Recoil-free automatic gun

Abstract

An automatic recoil-free firearm includes a barrel (100, 600) and a compensating mass firing tube (102, 616) in which a bullet is accelerated in one direction within the barrel (100, 600), counteracted by a compensating mass accelerated in the opposite direction within the compensating mass firing tube (102, 616), thereby minimizing recoil and further providing automatic ammunition handling. The firearm also includes one or more bolts (604, 620) and a barrel configured to reduce or eliminate transfer of momentum and mechanical energy to the barrel and / or the gun body (610) during operation of the firearm.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority based on U.S. patent application No. 17 / 661,499, entitled "Recoilless Automatic Firearm," filed on April 29, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to ordnance, ammunition and firearms. In particular, the present disclosure relates to reduced recoil and recoilless firearms. Background Art

[0004] While operating a firearm, the weapon holder must provide and maintain aim. Therefore, the momentum and mechanical energy transferred from the firearm during firing must be absorbed and counteracted by the weapon holder. Meeting this requirement is a challenge for firearm operators, especially those who are not firmly anchored to the ground. Therefore, the ideal situation is to minimize the amount of transfer that occurs during firing.

[0005] The largest source of momentum and mechanical energy is the recoil when a gun is fired. A prior patent disclosed a device that can be used to eliminate the recoil from the firing of a gun while providing automatic operation. Unfortunately, automatic operation of a firearm also generates recoil that needs to be further reduced or eliminated, which is the goal of certain example embodiments.

[0006] For automatic firearms, the reciprocating motion of the bolt group is a significant source of momentum and mechanical energy, often comparable in magnitude to that generated by the firing of a cartridge. For example, when firing a typical firearm, the bolt group is driven rearward to help extract and eject spent cartridge cases during the recoil phase of the reciprocating motion. However, at the end of the recoil phase, the bolt group collides with a physical stop, transferring momentum and at least some of the kinetic energy to the gun body, resulting in rearward motion and often accompanied by a sharp muzzle rise. The returning bolt group then feeds the chamber and prepares the firearm for subsequent firing. At the end of this feeding phase, the bolt group strikes the barrel, again transferring momentum and mechanical energy to the barrel and gun body, resulting in forward firearm motion and often accompanied by a sharp muzzle drop. These vibrations, as well as the momentum and mechanical energy transferred, reduce the aiming and controllability of the firearm and therefore need to be beneficially reduced or eliminated.

[0007] Another important source is the momentum and mechanical energy imparted to the barrel during firing. For example, in a recoil-operated firearm system, the barrel absorbs the momentum and mechanical energy generated by the shot and reciprocates in a manner similar to the bolt group. It is also desirable to reduce or eliminate the transfer of these mechanical motions to the gun body to improve shooting accuracy and ease of operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description includes a discussion of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example. The accompanying drawings should be understood as examples and not as limitations. In this specification, references to "one or more embodiments" should be understood to describe specific features, structures, or characteristics in an implementation of at least one inventive subject matter. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an alternative embodiment" that appear in this document describe various embodiments and implementations of the inventive subject matter and do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. However, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In order to easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, the most significant number in the figure number refers to the figure number in which the element or action is first introduced.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a recoilless device for a firearm constructed in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0010] Figures 2A-2C is a schematic example of a semi-oblong cartridge for firing a compensating mass. Figure 2A Contains perspective and top views of the cartridge. Figure 2B It is a cross-sectional view. Figure 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of another ammunition cartridge constructed in accordance with some exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one example of a loading chamber and a compensating mass launch tube, wherein the loading chamber is connected to the compensating mass launch tube.

[0012] Figure 4 is a top view schematic diagram of an example of a loading chamber showing the carrier slide in the ammunition loading, firing and unloading positions.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a recoilless device for a firearm constructed in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example of an automatic recoilless firearm constructed in accordance with some example embodiments.

[0015] Figures 7A-7C A schematic depiction of an example of a transmission cycle is shown, according to some example embodiments. Fig. 7A The configuration of a firearm in a cocked state is shown according to some example embodiments. Figure 7B The firearm is shown nearing the end of the feeding phase. Figure 7C Shown is the configuration of the firearm near the end of the recoil / ejection phase.

[0016] Figures 8A-8C A schematic depiction of an example of a transmission cycle is shown, according to some example embodiments. Fig. 8AShows the configuration of the firearm in the ready position. Figure 8B The firearm is shown nearing the end of the feeding phase for aiming and firing. Figure 8C The configuration of the firearm is shown approaching the end of the aiming phase of ejection of spent ammunition and feeding of compensating ammunition.

