EP0786068B1 - Small or medium gauge multitube automatic fire arm of the gatling type, particularly intended to the firing of telescoped ammunition - Google Patents

Small or medium gauge multitube automatic fire arm of the gatling type, particularly intended to the firing of telescoped ammunition Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0786068B1
EP0786068B1 EP95920968A EP95920968A EP0786068B1 EP 0786068 B1 EP0786068 B1 EP 0786068B1 EP 95920968 A EP95920968 A EP 95920968A EP 95920968 A EP95920968 A EP 95920968A EP 0786068 B1 EP0786068 B1 EP 0786068B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
weapon
loading
chambers
chamber
fixed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP95920968A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0786068A1 (en
Inventor
Georges Simon
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CTA International SAS
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CTA International SAS
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41F—APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS; LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS
    • F41F1/00—Launching apparatus for projecting projectiles or missiles from barrels, e.g. cannons; Harpoon guns
    • F41F1/08—Multibarrel guns, e.g. twin guns
    • F41F1/10—Revolving-cannon guns, i.e. multibarrel guns with the barrels and their respective breeches mounted on a rotor; Breech mechanisms therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/35—Feeding multibarrel guns
    • F41A9/36—Feed mechanisms for revolving-cannon guns
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/38—Loading arrangements, i.e. for bringing the ammunition into the firing position
    • F41A9/45—Loading arrangements, i.e. for bringing the ammunition into the firing position the cartridge chamber or the barrel as a whole being tiltable or transversely slidable between a loading and a firing position

