisseur de paroi du tube, donc la masse de celui-ci, et de réduire l'effort de recul.Such a gas generator 630 makes it possible to reduce the amplitude maximum or peak pressure generated and therefore reduce the wall thickness of the tube, so the mass of it, and reduce the effort step back.

    La munition 600 représentée sur la figure 6 comprend une douille principale 610 qui loge en sa partie avant le projectile 620 et en sa partie arrière l'ensemble propulseur 630.Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 6 includes a main casing 610 which houses in its part before the projectile 620 and in its rear part the 630 thruster assembly.

    Il s'agit en l'espèce d'un obus 620 à éclats muni d'un empennage 624 en sa partie arrière.This is a 620 shrapnel shell fitted with a tail 624 in its rear part.

    L'ensemble propulseur 630 représenté sur la figure 6 est sensiblement identique à celui de la figure 5 précédemment décrit.The propellant assembly 630 shown in FIG. 6 is substantially identical to that of FIG. 5 previously described.

    La munition 600 représentée sur la figure 7 se distingue de celle illustrée sur la figure 6 par le fait que l'ensemble propulseur 630 est composé de plusieurs étages juxtaposés axialement. Plus précisément, il est prévu ainsi plusieurs pistons 632 juxtaposés axialement et associés chacun à une charge propulsive 634. La transmission de feu est opérée automatiquement entre les différentes charges 634 grâce à des canaux 633 prévus en position centrale dans chaque piston 632.Ammunition 600 shown in Figure 7 differs from that illustrated in Figure 6 by the fact that the propellant assembly 630 is composed of several stages juxtaposed axially. Specifically, it is thus provided for several 632 pistons juxtaposed axially and each associated to a propellant charge 634. The fire transmission is operated automatically between different loads 634 thanks to channels 633 provided centrally in each piston 632.

    Comme on le voit sur les figures 5 à 7, les douilles 610 des munitions 600 sont avantageusement munies d'une fuite 614 sur l'arrière, au niveau de leur culot, pour opérer une éjection automatique de ces douilles par l'avant ou bouche du tube 300.As seen in Figures 5 to 7, the sockets 610 of ammunition 600 are advantageously provided with a leak 614 on the rear, at their base, to operate an automatic ejection of these sockets from the front or mouth of the tube 300.

    De préférence, il est prévu des moyens de maintien des munitions 600 au fond de chaque tube 300, 500 avant le tir. Ces moyens peuvent être formés par exemple d'aimants prévus au niveau des culasses 310, 520.Preferably, means are provided for maintaining the ammunition 600 at the bottom of each tube 300, 500 before firing. These means can be formed for example of magnets provided at the level of the cylinder heads 310, 520.

    Comme on l'a indiqué précédemment, le système d'arme conforme à la présente invention est de préférence muni d'un système d'aide au tir prévu sur le casque de l'utilisateur, du type de préférence vision tête haute. Un tel système est conçu pour visualiser l'objectif sur une visière à disposition de l'utilisateur. La commande de la trajectoire du projectile peut être contrôlée par l'utilisateur ou par un calculateur prévu sur le casque ou sur l'arme.As noted earlier, the weapon system according to the present invention is preferably provided with a system shooting aid provided on the user's helmet, of the type of preference head-up vision. Such a system is designed to visualize the objective on a visor available to the user. The trajectory control of the projectile can be controlled by the user or by a computer provided on the helmet or on the weapon.

    Un tel système de vision tête haute est important dans la mesure où l'arme étant tenue sous l'avant bras, la ligne de mire n'est pas directement alignée sur l'oeil.Such a head-up vision system is important in the measure where the weapon is held under the forearm, the line of sight is not directly aligned with the eye.

    La liaison entre les moyens de visée 260 prévus sur le système d'arme et le système de vision tête haute prévu sur le casque peut être assurée par tout moyen approprié, par exemple par fibre optique.The connection between the sighting means 260 provided on the system weapon and the head-up vision system provided on the helmet can be provided by any suitable means, for example by optical fiber.

