LOCKING DEVICE FOR INSTALLATION IN A FRAME ASSEMBLY OF A FIREARM, AND ALSO A FRAME ASSEMBLY EQUIPPED THEREWITH AND A FIREARM EQUIPPED WITH THE FRAME ASSEMBLY

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to EP Application 24191961.2, filed on Jul. 31, 2024, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Exemplary fields of technology for the present disclosure relate to a locking device for installation in a frame assembly of a firearm, and also to a frame assembly equipped therewith and a firearm equipped with the frame assembly.

The firearm may be a pistol, in particular the firearm may be a semiautomatic pistol, for example a striker-fired pistol.

BACKGROUND

A frame assembly with a slide lock is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7347022 B2. The basic mechanism of a slide lock of this type serves the purpose of establishing the connection between the barrel, arranged in a slide assembly, and the frame assembly of a firearm by means of a locking element. The slide lock restricts the forward movement of the barrel, and consequently restricts the slide assembly of a firearm during the forward movement of the slide assembly in the closing movement. The frame assembly comprises a frame and a slide lock received in the frame. On the slide lock there is formed a first guiding part, which is received in a first receiving slit of the frame. Also formed on the slide lock is a second guiding part, which is received in a second receiving slit of the frame. The slide lock can be gripped in the region of the first guiding part and the second guiding part and be displaced between a locking position and an unlocking position. Furthermore, the slide lock is preloaded into the locking position by means of a slide lock spring.

The slide lock known from U.S. Pat. No. 7347022 B2 may be somewhat difficult to actuate, especially for users who experience issues with fingertip dexterity or decreased force capabilities in their fingers. Similarly, the slide lock may be difficult to maintain actuation throughout the disassembly process when wearing gloves.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an alternative locking device for installation in a frame assembly of a firearm, and also a frame assembly equipped therewith and a firearm equipped with the frame assembly that makes easier handling during disassembly possible.

SUMMARY

This object is achieved by a locking device for installation in a frame assembly of a firearm, and also a frame assembly equipped therewith and a firearm equipped with the frame assembly, according to the claims.

According to the invention, a locking device for a firearm is provided. The locking device comprises:

a slide lock, wherein the slide lock is designed for installation in a frame assembly of the firearm, wherein on the slide lock there is formed a first guiding part, which is designed to be received in a first receiving slit of a frame of the frame assembly, and wherein on the slide lock there is formed a second guiding part, which is designed to be received in a second receiving slit of the frame of the frame assembly, wherein the slide lock can be received in the frame displaceably between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the slide lock is designed to interact with a barrel of the firearm.

The slide lock can be received in the frame displaceably in a transverse direction between the unlocking position and a self-holding position, wherein the slide lock is designed in such a way that, when in the self-holding position, it is secured to prevent it from being displaced of its own accord into the locking position.

A form fit is a term that can be used to refer to a way in which two components lying against one another are shaped to complement one another in terms of their form and function. It may be provided in particular that the slide lock and the frame are designed correspondingly to complement one another in terms of their form and function.

A form fit is a type of mechanical connection in which two or more parts, in particular the slide lock and the frame, engage in one another or fit together as a result of their geo-metrical shapes. In the case of a form-fitting connection, the shape of the parts prevents a relative movement of one in relation to the other in at least one direction.

The locking device according to the invention has the advantage that the slide lock can be held in its self-holding position by displacement in the transverse direction. Consequently, it is not necessary for a force to be exerted on the slide lock by the user during the entire disassembly process in order to hold it in the unlocking position, as is the case with the embodiments according to the prior art. This reduces the length of time that a user exerts constant force on the slide lock to remove the slide and facilitates an easier disassembly process for certain users.

In the self-holding position, the slide lock can be let go by the user and is held stably in this position. Lateral displacement into the unlocking position allows the slide lock to be released again for being displaced into the locking position.

It may also be provided that the slide lock has a holding lug, which is designed to interact with a barrel received in a slide assembly of the firearm in the locking position. In the unlocking position, the holding lug is disengaged from the barrel and, as a result, the slide assembly can be released for sliding forwards, in particular for disassembly. In the self-holding position, the holding lug is likewise disengaged from the barrel and, as a result, the slide assembly can be released for sliding forwards, in particular for disassembly.