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an automatic firearm small and medium caliber GATLING multitubes, especially intended for firing telescoped munitions, comprising at least one ammunition supply system and a multi-chamber loading and firing system, weapon in which the loading and firing system is housed inside a body or weapon body and includes a loading block which is integral in weapon barrel rotation, and in which each chamber, during a complete rotation of the block of loading, goes from a loading position where the room is open and laterally offset from tubes of the weapon to be able to load ammunition there, at a firing position where the chamber is closed and axially aligned with one of the gun tubes to be able to proceed firing ammunition, said chamber being guided during of its movement by guide means.
  • the field of the invention is generally that of small and medium caliber automatic firearms at high rate of fire, around 1000 rounds per minute and by tube, which are used in particular for defense close missile defense.
  • the loading and shooting in a multi-tube automatic weapon using conventional ammunition includes a movable breech which closes the rear end of a loading chamber at the time of shooting. After firing, the breech is opened to extract, from the rear of the chamber, the ammunition socket pulled.
  • DE-OS-1,578,007 describes a weapon capable of firing ammunition without casing and requiring first the introduction of the projectile then that of the charge.
  • the barrel is provided with two chambers receiving a projectile and two chambers receiving propellant charges, these four chambers being alternating.
  • US-A-2,959,106 describes a multitube weapon firing telescoped ammunition.
  • the shooting sequence includes successively first the introduction of ammunition into each chamber, then firing, then ejecting the socket.
  • barrel including rooms made individually at inside the barrel and which are pivotally mounted around a tie.
  • the loading system and in particular includes several chambers connected to to each other so as to form an articulated chain closed.
  • This chain is wound, towards one end, on a rotating star block which also supports the tubes of the weapon, while the chain, towards its other end, is guided by a cam track.
  • a chamber away from the block contains the socket of the ammunition previously fired, and a room that runs along the cam path beyond of the rotary block receives new ammunition, which during of its load, pushes and ejects the aforementioned socket.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and for this purpose it proposes a firearm automatic small and medium multitubes caliber of the aforementioned type, and which is characterized in that that each chamber of the weapon is pivotally mounted around of a tie rod secured to the loading block of the loading and firing, and is functionally linked to a barrel of the weapon, and in that the means for guiding the chambers consist of a fixed internal cam supported by said central shaft and an external cam fixed on the internal surface of the weapon body and which surrounds the internal cam being separated from it of a constant distance corresponding substantially to the outer diameter of the chambers.
  • the number of loading chambers is equal to that of the weapon's tubes, this number being between 2 and 8 (usual maximum number).
  • each room is consisting of a cylindrical body whose periphery supports two axially aligned and drilled bosses each with an opening for the free passage of the tie rod associated with this room.
  • the fixed internal cam is for example constituted by two discs supported by the fixed central shaft and separated from each other by a distance less than the length chambers, each disc defining at its periphery a cam path around the fixed central shaft of rotating support for the loading block of the loading and shooting.
  • the external cam is for example constituted by two ribs formed on the inner wall of the body of the weapon and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers, each rib defining by its free end edge a path of cam which surrounds one of the discs of the fixed internal cam cited above.
  • each room is linked functionally to one of the gun tubes and to a pulling, the guide means rotating each chamber around its associated tie following a cycle defined by the guide means.
  • the loading block of the loading and shooting is housed inside the body of the weapon, mounted behind the loading chambers by report to the firing direction of the weapon and includes at its periphery of the chutes extending parallel to the fixed central shaft, regularly distributed around of said block for receiving ammunition and cooperating with a fixed helical ramp provided on the internal wall of the body of the weapon to move in translation the ammunition towards the chambers during the loading block rotation.
  • one of the chutes in the block is axially aligned with one of the rooms when the latter moves into the area of the aforementioned loading delimited by the fixed cams internal and external.
  • the ammunition supply system includes a side entry opening provided in the body of the weapon and located at the level of the block of loading, this inlet opening extending parallel to the above-mentioned fixed central shaft and on a length at least equal to that of a munition, this opening allowing the passage of ammunition, one by one, between a grocery store and the chutes reception of the loading block.
  • the length of the entrance opening located at the block of load extends over a length greater than that ammunition.
  • the weapon also includes a system of ejection of the casings of the fired ammunition, this system being housed in the body of the weapon, located in front of the chambers considering the firing direction of the weapon and comprising a block mounted to rotate about the central axis fixed above.
  • the ejection block comprises at its periphery bushing support means, one of these supports being axially aligned with that of the chambers located in the aforementioned loading area delimited by internal and external fixed cams.
  • the ejection block consists of two star wheels attached to the fixed central shaft above, provided with notches and separated from each other a distance less than the length of a socket, two axially aligned notches of the two star wheels forming a support for receiving a socket pushed by a new ammunition introduced into the room which is located in the loading area delimited by the cams fixed internal and external.
  • the ejection system also includes a lateral outlet opening provided in the body of the weapon and located at the level of the ejection block, this outlet opening extending parallel to the axis central station mentioned above and over a length at least equal to that of a socket, and a fixed lever to eject a socket outside when passing in front of said outlet opening.
  • the tie rods that support the chambers ensure the cohesion of the rotating assembly of the weapon, this assembly comprising in particular the loading block, chambers, tubes and ejection system.
  • These tie rods extend parallel to the fixed central shaft of the weapon, and the number of chambers can be possibly less than the number of tie rods.
  • the room itself said who receives a telescoped ammunition can have a circular cross section or a straight section polygonal, for example square, to fire ammunition telescoped having a corresponding shape.
  • each loading chamber is associated with a the weapon and to a tie, which makes it possible to design a block compact loading and whose mass, volume and moment of inertia around the axis of rotation of the weapon are reduced.
  • the weapon 1 according to the invention is such that schematically shown in Figure 1, is a handgun small or medium caliber multi-tube automatic fire of type GATLING and at high rate of fire, which is especially designed for firing telescoped munitions.
  • this weapon 1 includes an SA power supply system ammunition, an SC loading and firing system, and a SE system for ejecting cartridges from fired ammunition.
  • the weapon 1 comprises a hollow fixed body 3, of elongated shape and one end or rear end is closed by a bottom 5. Three housings 7, 8 and 9 successive are delimited inside the body 3 of the weapon between its bottom 5 and its other end.
  • the SC loading and firing system includes a block of load 10 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 of the weapon around a fixed central shaft 12 at means of bearings 14.
  • the loading block 10 is overall cylindrical shape and comprises, at its periphery, footprints forming chutes 16 of receiving ammunition M.
  • Chutes 16 extend each along the entire length of the loading block 10 and are regularly distributed around this block 10.
  • the ammunition M received in the troughs 16 cooperate with a fixed helical ramp 18 formed on the wall internal of the housing 7 of the body 3 of the weapon, so as to ability to also move ammunition in translation in the troughs 16 during the rotation of the block of loading 10.
  • each chamber 20 (figure 6) consists of a body elongated cylindrical 22 pierced with a central channel 24 which forms the actual chamber intended to receive a ammunition M.
  • the body 22 of each chamber 20 comprises at its periphery two projecting bosses 26, axially aligned and drilled each with an opening 28 for free passage of a tie rod 30 around which the chamber 20 associated is pivotally mounted.
  • Rooms 20 can advantageously be made of a composite material (filament wound).
  • the four bedrooms 20 and the four tie rods 30 associated are mounted in the housing 8 of the body 3 of the weapon, being regularly arranged around of the fixed central shaft 12 and parallel to the latter.
  • the tie rods 30 are integral in rotation with the block of load 10 mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 of tear.
  • the chambers 20, during the rotation of the loading block 10, are guided between two cams fixed respectively internal 32 and external 34 separate from each other by a corresponding constant distance to the external diameter of the chambers 20.
  • the fixed internal cam 32 is for example consisting of two discs 32a integral with the shaft central stationary 12 and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers 20.
  • the external fixed cam 34 is for example consisting of two ribs 34a projecting from the wall internal of the housing 8 and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers 20. Each rib 34a surrounds a disc 32a and is located substantially opposite the latter.
  • a spring 35 with two blades 36 and 37 is mounted on each tie 30 between the two bosses 26 of the associated room 20. Towards one end, the blade 36 of the spring 35 is supported on the fixed central shaft 12, then that towards its other end, the blade 37 of the spring 35 rests on the body 22 of chamber 20. The function of these springs 35 will be explained later.
  • the SA ammunition supply system is schematically shown in Figures 1 and 4.
  • This SA feeding system includes an opening lateral 38 provided in the body 3 of the weapon at the level of the loading block 10.
  • This inlet opening 38 extends parallel to the troughs 16 of the block of loading 10 and over a length greater than that ammunition to account for the recoil movement of the weapon following the firing of an ammunition.
  • the SA system supply includes an external magazine (not shown) and means for continuously discharging the ammunition through the entrance opening 38 which are then received by the chutes 16 of the loading block 10 during the rotation of the latter.
  • the SE system for ejecting the casings of ammunition fired from the loading chambers 20, includes a block ejection 40 located in the housing 9 of the body 3 of the weapon and rotatably mounted around the central shaft fixed 12.
  • This ejection block 40 is supported in rotation by the tie rods 30 which cross right through the block 40, as well as the four T tubes of the weapon.
  • the block 40 has at its periphery chutes 42 of receipt of sockets. These chutes 42 extend parallel to the fixed central shaft 12 and are regularly distributed around the ejection block 40.
  • the SE ejection system is completed by an opening outlet side 44 located at block level ejection 40. This outlet opening 44 extends parallel to the chutes 42 and over a length at less equal to that of a socket.
  • An ejector device fixed 45 located at this outlet opening 44 ensures the ejection of the sockets from the troughs 42 to their passage in front of this opening 44.
  • FIG. 1 A variant of the SE system socket ejection is schematically illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the ejection block is consisting of two star wheels 46 integral in rotation of the tie rods 30.
  • the two star wheels 46 are separated from each other by a distance less than the length of a socket.
  • percussion devices 50 are housed inside loading block 10 and are respectively associated with the four chambers 20.
  • a device for command 52 (figure 1) releases the device from percussion 50 associated with this chamber 20 so that it Come and strike the primer of the ammunition.
  • This device control 52 located on the bottom wall 5 of the body 3 of the weapon, for example comprises an articulated lever which maintains the percussion device 50 in a state armed until room 20 has entered the area ZT firing range.
  • This lever supports a roller which rolls on a cam whose path includes a step which, at passage of the roller, releases the lever and releases thus the percussion device 50.
  • This percussion of the mechanical type could be replaced by an initiation electric or induction depending on the type of ammunition used.
  • the housing 9 in which the system is mounted SE ejection from the sockets is closed by a part 55 which also supports tie rods 30 as well as T tubes which extend beyond this integral part 55 in loading block 10 rotation (figure 1).
  • an organ external motor M such as a gear motor, has a drive shaft output which supports a drive pinion 56 which comes mesh a toothing 58 provided at the periphery of the support piece 55 for rotating the assembly turning of the weapon comprising the loading block 10, the tie rods 30 and the associated chambers 20, the tubes T and the ejection block 40. It is important to note that the tie rods 30 ensure the cohesion of this assembly rotating mobile in rotation around the central shaft fixed 12.
  • a stop stop 60 arched, is pivotally mounted around a pin 62 supported by the body 3 of the weapon.
  • This stop 60 is located in front of chambers 20 and in the ZC loading area.
  • the stop 60 obstructs in part the front end of the chamber 20 located in the ZC loading area to stop the first ammunition during loading, this stop 60 then being raised and maintained raised by the sockets of the ammunition fired.
  • Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a variant of realization in the case of telescoped ammunition having a square shape for example.
  • the system SA power supply ( Figure 10) is supplemented by levers 70 intended to facilitate the reception of ammunition in the troughs 16 of the loading block 10, these chutes then having a square section.
  • Each lever 70, at the rate of one lever per chute 16, is pivotally mounted at one end around a tie rod 30, while its other end ends in a positioning hook 72.
  • the four levers 70 are regularly distributed around the loading block 10 and pivots under the control of a boss 74a of a cam central 74 associated with four rods 76.
  • the cam central 74 is fixed and supported by the central shaft fixed 12 of the weapon, and the four rods 76 are mounted sliding inside provided radial passages in the loading block 10.
  • Each rod 76 thus takes support on the central cam 74 and on the lever 70 associated, so as to rotate the latter radially outward when the rod 76 takes support on the boss 74a of the central cam 74, that is to say when the hook 72 of the lever 70 is in look of the entry opening 38 to build on the new munition M which enters through opening 38 and correctly orient this ammunition M during its reception in the chute 16 associated with the lever 70.
  • Ammunition extracted from the store feed are continuously discharged through the opening entry 38 of the body 3 of the weapon.
  • a chute 16 of the loading block 10 passes in front of the opening entry 38, it receives an ammunition whose base rests on the fixed helical ramp 18.
  • the rotational movement of the loading block 10 and the fixed helical ramp 18 cause a movement of translation of ammunition towards the chambers of loading 20.
  • this chamber is open and is located axially aligned with one of the troughs 16 of the block of loading 10. Ammunition is thus gradually loaded into room 20 and is fully charged when it comes into contact with the stopper located at the front of chamber 20.
  • chamber 20 enters the ZF closing area where the lateral offset with the associated tube T of the weapon gradually decreases.
  • the chamber 20 then enters the firing zone ZT where it is axially aligned with the associated tube T of tear.
  • the striker P is activated and the ammunition is pulled.
  • Chamber 20 which contains the socket of the ammunition fired then enters the ZO opening zone where it gradually shifts again compared to to the associated T tube.
  • the new ammunition which is loaded in chamber 20 pushes gradually the ammunition socket previously loaded.
  • the chamber 20 traverses the zone of ZC loading, it is axially aligned with a chute 42 of the rotary ejection block 40 which receives thus the sleeve which is then ejected through the opening outlet 44.
  • a first room 20 runs through the ZC loading area for example, a second chamber 20 traverses the closing zone ZF, a third chamber 20 traverses the shooting zone ZT and the fourth chamber 20 runs through the opening zone ZO, and and so on.
  • the springs 35 associated with the chambers 20 have the function of limiting the friction forces of chambers 20 on the outer cam 34 and overcome the force centrifugal applied to chambers 20 during rotation of the loading block 10.
  • the loading and firing cycles are succeed to fire a burst at high speed, the four tubes T of the weapon successively drawing a ammunition during a complete rotation of the SC system loading and firing, knowing that the position where place the percussion is identical for all T tubes of tear.

