EP0744016B1 - Fire interrupting and hangfire safety system for an automatic small- or medium-calibre multibarrel firearm - Google Patents

Fire interrupting and hangfire safety system for an automatic small- or medium-calibre multibarrel firearm Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0744016B1
EP0744016B1 EP95942244A EP95942244A EP0744016B1 EP 0744016 B1 EP0744016 B1 EP 0744016B1 EP 95942244 A EP95942244 A EP 95942244A EP 95942244 A EP95942244 A EP 95942244A EP 0744016 B1 EP0744016 B1 EP 0744016B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
weapon
sear
sleeve
rotation
ammunition
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
Application number
EP95942244A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0744016A1 (en
Inventor
Georges Simon
Patrice Pichot
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CTA International SAS
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CTA International SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0744016A1 publication Critical patent/EP0744016A1/en
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    • 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
    • F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
    • F41A17/18—Hang-fire prevention
    • 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
    • F41A7/00—Auxiliary mechanisms for bringing the breech-block or bolt or the barrel to the starting position before automatic firing; Drives for externally-powered guns; Remote-controlled gun chargers
    • F41A7/08—Drives for externally-powered guns, i.e. drives for moving the breech-block or bolt by an external force during automatic firing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a firing and safety stop system. long-range for a small or multi-tube automatic firearm medium caliber, this weapon comprising a body which supports in rotation an assembly rotating around an axis parallel to the direction of fire of the tubes of the weapon, this rotating assembly including the barrels of the weapon and a loading system and firing ammunition for the gun tubes to fire successively an ammunition during each rotation of the rotating assembly.
  • the stop system firing or long-range security essentially has the function of order the immobilization of the rotating assembly of the weapon either at following the voluntary actuation of an external order stop shooting, for example during or at the end of a ammunition burst, either automatically after firing defective ammunition through one of the gun tubes for security reasons.
  • the main object of the invention is to design a system fire stop and safety fire in which immobilization of the rotating assembly of the weapon can be carried out under the best possible conditions taking into account kinetic energy of the rotating assembly of the weapon at the time where the firing stop or fire safety system is activated.
  • the invention proposes a firing stop system and safety kit for a multi-tube automatic firearm small or medium caliber, which is characterized in that it comprises a rotating immobilization system for the rotating assembly of the weapon, this system comprising mounted shock absorbing means coaxially with the rotating assembly of the weapon, a device for control comprising a cylindrical body coaxial and integral in rotation with this rotating assembly and also movable in translation, and means to cause this translational displacement as a result of the detection of a defective round of ammunition or actuation of an external fire stop command, to compress the damping means and absorb the kinetic energy of rotation of the rotating assembly of the weapon, the relaxation of the damping means causing then a rotation in opposite direction of the rotating assembly of the weapon before it stops.
  • the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly is materialized by a central shaft fixed which is extended axially by a rod, one of which end is fixed to the central shaft by means of a hitch, while its other end supports a lock washer.
  • the means shock absorbers consist of two stacks of spring rings respectively housed in two tubes telescopic mounted sliding along the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly.
  • the first telescopic tube has, at one end, a bottom wall crossed by the rod central, the second telescopic tube which is intended for engage, at one end, in the other end open of the first telescopic tube also has a bottom wall crossed by the central rod, so that the spring rings of the first stack are supported respectively on the two bottom walls of the two tubes, while the spring rings of the second stack respectively bear on the wall of bottom of the second telescopic tube and on the washer stop carried by the central rod.
  • the means for cause the body to move in translation cylindrical which allows compression of the means shock absorbers, include a sleeve that surrounds the body cylindrical, connecting means between the sleeve and the cylindrical body on the one hand, drive in rotation the sleeve in synchronism with the cylindrical body and, on the other hand, allow the translational movement of the cylindrical body relative to the sleeve, and a sleeve rotation stop device to cause the displacement in translation of the cylindrical body, this stop device being activated after firing defective ammunition or external control stop shooting.
  • the means of connection between the element which allows the compression of the means shock absorbers and the sleeve are constituted by rollers located on the periphery of the cylindrical body hereinafter referred to as roller carriers and by grooves helical formed in the wall of the sleeve, so that each groove receives a roller.
  • the stop device in rotation of the sleeve comprises a plurality of heels evenly distributed around the periphery of the sleeve and a retractable trigger fixed in rotation relative to the sleeve and movable between a lowered position or retracted and a raised position where the trigger is located on the circular movement path of heels to be able to immobilize the rotating sleeve.
  • the number of heels of the sleeve is equal to that of the tubes of the weapon, so as to associate a heel to each tube.
  • the trigger consists of a flap pivoting articulated around an axis supported by a support trigger which is fixed in rotation relative to the sleeve and which is mounted opposite the latter.
  • the heel associated with a gun barrel goes past the trigger after firing the ammunition fired by this tube and before that of the ammunition fired by the next tube.
  • the stop device in rotation of the sleeve is notably actuated as a result detection of a failure in firing a ammunition.
  • This failure can be detected by noting the absence of combustion gases or a recoil movement of the weapon within a period of time determined.
  • we will consider means of detection sensitive to combustion gas pressure.
  • the passage of the trigger in the lowered position and / or recorded is provided by one of several means of detection and control mounted on a solid support in rotation of the rotating assembly of the weapon, the number of these control means being equal to that of the tubes of the weapon to associate a control means to each tube.
  • each means control consists of a movable element between a retracted position and an active position where it can act on the trigger, this element being movable by a position to another by borrowing combustion gas from the ammunition fired by the tube associated with this means of control, this mobile element can be the rod of piston of a jack, the cylinder of which communicates with the tube associated with this mobile element.
  • the invention contemplates two principles of operation according to the position occupied by the retractable trigger in normal weapon operation.
  • the trigger is in position raised before firing an ammunition, which implies a first operating principle according to which the trigger must be retracted after firing a ammunition by a tube so that the heel of the associated sleeve to this tube can pass freely in front of the trigger, the latter being then raised after the passage of the heel and before firing a round of ammunition.
  • this first embodiment it is then provided a device for lowering and a device to raise the trigger, these two devices being successively actuated by the associated control means to the tube that just fired an ammunition.
  • the movable element of this control means is in its retracted or rest position before firing the ammunition and, in normal operation of the weapon, passes in its active position when the ammunition is fired by borrowing combustion gases.
  • Devices for lowering and raising the trigger each consist of a linked linkage hinged to the trigger to rotate it one way or the other.
  • Each of these linkages includes at least one cam means which is located on the displacement path of the movable element of the control means associated with the tube which fires ammunition, when this control element is in its position active so as to act successively on the cams of the device for lowering and device for raising the trigger.
  • the movable element of the faulty tube control means In the event of a malfunction during the firing ammunition through one of the barrels of the weapon, such as example a failure which results in a non-firing of the ammunition or a delay in firing the ammunition, the movable element of the faulty tube control means remains in its rest position due to the absence of combustion gases or their retardation. In these conditions, the cams of the devices for lowering and raising the trigger are no longer located in the path of displacement of the movable element and the trigger is therefore maintained in the raised position, i.e. on the displacement trajectory of the heels of the sleeve. The heel associated with the faulty tube will then come up against against the trigger and will cause immobilization in sleeve rotation.
  • the external fire stop command during of a burst is designed to retain in a retracted position the movable element of the means command associated with one of the tubes of the weapon, when this tube will fire ammunition.
  • the trigger is maintained in its raised position after firing the ammunition and it will cause, as in the case of a malfunction when firing a munition, a immobilization in rotation of the sleeve and displacement in translation of the roller carrier.
  • the damping means are always ordered as a result of immobilization in rotation of the sleeve, both in the case of shooting defective ammunition only in the case of actuation of the external fire stop command.
  • the trigger is held in the lowered position, which involves a second reverse operating principle to that envisaged previously.
  • this second embodiment it is provided a device to hold the trigger in lowered position and a device for raising it only following the faulty firing of an ammunition or the actuation of the external fire control to cause the sleeve to stop rotating.
  • the movable element of the associated control means on each barrel of the weapon is however in its position active before firing ammunition, and borrowing gas is used when firing the ammunition to move the movable element in its retracted position so as to what he cannot act on the device for raise the trigger.
  • the device for raising the trigger also includes, as in the first embodiment, a cam located on the trajectory for moving the movable element of the control means when this movable element is in its active position.
  • the element mobile of the control means associated with this tube remains in its active position to be able to act on the device which allows the trigger to be raised before the passage of the sleeve heel associated with the tube and cause immobilization in rotation of the sleeve when this heel comes into contact with the trigger.
  • the external fire stop command during of a burst for example is designed to retain in its active position and not in its retracted position as in the first embodiment, the element mobile of the control means associated with one of the tubes, when this tube fires ammunition to be able to act on the device which raises the trigger before the passage of the heel of the sleeve associated with the tube which draws the ammunition and thus causing immobilization in rotation of the sleeve.
  • the external fire control in the two embodiments is only intended to act on one of the tubes of the weapon. Under these conditions, when the external fire control is activated during of a burst, the weapon can still fire at least a number ammunition equal to the number of tubes of the front weapon effective stopping of the weapon, i.e. the weapon does not can not fire piecemeal but this mode of operation is not of major interest for a GATLING type firearm.
  • This second embodiment presents in particular the advantage of saving wear and tear on all of the mechanisms that are used to lower and raise the trigger. Indeed, for each rotation of the whole turning the weapon and in normal operation the first embodiment requires lowering and pull the trigger up a number of times equal to the number of tubes, while in the second embodiment the trigger remains in the retracted position and is not necessary to request the mechanisms to raise and lower the trigger.
  • the kinetic energy of the rotating assembly of the weapon is absorbed by the damping means, this which avoids almost instantaneous immobilization likely to create mechanical stress important in terms of rotating support bearings of the rotating assembly of the weapon.
  • FIG. 1 A small multi-tube automatic firearm or medium caliber is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
  • This weapon 1 of the GATLING type, comprises a body 3 which rotatably supports a rotating assembly.
  • the rotating assembly includes in particular the tubes T of the weapon, which are for example the number of four, and a SC loading and firing system from ammunition M so that the tubes T fire successively ammunition during each complete rotation of the rotating assembly.
  • the body 3 of the weapon 1 is hollow, of shape elongated and extends between a closed rear end by a bottom 5 and an open front end for the free passage of tubes T.
  • Three successive housings 7, 8 and 9 are defined inside this body 3 between its two rear and front ends (figure 2).
  • the SC loading and firing system includes a loading block 10 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 around a fixed central shaft 12 by means of bearings 14.
  • the loading block 10 is overall cylindrical shape and comprises, at its periphery, footprints forming chutes 16 of reception of ammunition M.
  • the SC loading and firing system includes also several chambers 20 mounted around the tree fixed central 12 inside the housing 8 of the body 3. These chambers 20 are for example four in number, each chamber being associated with a weapon tube. Each chamber 20 is pivotally mounted around a tie rod 22 parallel to the fixed central shaft 12 and integral in rotation of the loading block 10. The chambers 20, at during the rotation of the loading block 10, are by example guided between two separate fixed cams one of the other by a constant distance corresponding to outer diameter of the chambers 20.
  • a SE system for ejecting the sockets ammunition fired is mounted in the housing 9 of the body 3.
  • This SE system includes for example two wheels star 24, coaxial with the shaft 12 and integral in rotation of the tie rods 22.
  • Each percussion device 25 is actuated from a control device 27.
  • the housing 9 in which the system is mounted SE ejection of the sockets is closed by a part 30 which supports the tie rods 22 as well as the T tubes which extend beyond this part 30 which is integral 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 32 which comes mesh a toothing 34 provided at the periphery of the support piece 30 for rotating the assembly turning of the weapon.
  • the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon comprises in particular the loading block 10, the tie rods 22 and the associated chambers 20, the T tubes and the system SE ejection of ammunition casings, assembly to which we combine a long fire stop and safety system fire which has the function of ensuring the immobilization of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon as a result of the firing defective ammunition by one of the T tubes of the weapon or actuation of an external stop command shoot.
  • the fixed central shaft 12 which crosses the rotary block 100 of the weapon is extended axially by a central rod 104, one end of which is fixed to said shaft 12 by means of a coupling 106.
  • the rod 104 supports a support washer 108, retained by a nut 110 screwed onto the rod 104 and crossed by the tubes T of the weapon.
  • Hitch 106 includes sleeve 114 integral with rod 104 and mounted to slide on said rod tree 12. As shown in figure 3, two pins fixed 116 are engaged in the body of the sleeve 114, perpendicular to the axis of the latter, so that radially protrude into two axial slots 118, diametrically opposite and arranged on the surface peripheral of the central shaft 12. The two ends lights 118 each form a stop which limits the axial displacement of the sleeve 114 of the coupling 106.
  • Long shot stop and safety system fire includes a 120 immobilization system in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.
  • this system 120 includes in particular a damping device consisting of two stacks of spring rings 122a and 122b respectively housed in two telescopic tubes 124a and 124b mounted sliding on the central rod 104.
  • the first telescopic tube 124a has, at one end, a wall of bottom 125 crossed by the central rod 104 and intended to bear against a cylindrical support block 126 interposed between the coupling 106 and the first tube telescopic 124a, this support block 126 will be described further.
  • the first tube 124a is open to receive telescopically a end of the second tube 124b.
  • the end of the second tube 124b which engages the interior of the tube 124a also has a wall of bottom 125 crossed by the central rod 104.
  • the spring rings 122a housed in the first tube 124a and arranged around the central rod 104 are trapped between the two bottom walls 125 of the two tubes 124a and 124b, while the spring rings 122b housed in the second tube 124b and arranged around the central rod 104 are trapped between the wall of bottom 125 of tube 124b and the support washer 108 provided at the free end of the central rod 104.
  • the second tube 124b extends slightly beyond the support washer 108, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 124b, and freely crosses a radial plate 130 traversed by the four T tubes of the weapon and which is integral with these last.
  • the second tube 124b ends in a flange external radial 132 intended to bear against the plate 130 and thus limit the degree of penetration of the tube 124b inside the tube 124a.
  • a control device to compress the spring rings 122a and 122b of the device damping includes cylindrical support block 126 above which is interposed between the coupling 106 and the tube 124a.
  • This support block 126 is mounted coaxially and integral in rotation with the rotating assembly 100, all by being movable in translation along the tubes T of the weapon that cross it right through.
  • the device to compress the spring rings 122a and 122b also includes means for causing the translational movement of the support block 126 by following the faulty firing of an ammunition or activation of the external fire control, means which will be described below.
  • the block support 126 supports at its periphery rollers 135 regularly distributed around this block called below roller holder 126.
  • the rollers 135 are respectively received in helical grooves 137 formed in the cylindrical wall of a sleeve 140.
  • This sleeve 140 is attached around the roller holder 126 and is supported in rotation by two spacers 142 and 143 ( Figure 2).
  • the rollers 135 transmit the sleeve 140 the rotation movement of the roller carrier 126 while allowing the latter to move in translation when the sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation by a stop device 145.
  • the stop device 145 is constituted by a trigger G retractable capable of cooperating with one of several heels 150 regularly distributed around the sleeve 140.
  • the number of heels 150 is equal to that tubes of the weapon, so as to associate a heel 150 with each tube T.
  • Trigger G is fixed in rotation with respect to the rotating assembly 100 of tear.
  • Trigger G is pivotally mounted on a block or trigger support 152 facing the sleeve 140.
  • the trigger G is constituted by a flap of overall rectangular shape, one side of which a stop for the heels 150 of the sleeve 140.
  • the trigger G is pivotally mounted around a fixed axis 154 supported by trigger support 152 and which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100 materialized by the central shaft 12 and the rod 104.