It may be provided in particular that the slide assembly is preloaded into its locking position by means of a slide lock spring. When the slide lock is in its unlocking position, it is forced into the locking position by the spring force of the slide lock spring. The slide lock can be held in the unlocking position just by the effect of external force, for example applied by the hand of a user. However, if the slide lock is displaced from the locking position into the unlocking position against the spring force, and is then displaced in the transverse direction from the unlocking position into the self-holding position, the slide lock can thus be secured in this self-holding position to prevent it from being displaced of its own accord into the locking position, so that the slide lock spring cannot displace the slide lock into the locking position.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the slide lock spring may be formed as a helical spring. In a further embodiment variant, the slide lock spring may also be some other spring element. For example, it is also conceivable that the slide lock spring is formed by an elastically formed shaped element of the slide lock or by an elastically formed shaped element of the frame.

It may also be provided that the slide lock has on the first guiding part, spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, a first projection and a first depression and has on the second guiding part a second projection and a second depression, wherein the first guiding part and the second guiding part are designed in such a way that

when the slide lock is positioned in the unlocking position, the first depression can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second depression can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame and when the slide lock is positioned in the self-holding position, the first projection can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second projection can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame.

This has the advantage that, by this measure, the slide lock can be held in the self-holding position to prevent it from being displaced of its own accord. In particular, here the first projection may lie against a first delimiting surface of the first receiving slit and the second projection may lie against a second delimiting surface of the second receiving slit. Consequently, it is not necessary for a force to be exerted on the slide lock by the user during the entire disassembly process in order to hold it in the unlocking position. This facilitates an easier disassembly process for certain users and the exertion of force necessary for it to be reduced.

It may also be expedient if the slide lock has a holding lug, which is designed to interact with a slide assembly of the firearm in a locking position, wherein the slide lock is designed in such a way that the slide lock positioned in the self-holding position is secured to prevent it from being displaced into the locking position, so that the holding lug is disengaged from the slide assembly. This measure allows easy arresting of the slide lock in the unlocking position to be achieved.

It may be provided in particular that the first projection and the second projection are positioned on the slide lock in such a way that the slide lock positioned in the self-holding position is secured to prevent it from being displaced into the locking position, so that the holding lug is disengaged from the slide assembly. This measure allows easy arresting of the slide lock in the unlocking position to be achieved.

It may also be provided that the slide lock is formed as one part and the holding lug is arranged directly on the slide lock formed as one part, between the first guiding part and the second guiding part. This has the advantage that, by this measure, the firearm has as few components as possible.

In an alternative embodiment, it may be provided that the slide lock comprises an actuating part and a holding part, wherein the first guiding part and the second guiding part are formed on the actuating part and wherein the holding lug is arranged on the holding part, wherein the actuating part and the holding part are designed as structurally independently formed components which are displaceable in relation to one another. This has the advantage that, by this measure, the slide can be pushed onto the frame without the actuating part having to be displaced.

In such an embodiment variant, it may be provided in particular that the first projection and the second projection are formed on the actuating part. This allows just the actuating part to be displaced in the transverse direction, and the holding part can stay in its position on the frame.

Also advantageous is a specific embodiment according to which it may be provided that the first projection is formed directly adjoining the holding lug. This has the advantage that this measure allows the slide lock to be easily produced. In addition, this has the advantage that the projection and the holding lug can have increased strength as a result of being formed together as one structure.

According to a development, it is possible that the slide lock can be received in the frame displaceably in a transverse direction between the unlocking position, the self-holding position on one side and a second self-holding position on the second side, wherein the slide lock is designed in such a way that, when in the self-holding position and when in the second self-holding position, it is secured by form-fitting engagement to prevent it from being displaced into the locking position. This has the advantage that, for securing, the slide lock can be displaced from the unlocking position into a self-holding position in the direction of both sides. This allows the slide lock to be operated in the same way both for left-handed and right-handed users.

It may also be expedient if the slide lock has on the first guiding part, spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, a third projection and a first depression and has on the second guiding part a fourth projection and a second depression, wherein the first guiding part and the second guiding part are designed in such a way that

when the slide lock is positioned in the unlocking position, the first depression can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second depression can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame and

when the slide lock is positioned in the second self-holding position, the third projection can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the fourth projection can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame. This has the advantage that, for securing, the slide lock can be displaced from the unlocking position into a self-holding position in the direction of both sides. This allows the slide lock to be operated in the same way both for left-handed and right-handed users.