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Description

L'invention concerne une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre du type GATLING, notamment destinée au tir de munitions télescopées, comprenant au moins un système d'alimentation en munitions et un système de chargement et de tir à plusieurs chambres, arme dans laquelle le système de chargement et de tir est logé à l'intérieur d'un corps ou corps de l'arme et comprend un bloc de chargement qui est solidaire en rotation des tubes de l'arme, et dans laquelle chaque chambre, au cours d'une rotation complète du bloc de chargement, passe d'une position de chargement où la chambre est ouverte et latéralement décalée par rapport aux tubes de l'arme pour pouvoir y charger une munition, à une position de tir où la chambre est fermée et axialement alignée avec l'un des tubes de l'arme pour pouvoir procéder au tir de la munition, ladite chambre étant guidée au cours de son déplacement par des moyens de guidage.The invention relates to an automatic firearm small and medium caliber GATLING multitubes, especially intended for firing telescoped munitions, comprising at least one ammunition supply system and a multi-chamber loading and firing system, weapon in which the loading and firing system is housed inside a body or weapon body and includes a loading block which is integral in weapon barrel rotation, and in which each chamber, during a complete rotation of the block of loading, goes from a loading position where the room is open and laterally offset from tubes of the weapon to be able to load ammunition there, at a firing position where the chamber is closed and axially aligned with one of the gun tubes to be able to proceed firing ammunition, said chamber being guided during of its movement by guide means.

Le domaine de l'invention est généralement celui des armes à feu automatiques de petit ou moyen calibre à cadence de tir élevée, de l'ordre de 1000 coups par minute et par tube, qui sont notamment utilisées pour une défense rapprochée antimissiles.The field of the invention is generally that of small and medium caliber automatic firearms at high rate of fire, around 1000 rounds per minute and by tube, which are used in particular for defense close missile defense.

D'une manière générale, le système de chargement et de tir dans une arme automatique multitubes utilisant des munitions classiques, comprend une culasse mobile qui ferme l'extrémité arrière d'une chambre de chargement au moment du tir. Après le tir, la culasse est ouverte pour extraire, par l'arrière de la chambre, la douille de la munition tirée.Generally speaking, the loading and shooting in a multi-tube automatic weapon using conventional ammunition, includes a movable breech which closes the rear end of a loading chamber at the time of shooting. After firing, the breech is opened to extract, from the rear of the chamber, the ammunition socket pulled.

Le brevet DE-OS-1 578 007 décrit une arme apte à tirer des munitions sans douille et nécessitant d'abord l'introduction du projectile puis celle de la charge. Du fait de cette structure, le barillet est muni de deux chambres recevant un projectile et deux chambres recevant les charges propulsives, ces quatre chambres étant alternées.DE-OS-1,578,007 describes a weapon capable of firing ammunition without casing and requiring first the introduction of the projectile then that of the charge. Of made of this structure, the barrel is provided with two chambers receiving a projectile and two chambers receiving propellant charges, these four chambers being alternating.

Le brevet US-A-2 959 106 décrit une arme multitube tirant des munitions télescopées. La séquence de tir inclut successivement d'abord l'introduction d'une munition dans chaque chambre, puis la mise à feu, puis l'éjection de la douille.US-A-2,959,106 describes a multitube weapon firing telescoped ammunition. The shooting sequence includes successively first the introduction of ammunition into each chamber, then firing, then ejecting the socket.

Dans ces deux documents, il n'est pas fait état d'un barillet incluant des chambres réalisées individuellement à l'intérieur du barillet et qui sont montées pivotantes autour d'un tirant.In these two documents, no mention is made of barrel including rooms made individually at inside the barrel and which are pivotally mounted around a tie.

Etant donné qu'une munition télescopée se présente sous la forme d'un corps allongé à profil extérieur constant généralement cylindrique, cette forme cylindrique est avantageusement mise à profit notamment dans des armes à feu à un seul tube et à chambre pivotante, pour éjecter automatiquement, par l'avant de la chambre, la douille d'une munition précédemment tirée qui est poussée au fur et à mesure du chargement d'une nouvelle munition dans la chambre. Un tel avantage pourrait donc être également mis à profit dans une arme à feu automatique multitubes du type GATLING pour simplifier la structure du système de chargement et de tir. En effet, dans ce cas, il serait alors possible de supprimer la culasse mobile, comme cela est d'ailleurs envisagé dans le document US-A-3 688 637 qui sert de base au préambule de la revendication 1.Since telescoped ammunition comes under the shape of an elongated body with a constant external profile generally cylindrical, this cylindrical shape is advantageously used in particular in weapons with single tube and pivoting chamber light for ejecting automatically, from the front of the chamber, the socket ammunition previously fired which is pushed as and as new ammunition is loaded into the bedroom. Such an advantage could therefore also be brought to bear. profit in a multi-tube automatic firearm of the type GATLING to simplify the structure of the loading and shooting. Indeed, in this case, it would be then possible to remove the movable cylinder head, like this is also envisaged in document US-A-3 688 637 which serves as the basis for the preamble of claim 1.

Dans ce document antérieur, le système de chargement et de tir comprend notamment plusieurs chambres reliées les unes aux autres de manière à former une chaíne articulée fermée. Cette chaíne s'enroule, vers une extrémité, sur un bloc rotatif étoilé qui supporte également les tubes de l'arme, alors que la chaíne, vers son autre extrémité, est guidée par un chemin de came.In this earlier document, the loading system and in particular includes several chambers connected to to each other so as to form an articulated chain closed. This chain is wound, towards one end, on a rotating star block which also supports the tubes of the weapon, while the chain, towards its other end, is guided by a cam track.

En considérant le sens de rotation du bloc rotatif étoilé, une chambre qui s'approche de ce bloc rotatif contient une munition à tirer, une chambre qui s'éloigne du bloc contient la douille de la munition précédemment tirée, et une chambre qui parcourt le chemin de came situé au-delà du bloc rotatif reçoit une nouvelle munition, qui, au cours de son chargement, pousse et éjecte la douille précitée.Considering the direction of rotation of the rotary block starry room approaching this rotating block contains a round of ammunition, a chamber away from the block contains the socket of the ammunition previously fired, and a room that runs along the cam path beyond of the rotary block receives new ammunition, which during of its load, pushes and ejects the aforementioned socket.

Cependant, un tel système de chargement et de tir est conçu avec un nombre de chambres supérieur à celui des tubes de l'arme. Il en résulte un bloc de chargement et de tir relativement volumineux présentant une masse importante qui nécessite un organe moteur approprié pour vaincre l'inertie du bloc de chargement.However, such a loading and firing system is designed with more bedrooms than weapon tubes. This results in a loading and relatively large shot with significant mass which requires an appropriate motor organ to overcome the inertia of the loading block.

Le but de l'invention est de pallier les inconvénients précités et elle propose à cet effet une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre du type précité, et qui est caractérisée en ce que chaque chambre de l'arme est montée pivotante autour d'un tirant solidaire du bloc de chargement du système de chargement et de tir, et est liée fonctionnellement à un tube de l'arme, et en ce que les moyens de guidage des chambres sont constitués d'une came interne fixe supportée par ledit arbre central et d'une came externe fixe prévue à la surface interne du corps de l'arme et qui entoure la came interne en étant séparée de celle-ci d'une distance constante correspondant sensiblement au diamètre externe des chambres.The object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and for this purpose it proposes a firearm automatic small and medium multitubes caliber of the aforementioned type, and which is characterized in that that each chamber of the weapon is pivotally mounted around of a tie rod secured to the loading block of the loading and firing, and is functionally linked to a barrel of the weapon, and in that the means for guiding the chambers consist of a fixed internal cam supported by said central shaft and an external cam fixed on the internal surface of the weapon body and which surrounds the internal cam being separated from it of a constant distance corresponding substantially to the outer diameter of the chambers.

Le nombre des chambres de chargement est égal à celui de tubes de l'arme, ce nombre étant compris entre 2 et 8 (nombre maximum usuel).The number of loading chambers is equal to that of the weapon's tubes, this number being between 2 and 8 (usual maximum number).

D'une manière générale, chaque chambre est constituée d'un corps cylindrique dont la périphérie supporte deux bossages axialement alignés et percés chacun d'une ouverture pour le libre passage du tirant associé à cette chambre.Generally speaking, each room is consisting of a cylindrical body whose periphery supports two axially aligned and drilled bosses each with an opening for the free passage of the tie rod associated with this room.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la came interne fixe est par exemple constituée par deux disques supportés par l'arbre central fixe et séparés l'un de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur des chambres, chaque disque définissant à sa périphérie un chemin de came autour de l'arbre central fixe de support en rotation du bloc de chargement du système de chargement et de tir.According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed internal cam is for example constituted by two discs supported by the fixed central shaft and separated from each other by a distance less than the length chambers, each disc defining at its periphery a cam path around the fixed central shaft of rotating support for the loading block of the loading and shooting.

