EP1158263A1 - Container for a fluid which is dispersible in the free air and self defence device comprising such a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The accumulator unit (1) with a powder, gaseous or liquid material stored in an accumulator space (5). A propellant is ignited by a fuse composition to drive the material through a nozzle unit (3) into free space by a propellant gas after ignition. A closure element (19) in the nozzle entry area prevents material from coming out of the accumulator space without ignition and is released directly after ignition so that no parts of the broken closure element are pushed out of the nozzle unit. A piston (21) in the accumulator space is moved by the propellant gas to drive the material through the nozzle. A pressure relief device co-operates with the piston. An Independent claim is included for a self-defence device including at least one pair of accumulator units.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a storage unit for an expellable in the free space Active ingredient according to the preamble of claim 1 and a self-defense device with this storage unit according to the preamble of the claim 6.

State of the art

A non-generic storage unit as a disposable syringe, from which an active ingredient by means of a propellant to be ignited from a storage space through a channel injected under the human skin is, for example, from the US-A 4 124 024, US-A 4 089 334, US-A 3802 430 and US-A 3 335 722 known.

Thus, US-A 4 089 334 describes a disposable syringe in which a vaccine without Needle is "shot" directly through the skin. The vaccine was in one with a piston locked cylinder. The cylinder side opposite the piston had at least one opening through which the vaccine, after igniting one Propellant could leak. The ignition took place with a blow fuse.

A disposable syringe without an injection needle is known from US Pat. No. 4,124,024. in which the active ingredient is injectable through the skin into human tissue was. The disposable syringe had a protective capsule on the outside tapered outlet channel. The exit channel was at its base with a rupture disc. The storage space for the active ingredient went from an im Cross-section of a circular cylindrical part in a conically tapering, at its narrowest Place the rupture sheath over. The active ingredient to be injected was between a piston and this rupture disc included. The one facing the active ingredient The piston surface had a frustoconical shape adapted to the tapering of the storage space Training, arranged on the upper truncated cone surface a cone pyramid was. The other piston surface was concave. Between the concave Piston area and the igniter of an impact igniter was a space for pressure build-up the propellant gases present after ignition against the piston.

After igniting the primer, the piston was against the outlet channel pressed, causing the rupture disc to break, but at its edges still against the channel wall was held. The active ingredient could now pass through the skin through the outlet channel exit through. Particular attention was paid to this in US Pat. No. 4,124,024 directed that under no circumstances could explosion gases penetrate to the outlet channel. For this purpose, several sealing points were provided: a seal using the concave Piston surface, a seal approximately in the middle of the lateral piston wall, a further seal in the area of the burst bursting disc, which against the conical Piston surface was pressed.

Presentation of the invention Object of the invention

The object of the invention is a safe, simple use of a storage unit to ensure that the active ingredient stored in it is not in a sealing Contact between the outlet channel and skin is brought under the skin should be, but in a given distribution configuration in the free Room. This storage unit is in a manner not obvious in an inventive Self-defense device can be integrated, even by an untrained Operator is easy to operate and also not as a "hand gun" from is recognizable to a potential opponent.

Solution of the task

This on the one hand ensures safe use of the storage unit according to the invention achieved by a locking the storage space and after ignition closure element bursting a propellant charge, no fragments to the outside can penetrate. On the other hand, there is also a pressure relief means which in contrast to the non-generic type described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,124,024 Storage unit ensures a complete escape of the propellant gas. At the Firing the active substance stored in the storage unit does not get any solid parts outward. The shot storage unit also has none with a propellant gas pressure pressurized interior; So there are no more dangers.

In order to achieve a specified distribution of active substances in free space, the Propellant charge are oversized. I.e. the propellant charge cannot be selected in this way that it would only be sufficient to drive off the active ingredient. It a certain overpressure must therefore be present. This overpressure is then through a special embodiment described below of the active ingredient expelling Piston and the accumulator wall dismantled in that this through the nozzle channels can discharge.

In order to achieve a predetermined distribution of active substances in free space, one is also preferably use several nozzle channels: at least one main nozzle channel for the long-distance effect and at least one, preferably several around this secondary channels arranged around for short-range effects. The closure element already mentioned above closes all nozzle channels. When the propellant is ignited then the closure element designed as a rupture disc is torn open in such a way that the Fractions remain well secured around their edges. The tearing also takes place such that the fragments do not hinder the flow of active ingredient to the nozzles. The The rupture disc can also have notched areas or areas with thinned material have a predetermined opening.

The storage unit is used, for example, in a self-defense device used, as uniform as possible over a predetermined period of time Expulsion of the active ingredient may be given. This steady expulsion will one day in that a nozzle antechamber is achieved between the rupture disc and the nozzle inlets is provided, which among other things acts as a calming room. This is the anteroom also for a perfect rupture of the rupture disc, as described below is important. After bursting, the active ingredient only flows into this space, causing Pressure peaks of the active ingredient and turbulence are largely eliminated become. The "calmed" active ingredient only then hits the nozzles and can do so then leave in the desired configuration.

If the storage unit is integrated into a self-defense device, it should also the configuration of the emerging active ingredient, mainly that of the attacker directed jet have a constant pressure as possible. To the even To continue to drive out, the propellant charge is oversized. In addition is an expansion space between the piston surface expelling the active ingredient and the Propellant charge present. As a result, the first pressure peak is intercepted the ignition, which is an expulsion with an approximately constant force and thus with a constant active ingredient configuration in free space over the expulsion period.

When using the storage unit in a self-defense device a nozzle unit with at least one main nozzle and at least one in which As a rule, however, design with several secondary nozzles arranged around them. The With a liquid as the active ingredient, the main nozzle should have a straight jet of up to four meters Distance and the secondary nozzles generate a large cloud of active ingredient up to two meters.

