Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
  • F41A21/00—Barrels; Gun tubes; Muzzle attachments; Barrel mounting means
  • F41A21/32—Muzzle attachments or glands
  • F41A21/325—Mountings for muzzle attachments
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
  • F41A21/00—Barrels; Gun tubes; Muzzle attachments; Barrel mounting means
  • F41A21/30—Silencers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
  • F41A21/00—Barrels; Gun tubes; Muzzle attachments; Barrel mounting means
  • F41A21/44—Insulation jackets; Protective jackets

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a muzzle signature suppressor for firearms, its use, and a firearm equipped therewith.
• positional terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc. refer to a handgun in which the bore axis runs horizontally and the shot is fired forward away from the shooter.
• the invention relates generally to so-called muzzle signature suppressors, also commonly referred to as silencers.
• Muzzle signature suppressors are devices that can be mounted as needed on the barrel or tube of a firearm or on attached accessories, such as a muzzle brake or flash suppressor. They serve the purpose of reducing visual and acoustic noise, i.e., noise emissions, muzzle blast, and muzzle flash when firing.
• the operating principle can be simplified as follows: When a shot is fired, the propellant gas propels a projectile through the barrel of a firearm, where the projectile enters the muzzle silencer, more precisely a projectile channel, and penetrates it. During this process, the propellant gases inside the muzzle silencer expand, partially releasing their energy without transmitting sound energy to the muzzle. To dissipate the energy of the propellant gases before they exit the muzzle signature suppressor, the interior of muzzle signature suppressors typically contains structures that restrict the flow of the propellant gases. These structures are, for example, designed as lamellar chambers that reduce the sound by creating turbulence in the gas flow and consequently reducing the gas flow velocity through baffles or baffles, as well as cooling the propellant gases. The use of muzzle signature suppressors also reduces the recoil of the firearm and minimizes muzzle flash.
• Firearms especially semi-automatic firearms, have been designed since approximately 2006 for immediate use after emerging from water or other liquids and can fire a projectile even if liquid is present inside the weapon without compromising its functionality.
• a muzzle brake is attached to such a semi-automatic firearm, and the brake is filled with water when fired immediately after surfacing, there is a risk of the muzzle brake rupturing or at least of the projectile exiting the muzzle brake laterally. This is because the fired projectile and propellant gases collide with an incompressible column of water within the muzzle brake, and the forces exerted by this column are still fully effective. The water destabilizes the projectile upon impact, preventing an uncontrolled trajectory. This poses a significant danger to the shooter and bystanders.
• EP 2018 508 B1 The applicant discloses a previously developed firearm with a locking system that is more robust against potential malfunctions, so that the firearm is fully functional within 1 to 3 seconds, particularly after immersion in water or other liquids.
• various fluid passage openings are provided, especially in the area of the recoil spring housing, through which liquids can be quickly and easily drained to the outside.
• a muzzle signature suppressor for fully automatic self-loading firearms is known, designed specifically for withstanding heat during sustained fire. It comprises a sleeve containing an inner layer of a heat-resistant and thermally insulating material, with two end caps surrounding the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the end cap on the front projectile exit side includes numerous gas vents on its face.
• a pressure relief valve and a pressure relief chamber are located on the underside of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• Openings and vent valves on muzzle signature suppressors are generally known. These known (overpressure) openings are designed to be open during firing. They must, in fact, remain open, as their primary purpose is to release trapped gases and thus prevent over-firing, particularly in gas-operated firearms.
• the Russian FSB AK-74 rifle incorporates a muzzle signature suppressor in which excess gas pressure is released through side openings at the front of the suppressor's muzzle exit, preventing direct sound transmission towards the enemy.
• These openings are designed solely for pressure reduction, as the AK-74 lacks a gas regulator, necessitating the release of muzzle signature-induced overpressure.
• US 2017/0299314 A1 reveals a muzzle signature suppressor for firearms, which may be at least partially surrounded on its outside by a thermally insulating material.
• the company OSS (USA) sells a muzzle signature suppressor under the brand name HUXWRX Safety - FLOW 22 Ti (huxwrx.com) featuring a so-called Flow- Through® technology, which is also used in... US 10,753,699 B2
• the design is patented by UT-Batelle, LLC.
• the muzzle signature suppressor incorporates multiple expansion chambers. as well as various helical structures that redirect the gas flow through spiral paths within the muzzle signature damper and finally expel it through numerous frontal openings on the front projectile exit side.
• window- or circular-like structures are provided within the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor at its front projectile exit face or laterally at the front end. These structures yield and open under overpressure.
• the window- or circular-like structures are made of a thinner or different material than the housing, so that in the event of overpressure, they are blown or forced out of the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor by the projectile gases, or the material is damaged and thereby opened.
• several gas vent openings are provided in the end face of the projectile exit face.
• the object of the invention is to provide a different, in particular improved, muzzle signature suppressor for firearms, especially self-loading firearms, which increases safety and overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
• a muzzle signature suppressor for firearms having the features of claim 1 and its use for draining liquid by means of at least one liquid passage opening from the muzzle signature suppressor according to claim 19.
• the muzzle signature suppressor according to the invention for firearms comprises at least one housing and a projectile channel penetrating the housing, at least one liquid passage opening which is formed at least at or near the weapon-side end of the housing, and which is provided for draining liquid from the muzzle signature suppressor before firing, wherein, in the state mounted on a firearm, the at least one liquid passage opening connects an interior space of the muzzle signature suppressor housing with the environment in such a way that liquid that has entered the interior space of the housing can be drained outwards into the environment through the liquid passage opening(s) to release the projectile channel for safe firing within a few seconds, in particular within 1 to 6 seconds, preferably 1 to 3 seconds.