Selon un exemple de réalisation de l'invention, la came externe est par exemple constituée par deux nervures formées sur la paroi interne du corps de l'arme et séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur des chambres, chaque nervure définissant par son bord d'extrémité libre un chemin de came qui entoure l'un des disques de la came interne fixe précitée. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the external cam is for example constituted by two ribs formed on the inner wall of the body of the weapon and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers, each rib defining by its free end edge a path of cam which surrounds one of the discs of the fixed internal cam cited above.

D'une manière générale, les deux cames fixes interne et externe délimitent quatre zones dans lesquelles chaque chambre passe successivement au cours d'une rotation complète du bloc de chargement du système de chargement et de tir autour de l'axe central précité :

  • par une zone de chargement dans laquelle la chambre est ouverte et décalée latéralement par rapport au tube associé de l'arme pour recevoir une munition,
  • par une zone de fermeture dans laquelle la chambre se ferme progressivement en se rapprochant du tube associé,
  • par une zone de tir dans laquelle la chambre est axialement alignée avec le tube associé de l'arme, et
  • par une zone d'ouverture dans laquelle la chambre s'ouvre progressivement en s'écartant du tube associé.
Generally, the two internal and external fixed cams delimit four zones into which each chamber passes successively during a complete rotation of the loading block of the loading and firing system around the aforementioned central axis:
  • by a loading area in which the chamber is open and offset laterally relative to the associated barrel of the weapon to receive ammunition,
  • by a closing zone in which the chamber gradually closes while approaching the associated tube,
  • by a firing zone in which the chamber is axially aligned with the associated barrel of the weapon, and
  • by an opening zone in which the chamber opens gradually away from the associated tube.

Ainsi, chaque chambre est liée fonctionnellement à l'un des tubes de l'arme et à un tirant, les moyens de guidage faisant pivoter chaque chambre autour de son tirant associé suivant un cycle défini par les moyens de guidage.So each room is linked functionally to one of the gun tubes and to a pulling, the guide means rotating each chamber around its associated tie following a cycle defined by the guide means.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le bloc de chargement du système de chargement et de tir est logé à l'intérieur du corps de l'arme, monté en arrière des chambres de chargement par rapport à la direction de tir de l'arme et comprend à sa périphérie des goulottes s'étendant parallèlement à l'arbre central fixe, régulièrement réparties autour dudit bloc pour recevoir des munitions et coopérant avec une rampe hélicoïdale fixe prévue sur la paroi interne du corps de l'arme pour déplacer en translation les munitions en direction des chambres au cours de la rotation du bloc de chargement.According to another characteristic of the invention, the loading block of the loading and shooting is housed inside the body of the weapon, mounted behind the loading chambers by report to the firing direction of the weapon and includes at its periphery of the chutes extending parallel to the fixed central shaft, regularly distributed around of said block for receiving ammunition and cooperating with a fixed helical ramp provided on the internal wall of the body of the weapon to move in translation the ammunition towards the chambers during the loading block rotation.

En fonctionnement, l'une des goulottes du bloc de chargement est axialement alignée avec l'une des chambres lorsque cette dernière se déplace dans la zone de chargement précitée délimitée par les cames fixes interne et externe.In operation, one of the chutes in the block is axially aligned with one of the rooms when the latter moves into the area of the aforementioned loading delimited by the fixed cams internal and external.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le système d'alimentation en munitions comprend une ouverture latérale d'entrée prévue dans le corps de l'arme et située au niveau du bloc de chargement, cette ouverture d'entrée s'étendant parallèlement à l'arbre central fixe précité et sur une longueur au moins égale à celle d'une munition, cette ouverture permettant le passage des munitions, une à une, entre un magasin d'alimentation et les goulottes de réception du bloc de chargement.According to another characteristic of the invention the ammunition supply system includes a side entry opening provided in the body of the weapon and located at the level of the block of loading, this inlet opening extending parallel to the above-mentioned fixed central shaft and on a length at least equal to that of a munition, this opening allowing the passage of ammunition, one by one, between a grocery store and the chutes reception of the loading block.

Pour tenir compte du recul de l'arme consécutif au tir d'une munition, la longueur de l'ouverture d'entrée située au niveau du bloc de chargement s'étend sur une longueur supérieure à celle d'une munition.To take into account the recoil of the weapon after firing a round, the length of the entrance opening located at the block of load extends over a length greater than that ammunition.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, l'arme comprend également un système d'éjection des douilles des munitions tirées, ce système étant logé dans le corps de l'arme, situé en avant des chambres en considérant la direction de tir de l'arme et comprenant un bloc monté rotatif autour de l'axe central fixe précité.According to another characteristic of invention, the weapon also includes a system of ejection of the casings of the fired ammunition, this system being housed in the body of the weapon, located in front of the chambers considering the firing direction of the weapon and comprising a block mounted to rotate about the central axis fixed above.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le bloc d'éjection comprend à sa périphérie des moyens de support des douilles, l'un de ces supports étant axialement aligné avec celle des chambres située dans la zone de chargement précitée délimitée par les cames fixes interne et externe.According to another characteristic of the invention, the ejection block comprises at its periphery bushing support means, one of these supports being axially aligned with that of the chambers located in the aforementioned loading area delimited by internal and external fixed cams.

Selon un exemple de réalisation de l'invention, le bloc d'éjection est constitué de deux roues étoilées solidaires de l'arbre central fixe précité, munies d'encoches et séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur d'une douille, deux encoches axialement alignées des deux roues étoilées formant un support de réception d'une douille poussée par une nouvelle munition introduite dans la chambre qui est située dans la zone de chargement délimitée par les cames fixes interne et externe.According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the ejection block consists of two star wheels attached to the fixed central shaft above, provided with notches and separated from each other a distance less than the length of a socket, two axially aligned notches of the two star wheels forming a support for receiving a socket pushed by a new ammunition introduced into the room which is located in the loading area delimited by the cams fixed internal and external.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le système d'éjection comprend également une ouverture latérale de sortie prévue dans le corps de l'arme et située au niveau du bloc d'éjection, cette ouverture de sortie s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe central fixe précité et sur une longueur au moins égale à celle d'une douille, et un levier fixe pour éjecter une douille à l'extérieur lors de son passage devant ladite ouverture de sortie.According to another characteristic of the invention, the ejection system also includes a lateral outlet opening provided in the body of the weapon and located at the level of the ejection block, this outlet opening extending parallel to the axis central station mentioned above and over a length at least equal to that of a socket, and a fixed lever to eject a socket outside when passing in front of said outlet opening.

Les tirants qui supportent les chambres assurent la cohésion de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme, cet ensemble comprenant notamment le bloc de chargement, les chambres, les tubes et le système d'éjection. Ces tirants s'étendent parallèlement à l'arbre central fixe de l'arme, et le nombre des chambres peut être éventuellement inférieur au nombre des tirants.The tie rods that support the chambers ensure the cohesion of the rotating assembly of the weapon, this assembly comprising in particular the loading block, chambers, tubes and ejection system. These tie rods extend parallel to the fixed central shaft of the weapon, and the number of chambers can be possibly less than the number of tie rods.

D'une manière générale, la chambre proprement dite qui reçoit une munition télescopée peut avoir une section droite circulaire ou une section droite polygonale, par exemple carrée, pour tirer des munitions télescopées ayant une forme correspondante.Generally speaking, the room itself said who receives a telescoped ammunition can have a circular cross section or a straight section polygonal, for example square, to fire ammunition telescoped having a corresponding shape.

Selon un avantage important de l'invention, chaque chambre de chargement est associée à un tube de l'arme et à un tirant, ce qui permet de concevoir un bloc de chargement compact et dont la masse, le volume et le moment d'inertie autour de l'axe de rotation de l'arme sont réduits.According to an important advantage of the invention, each loading chamber is associated with a the weapon and to a tie, which makes it possible to design a block compact loading and whose mass, volume and moment of inertia around the axis of rotation of the weapon are reduced.

