US3882780A

US3882780A - Rifle grenade, particularly for firing tear gas or flare projectiles

Info

Publication number: US3882780A
Application number: US422724A
Authority: US
Inventors: Heinz Gawlick; Rudolf Stahlmann; Ernst Jensen
Original assignee: Dynamit Nobel AG
Current assignee: Dynamit Nobel AG
Priority date: 1972-12-07
Filing date: 1973-12-07
Publication date: 1975-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-13
Also published as: DE2259861A1; NL7316819A; JPS506200A; MY7700258A; GB1448993A; BE808371A; FR2209921B1; AT337052B; ATA1017773A; FR2209921A1; IT997941B

Abstract

Rifle grenade for launching from the barrel of a firearm having a grenade body, a launching tube and a detonator. The detonator is in the form of impact-initiatable igniter disposed at one end of the grenade body facing the launching tube and having a striker element spaced from the igniter in a safety position. The striker element is arranged to move forwardly toward the igniter to impact thereon upon launching of the grenade. A delay train may be interposed between the igniter and material carried by the grenade body for igniting the material after a predetermined delay.

Description

Gawlick et al.

[111 3,882,780 May 13, 1 975 RIFLE GRENADE, PARTICULARLY FOR FIRING TEAR GAS OR FLAR PROJECTILES Inventors: Heinz Gawlick; Rudolf Stahlmann;

Ernst Jensen, all of Furth, Germany Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft,

Germany Filed: Dec. 7, 1973 Appl. No.2 422,724

Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 7, 1972 Germany 2259861 US. Cl l02/65.2; 102/90 Int. Cl. F42b 13/46; F42b 1 1/42 Field of Search 42/1 F; 102/652, 90

Abell 102/652 2,968,870 1/1961 Brandt [OZ/65.2 3,243,909 4/1966 Kotikov 102/652 3,726,036 4/1973 Jennings et al. 102/652 3,726,226 4/1973 Grandy 102/652 Primary Examiner-Verlin R. Pendegrass Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig & Antonelli [57] ABSTRACT Rifle grenade for launching from the barrel of a firearm having a grenade body, a launching tube and a detonator. The detonator is in the form of impactinitiatable igniter disposed at one end of the grenade body facing the launching tube and having a striker element spaced from the igniter in a safety position. The striker element is arranged to move forwardly toward the igniter to impact thereon upon launching of the grenade. A delay train may be interposed between the igniter and material carried by the grenade bodyfor igniting the material after a predetermined delay.

26 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Pmmm M81388 8.882780 SHEET 1 OF 2 FIG. 3

PAIENIEB MM 1 ms SHEEI 2 OF 2 FIG. 5

FIG. (5

RIFLE GRENADE, PARTICULARLY FOR FIRING TEAR GAS OR FLARE PROJECTILES The present invention relates to a rifle grenade, especially for the firing of tear gas or flare projectiles, with a grenade body, a launching tube, and a detonator.

Rifle grenades have been known which serve for the firing of explosive elements. The explosive elements have a percussion detonator, initiating the ignition thereof upon impact on the target. The term rifle grenades defines the type of grenades which are placed onto the front end of a firearm barrel, optionally with the use of an adapter, and are fired over more or less great distances, depending on their weight, their shape, the firing propellant charge, etc.

Furthermore, projectiles are known from DAS [German Published Application1No. 1,933,029, which have a solid element producing irritating gases while smoldering. These projectiles are hurled by hand or optionally are also conveyed to the location of deployment by means of suitable firing devices. These projectiles are ignited either manually directly prior to throwing by means of a friction igniter or also only upon impact on the target by means of a percussion fuze.

The projectiles to be hurled by hand have the disadvantage that, on the one hand, the throwing ranges attainable are often too short and, on the other hand, the

throwing energy generally is insufficient to propel the projectile through closed windows, doors, or the like into closed spaces. Although these disadvantages do not exist in the conventional projectiles to be fired by means of firing devices, the ignition of these projectiles is only initiated upon impingement in the target by means of an impact detonator, and thus the irritating gases are developed only when the projectile has reached its target. This late initiation and ejection of the irritant gases, however, evokes the danger that the projectile can be picked up by demonstrators, terrorists, etc., and thrown back. Thus, the projectile is rendered ineffective or has even the opposite effect,'if it returns to the location from where it was fired. Furthermore, a condition for the flawless triggering of the impact detonator is that the projectile impinge on a relatively hard surface within an impact angle range dependent on the detonator construction.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rifle grenade which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of prior rifle grenades. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a conventional rifle grenade with a grenade body, a launching tube, and a detonator, with the detonator constructed as an igniter disposed at the end of the grenade body facing the launching tube and ignitable by impact, with a striker element held at a spacing therefrom in a safety position and movable toward the igniter upon firing, and with a pyrotechnic delay train arranged after the igniter. Thus, the ignition is advantageously already initiated during the launching of the rifle grenade, by driving the striker element, under the pressure effect of the propellant gases of the propellant cartridge inserted in the cartridge chamber of the fire arm, toward the igniter. Thereby, the flawless ignition of the rifle grenade is reliably ensured, entirely independently of the impact surface and the impact angle.

