The present invention relates to a recoil mass of a firearm, wherein a firearm actuator system is comprised, which moves integrally with the firearm.

The present invention further relates to a firearm comprising a recoil mass according to the present invention.

In particular, the present recoil mass is adapted for application to automatic firearms, which utilize an actuator, in particular a motor, preferably an electric one, for executing the firing cycle.

Firearm systems are known wherein the smallest possible number of devices useful for the operation of the firearm are fixed to the recoil mass and move integrally therewith.

Normally said recoil mass comprises a breech ring adapted to receive a piece of ammunition to be fired, a barrel along which a shell is channelled, and a braking system adapted to brake the recoiling motion of the recoil mass .

Normally the actuator system is adapted to allow closing and opening the breech ring, by acting upon the breechblock assembly, and also to allow the actuation of a percussion pin. Moreover, said actuator system is normally arranged on the breechblock assembly or incorporated into it.

It is in fact common to avoid placing systems adapted to command and/or control, at least partly, the firing cycle of the firearm on the recoil mass, since it is believed that it is inappropriate to associate elements that are important for the operation of the firearm with parts of the firearm that are subject to considerable acceleration and also to movements with respect to the breechblock driving system. Such problems are particularly felt in firearm systems using a motor for the execution of the firing cycle, wherein the mechanisms are moved by means of said motor, thus requiring a very high degree of synchronism to ensure the proper operation of the firearm. Therefore, common practice in the production of motor-driven automatic firearms suggests to avoid implementing any mechanisms on parts affected by the recoil of the firearm.

The present invention proposes a novel and innovative recoil mass, which permits solving numerous technical problems, wherein said recoil mass comprises the actuator system of the firearm.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a recoil mass for a firearm having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a breechblock assembly, an actuation system and a recoil mass having the features set out in the appended claim 7.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a firearm having the features set out in claim 10.

The features and advantages of the recoil mass, assembly and firearm will become apparent in light of the following description of at least one preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment thereof and of the annexed drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 shows a side view of a firearm comprising a recoil mass according to the present invention;

• Figure 2 shows a magnification of the firearm of Figure 1 in proximity of the breech ring, wherein one can see further construction details of the recoil mass according to the present invention; • Figure 3 shows a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of the magnification shown in Figure 2, with the firearm in a configuration in which the percussion pin is armed and ready for firing the piece of ammunition;

• Figures 4A-4F show some frames of the various phases of the firing sequence of a firearm, in the crucial phases of interaction between the breechblock and the recoil mass according to the present invention; in particular, Figure 4A shows the phase wherein an ammunition moving system feeds one piece of ammunition to the breechblock assembly; Figure 4B shows the movement of the breechblock assembly, controlled by an actuation system, for pressing the piece of ammunition into the breech ring; Figure 4C shows the piece of ammunition fully pressed into the breech ring; Figure 4D shows the interaction of the first mechanism of the actuator system comprised in the recoil mass, which has completed the closing of the breech ring by acting upon the shutting element; Figure 4E shows the second mechanism of the actuator system comprised in the recoil mass, which has armed the percussion pin comprised in the breechblock assembly; Figure 4F shows the extraction of the shell case from the breech ring after firing, which has caused the recoil mass to recoil .

With reference to the above-mentioned figures, reference numeral 2 designates as a whole the recoil mass, whereas reference numeral 1 designates as a whole the firearm, which comprises a recoil mass 2 according to the present invention.

Recoil mass 2 according to the present invention is a part of a firearm which is adapted to move after a firearm 1 has fired a piece of ammunition. Said recoil mass 2 according to the present invention comprises: a breech ring 21 configured to receive a piece of ammunition to be fired; a barrel 22 along which a shell is channelled after the firing of said piece of ammunition occurred in breech ring 21; and a braking system 23 adapted to appropriately brake the recoiling motion of recoil mass 2 of firearm 1.

Recoil mass 2 according to the present invention further comprises an actuator system 3 for actuating firearm 1. Said actuator system 3 moves integrally with said recoil mass 2, to which it belongs.

Said actuator system 3 according to the present invention is adapted to be driven by a motor, preferably in an indirect manner, said firearm 1 being an electric firearm, in particular not a gas-operated firearm.

Actuator system 3 according to the present invention comprises a first mechanism 32 adapted to allow closing and opening breech ring 21 by acting upon a breechblock assembly 13.