D'autres avantages, caractéristiques et détails de l'invention ressortiront de la description explicative qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins annexés, donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale schématique d'une arme selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue de principe schématique pour expliciter le cheminement d'une munition entre son introduction et l'éjection de sa douille,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 1,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective partielle du détail indiqué par la flèche V de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'une chambre de chargement de l'arme,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne VII-VII de la figure 1,
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 1,
  • la figure 9 est une vue en coupe semblable à la figure 7 mais selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, et
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe correspondant à la figure 8 selon la variante illustrée à la figure 9.
Other advantages, characteristics and details of the invention will emerge from the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of example and in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal section view of a weapon according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view in principle for explaining the path of a munition between its introduction and the ejection of its casing,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the detail indicated by the arrow V in FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a weapon loading chamber,
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 according to the variant illustrated in FIG. 9.

L'arme 1 selon l'invention est telle que schématiquement représentée à la figure 1, est une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre du type GATLING et à cadence de tir élevée, qui est notamment conçue pour le tir de munitions télescopées.The weapon 1 according to the invention is such that schematically shown in Figure 1, is a handgun small or medium caliber multi-tube automatic fire of type GATLING and at high rate of fire, which is especially designed for firing telescoped munitions.

Dans l'exemple illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, cette arme 1 comprend un système SA d'alimentation en munitions, un système SC de chargement et de tir, et un système SE d'éjection des douilles des munitions tirées.In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this weapon 1 includes an SA power supply system ammunition, an SC loading and firing system, and a SE system for ejecting cartridges from fired ammunition.

L'arme 1 comprend un corps fixe creux 3, de forme allongée et dont une extrémité ou extrémité arrière est fermée par un fond 5. Trois logements 7, 8 et 9 successifs sont délimités à l'intérieur du corps 3 de l'arme entre son fond 5 et son autre extrémité.The weapon 1 comprises a hollow fixed body 3, of elongated shape and one end or rear end is closed by a bottom 5. Three housings 7, 8 and 9 successive are delimited inside the body 3 of the weapon between its bottom 5 and its other end.

En se reportant aux figures 1, 4 et 5, le système SC de chargement et de tir comprend un bloc de chargement 10 qui est monté rotatif dans le logement 7 du corps 3 de l'arme autour d'un arbre central fixe 12 au moyen de paliers 14. Le bloc de chargement 10 est de forme globalement cylindrique et comporte, à sa périphérie, des empreintes formant des goulottes 16 de réception des munitions M. Les goulottes 16 s'étendent chacune sur toute la longueur du bloc de chargement 10 et sont régulièrement réparties autour de ce bloc 10. Les munitions M réceptionnées dans les goulottes 16 coopèrent avec une rampe hélicoïdale fixe 18 formée sur la paroi interne du logement 7 du corps 3 de l'arme, de manière à pouvoir déplacer également en translation les munitions dans les goulottes 16 au cours de la rotation du bloc de chargement 10.Referring to Figures 1, 4 and 5, the SC loading and firing system includes a block of load 10 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 of the weapon around a fixed central shaft 12 at means of bearings 14. The loading block 10 is overall cylindrical shape and comprises, at its periphery, footprints forming chutes 16 of receiving ammunition M. Chutes 16 extend each along the entire length of the loading block 10 and are regularly distributed around this block 10. The ammunition M received in the troughs 16 cooperate with a fixed helical ramp 18 formed on the wall internal of the housing 7 of the body 3 of the weapon, so as to ability to also move ammunition in translation in the troughs 16 during the rotation of the block of loading 10.

En se reportant aux figures 1, 2, 6 et 7, le système SC de chargement et de tir comprend plusieurs chambres 20, par exemple au nombre de quatre. Chaque chambre 20 (figure 6) est constituée d'un corps cylindrique allongé 22 percé d'un canal central 24 qui forme la chambre proprement dite destinée à recevoir une munition M. Le corps 22 de chaque chambre 20 comporte à sa périphérie deux bossages 26 en saillie, axialement alignés et percés chacun d'une ouverture 28 pour le libre passage d'un tirant 30 autour de laquelle la chambre 20 associée est montée pivotante. Les chambres 20 peuvent être avantageusement constituées en un matériau composite (enroulé filamentaire).Referring to Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7, the SC loading and firing system includes several rooms 20, for example four in number. Each chamber 20 (figure 6) consists of a body elongated cylindrical 22 pierced with a central channel 24 which forms the actual chamber intended to receive a ammunition M. The body 22 of each chamber 20 comprises at its periphery two projecting bosses 26, axially aligned and drilled each with an opening 28 for free passage of a tie rod 30 around which the chamber 20 associated is pivotally mounted. Rooms 20 can advantageously be made of a composite material (filament wound).

Les quatre chambres 20 et les quatre tirants 30 associés sont montés dans le logement 8 du corps 3 de l'arme, en étant régulièrement disposés autour de l'arbre central fixe 12 et parallèlement à ce dernier. Les tirants 30 sont solidaires en rotation du bloc de chargement 10 monté dans le logement 7 du corps 3 de l'arme.The four bedrooms 20 and the four tie rods 30 associated are mounted in the housing 8 of the body 3 of the weapon, being regularly arranged around of the fixed central shaft 12 and parallel to the latter. The tie rods 30 are integral in rotation with the block of load 10 mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 of tear.

Les chambres 20, au cours de la rotation du bloc de chargement 10, sont guidées entre deux cames fixes respectivement interne 32 et externe 34 séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance constante correspondant au diamètre externe des chambres 20.The chambers 20, during the rotation of the loading block 10, are guided between two cams fixed respectively internal 32 and external 34 separate from each other by a corresponding constant distance to the external diameter of the chambers 20.

La came interne fixe 32 est par exemple constituée de deux disques 32a solidaires de l'arbre central fixe 12 et séparés l'un de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur des chambres 20.The fixed internal cam 32 is for example consisting of two discs 32a integral with the shaft central stationary 12 and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers 20.

La came fixe externe 34 est par exemple constituée de deux nervures 34a en saillie sur la paroi interne du logement 8 et séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur des chambres 20. Chaque nervure 34a entoure un disque 32a et est située sensiblement en regard de ce dernier.The external fixed cam 34 is for example consisting of two ribs 34a projecting from the wall internal of the housing 8 and separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the chambers 20. Each rib 34a surrounds a disc 32a and is located substantially opposite the latter.

Ainsi, les cames 32 et 34 délimitent entre elles deux chemins de came interne et externe qui guident les chambres 20 au cours de la rotation du bloc de chargement 10 et définissent quatre zones successives s'étendant sur 360° :

  • une zone de chargement ZC où une première chambre 20 est ouverte et décalée latéralement par rapport au tube T associé de l'arme pour pouvoir y charger une munition,
  • une zone de fermeture ZF où une seconde chambre 20 contenant une munition passe de sa position ouverte à sa position fermée en se rapprochant du tube T associé,
  • une zone de tir ZT où une troisième chambre 20 est fermée et axialement alignée avec le tube T associé de l'arme, et
  • une zone d'ouverture ZO où la quatrième chambre 20 passe de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture en s'écartant du tube T associé.
Thus, the cams 32 and 34 delimit between them two internal and external cam paths which guide the chambers 20 during the rotation of the loading block 10 and define four successive zones extending over 360 °:
  • a loading zone ZC where a first chamber 20 is open and offset laterally relative to the associated tube T of the weapon in order to be able to load a munition there,
  • a closing zone ZF where a second chamber 20 containing an ammunition passes from its open position to its closed position by approaching the associated tube T,
  • a firing zone ZT where a third chamber 20 is closed and axially aligned with the associated tube T of the weapon, and
  • an opening zone ZO where the fourth chamber 20 passes from its closed position to its open position away from the associated tube T.

Un ressort 35 à deux lames 36 et 37 est monté sur chaque tirant 30 entre les deux bossages 26 de la chambre 20 associée. Vers une extrémité, la lame 36 du ressort 35 prend appui sur l'arbre central fixe 12, alors que vers son autre extrémité, la lame 37 du ressort 35 prend appui sur le corps 22 de la chambre 20. La fonction de ces ressorts 35 sera explicitée plus loin.A spring 35 with two blades 36 and 37 is mounted on each tie 30 between the two bosses 26 of the associated room 20. Towards one end, the blade 36 of the spring 35 is supported on the fixed central shaft 12, then that towards its other end, the blade 37 of the spring 35 rests on the body 22 of chamber 20. The function of these springs 35 will be explained later.