In addition, it may be provided that the slide lock is formed symmetrically with respect to a median plane. This has the advantage that it can be easily achieved by this measure that, for securing, the slide lock can be displaced from the unlocking position into a self-holding position in the direction of both sides. This allows the slide lock to be operated in the same way both for left-handed and right-handed users.

It may also be expedient if a detent depression is formed on an underside of the slide lock. The detent depression may serve for receiving or interacting with the slide lock spring. It may be provided in particular that the slide lock spring protrudes into the detent depression in the locking position and in the unlocking position. When the slide lock is displaced out of the unlocking position into the self-holding position, the slide lock spring is forced out of the detent depression and slides onto the underside of the slide lock, while overcoming a resistance.

It may also be provided that a first bevel is formed adjoining the detent depression. This has the advantage that the slide lock spring can be easily moved out of the detent depression by means of the first bevel. In particular, when there is a displacement of the slide lock in the transverse direction, the slide lock spring can slide out of the detent depression over the first bevel onto the underside of the slide lock.

It may also be provided that a second bevel is formed adjoining the detent depression. This has the advantage that the slide lock spring can also be easily moved out of the detent depression in the direction of the second side by means of the second bevel. In particular, here the slide lock spring can slide out of the detent depression over the second bevel onto the underside of the slide lock.

The invention also relates to a frame assembly for a firearm, the frame assembly comprising:

a frame;

a locking device, wherein the locking device is received in a locking device receptacle of the frame, wherein the locking device comprises a slide lock, wherein the slide lock has a holding lug, which is designed to interact with a barrel received in a slide assembly of the firearm in a locking position and release the slide assembly in an unlocking position, wherein on the slide lock there is formed a first guiding part, which is received in a first receiving slit of the frame, and wherein on the slide lock there is formed a second guiding part, which is received in a second receiving slit of the frame.

The slide lock is received on the frame displaceably in a transverse direction between the unlocking position and a self-holding position, wherein the slide lock is designed in such a way that the slide lock positioned in the unlocking position is displaceable from the unlocking position into the locking position and the slide lock positioned in the self-holding position is blocked by form-fitting engagement to prevent a displacement from the unlocking position into the locking position.

It may be provided in particular that the slide lock has on the first guiding part, spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, a first projection and a first depression and has on the second guiding part a second projection and a second depression, wherein the first guiding part and the second guiding part are designed in such a way that

when the slide lock is positioned in the unlocking position, the first depression is received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second depression is received in the second receiving slit of the frame and

when the slide lock is positioned in the self-holding position, the first projection is received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second projection is received in the second receiving slit of the frame.

The frame assembly according to the invention has the advantage that the slide lock can be held in its self-holding position by displacement in the transverse direction. In particular, here the first projection may lie against the first receiving slit and the second projection may lie against the second receiving slit. Consequently, it is not necessary for a force to be exerted on the slide lock by the user during the entire disassembly process in order to hold it in the unlocking position. This reduces the length of time that a user exerts constant force on the slide lock to remove the slide and facilitates an easier disassembly process for certain users.

It may also be provided that a slide lock spring is formed, wherein the slide lock is preloaded into its locking position by means of the slide lock spring. This has the advantage that the slide lock in the unlocking position is displaced into its locking position by means of the slide lock spring as soon as it is let go. Then the slide lock is held in its locking position by means of the slide lock spring. However, when the slide lock is in the self-holding position, the slide lock lies against the frame by form-fitting engagement, so that the displacing of the slide lock into its locking position is prevented by form-fitting engagement and the slide lock is consequently held in the self-holding position without the effect of external force.

The invention also relates to a firearm comprising:

a frame assembly;

a slide assembly, wherein the slide assembly is received on the frame assembly.

The frame assembly is designed according to one of the specific embodiments above.

According to a development, it is possible that the slide lock has a holding lug, which is designed to interact with a barrel received in a slide assembly of the firearm in a locking position and to release the slide assembly in an unlocking position, wherein on the slide lock there is formed a first guiding part, which is received in a first receiving slit of the frame, and wherein on the slide lock there is formed a second guiding part, which is received in a second receiving slit of the frame, wherein the slide lock can be received on the frame displaceably in a transverse direction between the unlocking position and a self-holding position, wherein the slide lock has on the first guiding part, spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction, a first projection and a first depression and has on the second guiding part a second projection and a second depression, wherein the first guiding part and the second guiding part are designed in such a way that

when the slide lock is positioned in the unlocking position, the first depression can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second depression can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame and

when the slide lock is positioned in the self-holding position, the first projection can be received in the first receiving slit of the frame and the second projection can be received in the second receiving slit of the frame. This has the advantage that, by this measure, the slide lock can be held in its self-holding position and consequently does not have to be held constantly in its unlocking position by the user during the disassembly process of the firearm.