  • the trigger G can take either a position lowered or retracted to lie outside the trajectory of movement of the heels 150 during the rotation of the sleeve 140, i.e. a raised position for be located on this trajectory at a point such that the first heel likely to come into contact with the trigger G for immobilizing the sleeve 140 in rotation, is the one associated with the tube T located in the area of shot of the weapon's operating cycle, i.e. as long as the chamber is axially aligned with the tube.
  • the trigger G is in the raised position before firing a ammunition by one of the T tubes of the weapon.
  • the device 155 to lower the trigger G is constituted by a pivoting lever 157, one end of which is hinged around a fixed point 158 of the trigger support 152.
  • the other end of lever 157 is articulated on the trigger G in such a way as a pivoting movement lever 157 causes a pivoting movement of the trigger G around its axis 154.
  • the articulation between the lever 157 and the trigger G is for example constituted by a pin 160 carried by lever 157 and by a oblong light 162 formed in the trigger G for receive the pin 160.
  • the lever 157 supports a boss 164 which constitutes a contact surface forming a cam used to rotate lever 157 and lower the trigger G, as will be described later.
  • the device 165 for raising the trigger G ( Figure 4) is constituted by a cam 167 secured to the trigger G, i.e. cam 167 can pivot simultaneously with trigger G around the axis 154.
  • This cam 167 defines a surface 169 on which comes a means of control to raise trigger G, as it will described below.
  • the devices 155 and 165 for lowering and raising the trigger G are successively actuated by one of several detection and control means 170.
  • These control means 170 are mounted on a support 172 integral in rotation with the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, and their number is equal to that of the T tubes of tear.
  • each control means 170 consists of a movable element can take either an active position used for control devices 155 and 165 to lower and raise the trigger G by acting respectively on the boss 164 of lever 157 and on the bearing surface 169 of cam 167, either a neutral or rest position not involving any action on trigger G.
  • This element mobile is for example constituted by the piston rod 175 of a cylinder 177, and also forms a means of detection sensitive to combustion gas pressure generated after firing an ammunition.
  • a control means 170 is associated with each tube T, i.e. the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with each tube T is put in communication by a passage 180 with the associated tube T to transmit to the cylinder 178 part of the resulting combustion gases firing an ammunition ( Figure 4).
  • a return spring 182 returns the piston rod 175 to its position original after firing the ammunition.
  • This external fire stop command 185 ( Figures 3 to 5) is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 and includes a movable sector 187 in translation which is intended to cooperate with a pawl 189 mounted pivoting about an axis 191 of the block rotary support 172 of the cylinders 177.
  • This pawl 189 is positioned on the support block 172 so as to ability to cooperate with piston rod 175 by means of command 170 associated with one of the tubes T of the weapon.
  • the pawl 189 ends with a hook 192.
  • the firing stop sector 187 is controlled by a electromagnet 194.
  • each control means 170 traverses right through the associated cylinder 178, but the piston rod 175 associated with the pawl 189 further comprises, a end, a flange 196 intended to cooperate with the hook 192 to be able to immobilize the piston rod 175.
  • the trigger G is in position noted before the firing of a munition by one any of the T tubes, and the piston rods 175 of trigger means 170 of the trigger G are each in their neutral position or retracted position inside of their respective cylinders 178.
  • the striker 25 associated with this tube is actuated and the ammunition loaded in this tube T is fired.
  • Part of gas resulting from the firing of the ammunition is conveyed by the passage 180 to the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with the tube T.
  • the piston rod 175 housed in the cylinder 178 then moves axially to take a position active, with concomitant compression of sound return spring 182.
  • the piston rod 175 will first come into contact with the boss 164 of lowering lever 155 to make pivot this lever 155, lower the trigger G and allow the heel 150 associated with the tube T to pass freely in front of trigger G (figure 7), then at contact of the bearing surface 169 of the cam 167 for raise trigger G before firing ammunition by the next tube.
  • each weapon barrel fires ammunition with, after each shot, retraction of the trigger G to allow free passage of the heel 150 associated with the tube T which has just pulled ammunition, and repositioning the trigger in position raised before the next shot.
  • Heel 150 of rotary sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T therefore goes come into abutment against the trigger G of the stop device 145 maintained in the active position not retracted. So the rotary sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation, as in the previous case following a shot defective ammunition ( Figure 6).
  • immobilization in rotation of the rotary sleeve 140 drives the immobilizer 120 in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, and stopping the drive motor M.
  • the roller holder 126 and the rotary block 100 of the weapon continue their rotational movement during from which the roller carrier 126 also moves in translation along the firing direction of the weapon by following movement of the rollers 135 in the grooves helical 137 of the sleeve 140 immobilized in rotation.
  • the roller carrier 126 While moving, the roller carrier 126 is supported on the bottom wall 125 of the telescopic tube 124a, which has to compress the first stack of spring rings 122a, then the second stack of spring rings 122b which is supported on the plate fixed 130 carried by the central rod 104.
  • the compression of the spring rings 122a and 122b has the effect of absorbing energy kinetics of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.
  • the return force of the spring rings 122a and 122b becomes greater than the rotational driving force roller carrier 126, the latter and the assembly turning 100 of the weapon are driven in a direction of reverse rotation during which the roller carrier 126 also moves in translation in one direction opposite to that which caused compression spring rings 122a and 122b.
  • the kinetic energy of the rotating assembly 100 during the rotational movement reverse is absorbed by the second stack of spring rings 122b which extend over a shorter length to that of the first stack of spring rings 122a.
  • the second stack has greater stiffness because the kinetic energy to be absorbed is less important during the reverse rotation movement of the rotating assembly 100.
  • the telescopic tubes 124a and 124b initially driven in translation by the roller carrier 126 perform a reverse translation movement.
  • the second tube 124b is then immobilized following the support of its outer edge 132 against the fixed plate 130, then that the first tube 124a comes into contact with the sleeve 114 hitch 106 which will be able to move towards the rear a distance limited by the axial length lights 118 in which the fixed pins 116.
  • the trigger G when the weapon is at rest, the trigger G is not in the retracted position, if although one of the heels 150 of the rotary sleeve 140 is found against the trigger G. At the start of the shot of a burst for example, it is therefore necessary to retract the trigger G of the stop device 145.
  • the complementary retraction device 200 comprises a lever 202 which, towards one end or front end, extended by a lateral boss 204 of generally triangular shape in which is formed a guide light 206, of angled shape and which receives a fixed pin 208. At its front end, the lever 202 is extends axially by a stop 210 intended to come cooperate with a crankpin 212 carried by the cam control 167 of the device 165 for lifting the trigger G. The other end of lever 202 is articulated in 214 on the mobile assembly 216 of an electromagnet of command 218.
  • the lever 202 moves towards the device stop 145 while being guided by the fixed pin 208 which is moves in the light 206. This displacement is such that the stop 210 of the lever 202 comes to bear on the crankpin 212 of the control cam 167 in order to make it pivot to retract the trigger G and thus release the heel 150 of the rotary sleeve 140 which becomes free in rotation.
  • trigger G must be lowered after firing ammunition through a T tube to allow free passage of the heel 150 associated with this tube T, then raised before firing an ammunition through the next T tube.
  • trigger G remains in raised position to form a stop when passage of the heel 150 and thus immobilize in rotation the sleeve 140 and cause the translational movement of the roller holder 126 for compression of the spring rings 122a and 122b of the damping device.
  • trigger G is maintained lowered during normal weapon operation and is only relieved following a defective shot from a ammunition or external control actuation stop shooting to cause, as before, immobilization in rotation of the sleeve 140.
  • the trigger G consists of a shaped flap generally rectangular, one side of which forms a stop and the opposite side of which is extended by a rod 250 which materializes the pivot axis of the trigger G, this axis being parallel to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100.
  • the trigger G is mounted on a support of trigger 152 which faces the rotary sleeve 140 and which is fixed in rotation relative to the assembly turning 100 of the weapon.
  • trigger G When trigger G is in its position lowered, it is received in a housing 253 of the support 152 and a spring 254 is mounted in the bottom of this housing 253 to facilitate the lifting of the trigger G (figure 12).
  • This 255 device to lower the trigger G includes a swivel lever 257 mounted in a plane perpendicular to the rod 250 of the trigger G, that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 100. More specifically, the lever 257 is mounted free to rotate towards the end of a shaft 259 and has, at one end, a notch 260 intended to cooperate with a crankpin 262 which is carried by a radial arm 264 secured to the rod 250 of trigger G. This pin 262 is parallel to the rod 250 and offset from it, for transform the pivoting movement of lever 257 into a rotational movement of rod 250 and do so switch the trigger G to the retracted position.
  • the movement swivel lever 257 is secured from a member 265 for controlling the rotation of the shaft 259 which supports lever 257.
  • the rotational movement of the shaft 259 is transmitted to the lever 257 by a spring 267 mounted coaxially with the shaft 259. More specifically, a end of the spring 267 is fixed to the shaft 259, then that its other end bears on lever 257. Thus, a rotation of the shaft 259 results in a pivoting movement at lever 257.
  • the controller 265 is for example a electromagnet, of which the moving part 265a picks up support on an eccentric pin 269 fixed at the end of the tree 259 which is opposite to that which cooperates with the lever 257.
  • a translational movement of the moving part 265a results in a movement of shaft rotation 259.
  • This shaft 259 is mounted on a block of support 270 located near the trigger support 252, these two supports providing space E between them which is mounted the lowering device 255 of the trigger G.
  • This support block 270 is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon. Considering the firing direction of the weapon, the block of support 270 is located upstream of the support block 152 of the trigger G.
  • the electromagnet 265 is located on the side of the support block 270 which is opposite the space E, and the shaft 259 extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.
  • Lever 257 which lowers the trigger G is an element of a TR linkage comprising two other levers 272 and 274 mounted in the extension of lever 257, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100.
  • lever 257 is articulated at one end of the intermediate lever 272 around an axis 276.
  • the other end of the lever intermediate 272 is articulated at one end of the lever 274 around a hinge pin 277, while the other end of lever 274 is articulated at a point fixed around an axis 278.
  • This TR linkage constitutes a line broken, the geometry of which can be distorted in conditions which will be explained below to make rotate lever 257 in the opposite direction to that printed by family tree 259.
  • a device 280 is also provided for immobilize the trigger G when it is in lowered position.
  • This device 280 includes a lever pivoting 282, one end of which is articulated in a fixed point around an axis 284. The other end of the immobilizer lever 282 is intended to penetrate into a notch 285 formed in the radial arm 264 integral of the rod 250 of the trigger G (FIG. 11).
  • This lever immobilizer 282 extends parallel to the TR linkage, and cooperates with a return spring (not shown) to hold lever 282 in its position of immobilization of the trigger G.
  • the pivoting of this lever is controlled by a pin 287 which extends axially the hinge pin 277 provided between the two levers 272 and 274 of the linkage, as will be described later.
  • a device 290 is also provided for raise trigger G.
  • This device is also located in space E and includes a lever 292, one of which end is articulated at a fixed point around the axis 284.
  • the other end of the lever 292 is intended to cooperate with a crankpin 295 for toggle trigger G.
  • This 295 pin is supported by a radial arm 296 secured to the rod 250 of the trigger G.
  • Crankpin 295 extends parallel to the rod 250, is offset and enters a hole 297 provided in lever 292.
  • lever 292 of trigger release G is parallel to the TR linkage and immobilizer lever 282, and it has an opening 298 for the free passage of the trigger rod 250 G.
  • the lever 292 has a boss 299 on which each of the means of action can act command 170 of the first embodiment, namely the piston rod 175 of cylinder 177 associated with each tube of the weapon and whose position is controlled by borrowing from gas from the ammunition fired by this tube T.
  • the external fire control 300 includes a sector swivel 302 which is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.
  • Sector 302 has a curved surface 302a forming a cam, and is mounted articulated on the side of the support block 270 which is opposite the space E where are mounted devices 255 and 290 to lower and raise trigger G. Specifically, one end of the sector 302 is articulated on an eccentric pin 304 carried by a radial arm 306 secured to the shaft of control 259 of the lowering lever 257. The other end of sector 302 is articulated on a crankpin eccentric 308 carried by a radial arm 310 secured to a shaft 312 rotatably supported by the support block 270 and extending parallel to the control shaft 259.
  • the sector 302 can thus pivot in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100, its surface 302a forming a cam facing this rotating assembly.
  • Sector 302 can rotate between a rest position and a control position, knowing that a return spring 315 mounted coaxially with the control shaft 259 has one end which takes support on sector 302 so as to bring it back automatically in rest position when the electromagnet 265 for rotating the shaft 259 is not not excited.
  • the external fire control 300 also includes a rotary distributor 318 mounted around one of the T tubes of the weapon and is described below with reference to Figure 10.
  • This distributor 318 has an opening 320 which is intended to form a gas passage between the tube T and the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with this tube to control movement piston rod 175 mounted in cylinder 178.
  • This distributor 318 plays the role of the ratchet 189 of the first embodiment.
  • Sector 302 is intended to modify the distributor position 318 to interrupt the connection between tube T and cylinder 178 of cylinder 177 when the external fire stop command 300 is actuated.
  • the dispenser 318 has a heel radial 322, the free end of which then comes into contact of the cam 300a of sector 302 to rotate the distributor 318 around the tube T which supports it.
  • the trigger G is in position lowered before firing ammunition by any one T tubes, and piston rod 175 of cylinder 177 associated with this tube is in an active position, i.e. that the piston rod 175 during the movement of rotation of tube T is likely to come into contact with the TR linkage of the lowering device 155 the trigger G and the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 of the trigger G.
  • the electromagnet 165 is kept supplied for that its 265a moving crew be supported on the crankpin of operation 269 of the tree 259 to force the latter to perform a rotational movement which is transmitted to the lever 257 of the TR linkage.
  • Notch 260 of lever 257 thus comes into contact with the crankpin of maneuver 262 which rotates the rod 250 of the trigger G in a direction which tends to position the trigger G in its lowered position.
  • Lever 282 of trigger immobilizer 280 G is then engaged in the notch 285 of the radial arm 264 which supports the crankpin 262 (figure 11).
  • the firing stop sector 302 When the electromagnet 265 is activated, the firing stop sector 302 is in its rest position and the return spring 315 associated with sector 302 is at the bandaged state.
  • the operation will be described taking into account only one single tube T of the weapon, the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 associated with this tube T and the control means 170, also associated with this tube T, to modify the trigger positioning G.
  • the striker 25 associated with this tube is actuated and the ammunition loaded into this tube is fired. Part of gas resulting from the firing of the ammunition is conveyed by the opening 320 of the rotary distributor 318 in the cylinder 178 of cylinder 177 associated with tube T.
  • the rod of piston 175 housed in cylinder 178 then moves axially to take a rest position, with setting in concomitant compression of its return spring 182. Under these conditions, during the rotational movement of the tube T, the piston rod 175 associated with this tube cannot come in contact with neither the TR linkage associated with trigger lowering device 255 G ni with the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 of the trigger G.
  • the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T which has just fired a passing munition freely in front of trigger G, just like heel 150 associated with each tube T of the weapon which fires ammunition during a complete rotational movement of the assembly turning 100 of the weapon.
  • the piston rod 175 comes in contact with the TR linkage near the axis 277 between the two levers 272 and 274. This contact has the effect of modifying the geometric line broken formed by the TR linkage and forces the lever 257 pivot so that its notch 260 emerges from the crankpin of actuation 262 of the trigger G. Simultaneously, the pawn 287 which extends this axis of articulation 277 is supported on the lever 282 so as to rotate the latter and release it from the notch 285 of the radial arm 264 secured to the rod 250 of the trigger G. In these conditions, trigger G is released from the device 255. Then the piston rod 175 comes in contact with the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 which, via the shunt pin 295, causes the triggering of the trigger G in its raised position (figure 12).
  • Trigger G is raised before the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T does not pass in front of trigger G, so that heel 150 will come into abutment against the trigger G and cause the sleeve 140 to immobilize in rotation.
  • the return spring 315 associated with the sector 302 can then relax and pass the sector 302 in its active position.
  • heel 322 of distributor 318 will come into contact with cam 302a and thus force the distributor 318 to rotate around the tube T, so that the opening 320 of the distributor 318 no longer connects the T tube and the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with this tube T (figure 13).
  • a dysfunction in shooting a ammunition and actuation of the external stop command firing results in a rotation stop of the sleeve rotary 140.
  • This rotation stop of the sleeve 140 drives the immobilizer 120 in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, in a manner identical to that described in the first embodiment.
  • a counter-trigger 198 armed with a spring and supported by the support block 152 of the trigger G. This counter-trigger 198 comes to bear against the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which precedes that blocked by the trigger G.
  • This device 330 includes a element 332 movable in translation under the control of a screw 334 for example and which supports the axis hinge 277 of lever 274.

