EP3489613B1 - Noise reducing device for a firearm - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a noise / sound reducing or moderating device, also referred to as a silencer, intended to be associated with a firearm, and in particular relates to a system for the flow and exhaust of gases in such a device.

The invention will be more particularly described with regard to semi-automatic or automatic firearms, without however being limited thereto.

A silencer makes it possible, by being mounted at the end of a firearm, to reduce the sounds produced by the weapon and to reduce its recoil, by ensuring the relaxation of the gases used for the projection of the projectile.

A silencer is generally formed of a cylindrical body, one end of which is adaptable to the muzzle of the barrel of the weapon, the interior of the body constituting a gas decompression chamber and being provided with baffles slowing the flow of the gases while at the same time leaving a passage for the exit of the projectile.

• une dégradation des matériaux constitutifs du silencieux ;
• une augmentation de la pression appliquée sur les parties mobiles de l'arme (culasse et chargeur) ;
• une remontée des gaz vers la culasse de l'arme ;
• une dégradation du silencieux qui peut être irréversible ;
• un encrassement des parties mobiles de l'arme conduisant à des dysfonctionnements tels que l'enrayage de la culasse alors même que le chargeur poursuit son cycle de réarmement en munitions, ce qui constitue un risque notable pour l'utilisateur.

Due to the rate of fire relative to automatic weapons, the silencers are subject to a high risk of overpressure by accumulation of gases and a significant rise in temperature. However, these two phenomena induce several drawbacks such as:

• degradation of the constituent materials of the silencer;
• an increase in the pressure applied to the moving parts of the weapon (breech and magazine);
• a rise of gas towards the breech of the weapon;
• degradation of the silencer which may be irreversible;
• fouling of the moving parts of the weapon leading to malfunctions such as the engagement of the bolt even when the magazine continues its ammunition rearming cycle, which constitutes a significant risk for the user.

To overcome these drawbacks, certain silencers have their cylindrical wall provided with one or more closable exhaust ports which open in the event of overpressure detected and / or too high temperature.

the opening of which is commanded when a temperature threshold value is reached. The means implemented in this patent provide a significant reduction in overpressures.

Nevertheless, it is always desirable to further improve the performance of a silencer, in particular with regard to its primary function relating to the reduction in the sound volume produced by the detonations of a weapon.

Moreover, the patent FR2407451 offers a sound moderator for firearms, which is however very tedious to implement because it includes at least three parts to be mounted on the barrel of the weapon with multiple connecting rings, which does not simplify its manufacture either.

Also, the object of the invention according to claim 1 is to provide a noise reduction device which further contributes to better noise reduction, and advantageously very greatly reduces or even eliminates the blast effect, usually referred to as " blast ”, and greatly contributes to reducing the recoil of the weapon, while being relatively simple to manufacture.

Consequently, in the position of use of the device of the invention, the gases coming from the weapon enter the combustion chamber and separate into several streams, a main stream propagating in the central part and at least one stream. secondary being introduced into an annular cylindrical casing which may include several longitudinal gas flow chambers; the secondary flow (s) also being slowed down in their progression from upstream to downstream.

Thus, the separation of the gases from the combustion chamber provides one or more secondary flows enveloping the main flow via a longitudinal partitioning, and the means for distributing and slowing the flow of gases which also make it possible to slow down the secondary flows, generate according to the invention a significant reduction in noise and blast during firing and exit of the projectile; the recoil of the weapon is also reduced.

In the remainder of the description, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are understood to mean elements of the device within the framework of the normal use of the device with a firearm, the upstream being located on the side. of the weapon while the downstream corresponds to the opposite, part from which the projectile comes out.

In the remainder of the description, the means for distributing (or deflecting) and slowing the flow of the gases are sometimes referred to as distribution means or distribution system.

The elements of the device of the invention are made of a metallic material resistant to high temperatures and to corrosion.

