WO2006029784A1

WO2006029784A1 - Method and device for non-lethally affecting individuals

Info

Publication number: WO2006029784A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/009756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Thiel; Norbert Eisenreich; Heimo Eckardt; Bernhard Rieger
Original assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2005-09-10
Publication date: 2006-03-23
Also published as: DE102004044237A1; DE102004044237A8

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for non-lethally affecting at least one targeted individual, according to which an effective element is fired by means of a shooting device at a controllable kinetic energy that depends on an effective distance from the targeted individual. The inventive method is characterized in that a propellant comprising a caloric content which is adapted for adjusting the desired kinetic energy is first provided in the shooting device to fire the effective element at a controllable kinetic energy that depends on an effective distance from the targeted individual, thus ensuring that the targeted individual is not lethally affected across the entire effective range of a device which is equipped for carrying out the inventive method.

Description

Method and apparatus of non-lethal exposure

people

The invention relates to a method for non-lethal Ein¬ acting on at least one target person, wherein an active body is fired by a launching device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for non-lethal exposure to at least one target person.

Nowadays, security forces rely on persons, for example in order to stop them, to intensify so-called non-lethal agents in order not to be harmed by other possible causes of death or serious injury. Subsequent damages to be confronted with the possible escalation of a crisis situation. In particular in the context of peacekeeping military missions as well as politically motivated extermination or the like, the use of so-called launcher (launcher) with which non-local active bodies, which are referred to as "active bodies", is appropriate relatively short distances in the range of 0 to 70 m on pronounced ballistic trajectories for targeted Einwir¬ effect on persons such as violent offenders, agitators or the like, can be used.

DE 199 25 864 C1 describes a launcher of conventional type for attachment under the barrel of a rifle and for firing a cartridge. In such projectors, the kinetic energy of a shot active body is distance-dependent, i. directly at the mouth, the active body has a maximum kinetic energy, which has the consequence that a le¬ tal effect of the active body is possible with a very short target distance; on the other hand, with greater difference, the kinetic energy of the active body has decreased so much that practically there is no longer any possibility of influencing persons.

Conventional launchers, as known from DE 199 25 864 Cl, are also operated with factory-spun ammunition, as it is known for example from DE 197 38 937 C2. Such ammunition does not allow deployment-related approximation of kinetic energy in terms of target and distance. Previously known lethal launchers, such as mortars, howitzers or the like, allow gradual removal of distance (by changing the discharge angle), but the adjustment possibilities are several orders of magnitude above the non-lethal range of interest. Furthermore, the charging process in such devices also does not allow any adaptation of the kinetic energy, which is not at all desirable due to the intended lethal effect.

What is needed, therefore, is a possibility of a targeted effect on a target person, in which he has all sorts of possibilities Effective removals a non-lethal kinetic energy of the shot active body is given.

The invention has for its object to provide a method or a device of the type mentioned, with or in a simple and secure way a defi¬ ned non-lethal exposure to target persons is possible.

The task is at a risk of the aforementioned

Art is solved in that for firing the active body with a controllable, dependent on an effective distance to the target person kinetic energy in the launcher initially a propellant with an adjusted for setting the desired kinetic energy content of energy is provided be¬.

According to the invention, therefore, only such an amount of energy is provided in the propellant in the launching device for the active body to act on a target person that the kinetic energy of the active body at the location of the target person does not exceed a certain non-lethal amount can. For this purpose, a device according to the invention for the non-lethal action on at least one target person has: an active body for acting on the target person; Providing means for providing a propellant for accelerating the active body; and a control unit in operative connection with at least the provisioning means for regulating an energy content of the propellant provided and for controlling a final kinetic energy of the active body depending on the distance to an object (X).

The above-mentioned energy content can be made available in different ways according to the invention: Firstly It can be provided that the energy content is provided by mechanical and / or fluidic clamping of a tensionable propellant, on the other hand that the energy content is provided by an adapted amount of an ignitable propellant, in both cases that the Energy content of the propellant after its provision is at least partially converted into kinetic energy. For example, the energy conversion can be done by igniting the propellant.

In a further development of the method according to the invention vor¬ seen that for providing the ignitable propellant, an ignitable gas or a gas mixture is introduced with at least one ignitable gas in the launching device, wherein the gas is preferably stored be¬ in liquid state and injected into the provision means. In this way, according to the invention, the blowing agent can be stored in a simple manner, for example in a gas bottle or cartridge, and can be easily and precisely metered for setting the desired energy content of the blowing agent or the kinetic energy.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the invention that air is supplied to the launcher for providing the propellant, so that it is possible to generate a highly flammable mixture with defined energy-related explosive properties.

In order to achieve more efficient working pressures, optionally a compression or charging process may be provided, i. the gas or gas mixture is compressed prior to ignition by applying a boost pressure.

As an alternative to the aforementioned gaseous propellants, the launcher may provide for the propellant and a particulate, energetic and ignitable material are supplied.

For safety reasons, according to the invention, an energy conversion of the propellant takes place only after a successful one

Adjusting the effective distance, which allows further influence on the kinetic energy of the active body. The ignition of the propellant is preferably carried out electrically.

According to a highly preferred development of the method according to the invention, it is provided that initially an energy content corresponding to a maximum effective distance is provided and that this is reduced in accordance with a determination of the distance to the target person.