This delay can be determined, by the composition of the pyrotechnic mixture and thus its deflagration speed, as well as by the length of the delay train, in correspondence with the requirements of each individual case. For example, the provision can be made that the charge arranged after the delay train is ignited only after the rifle grenade has reached a certain distance from the launching site.

The rifle grenade of the present invention is intended particularly for the firing of tear gas or flare projectiles. In this arrangement, the conventional tear-gasproducing smoldering charges or flare compositions with ejection and ignition charges are disposed after the pyrotechnical delay train. Optionally, an additional parachute for the flare can also be provided, in order to provide for a maximally gradual descent of the burning flare. Of course, the riflegrenade of this invention can, however, also be advantageously employed for the firing of other irritant-gas elements, smoke-producing marker charges, smoke ammunition, or the like.

In order to prevent the rifle grenade of this invention from being ignited inadvertently, for example when dropped to the ground accidentally, the striker element is held in a safety position at a distance from the igniter. For this purpose, the striker element can be connected, for example, by way of predetermined breaking points with the launching tube with the strength thereof being dimensioned so that the striker element separates from the tube only after reaching a predetermined propellant gas pressure and is driven against the igniter. With a view toward a maximally low expenditure during manufacture and, at the same time, obtaining an additional guidance of the striker element during its movement toward the igniter, and advantageous embodiment of this invention provides that the striker element is held at a spacing from the igniter by means of at least one spring member. A cylindrical or optionally also conical coil spring, or one or more cup springs can be utilized for this purpose, for example.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a detonator holder or carrier is provided with a central continuous bore with the igniter being inserted therein from one end, preferably by a friction fit and, from the other end, a pyrotechnical delay train, housed in a sleeve, is inserted in this bore, preferably by means of a threaded connection. The detonator holder is made of a metal, preferably aluminum. Thus, a compact component is obtained which can readily be mounted and which withstands satisfactorily the gas pressure and acceleration forces effective during the launching. Optionally, the striker element can additionally be disposed in a tubular extension of the detonator holder extending toward the rear beyond the igniter, so that the striker element is axially displaceable therein. Another advantageous simplification of the structure of the rifle grenade according to the present invention results, according to another embodiment thereof, in that the detonator holder serves for the coupling of the grenade body and the launching tube. Preferably, the individual parts are threadedly joined, optionally with the use of special supporting disks, locknuts, or the like.

In order to ensure that the pyrotechnic mixture of the delay train burns flawlessly even under unfavorable circumstances within the predetermined time period, another embodiment of this invention provides that the detonator holder has at least one gas discharge duct starting from the central bore in the zone between the igniter and the delay train. Preferably, two or more symmetrically distributed gas discharge ducts are provided. These ducts connect the space between the igniter and the delay train with a further space, so that the combustion gases of the pyrotechnical mixture can flow off into this space and thus the mixture can burn up at a practically constant pressure. This additional space can be, for example, the interior of the launching tube or also an empty space or chamber provided around the casing of the pyrotechnic delay train.

According to the invention, the striker element can furthermore be combined with an intercept member disposed in a force fit within the launching tube and movable in the forward disrection under the effect of an impringing armed projectile. Thus, it is made possible to fire the rifle grenade also with live ammunition instead of with a propellant cartridge. The intercept member, produced, for example, of a high-quality steel, is readily deformed upon the impingement of the projectile and is driven, in a sleeve advantageously inserted in the launching tube, with strong frictional contact with the inner wall thereof forwards together with the striker element against the igniter. By a suitable selection of the material for the intercept member and the radial play between the intercept member and the sleeve, the proportion of kinetic energy of the projectile driven through the barrel which is converted into heat and thus dissipated can be chosen in dependence on the particular requirements. In order to absolutely prevent any possible recoil of the projectile from the intercept member and thus an undesired backward movement into the barrel of the firearm, another feature of this invention provides the intercept member with a blind bore starting at the rear end thereof. The blind bore generally extends over about three quarters of the length of the intercept member and is chosen to be somewhat smaller in its inside diameter than the caliber of the projectile, so that the latter is securely caught in the member after entering the blind bore.