According to one characteristic, the distribution and slowing means comprise a gas separation element / part which communicates with the expansion chamber and is downstream of said expansion chamber, and slowing elements arranged around the part. central (on all or part of the periphery of the external surface of the central part), along the volume delimited by the external surface of the central part and of an envelope distant from the central part.

The distribution and slowing down means make it possible to slow down the flow of the gases from the secondary flows, providing gases in contact with the wall / the metallic partitioning of the central part, which are less hot than the gases of said central part.

The distribution and deceleration means arranged around the central part comprise an outer casing at a distance from the central part (this casing with the outer surface of the central part providing a volume in which the secondary flows circulate), this casing having a peripheral wall cylindrical which is solid or includes one or more air intake vents from outside the device. The variant embodiment with the air intake vents in the outer casing provides an entry of relatively cool air compared to the gases from the secondary flows, and the outside air drawn in by the moving secondary flows increases the volume of 'stirred air; the partitioning effect with the hot flow from the central part is thus increased. In addition, this addition of fresh air will drop the thermal signature of the silent device, and therefore its infrared radiation.

In one embodiment, the distribution and deceleration means comprise upstream and communicating with the expansion chamber, a distribution ring (forming an element / a gas separation part) whose wall is provided with at least an orifice, in particular a plurality of orifices, preferably the wall being inclined converging from upstream to downstream. In a preferred embodiment, the crown comprises a plurality of orifices distributed homogeneously around the periphery of the periphery, with a diameter which may or may not be identical. As a variant, the crown could include, as an orifice, a continuous peripheral opening / groove.

According to another characteristic, the means for distributing and slowing the flow of gases have a cylindrical body in which the central part is arranged, and an outer envelope at a distance from the body delimiting an annular cylindrical volume, in particular the volume being shared by comprising at least two distinct chambers called slowing chambers or secondary chambers of gas flows and in each of which is intended to pass a secondary flow.

Advantageously, the means for distributing and slowing the flow of gases comprise a plurality of flow slowing elements, in particular in the form of baffles arranged in staggered rows, in particular the distribution and slowing means comprising at least one chamber, preferably two. slowing chambers each comprising flow slowing elements.

These retarding elements comprise solid partitions, preferably such as flanges, which are arranged adjacent and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the device and extend (radially) in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. , while being partially open to provide a succession of openings or access passages (preferably each partition having a single passage), two consecutive access passages of two respective partitions being axially offset, in particular being diametrically opposites.

These slowing elements require the secondary flow (s) to be deflected orthogonally to their direction of entry into the slowing chamber or chambers, the initial direction of entry being that of the device's longitudinal direction. The secondary flow (s) are forced to circulate in the deceleration chambers in a sinuous path and in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The flows abut against each of the partitions and run along them orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the device to reach the successive access passages, the paths along two successive partitions extending in two opposite directions by making a U-turn at each passage of access. The configuration and arrangement of these elements make it possible to maximize the slowing down of the secondary flow (s), which in the end provides a consequent reduction in noise.

According to yet another characteristic, the distribution and deceleration means comprise at least one chamber, preferably two (longitudinal) chambers each having, upstream, at least one passageway upstream of a flow of gas (coming from the upstream of the device), and downstream, at least one output lumen intended to convey at least one flow to the outside. The upstream passage openings and the outlet openings are arranged in planes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device.

Preferably, the orifices of the distribution ring which is arranged at the inlet of the distribution means and communicating with the expansion chamber, are axially offset with respect to the aforementioned upstream passage opening (s).

Advantageously, the means for distributing and slowing the flow of gases comprise at the distal, downstream end, an end piece comprising a plurality of exhaust holes (in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device) opening onto the outside. , preferably the exhaust holes being axially offset with respect to one or more exit openings of the slowdown chamber or chambers.