This especially when providing chemical energy and converting it into kinetic energy. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that first of all a corresponding energy content is provided between a maximum and a minimum effective distance, and that this energy content is adjusted by further provision or reduction according to a determination of the distance to the target person. The latter is in particular mit¬ means of a propellant in the form of a spring, be it mechanical or pneumatic, provided potential

Energy makes sense. The energy conversion takes place after Ein¬ the Wirkentfernung. In this way, it is possible according to the invention to make a final exact adaptation of the energy content quickly depending on the situation and to adapt it flexibly to a changing hazardous situation, eg a rapid approach of the target person. In this case, the said partial effective distance preferably corresponds to substantially half the maximum effective distance of the launching device. The non-lethal launcher according to the invention creates the waf¬ fentechnische requirement that the target persons in non-lethal way can be acted upon. The degree of action on the target person also depends on the nature and properties of the active body used; ie the type of material, such as the hardness and the properties, such as the mass and shape.

On the one hand, the setting of the desired kinetic energy according to the invention can be carried out continuously as a function of the effective distance. In this way, each active distance can be assigned a precisely adapted, non-lethal kinetic energy. Alternatively, however, an embodiment of the method according to the invention is also possible in which the setting of the desired kinetic energy as a function of the effective distance is carried out discontinuously in energy intervals assigned in each case to a specific distance range. This simplifies the adaptation of the associated energy content, which may be advantageous, in particular when using discrete, particulate propellants, for example in tablet form, in each case: a specific number of tablets per er¬ required removal interval.

An extremely preferred development of the method according to the invention provides that the active body is accelerated directly by propellant gases generated when the propellant is ignited. Alternatively, however, according to a further refinement of the method according to the invention, it is possible for the active body to be accelerated in time after the ignition of the blowing agent until the generation of a certain energy yield by the propellant gases generated during the ignition. In the latter case, the acceleration of the active body can be delayed until after the ignition of the Propellant occurring explosion has reached a maximum Energieaus¬ booty for firing the active body.

Corresponding developments of the device according to the invention provide that the energy content can be regulated in accordance with a distance determining device cooperating with the control unit for a distance to the target person, wherein the control unit is preferably for regulating the energy content as a function of a kinetic Energy of the active body is formed at the location of the target person. In this way, according to the invention, as already mentioned, it is ensured that, if the target distance is correctly determined, no active body is shot down which has too high a kinetic energy at the site of the target and could develop a lethal effect.

A decisive component of the device according to the invention is accordingly the distance determination device, which is preferably designed for determining the optical distance and for this purpose has a laser module from a constructive point of view. In a robust, alternative embodiment, however, the distance determining device can also be designed as a folding rod visor.

According to the invention, a number of different blowing agents can be used to accelerate the active body. For example, it can be provided that the blowing agent has a substantially chemical energy content which can be converted into kinetic energy of the active body by ignition, at least indirectly under normal atmospheric conditions, insbesonde¬ re normal pressure, either liquid, gaseous or solid. If the launching of the active body is to take place according to the invention using a liquid-gas propellant, a preferred further development of the device according to the invention provides that the provision means comprise means for supplying a liquid-gas propellant, which can preferably be injected from these into the provision means , In this case, there is the option of injecting liquefied petroleum gas both volumetrically and via a timing element, ie directly after the amount injected, or alternatively metered into the delivery means over the duration of the injection. The latter have, in a preferred development of the device according to the invention, air supply means for producing a highly flammable gas-air mixture. _*

In order to achieve more efficient working pressures with a limited volume of the provisioning means, the device according to the invention in an extremely preferred embodiment has compression means for compressing the propellant in the provisioning means. In this case, an ignition of the propellant takes place according to the invention after the compacting process, in the case of the embodiment described above after the mixing-in process.

Alternatively, the device according to the invention can comprise delivery means for a particulate, energetic material.

On the other hand, an alternative blowing agent which can not be ignited is inventively characterized in that it has an energy content essentially given by mechanical and / or fluidic tension, which can be converted into kinetic energy of the active body by relaxing at least indirectly. In this case, the blowing agent may entwe¬ as tensionable gas volume or as a spring means, for example as a spiral, leaf spring, or as a spring with degressive Fe-. As disclosed in DE 102 28 166 A1, the disclosure content is expressly made in its entirety the disclosure content of the present application, in which respect the embodiments of the spring means disclosed therein are also preferred embodiments of the spring means of the present invention.

In order to be able to provide and control the amount of propellant required for setting a specific kinetic energy of the active body precisely, the apparatus according to the invention preferably has sensor means for determining at least one property of the propellant, such as pressure, mass, attributable to the energy content. Tension or the like on.

The impactor body shot down by a device according to the invention can preferably be made blunt and / or highly plastic and / or elastically deformable in order to ensure its non-lethal effect.

In operative connection with the control unit, the device according to the invention has, in an extremely preferred embodiment, reducing agents for reducing the energy content provided in the ready-to-use means. On the one hand, such a reducing agent serves to flexibly adapt the amount of energy provided, on the other hand, it is possible, for example, when a dangerous situation is eliminated, to ensure that an active body is not accidentally shot off by previously fully relaxing the blowing agent or removing it from the propellant Discharge means is drained.

To initiate a conversion process of a propellant which has been prepared, an apparatus according to the invention preferably has suitable triggering means, for example for operation by an operator. The triggering means are preferably formed in two stages, wherein at least the provision of the blowing agent can be triggered by the first stage and the conversion process can be triggered by the second stage. In this way, it is possible, for example, for an operator to first load the device according to the invention in the event of an emerging hazard, ie to prepare for firing the active body, in order then to react quickly and flexibly to the risk situation or its elimination.