Care has been taken to give the storage unit safe handling that even with an oversized propellant charge after "firing" no overpressure remains. This overpressure is caused by, as described below a special embodiment of the piston driving out the active ingredient and / or the End area of the storage space reached. If the piston reaches this end area, so the overpressure can be reduced past the piston side wall through the nozzles.

The complete breakdown of the residual gases through the nozzle unit still has Another advantage is that the piston is in its end position in the storage space arrived, everyone here is still in the storage space, in the nozzle unit and blown out active ingredients in the nozzle vestibule. The amount of active ingredient can thus be optimally specified. From a discarded or discarded fired Self-defense device can no longer leak active ingredient; Hazards Uninvolved parties are subsequently excluded.

If the storage unit is used in a self-defense device, then an irritant liquid or an irritant gas is used as the active ingredient; but it can also powdery substances are used.

Eine Capsaicin-Lösung wird bereits jetzt in den bekannten "Pfeffersprays" eingesetzt. Capsaicin ist ein Extrakt aus der Chilipfeffer-Pflanze, welcher meistens mit einer Konzentration zwischen 1% und 4% in Alkohol gelöst ist. Capsaicin führt zu schlagartigen, vorübergehenden Entzündungen aller Schleimhäute, mit denen es in Berührung kommt (z.B. Augen, Atemwege). Capsaicin wirkt sowohl beim Menschen wie auch beim Tier. Im Gegensatz zum nachfolgend angeführten Lacrimonium führt es zum unwillkürlichen Schließen der Augen.

Als weitere flüssiger Wirkstoff kann eine CS-Lösung verwendet werden. CS ist ein tränenerregendes Lacrimonium. Als zusätzliche Wirkung entsteht ein starker Juckreiz auf der Haut. CS wirk nur beim Menschen.

Es können auch CN-Lösungen verwendet werden. CN führt zu Übelkeit. Sie wirkt jedoch langsamer als eine CS- oder Capsaicin-Lösung.

Es können ferner Stinksekrete als flüssige Wirkstoffe eingesetzt werden. Die meisten Stinksekrete führen ausserdem zu Übelkeit.

CS und CN lassen sich anstelle eines flüssigen Wirkstoffs auch gasförmig einsetzen.

Als pulvriger Wirkstoff zur Selbstverteidigung kann z.B. auch Capsaicin eingesetzt werden, welches bei Raumtemperatur in seiner Reinform kristallin ist. Lösungen wirken jedoch schneller als ausgebrachte pulvrige Wirkstoffe. Pulvrige Wirkstoffe haben jedoch den Vorteil, dass sie als Wolke eine gewisse Zeitdauer im Raum stehen bleiben.

Es können als Wirkstoff auch Mischungen von flüssigen und gasförmigen Stoffen eingesezt werden. Es handelt sich hier dann oftmals um Schäume, welche auf dem abzuwehrenden Angreifer haften bleiben. Auch hier kann Capsaicin eingesetzt werden.

Mischungen aus festen und flüssigen Wirkstoffen enthalten oftmals ebenfalls Capsaicin. Es handelt sich hier z. B. um Gels. Es können auch Farbstoffe zur nachträglichen Identifizierung eines Täters eingesetzt werden.

Weitere Vorteile der Erfindung sowie deren Ausführungsvarianten ergeben sich aus den nachfolgenden Ausführungen.

The substances listed below can be used as liquid active ingredients:

A capsaicin solution is already used in the well-known "pepper sprays". Capsaicin is an extract from the chilli pepper plant, which is usually dissolved in alcohol at a concentration between 1% and 4%. Capsaicin leads to sudden, temporary inflammation of all mucous membranes with which it comes into contact (e.g. eyes, respiratory tract). Capsaicin works in both humans and animals. In contrast to the Lacrimonium listed below, it causes the eyes to close involuntarily.

A CS solution can be used as another liquid active ingredient. CS is a tearful lacrimonium. As an additional effect, there is a strong itching on the skin. CS only works in humans.

CN solutions can also be used. CN causes nausea. However, it works slower than a CS or capsaicin solution.

Stink secretions can also be used as liquid active ingredients. Most smelly secretions also cause nausea.

CS and CN can also be used in gaseous form instead of a liquid active ingredient.

For example, capsaicin, which is pure in its pure form at room temperature, can also be used as a powdery active ingredient for self-defense. However, solutions work faster than applied powdery active ingredients. However, powdery active ingredients have the advantage that they remain in the room for a certain period of time as a cloud.

Mixtures of liquid and gaseous substances can also be used as the active substance. These are often foams that stick to the attacker to be defended. Capsaicin can also be used here.

Mixtures of solid and liquid active ingredients often also contain capsaicin. It is z. B. Gels. Dyes can also be used for the subsequent identification of a perpetrator.

Further advantages of the invention and its design variants result from the following explanations.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 einen Querschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Speichereinheit, deren Treibsatz noch nicht gezündet ist,

Fig. 2 einen Querschnitt durch die in Figur 1 dargestellte Speichereinheit nach Zünden des Treibsatzes und völlig ausgetriebenem Wirkstoff,

Fig. 3 eine Ansicht der Rückseite der erfindungsgemäßen Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht der in Figur 3 dargestellten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung in Blickrichtung IV in Figur 3,

Fig. 5 eine Draufsicht auf die einem potentiellen Angreifer zuzuwendende Stirnseite der in Figur 3 dargestellten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung in Blickrichtung V in Figur 3,

Fig. 6 eine Draufsicht auf das "Innenleben" der in Figur 3 dargestellten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung mit einer abgenommenen Gehäusehälfte,

Fig. 7 eine vergrößerte Abbildung lediglich des oberen symmetrischen Teils des in Figur 6 dargestellten "Innenlebens",