According to an advantageous characteristic in an alternative embodiment, the distribution and deceleration means comprise, preferably downstream, at least one closable vent capable of communicating with the interior of the central part, said vent being closed by means of 'movable sealing, such as at least one bimetallic strip provided with a needle cooperating in the rest position with the vent, the bimetallic strip being deformable in response to a detected temperature rise, causing the opening of the vent.

Thus, the means for distributing and slowing down the device of the invention provide a sheathing phenomenon of the particularly hot main flow, by one or more cooler and slower secondary flows, providing the consequent reduction in noise and a reduction in the recoil of tear.

The whole of the evacuation of the main and secondary flows at the outlet of the device takes place parallel to the trajectory of the projectile, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

The crown with a limited number of orifices makes it possible to capture a flow of gas from the expansion chamber by starting its slowing down. The number, shape and dimension of the cross section of the orifices of the crown, of the passage and outlet ports of the secondary flows, the radial space separating the central part of the wall of the casing, and the volume of the chambers of slowdowns are adapted in particular according to the caliber of the weapon, the operating principle of the weapon, and the desired amount of secondary flow, with regard to the desired results of reduction in sound and visual signatures during firing.

The silencing device remains of standard size by having dimensions of the order of 15 to 20 cm long and less than 8 cm in diameter.

The invention also relates to a system comprising a firearm and a noise reduction device generated by the invention, said noise reducer being coupled to said firearm.

• La figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un dispositif réducteur de bruit selon l'invention couplé à la bouche d'un canon d'une arme à feu ;
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale du dispositif réducteur de bruit de l'invention ;
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée partielle du dispositif de la figure 1 montrant notamment le système de répartition et ralentissement des gaz ;
• La figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la partie centrale du dispositif dans laquelle est destinée à passer le projectile de l'arme, cette partie étant destinée à être logée dans le système de répartition et ralentissement ;
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale et axiale du dispositif des figures 1 et 3, montrant des moyens d'échappement obturables du système de répartition ;
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du dispositif et de dessus des figures 1 et 3 ;
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'une partie non visible du système de répartition de la figure 3 ;
• La figure 8 représente une vue en perspective de détail de la figure 3 d'un moyen d'échappement obturable.

The present invention is now described with the aid of examples which are only illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which:

• The figure 1 is a side view of a noise reduction device according to the invention coupled to the muzzle of a barrel of a firearm;
• The figure 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the noise reduction device of the invention;
• The figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the device of the figure 1 showing in particular the gas distribution and deceleration system;
• The figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the central part of the device through which the projectile of the weapon is intended to pass, this part being intended to be housed in the distribution and deceleration system;
• The figure 5 is a longitudinal and axial sectional view of the device of figures 1 and 3 , showing closable exhaust means of the distribution system;
• The figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device and from above of the figures 1 and 3 ;
• The figure 7 is a perspective view of an invisible part of the distribution system of the figure 3 ;
• The figure 8 shows a detailed perspective view of the figure 3 a closable exhaust means.

The noise reduction or silencer device 1 illustrated on figures 1 to 3 is intended to be coupled to the muzzle 1A of a barrel of a firearm.

The silencer 1 has a cylindrical general body with a longitudinal axis X.

• une entrée 10 qui coopère avec la bouche 1A de l'arme par exemple par vissage ou encliquetage,
• une chambre d'expansion 11 qui suit immédiatement l'entrée 10,
• une partie centrale 2 usuelle dotée de chicanes 20 (« baffle » en anglais) aboutées les unes aux autres et ménageant une conduite centrale et axiale 21 du silencieux dans laquelle est guidé le projectile tiré par l'arme et chemine un flux principal des gaz,
• un système de répartition/déviation et ralentissement 3 du flux des gaz de propulsion qui sont émis dans la chambre d'expansion 11, le système de répartition 3 communiquant avec la chambre d'expansion 11 et comportant un corps creux cylindrique 30 qui permet d'accueillir la partie centrale 2 communiquant elle aussi avec la chambre d'expansion, ledit système de répartition ayant pour rôle de créer au moins un flux secondaire distinct du flux principal cheminant dans la conduite axiale 21 de la partie centrale 2, ledit au moins un flux secondaire s'écoulant dans au moins un volume 3A qui est distinct de la partie centrale 2 et est ménagé autour de ladite partie centrale,
• une pièce terminale 12 qui forme la sortie du silencieux et permet de bloquer l'agencement du système de répartition 3 et la partie centrale 2.