    Le tube principal 300 permet le tir de munitions de grande portée, par exemple de l'ordre de 600m, tandis que le tube secondaire 500 permet l'envoi de projectiles cinétiques classiques donc l'emport de munitions classiques de faible masse par exemple de l'ordre de 5g en grand nombre.The main tube 300 allows the firing of large ammunition range, for example of the order of 600m, while the secondary tube 500 allows the sending of classic kinetic projectiles therefore the carrying of conventional low mass ammunition for example of the order of 5g in large number.

    La présente invention permet une grande maniabilité, et par conséquent un tir en toute direction.The present invention allows great maneuverability, and by therefore a shot in any direction.

    Par ailleurs, le système amortisseur 400 permet d'utiliser un tube fermé à effet mortier, donc sans projection de gaz chauds vers l'arrière et sans risque de brûlure pour l'utilisateur, pour des projectiles de masse importante, par exemple de 200 à 300g.Furthermore, the shock absorber system 400 makes it possible to use a closed mortar effect tube, therefore without projection of hot gases to the rear and without risk of burns for the user, for projectiles large mass, for example from 200 to 300g.

    Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation particulier qui vient d'être décrit, mais s'étend à toute variante conforme à son esprit.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the mode of particular embodiment which has just been described, but extends to any variant according to his spirit.

    Selon une autre variante les deux tubes 300, 500 peuvent être de même calibre.According to another variant, the two tubes 300, 500 can be of same caliber.

    Selon une autre variante, l'arme conforme à la présente invention peut être portée autrement que sous l'avant-bras, par exemple au poing, ou encore sur l'avant-bras ou sur un côté de l'avant-bras.According to another variant, the weapon in accordance with this invention can be worn other than under the forearm, for example in the fist, or on the forearm or on one side of the forearm.

    Selon une autre variante, les deux tubes 300, 500 peuvent ne pas être rigoureusement parallèles, en fonction de la balistique recherchée.According to another variant, the two tubes 300, 500 may not be strictly parallel, depending on the ballistics sought.

    Claims (31)