[0017] Figures 9A-9E A schematic depiction of an example of a transmission cycle is shown, according to some example embodiments. Fig.9A Shows the configuration of the firearm at the beginning of the firing cycle. Fig. 9B The firearm is shown in its configuration shortly after aiming and compensating cartridges are fired simultaneously. Fig. 9C Shown is the configuration near the end of the recoil / ejection phase. Fig.9D Shown are both sighting and compensating barrel configurations near the end of the feed phase. Fig.9E The gun is shown configured for nearly simultaneous firing of cartridges with aiming and compensation before both barrels reach their respective bolt cocking stations.

[0018] Figures 10A-10D A top perspective view is shown of a schematic depiction of an example of a firing cycle in accordance with some preferred embodiments. Fig. 10A Depicts the configuration of the firearm at the start of the firing cycle. Fig. 10B The firearm configuration is shown shortly after firing the aiming cartridge. Fig. 10C The configuration of the firearm is shown shortly after firing a compensating cartridge. Fig. 10D Depicted is the gun configuration near the end of the ejection phase for both barrels.

[0019] Fig.11 A flow chart illustrating a method of operating a recoilless firearm, according to some example embodiments.

[0020] The following is a description of certain details and implementations, including a description of the accompanying drawings, which may depict some or all of the embodiments described below, as well as discuss other potential embodiments or implementations of the inventive concepts presented herein. An overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided below, followed by a more detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In general, well-known instruction examples, structures, and techniques are not necessarily shown in detail.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the embodiment includes a barrel 100 and a compensating mass launch tube 102, both pointing in opposite directions and supported breech-to-breech using a fixture 104 substantially coaxially linearly at least during firing. Here, coaxial linearity refers to the geometric alignment of the axes of the barrel and the tube coinciding in a straight line. The barrel and the launch tube are open at their respective breech ends and muzzle ends. Sufficient spatial clearance is allocated between the breech ends so that at least during the duration of breech loading and / or unloading and / or during the duration of ammunition firing, the barrel and the launch tube can each be adapted to breech loading and / or unloading and ammunition triggering. A compensating mass loading chamber 106 is also fixedly connected to the breech end of the launch tube 102. The barrel 100 is used to fire a bullet at a target, while the launch tube 102 is used to provide the required compensating mass movement.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, when loaded, a cartridge 108 is located within the barrel 100 at the breech end of the barrel 100, and a compensating mass blank cartridge 110 (e.g., a second cartridge, an oblong cartridge, a blank cartridge) is located within the loading chamber 106 at the breech end of the tube 102.

[0024] The barrel 100 is equipped with a striking device, such as a hammer 112 (e.g., a hammer, a firing pin), and the launch tube 102 is equipped with a hammer 114. Each of the hammers is connected to a trigger. Pulling the trigger causes the cartridge and / or bag to be fired by impact ignition. The barrel 100 cooperates with a conventional cartridge handling and firing mechanism, the structure and operation of which are described in general literature. During firing, high-pressure propellant gas pushes the bullet forward and expands the casting of the cartridge 108. This expansion helps to seal the breech end of the barrel 100. Near the end of the shooting, the recoil power mechanism including component 116 removes the spent cartridge case and loads a new cartridge. There are many different mechanical methods that can be used to perform automatic ammunition handling, and the common feature of most of them is that the mechanical movement involved is triggered and powered by the firing of the gun. The tube 102 cooperates with an open chamber cartridge handling system including a cylindrical hollow portion 118 and is described below.

[0025] The compensated mass blank cartridge 110 is shown. The compensated mass blank cartridge 110 comprises a cartridge case 200, whose outer geometry is characterized by a semi-oblong shape, consisting of a rectangular prism portion and a semi-cylindrical portion covering the prism portion, wherein the height of the prism is also equal to the radius of the semi-cylindrical portion, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A The cartridge case 200 further comprises a cylindrical hollow portion 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 2BAs shown, the gunpowder 204 and the primer 206 can be contained in the cylindrical hollow part. The cylindrical hollow part 118 is also arranged to be coaxial with the semi-cylinder. In another preferred embodiment, as Figure 2C As shown in the partial view, the compensated mass blank cartridge 110 also includes a conventional cylindrical cartridge 208 inserted into the hollow portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the cartridge case 200 includes a polymer.

