EP3443289B1 - Tensioning device for a crossbow, and crossbow comprising such a tensioning device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a tensioning device for a crossbow or the like, such as a harpoon, a line throwing device, a toy crossbow, a pistol crossbow, a spear thrower or ballista, with a shaft and associated limbs, wherein a connecting element is provided, which Compound is formed with the shank of the crossbow and fastening devices for rotatable or pivotal attachment of the limbs. Such a jig is off US 6,868,845 B1 known.

The invention further relates to a crossbow having a shaft extending in the weft direction for receiving a projectile, in particular an arrow or a round ball, and having two limbs rotatably or pivotably connected to the shaft, to which a tendon provided for engagement in the projectile is attached.

Crossbows are well known in the art and are used in both sports and hunting. In contrast to bows, in which an arrow is first brought into engagement with a tendon and then the limbs of the bow are stretched by the shooter's power, in a crossbow the limbs are first stretched by retracting the tendon connected thereto and then a bullet, for example, an arrow, engaged with the tendon. The limbs are tensioned either solely by the shooter's power, with support from tensioning devices such as tension levers or winches, or solely by tensioning devices which, for example, displace the limbs in the longitudinal direction of the crossbow towards a triggering device or against an abutment. The disadvantage here is that the clamping takes a relatively long time and only a very low shot can be achieved.

From the WO 01/92808 A1 goes out a motor-spanned crossbow, which has a battery-powered electric motor, which is connected to a threaded rod. This threaded rod shifts a trigger block engaging the string to be clamped along the crossbow. Swiveling limbs are attached to the main body of the crossbow, which enables space-saving transport or space-saving storage. The construction is mechanically relatively complex.

The CN 103353257 A discloses a collapsible arch with adjustable tension. For this purpose, the bow on pivotally mounted arms whose position is adjustable by means of at least one adjustable in length device, such as a reciprocating piston, whereby the tension of the tendon can be changed.

A disadvantage of known crossbows is that the clamping process is time-consuming and also effortless with simple models. Often, the shooter has to leave his lying position, for example, to stretch the crossbow, in which case tensile forces of up to 150 kg are common. Manual clamping operations can take more than 30 seconds and are cumbersome, especially when levers or winches are to be operated. Even with electric drive devices for tensioning the limb of the crossbow, the tensioning process often takes too long to achieve a sufficiently high firing order and deliver a second shot to a moving target. In addition, such crossbows are usually heavy and unwieldy.

The object of the present invention is to provide an above-mentioned tensioning device for a crossbow or a comparable device, which allows a rapid and preferably low-noise tensioning of the crossbow without effort by the shooter. In particular, the shooter should not or only slightly change his shot position or posture for the clamping process. In addition, the clamping device should allow a compact transport of the crossbow, which should be transferred without tools from a space-saving transport position in a bullet-ready position. The construction should be simple, robust and inexpensive to build. The clamping device should preferably be suitable for retrofitting existing crossbows, but can also be integrated in appropriately developed crossbows. Disadvantages of known clamping devices should be avoided or at least reduced.

The object of the present invention is also to provide an above-mentioned crossbow having the advantages mentioned in connection with the tensioning device.