• Draining liquid from the muzzle signature damper according to the invention comprises passive drainage of the liquid and/or active displacement of the liquid from the muzzle signature damper.
• the invention according to claim 17 provides a firearm with a muzzle signature suppressor.
• the muzzle signature suppressor is preferably mountable directly on the barrel or on the flash suppressor of the firearm with a repeatable orientation.
• the firearm within the meaning of the present invention can be either short or long guns, in particular pistols, assault rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns, submachine guns; generally self-loading firearms, in particular gas-operated firearms.
• the muzzle signature suppressor can vary in, among other things, the coupling device for mounting it to the firearm, size, weight, material, external geometry, and internal design. Construction.
• the lamellar chambers and their lamellar walls or baffles can be arranged as desired and are not limited to the representations in the figures.
• the lamellar walls and chambers can be designed such that the gas flow is guided helically through the muzzle signature silencer.
• the muzzle signature silencer can also include double-jacketed or radial double chambers.
• the muzzle signature silencer can additionally include gas expansion chambers, which are provided at a suitably appropriate position within the muzzle signature silencer.
• muzzle signature suppressors can have a symmetrical, particularly rotationally symmetrical, external geometry or an asymmetrical external geometry relative to the projectile channel.
• the latter is known, for example, from so-called Pelikan suppressors, in which the muzzle signature suppressor extends wholly or partially into a rectangular or square space, e.g., a chamber, on its underside, thus increasing the internal volume of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the muzzle signature damper comprises at least one liquid passage opening or may have two or more liquid passage openings. These can be designed, formed, or implemented with any suitable geometry.
• a liquid passage opening may be a bore or recess, or it may be rectangular, slotted, square, or oval.
• at least two to all liquid passage openings may be designed as a longitudinal slot, groove, trough, etc.
• one or more liquid passage openings can extend over almost the entire length of the muzzle signature damper.
• such a measure can also connect the interior of the muzzle signature damper via the at least one or more liquid passage openings, especially lamellar chambers arranged therein, particularly if the at least one or more liquid passage openings extend through the lamellar or baffle walls and thus alternatively or cumulatively provide a further liquid passage opening.
• the muzzle signature suppressor is of course made of a corrosion-resistant material or surrounded by corrosion protection and is also saltwater resistant.
• the muzzle signature suppressor can be used for subsonic ammunition, particularly due to the lower gas pressures, but is also designed for use with supersonic ammunition. Due to the significantly different gas pressures of these two ammunition rates, there may be limitations in the weapon's functional use.
• the at least one liquid passage opening is preferably provided at the rear end of the muzzle signature suppressor, preferably laterally. However, it can in principle be provided at any suitable position on the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• liquid passage openings when there are two or more liquid passage openings, these can be arranged and designed in different positions on the housing.
• at least one liquid passage opening can be positioned as far forward as possible, considering the muzzle flame and gas pressure.
• positioning at least one liquid passage opening as far back as possible is advantageous.
• the at least one liquid passage ensures that water or other liquid is removed from the weapon as quickly and safely as possible after it surfaces and before a shot is fired, thus protecting the user and anyone nearby.
• the liquid may simply drain away and/or be actively displaced, for example, by propellant gases produced during firing.
• a muzzle signature suppressor In comparison to the aforementioned self-loading firearm, a muzzle signature suppressor contains significantly larger quantities of water due to its considerably larger volume and cavities. This water must be able/intended to drain away and/or be safely displaced.
• the size of the at least one liquid passage opening is crucial. It therefore depends on the total internal volume of the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor and any internal structures that may be present.
• At least one liquid passage opening which enables the displacement, diversion, or outflow of water, is provided on the muzzle signature damper, either alternatively or cumulatively, manually or automatically.
• the at least one liquid opening(s) can be dimensioned, arranged and designed such that it ensures an outlet of a liquid flow volume of 50 to 60% of the internal volume of the housing of the muzzle signature damper within a period of 1 to 6 seconds, preferably within 1 to 3 seconds.
• Draining approximately 55 to 60% of the water or liquid volume from the interior of the muzzle signature suppressor ensures that the bullet channel remains clear and thus the bullet's trajectory is unobstructed, provided the shooter holds the firearm roughly horizontally. If the firearm is held with the muzzle and the muzzle signature suppressor mounted at an upward angle, the drainable liquid flow volume should be higher, possibly reaching approximately 60 to 80% of the internal volume of the receiver, to ensure safe firing.
• Residual water or other liquid present in the muzzle brake is usually displaced by the propellant gases produced during firing, typically as a liquid-gas mixture, from the muzzle brake through at least one liquid opening(s) and/or the bullet channel. Often, several shots are required for this to occur, and liquids are known to have good damping properties, so any remaining water can be used to advantage.
• the at least one liquid passage opening can be provided to be closable via at least one closing device, wherein this includes at least one closing element designed to completely or at least partially encompass the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the closure element is adjustable between an open and a closed position. In the open position, at least one liquid passage opening is exposed, allowing liquid from the muzzle signature suppressor to escape into the surroundings. In the closed position, the closure element covers the liquid passage opening, preventing any liquid from escaping the muzzle signature suppressor directly into the surroundings.
• This measure enables a mode of use for the muzzle signature suppressor in which at least one liquid passage opening can be closed shortly before firing. This allows for maximum acoustic and visual signature to be achieved.
• the shooter can still fire even with at least one opening that is not or only partially sealed. In this case, however, only a limited acoustic and visual signature can be achieved.