[0026] Figure 3 Details of the loading chamber 106 are shown. In a preferred embodiment, the loading chamber 106 includes: a passageway open at two longitudinal ends; a first vertical sidewall 300; a second vertical sidewall 302; a first horizontal sidewall 304; and a second horizontal sidewall 306. A small hole 308 is formed on the sidewall 300 for accommodating an impact firing pin. A larger circular opening 310 is formed on the sidewall 302 for fixedly connecting to the launch tube 102. In some exemplary embodiments, the opening (e.g., small hole 308, circular opening 310) and the tube 102 are arranged coaxially and linearly. A slot opening 312 is also formed on the sidewall 304, through which a compensating mass blank cartridge 110 can be loaded from a magazine 314.

[0027] The carrier slide 316 is used for ammunition loading and / or unloading. The slide is slidably movable longitudinally within the channel, carrying a compensating mass blank cartridge 110 (e.g., a semi-oblong cartridge) held in a groove 318 formed transversely on the first horizontal surface 320 of the slide. The cross-section of the slide is characterized by an outer dimension identical to that of the channel, such that each side wall surface of the slide meets a corresponding side wall surface of the channel. The groove 318 is characterized by a geometry and dimensions identical to that of the semi-oblong cartridge, such that each side wall surface of a loaded cartridge meets a corresponding surface of the groove and of the first horizontal side wall 304 of the channel.

[0028] The groove 318 is also arranged transversely in the slider so that when in the firing position, the semi-cylindrical portion of the groove 318 is linearly coaxial with the tube 102, thereby forming a closed loading chamber 106.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the channel is longitudinally linear. Therefore, the channel sidewalls are adapted to be plane. Therefore, the corresponding surfaces of the slider and the semi-oblong cartridge are planar to maintain continuity. In another preferred embodiment, the channel is longitudinally arcuate, in which case the relevant sidewalls of the channel, the slider and the cartridge are correspondingly arcuate to maintain continuity.

[0030] Figure 4An example of a loading chamber 106 is depicted, wherein a carrier slide 316 is located in positions (I) for loading cartridges, (II) for firing cartridges, and (III) for unloading spent cartridge cases. A compensating mass blank cartridge 110 is carried by the slide 316, but is not shown for clarity. In position (I), the slot opening 312 is aligned with the groove 318, and the compensating mass blank cartridge 110 is laterally inserted into the groove 318. The slide 316 is then moved to position (II) with the loaded cartridge coaxially aligned with the launch tube 102. The front surface of the compensating mass blank cartridge 110 is in contact with the channel side wall 302, and the rear surface of the cartridge 110 is further in contact with the side wall 300, thereby sealing the breech end of the launch tube 102. After firing, the slide 316 is moved to position (III) for ejecting spent cartridge cases. After the slide 316 is positioned in position (I) again, a new cycle can be started. In a preferred embodiment, only one slide is included. Alternatively, multiple sliders can be linked together for faster execution, and multiple sliders can also move in a circular loop.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, a means is provided by which the automatic operation of the launch tube 102, including the ammunition handling, is initiated and powered by its own firing recoil. In another preferred embodiment, a means is provided by which the automatic operation of the launch tube 102 is initiated and powered by an external power source. In a more preferred embodiment, the launch tube 102 is subordinate to the gun barrel 100, and a means is provided by which the automatic operation of the launch tube is initiated and powered by the recoil of the gun barrel 100 firing.

[0032] The purpose of the fixture 104 is to maintain the coaxial linearity of the barrel and the launch tube. For firing large-caliber high-impact bullets, the requirements for the structural integrity of the fixture may be too high, and the failure of the ignition synchronization of two separate gunpowders may produce catastrophic recoil shocks for the weapon holder. On the other hand, for firing smaller-caliber bullets, it is feasible to use existing construction materials to maintain structural integrity, and relatively small imbalances caused by occasional firing synchronization failures are tolerable. If it is beneficial to shock absorption, relatively large movements along the coaxial axis can be allowed. It is well known that when supersonic bullets and gaseous propellants leave the barrel and / or launch tube at the muzzle point, severe recoil shocks will occur. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture 104 connects the barrel and the launch tube through contacts near the muzzle point, and further utilizes appropriate shock absorbing mechanisms contained in the fixture. The shock absorbing mechanism may include elastomers, springs, and various other shock absorbers. In another preferred embodiment, the barrel / launch tube is also connected by contacts near the breech point to utilize shock absorbers already built into existing guns.