The object of the invention is achieved in terms of the clamping device in that the connecting element is connected to at least one connectable to the limbs driving device with which the limbs from a first position in which the limbs with the shaft include a first angle, in a second position, in which the limbs include a second angle with the shank, are rotatable or pivotally translatable, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle, to transfer the limbs and a tendon connected thereto from a relaxed position to a ready-to-shoot, cocked position. The tensioning device according to the invention is thus intended for an arrangement on a crossbow or a comparable device, such as, for example, a harpoon, line throwing device, toy crossbow, pistol crossbow, spear thrower (ballist). The crossbow has, in a manner known per se, a shaft which is designed to receive and guide a projectile to be shot, in particular an arrow. The shank extends in the longitudinal direction, ie in the intended weft direction, of the crossbow and is connected to two limbs at or near an end facing away from the shooter in the use position of the crossbow. During the tensioning process, the two limbs are elastically deformed or bent in order in this way generally to store therein the energy which is provided for the acceleration of the projectile. In known crossbows the limbs are usually firmly connected to the shaft. In contrast, a connecting element is provided, which has fastening devices for a rotatable or pivotable attachment of the limbs. Preferably, a fastening device for each limb is provided in each case. For example, the limbs by means of a pin attached thereto rotatably in each case a borehole of a fastening device be received while the fastening device is firmly connected to the connecting element. The connecting element itself is designed to be connected to or connected to the shaft of the crossbow. For example, the connecting element is screwed to the shaft. So that the limbs can be stretched by the shooter or user of the crossbow on the associated tendon without effort, at least one drive device is provided according to the invention, which is connected to the connecting element and also connected to the limbs or connected. In the case of a fastening device firmly connected to the connecting element, the drive device can be connected directly to the limbs in order to pivot them. In particular, the drive device is configured to deliver the rotatable limbs received in the attachment device from a first position in which the limbs enclose with the shaft at a first angle to a second position at which the limbs enclose a second angle with the shaft pivot. Here, the second angle is greater than the first angle, both angles between the limbs and the shaft are considered towards the shooter facing the end of the shaft. When the limbs take the first angle to the shaft, these and the associated tendon in a relaxed position in which the shooter essentially without effort, ie without having to stretch the crossbow or without deforming the limbs, the tendon with a triggering device of the crossbow can engage. In this position the limbs and the tendon are not stretched. If, on the other hand, the limbs occupy the second angle to the shaft, these and the associated tendon are in a ready-to-fire, tensioned position, in which the energy required for the acceleration of the projectile is stored in the limbs. By operating the triggering device, whose function is known from known crossbows, the tendon is released and accelerates the projectile in the firing direction. The drive device thus guides the pivoting movement of the limbs from the relaxed position, in which the tendon is easily and quickly engaged with the triggering device, into the ready-to-reach, tensioned position, ie the drive device causes the deformation of the limbs and thus the energy storage in the limbs. The tensioning device can be provided as a fixed part of a crossbow or a comparable device or can be used as a retrofitting device for existing crossbows or similar devices. In the latter case, the tensioning device, ie the connecting element with the fastening devices and the at least one drive device, is connected to the crossbow, in particular to the shaft and the limbs, after the connection of the limbs to the shaft has been previously released. Due to the rotatable limbs, the crossbow can be transported in a particularly space-saving manner, in particular when the limbs bear against the shaft.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening devices are rotatably or pivotally connected to the connecting element. Conveniently, then the limbs are fixed, i. not rotatable, connected to the fastening devices. For the rotatable arrangement, the fastening devices may each have a projection protruding therefrom, such as a pin or pin, which rotatably engages in each case in an opening correspondingly formed in the connecting element. Constructions for producing a rotatable or pivotable connection between two bodies, which in the context of the invention are the connecting element and the fastening devices, are known to the person skilled in the art, for which reason a more detailed description can be dispensed with.

It is particularly favorable if the at least one drive device is arranged on the rotatable or pivotable fastening devices. Thus, a direct connection of the drive device is avoided with the limbs and the clamping device can be designed to be particularly compact and stable. The drive device thus rotates or pivots the attachment devices to which the limbs are attached, e.g. are clamped.

For an independent of the power of a user clamping the crossbow can be provided that the drive device is an electrically operated, a hydraulic operated, a pneumatically operated or operated by a combination thereof drive device is. For example, the drive device is a motor, in particular an electric motor. The drive device is connected to a suitable power source, such as a battery, and is generally actuated by the user for the clamping operation, thereby activating the motor or, for example, pressurizing a fluid.