According to an extremely preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the distance determination can be triggered by the first stage of the triggering means, which can be used according to the invention for adapting the energy content. In order to clearly indicate in particular to an operator the first and the second stage of the triggering device, a further development of the device according to the invention provides that the first and second stages are distinguished by different mechanical resistances when the triggering means are actuated, in particular if the Release means are designed in a conventional manner as a trigger.

In order to prevent unwanted firing of an active body, a device according to the invention may have a safety device in operative connection with the triggering means, by means of which at least the triggering function of the triggering means can be blocked. In an extremely preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that, according to the safety device, the um¬ transformable energy content of the propellant in the Be equipping means is substantially reduced to zero. In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the active body is accelerated directly by propellant gases generated during the ignition of the propellant, it is provided within the scope of a further development of the device according to the invention that the active body is designed for partially pressure-resistant sealing of the provisioning means relative to the environment. In addition or as an alternative, however, a device according to the invention may also have additional sealing means for partially pressure-tight sealing of the provision means with respect to the surroundings, which are preferably controllable by the control unit for firing the active body. In this way, the active body is not fired immediately after ignition of the propellant, but it is possible by controlling the abovementioned sealing means to delay firing of the active body until a maximum energy yield of the expulsion of the propellant after ignition is achieved. explosive Vor¬ gangs is reached. However, between ignition of the propellant and release of said sealing means, there must be only a time window approaching zero, otherwise due to the incoming cooling of the explosion gases with an enormous loss of efficiency (usable kinetic energy) during firing of the active body is to be expected.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a Ausführungs¬ example with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 is a schematic overall view of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic overall view of another device according to the invention; 3 is a schematic overall view of another device according to the invention;

4 shows a schematic overall view of a further device according to the invention;

5 shows a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 to 3;

5a shows a block diagram of an alternative embodiment; and

5 is a detailed block diagram of an inventive device according to FIG. 4.

1 schematically shows a device according to the invention for non-lethal action on a target person in the form of a launcher 1. The launcher 1 according to the invention is designed essentially like a submachine gun and correspondingly has a barrel 2 for descending ¬ Shoot an active body (not shown), a handle 3, a trigger 4 and a shoulder support 5 for verbesser¬ th handling of the device.

The barrel 2 can be designed as a removable barrel and can be exchanged so quickly. The advantage is that this way different bodies of different calibers can be used.

In a front region of the barrel 2 two einklappba¬ re legs 6 are provided for supporting the device 1. At the top of the barrel 2, the launcher 1 according to the invention has distance-determining devices 7, 8 for determining a target distance of the launcher 1, namely a bar sight 7, consisting of two in the direction of that in FIG. 1 shown double arrows P ₁ , P ₂ on and foldable Stan¬ gene 7a, 7b and a laser module 8a.

1, a housing 9 is arranged beneath the barrel 2 of the launcher 1 and, in addition to a combustion chamber and technical units such as a ventilator, among others, has a control arrangement for controlling different functionalities of the launcher 1 according to the invention, the construction of which is described below will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 5. According to the invention, the control arrangement provides, in particular, functions for setting and controlling a desired kinetic energy of the active body to be shot off.

In the shoulder rest 5 of the launcher 1 according to the invention, devices 10, EV for a propellant or energy supply of the launcher 1 are integrated in the embodiment shown here, for example in the form of a fluid gas container FG, such as a liquid gas cartridge and a Power supply EV in the form of an accumulator, the propellant according to the invention for firing (accelerating) of the active body is required.

Furthermore, the launcher 1 according to the invention has a locking means 12 in the transition region of the barrel 2 and the

Shoulder support 5, which are movable for locking or unlocking in Rich¬ direction of the double arrow P ₃ . After opening the locking means 12, the Wer¬ fer 1 according to the invention can be opened by pivoting at least the barrel 2 in the direction of arrow P ₄ for loading an active body.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a further embodiment of the thrower 1 with a sliding run. The active body 17 is accelerated here by the combustion of a propellant. The launcher 1 has at the bottom of the housing 18 a Liquefied gas cartridge on. This is connected via the Treibmittelven¬ valve 26 with the combustion chamber 27, which has an ignition device ZE. For blowing fresh air into the combustion chamber 27 is located in the end portion of the housing 18, the fan means VE, which is connected via the blower valve 30 to the combustion chamber BK.

Furthermore, the launcher 1 according to the invention has a locking means 12. After opening the locking means 12, the launcher 1 according to the invention can be opened by pushing the barrel 2, which in contrast to FIG. 1 is designed here as a sliding barrel, in the direction of the arrow P ₄ for loading an active body, the barrel 2 passing through the barrel Füh¬ ments 31a, b is performed.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for non-lethal intervention on a target person in the form of a thrower 1 with a tilting barrel. In contrast to FIG. 1, the acceleration of the active body 17 takes place indirectly. Accordingly, the combustion chamber BK is closed off by the combustion chamber piston 32. This is connected via a push rod 15 with the Kol¬ ben 16, which then accelerates the active body 17. The return spring 33 is supported on the front part of the housing 18 and according to the invention is required to push the combustion chamber piston in the direction of the combustion chamber after the impactor has been fired.