Le système SA d'alimentation en munitions est schématiquement représenté aux figures 1 et 4. Ce système SA d'alimentation comprend une ouverture latérale 38 prévue dans le corps 3 de l'arme au niveau du bloc de chargement 10. Cette ouverture d'entrée 38 s'étend parallèlement aux goulottes 16 du bloc de chargement 10 et sur une longueur supérieure à celle d'une munition pour tenir compte du mouvement de recul de l'arme consécutif au tir d'une munition. Le système SA d'alimentation comprend un magasin externe (non représenté) et des moyens pour déverser en continu les munitions par l'ouverture d'entrée 38 qui sont ensuite réceptionnées par les goulottes 16 du bloc de chargement 10 au cours de la rotation de ce dernier.The SA ammunition supply system is schematically shown in Figures 1 and 4. This SA feeding system includes an opening lateral 38 provided in the body 3 of the weapon at the level of the loading block 10. This inlet opening 38 extends parallel to the troughs 16 of the block of loading 10 and over a length greater than that ammunition to account for the recoil movement of the weapon following the firing of an ammunition. The SA system supply includes an external magazine (not shown) and means for continuously discharging the ammunition through the entrance opening 38 which are then received by the chutes 16 of the loading block 10 during the rotation of the latter.

En se reportant aux figures 1 et 8, le système SE d'éjection des douilles des munitions tirées à partir des chambres de chargement 20, comprend un bloc d'éjection 40 situé dans le logement 9 du corps 3 de l'arme et monté rotatif autour de l'arbre central fixe 12. Ce bloc d'éjection 40 est supporté en rotation par les tirants 30 qui traversent de part en part le bloc 40, ainsi que les quatre tubes T de l'arme. Le bloc 40 comporte à sa périphérie des goulottes 42 de réception des douilles. Ces goulottes 42 s'étendent parallèlement à l'arbre central fixe 12 et sont régulièrement réparties autour du bloc d'éjection 40. Le système SE d'éjection est complété par une ouverture latérale de sortie 44 située au niveau du bloc d'éjection 40. Cette ouverture de sortie 44 s'étend parallèlement aux goulottes 42 et sur une longueur au moins égale à celle d'une douille. Un dispositif éjecteur fixe 45 situé au niveau de cette ouverture de sortie 44 assure l'éjection des douilles hors des goulottes 42 à leur passage devant cette ouverture 44.Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the SE system for ejecting the casings of ammunition fired from the loading chambers 20, includes a block ejection 40 located in the housing 9 of the body 3 of the weapon and rotatably mounted around the central shaft fixed 12. This ejection block 40 is supported in rotation by the tie rods 30 which cross right through the block 40, as well as the four T tubes of the weapon. The block 40 has at its periphery chutes 42 of receipt of sockets. These chutes 42 extend parallel to the fixed central shaft 12 and are regularly distributed around the ejection block 40. The SE ejection system is completed by an opening outlet side 44 located at block level ejection 40. This outlet opening 44 extends parallel to the chutes 42 and over a length at less equal to that of a socket. An ejector device fixed 45 located at this outlet opening 44 ensures the ejection of the sockets from the troughs 42 to their passage in front of this opening 44.

Une variante de réalisation du système SE d'éjection des douilles est schématiquement illustrée à la figure 1. Selon cette variante, le bloc d'éjection est constitué par deux roues étoilées 46 solidaires en rotation des tirants 30. Les deux roues étoilées 46 sont séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance inférieure à la longueur d'une douille.A variant of the SE system socket ejection is schematically illustrated in Figure 1. According to this variant, the ejection block is consisting of two star wheels 46 integral in rotation of the tie rods 30. The two star wheels 46 are separated from each other by a distance less than the length of a socket.

Quatre dispositifs de percussion 50 sont logés à l'intérieur du bloc de chargement 10 et sont respectivement associés aux quatre chambres 20. Lorsqu'une chambre 20 entre dans la zone de tir ZT délimitée par les deux cames 32 et 34, un dispositif de commande 52 (figure 1) libère le dispositif de percussion 50 associé à cette chambre 20 pour qu'il vienne percuter l'amorce de la munition. Ce dispositif de commande 52, situé sur la paroi de fond 5 du corps 3 de l'arme, comprend par exemple un levier articulé qui maintient le dispositif de percussion 50 dans un état armé tant que la chambre 20 n'est pas entrée dans la zone de tir ZT. Ce levier supporte un galet qui roule sur une came dont le chemin comporte un décrochement qui, au passage du galet, permet de dégager le levier et libérer ainsi le dispositif de percussion 50. Cette percussion du type mécanique pourrait être remplacée par une initiation électrique ou par induction suivant le type de munition utilisé.Four percussion devices 50 are housed inside loading block 10 and are respectively associated with the four chambers 20. When a chamber 20 enters the shooting zone ZT delimited by the two cams 32 and 34, a device for command 52 (figure 1) releases the device from percussion 50 associated with this chamber 20 so that it Come and strike the primer of the ammunition. This device control 52, located on the bottom wall 5 of the body 3 of the weapon, for example comprises an articulated lever which maintains the percussion device 50 in a state armed until room 20 has entered the area ZT firing range. This lever supports a roller which rolls on a cam whose path includes a step which, at passage of the roller, releases the lever and releases thus the percussion device 50. This percussion of the mechanical type could be replaced by an initiation electric or induction depending on the type of ammunition used.

Le logement 9 dans lequel est monté le système d'éjection SE des douilles est fermé par une pièce 55 qui supporte également les tirants 30 ainsi que les tubes T qui se prolongent au-delà de cette pièce 55 solidaire en rotation du bloc de chargement 10 (figure 1). The housing 9 in which the system is mounted SE ejection from the sockets is closed by a part 55 which also supports tie rods 30 as well as T tubes which extend beyond this integral part 55 in loading block 10 rotation (figure 1).

En se reportant à la figure 2, un organe moteur externe M, tel qu'un moto-réducteur, a un arbre de sortie qui supporte un pignon d'entraínement 56 qui vient engréner une denture 58 prévue à la périphérie de la pièce de support 55 pour entraíner en rotation l'ensemble tournant de l'arme comprenant le bloc de chargement 10, les tirants 30 et les chambres 20 associées, les tubes T et le bloc d'éjection 40. Il est important de noter que les tirants 30 assurent la cohésion de cet ensemble tournant mobile en rotation autour de l'arbre central fixe 12.Referring to Figure 2, an organ external motor M, such as a gear motor, has a drive shaft output which supports a drive pinion 56 which comes mesh a toothing 58 provided at the periphery of the support piece 55 for rotating the assembly turning of the weapon comprising the loading block 10, the tie rods 30 and the associated chambers 20, the tubes T and the ejection block 40. It is important to note that the tie rods 30 ensure the cohesion of this assembly rotating mobile in rotation around the central shaft fixed 12.

En se reportant à la figure 7, une butée d'arrêt 60, de forme arquée, est montée pivotante autour d'un pion 62 supporté par le corps 3 de l'arme. Cette butée 60 est située en avant des chambres 20 et dans la zone de chargement ZC. La butée 60 vient obstruer en partie l'extrémité avant de la chambre 20 située dans la zone de chargement ZC pour arrêter la première munition en cours de chargement, cette butée 60 étant ensuite relevée et maintenue relevée par les douilles des munitions tirées.Referring to Figure 7, a stop stop 60, arched, is pivotally mounted around a pin 62 supported by the body 3 of the weapon. This stop 60 is located in front of chambers 20 and in the ZC loading area. The stop 60 obstructs in part the front end of the chamber 20 located in the ZC loading area to stop the first ammunition during loading, this stop 60 then being raised and maintained raised by the sockets of the ammunition fired.

