EP3835706B1 - Adapter for mounting an accessory to a firearm - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an adapter for mounting an accessory on a firearm, for example an assault rifle, which has a casing for the barrel (handguard) and in particular the mounting of this accessory on the firearm, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 and those discussed further below US 2019/072354 A1 . In particular, the shielding or covering of a silencer, a muzzle brake, or a flash hider, etc. should be mentioned as an accessory, just as various lighting devices, sighting devices and the like can also be understood as an accessory. The invention further relates to a casing for the barrel of a firearm according to the preamble of claim 10 and an accessory according to the preamble of claim 11.

Contemporary assault rifles can have a high fire rate of several hundred rounds per minute when used. The dissipation of heat is a central issue here, which has been solved in the prior art by numerous different casings on the barrel. In the prior art, for example, the front stocks of AR-15 rifles are often designed as perforated, usually two-part, “handguards”. These are arranged at a distance from the barrel, protect against direct contact with the warm barrel and at the same time allow air to reach it for cooling. Devices for blocking the heat transport to the outside or various covers, often directly attached to the silencer, are also known for silencers.

When accessories are mounted on the barrel, two problems arise: firstly, every attachment of an accessory to the end of the barrel increases the problem of heat dissipation from the barrel, since gas can no longer escape unhindered into the environment at the end of the barrel, which leads to rapid and severe heating of the accessory leads. Particularly with silencers, whose principle of operation is to reduce the speed of the emerging combustion gases below the speed of sound, it is difficult to dissipate the energy converted into heat; this also applies to the other muzzle attachments to a slightly reduced extent. Subsequently is usually referred to as a silencer, but this only serves as an example to explain the connection of an accessory as simply as possible.

In order, for example, to cover a silencer from the outside, on the one hand to protect the user, and on the other hand so that an opponent does not recognize the so-called "thermal signature" after one or at least several shots and can initiate countermeasures, the silencer is preferably thermally shielded from the environment. In the prior art, such covers are often attached directly to the silencer and are known as “suppressor covers”. Such a cover, which is attached directly to a silencer, a muzzle brake, or the like, increases the mass and weight acting on the coupling point with the barrel, which affects the precision of the weapon and also its mechanical stress.

From the US 2019/072354 A1 A tubular adapter is known that can be attached to the mounting rail of a weapon and surrounds the barrel at a radial distance and to which a silencer can be mounted, even if a muzzle attachment is mounted on the end of the barrel, which usually prevents this. The accuracy and mechanical strength of the adapter and its assembly are sufficient for this special application, but not for other of the accessories mentioned above.

From the US 2013/0133976 A1 It is known to place a silencer on a suitably designed ring on the weapon using a bayonet lock, despite the special design of the radial extensions and the circumferential grooves, it is not securely fastened due to the dynamic load and is in no way suitable for mounting the accessories mentioned at the beginning.

The US 9,658,010 B1 discloses a heat shield for a long weapon, in which various areas that deviate from the circular cylindrical shape are provided to improve air circulation to increase the cooling effect. Guides on the shield and complementary guides on the weapon are provided for assembly.

It is the object of the invention to improve the connection (assembly) of accessories, such as shields for silencers, muzzle brakes and flash hiders (also used in German language, and is otherwise known as a "muzzle flash suppressor"), or also lights and other accessories on the weapon. As already stated, in the prior art these components are usually attached directly to the front of the barrel, to its muzzle. It is a further object of the invention to enable improved support and/or retention of a heat shield surrounding the barrel.

According to the invention, the improved mounting of an accessory can be achieved by the features of an adapter for mounting an accessory on a casing of a barrel listed in claim 1. Furthermore, a casing according to the invention is defined by the characterizing features of claim 10 and an accessory according to the invention is defined by the characterizing features of claim 11.

A central feature is an adapter for connecting (any) accessory to the handguard, the casing of the barrel. This adapter is both geometrically adapted to the casing compared to the weapon and can also be geometrically adapted and coupled to the accessories. The coupling connection between the adapter and the accessory is preferably designed as a bayonet connection and can have an additional securing means, such as one or more push buttons. The geometry of the weapon is dictated by the existing casing and does not require any detailed explanation.