The force required for the tension of the crossbow can be transmitted particularly advantageously to the fastening devices or to the limbs, if the drive device has at least one lifting device with a lifting piston which can be displaced hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically. The drive device is thus designed to change its extent between the shaft and the fastening devices or the limbs when the drive device is activated. For this purpose, a lifting device with a retractable or displaceable on actuation reciprocating piston is particularly suitable. Since the attachment devices or the limbs are pivotally connected to the shaft, even a slight change in length of the drive device, in particular a slight displacement of the reciprocating piston, allow for the rotation of the limbs or for pivoting the limbs from the first position to the second position , In the case of a single lifting device for actuating both limbs, connecting devices, for example with rods or gears, may be provided in order to transmit the translational movement of the lifting piston as uniformly as possible to both limbs.

It is particularly favorable if the drive device in each case has a hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated lifting device which can be connected to a limb, whose reciprocating piston includes an acute angle, preferably less than 60 °, particularly preferably less than 45 °, with an imaginary extension of the shaft. In particular, the angle can be 20 ° to 30 °. By providing one lifting device per throwing arm, a particularly simple construction can be created. In order to construct the clamping device as possible space-saving, is the reciprocating piston or another in the length-variable drive device arranged at the above acute angle to the shaft. The acute angle is defined here between the reciprocating piston, in particular the direction in which the reciprocating piston shifts to the limbs, and the firing direction in which the shaft extends away from the shooter. As a result of the smallest possible acute angle, the limb-side end of the lifting device is also close to the rotary or. Pivot axis of the fastening device attached to the fastening device, so that with small changes in height correspondingly large changes in angle of the limbs can be achieved. In this way, the crossbow can be stretched very quickly, for example within a second or even less. In addition, lifting devices can be provided with a small longitudinal extent, whereby the clamping device can be made even more compact and weight-saving.

According to a further feature, it is provided that the drive device is designed to transfer the limbs from the second position in the direction of the first position, preferably in the first position, after the firing. The return of the limbs in the direction of the relaxed, first position by means of the drive device makes it easier for the shooter to bring the tendon after a firing again with the triggering device in engagement and can shorten the time required for this purpose. Preferably, the feedback takes place within one second, in particular less than 100 ms. In addition, this process takes place without any effort by the shooter. For example, the return by the shooter can be triggered manually. For this purpose, an actuator for a pressure relief of a hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated lifting device may be provided.

The drive device can be designed to be deactivatable and, for deactivation, have a deactivation device that can be actuated by the limbs or the tendon at the end of the firing, in order to turn or stretch the strained limbs automatically in the direction of the first position, preferably in the first position. By deactivating the drive device is that of the drive device on the limbs and the attachment devices for tensioning the crossbow applied force reduced or completely eliminated. This process is of course only after the projectile was fired and is triggered by the limbs or the tendon. The position of the limbs or tendon can be used to operate the deactivation device. Immediately after the deactivation of the drive device, the limbs can automatically, without manual intervention by the shooter, pivot in the direction of the shaft due to the tension still maintained across the tendon. In this way, the return of the limbs takes place in a very short time.

The drive device can advantageously be deactivated automatically by the deactivation device having an actuating element for a pressure relief of the hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated lifting device. Preferably, the actuator is achieved by impact of the chord or at least one of the limbs on the actuator, at the end of firing, i. when the tendon or the limbs are in a position as far away as possible from the shooter, press. The actuator may be an electrical switch, after the actuation of which the pressure exerted by an electric lifting device, or the corresponding force on the limbs, is eliminated. In the case of a hydraulically or pneumatically operated lifting device, the actuating element is preferably a valve, which is opened by contact with the tendon or the limbs.

The automatic return of the limbs after a firing in a relaxed position can be done or supported, that the drive device has at least one return spring for the automatic return of the limbs in the direction of the first position, preferably in the first position. In this way, the drive device causes both the tension and the relaxation of the crossbow. As a return spring can serve a coil spring, which is received for example in the lifting device.