[0033] Also included on the barrel 100 is a recoil reducing muzzle brake, which further reduces the size of the required compensating mass pack and reduces the size of the device required to fire the pack, thereby further reducing the weight of the recoilless device. Commercial muzzle brakes are widely available and may be selected for this purpose.

[0034] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a recoilless device for a firearm according to some example embodiments. In this embodiment, a first barrel 100 for firing a gun bullet and a second barrel 500 for firing a compensating mass are directed in opposite directions, respectively, and are supported coaxially and linearly and breech-to-breech by a fixture 104 at least during the firing of the gun. Each of the barrels is open at its respective breech end and muzzle end. In some example embodiments, at least during the duration of the loading and / or unloading, and / or during the duration of the ammunition firing, sufficient space gaps are allocated between the breech ends so that an automatic ammunition handling device including a device for breech loading and / or ammunition unloading and ammunition triggering can be matched with each of the barrels. A first cartridge 108 is placed in the first barrel 100 at the breech end of the first barrel 100, and the breech end is further sealed. A second cartridge or blank cartridge 502 is placed in the second barrel 500 at the breech end of the second barrel 500, and the breech end is further sealed. A first loader cooperates with the first barrel to provide a means for loading and / or unloading the cartridges, wherein the loader is typically powered by the recoil generated by firing the cartridges 108. A second loader cooperates with the second barrel to provide a means for loading and / or unloading the cartridges or blank cartridges, wherein the loader is typically powered by the recoil generated by firing the cartridges or blank cartridges 502. An ignition device is provided by which the gunpowder in the cartridges is ignited substantially simultaneously or with a predetermined time delay. A timing device is provided, which provides suitable means for adjusting the time delay.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each barrel is associated with a hammer. Each of said hammers is connected to a trigger. Pulling of said trigger causes said cartridge to fire by impact triggering. Each trigger is operated by an electronic actuator which pulls the trigger upon receiving an electrical pulse. The electronic device provides electrical pulses to each actuator simultaneously or with a predetermined time delay. In a preferred embodiment, both barrels fire simultaneously. In another preferred embodiment, the firing of the second barrel is delayed relative to the first barrel so that the first cartridge has moved out of the barrel before the second barrel fires.

[0036] Many automatic ammunition handling devices and / or mechanisms are available on the market for firearms and may be selected for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment, each barrel is coupled with an automatic ammunition loader, wherein the operation of each loader is initiated and powered by firing of the corresponding barrel. In a more preferred embodiment, the loader operation of the second barrel is subordinate to the first barrel and is also initiated and powered by firing of the first barrel. The first barrel may include a muzzle brake to further reduce its recoil, thereby reducing the size of the second barrel and additionally reducing the size of the second cartridge or blank cartridge.

[0037] Figure 5 The recoilless device shown can utilize components that are currently widely used and have proven to be reliable. The recoilless device constructed according to this alternative embodiment has the advantage of being compatible with existing logistics. Although the device has been described according to what is currently considered to be a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of some example embodiments. For example, some embodiments utilizing an impact-based ammunition triggering method have been described. Those skilled in the art will clearly recognize that the device can also be implemented using an electrical triggering method. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all changes that fall within the scope of some example embodiments.

[0038] As previously mentioned, an object of the present embodiment is to provide a recoilless firearm capable of automatic ammunition handling and firing. Another object is to improve aiming and controllability of the firearm by reducing or substantially eliminating the transfer of momentum and mechanical energy from the reciprocating bolt group to the barrel and frame of the gun; and from the oscillating barrel to the gun body during firing. The latter object is the focus of this disclosure.