In order to prevent moisture, for example, from penetrating via the gas discharge duct into the pyrotechnical mixture, especially in those cases where the at least one gas discharge duct provided for the delay train is extended into the interior of the launching tube, during storage and transport of the rifle grenade, the invention provides to equip the launching tube at its rear end with a lid connected to the tube by a shape-mating and/or frictional connection. The lid is pulled off prior to firing of the rifle grenade. This lid can advantageously also serve simultaneously for holding the propellant cartridge included with each rifle grenade. In accordance with another feature of this invention, this propellant cartridge can, however, also be inserted in the launching tube together with an accessory sight enclosed with each rifle grenade, so that the marksman always has all parts required for the satisfactory firing of the rifle grenade readily available.

These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein FIG. 1 shows the entire rifle grenade, partially in a longitudinal sectional view;

FIG. 2 shows a fragmentary view of the rifle grenade according to FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a portion of a rifle grenade in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a portion of a rifle grenade in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a rifle grenade with a lid inserted in the launching tube; and

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are utilized to designate like parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a rifle grenade having a grenade body 1 and having the launching tube 2 with the tail unit 3 inserted in the rear end of the grenade body 1. The grenade body 1, produced preferably of a synthetic resin, especially a thermoplastic synthetic resin, carries in its interior, in a conventional manner, the smoldering compositions, flare charges, or the like, which are not shown. The grenade body 1 is tightly sealed at the front end by means of the nose 4 attached thereto and preferably welded thereto along the periphery. The detonator carrier 5, made of a metal, e.g., aluminum, is disposed in the zone where the grenade body 1 and the launching tube 2 are joined. The tail unit 3, suitably produced of a synthetic resin, is attached from behind to the launching tube 2, made of a metal, preferably aluminum, and is held by means of a spring ring.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the igniter or primer element 6 and the pyrotechnical delay train 7, accommodated in a sleeve. The igniter 6 is inserted with frictional seat from behind in the continuous bore 8 of the detonator carrier 5, while the pyrotechnic delay train 7 is threadedly inserted in the bore 8 from the front. The striker element 10, made, for example, of aluminum, is axially displaceably inserted in the tubular extension 9 of the detonator carrier 5, pointing toward the rear with the striker element being held in the extension by means of the spring ring 11 and is biased away from the igniter by means of the spring element 12 formed as a helical spring so as to be in a safety position. The bore 8 is connected with the interior of the launching tube 2 via the two gas discharge ducts 13. The detonator holder 5 has an annular collar 14 at its end facing the grenade body and a supporting disk 15, together with the bottom portion 16 of the grenade body 1 is supported on this collar 14 and securely held in this position by means of the launching tube 2 being threaded onto the detonator carrier 5 with the aid of the screw connection 17 such that the detonator carrier couples the grenade body 1 and the launching tube 2. Black powder stoppers 18 are inserted, in this embodiment, in the front end of the delay train 7 and these stoppers serve conventionally for the further transmission of the ignition impulse to the frontmost charge, not shown herein. The various charges, of which only the rearmost, denoted by reference numeral 19 is indicated, are composed and housed in the customary manner. The ignition is initiated during the launching of the rifle grenade by driving the striker element 10 under the pressure effect of the propellant gases of the propellant cartridge inserted in the cartridge chamber of the firearm toward the igniter 6.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.3, the detonator carrier 5, likewise made of a metal, is formed with an outer diameter corresponding to that of the grenade body 1. From the rear, the launching tube 2 is threadedly inserted by means ofa screw connection 20, while the grenade body 1 is attached from the front and fastened by means of a locknut 21. Thus thus-established connection between the grenade body 1 and the launching tube 2 has, with the same outer diameter and the same materials, a greater strength than the connection shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, this embodiment is preferably employed for heavier rifle grenades, or for those which are to be fired over longer distances, since these require a higher firing pressure. Another advantage of the detonator holder 5 shown herein is the radial arrangement of the gas discharge ducts 13, since these can be more readily manufactured than the gas discharge ducts 13 which extend obiquely toward the rear, as shown in FIG. 2. These radial gas discharge ducts 13 are connected, via the annular recess 22 and the bores 23 provided in the locknut 21, with the additional space or chamber 24, into which the gases produces during the burning of the pyrotechnical delay train 7 can escape. The further space 24 is formed as an annular chamber in the member 25, which latter is preferably injection-molded from a synthetic resin. The additional charges, cover disks, etc., of which only a portion 26 are indicated of the conventional flare, irritant gas, smoke, marker projectiles or the like are disposed after this member 25. At the front end of the launching tube 2, the striker element 10, made of a metal, rests against a shoulder 27 and this striker element is supported at the detonator carrier 5 away from the igniter 6 by a spring element 12, fashioned as a cup spring.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 differs from the construction shown in FIG. 3 in the structure of the striker element which, in this case, is combined with an intercept meinber 28, i.e., is constructed integrally therewith. The intercept member 28, made of a highstrength steel, in inserted by force fit into a sleeve 29, which latter is likewise produced from a high-strength steel and is clamped in the launching tube 2 between the detonator carrier 5 and the shoulder 27 so that the striker element 10, together with the intercept member 28, is held in the safety position at a spacing from the igniter 6. A blind bore 30 emanates from the rear end of the intercept member 28 and is shown in dashed lines. The blind bore is arranged to receive the live ammunition projectile fired by the firearm with the intercept member 28 and striker element 10 being driven forwardly against the igniter 6.