• the opening and closing of at least one liquid passage opening(s) can also be done manually or automatically.
• the closing device can be designed, for example, as a cuff, flap, or slider, with the cuff then forming the closing element.
• the closing device or closing element can completely or partially encircle the muzzle signature suppressor, for example, from below, above, or from the side.
• Such a cuff can, for example, be placed onto the muzzle signature suppressor from below before mounting it on the firearm, or from above, i.e., from the projectile firing side.
• the muzzle signature damper can also be designed in two parts, whereby when the two parts are coupled, they are movable relative to each other in such a way as to ensure the closure of at least one liquid passage opening(s).
• the closing device in particular the at least one closing element, can be movably guided between a closed position and an open position via a coupling mechanism.
• the coupling mechanism can be designed, for example, as a telescopic or bayonet fitting, as a rail guide, cam guide, tongue and groove connection, via a control cam with bolt guide on or in the housing of the muzzle signature damper or alternatively in the locking element, in the manner of a pump-action repeater or in another suitable manner.
• the coupling mechanism can also be designed with a simple coarse or fine thread.
• a coarse thread is advantageously easy to operate even when dirty, even with sand or mud.
• it can be moved from the open to the closed position with just one-third, half, or two-thirds of a turn, ensuring rapid closure and thus quick access to the firearm.
• a lever, handle, or, for example, a bolt handle similar to that of a repeating rifle can be incorporated into the locking element.
• the wall thickness of the muzzle signature suppressor housing can be increased, either partially or completely, using simple manufacturing techniques.
• the corresponding coupling mechanism such as a coarse thread, groove, rail guide, control cam, etc.
• the coupling mechanism such as a coarse thread, groove, rail guide, control cam, etc.
• the complementary locking element on the inside of which the corresponding counterpart, such as a mating thread, control bolt, etc., is formed.
• At least one closing element for closing can be provided to be radially and/or axially and/or diagonally and/or horizontally movable on the muzzle signature suppressor.
• this advantageously allows it to be safely guided into the closure position and ensures the closure of at least one liquid passage opening(s).
• Guidance can be achieved through a thread, a cam guide, a bayonet fitting, a rail guide, or similarly suitable guide means.
• the locking element In the locked position, the locking element can also be designed to be latched, snapped, or otherwise securely fixed.
• the locking element in the closed position against the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor, for example, using at least one suitable clamping device, such as a screw.
• a suitable clamping device such as a screw.
• the clamping can also be performed while wearing gloves.
• the additional use of sealant ensures that no propellant gas escapes.
• the invention provides various scenarios for how the at least one liquid passage opening(s) can be closed.
• the muzzle signature suppressor with at least one liquid passage opening(s), can be opened and closed by means of a radial or axial rotary motion, e.g., via an oversized coarse thread on the muzzle signature suppressor, through one or more radial cuffs.
• a minimal angle of rotation enables a rapid closing process and thus minimizes downtime during operation.
• At least one liquid passage opening(s) can be opened and closed by means of a horizontal movement (approximately comparable to the operation of a pump-action rifle) by means of one or more radial closure elements, in particular one or more cuff(s).
• muzzle signature suppressors and sleeve(s) can be further sealed to the rear as much as possible with respect to vapor and gas, particularly in the area of the rear end of the sleeve(s), by means of corresponding steps or undercuts.
• the forward-facing interface areas can be less sealed in order to facilitate the pressure equalization and venting of propellant gases, residual water, and their mixtures forward in the direction of fire.
• the muzzle signature damper can also be designed in two parts, so that the rear part of the muzzle signature damper is fixed to the muzzle and the front part of the muzzle signature damper closes or opens the drainage openings via a coarse thread radially or as a slip-on tube, in particular with a type of bayonet fitting, combined with rotation.
• either the rear fixed muzzle signature damper part can be provided with at least one liquid passage opening(s) which are closed by the front movable muzzle signature damper part.
• At least one liquid passage opening(s) can be present on the front movable muzzle signature suppressor section with a smaller diameter. This opening(s) is then closed by sliding or screwing it into the rear muzzle signature suppressor section.
• a shooter carries the muzzle signature suppressor, mounted on the firearm and equipped with at least one liquid passage opening(s), in the open position while diving.
• the manually opened/closed liquid passage opening(s) are preferably located on the underside of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the shooter then closes the at least one liquid passage opening(s) by means of a mechanism that is as simple and quick to operate as possible, e.g., by means of the previously described radial rotation or horizontal displacement of movable closing elements or flaps, and is immediately ready to fire.
• the closing device in particular on the at least one closing element and/or the muzzle signature damper, can comprise at least one sealing means to prevent fluid leakage.
• the sealant serves as an interface seal between the movable closure element(s) and the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the sealant can be applied fully or partially to the closure element(s) and/or the housing of the muzzle signature suppressor, and/or it can be provided as a separate sealing element. Particularly at the edges, the sealant can be applied and/or provided in a thicker layer, for example, as a bead, an O-ring, etc.
• the geometric design and/or application depends on the geometry and design of the at least one liquid passage opening. Suitable, known, and especially heat-resistant materials, e.g., high-temperature-resistant silicone, etc., can be used as sealants.
• the interfaces of the movable muzzle signature suppressor elements are advantageously designed to be as gas-tight as possible. This allows evaporating residual water and combustion gases to be safely vented away from the shooter and anyone in the vicinity, ideally (diagonally) forward.
• the muzzle signature damper may have at least one liquid passage opening on the underside of the muzzle signature damper.