Fig. 8 eine schematische Darstellung des Bewegungsablaufs beim Betätigen des Bedienungsschiebers der Auslöseeinrichtung der Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung in der in Figur 3 gezeigten Pfeilrichtung, wobei diese Figur noch die Ruhelage zeigt; die linke Bildhälfte zeigt den Rotor und den Verlängerungsbolzen in einer "abgewickelten" Darstellung und die rechte Bildhälfte eine Draufsicht auf den Verlängerungsbolzen mit auf ihm liegenden Rotor (punktiert gefüllt dargestellt); die gestrichelt dargestellten Linien zeigen die in Figur 7 gezeigten dort ebenfalls gestrichelten Führungskurven 60a; um Einzelheiten mit ihren Bezugszeichen gut erkennen zu können, ist die Darstellung in dieser Figur gegenüber analogen Darstellungen in den nachfolgenden Figuren 9 bis 13 größer gewählt;

Fig. 9 eine zu Figur 8 analoge Darstellung, wobei der Bedienungsschieber um den in Figur 8 gezeigten Weg a eingedrückt worden ist,

Fig. 10eine zu Figur 8 analoge Darstellung, wobei der Bedienungsschieber vollständig eingedrückt worden ist und eine Zündung der Zündladung gerade erfolgt ist,

Fig. 11 eine zu Figur 8 analoge Darstellung, wobei der Bedienungsschieber gerade losgelassen wird, und eine Rotation des Rotors in Drehrichtung einsetzt,

Fig. 12eine zu Figur 11 analoge Darstellung mit einem Rotor kurz vor Erreichen seiner Endstellung,

Fig. 13eine zu Figur 8 analoge Darstellung, wobei Rotor und Verlängerungsbolzen sich in ihrer neuen Ruhelage befinden, in welcher der Rotor zu einem erneuten Eindrücken zum Eingriff auf die andere Speichereinheit vorbereitet ist,

Fig. 14eine Variante zur Ausbildung eines Speicherraumendbereiches der in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellten Speichereinheit,

Fig. 15 eine Variante einer Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung mit einer piezoelektrischen Zündung,

Fig. 16eine "Explosionsdarstellung" der in Figur 15 gezeigten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung als Variante,

Fig. 17einen Querschnitt durch eine Variante der in den Figuren 3 bis 7 sowie 15 und 16 dargestellten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung und

Fig. 18eine "Explosionsdarstellung" der in Figur 17 dargestellten Selbstverteidigungsvorrichtung.

Examples of the storage unit according to the invention and their preferred integration in a self-defense device according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the following drawings. Show it:

1 shows a cross section through the storage unit according to the invention, the propellant charge of which has not yet been ignited,

2 shows a cross section through the storage unit shown in FIG. 1 after ignition of the propellant charge and fully expelled active ingredient,

3 shows a view of the rear of the self-defense device according to the invention,

4 shows a side view of the self-defense device shown in FIG. 3 in the viewing direction IV in FIG. 3 ,

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the a potential attacker to be turned towards face of the self-defense apparatus shown in Figure 3 looking in the direction V in Figure 3,

6 shows a plan view of the “inner life” of the self-defense device shown in FIG. 3 with a housing half removed,

7 is an enlarged illustration of only the upper symmetrical part of the "inner life" shown in FIG. 6 ,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the sequence of movements when the operating slide of the triggering device of the self-defense device is actuated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3 , this figure also showing the rest position; the left half of the picture shows the rotor and the extension bolt in a "developed" representation and the right half of the picture shows a top view of the extension bolt with the rotor lying on it (shown in dotted lines); the lines shown in broken lines show the guide curves 60a likewise shown in broken lines in FIG. 7 ; In order to be able to recognize details with their reference numerals, the illustration in this figure is larger than the analog illustrations in the following FIGS. 9 to 13 ;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to FIG 8, the control slide has been pressed around the path a shown in Figure 8,

10 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 8 , the operating slide having been pushed in completely and the ignition charge having just been ignited,

11 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 8 , with the operating slide being released and a rotation of the rotor in the direction of rotation commencing,

12 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 11 with a rotor shortly before reaching its end position,

13 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 8 , the rotor and extension bolt being in their new rest position, in which the rotor is prepared for being pushed in again to engage the other storage unit,

14 shows a variant for forming a storage area end region of the storage unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ,

15 shows a variant of a self-defense device with a piezoelectric ignition,

16 shows an "exploded view" of the self-defense device shown in FIG. 15 as a variant,

17 shows a cross section through a variant of the self-defense device shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 15 and 16

18 shows an "exploded view" of the self-defense device shown in FIG. 17 .

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The storage unit 1 shown in cross section in FIGS. 1 and 2 is designed as a so-called cartridge and is preferably used in a self-defense device. The cartridge 1 has a nozzle unit 3 on the left in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Furthermore, the cartridge 1 has a storage space 5 , a propellant charge 7 and an ignition charge 9 for igniting the propellant charge 7 . FIGS. 1 and 2 also show a mechanical percussion ignition unit 10 , which, however, is part of the self-defense device 11 described below. The whipping unit 13 of the Schlagzündeinheit 10 is held in its rest state shown in Figure 1 in a snap to grid 14th The impact unit 13 can be rotated with a mechanism described below from the catch 14 for release into a free impact path.

Depending on the intended use, powdery, gaseous and / or liquid active substances 15 can be stored in the storage space. Mixtures between powdery, gaseous and / or liquid different active ingredient components can also be incorporated. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a liquid active substance 15 is stored. Since the storage unit 1 is to be integrated into a self-defense device 11 as described below, the active ingredient 15 is to have an immediate effect on the mucous membranes (eyes, respiratory tract) of a potential attacker. The storage space 5 filled with the active substance 15 is closed towards the nozzle unit 3 with a closure element 19 having material dilution lines 17 . In the non-ignited state, the closure element 19 prevents the active substance 15 from escaping from the storage space 5 through the nozzle unit 3 .