Next to figures 1 to 7 , the silencer 1 comprises according to the invention from upstream to downstream:

• an inlet 10 which cooperates with the muzzle 1A of the weapon, for example by screwing or snapping,
• an expansion chamber 11 which immediately follows the inlet 10,
• a usual central part 2 provided with baffles 20 (“baffle” in English) abutting one another and forming a central and axial pipe 21 of the silencer in which the projectile fired by the weapon is guided and travels a main flow of gases,
• a distribution / deflection and slowing system 3 of the flow of the propellant gases which are emitted into the expansion chamber 11, the distribution system 3 communicating with the expansion chamber 11 and comprising a cylindrical hollow body 30 which makes it possible to receive the central part 2 also communicating with the expansion chamber, said distribution system having the role of creating at least one secondary flow distinct from the main flow passing through the axial pipe 21 of the central part 2, said at least one flow secondary flowing in at least one volume 3A which is distinct from the central part 2 and is arranged around said central part,
• an end piece 12 which forms the outlet of the silencer and makes it possible to block the arrangement of the distribution system 3 and the central part 2.

The expansion chamber 11 is hollow and cylindrical; it receives the propellant gases emitted during firing.

In the axial continuity of the expansion chamber 11, is arranged the central part 2 with the main pipe 21 through which is intended to pass the projectile and the main flow of gases. The baffles 20 constitute, in a known manner, decompression chambers which make it possible to slow down the gases of said main flow.

At the downstream end of the expansion chamber 11 and around the central part 2, is associated the gas flow distribution system 3.

The purpose of the gas flow distribution system 3 is to separate the gases from the expansion chamber 11 into several flows, on the one hand the main flow running through the central part 2 (illustrated by the arrows F1 in schematic figure 2 ), and on the other hand, at least one secondary stream flowing through said sharing system 3, in particular two secondary streams in the embodiment illustrated in the figures (represented by the arrows F2 and F3 on the figure 2 ). In addition, the distribution system 3 comprises flow slowing means 4 whose role is to slow down the secondary flow (s).

The distribution system 3 comprises a hollow casing 31 with a peripheral wall ( figures 2 and 3 ), in which are housed the various components of said distribution system detailed below.

The peripheral wall can be solid. As a variant as shown schematically on the figures 2, 3 and 6 , the wall 31 of the casing comprises one or more openings 31 'for admitting air from outside the device.

The distribution system 3 comprises in the example shown two secondary chambers 3A and 3B ( figures 5 and 6 ) separated and arranged around said central part 2.

In the non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated here, the sharing system 3 is designed to generate two separate secondary flows which pass respectively through the two semi-cylindrical secondary chambers 3A and 3B provided with the flow slowing means 4.

As a variant, the secondary flow could be unique by forming a cylindrical annular flow circulating in a cylindrical annular volume around the central part 2.

The flow distribution system 3 comprises, from upstream to downstream, a distribution ring 32 ( figures 3 and 7 ) provided with a plurality of orifices 32 ', a perforated upstream flange 33 which is provided with openings 33' the number of which is advantageously less than the number of orifices 32 'of the crown, the secondary chambers 3A and 3B which communicate with the openings 33 'and in which the flow slowing means 4 are arranged, and a downstream perforated flange 34 which is provided with outlet openings 34' which communicate with said secondary chambers 3A and 3B and open onto the outside of the silencer.