• the liquid passage opening is located at the 6 o'clock position, i.e., on the underside of the muzzle signature suppressor. This measure allows water to drain away by gravity, especially when the firearm is typically held horizontally during combat.
• a mesh, grid, or fiber-like securing structure can be provided in or on at least one liquid passage opening.
• the securing structure can also be provided in each liquid passage opening or a single securing structure encompassing all liquid passage openings.
• the securing structure can be inserted into the liquid passage opening or cover it and be mounted there using known suitable means.
• the securing structure is, for example, a grid, a mesh, a diamond pattern, or a fiber structure made of a high-temperature-resistant material.
• This measure advantageously prevents the ingress of contaminants such as coarse particles, sand, mud, seaweed, algae, etc. during underwater use, especially in rough seas, thus improving operational reliability.
• the muzzle signature damper can comprise at least one lamellar chamber, wherein the at least one liquid passage opening connects the at least one lamellar chamber to the outside of the muzzle signature damper for draining liquid.
• At least one fluid passage opening can connect at least two lamellar chambers to the outside of the muzzle signature damper for the purpose of diverting fluid, and/or at least one second inner fluid passage opening can connect at least two lamellar chambers within the muzzle signature damper.
• Either one or more lamellar chambers are at least partially open to the outside, or the lamellar chambers are at least partially interconnected.
• the at least one second liquid passage opening is preferably located close to the housing wall of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• liquid passage openings are provided in at least one or even in each lamellar chamber.
• a recess may also extend wholly or partially along the longitudinal direction of the muzzle signature suppressor on the closure element and/or on the muzzle signature suppressor for the purpose of diverting liquid and/or liquid-gas mixtures in the direction of firing.
• the recess can extend in the form of a longitudinal groove opposite the liquid passage opening(s) and is intended for gas drainage and/or the drainage of liquid-gas mixtures away from the shooter in the direction of the projectile discharge side.
• the recess can also extend in a winding pattern along the inner wall of the closure element. This is particularly advantageous for a circumferential closure element, such as a cuff.
• the recess can be sealed at the weapon-side end and open at the front towards the projectile exit point. This prevents propellant gases from escaping rearward towards the shooter and allows liquid and/or a gas-liquid mixture to vent forward, away from the shooter.
• the recess can have a width that is less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter of the at least one fluid passage opening.
• a relatively narrow recess especially a longitudinal channel
• a wider recess particularly a longitudinal channel
• gas can still escape even if the liquid passage is not completely closed. and/or a gas-liquid mixture can be safely directed forward, away from the shooter.
• the muzzle signature suppressor may have a coupling mechanism for repeatable positional orientation when mounted on a firearm.
• the barrel or tube can have a thread at its muzzle or at the muzzle of a muzzle attachment mounted on it, which can be screwed into an internal thread provided in the muzzle signature damper.
• the muzzle signature suppressor can be attached to the tube or muzzle attachment in various mounting positions depending on the degree to which the tube or muzzle attachment is screwed into the mating thread of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• Both the muzzle brake and the barrel have a bore axis that must be aligned for accurate shooting.
• the position of the muzzle brake's bore axis changes depending on its mounting and attachment position on the barrel or muzzle device relative to the barrel's bore axis.
• three symmetrical lugs can be used for coupling with a silencer coupling device. provide for three different mounting positions for the silencer, allowing for precise positioning.
• the muzzle signature suppressor coupling device with either: either the weapon component and/or the coupling sleeve comprising at least three lugs, or other protruding elements, at least one of which is asymmetrically designed. These elements or lugs are designed to engage with complementary first recesses formed either in the coupling sleeve and/or in the weapon component, such that the muzzle signature suppressor can only be mounted on the weapon component or tube in a defined mounting position.
• the shooter places the coupling sleeve and the associated muzzle signature suppressor onto the barrel or muzzle attachment of a firearm from above, turning the coupling sleeve until its recesses or lugs align with their respective complementary lugs or recesses and engage.
• This muzzle signature suppressor coupling device is functionally reliable and thus increases the dependability of a firearm equipped with it.
• attaching or removing the suppressor is tool-free and can be done in just a few steps, even in complete darkness, thanks to the tactile component geometry and a stress-free operating mechanism.
• a weapon component within the meaning of the present invention comprises a tube or barrel of a weapon, as well as a muzzle attachment, for example, a flash suppressor, muzzle brake, blank cartridge device, etc.
• noses can be shaped in suitable geometries, for example, round or square.
• An asymmetrical nose refers to a nose that has a different geometric shape compared to the other symmetrical, i.e., identically shaped, noses; for example, it may be larger or smaller, and/or flatter or higher, and/or wider or narrower than the other noses, and/or have a different appearance.
• the outer contour for example, has a bulge and/or indentation.
• only a complementary and therefore asymmetrical recess is provided, so that only the asymmetrical nose with this recess can come into contact with the prosthesis.
• the asymmetrical design of a nose or protrusion can be easily achieved by, for example, making the asymmetrical nose higher or lower and/or wider or narrower than the other two protrusions. Even in complete darkness, the shooter can use the asymmetrical nose to feel for the only geometrically possible mounting or attachment position of the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the coupling interface can also be designed as a chuck or collet.
• at least one feature on the firearm can be provided that interacts with, in particular engages with, at least one corresponding feature on the muzzle signature suppressor.
• this could be a recess into which a protruding element engages, so that coupling is only possible in one position.
• the feature and corresponding feature can be variably provided on the muzzle signature suppressor or the firearm, for example, a raised or recessed area on the gun barrel and the corresponding counterpart on the muzzle signature suppressor, or vice versa.