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Description

L'invention concerne un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu pour une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre, cette arme comprenant un corps qui supporte en rotation un ensemble tournant autour d'un axe parallèle à la direction de tir des tubes de l'arme, cet ensemble tournant incluant notamment les tubes de l'arme et un système de chargement et de tir de munitions pour que les tubes de l'arme tirent successivement une munition au cours de chaque rotation de l'ensemble tournant.The invention relates to a firing and safety stop system. long-range for a small or multi-tube automatic firearm medium caliber, this weapon comprising a body which supports in rotation an assembly rotating around an axis parallel to the direction of fire of the tubes of the weapon, this rotating assembly including the barrels of the weapon and a loading system and firing ammunition for the gun tubes to fire successively an ammunition during each rotation of the rotating assembly.

Dans une telle arme à feu de type GATLING, le système d'arrêt de tir ou de sécurité long feu a essentiellement pour fonction de commander l'immobilisation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme soit à la suite de l'actionnement volontaire d'une commande externe d'arrêt de tir, par exemple au cours ou à la fin du tir d'une rafale de munitions, soit automatiquement à la suite du tir défectueux d'une munition par l'un des tubes de l'arme pour des raisons de sécurité.In such a GATLING type firearm, the stop system firing or long-range security essentially has the function of order the immobilization of the rotating assembly of the weapon either at following the voluntary actuation of an external order stop shooting, for example during or at the end of a ammunition burst, either automatically after firing defective ammunition through one of the gun tubes for security reasons.

On connaít le brevet DE-A-3 627 362 qui décrit une arme monotube dont la culasse est mobile en translation et dont le tube recule pendant le tir. Un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu est proposé dans ce brevet consistant à bloquer à l'aide d'un frein à disques animé par un système pyrotechnique.We know the patent DE-A-3,627,362 which describes a weapon monotube whose cylinder head is movable in translation and whose tube backs up during the shot. A fire stop and safety system long fire is proposed in this patent consisting in blocking using a disc brake driven by a pyrotechnic system.

Le but principal de l'invention est de concevoir un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu dans lequel l'immobilisation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme puisse s'effectuer dans les meilleures conditions possibles compte tenu de l'énergie cinétique de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme au moment où le système d'arrêt de tir ou de sécurité long feu est actionné.The main object of the invention is to design a system fire stop and safety fire in which immobilization of the rotating assembly of the weapon can be carried out under the best possible conditions taking into account kinetic energy of the rotating assembly of the weapon at the time where the firing stop or fire safety system is activated.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu pour une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre, qui est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un système d'immobilisation en rotation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme, ce système comprenant des moyens amortisseurs montés coaxialement à l'ensemble tournant de l'arme, un dispositif de commande comprenant un corps cylindrique coaxial et solidaire en rotation de cet ensemble tournant et également déplaçable en translation, et des moyens pour provoquer ce déplacement en translation par suite de la détection d'un tir défectueux d'une munition ou de l'actionnement d'une commande externe d'arrêt de tir, pour comprimer les moyens amortisseurs et absorber l'énergie cinétique de rotation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme, la détente des moyens amortisseurs provoquant ensuite une mise en rotation en sens inverse de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme avant arrêt de celui-ci.To this end, the invention proposes a firing stop system and safety kit for a multi-tube automatic firearm small or medium caliber, which is characterized in that it comprises a rotating immobilization system for the rotating assembly of the weapon, this system comprising mounted shock absorbing means coaxially with the rotating assembly of the weapon, a device for control comprising a cylindrical body coaxial and integral in rotation with this rotating assembly and also movable in translation, and means to cause this translational displacement as a result of the detection of a defective round of ammunition or actuation of an external fire stop command, to compress the damping means and absorb the kinetic energy of rotation of the rotating assembly of the weapon, the relaxation of the damping means causing then a rotation in opposite direction of the rotating assembly of the weapon before it stops.

D'une manière générale, l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant est matérialisé par un arbre central fixe qui se prolonge axialement par une tige, dont une extrémité est fixée à l'arbre central au moyen d'un attelage, alors que son autre extrémité supporte une rondelle d'arrêt.In general, the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly is materialized by a central shaft fixed which is extended axially by a rod, one of which end is fixed to the central shaft by means of a hitch, while its other end supports a lock washer.

Selon un exemple de réalisation, les moyens amortisseurs sont constitués par deux empilements de bagues-ressorts respectivement logées dans deux tubes télescopiques montés coulissants suivant l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant.According to an exemplary embodiment, the means shock absorbers consist of two stacks of spring rings respectively housed in two tubes telescopic mounted sliding along the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly.

Le premier tube télescopique comporte, à une extrémité, une paroi de fond traversée par la tige centrale, le second tube télescopique qui est destiné à s'engager, par une extrémité, dans l'autre extrémité ouverte du premier tube télescopique comporte également une paroi de fond traversée par la tige centrale, de sorte que les bagues-ressorts du premier empilement prennent respectivement appui sur les deux parois de fond des deux tubes, alors que les bagues-ressorts du second empilement prennent respectivement appui sur la paroi de fond du second tube télescopique et sur la rondelle d'arrêt portée par la tige centrale.The first telescopic tube has, at one end, a bottom wall crossed by the rod central, the second telescopic tube which is intended for engage, at one end, in the other end open of the first telescopic tube also has a bottom wall crossed by the central rod, so that the spring rings of the first stack are supported respectively on the two bottom walls of the two tubes, while the spring rings of the second stack respectively bear on the wall of bottom of the second telescopic tube and on the washer stop carried by the central rod.

D'une manière générale, les moyens pour provoquer le déplacement en translation du corps cylindrique qui permet la compression des moyens amortisseurs, comprennent un manchon qui entoure le corps cylindrique, des moyens de liaison entre le manchon et le corps cylindrique pour d'une part, entraíner en rotation le manchon en synchronisme avec le corps cylindrique et, d'autre part, permettre le déplacement en translation du corps cylindrique par rapport au manchon, et un dispositif d'arrêt en rotation du manchon pour provoquer le déplacement en translation du corps cylindrique, ce dispositif d'arrêt étant actionné à la suite du tir défectueux d'une munition ou de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir.In general, the means for cause the body to move in translation cylindrical which allows compression of the means shock absorbers, include a sleeve that surrounds the body cylindrical, connecting means between the sleeve and the cylindrical body on the one hand, drive in rotation the sleeve in synchronism with the cylindrical body and, on the other hand, allow the translational movement of the cylindrical body relative to the sleeve, and a sleeve rotation stop device to cause the displacement in translation of the cylindrical body, this stop device being activated after firing defective ammunition or external control stop shooting.

A titre d'exemple, les moyens de liaison entre l'élément qui permet la compression des moyens amortisseurs et le manchon, sont constitués par des galets situés à la périphérie du corps cylindrique dénommé ci-après porte-galets et par des rainures hélicoïdales ménagées dans la paroi du manchon, de manière à ce qui chaque rainure reçoive un galet.For example, the means of connection between the element which allows the compression of the means shock absorbers and the sleeve, are constituted by rollers located on the periphery of the cylindrical body hereinafter referred to as roller carriers and by grooves helical formed in the wall of the sleeve, so that each groove receives a roller.

D'une manière générale, le dispositif d'arrêt en rotation du manchon comprend une pluralité de talons régulièrement répartis à la périphérie du manchon et une gâchette escamotable fixe en rotation par rapport au manchon et mobile entre une position abaissée ou escamotée et une position relevée où la gâchette est située sur la trajectoire de déplacement circulaire des talons pour pouvoir immobiliser le manchon en rotation.In general, the stop device in rotation of the sleeve comprises a plurality of heels evenly distributed around the periphery of the sleeve and a retractable trigger fixed in rotation relative to the sleeve and movable between a lowered position or retracted and a raised position where the trigger is located on the circular movement path of heels to be able to immobilize the rotating sleeve.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le nombre des talons du manchon est égal à celui des tubes de l'arme, de manière à associer un talon à chaque tube.According to another characteristic of the invention, the number of heels of the sleeve is equal to that of the tubes of the weapon, so as to associate a heel to each tube.

La gâchette est constituée par un volet pivotant articulé autour d'un axe supporté par un support de gâchette qui est fixe en rotation par rapport au manchon et qui est monté en regard de ce dernier.The trigger consists of a flap pivoting articulated around an axis supported by a support trigger which is fixed in rotation relative to the sleeve and which is mounted opposite the latter.

En ne considérant qu'une rotation complète du manchon et le sens de rotation de celui-ci, le talon associé à un tube de l'arme passe devant la gâchette après la mise à feu de la munition tirée par ce tube et avant celle de la munition tirée par le tube suivant.By considering only a complete rotation of the sleeve and the direction of rotation thereof, the heel associated with a gun barrel goes past the trigger after firing the ammunition fired by this tube and before that of the ammunition fired by the next tube.

D'une manière générale, le dispositif d'arrêt en rotation du manchon est notamment actionné par suite d'une détection d'une défaillance dans le tir d'une munition. Cette défaillance peut être détectée en constatant l'absence de gaz de combustion ou d'un mouvement de recul de l'arme dans un laps de temps déterminé. Dans la suite, on envisagera des moyens de détection sensibles à la pression des gaz de combustion.In general, the stop device in rotation of the sleeve is notably actuated as a result detection of a failure in firing a ammunition. This failure can be detected by noting the absence of combustion gases or a recoil movement of the weapon within a period of time determined. In the following, we will consider means of detection sensitive to combustion gas pressure.

Le passage de la gâchette en position abaissée et/ou relevée est assuré par l'un de plusieurs moyens de détection et de commande montés sur un support solidaire en rotation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme, le nombre de ces moyens de commande étant égal à celui des tubes de l'arme pour associer un moyen de commande à chaque tube.The passage of the trigger in the lowered position and / or recorded is provided by one of several means of detection and control mounted on a solid support in rotation of the rotating assembly of the weapon, the number of these control means being equal to that of the tubes of the weapon to associate a control means to each tube.

Selon un exemple de réalisation, chaque moyen de commande est constitué par un élément mobile entre une position rétractée et une position active où il peut agir sur la gâchette, cet élément étant déplaçable d'une position à l'autre par emprunt de gaz de combustion de la munition tirée par le tube associé à ce moyen de commande, cet élément mobile pouvant être la tige de piston d'un vérin, dont le cylindre communique avec le tube associé à cet élément mobile.According to an exemplary embodiment, each means control consists of a movable element between a retracted position and an active position where it can act on the trigger, this element being movable by a position to another by borrowing combustion gas from the ammunition fired by the tube associated with this means of control, this mobile element can be the rod of piston of a jack, the cylinder of which communicates with the tube associated with this mobile element.

L'invention envisage deux principes de fonctionnement suivant la position occupée par la gâchette escamotable en fonctionnement normal de l'arme.The invention contemplates two principles of operation according to the position occupied by the retractable trigger in normal weapon operation.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation et en fonctionnement normal de l'arme, la gâchette est en position relevée avant le tir d'une munition, ce qui implique un premier principe de fonctionnement selon lequel la gâchette doit être escamotée après le tir d'une munition par un tube pour que le talon du manchon associé à ce tube puisse passer librement devant la gâchette, cette dernière étant ensuite relevée après le passage du talon et avant le tir d'une munition par le tube suivant.According to a first embodiment and in normal functioning of the weapon, the trigger is in position raised before firing an ammunition, which implies a first operating principle according to which the trigger must be retracted after firing a ammunition by a tube so that the heel of the associated sleeve to this tube can pass freely in front of the trigger, the latter being then raised after the passage of the heel and before firing a round of ammunition.

Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, il est alors prévu un dispositif pour abaisser et un dispositif pour relever la gâchette, ces deux dispositifs étant successivement actionnés par le moyen de commande associé au tube qui vient de tirer une munition. A cet effet, l'élément mobile de ce moyen de commande est dans sa position rétractée ou de repos avant le tir de la munition et, en fonctionnement normal de l'arme, passe dans sa position active au moment du tir de la munition par emprunt des gaz de combustion.In this first embodiment, it is then provided a device for lowering and a device to raise the trigger, these two devices being successively actuated by the associated control means to the tube that just fired an ammunition. To this end, the movable element of this control means is in its retracted or rest position before firing the ammunition and, in normal operation of the weapon, passes in its active position when the ammunition is fired by borrowing combustion gases.

Les dispositifs pour abaisser et relever la gâchette sont chacun constitués par une tringlerie reliée de manière articulée à la gâchette pour la faire pivoter dans un sens ou dans l'autre. Chacune de ces tringleries comprend au moins un moyen formant came qui est situé sur la trajectoire de déplacement de l'élément mobile du moyen de commande associé au tube qui tire une munition, lorsque cet élément de commande est dans sa position active de manière à agir successivement sur les cames du dispositif pour abaisser et du dispositif pour relever la gâchette.Devices for lowering and raising the trigger each consist of a linked linkage hinged to the trigger to rotate it one way or the other. Each of these linkages includes at least one cam means which is located on the displacement path of the movable element of the control means associated with the tube which fires ammunition, when this control element is in its position active so as to act successively on the cams of the device for lowering and device for raising the trigger.

Lors d'un dysfonctionnement au moment du tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes de l'arme, comme par exemple une défaillance qui entraíne un non-tir de la munition ou un retard dans le tir de la munition, l'élément mobile du moyen de commande du tube défaillant reste dans sa position de repos par suite de l'absence de gaz de combustion ou de leur retard. Dans ces conditions, les cames des dispositifs pour abaisser et relever la gâchette ne sont plus situées sur la trajectoire de déplacement de l'élément mobile et la gâchette est donc maintenue en position relevée, c'est-à-dire sur la trajectoire de déplacement des talons du manchon. Le talon associé au tube défaillant viendra alors buter contre la gâchette et entraínera l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon.In the event of a malfunction during the firing ammunition through one of the barrels of the weapon, such as example a failure which results in a non-firing of the ammunition or a delay in firing the ammunition, the movable element of the faulty tube control means remains in its rest position due to the absence of combustion gases or their retardation. In these conditions, the cams of the devices for lowering and raising the trigger are no longer located in the path of displacement of the movable element and the trigger is therefore maintained in the raised position, i.e. on the displacement trajectory of the heels of the sleeve. The heel associated with the faulty tube will then come up against against the trigger and will cause immobilization in sleeve rotation.

La commande externe d'arrêt de tir au cours d'une rafale par exemple, est conçue de manière à retenir dans une position rétractée l'élément mobile du moyen de commande associé à l'un des tubes de l'arme, lorsque ce tube va tirer une munition. Autrement dit, on supprime l'action des gaz de combustion sur cet élément mobile au moment du tir de la munition. Ainsi, la gâchette est maintenue dans sa position relevée après le tir de la munition et elle provoquera, comme dans le cas d'un dysfonctionnement au moment du tir d'une munition, une immobilisation en rotation du manchon et un déplacement en translation du porte-galets.The external fire stop command during of a burst for example, is designed to retain in a retracted position the movable element of the means command associated with one of the tubes of the weapon, when this tube will fire ammunition. In other words, we delete the action of the combustion gases on this mobile element at moment of firing the ammunition. So the trigger is maintained in its raised position after firing the ammunition and it will cause, as in the case of a malfunction when firing a munition, a immobilization in rotation of the sleeve and displacement in translation of the roller carrier.

Dans ces conditions, les moyens amortisseurs sont toujours commandés par suite de l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon, aussi bien dans le cas du tir défectueux d'une munition que dans le cas de l'actionnement de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir.Under these conditions, the damping means are always ordered as a result of immobilization in rotation of the sleeve, both in the case of shooting defective ammunition only in the case of actuation of the external fire stop command.

Selon un second mode de réalisation et en fonctionnement normal de l'arme, la gâchette est maintenue en position abaissée, ce qui implique un second principe de fonctionnement inverse de celui envisagé précédemment.According to a second embodiment and in normal functioning of the weapon, the trigger is held in the lowered position, which involves a second reverse operating principle to that envisaged previously.

Dans ce second mode de réalisation, il est prévu un dispositif pour maintenir la gâchette en position abaissée et un dispositif pour la relever uniquement à la suite du tir défectueux d'une munition ou de l'actionnement de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir pour provoquer l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon.In this second embodiment, it is provided a device to hold the trigger in lowered position and a device for raising it only following the faulty firing of an ammunition or the actuation of the external fire control to cause the sleeve to stop rotating.

L'élément mobile du moyen de commande associé à chaque tube de l'arme est par contre dans sa position active avant le tir de la munition, et l'emprunt de gaz est utilisé au moment du tir de la munition pour déplacer l'élément mobile dans sa position rétractée de manière à ce qu'il ne puisse pas agir sur le dispositif pour relever la gâchette. En effet, le dispositif pour relever la gâchette comprend également, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, une came située sur la trajectoire de déplacement de l'élément mobile du moyen de commande lorsque cet élément mobile est dans sa position active.The movable element of the associated control means on each barrel of the weapon is however in its position active before firing ammunition, and borrowing gas is used when firing the ammunition to move the movable element in its retracted position so as to what he cannot act on the device for raise the trigger. Indeed, the device for raising the trigger also includes, as in the first embodiment, a cam located on the trajectory for moving the movable element of the control means when this movable element is in its active position.