Actuator system 3 according to the present invention further comprises a second mechanism 34, which is adapted to allow the actuation of a percussion pin 132 comprised in said breechblock assembly 13.

The present invention features a new concept as concerns the optimization of the distribution of the mechanisms used for the firing cycle of a firearm 1, by arranging on recoil mass 2 actuator system 3 adapted to act upon breechblock assembly 13 for firing the ammunition, particularly automatic firearms 1 actuated by a motor, e.g. an electric motor . In a preferred embodiment of recoil mass 2 according to the present invention, said first mechanism 32 of actuator system 3 comprises an actuating element 321, adapted to interact with said breechblock assembly 13 so as to allow for controlled rotation of a shutting element 131 comprised in said breechblock assembly 13 for closing and re-opening said breech ring 21.

In general, said actuating element 321 is adapted to rotate shutting element 131 by a predefined angle, so as to ensure the closing of breech ring 21 and the subsequent re opening of the same breech ring 21.

Said first mechanism 32 of actuator system 3 further comprises a cam device 323. Said actuating element 321 is connected to said cam device 323.

As it moves, said cam device 323 is adapted to move said actuating element 321.

In general, said second mechanism 34 comprises a cam 342. Said cam 342 is adapted to act as a mover upon said percussion pin 132 of said breechblock assembly 13. In particular, said cam 342 is adapted to move said percussion pin 132 along a longitudinal axis "X" of said breechblock assembly 13.

In a preferred embodiment of actuator system 3, said actuating element 321 of the first mechanism 32 is a mechanism adapted to oscillate relative to, in particular about, an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis "X". In its oscillatory motion, said actuating element 321 is adapted to interact with said shutting element 131, causing it to rotate about said longitudinal axis "X". The rotation made by said shutting element 131 covers an angle of less than 90°, preferably less than 60°. Said cam device 323 is adapted to control the oscillatory motion of said actuating element 321; in particular, said cam device 323 is adapted to act as a mover upon said actuating element 321.

In general, said first mechanism 32, and in particular said actuating element 321, is adapted to interact with breechblock assembly 13, and in particular with shutting element 131, when breechblock assembly 13 is in proximity to breech ring 21, e.g. while pressing the piece of ammunition, until the firing of the piece of ammunition is complete.

In general, said cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 is adapted to interact with breechblock assembly 13, and in particular with percussion pin 132, when breechblock assembly 13 has pressed the piece of ammunition into breech ring 21 in order to execute the firing.

Even more in particular, said cam 342 is adapted to interact with percussion pin 132 only after the closing of breech ring 21 by means of shutting element 131 of breechblock assembly 13, which is moved by actuating element 321 of the first mechanism 32 of actuator system 3.

In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 of actuator system 3 has a profile adapted to move said percussion pin 132 of breechblock assembly 13 in a manner such that said percussion pin will take the following operating configurations:

- armed, wherein percussion pin 132 is away from the piece of ammunition, accumulating potential energy;

- unarmed, wherein percussion pin 132 is in proximity to the piece of ammunition.

During the rapid switching from the armed operating configuration to the unarmed operating configuration, the piece of ammunition pressed in breech ring 21 is normally fired. Conversely, when switching from the unarmed operating configuration to the armed operating configuration, the phase entered is the one that precedes the possible firing of the piece of ammunition pressed in breech ring 21.

In one possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of recoil mass 2 according to the present invention, said cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 of actuator system 3 is a face cam.

The present solution allows interacting with breechblock assembly 13, and in particular with percussion pin 132, in a simple and direct manner, thus simplifying the structure of actuator system 3.

In an even more preferable embodiment of recoil mass 2 according to the present invention, said actuator system 3 is designed and implemented in such a way that said cam device 323 of the first mechanism 32 is a face cam. Preferably, said face cam is situated on a first face of a cylindrical element 31.

In an even more preferable embodiment, said cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 is also a face cam, which is situated on a second face of said cylindrical element 31.

The present invention allows, through an easy-to- implement actuator system 3, the first mechanism 32 and the second mechanism 34 to operate in a synchronized manner, thanks to the respective cam mechanisms (323, 342) situated on one common cylindrical element 31.

The present invention makes it possible to act synchronously upon both shutting element 131 and percussion pin 132 of breechblock assembly 13. Preferably, said cylindrical element 31 is fixed idle, on suitable bearings, to the structure of breech ring 21. More preferably, said cylindrical element 31, as well as actuator system 3, is located under the opening of breech ring 21 into which the piece of ammunition is pressed.