In the context of this invention, we simply speak of a casing, which includes a handguard and various other components, such as a barrel and/or handguard clamp. Often the term fore-end is used in simple terms, which is also a synonym for the casing.

In light of the invention, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art to integrate the proposed adapter solution, if necessary, with the coupling connection into a specially designed sheath or a correspondingly adapted handguard.

For example, in one embodiment the bayonet connection could also be formed directly on the casing of the barrel, thereby further improving the mechanical stability, in accordance with the features of claim 10. Finally, the design of an accessory in accordance with the features of claim 11 is also the content of the invention.

In order to make it easier for those skilled in the art to use the invention in practice, the English expressions - where known - are mentioned in "inverted commas" and also explained in the list of reference symbols, whereby the terms are to be considered equivalent.

• die Fig. 1a eine erfindungsgemäß ausgestattete Waffe in Seitenansicht,
• die Fig. 1b ein Zubehörteil an einer Ummantelung in perspektivischer Ansicht,
• die Fig. 2 die Teile der Fig. 1a in Explosionsdarstellung,
• die Fig. 3 ein Detail in vergrößertem Maßstab,
• die Fig. 4 einen Adapter in perspektivischer Explosionsdarstellung,
• die Figs. 5a,b Schnitte durch die Laufachse im Montagebereich in unterschiedlichem Maßstab und
• die Figs. 6a,b Schnitte normal zur Laufachse entlang der Linie VI-VI in unterschiedlicher Verriegelungsposition.

The invention is explained in more detail in the drawing. This shows or shows

• the Fig. 1a a side view of a weapon equipped according to the invention,
• the Fig. 1b an accessory on a casing in a perspective view,
• the Fig. 2 the parts of the Fig. 1a in exploded view,
• the Fig. 3 a detail on an enlarged scale,
• the Fig. 4 an adapter in a perspective exploded view,
• the Figs. 5a,b Sections through the barrel axis in the assembly area at different scales and
• the Figs. 6a,b Cuts normal to the barrel axis along line VI-VI in different locking positions.

The Fig. 1a shows an overview of a weapon equipped according to the invention in a side view, with a casing ("handguard assembly") 20, a housing ("receiver") 12, a stock ("stock") 13, a handle ("grip") 14 and one according to the invention Accessory 40 attached to the casing 20, hereinafter mostly just referred to as “accessory”.

The selected representation example of the accessory 40 is based on a shielding of a silencer and is deliberately shown in a very simplified manner. The transfer of the coupling according to the invention of an accessory 40, such as lamps, sighting devices, or other accessories, can be carried out mutatis mutandis by a person skilled in the art in the light of the disclosure. For this reason, the accessory 40 is shown as a simple cylinder without any further design features; the necessary details are only given in the assembly area. This is due to the fact that, apart from these features relevant to the attachment, the design of the accessory 40 is not essential to the invention.

In Fig. 1b is a schematic oblique view of an adapted accessory 40 on the casing 20 shown. In this view, the coupling of the accessory by means of a sliding and rotating connection in the manner of a "bayonet lock" can be seen, which is formed by bayonet extensions 341 and correspondingly shaped bayonet grooves 441 of the accessory 40.

Furthermore is in Fig. 1b a preferred embodiment is indicated, in which a spring-loaded push button 310 engages in corresponding holes 425 in the radial direction outwards to secure against unintentional rotation of the accessory 40.

Furthermore, in Fig. 1b a particularly preferred embodiment in conjunction with Figs. 3 , 4 and 6 can be recognized, after which the adapter 30 on the front section 34 at least one, preferably in the circumferential direction on the at least has an adapter opening 344 adjacent to a bayonet extension 341. This creates, among other things, additional ventilation openings in the coupling area.

The accessory 40 has several L-shaped bayonet recesses 430 which extend from the weapon-facing edge of the accessory 40. The bayonet recesses 430 can in principle also be curved. This embodiment is not shown, although the person skilled in the art can easily understand that a tensioning in the direction of the adapter 30 can be carried out by means of an arcuate design through the twisting movement of the accessory 40.