Dans ces conditions, lors d'un dysfonctionnement au moment du tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes, comme cela a été envisagé précédemment, l'élément mobile du moyen de commande associé à ce tube reste dans sa position active pour pouvoir agir sur le dispositif qui permet de relever la gâchette avant le passage du talon du manchon associé au tube et provoquer l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon lorsque ce talon vient au contact de la gâchette.Under these conditions, during a malfunction when one of the ammunition was fired tubes, as previously considered, the element mobile of the control means associated with this tube remains in its active position to be able to act on the device which allows the trigger to be raised before the passage of the sleeve heel associated with the tube and cause immobilization in rotation of the sleeve when this heel comes into contact with the trigger.

La commande externe d'arrêt de tir au cours d'une rafale par exemple, est conçue de manière à retenir dans sa position active et non dans sa position rétractée comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, l'élément mobile du moyen de commande associé à l'un des tubes, lorsque ce tube tire une munition pour pouvoir agir sur le dispositif qui relève la gâchette avant le passage du talon du manchon associé au tube qui tire la munition et provoquer ainsi l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon.The external fire stop command during of a burst for example, is designed to retain in its active position and not in its retracted position as in the first embodiment, the element mobile of the control means associated with one of the tubes, when this tube fires ammunition to be able to act on the device which raises the trigger before the passage of the heel of the sleeve associated with the tube which draws the ammunition and thus causing immobilization in rotation of the sleeve.

La commande externe d'arrêt de tir dans les deux modes de réalisation n'est prévue que pour agir sur l'un des tubes de l'arme. Dans ces conditions, lorsque la commande externe d'arrêt de tir est actionnée au cours d'une rafale, l'arme peut encore tirer au moins un nombre de munitions égal au nombre de tubes de l'arme avant l'arrêt effectif de l'arme, c'est-à-dire que l'arme ne peut pas tirer au coup par coup mais ce mode de fonctionnement ne présente pas un intérêt majeur pour une arme à feu du type GATLING.The external fire control in the two embodiments is only intended to act on one of the tubes of the weapon. Under these conditions, when the external fire control is activated during of a burst, the weapon can still fire at least a number ammunition equal to the number of tubes of the front weapon effective stopping of the weapon, i.e. the weapon does not can not fire piecemeal but this mode of operation is not of major interest for a GATLING type firearm.

Ce second mode de réalisation présente notamment l'avantage de ménager l'usure de l'ensemble des mécanismes qui sont utilisés pour abaisser et relever la gâchette. En effet, pour chaque rotation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme et en fonctionnement normal, le premier mode de réalisation nécessite d'abaisser et de relever la gâchette un nombre de fois égal au nombre de tubes, alors que dans le second mode de réalisation la gâchette reste en position escamotée et il n'est pas nécessaire de solliciter les mécanismes pour relever et abaisser la gâchette.This second embodiment presents in particular the advantage of saving wear and tear on all of the mechanisms that are used to lower and raise the trigger. Indeed, for each rotation of the whole turning the weapon and in normal operation the first embodiment requires lowering and pull the trigger up a number of times equal to the number of tubes, while in the second embodiment the trigger remains in the retracted position and is not necessary to request the mechanisms to raise and lower the trigger.

Ainsi, selon un avantage important de l'invention, l'énergie cinétique de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme est absorbée par les moyens amortisseurs, ce qui permet d'éviter une immobilisation quasi-instantanée susceptible de créer des contraintes mécaniques importantes au niveau des paliers de supports en rotation de l'ensemble tournant de l'arme.Thus, according to an important advantage of the invention, the kinetic energy of the rotating assembly of the weapon is absorbed by the damping means, this which avoids almost instantaneous immobilization likely to create mechanical stress important in terms of rotating support bearings of the rotating assembly of the weapon.

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 équipée d'un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu conforme à l'invention et selon un premier mode de réalisation,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe partielle pour illustrer le principe de commande du système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu,
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique de la commande d'arrêt de tir,
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues semblables à celle de la figure 4 pour illustrer le fonctionnement du système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu,
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu conforme à l'invention et selon un second mode de réalisation,
  • la figure 9 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la figure 8,
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe schématique de la commande d'arrêt de tir, et
  • les figures 11 à 13 sont des vues en coupe partielle pour illustrer le fonctionnement du second mode de réalisation du système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu.
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 equipped with a firing stop and long-range safety system according to the invention and according to a first embodiment,
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a partial section view of a firing stop and long-range safety system,
  • FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view to illustrate the principle of control of the firing stop and long-range safety system,
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the firing stop command,
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are views similar to that of FIG. 4 to illustrate the operation of the firing stop and long-range safety system,
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a firing stop and long-range safety system according to the invention and according to a second embodiment,
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 8,
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of the firing stop control, and
  • Figures 11 to 13 are partial sectional views to illustrate the operation of the second embodiment of the firing stop and long-range safety system.

Une arme à feu automatique multitubes de petit ou moyen calibre est schématiquement illustrée aux figures 1 et 2. Cette arme 1, de type GATLING, comporte un corps 3 qui supporte en rotation un ensemble tournant.A small multi-tube automatic firearm or medium caliber is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. This weapon 1, of the GATLING type, comprises a body 3 which rotatably supports a rotating assembly.

L'ensemble tournant inclut notamment les tubes T de l'arme, qui sont par exemple au nombre de quatre, et un système de chargement et de tir SC de munitions M pour que les tubes T tirent successivement une munition au cours de chaque rotation complète de l'ensemble tournant.The rotating assembly includes in particular the tubes T of the weapon, which are for example the number of four, and a SC loading and firing system from ammunition M so that the tubes T fire successively ammunition during each complete rotation of the rotating assembly.

Le corps 3 de l'arme 1 est creux, de forme allongée et s'étend entre une extrémité arrière fermée par un fond 5 et une extrémité avant ouverte pour le libre passage des tubes T. Trois logements successifs 7, 8 et 9 sont définis à l'intérieur de ce corps 3 entre ses deux extrémités arrière et avant (figure 2).The body 3 of the weapon 1 is hollow, of shape elongated and extends between a closed rear end by a bottom 5 and an open front end for the free passage of tubes T. Three successive housings 7, 8 and 9 are defined inside this body 3 between its two rear and front ends (figure 2).

Le système de chargement et de tir SC comprend un bloc de chargement 10 qui est monté rotatif dans le logement 7 du corps 3 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. Une rampe hélicoïdale fixe 18, formée sur la paroi interne du logement 7 du corps 3 de l'arme, assure le déplacement en translation des munitions le long des goulottes 16 au cours du mouvement de rotation de bloc de chargement 10.The SC loading and firing system includes a loading block 10 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 7 of the body 3 around a fixed central shaft 12 by means of bearings 14. The loading block 10 is overall cylindrical shape and comprises, at its periphery, footprints forming chutes 16 of reception of ammunition M. A fixed helical ramp 18, formed on the internal wall of the housing 7 of the body 3 of the weapon, ensures the translational movement of ammunition along the troughs 16 during the movement loading block rotation 10.

Le système SC de chargement et de tir comprend également plusieurs chambres 20 montées autour de l'arbre central fixe 12 à l'intérieur du logement 8 du corps 3. Ces chambres 20 sont par exemple au nombre de quatre, chaque chambre étant associée à un tube de l'arme. Chaque chambre 20 est montée pivotante autour d'un tirant 22 parallèle à l'arbre central fixe 12 et solidaire en rotation du bloc de chargement 10. Les chambres 20, au cours de la rotation du bloc de chargement 10, sont par exemple guidées entre deux cames fixes séparées l'une de l'autre d'une distance constante correspondant au diamètre externe des chambres 20.The SC loading and firing system includes also several chambers 20 mounted around the tree fixed central 12 inside the housing 8 of the body 3. These chambers 20 are for example four in number, each chamber being associated with a weapon tube. Each chamber 20 is pivotally mounted around a tie rod 22 parallel to the fixed central shaft 12 and integral in rotation of the loading block 10. The chambers 20, at during the rotation of the loading block 10, are by example guided between two separate fixed cams one of the other by a constant distance corresponding to outer diameter of the chambers 20.

Ainsi, au cours d'une rotation complète du bloc de chargement 10, on peut définir quatre zones successives :

  • une zone de chargement où une première chambre 20 est ouverte et décalée latéralement par rapport à son tube T associé pour y charger une munition,
  • une zone de fermeture où une seconde chambre 20 contenant une munition passe progressivement de sa position ouverte à sa position fermée,
  • une zone de tir où une troisième chambre 20 est fermée et axialement alignée avec son tube T associé, et
  • une zone d'ouverture où la quatrième chambre 20 passe progressivement de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture.
Thus, during a complete rotation of the loading block 10, four successive zones can be defined:
  • a loading area where a first chamber 20 is open and offset laterally with respect to its associated tube T for loading ammunition therein,
  • a closing zone where a second chamber 20 containing an ammunition progressively passes from its open position to its closed position,
  • a firing zone where a third chamber 20 is closed and axially aligned with its associated tube T, and
  • an opening zone where the fourth chamber 20 progressively passes from its closed position to its open position.

Il est important de noter pour la suite qu'une chambre tout au long de son déplacement dans la zone de tir est axialement alignée avec le tube de l'arme auquel elle est associée.It is important to note for the following that a room throughout its movement in the area of shot is axially aligned with the barrel of the weapon to which it is associated.

Un système SE d'éjection des douilles des munitions tirées est monté dans le logement 9 du corps 3. Ce système SE comprend par exemple deux roues étoilées 24, coaxiales à l'arbre 12 et solidaires en rotation des tirants 22.A SE system for ejecting the sockets ammunition fired is mounted in the housing 9 of the body 3. This SE system includes for example two wheels star 24, coaxial with the shaft 12 and integral in rotation of the tie rods 22.

Quatre dispositifs de percussion 25, à raison d'un dispositif par chambre, sont logés à l'intérieur du bloc de chargement 10. Chaque dispositif de percussion 25 est actionné à partir d'un dispositif de commande 27.Four percussion devices 25, rightly of one device per room, are housed inside the loading block 10. Each percussion device 25 is actuated from a control device 27.

Le logement 9 dans lequel est monté le système d'éjection SE des douilles est fermé par une pièce 30 qui supporte les tirants 22 ainsi que les tubes T qui se prolongent au-delà de cette pièce 30 qui est solidaire en rotation du bloc de chargement 10 (figure 1).The housing 9 in which the system is mounted SE ejection of the sockets is closed by a part 30 which supports the tie rods 22 as well as the T tubes which extend beyond this part 30 which is integral 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 32 qui vient engrener une denture 34 prévue à la périphérie de la pièce de support 30 pour entraíner en rotation l'ensemble tournant de l'arme.Referring to Figure 2, an organ external motor M, such as a gear motor, has a drive shaft output which supports a drive pinion 32 which comes mesh a toothing 34 provided at the periphery of the support piece 30 for rotating the assembly turning of the weapon.

L'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme comprend notamment le bloc de chargement 10, les tirants 22 et les chambres 20 associées, les tubes T et le système d'éjection SE des douilles des munitions, ensemble auquel on associe un système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu qui a pour fonction d'assurer l'immobilisation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme par suite du tir défectueux d'une munition par l'un des tubes T de l'arme ou de l'actionnement d'une commande externe d'arrêt de tir.The rotating assembly 100 of the weapon comprises in particular the loading block 10, the tie rods 22 and the associated chambers 20, the T tubes and the system SE ejection of ammunition casings, assembly to which we combine a long fire stop and safety system fire which has the function of ensuring the immobilization of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon as a result of the firing defective ammunition by one of the T tubes of the weapon or actuation of an external stop command shoot.

D'une manière générale et en se reportant aux figures 1 et 3, l'arbre central fixe 12 qui traverse le bloc rotatif 100 de l'arme se prolonge axialement par une tige centrale 104, dont une extrémité est fixée audit arbre 12 au moyen d'un attelage 106. A son autre extrémité, la tige 104 supporte une rondelle d'appui 108, retenue par un écrou 110 vissé sur la tige 104 et traversée par les tubes T de l'arme. In general and with reference to Figures 1 and 3, the fixed central shaft 12 which crosses the rotary block 100 of the weapon is extended axially by a central rod 104, one end of which is fixed to said shaft 12 by means of a coupling 106. At its other end, the rod 104 supports a support washer 108, retained by a nut 110 screwed onto the rod 104 and crossed by the tubes T of the weapon.

L'attelage 106 comprend un manchon 114 solidaire de la tige 104 et monté coulissant sur ledit arbre 12. Comme visible à la figure 3, deux goupilles fixes 116 sont engagées dans le corps du manchon 114, perpendiculairement à l'axe de ce dernier, de manière à faire saillie radialement dans deux lumières axiales 118, diamétralement opposées et ménagées à la surface périphérique de l'arbre central 12. Les deux extrémités des lumières 118 forment chacune une butée qui limite le déplacement axial du manchon 114 de l'attelage 106.Hitch 106 includes sleeve 114 integral with rod 104 and mounted to slide on said rod tree 12. As shown in figure 3, two pins fixed 116 are engaged in the body of the sleeve 114, perpendicular to the axis of the latter, so that radially protrude into two axial slots 118, diametrically opposite and arranged on the surface peripheral of the central shaft 12. The two ends lights 118 each form a stop which limits the axial displacement of the sleeve 114 of the coupling 106.

Le système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu comprend un système 120 d'immobilisation en rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme. En se reportant à la figure 1, ce système 120 comprend notamment un dispositif d'amortissement constitué par deux empilements de bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b respectivement logées dans deux tubes télescopiques 124a et 124b montés coulissants sur la tige centrale 104.Long shot stop and safety system fire includes a 120 immobilization system in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon. Referring to Figure 1, this system 120 includes in particular a damping device consisting of two stacks of spring rings 122a and 122b respectively housed in two telescopic tubes 124a and 124b mounted sliding on the central rod 104.

Plus précisément, le premier tube télescopique 124a comporte, à une extrémité, une paroi de fond 125 traversée par la tige centrale 104 et destinée à prendre appui contre un bloc de support cylindrique 126 interposé entre l'attelage 106 et le premier tube télescopique 124a, ce bloc de support 126, sera décrit plus loin. A son autre extrémité, le premier tube 124a est ouvert pour recevoir de manière télescopique une extrémité du second tube 124b.More specifically, the first telescopic tube 124a has, at one end, a wall of bottom 125 crossed by the central rod 104 and intended to bear against a cylindrical support block 126 interposed between the coupling 106 and the first tube telescopic 124a, this support block 126 will be described further. At its other end, the first tube 124a is open to receive telescopically a end of the second tube 124b.

L'extrémité du second tube 124b qui s'engage à l'intérieur du tube 124a comporte également une paroi de fond 125 traversée par la tige centrale 104. Ainsi, les bagues-ressorts 122a logées dans le premier tube 124a et disposées autour de la tige centrale 104 sont emprisonnées entre les deux parois de fond 125 des deux tubes 124a et 124b, alors que les bagues-ressorts 122b logées dans le second tube 124b et disposées autour de la tige centrale 104 sont emprisonnées entre la paroi de fond 125 du tube 124b et la rondelle d'appui 108 prévue à l'extrémité libre de la tige centrale 104. Vers son autre extrémité ouverte, le second tube 124b s'étend légèrement au-delà de la rondelle d'appui 108, dont le diamètre est légèrement inférieur au diamètre interne du tube 124b, et traverse librement une plaque radiale 130 traversée par les quatre tubes T de l'arme et qui est solidaire de ces derniers. Le second tube 124b se termine par un rebord radial externe 132 destiné à prendre appui contre la plaque 130 et limiter ainsi le degré d'enfoncement du tube 124b à l'intérieur du tube 124a.The end of the second tube 124b which engages the interior of the tube 124a also has a wall of bottom 125 crossed by the central rod 104. Thus, the spring rings 122a housed in the first tube 124a and arranged around the central rod 104 are trapped between the two bottom walls 125 of the two tubes 124a and 124b, while the spring rings 122b housed in the second tube 124b and arranged around the central rod 104 are trapped between the wall of bottom 125 of tube 124b and the support washer 108 provided at the free end of the central rod 104. Towards its other open end, the second tube 124b extends slightly beyond the support washer 108, the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 124b, and freely crosses a radial plate 130 traversed by the four T tubes of the weapon and which is integral with these last. The second tube 124b ends in a flange external radial 132 intended to bear against the plate 130 and thus limit the degree of penetration of the tube 124b inside the tube 124a.