The storage space 5 is sealed gas-tight against the propellant charge 7 with a piston 21 fixed in the clamped fit in the cylindrical wall 20 of the storage space 5 . The piston 21 is cup-shaped with a cup bottom 22 and a cup jacket 23 . The piston 21 is also referred to as a sabot. The cup interior 24 as a free space between the propellant charge 7 and the cup base 22 connected to the active substance 15 serves as an expansion space 24 in order to obtain the most uniform possible forward movement of the piston 21 after the propellant gases have formed from the ignited propellant charge 7, with the elimination of pressure peaks . The expansion space 24 has a volume which is approximately one eighth of the liquid volume of the active substance 15 .

Pressure relief means 27 are arranged in the storage area end region 25 adjacent to the nozzle unit 3. The pressure relief means 27 are designed here, for example, as webs projecting into the storage space end region 25 . As the name suggests, the pressure relief means 27 serve to relieve the propellant gas in the storage space 5 after the active ingredient has been completely expelled. The mode of operation is explained below. With the complete breakdown of the residual gases, the last residues of the active ingredient are also blown out of the storage space 5 , the nozzle unit 3 and the nozzle antechamber 29 . The amount of active ingredient can thus be optimally specified.

Between the closure element 19 and the beginning of the nozzle channels of the nozzle unit 3, there is a nozzle antechamber 29 , which can act as, among other things, a calming space. The nozzle antechamber 29 is used on the one hand to give space to the parts of the rupture disk 19 that are torn open due to the build-up of pressure without clogging the main and secondary channels 31 and 32 , and on the other hand to calm the accelerated active substance 15 and minimize fluid turbulence. The depth of the nozzle chamber 29 is preferably chosen to be a tolerance deeper than its radius, and is somewhat smaller than the radius of the rupture disk 19 . The rupture disk 19 is thus freely spanned in front of the nozzle antechamber 29 ; their edges, however, are clamped. As a result, the rupture disk 19 tears in a star shape after reaching a predetermined gas pressure due to the burning propellant, ie starting nicely from the center. This radial segmental tearing ensures that no fragments of the rupture disk 19 are thrown out of the nozzle unit 3 as solid bodies, since the edges of the rupture disk 19 are still held firmly. The ruptured rupture disc segments then lay against the wall of the nozzle anteroom without clogging the nozzle channels.

The nozzle unit 3 has a centrally arranged main nozzle channel 31 and several, here four, coaxially arranged secondary nozzle channels 32 . Of course, there can also be several main nozzle channels and only one secondary nozzle channel. The number and arrangement of the nozzle channels depends on the intended use and a desired spatial distribution of the active ingredient. The four secondary nozzle channels 32 open into an annular space 28 which runs around the main nozzle channel 31 and which has a circumferential incline 30 at which the secondary jets break and atomize in order to "atomize" the liquid emerging from the secondary nozzle channels 32 . The main nozzle channel 31 is designed in such a way that an approximately straight liquid jet emerges from the active substance 15 squeezed out by the propellant gas up to a distance of four meters, which has large drops after being blown off. The secondary nozzle channels 32 are intended to generate a large scatter circle with finely distributed small drops of active liquid as the active substance cloud.

In order to expel the active substance 15 , the impact unit 13 is unlocked in a first step in a storage unit 1 integrated in a self-defense device 11 . The unlocking is done by unscrewing the catch 14 from its holding position. Then the impact unit is pushed to the right in FIG. 1 by tensioning a spring 33 and then released. Due to the force of the tensioned spring 33 , the impact bolt 34 of the impact unit 13 is thrown against the primer 7 , which ignites and acts as an initial igniter on the propellant 7 . The propellant charge 7 begins to burn, the propellant gases arising penetrating into the expansion space 24 and after a short period of time the propellant gas expansion force exceeds the clamping force of the piston 21 with the storage space wall 20 , as a result of which the piston 21 is driven in the direction of the nozzle unit 3 . The pressure in the active ingredient 15 suddenly increases. This pressure increase acts on the rupture disk 19 , which tears open along its material thinning lines 17 . The rupture disk 19 is of stable design at its outer edges and is held well in the wall of the nozzle antechamber 29 . It tears open; moving fragments do not occur.
As indicated in FIG. 2 , the rupture disk fragments (segments) lie against the wall of the nozzle antechamber 29 . They do not impede liquid escaping through the nozzle unit 3. The nozzle antechamber 29 thus enables the desired radial segment-like tearing of the rupture disk 29 , on the other hand it also serves to dampen turbulence in the active liquid. These eddies would in particular negatively influence the range of the liquid jet emerging through the main nozzle channel 31 .

If the piston 21 enters the storage area end region 25 , it slides over the pressure relief means 27 designed as webs. This slipping causes the piston 21 to be deformed on the one hand and it is braked on the other hand, thereby avoiding a blow to the nozzle unit 3 . The transition between the nozzle unit 3 and the wall 20 must therefore be made less stable, which results in a simpler construction. The deformation of the piston 21 creates lateral channels 35 between the wall 20 and the cup jacket 23 . The remaining propellant gas can then escape through these channels 35 , as indicated by the arrows 37 in FIG . The residual gases are blown out through the nozzle unit 3 . This also completely blows out the nozzle channels in such a way that no residual amount of the active ingredient remains. After firing, the self-defense device can be put down in any place, without residues of the active ingredient having any effect. After firing, the remaining storage unit 1 is depressurized and therefore easy to handle and store.