In addition, it may be provided that the slide has a first guiding groove and a second guiding groove, wherein the slide is received on the frame assembly displaceably in relation to it in a slide displacing direction by means of the guiding grooves, wherein at least in the first guiding groove there is formed a first clearance, which extends from the guiding groove to the underside of the slide, wherein a slide locking-lever wing of a slide locking lever of the twist preventer is blocked by the underside of the slide in a first slide position of the slide and, as a result, the securing element is blocked in the first pivoting position, and wherein the slide locking-lever wing of the slide locking lever of the twist preventer can be pushed through the first clearance into the first guiding groove in a second slide position and, as a result, the securing element can be transferred into the second pivoting position. This has the advantage that, by this measure, a good interaction between the slide and the securing element can be achieved.

The slide lock is designed to interact with the barrel of the firearm. It locks the barrel in the locking position and, as already described further above, thereby establishes a connection between the slide assembly and the frame. The slide lock in this way restricts the forward movement of the slide assembly in the closing movement.

If the slide lock is in an unlocking position or in a self-holding position described further below, it allows the forward movement of the barrel. This may be helpful, for example, for separating the connection between the slide assembly and the frame. One advantage of the self-holding position is easier handling of the firearm for certain users during the disassembly process, since the slide lock does not have to be held in the self-holding position by force being continuously applied by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They respectively show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a firearm, wherein a slide assembly is shown lifted off from a frame assembly;

FIG. 2 a further perspective view of the slide assembly of the first exemplary embodiment of the firearm, wherein a slide lock is shown in a view of a detail;

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C various positions of the slide lock of the first exemplary embodiment of the firearm;

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C various positions of a second exemplary embodiment of a two-part slide lock of the firearm;

FIG. 5 a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a slide lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. Also the positional indications chosen in the description, such as for example top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly being described or shown, and these positional indications can be transferred analogously to the new position in the case of a change in position.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of a firearm 1 in the example of a pistol in a perspective view. Further views and details of the first exemplary embodiment of the firearm 1 are shown in FIGS. 2 to 8.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, it may be provided that the firearm 1 comprises a slide assembly 2. It may also be provided that the firearm 1 comprises a frame assembly 3. The slide assembly 2 and the frame assembly 3 are shown spaced apart from one another in the representation of FIG. 1.

It may be provided in particular that, in the state of use of the firearm 1, the slide assembly 2 is coupled to the frame assembly 3.

The frame assembly 3 may comprise a frame 4. It may also be provided that the frame assembly 3 comprises a locking device 5. The locking device 5 may serve for intercepting or restricting the movement of the slide assembly 2 in relation to the frame assembly 3. It may be provided in particular that the locking device 5 interacts with a barrel 6, which can be received in a slide 7 of the slide assembly 2.

It may be provided in particular that in the frame 4 there is formed a locking device receptacle 8, in which the locking device 5 can be received.

It may also be provided that a trigger shoe 9 is pivotably attached to the frame 4 by means of a trigger axle 10. The trigger shoe 9 can consequently be mounted on the frame 4 pivotably about a pivot axis 11. The pivot axis 11 may be defined here by the trigger axle 10. The trigger shoe 9 may also be referred to as a trigger widener.

FIG. 2 shows a further perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the locking device 5, with once again the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding FIG. 1 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIG. 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the locking device 5 comprises a slide lock 12, which is received in the frame 4 displaceably between a locking position 13 and an unlocking position 14. For the sake of clarity, in FIG. 2 the slide lock 12 has been shown separately a second time in an exploded view.

With regard to a detailed description of the slide lock 12 and its function and with regard to possibilities for the design of the slide lock 12, reference is made to EP4202347B1, the content of which is hereby incorporated in this application.

It may be provided in particular that on the slide lock 12 there is formed a holding lug 15, which serves for interacting with a corresponding counter element on the slide assembly 2, in particular on the barrel 6.

It may also be provided that in the frame 4 there are formed a first receiving slit 16 and a second receiving slit 17, in which the slide lock 12 is received linearly displaceably.