Un dispositif de commande pour comprimer les bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b du dispositif d'amortissement comprend le bloc de support cylindrique 126 précité qui est intercalé entre l'attelage 106 et le tube 124a. Ce bloc de support 126 est monté coaxialement et solidaire en rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100, tout en étant mobile en translation le long des tubes T de l'arme qui le traversent de part en part. Le dispositif de commande pour comprimer les bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b comprend également des moyens pour provoquer le déplacement en translation du bloc de support 126 par suite du tir défectueux d'une munition ou de l'activation de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir, moyens qui seront décrits ci-après.A control device to compress the spring rings 122a and 122b of the device damping includes cylindrical support block 126 above which is interposed between the coupling 106 and the tube 124a. This support block 126 is mounted coaxially and integral in rotation with the rotating assembly 100, all by being movable in translation along the tubes T of the weapon that cross it right through. The device to compress the spring rings 122a and 122b also includes means for causing the translational movement of the support block 126 by following the faulty firing of an ammunition or activation of the external fire control, means which will be described below.

En se reportant aux figures 3 4 et 5, le bloc de support 126 supporte à sa périphérie des galets 135 régulièrement répartis autour de ce bloc dénommé ci-après porte-galets 126. Les galets 135 sont respectivement reçus dans des rainures hélicoïdales 137 ménagées dans la paroi cylindrique d'un manchon 140. Ce manchon 140 est rapporté autour du porte-galets 126 et est supporté en rotation par deux entretoises 142 et 143 (figure 2).Referring to Figures 3 4 and 5, the block support 126 supports at its periphery rollers 135 regularly distributed around this block called below roller holder 126. The rollers 135 are respectively received in helical grooves 137 formed in the cylindrical wall of a sleeve 140. This sleeve 140 is attached around the roller holder 126 and is supported in rotation by two spacers 142 and 143 (Figure 2).

Les galets 135 transmettent au manchon 140 le mouvement de rotation du porte-galets 126 tout en permettant à ce dernier de se déplacer en translation lorsque le manchon 140 est immobilisé en rotation par un dispositif d'arrêt 145.The rollers 135 transmit the sleeve 140 the rotation movement of the roller carrier 126 while allowing the latter to move in translation when the sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation by a stop device 145.

Le dispositif d'arrêt 145, tel que représenté à la figure 4, est constitué par une gâchette G escamotable susceptible de coopérer avec l'un de plusieurs talons 150 régulièrement répartis autour du manchon 140. Le nombre des talons 150 est égal à celui des tubes de l'arme, de manière à associer un talon 150 à chaque tube T.The stop device 145, as shown in Figure 4, is constituted by a trigger G retractable capable of cooperating with one of several heels 150 regularly distributed around the sleeve 140. The number of heels 150 is equal to that tubes of the weapon, so as to associate a heel 150 with each tube T.

D'une manière générale, la gâchette G est fixe en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme. La gâchette G est montée pivotante sur un bloc ou support de gâchette 152 faisant face au manchon 140.Generally, trigger G is fixed in rotation with respect to the rotating assembly 100 of tear. Trigger G is pivotally mounted on a block or trigger support 152 facing the sleeve 140.

La gâchette G est constituée par un volet de forme globalement rectangulaire, dont un côté constitue une butée d'arrêt pour les talons 150 du manchon 140. La gâchette G est montée pivotante autour d'un axe fixe 154 supporté par le support de gâchette 152 et qui s'étend parallèlement à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 matérialisé par l'arbre central 12 et la tige 104.The trigger G is constituted by a flap of overall rectangular shape, one side of which a stop for the heels 150 of the sleeve 140. The trigger G is pivotally mounted around a fixed axis 154 supported by trigger support 152 and which extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100 materialized by the central shaft 12 and the rod 104.

La gâchette G peut prendre soit une position abaissée ou escamotée pour se situer en-dehors de la trajectoire de déplacement des talons 150 au cours de la rotation du manchon 140, soit une position relevée pour se situer sur cette trajectoire en un point tel que le premier talon susceptible d'entrer en contact avec la gâchette G pour immobiliser en rotation le manchon 140, est celui qui est associé au tube T situé dans la zone de tir du cycle de fonctionnement de l'arme, c'est-à-dire tant que la chambre est axialement alignée avec le tube.The trigger G can take either a position lowered or retracted to lie outside the trajectory of movement of the heels 150 during the rotation of the sleeve 140, i.e. a raised position for be located on this trajectory at a point such that the first heel likely to come into contact with the trigger G for immobilizing the sleeve 140 in rotation, is the one associated with the tube T located in the area of shot of the weapon's operating cycle, i.e. as long as the chamber is axially aligned with the tube.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, la gâchette G est en position relevée avant le tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes T de l'arme. Il en résulte, qu'en fonctionnement normal de l'arme, il faut abaisser la gâchette G après le tir d'une munition et la relever avant le tir de la munition suivante.According to a first embodiment, the trigger G is in the raised position before firing a ammunition by one of the T tubes of the weapon. As a result, that in normal operation of the weapon, it is necessary to lower trigger G after firing an ammunition and raise it before firing the next round.

En se reportant à la figure 4, le dispositif 155 pour abaisser la gâchette G est constitué par un levier pivotant 157, dont une extrémité est articulée autour d'un point fixe 158 du support de gâchette 152. L'autre extrémité du levier 157 est articulée sur la gâchette G d'une manière telle qu'un mouvement pivotant du levier 157 entraíne un mouvement pivotant de la gâchette G autour de son axe 154. L'articulation entre le levier 157 et la gâchette G est par exemple constituée par un pion 160 porté par le levier 157 et par une lumière oblongue 162 ménagée dans la gâchette G pour recevoir le pion 160. Le levier 157 supporte un bossage 164 qui constitue une surface de contact formant came utilisée pour faire pivoter le levier 157 et abaisser la gâchette G, comme cela sera décrit plus loin.Referring to Figure 4, the device 155 to lower the trigger G is constituted by a pivoting lever 157, one end of which is hinged around a fixed point 158 of the trigger support 152. The other end of lever 157 is articulated on the trigger G in such a way as a pivoting movement lever 157 causes a pivoting movement of the trigger G around its axis 154. The articulation between the lever 157 and the trigger G is for example constituted by a pin 160 carried by lever 157 and by a oblong light 162 formed in the trigger G for receive the pin 160. The lever 157 supports a boss 164 which constitutes a contact surface forming a cam used to rotate lever 157 and lower the trigger G, as will be described later.

Le dispositif 165 pour relever la gâchette G (figure 4) est constitué par une came 167 solidaire de la gâchette G, c'est-à-dire que la came 167 peut pivoter simultanément avec la gâchette G autour de l'axe d'articulation 154. Cette came 167 délimite une surface d'appui 169 sur laquelle vient en appui un moyen de commande pour relever la gâchette G, comme cela sera décrit ci-après.The device 165 for raising the trigger G (Figure 4) is constituted by a cam 167 secured to the trigger G, i.e. cam 167 can pivot simultaneously with trigger G around the axis 154. This cam 167 defines a surface 169 on which comes a means of control to raise trigger G, as it will described below.

Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, les dispositifs 155 et 165 pour abaisser et relever la gâchette G sont successivement actionnés par l'un de plusieurs moyens de détection et de commande 170. Ces moyens de commande 170 sont montés sur un support 172 solidaire en rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme, et leur nombre est égal à celui des tubes T de l'arme.In this first embodiment, the devices 155 and 165 for lowering and raising the trigger G are successively actuated by one of several detection and control means 170. These control means 170 are mounted on a support 172 integral in rotation with the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, and their number is equal to that of the T tubes of tear.

En se reportant aux figures 3 et 5, chaque moyen de commande 170 est constitué par un élément mobile pouvant prendre soit une position active utilisée pour commander les dispositifs 155 et 165 pour abaisser et relever la gâchette G en agissant respectivement sur le bossage 164 du levier 157 et sur la surface d'appui 169 de la came 167, soit une position neutre ou de repos n'impliquant aucune action sur la gâchette G. Cet élément mobile est par exemple constitué par la tige de piston 175 d'un vérin 177, et forme également un moyen de détection sensible à la pression des gaz de combustion engendrés après le tir d'une munition.Referring to Figures 3 and 5, each control means 170 consists of a movable element can take either an active position used for control devices 155 and 165 to lower and raise the trigger G by acting respectively on the boss 164 of lever 157 and on the bearing surface 169 of cam 167, either a neutral or rest position not involving any action on trigger G. This element mobile is for example constituted by the piston rod 175 of a cylinder 177, and also forms a means of detection sensitive to combustion gas pressure generated after firing an ammunition.

Un moyen de commande 170 est associé à chaque tube T, c'est-à-dire que le cylindre 178 du vérin 177 associé à chaque tube T est mis en communication par un passage 180 avec le tube T associé pour transmettre au cylindre 178 une partie des gaz de combustion résultant du tir d'une munition (figure 4). Un ressort de rappel 182 ramène la tige de piston 175 dans sa position d'origine après le tir de la munition.A control means 170 is associated with each tube T, i.e. the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with each tube T is put in communication by a passage 180 with the associated tube T to transmit to the cylinder 178 part of the resulting combustion gases firing an ammunition (Figure 4). A return spring 182 returns the piston rod 175 to its position original after firing the ammunition.

Le système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu permet de bloquer en rotation le manchon 140 soit à la suite d'une défaillance dans le tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes de l'arme, soit à la suite de l'actionnement volontaire d'une commande externe 185 d'arrêt de tir.Long shot stop and safety system fire allows the sleeve 140 to be blocked in rotation either at following a failure in firing an ammunition by one of the barrels of the weapon, either following voluntary actuation of an external command 185 stop shooting.

Cette commande externe 185 d'arrêt de tir (figures 3 à 5) est fixe en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble tournant 100 et comprend un secteur 187 mobile en translation qui est destiné à coopérer avec un cliquet 189 monté pivotant autour d'un axe 191 du bloc de support rotatif 172 des vérins 177. Ce cliquet 189 est positionné sur le bloc de support 172 de manière à pouvoir coopérer avec la tige de piston 175 du moyen de commande 170 associé à l'un des tubes T de l'arme. A une extrémité, le cliquet 189 se termine par un crochet 192. Le secteur 187 d'arrêt de tir est commandé par un électro-aimant 194. This external fire stop command 185 (Figures 3 to 5) is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 and includes a movable sector 187 in translation which is intended to cooperate with a pawl 189 mounted pivoting about an axis 191 of the block rotary support 172 of the cylinders 177. This pawl 189 is positioned on the support block 172 so as to ability to cooperate with piston rod 175 by means of command 170 associated with one of the tubes T of the weapon. To one end, the pawl 189 ends with a hook 192. The firing stop sector 187 is controlled by a electromagnet 194.

D'une manière générale, la tige de piston 175 de chaque moyen de commande 170 traverse de part en part le cylindre 178 associé, mais la tige de piston 175 associée au cliquet 189 comporte en outre, à une extrémité, un rebord 196 destiné à coopérer avec le crochet 192 pour pouvoir immobiliser la tige de piston 175.Generally speaking, the piston rod 175 of each control means 170 traverses right through the associated cylinder 178, but the piston rod 175 associated with the pawl 189 further comprises, a end, a flange 196 intended to cooperate with the hook 192 to be able to immobilize the piston rod 175.

On va maintenant décrire le fonctionnement normal de l'arme au cours d'une rotation complète de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme et plus particulièrement du manchon rotatif 140, dont la rotation est assurée par l'intermédiaire du porte-galets 126 solidaire en rotation de cet ensemble tournant.We will now describe how it works normal weapon during a full rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon and more particularly of the rotary sleeve 140, the rotation of which is provided by the roller carrier 126 integral in rotation with this rotating assembly.

Selon le principe de fonctionnement de ce premier mode de réalisation, la gâchette G est en position relevée avant le tir d'une munition par l'un quelconque des tubes T, et les tiges de piston 175 des moyens de commande 170 de la gâchette G sont chacune dans leur position neutre ou position rétractée à l'intérieur de leurs cylindres respectifs 178.According to the operating principle of this first embodiment, the trigger G is in position noted before the firing of a munition by one any of the T tubes, and the piston rods 175 of trigger means 170 of the trigger G are each in their neutral position or retracted position inside of their respective cylinders 178.

Ce fonctionnement sera décrit en ne prenant en compte qu'un seul tube T de l'arme, le talon 150 du manchon 140 associé à ce tube T et le moyen de commande 170, également associé à ce tube T, pour modifier sur le positionnement de la gâchette G.This operation will be described by not taking only one tube T of the weapon, the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 associated with this tube T and the means of control 170, also associated with this tube T, for modify the positioning of trigger G.

Lorsque le tube T pénètre dans la zone de tir, le percuteur 25 associé à ce tube est actionné et la munition chargée dans ce tube T est tirée. Une partie des gaz résultant du tir de la munition est acheminée par le passage 180 jusqu'au cylindre 178 du vérin 177 associé au tube T. La tige de piston 175 logée dans le cylindre 178 se déplace alors axialement pour prendre une position active, avec mise en compression concomitante de son ressort de rappel 182.When the T tube enters the shooting area, the striker 25 associated with this tube is actuated and the ammunition loaded in this tube T is fired. Part of gas resulting from the firing of the ammunition is conveyed by the passage 180 to the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with the tube T. The piston rod 175 housed in the cylinder 178 then moves axially to take a position active, with concomitant compression of sound return spring 182.

Etant donné que le bloc de support 172 des vérins 177 est animé d'un mouvement de rotation synchrone avec celui du manchon 140 et de l'ensemble tournant 100, la tige de piston 175 va venir tout d'abord au contact du bossage 164 du levier d'abaissement 155 pour faire pivoter ce levier 155, abaisser la gâchette G et permettre au talon 150 associé au tube T de passer librement devant la gâchette G (figure 7), puis au contact de la surface d'appui 169 de la came 167 pour relever la gâchette G avant le tir d'une munition par le tube suivant.Since the support block 172 of the cylinders 177 is driven by a synchronous rotational movement with that of the sleeve 140 and of the rotating assembly 100, the piston rod 175 will first come into contact with the boss 164 of lowering lever 155 to make pivot this lever 155, lower the trigger G and allow the heel 150 associated with the tube T to pass freely in front of trigger G (figure 7), then at contact of the bearing surface 169 of the cam 167 for raise trigger G before firing ammunition by the next tube.

Une fois que la tige de piston 175 a relevé la gâchette G, l'action des gaz de combustion n'est plus suffisante pour maintenir la tige de piston 175 en position active, et le ressort de rappel 182 ramène la tige de piston dans sa position neutre ou rétractée à l'intérieur de son cylindre 178.Once the piston rod 175 has raised the trigger G, the action of the combustion gases is no longer sufficient to hold the piston rod 175 in active position, and the return spring 182 brings the piston rod in its neutral position or retracted to the interior of its cylinder 178.

Ainsi, en fonctionnement normal de l'arme et au cours d'une rotation complète du manchon 140, chaque tube de l'arme tire une munition avec, après chaque tir, escamotage de la gâchette G pour permettre le libre passage du talon 150 associé au tube T qui vient de tirer une munition, et repositionnement de la gâchette en position relevée avant le tir suivant.So in normal operation of the weapon and during a complete rotation of the sleeve 140, each weapon barrel fires ammunition with, after each shot, retraction of the trigger G to allow free passage of the heel 150 associated with the tube T which has just pulled ammunition, and repositioning the trigger in position raised before the next shot.

Supposons maintenant un dysfonctionnement au cours du tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes T, comme par exemple une défaillance qui entraíne un non-tir de la munition ou un retard dans le tir de cette munition. Dans ce cas, l'absence ou le retard des gaz de combustion fait que la tige de piston 175 du vérin 177 associé à ce tube T n'est pas déplacée et reste dans sa position rétractée. Dans ces conditions, le bossage 164 du levier d'abaissement 157 n'est plus situé sur la trajectoire de déplacement de la tige de piston 175 au cours de la rotation du bloc 172 qui supporte les vérins 177, et il en résulte que la gâchette G reste en position relevée. La gâchette G se situe alors sur la trajectoire de déplacement du talon 150 associé au tube T et provoque l'arrêt en rotation du manchon 140 (figure 6).Now assume a malfunction at during the firing of an ammunition by one of the T tubes, as for example a failure which results in non-firing of the ammunition or a delay in firing that ammunition. In in this case, the absence or delay of the combustion gases that the piston rod 175 of the cylinder 177 associated with this tube T is not moved and remains in its retracted position. Under these conditions, the boss 164 of the lever lowering 157 is no longer located on the trajectory of displacement of the piston rod 175 during the rotation of the block 172 which supports the jacks 177, and it as a result, the trigger G remains in the raised position. The trigger G is then located on the trajectory of displacement of the heel 150 associated with the tube T and causes the rotation stop of the sleeve 140 (FIG. 6).