[0039] In some example embodiments, the firearm device includes a first barrel for firing a bullet and a second barrel for firing a compensating mass, both of which point in opposite directions and are supported coaxially and linearly and breech-to-breech by a fixing device during at least the firing of the firearm. In some example embodiments, each of the barrels is open at its respective breech end and muzzle end. At least during the duration of ammunition breech loading and / or unloading, and / or during the duration of ammunition firing, sufficient space gap is allocated between the breech ends so that an automatic ammunition handling device including an ammunition breech loading and / or unloading device and an ammunition triggering device can cooperate with each of the barrels. A first cartridge is placed in the first barrel at the breech end of the first barrel, and the breech end is further sealed. A second cartridge or a blank cartridge is placed in the second barrel at the breech end of the second barrel, and the breech end is also sealed. Each of the cartridges contains a corresponding amount of gunpowder, so that each of the barrels produces substantially the same amount of recoil. A first loader cooperates with the first barrel and provides a means for loading and / or unloading the first cartridge, wherein the loader is typically powered by the recoil generated by the firing of the first cartridge. A second loader cooperates with the second barrel and provides a means for loading / unloading the second cartridge or a blank cartridge, wherein the loader is typically powered by the recoil generated by the firing of the second cartridge or a blank cartridge. An ignition device is provided by which the gunpowder in the cartridges is ignited substantially simultaneously or with a predetermined time delay.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the aiming barrel 600 and the compensating barrel 616 pointing in opposite directions are fixedly mounted on the gun body 610 (e.g., barrel receiver) coaxially and linearly. In some example embodiments, the compensating barrel 616 has a variable inner diameter along the length of the compensating barrel 616. An aiming cartridge 602 and a compensating blank cartridge 618 are also provided. The aiming and compensating cartridges are configured to produce substantially the same recoil when fired. Bolts 604 and 620 are configured to be able to collide with each other (e.g., elastic collision, inelastic collision) without encountering limit stops 628 and 630, respectively. In some example embodiments, a compression spring 606 (e.g., recoil spring) connects the two bolts. Fixed firing pins 632 and 622 are used. A movable firing pin is used in other embodiments discussed in the following section. Hook rods 612 and 626 provide gate control of bolt movement. An electromagnetically operated trigger assembly 614 connected to the hook rod provides firing control. Finally, magazines 608 and 624 provide aiming and compensating cartridges, respectively.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the transmission cycle is as follows Figures 7A-7C As shown. Fig. 7AAs shown, the firing cycle begins with bolts 604 and 620 in a cocked configuration in respective bolt open positions. When hook bars 612 and 626 are simultaneously lowered by energizing trigger assembly 614, compression spring 606 pushes bolt 604 toward aiming barrel 600 and loads cartridge 602 into the chamber. Likewise, at substantially the same time, bolt 620 is driven toward compensating barrel 616, thereby loading blank cartridge 618. Figure 7B As shown, near the end of the feeding phase, the fixed firing pin of the bolt encounters sufficient resistance from the cartridges to strike the primer of each cartridge before the mass of the bolt collides with the barrel, substantially simultaneously igniting the gunpowder contained in each cartridge and propelling the projectile and / or propellant gas toward the respective muzzles of the barrels. The recoiled cartridge shell further drives the bolt back, preventing the accelerated bolt's feeding kinetic energy from being transferred to the barrel and the gun body. In this advanced prime ignition mode, the transfer of momentum and mechanical energy from the bolt to the barrel is substantially eliminated.

[0042] During the subsequent ejection phase, the recoiled bolt extracts and ejects the spent cartridge cases from both barrels. Figure 7C Towards the end of the stage shown, the bolts collide with each other, converting a portion of the recoil energy into heat and reversing their respective directions of travel. If the hook bars 612 and 626 remain lowered, a new firing cycle begins, powered by the recoil energy and the energy stored in the compression spring 606. If the levers 612 and 626 are raised, the two bolts are in a configuration in which they are each in a cocked state in the bolt open position (e.g. Fig. 7A The firing is ended in the case of a firearm (as shown), so that the firearm is ready for the next firing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the momentum or mechanical energy is prevented from being transferred from the bolt to the barrel and the gun body during the entire firing cycle. Considering that the recoil momentum and mechanical energy in the recoil gun system are mainly contained in the reciprocating bolt group, when the early firing recoil operation mode can be reliably adopted, a firearm with greatly reduced or substantially no vibration of the barrel and the gun body during the shooting process can be constructed according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0043] If the compression spring 606 is strong enough, the bolts do not necessarily collide with each other, in which case all the recoil energy is stored in the compression spring and used to drive the subsequent feeding stage. A movable firing pin can also be used to provide more flexible primer ignition timing control. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the firearm can be practiced without using a pre-firing. In some exemplary embodiments, for example, the firearm is configured to place the cartridges 602 and 618 firmly and completely in the corresponding barrel chamber in a locked breech operating mode before the gunpowder is ignited, which is conducive to improving the reliability of ammunition handling in some cases. In addition, the firing cycle can start from an open or closed bolt configuration. In an embodiment without pre-firing, the mechanical energy carried by the bolt in the feeding stage is transferred to the barrel. The transfer of some energy is still acceptable because the energy of the feeding stage can be made to account for only a relatively small part of the total recoil energy of the system.

