GB190818843A - Improvements in the Breech Mechanism of Automatic and similar Guns of Small Calibre. - Google Patents

Abstract

18,843. Vickers, A., [Deutsche Waffen und Munitions-Fabriken]. Sept. 8. Machine-guns; ordnance breech mechanism.- Relates to automatic guns of the Maxim type, and consists in combining a vertically-sliding breechblock with the usual longitudinally-moving frame that supports the cartridge-carrier. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section and Fig. 4 a transverse section through the breech-casing. The breech-block h is lowered during recoil owing to the engagement of a fixed stop k with a projection i on a lever f, which lever is carried on a spring-controlled shaft g, and engages with a slot l in the breech-block h. The block is held in the open position by a spring- catch m. Attached to the gun barrel is an arm 1 which during the recoil operates through a pivoted three-armed lever p, o, q to withdraw the frame s in which the vertically-moving cartridge-carrier v is mounted, this carrier having a horn w engaging with a fixed cam x which serves to lower the cartridge into line with the breech when the frame s moves forwards. The cartridge being then thrust into the gun, one of the claws 8 holding the cartridge engages with the catch m, and the breechblock h rises, carrying with it the cartridge-carrier v and causing the claws 8 to engage with the rim of a new cartridge in the feed-box 5. When the breech is opened by hand, a catch 9 prevents the cartridge-carrier v from falling.