In order to perform the clamping operation as quiet as possible, it is advantageous if the drive device is equipped with a noise insulation. This is particularly advantageous when the crossbow is used for hunting purposes. For example, the drive device may be at least partially surrounded by sound absorbing material.

In order to prevent inadvertent, premature firing and associated possible injuries to persons or animals, the drive device may be connected to a securing element and this with a securing device, which securing device is designed to mechanically fix both the tendon in a tripping device connected to the shaft or release as well as to activate or deactivate the drive device, the safety device in a deactivation position of the securing element deactivates the drive device, activates the drive device in a securing position of the securing element and fixes the tendon and activates the drive device in a release position of the securing element and the tendon for a Firing releases. The fuse element may be, for example, a switch with three positions, which is actuated by the shooter. In this case, the switch is switched from the deactivation position to the securing position and from there to the release position. In this way it is prevented that the bullet is fired before setting the release position. The securing element is connected to the securing device, which on the one hand mechanically fixes the tendon in the triggering device or releases it for firing and on the other hand activates or deactivates the drive device. The deactivation can be done by interrupting the power supply or the pressure connection to the electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic components of the drive device. In the deactivation position of the securing element, in which the drive device is deactivated, the relaxed tendon can be brought into engagement with the triggering device and a bullet can be inserted into the crossbow. In the securing position of the securing element, the tendon is fixed in the triggering device and the drive device is activated, ie the crossbow is tensioned. In the release position of the fuse element, the drive device remains activated and the chord is for a firing of the triggering device Approved.

Thus, the drive device can be supplied with energy and the shooter can also hold the crossbow comfortably, it is advantageous if the drive device for power supply has an integrated or replaceable compressed air tank or storage for electrical energy as a shoulder rest. In the case of a memory for electrical energy, in particular at least one battery or at least one accumulator is provided. The compressed air tank or the storage of electrical energy can be permanently connected to the crossbow and have connections for recharging with electrical energy or compressed air, such as a valve. Alternatively, the compressed air tank or the storage for electrical energy of the crossbow can be designed to be removable, in which case a plug connection or a screw connection for releasably securing the energy store to the crossbow is expedient. It is particularly advantageous if the energy store is positioned in such a way that, like a rifle butt, it serves as a shoulder rest for the shooter.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by an above-mentioned crossbow, in which a clamping device described above is arranged on the shaft. The crossbow has, in a manner known per se, a shaft extending in the weft direction inter alia for receiving a projectile, for example an arrow or a round sphere, for example made of steel. In addition, the crossbow has two limbs which are connected rotatably or pivotably connected to the shaft and to which a tendon intended for engagement in the projectile is attached. According to the invention, the crossbow is connected to the tensioning device, wherein the connection can be fixed or detachable, for the possible release of the tensioning device from the shaft of the crossbow. In the case of a detachable connection, the clamping device can be mounted as a retrofit kit on an existing crossbow.

To make it easier for a shooter to reload the crossbow with projectiles, it can be advantageous if a magazine for projectiles, in particular arrows, is arranged on the shank.

• Fig. 1 eine gespannte Armbrust mit einer Spannvorrichtung gemäß der Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 eine Detailansicht der Spannvorrichtung der Armbrust gemäß Fig. 1;
• Fig. 2A die Detailansicht aus Fig. 2, lediglich zum Zweck des Verständnisses mit einem gespannten und einem entspannten Wurfarm;
• Fig. 3 die Armbrust gemäß Fig. 1 unmittelbar nach einer Schussabgabe;
• Fig. 4 die Armbrust gemäß Fig. 1 nach einer Schussabgabe mit bereits entspannten Wurfarmen;
• Fig. 5 die Armbrust gemäß Fig. 1 nach einer Schussabgabe mit entspannten Wurfarmen und einer mit einer Auslösevorrichtung verbundenen Sehne;
• Fig. 6 die Armbrust gemäß Fig. 1 in einem gespannten Zustand vor einer Schussabgabe;
• Fig. 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Armbrust gemäß der Erfindung;
• Fig. 8A bis 8C ein Sicherungselement für eine Antriebsvorrichtung für eine Armbrust in drei verschiedenen Stellungen; und
• Fig. 9 eine schematische Darstellung einer Spannvorrichtung für eine Armbrust gemäß der Erfindung.