Dans le cas où on souhaite interrompre le tir d'une rafale de munitions par exemple, chaque tir s'effectuant normalement, il suffit d'agir sur la commande externe 185 d'arrêt de tir en actionnant l'électro-aimant 194 pour déplacer le secteur de tir 187 sur la trajectoire de déplacement du cliquet 189 supporté par le bloc de support 172 des moyens de commande 170.In case you want to stop shooting a burst of ammunition for example, each shot being carried out normally, it suffices to act on the external command 185 to stop firing by operating the electromagnet 194 to move the firing sector 187 on the path of movement of the supported pawl 189 by the support block 172 of the control means 170.

Le secteur 187, au passage du cliquet 189, va forcer celui-ci à basculer autour de l'axe 191 et en direction de la tige de piston 175 du moyen de commande 170 associé à celui des tubes T de l'arme auquel est affecté le cliquet 189, le basculement du cliquet 189 intervenant lorsque ce tube entre dans la zone de tir et avant mise à feu de la munition contenue dans la chambre 20 de ce tube. Il en résulte un positionnement du crochet 192 du cliquet 189 contre le rebord arrière 196 de la tige de piston 175 (figure 5). Dans ces conditions, les gaz résultant du tir de la dernière munition ne peuvent pas entraíner en déplacement ladite tige. Le talon 150 du manchon rotatif 140 qui est associé au tube T va donc venir en butée contre la gâchette G du dispositif d'arrêt 145 maintenue en position active non escamotée. Ainsi, le manchon rotatif 140 se trouve immobilisé en rotation, comme dans le cas précédent à la suite d'un tir défectueux d'une munition (figure 6).Sector 187, when the ratchet 189 passes, goes force it to tilt around axis 191 and in direction of piston rod 175 by means of command 170 associated with that of the tubes T of the weapon to which is affected the pawl 189, the tilting of the pawl 189 intervening when this tube enters the firing zone and before firing the ammunition contained in the room 20 of this tube. This results in a positioning of the hook 192 of the pawl 189 against the rear edge 196 of the piston rod 175 (figure 5). Under these conditions, the gas from the last round cannot not cause the rod to move. Heel 150 of rotary sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T therefore goes come into abutment against the trigger G of the stop device 145 maintained in the active position not retracted. So the rotary sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation, as in the previous case following a shot defective ammunition (Figure 6).

Il est à noter la présence d'un seul cliquet 189. En effet, une telle solution s'avère avantageuse dans le cas où l'arme effectue un tir à cadence élevée, car il est difficile d'associer un cliquet 189 à chaque tube de l'arme compte tenu que le temps de mise en place du secteur 187 associé à chaque cliquet serait trop court. Par contre, avec une telle solution, l'arme ne peut pas tirer au coup par coup, mais un nombre de coups minimum égal au nombre de tubes de l'arme.It should be noted that there is only one click 189. Indeed, such a solution turns out advantageous in the event that the weapon fires at high rate, because it is difficult to associate a ratchet 189 to each barrel of the weapon taking into account that the set-up time for sector 187 associated with each ratchet would be too short. On the other hand, with such solution, the weapon cannot fire piecemeal but a minimum number of shots equal to the number of tubes of tear.

Lorsque le manchon 140 est immobilisé en rotation par suite de l'action de la gâchette G contre laquelle vient en butée un talon 150 du manchon, il est à noter l'action d'une contre-gâchette 198, par exemple armée par un ressort (non représenté), qui vient en appui contre le talon 150 qui précède le talon 150 bloqué par la gâchette G, de manière à immobiliser le manchon 140 dans les deux sens de rotation (figure 6).When the sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation due to the action of the trigger G against which abuts a heel 150 of the sleeve, it is note the action of a 198 trigger, for example armed by a spring (not shown), which comes to bear against heel 150 which precedes heel 150 blocked by the trigger G, so as to immobilize the sleeve 140 in both directions of rotation (Figure 6).

Dans les deux cas envisagés précédemment, l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon rotatif 140 entraíne l'actionnement du dispositif d'immobilisation 120 en rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme, et l'arrêt du moteur d'entraínement M.In the two cases previously considered, immobilization in rotation of the rotary sleeve 140 drives the immobilizer 120 in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, and stopping the drive motor M.

Lorsque le manchon 140 est immobilisé en rotation, le porte-galets 126 et le bloc rotatif 100 de l'arme continuent leur mouvement de rotation au cours duquel le porte-galets 126 se déplace également en translation suivant la direction de tir de l'arme par suite du déplacement des galets 135 dans les rainures hélicoïdales 137 du manchon 140 immobilisé en rotation. En se déplaçant, le porte-galets 126 prend appui sur la paroi de fond 125 du tube télescopique 124a, ce qui a pour effet de mettre en compression le premier empilement de bagues-ressorts 122a, puis le second empilement de bagues-ressorts 122b qui est en appui sur la plaque fixe 130 portée par la tige centrale 104.When the sleeve 140 is immobilized in rotation, the roller holder 126 and the rotary block 100 of the weapon continue their rotational movement during from which the roller carrier 126 also moves in translation along the firing direction of the weapon by following movement of the rollers 135 in the grooves helical 137 of the sleeve 140 immobilized in rotation. While moving, the roller carrier 126 is supported on the bottom wall 125 of the telescopic tube 124a, which has to compress the first stack of spring rings 122a, then the second stack of spring rings 122b which is supported on the plate fixed 130 carried by the central rod 104.

Ainsi, la mise en compression des bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b a pour effet d'absorber l'énergie cinétique de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme. Lorsque la force de rappel des bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b devient supérieure à la force d'entraínement en rotation du porte-galets 126, ce dernier et l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme sont entraínés suivant un sens de rotation inverse au cours duquel le porte-galets 126 se déplace également en translation suivant une direction inverse de celle ayant entraíné la mise en compression des bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b. L'énergie cinétique de l'ensemble tournant 100 au cours du mouvement de rotation inverse est absorbée par le second empilement de bagues-ressorts 122b qui s'étendent sur une longueur inférieure à celle du premier empilement de bagues-ressorts 122a. Le second empilement présente une plus grande raideur car l'énergie cinétique à absorber est moins importante lors du mouvement de rotation inverse de l'ensemble tournant 100. Lors de la détente des bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b, les tubes télescopiques 124a et 124b initialement entraínés en translation par le porte-galets 126, effectuent un mouvement de translation inverse. Le second tube 124b est ensuite immobilisé par suite de l'appui de son rebord externe 132 contre la plaque fixe 130, alors que le premier tube 124a vient au contact du manchon 114 de l'attelage 106 qui va pouvoir se déplacer vers l'arrière d'une distance limitée par la longueur axiale des lumières 118 dans lesquelles sont engagées les goupilles fixes 116.Thus, the compression of the spring rings 122a and 122b has the effect of absorbing energy kinetics of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon. When the return force of the spring rings 122a and 122b becomes greater than the rotational driving force roller carrier 126, the latter and the assembly turning 100 of the weapon are driven in a direction of reverse rotation during which the roller carrier 126 also moves in translation in one direction opposite to that which caused compression spring rings 122a and 122b. The kinetic energy of the rotating assembly 100 during the rotational movement reverse is absorbed by the second stack of spring rings 122b which extend over a shorter length to that of the first stack of spring rings 122a. The second stack has greater stiffness because the kinetic energy to be absorbed is less important during the reverse rotation movement of the rotating assembly 100. When the spring rings 122a and 122b are relaxed, the telescopic tubes 124a and 124b initially driven in translation by the roller carrier 126, perform a reverse translation movement. The second tube 124b is then immobilized following the support of its outer edge 132 against the fixed plate 130, then that the first tube 124a comes into contact with the sleeve 114 hitch 106 which will be able to move towards the rear a distance limited by the axial length lights 118 in which the fixed pins 116.

D'une manière générale, lorsque l'arme est au repos, la gâchette G n'est pas en position escamotée, si bien que l'un des talons 150 du manchon rotatif 140 se trouve en butée contre la gâchette G. Au départ du tir d'une rafale par exemple, il faut donc escamoter la gâchette G du dispositif d'arrêt 145.Generally, when the weapon is at rest, the trigger G is not in the retracted position, if although one of the heels 150 of the rotary sleeve 140 is found against the trigger G. At the start of the shot of a burst for example, it is therefore necessary to retract the trigger G of the stop device 145.

A cet effet, le système d'arrêt de tir et de sécurité long feu est complété par un dispositif d'escamotage complémentaire 200 représenté à la figure 6.To this end, the firing stop and long-range security is supplemented by a device complementary retraction 200 shown in FIG. 6.

Le dispositif d'escamotage complémentaire 200 comprend un levier 202 qui, vers une extrémité ou extrémité avant, se prolonge par un bossage latéral 204 de forme globalement triangulaire dans lequel est ménagée une lumière de guidage 206, de forme coudée et qui reçoit un pion fixe 208. A son extrémité avant, le levier 202 se prolonge axialement par une butée 210 destinée à venir coopérer avec un maneton 212 porté par la came de commande 167 du dispositif 165 de relevage de la gâchette G. L'autre extrémité du levier 202 est articulée en 214 sur l'équipage mobile 216 d'un électro-aimant de commande 218.The complementary retraction device 200 comprises a lever 202 which, towards one end or front end, extended by a lateral boss 204 of generally triangular shape in which is formed a guide light 206, of angled shape and which receives a fixed pin 208. At its front end, the lever 202 is extends axially by a stop 210 intended to come cooperate with a crankpin 212 carried by the cam control 167 of the device 165 for lifting the trigger G. The other end of lever 202 is articulated in 214 on the mobile assembly 216 of an electromagnet of command 218.

Lorsque l'électro-aimant 218 est actionné, le levier 202 se déplace en direction du dispositif d'arrêt 145 en étant guidé par le pion fixe 208 qui se déplace dans la lumière 206. Ce déplacement est tel que la butée 210 du levier 202 vient prendre appui sur le maneton 212 de la came de commande 167 afin de la faire pivoter pour escamoter la gâchette G et libérer ainsi le talon 150 du manchon rotatif 140 qui devient libre en rotation.When the electromagnet 218 is activated, the lever 202 moves towards the device stop 145 while being guided by the fixed pin 208 which is moves in the light 206. This displacement is such that the stop 210 of the lever 202 comes to bear on the crankpin 212 of the control cam 167 in order to make it pivot to retract the trigger G and thus release the heel 150 of the rotary sleeve 140 which becomes free in rotation.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation précédemment décrit et en fonctionnement normal de l'arme, la gâchette G doit être abaissée après le tir d'une munition par un tube T pour permettre le libre passage du talon 150 associé à ce tube T, puis relevée avant le tir d'une munition par le tube T suivant. Par contre, lorsque le système de sécurité long feu et d'arrêt de tir est actionné, la gâchette G reste en position relevée pour former une butée d'arrêt lors du passage du talon 150 et immobiliser ainsi en rotation le manchon 140 et provoquer le déplacement en translation du porte-galets 126 de mise en compression des bagues-ressorts 122a et 122b du dispositif amortisseur.According to the first embodiment previously described and in normal operation of weapon, trigger G must be lowered after firing ammunition through a T tube to allow free passage of the heel 150 associated with this tube T, then raised before firing an ammunition through the next T tube. Through against when the long fire security system and firing stop is activated, trigger G remains in raised position to form a stop when passage of the heel 150 and thus immobilize in rotation the sleeve 140 and cause the translational movement of the roller holder 126 for compression of the spring rings 122a and 122b of the damping device.

Selon un second mode de réalisation décrit ci-après, on envisage un mode de fonctionnement inverse pour la gâchette G. Autrement dit, la gâchette G est maintenue abaissée pendant le fonctionnement normal de l'arme et n'est relevée qu'à la suite d'un tir défectueux d'une munition ou de l'actionnement de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir pour provoquer, comme précédemment, l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon 140. According to a second embodiment described below, we are considering a reverse mode of operation for trigger G. In other words, trigger G is maintained lowered during normal weapon operation and is only relieved following a defective shot from a ammunition or external control actuation stop shooting to cause, as before, immobilization in rotation of the sleeve 140.

En se reportant aux figures 8 et 9, la gâchette G est constituée par un volet de forme globalement rectangulaire, dont un côté forme une butée et dont le côté opposé se prolonge par une tige 250 qui matérialise l'axe de pivotement de la gâchette G, cet axe étant parallèle à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100. La gâchette G est montée sur un support de gâchette 152 qui fait face au manchon rotatif 140 et qui est fixe en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme.Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the trigger G consists of a shaped flap generally rectangular, one side of which forms a stop and the opposite side of which is extended by a rod 250 which materializes the pivot axis of the trigger G, this axis being parallel to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100. The trigger G is mounted on a support of trigger 152 which faces the rotary sleeve 140 and which is fixed in rotation relative to the assembly turning 100 of the weapon.

Lorsque la gâchette G est dans sa position abaissée, elle est reçue dans un logement 253 du support 152 et un ressort 254 est monté dans le fond de ce logement 253 pour faciliter le relevage de la gâchette G (figure 12).When trigger G is in its position lowered, it is received in a housing 253 of the support 152 and a spring 254 is mounted in the bottom of this housing 253 to facilitate the lifting of the trigger G (figure 12).

Il est prévu un dispositif 255 pour abaisser et maintenir la gâchette G dans une position abaissée où elle se trouve située en-dehors de la trajectoire de déplacement circulaire des talons 150 du manchon 140.There is a device 255 for lowering and keep trigger G in a lowered position where it is located outside the trajectory of circular movement of the heels 150 of the sleeve 140.

Ce dispositif 255 pour abaisser la gâchette G comprend un levier pivotant 257 monté dans un plan perpendiculaire à la tige 250 de la gâchette G, c'est-à-dire dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100. Plus précisément, le levier 257 est monté libre en rotation vers l'extrémité d'un arbre 259 et comporte, à une extrémité, une encoche 260 destinée à coopérer avec un maneton de manoeuvre 262 qui est porté par un bras radial 264 solidaire de la tige 250 de la gâchette G. Ce maneton 262 est parallèle à la tige 250 et excentré par rapport à celle-ci, pour transformer le mouvement pivotant du levier 257 en un mouvement de rotation de la tige 250 et faire ainsi basculer la gâchette G en position escamotée.This 255 device to lower the trigger G includes a swivel lever 257 mounted in a plane perpendicular to the rod 250 of the trigger G, that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 100. More specifically, the lever 257 is mounted free to rotate towards the end of a shaft 259 and has, at one end, a notch 260 intended to cooperate with a crankpin 262 which is carried by a radial arm 264 secured to the rod 250 of trigger G. This pin 262 is parallel to the rod 250 and offset from it, for transform the pivoting movement of lever 257 into a rotational movement of rod 250 and do so switch the trigger G to the retracted position.

En se reportant à la figure 8, le mouvement pivotant du levier 257 est assuré à partir d'un organe 265 de commande en rotation de l'arbre 259 qui supporte le levier 257. Le mouvement de rotation de l'arbre 259 est transmis au levier 257 par un ressort 267 monté coaxialement à l'arbre 259. Plus précisément, une extrémité du ressort 267 est fixée à l'arbre 259, alors que son autre extrémité prend appui sur le levier 257. Ainsi, une rotation de l'arbre 259 se traduit par un mouvement pivotant au niveau du levier 257.Referring to Figure 8, the movement swivel lever 257 is secured from a member 265 for controlling the rotation of the shaft 259 which supports lever 257. The rotational movement of the shaft 259 is transmitted to the lever 257 by a spring 267 mounted coaxially with the shaft 259. More specifically, a end of the spring 267 is fixed to the shaft 259, then that its other end bears on lever 257. Thus, a rotation of the shaft 259 results in a pivoting movement at lever 257.

L'organe de commande 265 est par exemple un électro-aimant, dont l'équipage mobile 265a vient prendre appui sur un maneton excentré 269 fixé à l'extrémité de l'arbre 259 qui est opposée à celle qui coopère avec le levier 257. Ainsi, un mouvement de translation de l'équipage mobile 265a se traduit par un mouvement de rotation de l'arbre 259.The controller 265 is for example a electromagnet, of which the moving part 265a picks up support on an eccentric pin 269 fixed at the end of the tree 259 which is opposite to that which cooperates with the lever 257. Thus, a translational movement of the moving part 265a results in a movement of shaft rotation 259.