In the preferred embodiment, the at least one bayonet groove 430 has an L-shape with a first leg, which extends from the edge of the weapon-side end parallel to the barrel axis 140, and a second leg, which is then designed to run in the circumferential direction.

In Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the in Fig. 1b components shown can be seen. In principle, these can also be designed in one piece on the handguard 20 to form the forend, whereby the Fig. 2 gives an example of several components forming the casing 20.

In addition to the above-mentioned Handguard 210 or the sheath 20 is in Fig.2 a heat shield 220 is shown, which is intended for inclusion within the handguard 210. Heat shield guide extensions 230 can be seen on the side of this heat shield 220, which serve for guidance or storage in the handguard 210. Upon closer inspection of this illustration, several guides 231 can be seen on the inside of the handguard 210. The heat shield 220 can be inserted along these guides 231 and is guided using the guide extensions 230 and held at a defined distance from the barrel 10 or the handguard 210, as shown in a synopsis with Figs. 3 and 5 is particularly clear and will be explained further below. These guides 231 can be designed as grooves or as functionally identical protruding double strips to form a corresponding system and guide for the guide extensions 230.

Furthermore, there are Fig. 2 a variety of screws 332 are shown, which serve to fasten the adapter 30 in the area of the rear section 32 on the handguard 210.

In a preferred embodiment, the handguard 210 has a "right-hand thread" when viewed from the outside and the screws 332 are designed as a type of countersunk screws with a tool holder, e.g. hexagon socket or Torx, in the shaft. In this way, the screws 332 can be screwed from the inside of the adapter 30 in the radial direction in the area of the rear section 32 to the handguard 210, penetrating outwards, by moving a screwdriver from the outside to the "left" and thus moving the adapter 30 in the area of its support surface 333 pulls “outside” to the Handguard 210. This method of "upside down screws" offers the advantage that no screw heads are on the outside and the outer contour of the Handguard 210 remains unaffected. In addition, this is a relatively loss-proof way of attaching the screws.

How out Fig.3 , which shows the adapter 30, mounted on the casing 20, obliquely from the front, the adapter 30 preferably has a generally annular or generally tubular design, depending on the point of view. The front section 34 is essentially annular for attaching the accessories 40, while the shape of the rear section 32 is modeled on the inner contour of the handguard 210 to be contacted, as shown in conjunction with Fig. 4 becomes clear. When considering the Fig. 4 It quickly became clear that the formation of extensions protruding from the front section 34 on the weapon side would be sufficient to ensure a good connection to the Handguard 210.

The Fig. 4 shows that the rear section 32 has smaller dimensions in the radial direction 323 starting from the barrel axis 140 to the support surfaces 333, which in the assembled state lie flat on complementary inner surfaces of the handguard 210.

The radial dimensions 323, 343 can also be approximately the same, or in special cases even the rear radial distance 323 to the support surface 333 can be smaller than the front radial distance 343 to the coupling surface 342. Due to the shape of the handguard 210 and accessories 40, it is left to the person skilled in the art to decide optimal coordination of the dimensions with knowledge of the present invention.

In the examples shown, the preferred, stepped design of the adapter 30 is shown, with the distance in the radial direction 343 to the coupling surface 342 being larger in the front section 34 than in the rear section 32. This will be very good when viewed together Fig. 3 clear and enables the outer contour of the entire weapon in the front area, i.e. the accessory 40 and the handguard assembly 20 (=sheath), to be essentially aligned, at least on the top. This has the great advantage that a sighting device, optical/thermal aiming devices, and the like do not protrude beyond the line of sight of the upper edge of the weapon. Another advantage of the stepped design of the adapter 30 is that when the adapter 30 is mounted on the handguard 210, the in Fig. 4 clearly visible side dowel pin holes 316 are covered and thus unwanted loosening during use can be avoided.