Next to the figure 7 , the distribution ring 32 is substantially frustoconical comprising an inclined wall 32 "converging towards the longitudinal axis X from upstream to downstream of the silencer. It has its upstream distal end 32A intended to be integrated into the chamber of expansion 11 and its downstream end 32B integral with the body 30. The orifices 32 'are distributed over the inclined periphery wall 32 "of the crown and open outwards to the body 30 and facing the upstream flange 33. The number of orifices 32' is by example between 5 and 10.

The upstream flange 33 is annular and integral with the external face of the body 30. It is arranged at a distance and facing the crown 32. In the example shown, the upstream flange 33 comprises two diametrically opposed slots 33 '. only one of which is visible on the figure 3 . The slots 33 'of the flange are offset relative to the axis of the orifices 32' of the crown 32.

The orifices 32 'of the crown make it possible to capture part of the gases from the expansion chamber 11 to generate the secondary flows. The solid surface of the flange 33 combined with the reduced number of openings 33 'makes it possible to slow down the secondary flows emerging from the orifices 32' then circulating between the volume delimited by the crown 32 and the flange 33, and passing through said openings 33 'to penetrate in the secondary chambers 3A and 3B.

The secondary chambers 3A and 3B extend parallel to the central part 2 and therefore to the baffles 20. They form two closed and distinct spaces in the manner of two partial shells in an arc of a circle, symmetrical with respect to the X axis, and delimited by the outer surface of the body 30, the casing 31 and the upstream 33 and downstream 34 flanges.

The secondary chambers 3A and 3B comprise the slowing means 4. The latter comprise sequential and spaced partitions 40 to 42 which are partially open, the individual openings (access passage for the flow) of two adjacent partitions not being opposite. The slowing means 4 thus form an alternation of baffles arranged in staggered rows forcing the secondary flow of each chamber to circulate in a sinuous path allowing a slowing down of the flow of gases within each chamber.

The downstream flange 34 is similar to the upstream flange and comprises two symmetrical openings 34 ′ through which the respective flows of the secondary chambers 3A and 3B escape. The number preferably limited to a single lumen 34 'per chamber still makes it possible to slow down the flow.

Preferably, at the downstream free end of the distribution system 3 and of the casing 31, following the downstream flange 34, an end piece 35 is placed, the main surface of which is arranged in a plane transverse to the X axis is perforated. , on the one hand in its center 35 'to allow the axial passage to the main flow escaping from the last baffle 20 of the central part 2, and on the other hand in different places on the circular periphery of the main surface, by example according to four exhaust holes 35 "through which the gases of the secondary flows coming from the ports 34 'exit.

In an alternative embodiment, the silencer further comprises exhaust means, such as vents 36, which can be closed off (here two symmetrical vents in the exemplary embodiment) which are arranged in the body 30 to communicate with the interior of the the central part 2 and the secondary chambers 3A and 3B.

Preferably, the vents 36 are provided downstream of the secondary chambers 3A and 3B of the distribution system 3. With regard to the figures 5, 6 and 8 , each vent 36 communicates with a secondary chamber, for example tangentially to the outer peripheral surface of the body 30 between the last partition 42 and the downstream flange 34 via a passage 37.

The exhaust of the gases from the main flow from the central part 2 to the vents 36 is for example via an annular ring 22 ( figures 4 to 6 ) provided with a plurality of orifices 23 on the whole of its periphery. The gases escape through the orifices 23 and follow the periphery of the ring until they meet the vents 36 of the body 30 of the distribution system 3, the vents being arranged in the same transverse plane as that of the ring.

The vents 36 are closed by movable closure means 5 which are implemented to open them in response to a detected rise in temperature. The closure means 5 are for example at least one bimetallic strip fixed at one of its ends to the distribution system 3 and provided at its opposite end with a needle 50 able to cooperate in the rest position with a vent 36 for the 'close. The deformation of the bimetallic strip causes the displacement of the needle 50 and consequently the opening of the vent. The deformation takes place at a set temperature, for example of the order of a hundred degrees. Thus, part of the main flow towards the outlet of the silencer escapes through the vents 36 to join the secondary flows, further participating in noise reduction.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiment illustrated, in particular with regard to the number and arrangement of the constituent elements of the distribution and retardation system. The invention relates to any device in which the system for distributing / deflecting and slowing down the gases and enveloping the central part, generate from the expansion chamber at least one secondary flow distinct from the main flow passing through the central part of the device, the secondary flow providing a sheathing of the main flow, and also being advantageously slowed down relative to the main flow.