The positional indications chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the position of the firearm 1 shown in FIG. 1. This position may also be referred to as the position of use. In this case, front or a front side is on the left side of FIG. 1, and consequently on the side of the muzzle opening of the barrel 6. Rear or a rear side is correspondingly on the side opposite from the muzzle opening of the barrel 6. The underside is at the bottom and an upper side is at the top. A transverse extent or transverse direction 18 extends in the width of the firearm transversely to the longitudinal direction 19. A vertical extent or vertical direction 20 extends from top to bottom.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the slide lock 12 is preloaded or forced into its locking position 13 by means of a slide lock spring 21. It may also be provided that on the slide lock 12 there is formed a first guiding part 22, which is received in the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4. It may also be provided that the slide lock 12 has a second guiding part 23, which is received in the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4. It may be provided in particular that a loose fit is respectively formed between the first receiving slit 16 and the first guiding part 22 and between the second receiving slit 17 and the second guiding part 23, so that the slide lock 12 is received in the frame 4 displaceably between the locking position 13 and the unlocking position 14. This displacement between the locking position 13 and the unlocking position 14 may be in particular a linear displacement. It may be provided in particular that the linear displacement takes place in a slight angular offset to the vertical direction 20.

It may also be provided that the slide lock 12 has on its outer end faces in the transverse direction 18 a first gripping surface 24 and a second gripping surface 25. It may be pro-vided in particular that the first gripping surface 24 is formed as an extension of the first guiding part 22 and that the second gripping surface 25 is formed as an extension of the second guiding part 23. The first gripping surface 24 and the second gripping surface 25 may have a structured surface, so that an effective hold can be achieved when they are gripped by a user.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the slide lock 12 has in the region of the first guiding part 22 a first projection 26 and a first depression 27. It may also be provided that the slide lock 12 has in the region of the second guiding part 23 a second projection 28 and a second depression 29.

The first projection 26 may be arranged directly adjacent to the first depression 27. It may be provided in particular that the first projection 26 is arranged closer to the first gripping surface 24 than the first depression 27.

The second projection 28 may be arranged directly adjacent to the second depression 29. It may be provided in particular that the second projection 28 is arranged closer to the first gripping surface 24 than the second depression 29.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the first depression 27 and the second depression 29 are arranged on the upper side of the slide lock 12, on which the holding lug 15 is also arranged.

It may also be provided that the slide lock 12 is received on the frame displaceably in the transverse direction 18 between the unlocking position 14 and a self-holding position 32. When the slide lock 12 is in the unlocking position 14, the first depression 27 can be received in the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4. Furthermore, the second depression 29 can be received in the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4. Consequently, the slide lock 12 in the unlocking position 14 can be displaced between the locking position 13 and the unlocking position 14.

When the slide lock 12 is positioned in the transverse direction 18 in the self-holding position 32, the first projection 26 can be received in the first receiving slit 16 and the second projection 28 can be received in the second receiving slit 17, whereby the slide lock 12 can be prevented from being displaced into the locking position 13 of its own accord by form-fitting engagement. In particular, the first projection 26 can in this case lie against a first delimiting surface 47 in the first receiving slit 16 and the second projection 28 can lie against a second delimiting surface 48 in the second receiving slit 17.

It may be provided in particular that the slide lock 12 has a greater extent in the transverse direction 18 than the frame 4, so that the first gripping surface 24 and the second gripping surface 25 are formed projecting laterally with respect to the frame 4. Consequently, the slide lock 12 can be gripped by the user both on the first gripping surface 24 and on the second gripping surface 25, for example between the thumb and the index finger. This allows pressure to be exerted on the first gripping surface 24 and the second gripping surface 25, one facing towards the other.

The firearm 1 may also include a magazine 35, which can be received in a magazine well 36 in the frame 4. In the representation of FIG. 2, the magazine 35 is shown in its state of having been received in the magazine well 36.

It may also be provided that a detent depression 45 is formed on an underside 44 of the slide lock 12. The slide lock spring 21 can engage in the detent depression 45. It may also be provided that a first bevel 46 is formed adjoining the detent depression 45.

In FIG. 3a to 3c, the slide lock 12 of the first exemplary embodiment of the firearm 1 is shown in different positions. For the sake of clarity, a sectional line in the receiving slits 16, 17 has been chosen here.

On the basis of joint consideration of the individual positions of FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, the function of the locking device 5 is now explained.

It may be provided in particular that, in the assembled state of the firearm 1, the slide lock 12 is in the locking position 13, as shown in FIG. 3a. The slide lock 12 may here be held in this position by means of the slide lock spring 21.