In the rifle grenade shown in FIG. 5, the launching tube 2 is provided, at its rear end, with a frictionally attached lid 31, exhibiting a pull strip 32 for ready removal prior to firing. The propellant cartridge 33 is inserted in the lid 31 so that the required tight seal of launching tube 2 is ensured. The tail unit 3 pushed onto the launching tube 2 is held by means of a retaining ring 34. In contrast thereto, according to FIG. 6, the propellant cartridge 33 is inserted in an accessory sight 35 which, in turn, is inserted in the launching tube 2. At the rear end, the lid 31 is provided which is inserted in the launching tube 2 with a frictional fit. Prior to firing, the marksman removes the lid 31, withdraws the accessory sight 35 with the propellant cartridge 33, and then inserts or attaches the individual parts in or to the firearm in a conventional manner.

The construction of the rifle grenade in accordance with the present invention makes it possible advantageously to fire the grenade, when irritant-gas projectiles are used, readily over distances of 75lOO in. ac-

curately on target into closed spaces such as rooms through windows, doors, or the like. The grenade body, constructed with a corresponding strength, penetrates the window pane, door panel, or the like and either is caught therein or drops into the space, so that the irritant gas can escape into the space via the discharge openings disposed at the front end of the grenade body and can render any terrorists or similar persons present therein temporarily incapacitated. The discharge openings are formed in the nose of the grenade body as regions of lesser wall thickness which, when a certain gas pressure has been reached within the grenade body, rupture in a defined manner.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

We claim:

1'. Rifle grenade comprising a grenade body, launching tube means disposed at one end of said grenade body, and detonator means for said grenade, said detonator means including an impact-initiatable igniter disposed proximate to the one end of the grenade body facing the launching tube means, a striker means for impacting on said igniter being spaced from said igniter in a safety position and being responsive to the launching of the grenade for moving forwardly toward said igniter to impact thereupon, delay means responsive to the initiation of said igniter for igniting material carried by said grenade body after a predetermined time delay, said delay means including a pyrotechnic delay train operationally disposed between said igniter and the material carried by said grenade body, said detonator means further including means for carrying said igniter, said carrying means including a member having a central continuous bore extending therethrough, said igniter being positioned in the bore from one end thereof and said pyrotechnic delay train being disposed within a sleeve member, said sleeve member being positioned at least partially within the bore from the other end thereof, said igniter and said delay train being spaced from one another within the central bore of said carrying means and said carrying means being provided with at least one gas discharge duct extending outwardly from the central bore in the region between said igniter and said delay train.

2. Rifle grenade according to claim 1, wherein said grenade body is arranged for carrying at least one of tear gas, flare projectiles, smoke producing material, irritant agent material and explosive material.

3. Rifle grenade according to claim 1, wherein said detonator means further includes means for spacing said striker means from said igniter.

4. Rifle grenade according to claim 3 wherein said spacing means includes at least one spring member.

5. Rifle grenade according to claim 1, wherein said igniter is frictionally engaged with the bore and said sleeve member is threadedly engaged with the bore.

6. Rifle grenade according to claim 1, wherein said carrying means interconnects said grenade body and said launching tube means.

7. Rifle grenade comprising a grenade body, launching tube means disposed at one end of said grenade body, and detonator means for said grenade, said detonator means including carrying means having a member with a central continuous bore extending therethrough, and impact-initiatable igniter disposed proximate to the one end of the grenade body facing the launching tube means and positioned in the bore from one end thereof, delay means responsive to the initiation of said igniter for igniting material carried by said grenade body after a predetermined time delay, said delay means being operationally disposed between said igniter and the material carried by said grenade body and being positioned at least partially within the bore from the other end thereof, said igniter and said delay means being spaced from one another within the central bore of said carrying means, said carrying means being provided with at least one continuously open gas discharge duct extending outwardly from the central bore in the region between said igniter and said delay means, and a striker means for impacting on said igniter being spaced from said igniter in a safety position and being responsive to the launching of the grenade for moving forwardly toward said igniter to impact thereupon.

8. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said delay means includes a pyrotechnic delay train disposed within a sleeve member, said sleeve member being positioned at least partially within the bore from the other end thereof.

9. Rifle grenade according to claim 8, wherein said igniter is frictionally engaged with the bore and said sleeve member is threadedly engaged with the bore.

10. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said carrying means interconnects said grenade body and said launching tube means, and said at least one continuously open gas discharge duct serves for venting the central bore in the region between said igniter and said delay means.

11. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said detonator means further includes intercept means positioned in said launching tube means and having said striker means mounted thereon, said intercept means being arranged to be impinged upon by alive projectile for being driven forwardly to impact said striker means on said igniter.

12. Rifle grenade according to claim 11, wherein said intercept means is frictionally engaged within said launching tube means.

13. Rifle grenade according to claim 11, wherein said intercept means is provided with a blind bore emanating from one end thereof for receiving the live projectile therein.

14. Rifle grenade according to claim 11, wherein said launching tube means is provided with a guide sleeve therein, said intercept means being positioned within said guide sleeve.

15. Rifle grenade according to claim 14, wherein said detonator means further includes means for carrying the igniter, said guide sleeve having a portion thereof clamped within said launching tube means between a shoulder of said launching tube means and a portion of said carrying means.

16. Rifle grenade according to claim 15, wherein said intercept means is frictionally engaged within said guide sleeve, and said intercept means is provided with a blind bore emanating from one end thereof for receiving the live projectile therein.

17. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said launching tube means is provided at the end thereof disposed away from the one end of said grenade body with a lid member detachably connected thereto.

18. Rifle grenade according to claim 17, wherein said lid member is detachably connected to said launching tube means by at least one of a shape-mating and frictional connection.

19. Rifle grenade according to claim 17, further comprising a propellant cartridge for the firing of the rifle grenade being carried by said lid member.

20. Rifle grenade according to claim 18, further comprising an accessory sight and a propellant cartridge for the firing of the rifle grenade being positioned within said launching tube means.

21. Rifle grenade according to claim 11, wherein said launching tube means is provided at the end thereof disposed away from the one end of said grenade body with a lid member detachably connected thereto.

22. Rifle grenade according to claim 21, wherein said lid member is detachably connected to said launching tube means by at least one of a shape-mating and frictional connection.

23. Rifle grenade according to claim 22, further comprising a propellant cartridge for the firing of the rifle grenade being carried by said lid member.

24. Rifle grenade according to claim 22, further comprising an accessory sight and a propellant cartridge for the firing of the n'fle grenande being positioned within said launching tube means.

25. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said detonator means further includes means for spacing said striker means from said igniter.

26. Rifle grenade according to claim 25, wherein said spacing means includes at least one spring member.

Claims

1. Rifle grenade comprising a grenade body, launching tubE means disposed at one end of said grenade body, and detonator means for said grenade, said detonator means including an impactinitiatable igniter disposed proximate to the one end of the grenade body facing the launching tube means, a striker means for impacting on said igniter being spaced from said igniter in a safety position and being responsive to the launching of the grenade for moving forwardly toward said igniter to impact thereupon, delay means responsive to the initiation of said igniter for igniting material carried by said grenade body after a predetermined time delay, said delay means including a pyrotechnic delay train operationally disposed between said igniter and the material carried by said grenade body, said detonator means further including means for carrying said igniter, said carrying means including a member having a central continuous bore extending therethrough, said igniter being positioned in the bore from one end thereof and said pyrotechnic delay train being disposed within a sleeve member, said sleeve member being positioned at least partially within the bore from the other end thereof, said igniter and said delay train being spaced from one another within the central bore of said carrying means and said carrying means being provided with at least one gas discharge duct extending outwardly from the central bore in the region between said igniter and said delay train.

11. Rifle grenade according to claim 7, wherein said detonator means further includes intercept means positioned in said launching tube means and having said striker means mounted thereon, said intercept means being arranged to be impinged upon by a live projectile for being driven forwardly to impact said striker means on said igniter.

24. Rifle grenade according to claim 22, further comprising an accessory sight and a propellant cartridge for the firing of the rifle grenande being positioned within said launching tube means.