• the tube can have a positioning element, in particular a pin-like positioning shank, extending coaxially to the bore axis.
• This shank serves for the repeatable positioning, orientation, and assembly of the collet adapter, which may include a complementary positioning recess. Precise coupling is ensured by placing and inserting the collet adapter into the positioning recess. Assembly is only possible once the positioning element has engaged the positioning recess; otherwise, the geometry automatically blocks insertion.
• the collet adapter can have one or more clamping recesses around its circumference. After attaching and screwing on a clamping device, in particular a The collet chuck adapter is clamped to the barrel or muzzle brake via a collet nut with a schematically known thread. This compresses the clamping recesses.
• a torque wrench can be provided for fully tightening, although manual pre-tensioning is also possible.
• the muzzle signature suppressor can be coupled to the collet nut or the collet chuck adapter.
• a coupling sleeve can be provided for coupling with the muzzle signature suppressor, for example via a threaded connection (not shown) or another suitable and known mounting method.
• the muzzle signature suppressor, the gun barrel, or the muzzle flash suppressor can have at least one asymmetrical element, in particular an asymmetrical lug, and at least one or two symmetrical elements, in particular one or more symmetrical lugs, at its muzzle end for repeatable positioning in the coupling sleeve or for repeatable positioning of the coupling sleeve on the barrel or on the muzzle flash suppressor.
• the coupling sleeve can have one asymmetrical recess for the asymmetrical element and at least two recesses for the symmetrical element.
• positioning and coupling are thus possible in only one position.
• the coupling sleeve can be rotated and the lugs of the undercuts can be positioned behind and fixed in place.
• the muzzle signature damper may further include at least one overpressure valve designed for liquids and/or gas/liquid mixtures for the discharge of the liquids and/or gas/liquid mixture in the event of overpressure.
• the pressure relief valve can be implemented as a drain port/opening to the front and/or below the muzzle signature silencer housing via drainage openings. Any other suitable pressure relief valve can also be used. Such a pressure relief valve can be provided on a front or even each baffle chamber. This measure can be particularly relevant if at least one liquid passage opening(s) The muzzle brake may leak or be only partially/not at all closed when firing. Similarly, in the case of a muzzle signature suppressor filled with water or another liquid, where the liquid passage opening(s) were accidentally not opened, such a liquid-compatible pressure relief valve becomes relevant, as this measure can restore the shooter's safety by allowing the liquid to be discharged via the pressure relief valve.
• the muzzle signature suppressor can also be equipped with permanently open/non-closable drainage holes, ideally located in the front baffle or end face. This measure serves to selectively and effectively vent residual evaporating water and combustion gases in the direction of fire.
• the muzzle signature suppressor may further include at least one safety device against overpressure-induced destruction of the muzzle signature suppressor and/or uncontrolled escape of a projectile from the muzzle signature suppressor in the case of liquid present in the muzzle signature suppressor.
• the safety device can, for example, surround the muzzle signature suppressor and/or reinforce its housing in such a way that its destruction due to liquid present inside the housing is prevented.
• the safety device can be integrally or detachably integrated into the muzzle signature suppressor. Suitable materials include, among others, the fiber composites listed below. If no liquid passage opening(s) are provided, one or more pressure relief valves designed for liquids can be additionally provided, through which liquid can be displaced by the propellant gas pressure upon firing. These pressure relief valves are optional. The applicant reserves the right to claim independent protection for this or other variants or embodiments.
• the safety device on the muzzle signature suppressor can be designed as a heat shield to prevent the suppressor from overheating and/or to protect the shooter from heat.
• the heat shield can be integral to the muzzle signature suppressor or removable.
• the heat-resistant casing can be made from various suitable materials.
• composite materials with a component that provides a predetermined amount of thermal insulation against the heat generated during firing are well-suited.
• Reinforcing materials for the composite can include, for example, short-fiber, long-fiber, or continuous-fiber reinforcement, carbon fibers, glass fibers, flexible ceramics, metal fibers, metal powders, aramid fibers, fibrous silicon dioxide, nanomaterials, etc.
• Suitable matrix materials for the composite include polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, phenol, polyamide, polypropylene, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
• Heat-resistant resins such as MVK-19 ultra-high-temperature polyimide resins, are particularly well-suited. Reinforced, high-temperature-resistant silicone elastomers or suitable reinforced foams can also be used.
• the aforementioned composite materials exhibit high thermal stability, enabling them to withstand the extreme operating temperatures encountered when using a muzzle signature suppressor.
• the heat shield can completely or partially surround the muzzle signature suppressor and be designed to prevent a projectile from exiting in a direction other than the direction of fire.
• Firearms especially self-loading firearms, are well-known and will not be described separately.
• the operating sequence for firing and automatic reloading in a self-loading firearm can be simplified as follows:
• the weapon incorporates a longitudinally movable breech assembly for firing, extracting a spent cartridge case, and reloading.
• the breech assembly is depicted as a breech slide on the top of the grip.
• the breech assembly feeds a cartridge from the magazine into a chamber in the barrel in a known manner.
• a trigger mechanism is actuated, a firing pin strikes the cartridge base and ignites a propellant charge, thus firing a projectile from the cartridge case through the barrel.
• the firing of the shot sets the breech assembly into a backward movement in a known manner.
• An extractor grips the cartridge case at its rim near the base and, as the breech assembly recoils, pulls it from the chamber.
• An ejector then pushes the cartridge case through a The cartridge ejection port protrudes from the weapon receiver in the usual manner. During the recoil of the bolt assembly, it slides backward over the magazine.