In this position, the first guiding part 22 is received in the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4. Furthermore, the second guiding part 23 is received in the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4. In particular, the first depression 27 is received in the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4 and the second depression 29 is received in the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4.

For transferring the slide lock 12 out of the locking position 13 according to FIG. 3a into the unlocking position 14 according to FIG. 3b, the slide lock 12 can be gripped by the user both on the first gripping surface 24 and on the second gripping surface 25, for example between the thumb and the index finger, and displaced downwards against the spring force of the slide lock spring 21.

At the end of this step, the slide lock 12 is positioned in the unlocking position 14, as shown in FIG. 3b.

In order to be able to fix the slide lock 12 in the unlocking position 14 during the disassembly process, preventing it from being displaced back into the locking position 13, the slide lock 12 can be displaced in the transverse direction 18 into the self-holding position 32 by pressure on the first gripping surface 24 in the direction of the second gripping surface 25, as can be seen from FIG. 3c. In other words, the slide lock 12 is displaced out of the unlocking position 14 into the self-holding position 32. This allows the first projection 26 to be received in the first receiving slit 16 and the second projection 28 to be received in the second receiving slit 17. In particular, the first projection 26 can in this case lie against a first delimiting surface 47 in the first receiving slit 16 and the second projection 28 can lie against a second delimiting surface 48 in the second receiving slit 17. This allows the slide lock 12 to be held by the slide lock spring 21 to prevent it from being displaced of its own accord into the locking position 13.

When the slide lock 12 is displaced from the unlocking position 14 into the self-holding position 32, the slide lock spring 21 can be pushed from the detent depression 45 over the first bevel 46 onto the underside 44 of the slide lock 12. This may involve overcoming a resistance.

If, after completion of the disassembly process, the slide lock 12 is displaced in the transverse direction 18 out of the self-holding position 32 into the unlocking position 14 again, the slide lock 12 can then be forced into the locking position 13 by the spring force of the slide lock spring 21.

In FIGS. 4a to 4c, a further and possibly independent embodiment of parts of the firearm 1 is shown, with once again the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 3. In particular, it is pointed out that in FIGS. 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c different embodiment variants of the slide lock 12 are shown, in each case in the same positions, while these embodiment variants can be combined with all of the other components of the firearm 1.

As can be seen from the representations of FIGS. 4a to 4c, it may be provided that the slide lock 12 comprises an actuating part 38 and a holding part 39. The actuating part 38 and the holding part 39 may be designed as structurally independently formed components, which may be displaceable in relation to one another.

It may be provided in particular that on the holding part 39 there is formed the holding lug 15, which serves for interacting with a corresponding counter element on the slide assembly 2, in particular on the barrel 6.

It may also be provided that in the frame 4 there are formed the first receiving slit 16 and the second receiving slit 17, in which the actuating part 38 is received linearly displaceably.

As can also be seen from FIG. 4a, it may be provided that the holding part 39 has a smaller extent in a transverse direction 18 of the firearm 1 than the actuating part 38. It may also be provided that the holding part 39 has a rounded shape.

FIGS. 4a to 4c will be used to explain the function of the locking device 5.

In FIG. 4a, the holding part 39 of the slide lock 12 is in its locking position 13. This is achieved by the holding part 39 being forced into this locking position 13 by means of a slide lock spring 21.

In particular, the holding part 39 may be formed as C-shaped, wherein the actuating part 38 can be received between the two legs of the C shape. Preferably, in the locking position 13 the holding part 39 may lie against the actuating part 38, in particular against a lower leg of the C shape, and consequently be held in position. Furthermore, the holding part 39 may lie against a guiding surface 40, while the guiding surface 40 may be formed in the frame 4. The guiding surface 40 is only schematically indicated.

Consequently, the holding part 39 can be received between the guiding surface 40 of the frame 4 and the actuating part 38 with form-fitting engagement.

As can be seen well from FIG. 4a, here the actuating part 38 can be guided in the receiving slits 16, 17. As seen in cross section, the actuating part 38 may have a rounded shape in order to be able to correspondingly fit into the C shape of the holding part 39.

In the position shown in FIG. 4a, the holding part 39 is consequently forced upwards by means of the slide lock spring 21. As a result, the actuating part 38, which is lying against the holding part 39, is also forced upwards.