The invention will be further elucidated below on the basis of preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a cocked crossbow with a tensioning device according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a detailed view of the tensioning device of the crossbow according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 2A the detail view Fig. 2 for the sole purpose of understanding with a tense and a relaxed limb;
• Fig. 3 the crossbow according to Fig. 1 immediately after a firing;
• Fig. 4 the crossbow according to Fig. 1 after a shot with already relaxed limbs;
• Fig. 5 the crossbow according to Fig. 1 after a firing with relaxed limbs and a tendon connected to a triggering device;
• Fig. 6 the crossbow according to Fig. 1 in a tensioned condition prior to firing;
• Fig. 7 a perspective view of a crossbow according to the invention;
• 8A to 8C a security element for a crossbow drive device in three different positions; and
• Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a tensioning device for a crossbow according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a crossbow 2 in a stretched state, with a shaft 3 and associated limbs 4, and with a Clamping device 1 according to the invention. Clamping device 1 can be designed as a retrofit device for crossbows 2 or comparable devices, such as harpoons, line throwing devices, toy crossbows, pistol crossbows, spear throwers (ballists), or integrated into crossbows 2 or comparable devices. The tensioning device 1 has a connecting element 5, which is designed for the stable, optionally detachable connection, for example for screwing, with the shaft 3 of the crossbow 2. On the connecting element 5, two fastening devices 6 are arranged, depending on a fastening device 6 per throwing arm 4, with which the limbs 4 are rotatably or pivotally attached to the crossbow 2. In the embodiments shown, the fastening devices 6 by means of pins B1, about a respective axis of rotation A1 (see Fig. 2A ) rotatably or pivotally connected to the connecting element 5. The limbs 4 are fixedly connected to the fastening devices 6, for example screwed or clamped. Furthermore, the connecting element 5 is connected to two drive devices 7, which are also fastened, for example by means of pins B2, rotatably about an axis of rotation A2 to the rotatable or pivotable fastening devices 6. The drive devices 7 rotate or pivot the limbs 4 from a first position P1, in which the limbs 4 include a first angle α1 with the shaft 3, into a second position P2 in which the limbs 4 and the shaft 3 enclose a second angle α2 ,

The positions P1 and P2 and the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 are particularly in the detail views in the Fig. 2 and 2A can be seen which the detail D from Fig. 1 show enlarged. The first position P1 corresponds to a relaxed position of the limbs 4, in which the tendon 8 connected to the limbs 4 can be fixed quickly and without significant effort by a shooter in a tripping device 19 arranged on the shaft 3. In contrast, the second position P2 corresponds to a tensioned position of the limbs 4, wherein the chord 8 is tensioned. Accordingly, the second angle α2 is greater than the first angle α1. In Fig. 2 is a relaxed position P1 of the left throwing arm 4 shown for clarity in dashed lines. Fig. 2A shows also for purposes of understanding only, a left limb 4 in the first position P1 and a right limb 4 in the second position P2. In fact, the tensioning device 1 is designed to pivot both limbs 4 symmetrically to the shaft 3.