[0044] In some example embodiments, for reduced weight and more flexible timing control, bolts 604 and 620 are modified by connecting them together to form a single bolt block 805. Figure 6 and 7A -The firearm shown in FIG. 7C. In some example embodiments, the weight of the bolt block 805 can be made substantially the same as that of a single bolt 604 or 620. In addition, the hook lever 626 is disabled and the spring 800 removably connects the bolt block 805 to the gun body. Figures 8A-8C FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the firearm in the firing cycle in this embodiment. Fig. 8A As shown, the cycle starts with the bolt block 805 in the cocked configuration in the bolt open position. When the lever 810 is lowered, the bolt block is pulled toward the aiming barrel 600 by the spring 800 until the spring 800 passes through the mechanism at the end of the feeding phase (for simplicity, Figures 8A-8C 805, the aiming cartridge 602 is fed into the barrel 600 during the feeding phase. Figure 8B The aiming cartridge is then released and the round is fired in a pre-fire mode, substantially eliminating the transfer of momentum and mechanical energy from the block to the barrel and frame.

[0045] Subsequently, the recoil bolt block 805 removes and ejects the empty aiming cartridge case and continues to feed the compensating cartridge 618 into the chamber of the compensating barrel 616, as shown in FIG. Figure 8CThe compensating cartridge is fired again in the pre-fire mode, preventing the transfer of momentum and mechanical energy from the block 805 to the compensating barrel 616 and the gun body. In some exemplary embodiments, if the hook bar 810 remains lowered, a new firing cycle begins, powered by the recoil energy from the compensating firing. If it is necessary to end the firing, using the recoil energy, the mechanism energizes the spring 800 and engages it with the bolt block to return the firearm to Fig. 8A Bolt open configuration shown. The reciprocating bolt block does not transfer momentum or mechanical energy to the barrel or frame. Instead, analysis shows that during the firing cycle, the recoil momentum and mechanical energy of the aiming shot is converted into muzzle momentum and energy for the subsequent compensating shot, and vice versa.

[0046] It is not always desirable to construct a firearm for an open-breech blowback mode of operation, in part because of the difficulty in extracting cartridge cases under high barrel pressures. In fact, many firearms in use are based on the locked-breech principle of operation. While mechanical energy is inevitably transferred to the breech-locked barrel during firing, further transfer to the gun body can be reduced or avoided. To achieve the above, in a preferred embodiment, both the aiming and compensating barrels are slidably mounted on the gun body and are further configured to be breech-locked with a corresponding bolt to facilitate the locked-breech mode of operation. Figures 9A-9E The configuration of the firearm during the firing cycle of this embodiment is depicted. Fig.9A As shown, at the beginning of the cycle, the aiming cartridge 602 is located in the aiming barrel 600 and the breech is locked by the locking mechanism 902. The barrel is further pressed against the bolt cocking station 904 by the compressed compression spring 606. The firing pin 900 disposed in the aiming bolt 604 is in the cocked state. Likewise, the compensating counterpart components also have a similar configuration. When the firing pins 900 and 910 in the cocked state are released simultaneously, the firing begins, releasing the two cartridges, pushing the bullets and / or propellant gases toward the corresponding muzzle ends in the corresponding barrels, and causing the corresponding breech locking barrels to recoil, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B shown.

[0047] At a later time, the breech locks 902 and 918 are unlocked under the safety chamber pressure. The recoiled unlocked barrels are stopped and held against the barrel stops 906 and 914, respectively, by barrel springs 908 and 916 (e.g., extension springs), while the recoil of the bolts 604 and 620 continues, extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge cases, until they collide with each other at the end of the recoil / ejection phase, as shown. Fig. 9C In the following feeding phase, Fig.9DAs shown, the bolt loads the aiming and compensating cartridges into the corresponding barrels, and locks the barrels respectively, while making the firing pin in a cocked state. Driven by the feeding kinetic energy of the bolt and the energy of the compressed compression spring 606, the barrels with locked breech blocks move toward the corresponding bolt cocking stations 904 and 912. If it is necessary to stop firing, the barrels are allowed to reach and remain at the respective bolt cocking stations 904 and 912, so that the firearm is ready for the next firing, as shown in FIG. Fig.9A If a new firing cycle is required, the loaded aiming and compensating cartridges are released before the barrel reaches the corresponding bolt cocking stop, and the recoil generated by the firing further separates the barrel from the corresponding bolt cocking stop, preventing the transfer of momentum and kinetic energy from the barrel to the gun during the feeding phase. Then, by continuing Fig. 9B and from Fig. 9B The cycle will continue. Fig. 9C No momentum or mechanical energy is transferred to the gun body when the recoiled barrels are shown to collide with the stops 906 and 914, respectively. The latter transfer at the barrel stops can be further reduced if the stops 906 and 914 are not fixedly disposed on the gun body, but are firmly connected and slidably mounted in the gun body.