Cet arbre 259 est monté sur un bloc de support 270 situé à proximité du support de gâchette 252, ces deux supports ménageant entre eux un espace E dans lequel vient se monter le dispositif d'abaissement 255 de la gâchette G. Ce bloc de support 270 est fixe en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme. En considérant la direction de tir de l'arme, le bloc de support 270 est situé en amont du bloc de support 152 de la gâchette G. L'électro-aimant 265 est situé du côté du bloc de support 270 qui est opposé à l'espace E, et l'arbre 259 s'étend parallèlement à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme.This shaft 259 is mounted on a block of support 270 located near the trigger support 252, these two supports providing space E between them which is mounted the lowering device 255 of the trigger G. This support block 270 is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon. Considering the firing direction of the weapon, the block of support 270 is located upstream of the support block 152 of the trigger G. The electromagnet 265 is located on the side of the support block 270 which is opposite the space E, and the shaft 259 extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.

Le levier 257 qui permet d'abaisser la gâchette G est un élément d'une tringlerie TR comprenant deux autres leviers 272 et 274 montés dans le prolongement du levier 257, c'est-à-dire dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100.Lever 257 which lowers the trigger G is an element of a TR linkage comprising two other levers 272 and 274 mounted in the extension of lever 257, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100.

Plus précisément, l'extrémité du levier 257, opposée à celle-là où est ménagée l'encoche 260, est articulée à une extrémité du levier intermédiaire 272 autour d'un axe 276. L'autre extrémité du levier intermédiaire 272 est articulée à une extrémité du levier 274 autour d'un axe d'articulation 277, alors que l'autre extrémité du levier 274 est articulée en un point fixe autour d'un axe 278.More specifically, the end of lever 257, opposite to that where the notch 260 is formed, is articulated at one end of the intermediate lever 272 around an axis 276. The other end of the lever intermediate 272 is articulated at one end of the lever 274 around a hinge pin 277, while the other end of lever 274 is articulated at a point fixed around an axis 278.

Cette tringlerie TR constitue une ligne brisée, dont la géométrie peut être déformée dans des conditions qui seront explicitées plus loin pour faire pivoter le levier 257 dans un sens inverse à celui imprimé par l'arbre 259.This TR linkage constitutes a line broken, the geometry of which can be distorted in conditions which will be explained below to make rotate lever 257 in the opposite direction to that printed by family tree 259.

Il est également prévu un dispositif 280 pour immobiliser la gâchette G lorsque celle-ci est en position abaissée. Ce dispositif 280 comprend un levier pivotant 282, dont une extrémité est articulée en un point fixe autour d'un axe 284. L'autre extrémité du levier d'immobilisation 282 est destinée à pénétrer dans une encoche 285 ménagée dans le bras radial 264 solidaire de la tige 250 de la gâchette G (figure 11). Ce levier d'immobilisation 282 s'étend parallèlement à la tringlerie TR, et coopère avec un ressort de rappel (non représenté) pour maintenir le levier 282 dans sa position d'immobilisation de la gâchette G. Le pivotement de ce levier est commandé par un pion 287 qui prolonge axialement l'axe d'articulation 277 prévu entre les deux leviers 272 et 274 de la tringlerie, comme cela sera décrit plus loin.A device 280 is also provided for immobilize the trigger G when it is in lowered position. This device 280 includes a lever pivoting 282, one end of which is articulated in a fixed point around an axis 284. The other end of the immobilizer lever 282 is intended to penetrate into a notch 285 formed in the radial arm 264 integral of the rod 250 of the trigger G (FIG. 11). This lever immobilizer 282 extends parallel to the TR linkage, and cooperates with a return spring (not shown) to hold lever 282 in its position of immobilization of the trigger G. The pivoting of this lever is controlled by a pin 287 which extends axially the hinge pin 277 provided between the two levers 272 and 274 of the linkage, as will be described later.

Il est également prévu un dispositif 290 pour relever la gâchette G. Ce dispositif est également situé dans l'espace E et comprend un levier 292, dont une extrémité est articulée en un point fixe autour de l'axe d'articulation 284. L'autre extrémité du levier 292 est destiné à coopérer avec un maneton de manoeuvre 295 pour faire basculer la gâchette G. Ce maneton 295 est supporté par un bras radial 296 solidaire de la tige 250 de la gâchette G. Le maneton 295 s'étend parallèlement à la tige 250, est excentré et pénètre dans un trou 297 prévu dans le levier 292. Ainsi, un mouvement pivotant du levier 292 autour de son axe 294, permet d'entraíner en rotation la tige 250 par l'intermédiaire du maneton 295 et faire ainsi basculer la gâchette G dans sa position relevée.A device 290 is also provided for raise trigger G. This device is also located in space E and includes a lever 292, one of which end is articulated at a fixed point around the axis 284. The other end of the lever 292 is intended to cooperate with a crankpin 295 for toggle trigger G. This 295 pin is supported by a radial arm 296 secured to the rod 250 of the trigger G. Crankpin 295 extends parallel to the rod 250, is offset and enters a hole 297 provided in lever 292. Thus, a pivoting movement of the lever 292 around its axis 294, allows to drive in rotation rod 250 via pin 295 and thus trigger the trigger G in its position noted.

D'une manière générale, le levier 292 de relevage de la gâchette G est parallèle à la tringlerie TR et au levier d'immobilisation 282, et il comporte une ouverture 298 pour le libre passage de la tige 250 de la gâchette G.Generally, lever 292 of trigger release G is parallel to the TR linkage and immobilizer lever 282, and it has an opening 298 for the free passage of the trigger rod 250 G.

Sur sa longueur, le levier 292 comporte un bossage 299 sur lequel peut agir chacun des moyens de commande 170 du premier mode de réalisation, à savoir la tige de piston 175 du vérin 177 associé à chaque tube de l'arme et dont la position est commandée par emprunt de gaz de la munition tirée par ce tube T.Along its length, the lever 292 has a boss 299 on which each of the means of action can act command 170 of the first embodiment, namely the piston rod 175 of cylinder 177 associated with each tube of the weapon and whose position is controlled by borrowing from gas from the ammunition fired by this tube T.

Dans ce second mode de réalisation, la commande externe 300 d'arrêt de tir comprend un secteur pivotant 302 qui est fixe en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme.In this second embodiment, the external fire control 300 includes a sector swivel 302 which is fixed in rotation relative to the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon.

Le secteur 302 comporte une surface courbe 302a formant came, et est monté articulé sur le côté du bloc de support 270 qui est opposé à l'espace E où sont montés les dispositifs 255 et 290 pour abaisser et relever la gâchette G. Plus précisément, une extrémité du secteur 302 est articulée sur un maneton excentré 304 porté par un bras radial 306 solidaire de l'arbre de commande 259 du levier d'abaissement 257. L'autre extrémité du secteur 302 est articulé sur un maneton excentré 308 porté par un bras radial 310 solidaire d'un arbre 312 supporté en rotation par le bloc de support 270 et s'étendant parallèlement à l'arbre de commande 259. Le secteur 302 peut ainsi pivoter dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100, sa surface 302a formant came faisant face à cet ensemble tournant. Le secteur 302 peut pivoter entre une position de repos et une position de commande, sachant qu'un ressort de rappel 315 monté coaxialement à l'arbre de commande 259 comporte une extrémité qui prend appui sur le secteur 302 de manière à le ramener automatiquement en position de repos lorsque l'électro-aimant 265 de commande en rotation de l'arbre 259 n'est pas excité.Sector 302 has a curved surface 302a forming a cam, and is mounted articulated on the side of the support block 270 which is opposite the space E where are mounted devices 255 and 290 to lower and raise trigger G. Specifically, one end of the sector 302 is articulated on an eccentric pin 304 carried by a radial arm 306 secured to the shaft of control 259 of the lowering lever 257. The other end of sector 302 is articulated on a crankpin eccentric 308 carried by a radial arm 310 secured to a shaft 312 rotatably supported by the support block 270 and extending parallel to the control shaft 259. The sector 302 can thus pivot in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the assembly turning 100, its surface 302a forming a cam facing this rotating assembly. Sector 302 can rotate between a rest position and a control position, knowing that a return spring 315 mounted coaxially with the control shaft 259 has one end which takes support on sector 302 so as to bring it back automatically in rest position when the electromagnet 265 for rotating the shaft 259 is not not excited.

La commande externe 300 d'arrêt de tir comprend également un distributeur tournant 318 monté autour de l'un des tubes T de l'arme et est décrit ci-après en référence à la figure 10. Ce distributeur 318 comporte une ouverture 320 qui est destinée à former un passage des gaz entre le tube T et le cylindre 178 du vérin 177 associé à ce tube pour commander le déplacement de la tige de piston 175 montée dans le cylindre 178. Ce distributeur 318 joue le rôle du cliquet 189 du premier mode de réalisation.The external fire control 300 also includes a rotary distributor 318 mounted around one of the T tubes of the weapon and is described below with reference to Figure 10. This distributor 318 has an opening 320 which is intended to form a gas passage between the tube T and the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with this tube to control movement piston rod 175 mounted in cylinder 178. This distributor 318 plays the role of the ratchet 189 of the first embodiment.

Le secteur 302 est destiné à modifier la position du distributeur 318 pour interrompre la liaison entre le tube T et le cylindre 178 du vérin 177 lorsque la commande externe 300 d'arrêt de tir est actionnée. A cet effet, le distributeur 318 comporte un talon radial 322, dont l'extrémité libre vient alors au contact de la came 300a du secteur 302 pour faire pivoter le distributeur 318 autour du tube T qui le supporte.Sector 302 is intended to modify the distributor position 318 to interrupt the connection between tube T and cylinder 178 of cylinder 177 when the external fire stop command 300 is actuated. AT for this purpose, the dispenser 318 has a heel radial 322, the free end of which then comes into contact of the cam 300a of sector 302 to rotate the distributor 318 around the tube T which supports it.

On va maintenant décrire le fonctionnement normal de l'arme au cours d'une rotation complète de l'ensemble tournant 100, en s'intéressant plus particulièrement au mouvement de rotation du manchon 140 comme dans le cas du premier mode de réalisation.We will now describe how it works normal weapon during a full rotation of the whole rotating 100, taking more interest particularly to the rotation movement of the sleeve 140 as in the case of the first embodiment.

Selon le principe de fonctionnement de ce second mode de réalisation, la gâchette G est en position abaissée avant le tir d'une munition par l'un quelconque des tubes T, et la tige de piston 175 du vérin 177 associée à ce tube est dans une position active, c'est-à-dire que la tige de piston 175 au cours du mouvement de rotation du tube T est susceptible de venir en contact avec la tringlerie TR du dispositif 155 d'abaissement de la gâchette G et le bossage 299 du levier 292 de relevage de la gâchette G.According to the operating principle of this second embodiment, the trigger G is in position lowered before firing ammunition by any one T tubes, and piston rod 175 of cylinder 177 associated with this tube is in an active position, i.e. that the piston rod 175 during the movement of rotation of tube T is likely to come into contact with the TR linkage of the lowering device 155 the trigger G and the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 of the trigger G.

Pour que la gâchette G soit dans sa position abaissée, l'électro-aimant 165 est maintenu alimenté pour que son équipage mobile 265a prenne appui sur le maneton de manoeuvre 269 de l'arbre 259 pour forcer ce dernier à effectuer un mouvement de rotation qui est transmis au levier 257 de la tringlerie TR. L'encoche 260 du levier 257 vient ainsi au contact du maneton de manoeuvre 262 qui entraíne en rotation la tige 250 de la gâchette G dans un sens qui tend à positionner la gâchette G dans sa position abaissée. Le levier 282 du dispositif 280 d'immobilisation de la gâchette G est alors engagé dans l'encoche 285 du bras radial 264 qui supporte le maneton de manoeuvre 262 (figure 11).So that the trigger G is in its position lowered, the electromagnet 165 is kept supplied for that its 265a moving crew be supported on the crankpin of operation 269 of the tree 259 to force the latter to perform a rotational movement which is transmitted to the lever 257 of the TR linkage. Notch 260 of lever 257 thus comes into contact with the crankpin of maneuver 262 which rotates the rod 250 of the trigger G in a direction which tends to position the trigger G in its lowered position. Lever 282 of trigger immobilizer 280 G is then engaged in the notch 285 of the radial arm 264 which supports the crankpin 262 (figure 11).

Lorsque l'électro-aimant 265 est actionné, le secteur d'arrêt de tir 302 est dans sa position de repos et le ressort de rappel 315 associé au secteur 302 est à l'état bandé.When the electromagnet 265 is activated, the firing stop sector 302 is in its rest position and the return spring 315 associated with sector 302 is at the bandaged state.

Comme pour le premier mode de réalisation, le fonctionnement sera décrit en ne prenant en compte qu'un seul tube T de l'arme, le talon 150 du manchon 140 associé à ce tube T et le moyen de commande 170, également associé à ce tube T, pour modifier le positionnement de la gâchette G.As for the first embodiment, the operation will be described taking into account only one single tube T of the weapon, the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 associated with this tube T and the control means 170, also associated with this tube T, to modify the trigger positioning G.

Lorsque le tube T pénètre dans la zone de tir, le percuteur 25 associé à ce tube est actionné et la munition chargée dans ce tube est tirée. Une partie des gaz résultant du tir de la munition est acheminée par l'ouverture 320 du distributeur tournant 318 dans le cylindre 178 du vérin 177 associé au tube T. La tige de piston 175 logée dans le cylindre 178 se déplace alors axialement pour prendre une position de repos, avec mise en compression concomitante de son ressort de rappel 182. Dans ces conditions, lors du mouvement de rotation du tube T, la tige de piston 175 associée à ce tube ne peut venir au contact ni de la tringlerie TR associée au dispositif d'abaissement 255 de la gâchette G ni avec le bossage 299 du levier de relevage 292 de la gâchette G. Dans ces conditions, le talon 150 du manchon 140 qui est associé au tube T qui vient de tirer une munition passe librement devant la gâchette G, tout comme le talon 150 associé à chaque tube T de l'arme qui tire une munition au cours d'un mouvement de rotation complet de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme.When the T tube enters the shooting area, the striker 25 associated with this tube is actuated and the ammunition loaded into this tube is fired. Part of gas resulting from the firing of the ammunition is conveyed by the opening 320 of the rotary distributor 318 in the cylinder 178 of cylinder 177 associated with tube T. The rod of piston 175 housed in cylinder 178 then moves axially to take a rest position, with setting in concomitant compression of its return spring 182. Under these conditions, during the rotational movement of the tube T, the piston rod 175 associated with this tube cannot come in contact with neither the TR linkage associated with trigger lowering device 255 G ni with the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 of the trigger G. Under these conditions, the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T which has just fired a passing munition freely in front of trigger G, just like heel 150 associated with each tube T of the weapon which fires ammunition during a complete rotational movement of the assembly turning 100 of the weapon.

Supposons maintenant un dysfonctionnement au cours du tir d'une munition par l'un des tubes T. Dans ce cas, l'absence des gaz résultant d'un non-tir de la munition dans un laps de temps déterminé, fait que la tige de piston 175 du vérin 177 associé à ce tube T n'est pas déplacée et reste dans sa position active au cours de la rotation du bloc 172 qui supporte les vérins 177, c'est-à-dire qu'elle va venir successivement au contact de la tringlerie TR et du bossage 299 du dispositif 290 pour relever la gâchette G.Now assume a malfunction at during the firing of an ammunition by one of the T tubes. In this case, the absence of gases resulting from a failure to fire the ammunition within a specified time, causes the piston rod 175 of cylinder 177 associated with this tube T is not not moved and remains in its active position during the rotation of the block 172 which supports the jacks 177, that is to say that it will come successively to contact TR linkage and boss 299 of device 290 to raise trigger G.

Plus précisément, la tige de piston 175 vient au contact de la tringlerie TR au voisinage de l'axe d'articulation 277 entre les deux leviers 272 et 274. Ce contact a pour effet de modifier la ligne géométrique brisée formée par la tringlerie TR et force le levier 257 à pivoter pour que son encoche 260 se dégage du maneton de manoeuvre 262 de la gâchette G. Simultanément, le pion 287 qui prolonge cet axe d'articulation 277 prend appui sur le levier 282 de manière à faire pivoter ce dernier et de le dégager de l'encoche 285 du bras radial 264 solidaire de la tige 250 de la gâchette G. Dans ces conditions, la gâchette G est libérée du dispositif d'abaissement 255. Ensuite, la tige de piston 175 vient au contact du bossage 299 du levier de relevage 292 qui, par l'intermédiaire du maneton de manoeuvre 295, provoque le basculement de la gâchette G dans sa position relevée (figure 12).More specifically, the piston rod 175 comes in contact with the TR linkage near the axis 277 between the two levers 272 and 274. This contact has the effect of modifying the geometric line broken formed by the TR linkage and forces the lever 257 pivot so that its notch 260 emerges from the crankpin of actuation 262 of the trigger G. Simultaneously, the pawn 287 which extends this axis of articulation 277 is supported on the lever 282 so as to rotate the latter and release it from the notch 285 of the radial arm 264 secured to the rod 250 of the trigger G. In these conditions, trigger G is released from the device 255. Then the piston rod 175 comes in contact with the boss 299 of the lifting lever 292 which, via the shunt pin 295, causes the triggering of the trigger G in its raised position (figure 12).