Claims (11)

1. A noise-reducing device (1) comprising a gas-expansion chamber (11) and a cylindrical central part (2) communicating upstream with the expansion chamber and emerging downstream to the outside, means (3) for distributing and retarding the flow of gases from the expansion chamber (11), said means being arranged around the central part (2) while communicating with the expansion chamber (11) and emerging to the outside, and being intended to divert part of the gases from the expansion chamber in order to generate a main flow flowing in the central part and at least one secondary flow flowing in a separate space formed around the central part, said means (3) for distributing and retarding the flow of gases comprising at least one retardation chamber (3A, 3B), said at least one retardation chamber comprising retardation elements comprising sequential partitions (40) that are arranged adjacent and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the device and extending in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, the partitions being solid while being partially open in order to procure a succession of openings or access passages, two consecutive access passages of two respective partitions being axially offset, characterised in that the whole of the discharge of the main and secondary flows at the discharge from the device takes place parallel to the path of the projectile, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (3) for distributing and retarding the flow of the gases comprises a gas-separation element (32) that communicates with the expansion chamber and is downstream of said expansion chamber (11), and retardation elements (33', 4, 34') arranged around the central part (2).
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the distribution and retardation means (3) comprises, upstream and communicating with the expansion chamber (11), a distribution ring (32) the wall (32") of which is provided with at least one orifice, in particular with a plurality of orifices (32'), the wall (32") preferably being inclined convergent from upstream to downstream.
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distribution and retardation means (3) comprises an external envelope (31) at a distance from the central part, said envelope having a cylindrical peripheral wall that is solid or which comprises one or more slots (31') for admitting air coming from outside the device.
5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means (3) for distributing and retarding the flow of gases has a cylindrical body (30) wherein the central part (2) is arranged, and an external envelope (31) at a distance from the body (30) delimiting an annular cylindrical space, in particular the space being divided, comprising at least two separate chambers (3A, 3B) referred to as secondary chambers for the gas flows, and in each of which a secondary flow is intended to travel.
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distribution and retardation means (3) comprises a plurality of flow-retardation elements (4), in particular in the form of baffles arranged so as to be staggered, in particular the distribution and retardation means (3) comprising two retardation chambers (3A, 3B) each comprising flow-retardation elements (4).
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distribution and retardation means (3) comprises at least one chamber, preferably two chambers (3A, 3B) each having, upstream, at least one aperture (33') for the passage of a gas flow and, downstream, at least one outlet aperture (34') intended to convey at least one flow to the outside.
8. A device according to claims 3 and 7, characterised in that the orifices (32') in the distribution ring (32) are axially offset with respect to the upstream passage aperture or apertures (33').
9. A device according to either one of claims 6 to 7, characterised in that the means (3) for distribution and retardation of the gas flow comprises, at the downstream distal end, an end piece (35) comprising a plurality of exhaust holes (35") emerging on the outside, the exhaust holes (35") preferably being axially offset with respect to one or more outlet apertures of the retardation chamber or chambers (3A, 3B) .
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distribution and retardation means (3) comprises, preferably towards the downstream end, at least one closable vent (36) able to communicate with the inside of the central part (2), said vent (36) being closed by movable closure means (5), such as at least one bimetallic part provided with a pin (60) cooperating with the vent, the bimetallic part being deformable in response to a detected temperature rise.
11. A system comprising a firearm and a noise-reducing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said noise reducer (1) being coupled to said firearm.

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