In general, the coupling surface 342 has the shape of sections of lateral surfaces of at least one circular cylinder with the running axis 140 as the center of the circle and, when the accessory 40 is mounted, is in flat contact with at least one inner surface of the accessory 40, designed as a counter-coupling surface 442. Surface contact or surface contact is to be seen and understood technically and not mathematically.

The accessory 40 and the adapter 30 have a bayonet lock known per se in the area of the coupling or counter-coupling surfaces 342, 442, such as in particular Fig. 2 shows well. In this way, the accessory 40 can simply be plugged onto the adapter 30 and rotated without the muzzle attachment 111 ( Fig. 5a ), in the exemplary embodiment shown, a silencer touches it. Of course, it is possible to provide supports if desired.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plurality of adapter openings 344 are formed on the front section 34 of the adapter 30, which are arranged in the running direction 140 and/or circumferential direction in such a way that when the accessory 40 is coupled - that is, in the closed state of the bayonet lock - at least part of the bayonet groove 441 is included the adapter openings 344 are arranged one above the other. This circumstance can be in Fig. 1b , as in Fig. 6 can be recognized very well and serves to improve ventilation of the paddock area. As explained below, improved ventilation of the accessory is also possible.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred to arrange at least two adapter openings 344, each of which is formed at an angle of at least 15° to an imaginary upward vertical direction. Several adapter openings 344 can also be formed over the circumference, especially on the underside for better air supply, although the upper area - when the firearm is held horizontally - should not be penetrated by an adapter opening 344. This arrangement of the adapter openings 344 is suitable for minimizing the so-called "mirage effect", i.e. the turbulence of hot air, which can be disadvantageous when looking through a sighting device.

The assembly is preferably fixed, as shown, by means of at least one, preferably two, spring-loaded push buttons 310. These are biased outwards in the radial direction by means of at least one spring 311 and can snap into locking holes 425 in the accessory 40 when the bayonet lock is engaged and twisted the bayonet extensions 341 are completed in the bayonet grooves 441. By manually pressing the push buttons 310, the lock is released and the accessories 40 can be easily removed by twisting and pulling them off the casing 20 or the adapter 30.

How out Fig. 4 As can be seen, two springs 311 located in spring bores can also be provided per push button 310, between which (in the assembled state) a slot 312 aligned parallel to the barrel axis is arranged. This slot is elongated in the radial direction (relative to the barrel core axis), and a pin projects into it, preferably a dowel pin 315, through which the radial Mobility of the push button 310 is limited on both sides. In this way, the radial deflection of the push button 310 can be carried out within limits and the accessories 40 can be dismantled/assembled without tools.

The adapter 30 is attached to the casing 20 in accordance with the specifications of the existing casing, but in any case preferably in the engagement area of the support surface(s) 333 by means of screws 332. These pass through the screw holes 331, as previously with reference to the description of Fig. 2 explained, and together with the support surfaces 333 create a mechanically reliable connection of the two components. Guides 330 are provided for an optionally usable heat shield 220, this will be explained further beforehand.

In this way according to the invention, the problems of the prior art are solved because all forces and moments that act on the accessory 40 or occur through the accessory 40 (mass forces) do not affect the barrel 10, but directly on the casing 20 ( "Handguard assembly").

Another very positive effect of this assembly according to the invention is shown in summary Figs. 5 and 6 Clearly visible: Due to the annular and step-shaped design of the adapter 30, it is possible for air to flow in from the outside through the handguard 210 and, essentially axially and/or radially penetrating the adapter 30, to be guided into or past the mouth attachment 111.

In Figs. 5a ,b For example, a silencer is shown as a muzzle attachment 111, which is installed directly on the muzzle 11. Therefore, a suppressor cover is shown as an accessory 40, which has a cover 410 which has a stop 421 at its front end. As a result, when the bayonet lock 341, 441 engages, an optionally provided filling 420, which can be, for example, an insulating mat made of fiberglass or the like, is tensioned against the adapter 30. An (air) gap 50 remains between the casing 410 or the filling 420, which allows a "draft of air" past the silencer. The measures presented allow more efficient cooling than in the prior art and delay the heating of the muffler cover or shield, thereby reducing the thermal signature.