The above-described configuration of the rupture disk 19 , the nozzle antechamber 29 and also the pressure relief means 27 ensure that no solid parts, such as parts of the nozzle unit 3 , the piston 21 and the rupture disk 19 , can be thrown out during firing. A self-defense device 11 equipped with this storage unit 1 can thus be sold freely, since there is no risk of injury to a bombarded attacker.

This storage unit can be used in the invention described below Self-defense device to be integrated. Such integration will solved the task of creating a self-defense device, which on the one hand is easy to use by inexperienced people and no residual risk after "firing" includes. The self-defense device can also be designed in such a way that that it bears no resemblance to a handgun and is still a good aim allowed.

Self-defense devices that are not recognizable as small arms known. WO 98/38468, for example, shows a gun that is not recognizable as a pistol Self-defense device described. The device is a keychain in appearance modeled. It has two barrels, each of which is charged by means of a release button can be triggered per run. Preloadable ones are used to ignite the shooting charge Firing pin available. A solid is fired as a projectile.

Self-defense devices designed analogously to this are from the US-A 1 741 902, DE 3 310 155, and FR 776 954 are known. The FR 776 954 permits the use of a variety of cartridges; i.a. also from tear gas cartridges.

However, all of these devices are safe to use and / or Final storage.

The task of creating a self-defense device that is easy to use create, is solved in that these two symmetrical to a plane of symmetry arranged storage units and only a single deduction for the successive "Fired" storage units with an automatic switch to one then still has to be fired storage unit. The self-defense device is trained in such a way that it can be used by both right-handed and left-handed users. Further advantages of the self-defense device result from the following Text.

The self-defense device 11 shown in FIG. 3 has a first plane of symmetry 41, to which a memory unit 1a or 1b , which is not readily recognizable, is symmetrically integrated as a pair. From a close view of the two storage units 1a and 1b , only the nozzle outputs of the respective nozzle unit 3 of the main nozzle channel 31 and the secondary nozzle channels 32 can be seen in a frontal view ( FIG. 5 ). A single operating slide 43 for triggering a storage unit 1a or 1b is arranged in the plane of symmetry 41 . Neglecting a clip (holding unit) 45 for fastening the self-defense device 11 to the clothing of an operator, this self-defense device 11 is also formed symmetrically to a further plane of symmetry 46 shown in FIG. 4 , which is perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry 41 through the central axes of the two Storage units 1a and 1b run. The two planes of symmetry 41 and 46 mainly apply to the housing and the arrangement of the storage unit with the operating slide 43 . The functional elements for the trigger unit 59 are not symmetrical to these planes of symmetry 41 and 46 together.

The self-defense device 11 is large palm. It has an opening 47 in the middle in the front area through which the trigger finger can be inserted. The operating slide 43 projects into this opening 47 . When the operating slide 43 is actuated in the direction of the arrow 49 , the free cross section of the opening 47 is increased as a result of the release path. The opening cross section 47 between the free edge 44 of the operating slide 43 and the opening edge 50 is so large that there is space for a finger to be inserted. The outlet openings of each nozzle unit 3 are integrated in the housing contour. The housing of the self-defense device 11 is of flat design so that it lies well in the palm of the hand and can be worn concealed. There is also an indentation 51a and 51b on both sides for the hand recess between the thumb and index finger. An indentation would in itself be sufficient, since the self-defense device 11 should, however, be operable for left-handed as well as right-handed people, indentations 51a and 51b are required on both sides. The housing is made in two parts. The two housing parts 53a and 53b are fixed to one another, cannot be opened. The connection point between the two housing parts 53a and 53b is a circumferential groove 55 , which lies in the plane of symmetry 46 . This groove 55 crosses the center of the main nozzle channel 31 . This groove 55 runs in the plane of symmetry 46 . This groove 55 can thus be used not only as a visible but also as a tactile target aid to the potential attacker.

According to FIGS. 3 to 5, the appearance of the self-defense device resembles, for example, a dog leash reel-up unit, wallet, credit card pocket, or other objects, but not a handgun. Since the self-defense device 11 is not recognizable as a weapon by a potential attacker, it will also not increase its aggressiveness. On the contrary, the attacker will feel secure and superior. A triggering of the active substance stored in the storage unit 1a or 1b will therefore completely surprise him, whereby escape or countermeasures of the attacked person will be facilitated.

The process for firing a first and then a second storage unit 1a and 1b is described below. Instead of only the two storage units 1a and 1b , additional units can of course also be integrated in a variant of a self-defense device. The two storage units, here designated 1a and 1b , are ignited in the embodiment variant described below with a mechanical impact detonator. Instead of the mechanical impact detonator, an electrical / mechanical detonator can also be used, as described, for example, in WO 00/06965.

FIG. 6 shows the self-defense device 11 shown in FIGS . 3 to 5 in the position shown in FIG. 3 , but with the housing part 53b removed . Figure 7 shows the same, but only the upper half of Figure 6 in an enlarged view. The guide curves 60a and 60b are shown in dashed lines in the removed housing half 53a . The trigger device 59 thus consists of the above-mentioned operating slide (trigger) 43 with an extension bolt 61 , a rotor 63 , a return spring 65 and the above-mentioned two impact units 13 , each with one of the springs 33 .

The extension bolt 61 is cylindrical with six coaxially extending, angularly equally spaced webs 67a to 67f , which are separated from one another by grooves 69a to 69f. The axis of the extension bolt 61 is designated 70 . The axis 70 of the extension bolt 61 is aligned with that of the rotor 63 . The webs 67a to 67f and the grooves 69a to 69f can be seen in the right half of the figures 8 to 13 in plan view. FIGS. 8 to 13 show the relative movement sequence of the rotor 63 to the extension bolt 61 and the movement of the impact unit 13b ( FIG. 7 ). The webs 67a to 67f have at their free ends two roof-like bevels 71a and 71b which are symmetrical to one another. The bevels 71a and 71b continue into a V-shaped, symmetrical cut 72 in the grooves 69a to 69f .