In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said cam device 323 is a shape-coupling face cam in which the mover describes a closed path, while the follower is fixed to said moving element 321, which is pivoted and can oscillate, so that the first mechanism 32 will generate a lever of the first type.

In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, said cam 342 is a shape-coupling face cam, wherein percussion pin 132 is the follower, the motion of such percussion pin 132 being countered by elastic means 134, in particular coil springs, which try to maintain said percussion pin 132 in the unarmed configuration. Such elastic elements 134 are adapted to allow percussion pin 132 to rapidly switch into the unarmed operating configuration from the armed operating configuration, resulting in the firing of the piece of ammunition pressed in breech ring 21.

In general, actuator system 3 can be operated by a rotary motion generated by an electric motor. Preferably, actuator system 3 can carry out its working cycle, corresponding to the working cycle of firearm 1 for the execution of the firing cycle of firearm 1 itself, in a number of revolutions of three at most, in particular a 1 , 080 ⁰ rotation .

In a preferred embodiment, said actuator system 3 is driven by the rotary motion imparted by actuation system 12, via a shaft coupling. In a preferred embodiment, said actuation system 12 comprises a cylindrical cam 121, which is connected, by means of a shaft, to cylindrical element 31, transmitting the rotary motion from actuation system 12 to actuator system 3.

In general, the construction details of said breech ring 21, barrel 22 and braking system 23 of recoil mass 2 will not be further described herein, since they are per se known and variable as a function of the characteristics of firearm 1, e.g. the caliber.

A further aspect of the present invention concerns, in particular, an assembly comprising: a breechblock assembly 13, an actuation system 12 and a recoil mass 2 according to the present invention.

In particular, said breechblock assembly 13 is adapted to connect to a breech ring 21 in order to allow firearm 1 to fire a piece of ammunition.

Said breechblock assembly 13 comprises a slide 130 adapted to slide along suitable rails during the different firing phases of a firearm 1. Said breechblock assembly 13 further comprises a shutting element 131, which is adapted to interact with an actuating element 321 comprised in a first mechanism 32 of an actuator system 3 of recoil mass 2, in order to selectively open and close breech ring 21.

Said breechblock assembly 13 further comprises a supporting element 133 fixed to said slide 130, to which said shutting element 131 is connected.

As previously specified, said breechblock assembly 13 further comprises a percussion pin 132 adapted to be housed in a housing formed in said supporting element 133. Said percussion pin 132 is adapted to translate along a longitudinal axis "X" of said breechblock assembly 13. The motion of said percussion pin 132 is countered, as aforementioned, by an elastic means 134, preferably a coil spring. Said elastic means 134 is adapted to keep said percussion pin 132 in the unarmed configuration.

In general, said actuation system is adapted to move said breechblock assembly 13 into different positions, as a function of the firing phases of a firearm 1.

In particular, said actuation system 12 is designed in a manner such that said slide 130 is adapted to:

- stay in a first operating position "A" for the purpose of allowing said breechblock assembly 13 to be in proximity to breech ring 21 of firearm 1, so as to allow said breechblock assembly 13 to couple with said breech ring 21;

- move between said first operating position "A" and a second operating position "B", and vice versa;

- remain parked in said second operating position "B" for the purpose of allowing said breechblock assembly 13 to be in a position remote from breech ring 21 of firearm 1 and permit the extraction of the shell case and the insertion of a new piece of ammunition. Preferably, the insertion of a new piece of ammunition at breechblock assembly 13 is carried out by means of a system for moving ammunition 14.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said actuation system 12 comprises a multi-revolution drum-type cylindrical cam 121, adapted to move slide 130 comprised in said breechblock assembly 13 as previously described.

In a preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention, said actuation system 12 is adapted to transmit the motion to actuator system 3 according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, said cylindrical cam 121 of actuation system 12 is adapted to transmit the rotary motion to actuator system 3 of recoil mass 2 via a shaft coupling. In particular, said cylindrical cam 121 is coupled by means of a shaft to said cylindrical element 31 comprised in actuator system 3.

The present solution makes it possible to transmit the rotary motion to both the first mechanism 32 and the second mechanism 34 of actuator system 3 in a synchronous manner through said cylindrical element 31. Moreover, the present solution permits synchronizing the movements of said actuation system 12 with actuator system 3 according to the present invention.