FIG. 4 schematically shows another embodiment of a device according to the invention for non-lethal intervention on a target person in the form of a thrower 1, likewise with a tilting barrel and with a mechanical drive. In contrast to FIG. 1, the internal structure of the werer is also shown here. The launcher has a spring system 13 which is attached to a spring plate 14. This one is like- in turn connected to the push rod 15 having at its end the piston 16, which is required for firing (Beschleuni¬ conditions) of the active body 17. On the underside of the housing 18, the launcher has a Blanetengetriebemo- tor 19 which drives the Zughohl¬ spindle 21 via the toothed belt drive 20, which is mounted in the main bearing 22. In the end part of the housing, an attenuator 23 and a lock 24 is installed, which is actuated by the trigger 4 and the push rod 15 releases. After opening the locking means 12, the launcher 1 according to the invention can be opened by pivoting at least the run 2 about the pivot 25 in the direction of the arrow P ₄ for loading an active body 17.

FIG. 5 shows the functions of a device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 to 3 on the basis of a detailed block diagram. In this case, components of the device 1 according to the invention, which have already been explained (partially) with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 to 3 in addition to the alphanumeric reference symbols used in FIG.

The heart of the embodiment according to the invention shown in FIG. 5 is a control unit SE, which in the embodiment shown is inside the housing 9

Control arrangement 9 of FIG. 1 to 3 is arranged. The control unit SE, for example a microprocessor, is operatively connected to energy supply means EV via preferably electronic switching means SCH. The energy supply means EV which, according to the invention, preferably supply electrical energy for supplying various functional units of the device according to the invention, are provided with the control unit SE, the ignition device 28 and the blower VE and compressor means VD for supplying the same with electric power Energy connected. there the power supplies of the above-listed ingredients are the inventive device 1 separately by the control unit SE via the switching means SCH steu ^¬ Erbar, which in Fig. 5 Droppings by a plurality of connects / control arrows P ₃ between the switching means SCH and the energy Supply means EV is symbolized.

A further, central component of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is a combustion chamber BK which, in turn, is initially in operative connection with the ignition device ZE. According to the invention, the combustion chamber BK initially serves as providing means for providing the propellant required for shooting off an active body WK, in particular: ignitable propellant. For this purpose, the combustion chamber BK communicates via a first shut-off device AO1 with a feed medium for a suitable propellant, in this case specifically a liquefied gas vessel -FG. According to the invention, the shut-off device AO1 can be controlled by the control unit SE, with the control of the shut-off device AO1 being able to be carried out in accordance with the invention on two alternative or additionally usable control modes. This is symbolized in FIG. 5 by dot-dashed signal propagation paths (arrows). Accordingly, the device according to the invention has, between the control unit SE and the first shut-off device AO1, first of all a suitable volumetric control element V, by which the shut-off device AO1 for supplying a liquid gas propellant has already been supplied by the feed means FG in accordance with one of the combustion chamber BK. a desired amount of blowing agent is controllable. Alternatively or additionally, a time control element t is provided, via which the shut-off device AO1 can be controlled by the control unit SE for providing the propellant in the combustion chamber BK during a certain time. Between the combustion chamber BK and the control unit SE further sensor means SM are connected, which are designed to determine at least one energy, in this case: specifically quantity-dependent property of the propellant in the combustion chamber BK. In the case of the quantity-dependent characteristic mentioned, it can be, for example, a pressure, a mass or the like in the exemplary embodiment shown.

In addition to the aforementioned first shut-off device AO1, the control unit SE is connected to a second shut-off device AO2 (see reference numeral 30 in FIGS. 2 and 3) for controlling the same. Said shut-off valve AO2 is connected between the combustion chamber BK and the already mentioned blower VE and compressor means VD. The fan means VE and the compressor means VD are in turn connected to the ambient air UL. Thus, via the second shut-off device AO2 in accordance with the control unit SE ambient air - possibly in compressed (charged) form - in the combustion chamber BK and the therein contained

Blowing agent for generating a variable in terms of Reakti¬ vity and its chemical energy content gas-air mixture einmischbar.

Connected to the combustion chamber BK, the device according to the invention according to FIG. 5 furthermore has a third shut-off member AO3, which in turn is likewise connected to the control unit SE in a control-type manner. Appropriate reducing or discharging means AM, via which the combustion chamber BK can be emptied in accordance with the control unit SE to reduce the energy content, adjoin the shut-off member AO3. In particular, with a simultaneous opening of the shut-off devices AO2, AO3 and start-up of the blowing agent VE, an air flushing of the combustion chamber BK, for example for the purpose of cleaning off burned products, is provided Ignition of the propellant, possible. The drainage means AM according to FIG. 5 are in turn connected to the ambient air UL (dotted line).

The ignition device ZE shown in FIG. 5 of the device 1 according to the invention is preferably designed as an electrical ignition device in the form of a spark plug or the like. By means of them, according to the control unit SE via the already mentioned switching means SCH and the energy supply means EV an electrical ignition of the gas or gas mixture and thus a Energieumwand¬ ment (chemical - (thermal) - kinetically) in the Brennkam¬ mer BK effect.