The rotor 63 has three coaxial webs 75a to 75c equally spaced angularly and three stub webs 76a to 76c arranged centrally to the webs 75a to 75c . The webs 75a to 75c and the stub webs 76a to 76c each have a pent roof-like slope 77 . The bevels 77 of the rotor 63 and the bevels 71a and 71b of the extension bolt 61 engage in cooperation with the guide curves 60a in a manner analogous to the pressure mechanism of a ballpoint pen with an insertable and retractable face. The catch catch already mentioned above is designated 14b here, since it belongs to the storage unit 1b , is guided in the guide curve 60b . The guide curve 60b is not shown in FIGS . 8 to 13 .

If the operating slide 43 is pressed in in the direction of the arrow 49 , the movement sequence shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 takes place. The rotor 63 is also displaced in this direction and rotated in the process. Until the control slide 43 ( FIG. 9 ) is almost completely pressed in, the rotor 63 does not rotate. When pressed in, both the return spring 65 and the spring 33b acting on the impact unit 13b are tensioned. Only after this position is the rotor 63 rotated in the direction 82 in that the pent roof surfaces 77 on the roof slopes 71b slide into the incisions 72 . As a result of this rotation 82 and the rotation of the impact unit in the guide curve 60b , a projection 81b on the impact unit 13b slides into a groove 80 between the webs 75a and 75c . The impact unit 13b is now thrown against the primer 9b by the force of the spring 33b ( FIG. 10 ), whereby this is ignited by the firing pin 34 . The ignited primer 9b then causes the propellant 7 to burn.

The propellant gases of the burning propellant 7 then flow into the cup interior 24 serving as an expansion space. If a sufficient propellant gas pressure is built up, the piston 21 , which acts as a propellant, is propelled. The piston 21 presses on the active ingredient 15 , which in turn acts on the closure element 19 acting as a rupture disk. The closure element 19 tears along its material thinning lines 17 ; however, remains on its edges as shown in Figure 2 . The piston 21 is driven by the propellant gases by expelling the active substance 15 through the main nozzle channel 31 and the secondary nozzle channels 32 against the storage area end region 25 . When the storage space end region 25 is reached, the entire piston 21 is deformed by the webs located on the storage wall as a pressure relief means 27 . As a result of the deformation, the side walls 23 of the piston surface 22 are also partially pressed in, as a result of which channels 35 are formed between the piston side wall regions and the accumulator wall in the accumulator end region 25 . The propellant gas can escape through these channels 35 until the pressure is completely released.

If the operating slide 43 is released, it is brought back into its forward position by the return hollow spring 65 . In a first return hollow step shown in FIG. 11 , the webs 75a to 75c and stub webs 76a to 76c slide along a slope 83 of the guide curves 60a , which causes a small further rotation in the direction 82 . Then the rotor 63 slides axially back to a further slope 84 of the guide curves 60b ( FIG. 12 ). Then the pitched roof slopes 77 of the webs 75a to 75c and the stub webs 76a to 76c slide on the slopes 71a of the webs 69a to 69f of the extension bolt 61 into a new rest position ( FIG. 13 ). In the new rest position, the projection 81a belonging to the impact unit 13a is now ready for renewed engagement with the rotor 63 , so that the other storage unit 1a can be "fired" when the operating slide 43 is pressed in.

In contrast to the statements made above, the material thinning lines 17 can be dispensed with in the closure element 19 . This element 19 is then produced as a thin aluminum disc, the edges of which are no different from the center.

Instead of, as described above, relief of propellant gas by means of webs 27 projecting into the storage space end region 25 by deforming the piston 21 , grooves 85 can also be formed in the storage wall in the storage space end region 86 there, as shown in FIG . The grooves 85 must then be a tolerance longer than the height d of the piston 87, which is designed analogously to the piston 21 . After the active ingredient has been expelled, in this embodiment variant the piston 87 strikes a shoulder at the end of the storage space. This means that after firing there is a hard blow, while in the embodiment variant described above there is only a gentle blow with the pressure relief means 27 .

A self-defense device 90 , which has a piezolelectric ignition instead of a mechanical detonator, is shown in longitudinal section in FIG . The outer contour of this self-defense device 90 is identical to that described above. The two storage units 91a and 91b are also identical except for the ignition and propellant charge 93a and 93b . Here, too, there is an expansion space 24 for the propellant gases in the interior of the cup-shaped piston 21 .

A triggering device 94 of the self-defense device 90 here has, analogously to the self-defense device 11, an operating slide 95 as a "trigger". The operating slide 95 is held in its rest position by a compression spring 96 . An effect on an arrangement 97 with a piezoelectric high-voltage pulse generator and an integrated electrical switchover arrangement takes place only after an indentation path has been overcome. The arrangement 97 is inserted into an electrical circuit board 99 with electrical connections (not shown) to the ignition and propellant charges 93a and 93b .

Since the electrical components (high voltage pulse generator, electrical Switching, various contacts, lines to the ignition and propellant charge) Design variants are sensitive to moisture, here is a water seal Value has been placed.

The electro-mechanical structure of this self-defense device 90 is shown schematically in an exploded view in FIG . The two housing parts 53a and 53b are at the top and bottom. The clip 45 is snapped into the housing part 53b ; but it could also be glued or welded to it. A central injection-molded part 100 has a rear cover, which is welded onto the base housing (injection-molded part) 100 in a liquid-tight manner after assembly of the “interior”. Thanks to the likewise watertight sealing rings 105 (sliding seal), the base housing 100 is closed in a liquid-tight manner, which is necessary due to the electromechanics contained therein. In this embodiment variant , the housing parts 53a and 53b thus only have a "body function", since the base housing 100 already contains all the technical functional parts and is closed in a liquid-tight manner. The housing parts 53a and 53b would therefore only have to be clipped together here.