    1. A personal firearm system comprising at least two launch barrels (300, 500), characterized by the fact that it comprises friction damper means (400) associated with at least a main barrel (300) and adapted to limit the recoil force generated thereby on firing.
    2. A firearm system according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the two barrels (300, 500) are of different calibres.
    3. A firearm system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that both barrels (300, 500) are parallel.
    4. A firearm system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the two barrels (300, 500) are not parallel.
    5. A firearm system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that it includes means (200, 210, 220, 230) adapted to enable the firearm to be supported by the forearm of the user.
    6. A firearm system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it includes means (200, 210, 220, 230) adapted to enable the firearm to be supported beneath the forearm of the user.
    7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the main barrel (300) has a calibre of about 40 mm.
    8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the two tubes (300, 500) are linked together, preferably at their front ends.
    9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the smaller-calibre secondary barrel (500) constitutes a damper rod on which controlled friction is exerted.
    10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the damper means (400) comprises a shoe (430) resting on the secondary barrel (500) and urged thereagainst by resilient means (440).
    11. A system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the resilient means operate in buckling.
    12. A system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the resilient means (440) include at least one star washer constituted by a cone provided with radial cutouts opening out alternately to its inside periphery and to its outside periphery.
    13. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that the damper means (400) also include a resilient abutment (450) that limits and controls displacement of the shoe (430) relative to a damper box.
    14. A system according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the resilient abutment (450) is constituted by Bellevile type spring washers adapted to stabilize the force response of the damper.
    15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that it includes a magazine (350) containing a plurality of types of ammunition (355, 357), and selection means (306) suitable for selecting which type of ammunition is loaded into the main barrel (300).
    16. A system according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the selection means comprise means for guiding the main barrel (300) in rotation about its axis and a lever for rotating the main barrel (300).
    17. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that the main barrel (300) includes a flap (340) at its rear end adapted to open automatically during recoil of the barrel (300) to allow it to be loaded.
    18. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by the fact that it includes support means (200) including a main handle (210) and a forearm or elbow cradle (230) located on the top surface (102) of the base (100) of the firearm, to enable it to be supported beneath the forearm of the user.
    19. A system according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the support means (200) further include an auxiliary handle (220).
    20. A system according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by the fact that the support means also include at least one strap (232).
    21. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by the fact that it includes temporary holding means for holding a round in the back end of the main barrel (300), e.g. magnet-base means.
    22. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by the fact that it includes means for automatically ejecting ammunition cartridges via the front of the main barrel (300).
    23. A system according to claim 22, characterized by the fact that the automatic ejection means comprise a leak (614) in the base of each ammunition cartridge.
    24. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that it includes ammunition (355, 357, 600) selected from the group comprising dart projectiles and burst projectiles.
    25. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by the fact that the ammunition fired by the main barrel (300) is of a mass of about 200 grams to 300 grams.
    26. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized by the fact that it includes thruster means (630) comprising a chamber (636) housing a pressure source (635) and communicating with an expansion chamber (640) via a passage (642) controlled by a servo-control valve (638).
    27. A system according to claim 26, characterized by the fact that the servo-control valve is formed by a resilient wall (638) movable relative to a shoulder (631).
    28. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized by the fact that it includes ammunition (600) comprising a main cartridge (610) housing a projectile (620) in the form of a dart and fitted at its back end with a thrusterforming auxiliary cartridge.
    29. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized by the fact that it includes ammunition (600) comprising a main cartridge (610) housing in its front portion a burst projectile (620) and in its back portion a thruster assembly (630).
    30. A system according to claim 28 or 29, characterized by the fact that the thruster assembly (630) comprises a plurality of pistons (632) associated with respective propellant charges (634) and with fire being transmitted automatically between them.
    31. A system according to claim 26 or 27, characterized by the fact that the pressure regulator is placed in a thruster assembly (630) integrated in the ammunition.
    EP95923376A 1994-06-14 1995-06-13 Personal firearm system Expired - Lifetime EP0766807B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9407230A FR2721101B1 (en) 1994-06-14 1994-06-14 Individual gun system.
    FR9407230 1994-06-14
    PCT/FR1995/000773 WO1995034796A1 (en) 1994-06-14 1995-06-13 Personal firearm system

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0766807A1 EP0766807A1 (en) 1997-04-09
    EP0766807B1 true EP0766807B1 (en) 2000-03-01

    Family

    ID=9464170

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP95923376A Expired - Lifetime EP0766807B1 (en) 1994-06-14 1995-06-13 Personal firearm system

    Country Status (5)

    Country Link
    US (1) US5852253A (en)
    EP (1) EP0766807B1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69515305T2 (en)
    FR (1) FR2721101B1 (en)
    WO (1) WO1995034796A1 (en)

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    US6223658B1 (en) * 1998-11-06 2001-05-01 Steven P. Rosa Non-lethal weapon firing a frangible, weighted paint ball
    US6418655B1 (en) 1999-08-19 2002-07-16 Ira M. Kay Underbarrel shotgun
    US6622412B1 (en) * 2001-05-11 2003-09-23 Dave Wilkes Above barrel grip apparatus
    ATE410659T1 (en) * 2001-12-10 2008-10-15 Piexon Ag HAND-HELD FIRING DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE CARTRIDGES
    US7290366B2 (en) * 2004-09-20 2007-11-06 Endres Steven J Body mounted weapons platform
    DE202007012163U1 (en) 2007-06-01 2008-06-19 Oerlikon Contraves Gmbh Portable operating and display device
    US8091264B2 (en) * 2008-06-23 2012-01-10 Samuel Dean Goertz Firearm with underarm gun stock
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    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    US5852253A (en) 1998-12-22
    DE69515305D1 (en) 2000-04-06
    WO1995034796A1 (en) 1995-12-21
    FR2721101B1 (en) 1996-08-30
    DE69515305T2 (en) 2000-11-30
    EP0766807A1 (en) 1997-04-09
    FR2721101A1 (en) 1995-12-15

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