Les figures 9 et 10 illustrent une variante de réalisation dans le cas de munitions télescopées ayant une forme carrée par exemple. Dans ce cas, le système d'alimentation SA (figure 10) est complété par des leviers 70 destinés à faciliter la réception des munitions dans les goulottes 16 du bloc de chargement 10, ces goulottes ayant alors une section carrée. Chaque levier 70, à raison d'un levier par goulotte 16, est monté pivotant à une extrémité autour d'un tirant 30, alors que son autre extrémité se termine par un crochet 72 de positionnement. Les quatre leviers 70 sont régulièrement répartis autour du bloc de chargement 10 et pivote sous la commande d'un bossage 74a d'une came centrale 74 associée à quatre tiges 76. La came centrale 74 est fixe et supportée par l'arbre central fixe 12 de l'arme, et les quatre tiges 76 sont montées coulissantes à l'intérieur de passages radiaux ménagés dans le bloc de chargement 10. Chaque tige 76 prend ainsi appui sur la came centrale 74 et sur le levier 70 associé, de manière à faire pivoter ce dernier radialement vers l'extérieur lorsque la tige 76 prend appui sur le bossage 74a de la came centrale 74, c'est-à-dire au moment où le crochet 72 du levier 70 est en regard de l'ouverture d'entrée 38 pour prendre appui sur la nouvelle munition M qui entre par l'ouverture 38 et orienter correctement cette munition M lors de sa réception dans la goulotte 16 associée au levier 70.Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a variant of realization in the case of telescoped ammunition having a square shape for example. In this case, the system SA power supply (Figure 10) is supplemented by levers 70 intended to facilitate the reception of ammunition in the troughs 16 of the loading block 10, these chutes then having a square section. Each lever 70, at the rate of one lever per chute 16, is pivotally mounted at one end around a tie rod 30, while its other end ends in a positioning hook 72. The four levers 70 are regularly distributed around the loading block 10 and pivots under the control of a boss 74a of a cam central 74 associated with four rods 76. The cam central 74 is fixed and supported by the central shaft fixed 12 of the weapon, and the four rods 76 are mounted sliding inside provided radial passages in the loading block 10. Each rod 76 thus takes support on the central cam 74 and on the lever 70 associated, so as to rotate the latter radially outward when the rod 76 takes support on the boss 74a of the central cam 74, that is to say when the hook 72 of the lever 70 is in look of the entry opening 38 to build on the new munition M which enters through opening 38 and correctly orient this ammunition M during its reception in the chute 16 associated with the lever 70.

On va décrire ci-après le fonctionnement de l'arme.We will describe below the operation of tear.

Lorsque l'organe moteur M est actionné :

  • le bloc de chargement 10 est entraíné en rotation autour de l'arbre central fixe 12,
  • les tirants 30, solidaires en rotation du bloc de chargement 10, sont entraínés en rotation autour de l'arbre central fixe 12, de sorte que les chambres 20 supportées par les tirants 30 se déplacent entre les cames fixes interne 32 et externe 34,
  • les tubes T de l'arme, solidaires en rotation du bloc de chargement 10, sont entraínés en rotation autour de l'arbre central fixe 12, et
  • le bloc d'éjection 40, solidaire en rotation du bloc de chargement 10, est également entraíné en rotation autour de l'arbre central fixe 12.
When the motor unit M is activated:
  • the loading block 10 is rotated around the fixed central shaft 12,
  • the tie rods 30, integral in rotation with the loading block 10, are rotated around the fixed central shaft 12, so that the chambers 20 supported by the tie rods 30 move between the internal fixed 32 and external fixed cams 34,
  • the tubes T of the weapon, integral in rotation with the loading block 10, are rotated around the fixed central shaft 12, and
  • the ejection block 40, integral in rotation with the loading block 10, is also rotated around the fixed central shaft 12.

Les munitions extraites du magasin d'alimentation sont déversées en continu par l'ouverture d'entrée 38 du corps 3 de l'arme. Dès qu'une goulotte 16 du bloc de chargement 10 passe devant l'ouverture d'entrée 38, elle réceptionne une munition dont le culot prend appui sur la rampe hélicoïdale fixe 18. Le mouvement de rotation du bloc de chargement 10 et la rampe hélicoïdale fixe 18 provoquent un mouvement de translation des munitions en direction des chambres de chargement 20. Lorsqu'une chambre 20 entre dans la zone de chargement ZC et se déplace tout au long de cette zone, cette chambre est ouverte et se trouve axialement alignée avec l'une des goulottes 16 du bloc de chargement 10. Une munition est ainsi progressivement chargée dans la chambre 20 et est complètement chargée lorsqu'elle vient au contact de la butée d'arrêt située à l'avant de la chambre 20. Une fois chargée, la chambre 20 entre dans la zone de fermeture ZF où le décalage latéral avec le tube T associé de l'arme diminue progressivement. La chambre 20 entre ensuite dans la zone de tir ZT où elle est axialement alignée avec le tube T associé de l'arme. Le percuteur P est actionné et la munition est tirée. La chambre 20 qui contient la douille de la munition tirée entre ensuite dans la zone d'ouverture ZO où elle se décale à nouveau progressivement par rapport au tube T associé. Ensuite, lorsque la chambre 20 entre à nouveau dans la zone de chargement ZC, la nouvelle munition qui est chargée dans la chambre 20 pousse progressivement la douille de la munition précédemment chargée. Lorsque la chambre 20 parcourt la zone de chargement ZC, elle est axialement alignée avec une goulotte 42 du bloc d'éjection rotatif 40 qui réceptionne ainsi la douille qui est ensuite éjectée par l'ouverture de sortie 44.Ammunition extracted from the store feed are continuously discharged through the opening entry 38 of the body 3 of the weapon. As soon as a chute 16 of the loading block 10 passes in front of the opening entry 38, it receives an ammunition whose base rests on the fixed helical ramp 18. The rotational movement of the loading block 10 and the fixed helical ramp 18 cause a movement of translation of ammunition towards the chambers of loading 20. When a room 20 enters the zone loading ZC and moves throughout this zone, this chamber is open and is located axially aligned with one of the troughs 16 of the block of loading 10. Ammunition is thus gradually loaded into room 20 and is fully charged when it comes into contact with the stopper located at the front of chamber 20. Once loaded, chamber 20 enters the ZF closing area where the lateral offset with the associated tube T of the weapon gradually decreases. The chamber 20 then enters the firing zone ZT where it is axially aligned with the associated tube T of tear. The striker P is activated and the ammunition is pulled. Chamber 20 which contains the socket of the ammunition fired then enters the ZO opening zone where it gradually shifts again compared to to the associated T tube. Then when room 20 enters new in the ZC loading area, the new ammunition which is loaded in chamber 20 pushes gradually the ammunition socket previously loaded. When the chamber 20 traverses the zone of ZC loading, it is axially aligned with a chute 42 of the rotary ejection block 40 which receives thus the sleeve which is then ejected through the opening outlet 44.

A chaque cycle correspondant à une rotation complète du bloc de chargement 10, une première chambre 20 parcourt la zone de chargement ZC par exemple, une seconde chambre 20 parcourt la zone de fermeture ZF, une troisième chambre 20 parcourt la zone de tir ZT et la quatrième chambre 20 parcourt la zone d'ouverture ZO, et ainsi de suite.At each cycle corresponding to a rotation complete with loading block 10, a first room 20 runs through the ZC loading area for example, a second chamber 20 traverses the closing zone ZF, a third chamber 20 traverses the shooting zone ZT and the fourth chamber 20 runs through the opening zone ZO, and and so on.

Les ressorts 35 associés aux chambres 20 ont pour fonction de limiter les efforts de frottement des chambres 20 sur la came externe 34 et de vaincre la force centrifuge appliquée aux chambres 20 lors de la rotation du bloc de chargement 10.The springs 35 associated with the chambers 20 have the function of limiting the friction forces of chambers 20 on the outer cam 34 and overcome the force centrifugal applied to chambers 20 during rotation of the loading block 10.

Les cycles de chargement et de tir se succèdent pour tirer une rafale à cadence élevée, les quatre tubes T de l'arme tirant successivement une munition au cours d'une rotation complète du système SC de chargement et de tir, sachant que la position où a lieu la percussion est identique pour tous les tubes T de l'arme.The loading and firing cycles are succeed to fire a burst at high speed, the four tubes T of the weapon successively drawing a ammunition during a complete rotation of the SC system loading and firing, knowing that the position where place the percussion is identical for all T tubes of tear.