There are also the two storage spaces 101a and 101b of the storage units 91a and 91b and a receiving sleeve 103 for the piezoelectric high-voltage generator 104 . A sealing ring 105 is to be placed on each rupture disk 19 . The nozzle units 3 are located in recesses 109 and 107 of the housing parts 53a and 53b and press sealingly on one of the sealing rings 105 . The operating slide 95 is also sealed off from the inside of the self-defense device 90 by a sealing ring 110 . The operating slide 95 is guided in a box-like casing, only the half-box 111 formed in the housing part 53a being shown in the illustration in FIG. 16 . The operating slide 95 is secured against falling out in the direction of the opening 47 by a lateral elevation 113 , which is formed in a corresponding groove, formed from the half-boxes and the inserted injection molded part 100 in the assembled state. The two pistons 21 are also each sealed by a sealing ring 115 .

The storage units 1a, 1b, 91a and 91b according to the invention are used integrated in a self-defense device in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments. However, these storage units 1a, 1b, 91a and 91b can also be used in a fixed position in the immediate vicinity of objects at risk. Such objects can be, for example, showcases, shop windows or entrance doors in jewelry stores, private villas, etc. The primer of the storage units can e.g. B. coupled with a glass break sensor. As soon as a burglar breaks a window that is secured in this way, a permanently installed storage unit is ignited. The active ingredient then escaping from the storage unit "mists" the space in which the burglar is at that moment. The perpetrator is hereby prevented from doing so and, depending on the active ingredient used, is marked or immobilized for a temporary period. When the glass break sensor responds, an alarm is triggered and / or the police are alerted.

A further variant of a self-defense device 120 to that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 15 and 16 is shown in cross section in FIG . The contour of the housing corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 . Here too there are two storage units 121 a and 121 b for an active ingredient. Compared to that shown in FIGS. 6 , 7, 15 and 16 , the self-defense device 120 does not have a rotating switching mechanism for the ignition of the storage units, but a switching gate 123 . While the rotating changeover takes place three-dimensionally, the shifting gate works two-dimensionally. An operating slide (trigger) 124 made of plastic has two resilient arms 125a and 125b and is held in its rest position by a compression spring 127 . The switching gate 123 and the side walls 129a and 129b for the storage spaces 130a and 130b form a single injection molded part 130 . The striking pins 133a and 133b , which are used to ignite one ignition unit 134a and 134b , are constantly under the pressure of a spring 135a and 135b . The striking pins 133a and 133b are therefore already biased in the idle state. The two striking pins 133a and 133b are held in the tensioned position in a trough 141a and 141b , respectively, by a locking slide 140a and 140b , which is provided with a through hole 137a and 137b and can be displaced perpendicularly to the axis 139a and 139b of each striking pin 133a and 133b . A secure locking is given by the pressure of the spring 135a or 135b . The self-defense device 120 is also secured against falling. The low weight of each locking slide 140a or 140b is not sufficient to cause displacement when the device 120 hits the ground hard.

If the operating slide 124 is now pressed in the direction of the arrow 143 , the end of the resilient arm 125a in the guide groove 144a of the shift gate 123 moves to the location 145a and the resilient arm 125b in the guide groove 144b to the location 145b . The end of the resilient arm 125b does not pass the passage 146 . During this push-in movement, the resilient arm 125a sweeps past a projection 148a of the locking slide 140a and thereby presses the locking slide 140a in the direction of the arrow 147 , as a result of which the tensioned striking pin 133a strikes the ignition set 134a through the through hole 137a and ignites it. The active ingredient of the storage unit 121a is now expelled.

If the operating slide 124 is now released, the end of the resilient arm 125b moves through the passage 146 and then remains at the location 149 . The operating slide 124 therefore no longer slides completely back into its starting position in the case shown here. This incomplete decline indicates that a storage unit has already been fired. If the operating slide 124 is now pressed in a second time, the end of the spring arm 125b slides along the groove 150 , whereupon the projection 148b of the locking slide 140b is pressed in and the striking pin 133b is released for the ignition of the ignition unit 134b .

A pot-like housing 152a and 152b at the end of each storage unit 121a and 121b accommodates one of the striking springs 135a and 135b , a locking slide 140a and 140b , an ignition kit 134a and 134b and the associated propellant charge 151a and 151b . These housings 152a and 152b serve as wall reinforcement in the rear area of the storage units 121a and 121b , where the highest pressure peaks arise during "firing". The walls of the housings 152a and 152b are firmly connected to the ends of the storage units 121a and 121b by vibration welding .

The trigger mechanism shown here is rotating compared to the previous ones working easier trained and thus cheaper to manufacture.

The self-defense device 120 is made almost entirely of plastic. Only the pyrotechnic elements, which hold the propellant and the primer 134a / 151a or 134b / 151b , consist of brass components . When assembling the self-defense device 120 , the propellant and the primer 134a / 151a or 134b / 151b must not be heated above 100 ° C. Pouring into the plastic is therefore not possible because it is injected at a higher temperature. The ignition and the propellant charge 134a / 151a or 134b / 151b as well as the locking slides 140a and 140b together with the housings 152a and 152b receiving the prestressed striker pin 133a or 133b are thus only used later. The plastic parts are then joined together in a "cold" manner by means of vibration welding.

So far, self-defense devices have been described in which a moving striker strikes a primer to ignite the propellant. It can but also a moving primer with propellant charge by means of spring force on the stationary one Firing the ignition pin.