To separate the slide assembly 2 from the frame assembly 3, the actuating part 38, guided linearly by the guidance in the receiving slits 16, 17, can be forced downwards. The holding part 39, which surrounds the actuating part 38 with form-fitting engagement and lies against it, is likewise forced downwards here. As a result, the holding part 39 is guided from its locking position 13 into its unlocking position 14. Consequently, the holding part 39, in particular the holding lug 15, is no longer in engagement with the corresponding counterpart of the barrel 6, whereby the slide assembly 2 can be removed from the frame assembly 3.

When the steps described above are carried out, the slide lock spring 21, which was originally under preload, is further compressed.

If the actuating part 38 is then let go or released by the user, the entire system can thus be returned to its starting position again by the force of the slide lock spring 21, as shown and described in FIG. 4a.

According to the representation of FIG. 4c, the actuating part 38 can be displaced in the transverse direction 18 into the self-holding position 32 in order to achieve an arresting of the actuating part 38 according to the mechanisms already described in connection with FIG. 3c.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, it is not absolutely necessary when assembling the slide assembly 2 with the frame assembly 3 that the actuating part 38 is moved out of the basic position.

This can be achieved by the fact that during assembly the barrel 6 displaces the holding part 39 downwards against the spring force of the slide lock spring 21. A corresponding bevel may be formed here on the barrel 6. Furthermore, a bevel or the C shape of the holding part 39 may match up with the bevel on the barrel 6, so that a pushing of the slide assembly 2 onto the frame assembly 3 to a displacement of the holding part 39 against the spring force of the slide lock spring 21 out of its locking position 13 is caused.

Due to the fact that the holding part 39 and the actuating part 38 are formed structurally independently, the holding part 39 can be displaced downwards without the actuating part 38 having to be moved. In particular, this can be achieved by the specific C-shaped embodiment of the holding part 39 and by the embedding of the actuating part 38 therein.

It may be provided in particular that the holding part 39 has a clearance extent 41. Furthermore, the actuating part 38 may have a height 42. It may be provided in particular that the height 42 of the actuating part 38 is less than the clearance extent 41 of the holding part 39.

It may be provided in particular that the height 42 of the actuating part 38 is less than the clearance extent 41 of the holding part 39 at least by a distance between the locking position 13 and the unlocking position 14.

If during the joining process the slide assembly 2, in particular the barrel 6, is then pushed sufficiently far onto the frame assembly 3 and is at least in a position such as that shown in FIG. 3, the holding part 39 can be displaced by the spring force of the slide lock spring 21 into its locking position 13 again or be forced into it. This allows the slide assembly 2 to be secured on the frame assembly 3.

In FIG. 5, a further and possibly independent embodiment of the slide lock 12 is shown, with once again the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 being used for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, it may be provided that the slide lock 12 is formed symmetrically with respect to a median plane. Consequently, the slide lock 12 can not only be displaced into the self-holding position 32 in the direction of one side, but also into a second self-holding position 33 in the direction of a second side. The mechanisms by which the slide lock 12 can be held in the second self-holding position 33 are mutatis mutandis to the mechanisms by which the slide lock 12 is held in the self-holding position 32. For this reason, a detailed description is not given. It may be provided in particular that the slide lock 12 has on the first guiding part 22, spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction 18, a third projection 30 and a first depression 27 and has on the second guiding part 23 a fourth projection 31 and a second depression 29. The first guiding part 22 and the second guiding part 23 may be formed in interaction with the frame 4 in such a way that, when the slide lock 12 is positioned in the unlocking position 14, the first depression 27 is received in the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4 and the second depression 29 is received in the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4.

When the slide lock 12 is positioned in the second self-holding position 33, the third projection 30 can support itself when received on the first receiving slit 16 of the frame 4 and the fourth projection 31 can support itself on the second receiving slit 17 of the frame 4 and consequently be secured to prevent it from being displaced.

The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, it being noted at this stage that the invention is not restricted to the embodiment variants thereof specifically represented, but rather that various combinations of the individual embodiment variants with one another are also possible and, on the basis of the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention, this possibility of variation is within the ability of a person skilled in the art working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions per se. The object on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All of the indications of ranges of values in the present description should be under-stood as meaning that they include any and all subranges thereof; for example, the indication 1 to 10 should be understood as meaning that all of the subranges on the basis of the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 are included, i.e. all of the subranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of good order, it should finally be pointed out that, for better understanding of the construction, elements have sometimes been represented not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.