[0048] In another example of a preferred embodiment, in order to facilitate the automatic recoilless firing of high-impact bullets, the aiming barrel 600 and the compensating barrel 616 are firmly connected and slidably mounted on the gun body 610, such as Figures 10A-10D In addition, the release time of the compensating cartridge lags behind the release time of the aiming cartridge to avoid recoil pulse overlap and enable the recoil energy of the aiming shot to be converted into muzzle energy of the subsequent compensating shot, thereby eliminating these recoil forces from the weapon system. Figures 10A-10D The transmission cycle shown is used to describe the above principle.

[0049] Fig. 10A The configuration of the firearm at the beginning of the firing cycle is shown. The aiming cartridge 602 and the compensating cartridge 618 are both locked by the breech in their respective chambers. The firing pin, not shown for simplicity, is in the cocked state, and the attached barrel is pressed against the bolt cocking station 904 by the barrel spring 908. Fig. 10B As shown, firing is initiated by releasing the firing pin and thereby releasing the aiming cartridge, the resulting recoil force driving the still breech-locked barrel assembly through the barrel stop 1000. After a time delay long enough to allow the aiming firing recoil energy to be fully converted into the kinetic energy of the recoiled barrel assembly, the compensating cartridge is released, causing the resulting compensating recoil force to stop the movement of the barrel assembly and allowing the barrel spring 908 to hold the barrel assembly at the barrel stop 1000, as shown. Fig. 10C At the same time, Fig. 10D As shown, some of the energy of the compensating firing is utilized to unlock the breech locks of both barrels at a safe compensating chamber pressure and drive the bolts to extract and eject each respective spent cartridge case, respectively, and eventually collide with each other at the end of the recoil phase. The recoiled bolt then loads and breech-locks the aiming cartridge and the compensating cartridge into the respective barrel chambers and releases the barrel stop 1000 to allow the barrel assembly to return to the bolt cocking station 904, as shown. Fig. 10A As shown, the firearm is ready for the next firing.

[0050] Although some example embodiments have been described in terms of using cartridge-based ammunition, in other example embodiments, the firearm uses caseless cartridges or partially-cased ammunition in one or both barrels. When using caseless or partially-cased ammunition, sealing of the barrel breech is achieved by a bolt in the case of a longitudinal ammunition insertion loader. In some example embodiments, sealing of the barrel breech is achieved by securing the breech closed in the case of a sideways revolver-style loader. Caseless or partially-cased ammunition can facilitate the implementation of an early-fire mode of operation because the sticking of the case to the chamber wall issues typically associated with cartridge-based ammunition can be mitigated when using caseless ammunition.

[0051] Furthermore, although some embodiments have been described as allowing the bolt and / or barrel to recoil so as to utilize the recoil motion to facilitate automatic operation of the firearm, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some example embodiments may also be implemented in which the barrel is allowed to move in a corresponding muzzle direction while the bolt is held stationary in a gas blow-forward mode of operation. In embodiments utilizing the barrel gas blow-forward mode of operation, the muzzle direction movement of the barrel creates a spatial gap between aiming and compensating for the barrel breech end to facilitate operation of the ammunition loader.

[0052] Although these devices have been described in accordance with what are currently considered to be preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present novel embodiments. For example, although some embodiments have been described in accordance with ammunition loading / unloading methods utilizing a longitudinal breech insertion mode, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some embodiments are practiced utilizing a revolver-style side-loading / unloading technique. In addition, although some example embodiments utilize recoil energy transferred from a cartridge to power the operation of a bolt group, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, according to some example implementations, modified versions of the system may also be applied, such as delayed recoil, recoil-operated, gas-operated, or externally powered modes of operation. In addition, according to some example embodiments, various modifications to the sighting and / or compensating barrel may be used, including but not limited to barrel ports and / or muzzle brakes, and / or rifling and / or grooves that may include compensating rifling. Finally, according to some exemplary embodiments, sighting cartridges comprising multiple cartridges, or compensating cartridges comprising one cartridge or a smaller diameter cartridge group or even a liquid cartridge, or compensating cartridges identical to sighting cartridges may also be used.