The storage units 1a, 1b, 91a and 91b can also be made significantly larger in their mechanical dimensions. If water or another fire-fighting agent is then used as the active substance, such storage units can be used together with a smoke or heat detector for automatic fire-fighting. Portable fire-fighting devices with several such storage units could also be manufactured.

Claims (10)

Storage unit (1, 1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) with a nozzle unit (3) , a powdery, gaseous and / or liquid active substance (15) stored in a storage space (5; 101a, 101b; 130a, 130b ) , a propellant charge (7; 151a, 151b) and an ignition charge (9; 134a, 134b) for igniting the propellant charge (7; 151a, 151b) in order to remove the active substance (15) from the storage space (5; 101a, 101b; 130a, 130b) through the nozzle unit (3) into free space, characterized by a closure element (19) in the nozzle entry area, which in the unignited state allows the active ingredient (15) to escape from the storage space (5; 101a, 101b ; 130a, 130b) , but immediately after the ignition releases the nozzle unit (3) in such a way that no fragments of the closure element ( 19) can get out of the nozzle unit (3) , one in the storage space (5; 101a, 101b; 130a, 130b ) by the resulting propellant gas from a rest position into a col displaceable piston (21; 87) for expelling the active substance (15) and a pressure relief means (27, 85) which interacts with the piston (21; 87) and which, after substantially complete expulsion of the active substance (15) into the free space, passes through the nozzle unit (3) causes a complete reduction in propellant gas pressure. Storage unit (1, 1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pressure relief means (27; 85) is designed as a bypass in the storage area end region (25; 86) adjacent to the nozzle unit (3) , that in the piston end position of the piston (21; 87) propellant gas for complete reduction of the propellant gas pressure can escape, preferably past the piston wall (23) to the nozzle unit (3) and in particular in the storage space end region (25) at least one projecting web (27) is formed on the storage wall , which forces the lateral piston wall (23) to deform in such a way that propellant gas can then flow between the piston wall (23) and the reservoir wall to relieve pressure to the nozzle unit (3) . Storage unit (1, 1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nozzle unit (3) has at least one, in particular central, main nozzle channel (31) for a remote control area and at least one laterally to the main nozzle channel ( 31) arranged secondary nozzle channel (32) for a local area of action of the active agent (15) . Storage unit (1, 1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by a free space (24) between the propellant charge (7) and the force- acting surface (22) of the propellant gas on the piston (21 ) in order to achieve a piston acceleration that is as uniform as possible, and preferably a further free space (29) as a nozzle antechamber between the closure element (19) and each nozzle inlet so that a closure of each nozzle channel (31, 32 ) is excluded, in particular by parts of the broken closure element (19) is. Storage unit (1, 1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) according to Claims 1 to 4, preferably according to Claim 3, characterized in that the closure element ( 19) is designed in this way and in particular is held in front of a nozzle antechamber (29) , that a remote from the mounting edge of the closure element (19) is torn open, preferably as a result of predetermined breaking points (17) in the closure element (19) is ensured and the mounting edge remains fixed, and preferably, the wide-open closure element parts by active ingredient secondary flows to each secondary nozzle channel (32) from the active substance main flow to the main nozzle channel (31 ) are kept away so as not to hinder its exit. Self-defense device (11; 90; 120) with at least one pair of storage units (1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each storage unit (1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) of the Storage unit pair a nozzle unit (3) , a powdery, gaseous and / or liquid active substance (15) stored in a storage space (5; 101a, 101b; 130a, 130b ) , a propellant charge (7; 151a, 151b) and an ignition charge (9; 134a, 134b) for igniting the propellant charge (7; 151a, 151b) in order to transfer the active substance (15) from the storage space (5; 101a, 101b; 130a, 130b) through the nozzle unit (3) into the by means of a propellant gas which is formed during ignition to drive out free space, characterized by a plane of symmetry (41) to which there is symmetrically one storage unit (1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) of each pair, a single operating slide (43; 95; 124) , a so-called trigger, Having triggering device (59; 94) with which the active ingredient (15) only one at a time Storage unit (1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) can be triggered with a predetermined distribution configuration in free space, the operating slide (43; 95; 124) being centered between storage units (1a, 1b; 91a, 91b; 121a, 121b) of the pair or pairs in the plane of symmetry ( 41, 46; 70) , so that the self-defense device (11; 90; 120) can be operated by left-handed and right-handed people. Self-defense device (11; 90; 120) according to claim 6, characterized in that it is of a large palm size and has an opening (47) in the middle in the front area adjacent to the nozzle units (3) , into which the operating slide (43; 95; 124 ) , having a release path that increases the opening cross section, wherein the opening (47) is so large that there is a free space between the free edge (44) of the operating slide (43; 95; 124) that has not yet been pressed in and the opening edge (50) is available for a finger. Self-defense device (11; 90; 120) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by a housing contour formation which does not resemble a handgun, in particular in the housing contour integrated outlet opening or openings of each nozzle unit (3) and preferably a flat, good Forming the outer contour of the housing in the palm of the hand, preferably with a bulge (51a, 51b) for the hand recess between the thumb and forefinger, in a particular embodiment the housing has a further plane of symmetry (46) which is perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry (41) and in particular one forms half the housing division, a groove (55) running along this housing division, preferably a mounting groove, in particular running centrally in the center of the outlet of the nozzle unit (3) so that the groove (55) can serve as a target aid. Self-defense device (11; 90; 124) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the triggering device (59; 94) has a switchover unit (61, 63, 81a, 81b; 123, 125a, 125b) , which after ignition of the primer charge (9) and releasing the control slide (43; 95; 124) switches it to interact with a still firable storage unit, if such is still available. Self-defense device (11; 90) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by a holding unit (45) with which attachment to the wearer's clothing is possible.

Images