Recoil mass 2 and the assembly as previously defined are particularly suitable for inclusion in a firearm 1, preferably an automatic one, actuated by means of an electric motor for the execution of the firing phases.

Said firearm 1 comprises a breechblock assembly 13 adapted to connect to a breech ring 12 in order to allow firing a piece of ammunition, as previously specified.

Said firearm 1 comprises an actuation system 12 for said breechblock assembly 13. Said actuation system 12 is adapted to move said breechblock assembly 13 into different positions, as a function of the firing phases of firearm 1, e.g. as previously specified.

Preferably, said firearm 1 further comprises a system for moving ammunition 14, adapted to position a piece of ammunition near breechblock assembly 13 at regular intervals, in order to allow pressing the piece of ammunition into breech ring 21. The handling of the ammunition by the system for moving ammunition 14 is suitably synchronized with the movements of breechblock assembly 13 imparted by actuation system 12, e.g. through an intermitter system. Said system for moving ammunition 14 is adapted to feed a piece of ammunition to breechblock assembly 13 when said breechblock assembly 13 is in the second operating position "B", as previously specified.

Describing now the construction details of a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment of firearm 1, and in particular of recoil mass 2, Figure 1 shows a side view of a firearm comprising a recoil mass 2 according to the present invention .

In the illustrated embodiment one can see a recoil mass 2 comprising a breech ring 21, a barrel 22, a braking system 23, and an actuator system 3.

The illustrated firearm 1 further comprises an actuation system 12, in turn comprising a cylindrical cam 121. Firearm 1 further comprises a breechblock assembly 13. In addition, firearm 1 comprises a system for moving ammunition 14.

Figure 2 shows a magnification of firearm 1 of Figure 1 in proximity of breech ring 21, wherein one can see further construction details of recoil mass 2 according to the present invention.

In particular, Figure 2 shows greater details of actuation system 12, and in particular of cylindrical cam 121.

The figure also shows some construction details of actuator system 3.

In this figure one can see an embodiment of cylindrical element 31, whereon said cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 and cam device 323 of the first mechanism 32 are comprised.

Said cylindrical element 31 is adapted to connect, through a shaft, to said cylindrical cam 121 of actuation system 12. Said cylindrical element 31 being rotatably driven by said actuation system 12.

Said cylindrical element 31 is mounted rotatably idle on a supporting structure formed on the structure of breech ring 21, preferably under the ammunition insertion opening of breech ring 21.

Said cam device 323 is adapted to drive said actuating element 321, which is adapted to oscillate relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis "X" of breechblock assembly 13. Due to its oscillatory motion, actuating element 321 allows closing and opening breech ring 21 by acting upon a breechblock assembly 13, and in particular upon shutting element 131.

Said cam 342 is so shaped as to be able to act upon a protrusion comprised in percussion pin 132 of breechblock assembly 13.

One possible embodiment of actuator system 3 of recoil mass 2 according to the present invention is shown, by way of example, in Figure 3. In this figure one can see, in a sectional view relative to a vertical plane of the magnification shown in Figure 2, a configuration of the firearm in which percussion pin 132 is armed and ready for firing a piece of ammunition, and the interaction of the mechanisms (32, 34) of actuator system 3 on breechblock assembly 13.

This sectional figure shows several construction details of braking system 23 and of the conformation of breech ring 21 and of barrel 22.

In this figure one can also see some construction details of actuator system 3, and in particular the conformation of cylindrical element 31 and its mechanical connection to the actuation system, effected by means of a shaft .

The figure also shows one possible embodiment of the supporting structure that allows the rotation of said cylindrical element 31.

Figure 3 also shows the interaction between the device 323 and actuating element 321, which allows the oscillatory motion, in rotation, of actuating element 321.

Figure 3 also shows the interaction between actuating element 321 and shutting element 131, which allows the selective opening and closing of the breech ring 21.

Figure 3 also shows one possible embodiment of breechblock assembly 13, which comprises a slide 130 adapted to slide along a guide comprised in cylindrical cam 121 of actuation system 12. Said slide 130 further defines a housing in which said supporting element 133 is housed. Said supporting element 133 is adapted to house an elastic element 134 adapted to counter the motion of percussion pin 132. Said shutting element 131 comprises a through hole, through which percussion pin 132 can act upon the piece of ammunition to allow it to be fired when switching from the armed configuration to the unarmed configuration.