Furthermore, a target person ZP is shown in FIG. 5, who is to be acted on non-lethally by means of the device 1 according to the invention by the launching of an active body WK (compare reference 17 in FIGS. 2 and 3). For this purpose, the combustion chamber BK with a corresponding active body WK, which is preferably blunt and highly plas¬ table and / or elastically deformable, in operative connection, so that the active body WK by ignition of the gas or gas mixture in the combustion chamber resulting propellant gases through the barrel LF (see reference numeral 2 in Fig. 1 to 3) of the device 1 according to the invention can be accelerated and fired. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention further between the combustion chamber BK and the active body WK or the barrel LF another, fourth shut-off AO4 looped, which in turn is controllable by the control unit SE. Here, the obturator ÄO4 is specially designed as a controllable Abdicht¬ medium for largely pressure-tight sealing of the combustion chamber BK relative to the environment (the run LF). As already explained by way of introduction with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the device 1 according to the invention has a target recognition device ZI, which is designed in particular as a distance-determining device for an effective distance X between the device 1 according to the invention and the target person ZP. In this context, the term "effective distance" refers to that distance below which the active body WK launched from the device 1 according to the invention is intended to strike the target person ZP non-lethal with a predetermined kinetics energy. As already described with reference to FIG. 1, the distance determining device is designed either as a bar sight 7 or as a laser tracking module 8, 8a, whereby both systems may also be present together in a device 1 according to the invention (cf. FIGS. 1 to 4).

The devices 7, 8 for determining the distance cooperate with release means AB (the trigger 4 of FIGS. 1 to 4), which in turn are in operative connection with the control unit SE. Thus, according to the invention, a triggering signal for firing the active body WK by means of the device according to the invention (ignition of the blowing agent) can be effected via the triggering means AB in accordance with the distance determining device 7, 8.

Finally, the device according to the invention according to FIG. 5 has a securing device SI, which is in operative connection both with the control unit SE and with the triggering means AB described above. By the safety device SI according to the invention, the triggering of a trigger signal by the release means AB to the control unit SE is possible.

The mode of operation of the device according to the invention according to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained in detail below: The storage and metering of the LPG propellant takes place in the liquid phase. According to FIG. 5, there is the option of injecting a defined amount of liquefied gas into the combustion chamber BK both volumetrically (control element V) and via a timer t, ie to set it in this position. In the combustion chamber BK the ein¬ injected liquid expands and goes into the gaseous state, wherein by means of the fan means VE possibly ambient air can be mixed. In order to be able to achieve efficient working pressures despite the limited volume of the combustion chamber BK, a compression or charging process (boost pressure) is optionally provided by means of the compressor means VD. The defined ignition of the gas or gas mixture located in the combustion chamber takes place correspondingly either after interference or after the compression process by the ignition device ZE in conjunction with the control unit SE. The electrical ignition of the gas or gas mixture initiates an explosive process, according to which the pressure in the combustion chamber BK rises to a defined value, which depends specifically on the type and quantity of the gas or gas mixture provided according to the invention, ie its energy content , The drive system according to the invention for the active body WK, the active body is thus biased.

Starting from this situation, according to the invention, there are two variants of the method in order to shoot the active body WK in the direction of the target person ZP: on the one hand, the active body WK can be accelerated directly by the expanding explosive gases (see FIG. Alternatively, there is an indirect possibility of acceleration for the active body WK. Here, "direct acceleration" means that the explosion gases directly push the active body WK (dash-dotted line without obturator AO4 in FIG. 5), wherein the active body WK itself acts as a sealing member and the combustion chamber BK seals against the environment at least largely pressure-resistant. Accordingly, the active body WK acts in a direct acceleration even during charging and ignition as a sealing member until leaving the barrel LF (reference numeral 2 in Fig. 1) or its Mün¬ training. "Indirect acceleration", on the other hand, means that the explosion gases in the combustion chamber BK are retained by the controllable shut-off device AO4 until a certain, preferably maximum energy yield is reached, and are delivered abruptly to the inflow behind the active body WK in accordance with the control unit SE , Compared to the direct acceleration, the active body WK serves as a quasi-tight sealing member in the case of indirect acceleration only on an acceleration path (a length of the barrel 2). Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a pushing part which lies behind the active body WK in the direction of firing (cf. reference symbols 35, 36, 37 in FIG. 3), which in turn has suitable sealing means for the barrel LF, 2.

To carry out the above-described indirect acceleration of the active body WK, the shut-off device A04 shown must accordingly be designed as a high-speed valve of nominal diameter, the nominal diameter referring to a caliber of the active bodies to be shot. Such a valve must be resistant to all operating conditions that may possibly occur and potentially be harmful, in particular high explosion pressures, the diameter having to be greater than all subsequent bottlenecks, for example inside the barrel LF, 2, otherwise relaxation phases will occur. Furthermore, between the ignition of the propellant in the combustion chamber BK and the beginning of the opening of the obturator AO4 acceleration phase of the active body WK only a very short time window tending toward zero, since otherwise a huge loss of efficiency is to be expected due to a cooling of the hot expulsion gases.

The triggering means AB (the trigger 4) of the device 1 according to the invention have, in cooperation with the securing device SI and the control unit SE, two positions / stages: the first stage, for example realizable by a negligible mechanical resistance at the triggering means AB (the trigger 4) when actuated by an operator triggers a release of the liquefied gas by defined opening of the obturator AOl, the Verdüs- the liquefied gas into the combustion chamber BK, the relaxation and thus the transition to the gas phase. Possibly. As described above, the gas is treated with supplied ambient air UL and possibly charged by the compressor unit VD. The second stage is achieved if, for example, a clearly detectable trigger resistance occurs at the triggering means AB beyond that of the first stage. During the subsequent, further actuation of the release means AB (pull-through of the trigger 4), the ignition of the gas or gas mixture takes place according to the invention. Depending on the setting by the control unit SE via the shut-off devices AO1, A02, the chemical reaction proceeding in the following (energy conversion) in the combustion chamber BK can be quasi-stoichiometric as well as with excess air or gas, in each case as above already mentioned - a defined time frame is kept, eg via a corresponding design and An¬ control of the obturator AO4.