• the top of the magazine's rear and front walls is recessed downwards over a certain distance.
• the magazine's side walls extend upwards, forming magazine lips that prevent the cartridge from falling out.
• a spring inside the magazine pushes a cartridge follower upwards, thus advancing the cartridge. From there, it can guide the bolt assembly out of the magazine and into the chamber.
• the magazine After firing the last cartridge, the magazine can be removed from the weapon downwards via a known magazine release mechanism or dropped out, and a new magazine inserted.
• Muzzle signature suppressors 1 are known in various designs. They can be mounted as needed on the barrel or tube (not shown) of a firearm (not shown) or on attached accessories, such as a muzzle brake or flash suppressor (not shown), via known coupling mechanisms. Muzzle signature suppressors 1 dampen optically and acoustically, thus reducing noise emissions, muzzle blast, and muzzle flash upon firing.
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 shown schematically in longitudinal section, comprises a housing 3 with an interior chamber 4.
• a tube-side end 5 of the muzzle signature suppressor 1 includes a tube-side coupling interface 7 for coupling to the firearm.
• the coupling interface is designed as a thread (see figure).
• a floor 9 intended Projectile channel 11 penetrates the housing interior 4 centrally and includes a projectile exit opening 13 at the muzzle-side end 15 of the muzzle signature dampener 1, through which the projectile 9 exits the housing interior 4 to the outside.
• the projectile exit opening 13 is surrounded by an end face 17 of the muzzle signature dampener 1.
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 functions, in simplified terms, as follows: Upon firing, the propellant gas, via a gas stream 19, guides the projectile 9 through the barrel of the firearm, where the projectile 9 enters the muzzle signature suppressor 1 and its projectile channel 11 at the muzzle, penetrating it. During this process, the propellant gases inside the muzzle signature suppressor 1 expand, partially releasing their pressure without emitting sound energy into the environment. This process is schematically represented by the hatched gas stream 19.
• the gas flow rushing over the projectile is depicted, whereby the rushing gases clear the projectile path, thus displacing any remaining residual liquid from the projectile path and/or from the muzzle signature damper.
• lamellar chambers 21 are provided in the housing interior 4. These chambers impede the gas flow 19, and thus the sound, by creating turbulence in the gas flow 19 and consequently reducing its velocity, thereby cooling the propellant gases.
• the lamellar chambers 21 comprise lamellar or baffle walls 23, which in this case are arranged at an angle to the direction of fire in the upper and lower surfaces of the housing interior 4.
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 also reduces the recoil of the firearm and minimizes muzzle flash.
• Fig. 2a -e Longitudinal sections of various muzzle signature suppressors are shown. 1. They differ from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1
• the coupling interface 7 is designed as a thread 25, which is screwed onto a mating thread on the barrel of a firearm.
• the muzzle signature suppressors 1 differ in Fig. 2a - e in the structure of the lamellar chambers 21 and the orientation of the lamellar walls 23: in Fig. 2a inclined at an angle in the direction of fire, in Fig. 2b alternating in and inclined against the direction of fire, in Fig. 2c inclined on both sides against the direction of fire, in Fig. 2e k-shaped aligned and in Fig.
• the lamellar chambers 21 and walls 23 can be designed and arranged as desired, depending on the application.
• FIG. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a muzzle signature suppressor 1 according to the invention.
• the lamellar walls 23 are arranged and shaped in an approximately funnel-shaped manner in the firing direction.
• the coupling interface 7 can, in a simple embodiment, be provided, for example, as a thread or with a collet adapter (see Figure 1).
• Fig. 13 or 14 or be provided with an asymmetrical coupling interface (see Figs. 15a to 17).
• Other known coupling methods to the firearm can also be used.
• the first two lamellar chambers 21 from the left are larger, and the first lamellar wall 21 from the left extends at a right angle into the housing interior 4.
• a liquid passage opening 27 approximately rectangular in plan view, is formed in the housing wall 3 of the muzzle signature suppressor 1, e.g., milled into it.
• the size of the liquid passage opening 27 allows liquid to drain out within a few seconds, usually 1 to 3 seconds, after surfacing from the water.
• the first four lamella walls each have four secondary liquid passage openings 29 on their underside.
• These can be designed as passages, for example, bores or slots, and serve to allow the lamella chambers 21 to communicate with each other in such a way that liquid can flow out towards the first lamella chamber 21 and to the first liquid passage opening 27. They are dimensioned such that they allow the previously described liquid flow from the housing interior to the first liquid passage opening 27 and outwards within 1 to 3 seconds. This allows residual water to remain in the first two lamellar chambers 21 from the right without jeopardizing the functional reliability during projectile release.
• the embodiment of the muzzle signature damper 1 according to the invention Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 3 by forming a second liquid passage opening 29 in each lamellar wall 23 to allow rapid liquid drainage from all lamellar chambers 21.
• the embodiment of the muzzle signature damper 1 according to the invention Fig. 5 differs from the embodiments according to Fig. 3 and 4 This is achieved by the fact that the first liquid passage opening 27 is larger and extends from the right through the first two lamellar chambers 21 to the third lamellar chamber 21. This also ensures rapid liquid drainage from all lamellar chambers 21. The larger the liquid passage opening 27, the faster the liquid drainage after the firearm with the muzzle signature suppressor 1 is removed from water or other liquid.