In the Fig. 1 . 2 and 2A For example, each of the drive devices 7 has a lifting device 9 with a lifting piston 10 which can be displaced hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically. The reciprocating piston 10 is extendable from the lifting device 9, as in the right part of 2A represented and retractable into the lifting device 9, as in the left part of Fig. 2A shown. In particular, each lifting device 9 or each reciprocating piston 10 is arranged at an acute angle β to an imaginary extension V of the shaft 3, so that the pins B2 or their axes of rotation A2 are arranged particularly close to the pins B1 or their axes of rotation A1 to the fastening devices 6 are. In this way, a small change in stroke, which is defined as the difference between the stroke H1 of the retracted reciprocating piston 10 and the stroke H2 of the extended reciprocating piston 10, cause a large difference between the angle α1 and the angle α2. Thus, the crossbow 2 can be stretched particularly quickly. The acute angle β is preferably less than 60 °, especially less than 45 °. The distance X between the pins B1 and B2 or between the axes of rotation A1 and A2 may be smaller than the stroke change (H2-H1).

The Fig. 3 to 6 show four different states of crossbow 2. In Fig. 3 the crossbow 2 is shown immediately after a firing, the limbs 4 and the tendon 8 are still tense, ie the limbs 4 are still in the second cocked position P2. Fig. 4 shows the crossbow 2 after a firing with already partially pivoted limbs 4, so that these and the tendon 8 are relaxed. In Fig. 5 the crossbow 2 is shown after a firing with relaxed limbs 4 and a relaxed tendon 8, wherein the tendon 8 is already in engagement with a triggering device 19 which is formed in a conventional manner to fix the tendon 8 mechanically or release. In this state, the limbs 4 are pivoted to the first position P1. Fig. 6 Finally, the crossbow 2 in a tensioned state before a firing, ie the tendon 8 is still fixed by the triggering device 19 and the limbs 4 are pivoted back to the second position P2.

Fig. 7 shows a crossbow 2 in a perspective view with a deactivator 11, to deactivate the drive device 7, so as to cancel the force exerted by the drive device 7 on the limbs 4 force and the temporarily still strained limbs 4 automatically toward the first position P1 or in to turn the first position P1. The deactivating device 11 is triggered either at the end of the firing by the limbs 4 or the tendon 8, or triggered by a shooter by means of a manual actuator 11a. The deactivation device 11 has, for example, an actuating element 12 for a pressure relief of the hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically operated lifting device 9, onto which the chord 8 hits at the end of the firing. The actuating element 12 may be formed by a valve, with which pressure can be released from a pneumatically operated lifting device 9. In Fig. 7 is also an integrated or replaceable compressed air tank 16 or memory 17 for electrical energy to power the drive device 7 in the form of a shoulder rest 18 and a noise insulation 14 shown on the drive device 7. In addition shows Fig. 7 a securing element 15, which is connected via a securing device 15b to the drive device 7. The securing device 15b is designed to mechanically fix or release the chord 8 in the triggering device 19 and to activate or deactivate the drive device 7. On the shaft 3, a magazine 22 for projectiles G, in particular arrows G1 or round balls R is arranged.

The 8A to 8C show the fuse element 15 in three different positions, wherein in the in Fig. 8A shown deactivation position S1 of the fuse element 15, the drive device 7 is deactivated by the securing device 15b, in the in Fig. 8B illustrated securing position S2 of the fuse element 15 by the securing device 15b, the drive device 7 is activated and the tendon 8 is fixed in the triggering device 19, and in the in Fig. 8C shown release position S3 of the fuse element 15 by the securing device 15b, the drive device 7 is still activated and the chord 8 is released for a firing of the triggering device 19.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a clamping device 1 for a crossbow 2, with a return spring 13 as part of the drive device 7 for the automatic return of the reciprocating piston 10 and mounted on the attachment device 6 limbs 4 (not shown) in the direction of the first position P1 or in the first position P1. In addition, with the drive device 7, in particular with the lifting device 9, connected fluid channels 20 for supplying and discharging compressed air or a hydraulic fluid are provided. Furthermore, a compressed air tank 16 and a shuttle valve 21, which acts as a drain valve and inlet valve is provided. About the deactivation device 11, the drive device 7 can be deactivated at the end of firing. As shown schematically, a noise insulation 14 may be provided. In the case of an electrically operated drive device 7 instead of the compressed air tank 16, a memory for electrical energy 17, in particular a battery, may be provided (not shown).