Claims (16)

  1. A small or medium-calibre multi-barrel automatic weapon of the GATLING type, notably designed to fire telescoped munitions, comprising at least an ammunition feed system (SA) and a loading and firing system (SC) having several chambers (20), weapon in which the loading and firing system (SC) is housed inside a body (3) or bodies of the weapon and comprises a loading unit (10) which is mounted able to revolve around a fixed central shaft (12) and which is integral in rotation with the barrels of the weapon, and in which each chamber (20), during one full revolution of the loading unit (10), moves from a loading and firing position where the chamber (20) is open and laterally offset with respect to the barrels (T) of the weapon so as to be able to load a munition, to a firing position where the chamber (20) is closed and in axial alignment with one of the barrels (T) of the weapon so as to be able to fire a munition, said chamber (20) being guided during its movement by guiding means, characterised in that each chamber (20) is mounted pivoting around a stay (30) integral with the revolving loading unit (10), and which is functionally connected to a barrel (T) of the weapon, and in that the guiding means of the chambers (20) are formed of a fixed inner cam (32), carried by the central shaft (12), and a fixed outer cam (34) provided on the inner surface of the weapon body (3) and which encompasses the inner cam (32) whilst remaining separated from the latter by a distance roughly corresponding to the outer diametre of the chambers (20).
  2. An automatic weapon according to Claim 1, characterised in that the number of loading chambers (20) is equal to the number of barrels (T) of the weapon.
  3. An automatic weapon according to Claim 2, characterised in that each chamber (20) is formed of a cylindrical body (22) whose periphery carries two axially aligned bosses(26) , both of which are drilled with a hole (28) to allow the associated stay (30) to pass through freely.
  4. An automatic weapon according to Claim 3, characterised in that the fixed inner cam (32) is formed of two disks (32a) carried by the fixed central shaft (12) and separated from one another by a distance which is shorter than the length of the chambers (20), each disk (32a) defining at its periphery a cam groove around the central shaft (12).
  5. An automatic weapon according to Claim 4, characterised in that the fixed outer cam (34) is formed of two ribs (34a) made on the inner wall of the body (3) of the weapon and separated from one another by a distance which is shorter than the length of the chambers (20), each rib (34a) defining by the edge of its free end a cam groove which encompasses one of the disks (32a) of the fixed inner cam (32).
  6. An automatic weapon according to one of the above Claims, characterised in that the two fixed inner (32) and outer (34) cams mark out four areas through which each chamber (20) passes one after the other during the full revolution of the loading unit (10) :
    a loading area (ZC) in which the chamber (20) is open and laterally offset with respect to the associated barrel (T) of the weapon in order to receive a munition,
    a closing area (ZF) in which the chamber (20) gradually closes as it approaches the associated barrel (T),
    a firing area (ZT) in which the chamber (20) is axially aligned with the associated barrel (T) of the weapon, and
    an opening area (ZO) in which the chamber (20) gradually opens as it moves away from the associated barrel T).
  7. An automatic weapon according to any one of the above Claims, characterised in that the loading unit (10) is housed inside the body (3) of the weapon, mounted to the rear of the chambers (20) with respect to the weapon's line of fire and comprises, on its periphery, chutes (16) extending in parallel to the central shaft (12), evenly distributed around said unit (10) to receive the ammunition and working in conjunction with a fixed helicoidal ramp (18) provided on the inner wall of the body (3) of the weapon and designed to translate the munitions towards the loading chambers (20) during rotation of the loading unit (10).
  8. An automatic weapon according to Claim 7, characterised in that one of the chutes (16) of the loading unit (10) is axially aligned with one of the chambers (20) when the latter moves through the loading area (ZC) marked out by the inner (32) and outer (34) cams.
  9. An automatic weapon according to Claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the ammunition feed system (SA) comprises a lateral inlet (38) provided in the body (3) of the weapon and located on a level with the loading unit (10), this inlet (38) extending in parallel to the central shaft (12) and is at least as long as a munition, this inlet (38) allows the munition to pass through, one by one, between an ammunition magazine and the chutes (16) of the loading unit (10) .
  10. An automatic weapon according to Claim 9, characterised in that the length of the inlet (38) is greater than that of a munition so as to take into account the recoil movement of the weapon further to a munition being fired.
  11. An automatic weapon according to any one of the above Claims, characterised in that it also comprises a system (ZE) to eject the cases of the munitions fired, this system being housed in the body (3) of the weapon, located to the front of the chambers (20) with respect to the line of fire of the weapon and comprising an ejection unit (40) mounted revolving around the fixed central shaft (12).
  12. An automatic weapon according to Claim 11, characterised in that the ejection unit (40) comprises means to support the case at its periphery, one of these supports being axially aligned with that of the chamber located in the loading area (ZC) marked out by the fixed inner (32) and outer (34) cams.
  13. An automatic weapon according to Claim 12, characterised in that the ejection unit (40) is formed of two star-shaped wheels (46) integral with the central shaft (12), fitted with notches (48) and separated from one another by a distance shorter than the length of a case, two axially aligned notches (48) of the two star-shaped wheels (46) forming a support to receive a case pushed through by a new munition during loading.
  14. An automatic weapon according to Claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the ejection system (SE) also comprises a lateral outlet (44) provided in the weapon body (3) and located at a level with the ejection unit (40), this outlet (44) extending in parallel to the central shaft (12) and of a length at least equal to that of a case, and a fixed lever (50) to eject a case outwards when its passes in front of the outlet (44).
  15. An automatic weapon according to any one of the above Claims, characterised in that he stays (30) which support the chambers (20) extend in parallel to the fixed central shaft (12) and ensure the cohesion of the revolving assembly of the weapon, this assembly comprising the loading unit (10), the chambers (20), the barrels (T) and the ejection system (SE).
  16. An automatic weapon according to Claim 15, characterised in that the number of chambers (20) is equal to or less than the number of stays (30).
EP95920968A 1995-05-19 1995-05-19 Small or medium gauge multitube automatic fire arm of the gatling type, particularly intended to the firing of telescoped ammunition Expired - Lifetime EP0786068B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR1995/000665 WO1996036845A1 (en) 1995-05-19 1995-05-19 Small or medium gauge multitube automatic fire arm of the gatling type, particularly intended to the firing of telescoped ammunition

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0786068A1 EP0786068A1 (en) 1997-07-30
EP0786068B1 true EP0786068B1 (en) 2000-04-26

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95920968A Expired - Lifetime EP0786068B1 (en) 1995-05-19 1995-05-19 Small or medium gauge multitube automatic fire arm of the gatling type, particularly intended to the firing of telescoped ammunition

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Country Link
US (1) US5817967A (en)
EP (1) EP0786068B1 (en)
FR (1) FR2718837B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1996036845A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AUPQ169699A0 (en) * 1999-07-16 1999-09-23 Metal Storm Limited Firearms
US20060207418A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Burke Jimmy W Jr Hand held multibarrel automatic weapon
US7441490B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-10-28 Dillon Michael J Machine gun
US10823518B1 (en) * 2020-01-13 2020-11-03 Tippmann Industrial Products, Inc. Gatling gun with magazine feed mechanism

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2959106A (en) * 1958-04-07 1960-11-08 John F O'brien Plural-barrel gun with drum and chambering mechanism
US3222989A (en) * 1960-03-25 1965-12-14 Ewald A Kamp Revolver-type gun with bolt
US3101027A (en) * 1961-08-02 1963-08-20 John E Brogan Quick-release, link-type clamp for multiple shaft clusters
DE1578007A1 (en) * 1967-12-18 1971-08-19 Eta Corp Cannon, especially revolver cannon for caseless projectiles
US3668637A (en) * 1969-09-16 1972-06-06 Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co Character reader having optimum quantization level
US3688637A (en) * 1970-03-10 1972-09-05 Gen Electric Multibarrel automatic weapon
US4216698A (en) * 1978-09-25 1980-08-12 General Electric Company Balanced Gatling gun
US4278008A (en) * 1979-10-12 1981-07-14 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Separate loading ammunition automatic cannon
US4342253A (en) * 1980-04-07 1982-08-03 General Electric Company Sprocket arrangement in a high rate of fire revolving battery gun
DE3627891A1 (en) * 1986-08-16 1988-02-18 Diehl Gmbh & Co Automation of the loading process in the case of a tube weapon (gun or mortar)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0786068A1 (en) 1997-07-30
US5817967A (en) 1998-10-06
FR2718837B1 (en) 1996-06-14
WO1996036845A1 (en) 1996-11-21
FR2718837A1 (en) 1995-10-20

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