• the embodiment of the muzzle signature damper 1 according to the invention Fig. 6 differs from the embodiments according to Fig. 3 , 4 and 5 This is achieved by making the first liquid passage opening 27 even larger and extending semicircularly across all lamellar chambers 21 to just before the muzzle-side end of the muzzle signature damper 1 on the underside of the housing 3. Second liquid passage openings 29 and an internal drain between the lamellar chambers 21 are not required in this embodiment, since all lamellar chambers 21 are connected to the environment via the first liquid passage opening 27.
• Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a muzzle signature damper according to the invention with a closing device 30 and Fig. 7b A perspective view of this embodiment.
• the first liquid passage openings 27 are here designed as four longitudinal slots arranged parallel to each other in the underside of the first lamellar chamber 21. Furthermore, in each A second liquid passage opening 29 is provided in the lamellar wall near the lower housing wall.
• the muzzle signature suppressor includes Fig. 7a a closure device 30 which has an attached sleeve-like cuff 31 as a closure element. This is located between a Fig. 7b
• the open position shown can be rotated into a closed position, in which the sleeve closes the first four liquid passage openings 29 and seals them to the outside.
• the sleeve 31 includes a mating thread (not shown) on its inner wall, which interacts with the coarse thread 33 (shown schematically) on the outside of the housing 3 of the muzzle signature suppressor 1 such that the sleeve can be rotated downwards towards the tube-side end 5 of the muzzle signature suppressor 1, as indicated by the directional arrows 35.
• an end stop 36 is provided against which the sleeve 31 can be secured, e.g., by snapping into place.
• a shooter e.g., a combat swimmer or combat diver
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 which is mounted on the firearm and has at least one liquid passage opening(s), in this embodiment in the open position while diving or swimming. Since the four manually opened/closed liquid passage openings 27 are located on the underside of the muzzle signature suppressor 1, the mass of water flows out of the suppressor 1 within a few seconds due to gravity, simply, relatively quickly, and quietly, immediately after surfacing or leaving the water. The shooter then closes the liquid passage openings 27 by means of the easily and quickly operated cuff 31 via the previously described radial rotation of the coarse thread 33 and is immediately ready to fire. The steeper the coarse thread, the smaller the rotational movement; for example, a half or full housing circumference simplifies handling.
• Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a muzzle signature damper 1 according to the invention with a locking element
• Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the muzzle signature damper 1 with locking element.
• the two embodiments differ from the embodiment according to Fig. 7 a and b in the design of the locking element. In both cases, this is designed as a sliding, semicircular slide 37.
• Fig. 8 The slider is designed to be horizontally movable and in Fig. 9 axially displaceable.
• the slide 37 encompasses the outer housing wall of the muzzle signature damper 1 and extends over approximately one quarter to one third of the outer circumference of the housing 3.
• the slide 37 is guided by rails 39 which are located in Fig. 8 extend parallel above and below the four liquid passage openings 27 and in Fig. 9
• the sleeve 31 extends coaxially to the inner axis 12 of the muzzle signature suppressor 1. In the closed position, an end stop 36 is provided against which the sleeve 31 can be fixed, e.g., locked into place.
• FIGs. 10a and 10b The perspective view shown of a further embodiment of a muzzle signature damper according to the invention with an attached cuff differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 7a and b only in the design of the first liquid passage opening 27. Instead of the four parallel liquid passage openings 27, a larger dimensioned liquid passage opening 27 is formed on the underside of the housing wall, which extends semicircularly over approximately 2/3 of the underside of the first lamellar chamber 21.
• a sealant (not shown) is provided between the closure element on the outside of the housing 4 and/or the inner wall of the respective closure element opposite the housing 4, i.e., the sleeve 31, the slide 37, or the half-shell 41.
• the sealant can be applied completely or partially over the entire surface. The sealant is applied in greater quantities at the edges of the closure elements to ensure a seal against the external environment.
• FIGs. 11a and 11b The figures show perspective views of a further embodiment of a muzzle signature damper according to the invention 1.
• This embodiment differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 10a and b in the design of the first liquid passage opening 27 and the closure element.
• a larger liquid passage opening 27 is formed on the underside of the housing wall, extending across the first five lamellar chambers 21 from the left on the underside of the housing 4.
• the last two lamellar chambers 21 are each connected to the first liquid passage opening 27 via a second liquid passage opening 27.
• the closure element is further designed as a half-shell 41, which is guided in a rail guide 39 between the open position shown and the closed position.
• an end stop serves to secure it in the closed position.
• FIG. 12 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a muzzle signature suppressor 1 with an attachable cuff 31 as a closing element.
• This embodiment differs from the embodiment according to Figure 1.
• Fig. 10a and b in the design of the first liquid passage opening 27 and the dimensioning of the sleeve 31.
• a larger liquid passage opening 27 is formed on the underside of the housing wall, extending across the first five lamellar chambers 21 from the left on the underside of the housing 4.
• the last two lamellar chambers 21 are each connected to the first liquid passage opening 27 via a second liquid passage opening 27.
• the sleeve 31 extends almost the entire length of the muzzle signature damper 1 and is guided between the open position and the closed position by a coarse thread 33.
• the end stop 36 serves to secure it in the closed position.
• FIG. 13 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another two-part embodiment of a muzzle signature damper according to the invention.
• This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments, in particular according to Fig. 7a and b in the two-part design of the housing 4 of the muzzle signature damper 1 and the design of the sleeve 31.
• four dimensioned liquid passage openings 27 are formed on the underside of the housing wall, which extend across the first The lamellar chamber 21 extends from the left.
• Each lamellar chamber 21 is connected to the first liquid passage openings 27 and the first lamellar chamber 21, respectively, via second liquid passage openings 29.