Claims (15)

1. A tensioning device (1) for a crossbow (2) or the like, such as e.g. a harpoon, a line throwing device, a toy crossbow, a pistol crossbow, a spear thrower or ballista, with a shaft (3) and limbs (4) connected thereto, wherein a connection element (5) is provided which is designed for connection to the shaft (3) of the crossbow (2) and which comprises securing devices (6) for rotatably or pivotally connecting the limbs (4), characterised in that the connection element (5) is connected to at least one drive device (7), which can be connected to the limbs (4) and by means of which drive device (7) the limbs (4) can be rotatably or pivotally moved from a first position (P1), in which the limbs (4) form a first angle (α1) together with the shaft (3), into a second position (P2), in which the limbs (4) form a second angle (α2) together with the shaft (3), wherein the second angle (α2) is larger than the first angle (α1) in order to move the limbs (4) and a bowstring (8) connected thereto from a non-tensioned position (P1) into a shoot-ready tensioned position (P2).
2. The tensioning device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the securing devices (6) are rotatably or pivotally connected to the connection element (5).
3. The tensioning device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the at least one drive device (7) is arranged on the rotatable or pivotal securing devices (6).
4. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the drive device (7) is an electrically driven, hydraulic driven, pneumatically driven drive device 7 or a drive device (7) driven by a combination of these.
5. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the drive device (7) comprises at least one lifting device (9) with a hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically displaceable reciprocating piston (10).
6. The tensioning device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the drive device (7) respectively comprises a hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically driven lifting device (9) which can be connected to a limb (4), the reciprocating piston (10) of which lifting device (9) forms an acute angle (β) preferably smaller than 60°, in particular preferably smaller than 45°, with an imagined extension (V) of the shaft (3).
7. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the drive device (7) is designed to move the limbs (4), following firing a shot, from the second position (P2) in direction of the first positon (P1), preferably into the first position (P1).
8. The tensioning device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the drive device (7) is designed to be deactivatable and for deactivation comprises a deactivation device (11), which can be actuated by the limbs (4) or the bowstring (8) at the end of firing a shot, in order to rotate or pivot the tensioned limbs (4) automatically in direction of the first position (P1), preferably into the first position (P1).
9. The tensioning device (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the deactivation device (11) comprises an actuating element (12) for relieving pressure on the hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically driven lifting device (9).
10. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the drive device (7) comprises at least one return spring (13) for an automatic return of the limbs (4) in direction of the first position (P1), preferably into the first position (P1).
11. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the drive device (7) is fitted with a sound absorber (14).
12. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the drive device (7) is connected to a safety element (15) and this is connected to a safety device (15b), which safety device (15b) is designed both to mechanically fix or to release the bowstring (8) in / from a triggering device (19) connected to the shaft (3) as well as to activate or deactivate the drive device (7), wherein the safety device (15b), in a deactivation position (S1) of the safety element (15), deactivates the drive device (7), in a safety position (S2) of the safety element (15) activates the drive device (7) and fixes the bowstring (8), and in a release position (S3) of the safety element (15), activates the drive device (7) and releases the bowstring (8) for firing a shot.
13. The tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that for energy supply the drive device (7) comprises an integrated or replaceable compressed-air container (16) or store for electrical energy (17) as a shoulder support (18).
14. A crossbow (2) with a shaft (3) extending in shooting direction for receiving a projectile (G), in particular an arrow (G1) or a roundball (R), and with two limbs (4) rotatably or pivotally connected to the shaft (3), to which limbs (4) a bowstring (8) provided for engaging in the projectile (G) is attached, characterised in that a tensioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged on the shaft (3).
15. The crossbow (2) according to claim 14, characterised in that a magazine (22) for projectiles (G) is arranged on the shaft (3).

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