In addition, the essentially tubular design of the adapter, as shown in summary Figs. 3 , 4 and 6 It becomes clear that the connection space 52 between the adapter 30 and the barrel 10 remains free. Furthermore, can from Fig. 5b It can be seen that the heated air is led to the heatshield 220 on the barrel 10 in the gap 51. By supplying air from “outside” through the handguard 210, heat build-up can be avoided in the connecting space 52, which leads to an increase in the cooling effect on the barrel 10 and delays heating of the handguard 210.

As explained above, the specified air supply can be supplemented by the function of any existing and optimally arranged adapter openings 344.

The Figs. 6a ,b show a cross section normal to the barrel axis 140 through the adapter 30 once, Fig. 6a , in the fixed position of the accessory 40 and once, Fig. 6b , after putting it on, but before turning or locking the bayonet catch 341, 441.

Taking into account the previous explanations, in particular the Fig. 2 , a particularly effective solution to the heat dissipation problem for the barrel 10 is achieved in one embodiment of the invention by the appropriate shape of the adapter 30.

In Fig. 3 the view is shown obliquely onto the adapter 30 attached to the casing 20. Inside the handguard 210 there is a heat shield 220 ("heatshield") arranged, which is in Fig. 2 is shown in the ready-to-insert state. As intended, this heat shield 220 only has a few intended contact points or lines in the form of guide extensions 230, which touch the casing 210 on the inside in guides 231 provided for this purpose. In this embodiment, the adapter 30 has the already mentioned separate heat shield guides 330 ( Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 ), which may accommodate the front (most) guide extensions 230. This means that when the adapter 30 is mounted on the casing (handguard) 210, the heat shield 220 is also aligned and positioned in all directions (running direction, axial direction) so that the barrel 1 is not touched, and that at Movement of the weapon reliably prevents the heat shield 220 from rattling in the casing 210.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown and described, but can be adapted and designed in various ways. In particular, it relates not only to an accessory 40 designed according to the invention, but also to the adapter 30 itself.

Within the scope of the invention, in addition to the adapter 30 designed according to the invention, there are also accessories 40 that match an adapter 30 designed in this way.

Finally, in the case of "new" weapons, the weapon-side part of the adapter 30 can be part of the handguard 210, so that it has the larger radius part of the adapter 30, including the bayonet lock, integrally formed at its front end. To put it simply, the adapter 30 can be omitted as a separate component, more precisely the rear section 32 is omitted, and the front section 34 of the adapter 30 is integrally formed on the handguard 210.

As explained above, in the manner according to the invention, both the mechanical stability of the connection of an accessory to the weapon, the precision of the weapon, as well as the heat dissipation on the barrel and/or a muzzle attachment can be improved, while still achieving a reduction in the thermal signature.

In the description and claims, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" and so on are used in the common form and with reference to the article in its usual position of use. This means that in a weapon the muzzle of the barrel is "front", the breech or slide is moved "back" by the explosion gases, etc.

It should also be pointed out that in the description and the claims information such as "lower area" of an object, the lower half and in particular the lower quarter of the total height means, "lowest area" means the lowest quarter and in particular an even smaller part; while "middle area" means the middle third of the total height (width - length). All of this information has its common meaning, applied to the intended position of the object under consideration.

In the description and claims, "substantially" means a deviation of up to 10% of the specified value, if physically possible, both downwards and upwards, otherwise only in the sensible direction, for degrees (angle and temperature) This means ± 10°.

The term: "combination" or "combinations" stands, unless otherwise stated, for all types of combinations, starting from two of the components in question up to a large number or all of such components; the term: "containing" also stands for "existing out of".