• the sleeve 31 extends almost the entire length of the muzzle signature silencer 1 and is guided between the open and closed positions shown by a coarse thread 33.
• the end stop 36 serves to secure it in the closed position.
• the two parts of the muzzle signature silencer 1 are pushed or held together and connected via the sleeve 31 and the coarse thread 33.
• the coarse thread extends over both parts of the muzzle signature silencer 1, but is not shown in its entirety for clarity.
• FIG. 14 Figure 1 shows an alternative perspective view of a further two-part embodiment of a muzzle signature damper according to the invention.
• This embodiment differs from the embodiment described above, in particular according to Fig. 13 in the two-part design of the housing 4 of the muzzle signature damper 1 and the design of the collar 31.
• four dimensioned liquid passage openings 27 are formed on the underside of the housing wall, extending across the first lamellar chamber 21 from the left.
• the lamellar chambers 21 are each in liquid communication with the first liquid passage openings 27 via second liquid passage openings 29.
• the sleeve 31 also extends over the length of the muzzle signature suppressor 1 and is guided between the open position and the closed position shown via a coarse thread 33.
• the end stop 36 serves to secure it in the closed position.
• the sleeve 31 is connected to the one shown in the Fig. 14
• the right-hand housing part shown is either permanently attached or integrally designed.
• the right-hand part of the muzzle signature suppressor 1 is screwed onto the left-hand part and connected to each other via the sleeve 31 and the coarse thread 33.
• the coarse thread extends only over the area shown in Fig. 14
• the left part of the muzzle signature suppressor 1 is shown, but not completely for clarity.
• the sleeve 31 may therefore be partially screwed on, and the muzzle signature suppressor... 1 is still in its open position. To close the fluid passage opening 27, the cuff is simply screwed on further.
• Fig. 15 a perspective view of the inside of a cuff and Fig. 16 a perspective view of an interior view of a locking element from the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 8 and 9
• the cuff 31 and the closing element 37 each have an approximately window-like recess or groove 32 or 38 on their inner wall, which is open towards the projectile discharge side, thus forming a gap towards the muzzle.
• the groove 32 or 38 serves to vent excess propellant gases towards the muzzle.
• the center of the respective groove 32 or 38 is located approximately opposite the respective liquid passage opening(s) 27.
• the end stop not be reached when closing the cuff 31 or the slide 37 for whatever reason, e.g.
• the groove 32 or 38 is designed or constructed to be so wide that even if the closing position is not reached, excess propellant gases can still be safely and safely discharged forward to the projectile firing side without endangering the shooter.
• FIG. 17 to 19 The figures show perspective views of two embodiments of a coupling interface for mounting a muzzle signature suppressor on a weapon barrel or existing muzzle flash suppressor.
• the coupling interface is provided as a chuck or collet adapter 47.
• a tube 43 is shown schematically only with its end facing the opening.
• a pin-like positioning rib 45 extends coaxially to the bore axis to the opening. This rib serves for the repeatable positioning, orientation, and mounting of the collet adapter 47, which includes a complementary positioning recess 49.
• a repeatable coupling can be ensured by placing and inserting the collet adapter 47 into the positioning recess 49. Only when the positioning rib 45 Once the positioning recess 49 is located, assembly is possible; otherwise, sliding the adapter onto the tube is automatically blocked by its geometry.
• the collet adapter 47 also has clamping recesses 51 around its circumference.
• the collet adapter 47 After placing and tightening a cap nut via the schematically shown thread, the collet adapter 47 is clamped onto the tube 43, compressing the clamping recesses 51.
• a torque wrench (not shown) is provided for fully tightening the adapter, although manual pre-tensioning is also possible.
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 (not shown) is coupled to the cap nut.
• the embodiment according to Figs. 18 and 19 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 17 This is achieved by providing a trough- or channel-like recess 46 on the tube 43 instead of the positioning ridge 45.
• a positioning ridge 48 located on the inner wall of the collet adapter 47, engages in this recess when the adapter is placed on the tube.
• flattened sections, particularly inclined ones, can be provided on the tube 43. Both measures serve to ensure repeatable positioning, orientation, and assembly of the collet adapter 47.
• a first positioning recess in the tube, in the form of a groove 53, and/or a second positioning recess, in the form of a trough-like recess 55 can be provided.
• the collet adapter 47 can be placed on or mounted to the coupling interface.
• the muzzle signature damper 1 is not shown and is coupled to the union nut in a known manner. The applicant reserves the right to claim independent protection for this or other variants or embodiments.
• FIGs. 20 to 21b Figures show illustrations of a further embodiment of a coupling interface for mounting a muzzle signature suppressor 1 on a weapon barrel and Fig. 22 a perspective, partially cutaway view of the embodiment of the coupling interface made of Figs. 20a to 21b in the assembled state.
• the coupling sleeve 57 is intended for coupling with the muzzle signature suppressor 1, e.g. via a threaded connection (not shown) or another suitable and known mounting (see Fig. 22 ).
• the muzzle signature suppressor 1 or the The gun barrel or muzzle brake comprises at its muzzle end an asymmetrical nose 59 and two symmetrical noses 61 for repeatable positioning in a coupling sleeve 57.
• the coupling sleeve 57 in turn, includes a recess for the asymmetrical nose 63 and two recesses for the symmetrical noses 65. The positioning of the approximately triangularly arranged noses 59 and 61 is therefore only possible in one position within the coupling sleeve 57.
• the muzzle signature damper according to the invention its use for liquid drainage, and the associated firearm increase the safety of firearms, especially self-loading firearms, particularly when used from water or other liquids.

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