Le relevage de la gâchette G est effectué avant que le talon 150 du manchon 140 qui est associé au tube T ne passe devant la gâchette G, de sorte que ce talon 150 va venir en butée contre la gâchette G et provoquer l'immobilisation en rotation du manchon 140.Trigger G is raised before the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which is associated with the tube T does not pass in front of trigger G, so that heel 150 will come into abutment against the trigger G and cause the sleeve 140 to immobilize in rotation.

Dans le cas où on souhaite interrompre le tir d'une rafale de munitions par exemple, chaque tir s'effectuant normalement, il suffit d'agir sur la commande externe 300 d'arrêt de tir en cessant d'alimenter l'électro-aimant 265.In case you want to stop shooting a burst of ammunition for example, each shot being carried out normally, it suffices to act on the external control 300 to stop firing by stopping power the electromagnet 265.

Lorsque l'électro-aimant 265 n'est plus alimenté, son équipage mobile 265a n'exerce plus un contact sur le maneton de manoeuvre de l'arbre 259.When the electromagnet 265 is no longer powered, its 265a mobile crew no longer exercises a contact on the crankpin of the shaft 259.

Le ressort de rappel 315 associé au secteur 302 peut alors se détendre et faire passer le secteur 302 dans sa position active. Dans ces conditions, lorsque le tube T qui porte le distributeur 318 passe au voisinage du secteur 302, le talon 322 du distributeur 318 va entrer en contact avec la came 302a et forcer ainsi le distributeur 318 à tourner autour du tube T, de manière à ce que l'ouverture 320 du distributeur 318 ne mette plus en communication le tube T et le cylindre 178 du vérin 177 associé à ce tube T (figure 13).The return spring 315 associated with the sector 302 can then relax and pass the sector 302 in its active position. In these conditions, when the tube T which carries the distributor 318 passes to the neighborhood of sector 302, heel 322 of distributor 318 will come into contact with cam 302a and thus force the distributor 318 to rotate around the tube T, so that the opening 320 of the distributor 318 no longer connects the T tube and the cylinder 178 of the cylinder 177 associated with this tube T (figure 13).

Dans ces conditions, la tige de piston 175 logée dans le cylindre 178 reste donc dans sa position active, de manière à pouvoir relever la gâchette G et immobiliser le manchon rotatif 140. On se retrouve ainsi dans les mêmes conditions de fonctionnement que celles résultant du tir défectueux d'une munition.Under these conditions, the piston rod 175 housed in cylinder 178 therefore remains in its position active, so that the trigger G can be raised and immobilize the rotary sleeve 140. We thus find ourselves under the same operating conditions as those resulting from faulty firing of ammunition.

Ainsi, comme dans le cas du premier mode de réalisation, un dysfonctionnement dans le tir d'une munition et l'actionnement de la commande externe d'arrêt de tir se traduisent par un arrêt en rotation du manchon rotatif 140. Cet arrêt en rotation du manchon 140 entraíne l'actionnement du dispositif d'immobilisation 120 en rotation de l'ensemble tournant 100 de l'arme, d'une manière identique à celle décrite dans le premier mode de réalisation.Thus, as in the case of the first mode of achievement, a dysfunction in shooting a ammunition and actuation of the external stop command firing results in a rotation stop of the sleeve rotary 140. This rotation stop of the sleeve 140 drives the immobilizer 120 in rotation of the rotating assembly 100 of the weapon, in a manner identical to that described in the first embodiment.

Comme pour le premier mode de réalisation, il est prévu une contre-gâchette 198 armée par un ressort et supportée par le bloc de support 152 de la gâchette G. Cette contre-gâchette 198 vient en appui contre le talon 150 du manchon 140 qui précède celui bloqué par la gâchette G.As for the first embodiment, it there is a counter-trigger 198 armed with a spring and supported by the support block 152 of the trigger G. This counter-trigger 198 comes to bear against the heel 150 of the sleeve 140 which precedes that blocked by the trigger G.

Enfin, il est avantageusement prévu un dispositif 330 pour régler la forme géométrique initiale de la tringlerie TR. Ce dispositif 330 comprend un élément 332 mobile en translation sous la commande d'une vis 334 par exemple et qui supporte l'axe d'articulation 277 du levier 274.Finally, there is advantageously provided a device 330 for adjusting the initial geometric shape of the TR linkage. This device 330 includes a element 332 movable in translation under the control of a screw 334 for example and which supports the axis hinge 277 of lever 274.

Claims (25)

  1. A firing abort and hang fire safety system for a small or medium calibre multi-barrel automatic weapon, this weapon comprising a body which supports in rotation an assembly which revolves around an axis parallel to the firing azimuth of the barrels of the weapon, this firing abort and hang fire safety system comprising a device (120) to immobilize the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon in rotation, this device (120) being equipped with shock-absorbing means (122a, 122b) mounted coaxially to the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon, a control device comprising a cylindrical body (126) which is coaxial to and integral in rotation with this revolving assembly (100) and is also able to translate, and means to cause this translational movement of the cylindrical body (126) further to the detection of the misfire of a round of ammunition or to the activation of an external control (190) to abort firing, to compress the shock-absorbing means (122a, 122b) and absorb the rotational kinetic energy of the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon, characterised in that the revolving assembly (100) supports all the barrels (T) of the weapon and a loading and firing system so that the barrels (T) each successively fire a round during one full revolution of the revolving assembly (100) under normal operating conditions of the weapon.
  2. A system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the shock-absorbing means are formed of two stacks of spring-rings (122a, 122b) respectively housed in two telescopic tubes (124a, 124b) mounted sliding coaxially to the fixed central shaft (12).
  3. A system according to Claim 2, characterised in that the fixed central shaft (12) is axially extended beyond the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon, in the direction of fire of said weapon, by a central rod (104) attached to the fixed central shaft (12) by means of a coupling (106) whose free end supports a locking ring (130), and in that the first telescopic tube (124a) comprises at one end a bottom wall (125) through which the central rod (104) passes, and in that the second telescopic tube (124b) which is intended to engage, by one end also comprising a bottom wall (125) through which the central rod (104) passes, in the other end of the first telescopic tube (124a), and in that the first stack of spring-rings (122a) bears on the two bottom walls (125) of the two tubes (124a, 124b), and in that the second stack of spring-rings (122b) bears on the bottom wall (125) of the second telescopic tube (124b) and on the locking ring (130) carried on the free end of the central rod (104).
  4. A system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the means causing the translational movement of the cylindrical body (126) comprise a sleeve (140) which encompasses the cylindrical body (126), linking means between the sleeve (140) and the cylindrical body (126) to firstly drive the sleeve (140) in synchronization with the cylindrical body (126) and secondly to enable the translational movement of the cylindrical body (126) with respect to the sleeve (140), and a device (145) to stop the sleeve (140) in rotation so as to cause the translational movement of the cylindrical body (126), this stopping device (145) being activated further to the detection of the misfire of a round of ammunition or to the external control to abort firing.
  5. A system according to Claim 4, characterised in that the linking means between the cylindrical body (126) and the sleeve (140) are formed of cam-followers (135) supported at the periphery of the cylindrical body (126) and by helicoidal grooves (140) arranged in the sleeve (140) wall, such that each groove (137) receives a cam-follower (135).
  6. A system according to Claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the device (145) to stop the sleeve (140) in rotation comprises a plurality of heels (150) evenly spaced at the periphery of the sleeve (140) and a retractable sear (G) immobile in rotation with respect to the sleeve (140) and able to move between a lowered or retracted position and a raised position where the sear (G) is located on the circular course of movement of the heels (150) to be able to immobilize the sleeve (140) in rotation.
  7. A system according to Claim 6, characterised in that the number of heels (150) of the sleeve (140) is equal to that of the barrels (T) of the weapon, such as to match each heel (150) to a barrel (T).
  8. A system according to Claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the sear (G) is formed of a pivoting flap hinged around a pin (154) supported by a sear support (152) which is immobile in rotation with respect to the revolving assembly (100) and which is mounted opposite the sleeve (140).
  9. A system according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterised in that, in considering only a full revolution of the sleeve (140) and the rotational direction of this sleeve, the heel (150) associated with a barrel (T) of the weapon passes in front of the sear (G) after the ammunition fired from this barrel has been ignited and before ignition of the ammunition fired from the next barrel.
  10. A system according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the passage of the sear (G) into its lowered and/or raised positions is ensured by one of several detection and control means (170) mounted on a support (172) integral in rotation with the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon, these means being sensitive to the pressure of the combustive gases resulting from firing a round of ammunition.
  11. A system according to Claim 10, characterised in that the number of detection and control means (170) is equal to that of the barrels (T) of the weapon, such as to match a control means (170) to each barrel.
  12. A system according to Claim 11, characterised in that each detection and control means (170) is formed of an element (175) able to move between a retracted position and an active position where it can act upon the position of the sear (G), this mobile element (175) being able to move from one position to another by making use of the combustive gases of the ammunition fired by the barrel corresponding to this control means.
  13. A system according to Claim 12, characterised in that this mobile element (175) is the piston rod of a jack (177), whose cylinder (178) communicates with the barrel corresponding to this mobile element.
  14. A system according to any one of Claims 6 to 13, characterised in that, under normal operating conditions of the weapon, the sear (G) is in the raised position before a round of ammunition is fired from any of the barrels (T), and in that the sear (G) is lowered by a lowering device (155) after firing a round of ammunition from one barrel so that the heel (150) of the sleeve (140) then raised by means of a raising device (165) before a round of ammunition is fired by the following barrel, these devices (155, 165) being immobile in rotation with respect to the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon.
  15. A system according to Claim 14, characterised in that, under normal operating conditions of the weapon, the devices (155, 165) to lower and raise the sear (G) are successively activated by the mobile element (175) of the control means (170) corresponding to the barrel which has just fired a round of ammunition, this mobile element (175) moving into its active position when the round is fired.
  16. A system according to Claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the device (155) to lower the sear comprises a pivoting lever (157) mounted in a perpendicular plane to the hinge pin (154) of the sear (G), one end of this lever (157) being hinged around a fixed point (158), whereas its other end is hinged onto the sear (G) around an axis (160) parallel to the hinge pin (154), and in that the lever (157) also comprises a boss (164) forming a cam on which a control means (170) can act to lower the sear (G).
  17. A system according to any one of Claims 15 to 16, characterised in that the device (165) to raise the sear (G) comprises a cam (167) integral with the sear (G), this cam (167) having a bearing surface (169) on which a control means (170) can act to raise the sear (G).
  18. A system according to any one of Claims 6 to 13, characterised in that, under normal operating conditions of the weapon, the sear (G) is in its lowered position before a round of ammunition is fired from any one of the barrels (T), and in that the sear (G) is held down by means of a lowering device (255) and raised by means of a raising device (290) these devices (255, 290) being immobile in rotation with respect to the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon.
  19. A system according to Claim 18, characterised in that the hinge pin (154) of the sear (G) is provided by a rod (250), and in that the sear (G) is mounted on a support (152) facing the revolving sleeve (140) and which is immobile in rotation with respect to the revolving assembly (100) of the weapon.
  20. A system according to Claim 19, characterised in that the device (255) to lower the sear (G) is mounted in a perpendicular plane to the rotational axis of the revolving assembly (100), and comprises a pivoting lever (257) mounted on a shaft (259) parallel to the rotational axis of the revolving assembly (100), this lever (257) comprising a notch (260) intended to cooperate with an operating pin (262) carried on a radial arm (264) integral with the rod (250) of the sear (G), the shaft (259) to control the lever (257) being compelled to rotate by a motor element (265) to force the lever (257) to hold the sear (G) in its lowered position.
  21. A system according to Claim 20, characterised in that the lever (257) is mounted free to rotate on the drive shaft (259), and in that the rotational movement of the shaft (259) is transmitted to the lever (257) by a spring (267).
  22. A system according to Claim 20 or 21, characterised in that the lever (257) to lower the sear (G) is an element of a linkage (TR) which forms a broken line, whose geometry is able to vary according to its contact with the mobiles elements (175) of the detection and control means (170) to be able to release the sear (G) when the latter has to be raised.
  23. A system according to Claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the device (290) to raise the sear (G) comprises a pivoting lever (292) intended to cooperate with an operating pin (295) supported by a radial arm (296) integral with the rod (250) of the sear (G), the lever (292) comprising a boss (299) which, by pivoting when it comes into contact with the detection and control means (170), controls raising the sear (G).
  24. A system according to any one of Claims 19 to 23, characterised in that the external control (300) to abort firing comprises a pivoting sector (302), immobile in rotation with respect to the revolving assembly (100) and mounted hinged on a support unit (270), and a revolving valve (318) mounted around one of the barrels (T), this valve (318) comprising an opening (320) allowing the combustive gases to pass between the barrel (T) and the cylinder (178) of the corresponding detection and control means (170).
  25. A system according to Claim 24, characterised in that the pivoting sector (302) is able to move between a starting position and an active position where it makes the valve (318) turn at the passage of a radial heel (322) integral with the valve to separate the barrel (T) of the weapon and the cylinder (178) from one another.
EP95942244A 1994-12-12 1995-12-12 Fire interrupting and hangfire safety system for an automatic small- or medium-calibre multibarrel firearm Expired - Lifetime EP0744016B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9414910 1994-12-12
FR9414910A FR2728065A1 (en) 1994-12-12 1994-12-12 LONG-FIRE STOPPING AND SAFETY SYSTEM FOR A SMALL OR MEDIUM CALIBER MULTITUBE AUTOMATIC FIREARM
PCT/FR1995/001645 WO1996018863A1 (en) 1994-12-12 1995-12-12 Fire interrupting and hangfire safety system for an automatic small- or medium-calibre multibarrel firearm

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0744016A1 EP0744016A1 (en) 1996-11-27
EP0744016B1 true EP0744016B1 (en) 2001-06-27

Family

ID=9469696

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95942244A Expired - Lifetime EP0744016B1 (en) 1994-12-12 1995-12-12 Fire interrupting and hangfire safety system for an automatic small- or medium-calibre multibarrel firearm

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5675105A (en)
EP (1) EP0744016B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69521494D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2728065A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1996018863A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009007115B3 (en) * 2009-02-02 2010-02-11 Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh Quick stop mechanism for drive that is utilized for e.g. breech feed, in automatic cannon, has box for stopping movement of operating body when shooting process is not performed such that mass-conditioned movement of body is braked
DE102014108466A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2015-12-17 Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh Electronic quick stop deactivation
DE102014108465A1 (en) * 2014-06-16 2015-12-17 Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh Quick stop
DE102015008794B4 (en) * 2015-07-10 2021-02-25 Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh Weapon barrel storage
US10871336B1 (en) 2018-10-30 2020-12-22 Travis Johnston Revolving battery machine gun with electronically controlled drive motors
CN110645830B (en) * 2019-10-17 2021-11-09 扬州工业职业技术学院 Cam type rotating tube weapon rotary driving device

Family Cites Families (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4193335A (en) * 1977-03-17 1980-03-18 General Electric Company Gun misfire control
US4274325A (en) * 1979-07-17 1981-06-23 General Electric Company Safing mechanism for high rate of fire revolving battery gun
US4924753A (en) * 1984-12-03 1990-05-15 General Electric Company Self powered drive system for a Gatling type gun
DE3627355C1 (en) * 1986-08-16 1992-04-09 Rheinmetall Gmbh Quick-stop device for a machine gun with an external drive
DE3627362C1 (en) * 1986-08-16 1992-04-09 Rheinmetall Gmbh Quick-stop device for a machine gun with an external drive
DE3762374D1 (en) * 1987-01-16 1990-05-23 Oerlikon Buehrle Ag SAFETY DEVICE ON A FOREIGN DRIVE.
CH675767A5 (en) * 1987-12-23 1990-10-31 Oerlikon Buehrle Ag Automatic firearm with externally driven breech block - has separate components stopping breech block movement and locking, and round feed drive on retarded ignition

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0744016A1 (en) 1996-11-27
US5675105A (en) 1997-10-07
FR2728065A1 (en) 1996-06-14
WO1996018863A1 (en) 1996-06-20
DE69521494D1 (en) 2001-08-02
FR2728065B1 (en) 1997-02-28

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