In order to avert any dangers that can occur due to unintentional triggering of the device according to the invention, so-called irregular situations, is located preferably in the immediate vicinity of the release means AB (of the trigger 4 in Figures 1 to 4, not shown there), the safety device SI, for example in the form of a fuse switch. By actuating the securing device SI, the triggering means AB can be blocked according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Furthermore, according to the control unit SE, the combustion chamber BK can be opened via the shut-off device AO3 and the already mentioned air scavenging via the opened shut-off device AO2, the blowing agent being able to be completely removed from the combustion chamber BK and via the outlet means AM to the Um¬ UL can be delivered. Furthermore, a short-circuiting of the ignition device ZE (switching off the power supply) is possible via the control unit. In this way, after actuation of the securing device SI, the firing of an active body WK from the device 1 according to the invention is not possible (any longer).

Alternatively, as indicated in FIG. 5 a, the control device SE may have a time switch ZS, omitting the safety switch SI. In cooperation with the latter, the control device SE in the embodiment of FIG. 5a operates in such a way that, after a certain time of 5 to 10 seconds after triggering the stage 1 of the tripping unit AB, step 2 is not actuated Blocking and opening of the combustion chamber BK and air scavenging takes place.

The time sequence of the method which can be carried out by means of the device 1 according to the invention for acting on a target person can be summarized as follows:

1. insertion of the active body WK; 2. Immediately thereafter supply of liquefied gas into the combustion chamber and mixture preparation with ambient air;

3. Distance determination by laser module or visual estimation of the target distance by aiming with, for example, folding bar visor;

4. Fixed setting of the target - preferably automatically by the distance determining means 7, 8 - and actuation of the triggering means for igniting the Treib¬ means and expelling the active body.

According to the invention, after reaching / actuating the first triggering stage (see above), a result of the distance determination to the target person ZP is preferably transmitted to the control unit SE by the distance determining devices 7, 8. When using the laser module 8, this is directly the result X of the distance measurement; When the folding rod sight 7 is used, the distance X can be determined from a (relative) angular position of the folding rods 7a, 7b. Alternatively, the possibility of a separate manual removal input may also be possible on the device 1 (not shown here). Depending on the type of blowing agent used, the control unit SE determines the required amount of blowing agent or its energy content to be provided in the combustion chamber BK in order to impart such kinetic energy to the object WK to be shot after the blowing agent has burned off in that the active body WK impinges with a predetermined, non-lethal kinetic energy at the location of the target person ZP. For this purpose, the control unit SE of the device 1 according to the invention is preferably set up in a suitable manner by software or firmwaretechnisch. The maximum range of the thrower according to the invention or the corresponding effective distance, X _max , is at least 60 m and more. To achieve said predetermined, non-lethal kinetic energy at the location of the target person ZP, two methods can basically be specified, namely a discontinuous and a continuous method:

As part of the discontinuous method is (in the

Control unit SE) a pre-classification of possible Zielentfer¬ tions X made in several distance intervals, where n in the following, the number of said Abstandungs¬ tervalle indicates. For each of these spatially extended removal intervals, a common kinetic energy of the active body WK is assumed when leaving the device, i. A target energy (kinetic energy at Auf¬ meet at the location of the target person ZP) is relatively high at the front of the view of the device limit of the interval and then drops continuously in the direction of the rear interval limit. In this case, interval lengths are selected according to the invention such that the target energy in both the front and the rear region is non-lethal for the target person ZP.

From the above, the maximum effective distance X _{max is divided} into n equal intervals. Here, a "1 / n distance" corresponds to a non-lethal effect in the range of 0 / n to 1 / n of the maximum effective distance X _max , a "2 / n distance" to a non-lethal effect in the range of 1 / n to 2 / n of X _max , etc., so that finally an "n / n-distance" corresponds to a non-lethal effect in the range of (n-1) / n to n / n of X _max . For each of these distances, the device according to the invention provides, in accordance with the control unit SE, a constant firing energy of the active substance. Body WK available, which - as already mentioned - expresses in a over the corresponding distance interval abfal¬ lending target energy, which results in the application of the Ziel¬ energy E _z over X a sawtooth course.

The o.g. Classification provides defined interfaces without overlapping at the interval transitions. Alternatively, an interval division with overlapping of the intervals can also be provided for the device-specific settings of the control unit.

In the course of an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the combustion chamber BK is always filled with a quantity of propellant (amount of gas, amount of energy) which can be prepared at a maximum for firing the active body WK in the combustion chamber BK immediately before targeting the target. When the target distance is set or measured below the maximum distance X _max , a portion of the propellant is accordingly discharged into the environment UL in accordance with the control unit SE via the outlet member AO3 and the outlet means AM. This ensures that each of the above-mentioned length intervals according to the distance X measured in each case corresponds to a defined gas pressure and thus a (chemical) energy content, which according to the invention can be controlled via the sensor means shown in FIG. 5, and the active body WK via all possible effective distances have an essentially constant, in any case non-lethal, active energy.

Also in the course of the already mentioned continuous method, the combustion chamber BK is always filled immediately before the sighting with the maximum amount of gas that can be supplied to accelerate the active body WK. Subsequently, in the course of the continuous method, the target distance will in any case be determined by means of a suitable distance determination method. Device 7, 8 measured and the measurement signal via the Steu¬ ereinheit SE the obturator AO3 supplied so that this opens and the removal corresponding to a defined amount of blowing agent can flow. In this case too, a non-lethality of the active body WK is ensured for each target distance.