The features and variants specified in the individual embodiments and examples can be freely combined with those of the other examples and embodiments, that is, without the other features of the respective example, and in particular for identifying the invention in the claims without necessarily including the other features/details respective embodiment or the respective example can be used List of reference symbols: 10 barrel 30 adapter 11 muzzle 310 push button 12 Housing (receiver) 311 spring 13 shaft (butt stock) 312 Slot (groove / slot) 14 grip 313 push surface 111 Muzzle attachment 314 Locking area 120 cartridge chamber ( 315 Locking pin 130 Gas block (gas block) 316 Locking pin hole 140 barrel axis 32 rear section 320 Recess for push button (button recess) 20 Sheathing, entire (handguard assembly) 323 Rear radial distance 210 Handguard (handguard) 330 Heat shield guide 220 heat shield 331 Screw holes towards handguard 230 Heat shield guide extension 332 screws 231 leadership 333 Contact surface towards handguard 240 Ventilation openings 34 front section 341 Bayonet extension (bayonet lock) 342 coupling surface 40 accessory 343 Front radial distance 410 cover 344 Adapter opening 420 filling 421 stop (stop) 50 gap 425 Locking hole (button hole) 51 spacing 441 Bayonet notch 52 connection chamber 442 counter coupling surface

Claims (12)

1. Adapter (30) for mounting an accessory part (40) on a sheath (20) of a barrel of an, in particular, automatic firearm, comprising a barrel axis (140), whereby

   - the adapter (30) is substantially annular or tubular in shape, and

   - comprises at least two portions (32, 34) that may be arranged adjacently along the barrel axis (140),

   - a rear portion (32) being formed, on the weapon side, so as to be geometrically complementary to the front end of the sheath (20), at least in part, and preferably such that it can be fastened thereto by means of screws (332),

   - and a front portion (34) comprising a circle-cylindrical coupling surface (342) on the outside thereof, for coupling of the accessory part (40),
   characterized in that

   - at least one bayonet extension (341) being provided on the coupling surface (342) so as to project radially outwards, and in that

   - at least one, preferably two, spring-loaded push button(s) (310), which are diametrically opposing with respect to the barrel bore axis (140), is/are provided on the coupling surface (342).
2. Adapter (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear portion (32) is designed so as to be radially stepped from the front portion (34).
3. Adapter (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rear portion (32) has smaller radial dimensions than the front portion (34).
4. Adapter (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear portion (32) comprises at least two holes (331) for receiving the screwing of screws (332) in the handguard (210) of the sheath (20).
5. Adapter (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that two heat shield guides (330) for receiving heat shield guide extensions (230) of a heat shield (220) are formed on the rear portion (32).
6. Adapter (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess for a push button (310) is provided on the coupling surface (342), which recess is penetrated by a clamping pin hole (316) that is oriented so as to be in parallel with the barrel axis (140).
7. Adapter (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one push button (310) comprises a slot (312) for inserting a pin (315).
8. Adapter (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front portion (34) comprises at least one adapter opening (344) which is preferably adjacent to the at least one bayonet extension (341) in the peripheral direction.
9. Adapter (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least two adapter openings (344) are each formed so as to be at at least 15° with respect to an imagined line extending upwards in the vertical direction.
10. Sheath (20) of the barrel (10) for a firearm, the sheath comprising a hand guard and a front portion (34) is integrally formed on the hand guard (210),
    characterized in that

    - the front portion (34) has formed a circle-cylindrical coupling surface (342) on its outside for coupling an accessory part (40)

    - a bayonet extension (341) which projects radially outward is provided on the coupling surface (342) and

    - at least one preferably two, spring-loaded push button(s) (310), which are diametrically opposing with respect to the barrel bore axis (140), is/are provided on the coupling surface (342).
11. Accessory part (40), in particular shield of a silencer, whereby a shroud (410) is formed on its end region directed to the weapon to be coupled to an adapter (30) according to any of the claims 1 to 9 or to a sheath (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that in that a circular cylindrical counter-coupling surface (442) for coupling to the coupling surface (342) of the adapter (30) or the sheath (20) is formed, which counter-coupling surface comprises at least one, preferably L-shaped, bayonet notch (441) and in that at least one, preferably two, locking hole(s) (425) corresponding to the at least one push button (310) is/are formed.
12. Accessory part (40) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one bayonet notch (441) comprises a first limb which extends in parallel with the barrel axis (140), proceeding from the edge of the end on the weapon side, and a second limb which is designed so as to extend in the peripheral direction, following said first limb.

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