Said percussion pin 132 comprises a protrusion adapted to interact with cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 of actuator system 3. Said second cam 342 is adapted to permit the translation along said longitudinal axis "X" between the different operating configurations.

From the sequence of frames shown in figures 4A-4F, one can understand the various phases of the firing sequence of a firearm 1 comprising a recoil mass 2 according to the present invention. The sequence of figures shows some of the crucial phases of interaction between breechblock assembly 13 and recoil mass 2 according to the present invention, in particular between actuator system 3 and breechblock assembly 13.

Starting from Figure 4A, it illustrates the phase wherein a system for moving ammunition 14 has placed a piece of ammunition near breechblock assembly 13.

The rotation of actuation system 12 makes it possible for breechblock assembly 13 to slide freely in order to press the piece of ammunition into breech ring 21.

The rotation of actuation system 12 is transmitted by means of a shaft to actuator system 3; therefore, actuator system 3 can make its movements even if breechblock assembly 13 is in a position remote from the same actuator system 3.

Figure 4B illustrates the movement of breechblock assembly 13, controlled by actuation system 12, for pressing the piece of ammunition into breech ring 21.

Slide 130 slides in the guides of cylindrical cam 121 to linearly move said breechblock assembly 13 through the rotation of cylindrical cam 121. Actuator system 3 continues its rotation driven by actuation system 12 via a shaft coupling .

Figure 4C shows the piece of ammunition fully pressed into breech ring 21. Starting from this position, actuator system 3 comes into play, interacting with both shutting element 131 and percussion pin 132.

Figure 4D shows the interaction of the first mechanism 32 of actuator system 3 comprised in recoil mass 2, which has completed the closing of breech ring 21 by acting upon shutting element 131 of breechblock assembly 13. In particular, during the rotation of cylindrical element 31, cam device 323 causes actuating element 321 to rotate in a manner such that it can act upon shutting element 131 to cause a controlled rotation thereof and the resulting closing of breech ring 21. At the same time, cam 342 of the second mechanism 34 does not interact with percussion pin 132 of breechblock assembly 13.

Figure 4E illustrates the second mechanism 34 of actuator system 3 comprised in recoil mass 2, which has armed percussion pin 132 comprised in breechblock assembly 13.

In fact, during the rotation of cylindrical element 31, cam 342 causes percussion pin 132 to slide along said longitudinal axis "X", by acting with its own profile upon a protrusion of percussion pin 132. Such sliding movement of percussion pin 132 causes it to reach its armed configuration. After reaching the armed configuration, it will be possible to fire the piece of ammunition pressed into breech ring 21 by releasing percussion pin 132.

Meanwhile, cam device 323 and the actuating element of the first mechanism 32 cause no rotation of shutting element 131 of breechblock assembly 13, keeping it pressed against breech ring 21.

Finally, Figure 4F shows the extraction of the shell case from breech ring 21 after firing, which has caused recoil mass 2 to recoil.

In the previous phases, during the rotation of cylindrical element 31 cam 342 released percussion pin 132, which acted upon the piece of ammunition, causing it to be fired and channelling it along barrel 22. After firing, during the rotation of cylindrical element 31 cam device 323 rotated actuating element 321, which consequently rotated shutting element 131. Shutting element 131 has thus been disengaged from breech ring 21. Part of the recoiling energy of recoil mass 2 is transmitted to the shell case and hence to breechblock assembly 13, which during the rotation of cylindrical cam 121 is made to translate away from breech ring 21.

The shell case will then be expelled, and a new piece of ammunition will be fed to breechblock assembly 13 to be pressed into breech ring 21 of recoil mass 2.

Any embodiments of recoil mass 2, and in particular of actuator system 3, which have not been illustrated or described herein, but which can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art in the light of the contents of the present patent application, shall fall within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Firearm 1

Actuation system 12

Cylindrical cam 121 Breechblock assembly 13

Slide 130

Shutting element 131

Percussion pin 132

Supporting element 133 Elastic means 134

Moving system 14

Recoil mass 2

Breech ring 21

Barrel 22 Braking system 23

Actuator system 3

Cylindrical element 31

First mechanism 32

Actuating element 321 Cam device 323

Second mechanism 34

Cam 342

First operating position "A"

Second operating position "B" Longitudinal axis "X"