As an alternative to the embodiments of the invention described above, compressed gases / gas mixtures may be used as propellants instead of the liquid gas feedstock FG, in which case the second shut-off device AO2 shown in FIG. 5 and the blower VE and compressor means VD may be dispensed with. Furthermore, automated feeding of tablets or powders from energetic materials is also possible, so that instead of the liquid gas feedstock FG shown in FIG. 5 and the shut-off device AO1, a corresponding tablet or powder magazine or a suitable one is provided Feeding occur, the latter is in turn controlled by the control unit SE according to quantity (mass) and / or feed duration. As propellants, e.g. The following gases and liquids mixed with air or oxygen serve: hydrocarbons, e.g. Methane, ethane or propane, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, hydrogen or nitromethane. As a solid propellant, all propellant charge powders used for guns, such as gunpowder, can be used. Nitrocellulose powder, nitramine powder, etc. are used.

As an alternative to the above-described, initial supply of a maximum amount of blowing agent and subsequent discharge, the Zielentfer¬ tion can be determined as an alternative and then fed directly from an empty combustion chamber BK a correspondingly measured Treib¬ medium amount. Another possibility is to supply a quantity of blowing agent into a variable adjustable partial load range corresponding to a bestimm¬ th, mean effective distance and then further feeding or discharging propellants depending on the specific target distance.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention as a block diagram. In contrast to FIG. 5, here a mechanical spring system FS is used as the propellant. Accordingly, here is another central component of the embodiment of a spring system FS with spring plate, push rod and piston (see reference numerals 13 to 16 in Fig. 4), which is in Wirkver¬ bond with a planetary gear motor PM. The spring system FS serves as providing means for providing a certain amount of energy which is to be supplied to the active body WK and is tensioned by the planetary geared motor PM. For this purpose, the spring system FS is in Wirk¬ connection with a lock SL, which releases the energy stored in the spring system FS abruptly. Also in this embodiment, as in the case of FIG. 5 a, a timer can be used and then the safety switch SE can be dispensed with.

The chronological sequence of the method of acting on a target person which can be carried out by means of the device 1 according to the invention can be summarized as follows:

1. insertion of the active body WK;

2. Distance determination by laser module or visual estimation of the target distance by aiming by means of, for example, folding bar sights;

3. fixed setting of the target; preferably automatically by the distance determination device 7, 8 - and Actuation of the release means for releasing the Feder¬ system and ejection of the active body;

4. Clamp the spring system FS above the planetary gear motor PM.

After the distance to the target person ZP has been transmitted to the control unit SE as above, the spring system FS is expanded so far via the planetary geared motor PM that the spring system FS can impart such kinetic energy to the active body WK upon leaving the device that the active body WK with a predetermined, non-lethal kinetic energy impinges on the location of the target person ZP.

When reaching / actuating the second triggering stage (see above), the control unit SE releases the lock SL, so that the spring system FS can relax and the active body WK ejects from the barrel.

Thereafter, the spring system FS is immediately tensioned again via the planetary gear motor PM, so that the next active body WK can be inserted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 launcher

2 run

3 handle

4 deduction

5 shoulder rest

6 leg

7 bar visor

7a pole

7b pole

8 distance determining device

8a laser module

9 housing

11 accumulator

12 locking means

13 spring system

14 spring plate

15 push rod

16 pistons 17 projectile

18 housing

19 planetary geared motor

20 toothed belt drive

21 hollow spindle

22 main bearings

23 attenuator

24 castle

25 Articulated dump

30 blower valve

31a, b guide sliding up

32 combustion chamber flask

33 return spring piston

AB trigger

At the drain

AOl-AO4 shut-off device

BK combustion chamber

EV energy supply

E _z target energy

FG LPG tank

FS spring system with spring plate, push rod and

piston

LF run

LS laser module n number

Pi-P ₄ movement

PM planetary gear motor with toothed belt drive and hollow shaft spindle

Ps control arrow

SCH switching means

SE control unit

SI safety device

SL castle

SM sensor device t timer

UL ambient air

V volumetric actuator

VD compressor

VE Blower

VI (pole) visor

WK active body

X target range

"max maximum effective distance

ZE ignition device

ZS timer

ZI Target Recognition Facility

ZP target person

Claims

claims

1. A method for non-lethal exposure to at least one target person, wherein an active body is fired by a Ab¬ shot device, characterized in that for firing the active body with a controllable, dependent on an effective distance to the target person, kinetic energy in the launching Firstly, a propellant with an energy content adjusted to set the desired kinetic energy is made available.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy content by mechanical and / or fluidi¬ cal clamping a tensionable propellant is provided.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy content by an adjusted amount of ignitable propellant is provided.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized ge indicates that the energy content of the propellant after its provision is at least partially converted into kine¬ tical energy.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that an energy conversion into kinetic energy of the active body takes place by igniting the propellant.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized ge indicates that is provided for providing the ignitable propellant, an ignitable gas or a gas mixture with at least one ignitable gas in the Abschussvorrich¬ device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the gas is stored and injected in the liquid state of matter.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the propellant belongs to one of the following groups:

a) hydrocarbons, e.g. Methane, ethane, propane; alkanes; alkenes; alkynes;

b) alcohols, hydrogen, nitromethane.

9. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that for the provision of the blowing agent of Ab¬ shot device air is supplied.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, character- ized in that the gas or gas mixture before the ignition which is compressed by applying a boost pressure.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized marked, that for providing the propellant of the Ab¬ shot device a particulate, energetic and ignitable material is supplied.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the propellant is a propellant powder, as used for guns, e.g. Nitrocellulose powder, nitramine powder.

13. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the ignition of the blowing agent takes place e- lektrisch.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, da¬ characterized in that first of a maximum effective removal corresponding energy content ge is provided ge and that this is then reduced in accordance with a distance determination to the target person.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, da¬ characterized in that first a corresponding between a maximum and a minimum effective distance lie¬ ing partial effective removal corresponding energy content is provided and that this in accordance with a distance determination to the target person by further Be¬ provide or reducing is adjusted.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the partial Wirkentfernung substantially half maximum effective distance corresponds.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, da¬ characterized in that the setting of the desired kinetic energy as a function of the Wirk¬ removal takes place continuously.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, da¬ characterized in that the setting of the desired kinetic energy in dependence on the Wirk¬ distance is discontinuous in each bestimm¬ th distance range associated energy intervals.

19. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 18, characterized in that the active body is accelerated immediately be¬ accelerated by the propellant generated during propellant blowing.

20. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 18, characterized in that the active body after the ignition of the blowing agent until it reaches a certain energy yield is accelerated delayed by the ignition gases generated during ignition accelerated.

21. Device (1) for non-lethal action on at least one target person (ZP), comprising:

- An active body (WK) for acting on the Zielper¬ son (ZP); Providing means (BK) for providing a

Propellant for accelerating the active body (WK); and

a control unit (SE) in operative connection with at least the provisioning means (BK) for regulating an energy content of the provided propellant and for controlling a kinetic termination energy of the active body (WK) which depends on the target person (ZP) before an effective distance (X).

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that the energy content in accordance with a measure¬ with the control unit (SE) acting together Distanzungsbestim¬ tion means (7,8) for a distance (X) to the target person (ZP) is adjustable.

23. The device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the control unit (SE) is designed to regulate the energy content in dependence on a kineti¬'s energy of the active body at the location of the Zielper- son (ZP).

24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the distance determination device (7,8) is designed for optical distance determination.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the distance determining means (8) for determining the distance comprises a laser module (8a).

26. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the distance determining device (7) as a folding rod visor (7a, 7b) is formed.

27. Device according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the blowing agent has a chen in wesentli chemical energy content, which is by Zün¬ at least indirectly converted into kinetic energy of Wirk¬ body.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that ^■ the blowing agent under atmospheric conditions Normalbedin¬ is liquid.

29. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the blowing agent is gaseous under atmospheric conditions.

30. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the blowing agent is fixed under atmospheric conditions normal¬.

31. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the propellant belongs to one of the following groups:

a) hydrocarbons, e.g. Methane, ethane, propane; alkanes; alkenes; alkynes;

b) alcohols, hydrogen, nitromethane;

c) Propellant powder, as used for guns, such as Nitrocellulose powder, nitric powder.

32. Device according to one of claims 27 to 31, gekenn¬ characterized by electrical ignition means (ZE) for igniting the propellant.

33. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the provision means (BK) have Vorlage¬ medium (FG) for a liquefied petroleum propellant.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the propellant from the presentation means (FG) in the Supply means (BK) is injectable.

35. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the provision means (BK) have air supply means (VE, AO2) for generating a gas-air mixture.

36. Apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, characterized by compaction means (VD) for compressing the propellant in the supply means (BK).

37. Apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the providing means (BK) have means for depositing a particulate, energetic material.

38. Device according to one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the blowing agent has a ge in wesentli chen by mechanical and / or fluidic ge ge given energy content, which is at least indirectly convertible by relaxing in kinetic energy of Wirkkör¬ pers.

39. Apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the propellant is a spring means.

40. Apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the blowing agent is ausge¬ forms as a tensionable gas volume.

41. Device according to one of claims 20 to 40, gekenn¬ characterized by sensor means (SM) for determining wenigs¬ least one of the energy content attributable property of the propellant, such as pressure, mass, voltage or the like.

42. Device according to one of claims 21 to 41, characterized in that the active body (WK) is formed blunt and / or highly plastic and / or elastically deformable ver¬.

43. Device according to one of claims 21 to 42, gekenn¬ characterized by standing in operative connection with the control unit reducing agent (AM) for reducing the energy provided in the provision means (BK) energy content.

44. Device according to one of claims 21 to 43, gekenn¬ characterized by triggering means (AB) for triggering a conversion process for the energy content of the Treibmit- means.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that the release means (AB) are formed in two stages, wherein at least the ready position of the blowing agent and by the second stage of the conversion process can be triggered by the first stage.

46. Apparatus according to claim 45, characterized in that at the same time the distance determination can be triggered by the first stage.

47. Apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the first and the second stage by different mechanical resistances in an actuation of the release means (AB) are distinguished.

48. Device according to one of claims 44 to 47, characterized gekenn¬ characterized by a in operative connection with the triggering means (AB) standing safety device (SI), by at least the triggering function of the triggering tel (AB) is blockable.

49. Apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that in accordance with the securing device (SI) of the convertible energy content of the propellant in the supply means (BK) is substantially reduced to zero.

50. Device according to one of claims 21 to 49, characterized in that the active body (WK) is formed for substantially pressure-tight sealing of the provision means (BK) relative to the environment.

51. Device according to one of claims 21 to 49, characterized by sealing means (AO4) for partially pressure-resistant sealing of the provision means (BK) against the environment.

52. Apparatus according to claim 51, characterized in that the sealing means (AO4) for firing the Wirk¬ body (WK) by the control unit (SE) are controllable.