[0053] Fig.11 A flowchart 1100 of a method of operating a recoilless firearm is shown, according to some example embodiments. At operation 1105, a first barrel is loaded with a first cartridge. At operation 1110, a second barrel is loaded with a second cartridge. At operation 1115, the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge is ignited by one or more ignition devices. At operation 1120, the gunpowder in the first cartridge causes a projectile (e.g., a bullet) to be directed from the breech end of the first barrel to the muzzle end in a recoilless manner as described above.

[0054] In view of the above disclosure, various examples are set forth below. It should be noted that within the scope of the disclosure of the present application, one or more features of the examples, alone or in combination, should be considered.

[0055] Example embodiments are as follows:

[0056] Example 1. A device comprising:

[0057] a first barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the first barrel including a first breech and the other of the open ends of the first barrel including a first muzzle;

[0058] a second barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the second barrel including a second breech, the other of the open ends of the second barrel including a second muzzle, the second barrel being coaxially aligned with the first barrel, the second breech of the second barrel facing the first breech of the first barrel, the first breech and the second breech being separated by a gap;

[0059] a first cartridge in a first breech of the first barrel;

[0060] a second cartridge in a second breech of the second barrel;

[0061] An ignition device is configured to ignite gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge to fire the first cartridge in the first barrel and the second cartridge in the second barrel.

[0062] Example 2. The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge simultaneously.

[0063] Example 3. An apparatus according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge when there is a time delay between the ignition of the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

[0064] Example 4. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the first cartridge includes a bullet and the second cartridge is a blank cartridge.

[0065] Example 5. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-4, further comprising:

[0066] A first loader is used to automatically load cartridges into the first barrel.

[0067] Example 6. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-5, further comprising:

[0068] A second loader is used to automatically load cartridges into the second barrel.

[0069] Example 7. An apparatus according to any of Examples 1-6, wherein the first loader includes a first bolt, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed between the first breech and the second breech, and wherein the second loader includes a second bolt, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed between the first bolt and the second breech of the second barrel.

[0070] Example 8. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the first bolt and the second bolt are configured to undergo elastic or inelastic mutual collision during firing of a cartridge.

[0071] Example 9. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the second barrel has a varying inner diameter along its length.

[0072] Example 10. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-9, further comprising a first loader for the first barrel and a second loader for the second barrel, wherein the first loader and the second loader include a common bolt block slidably disposed between the first breech of the first barrel and the second breech of the second barrel.

[0073] Example 11. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the common bolt block serves alternately as the bolt for the first loader and the second loader.

[0074] Example 12. An apparatus according to any of Examples 1-11, wherein the first barrel and the second barrel are slidably disposed on a gun body of the apparatus, and the ignition device is configured to release the first cartridge and the second cartridge substantially simultaneously.

[0075] Example 13. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1-12, wherein the first barrel and the second barrel are connected and arranged on a gun body of the apparatus, and wherein the ignition device is configured to release the first cartridge and the second cartridge with a time delay between the releases.

[0076] Example 14. The apparatus of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the first cartridge and the second cartridge each include a housing containing a propellant, and wherein the first cartridge further includes a bullet secured to one end of the housing of the first cartridge.

[0077] Example 15. An apparatus according to any of Examples 1-14, wherein, in response to the ignition device igniting the first cartridge and the second cartridge, the first cartridge seals the first breech of the first barrel and the second cartridge seals the second breech of the second barrel.

[0078] Example 16. An apparatus according to any of Examples 1-15, wherein the first cartridge comprises a caseless cartridge and the first loader of the first barrel comprises a bolt configured to seal the first breech upon ignition of the first cartridge.

[0079] Example 17. An apparatus according to any of Examples 1-16, wherein the second cartridge comprises a caseless cartridge and the second loader of the second barrel comprises a bolt configured to seal the second breech upon ignition of the second cartridge.

[0080] Example 18. A method comprising:

[0081] loading a first cartridge into a first barrel of a firearm device, the first barrel comprising openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the first barrel comprising a first breech, and the other of the open ends of the first barrel comprising a first muzzle;

[0082] loading a second ammunition cartridge into a second barrel of the firearm device, the second barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the second barrel including a second breech, the other of the open ends of the second barrel including a second muzzle, the second barrel being coaxially aligned with the first barrel, the second breech of the second barrel facing the first breech of the first barrel, the first breech and the second breech being separated by a gap; and

[0083] The first cartridge in the first barrel and the second cartridge in the second barrel are ignited using an ignition device of the firearm device.

[0084] Example 19. The method of Example 18, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge simultaneously.

[0085] Example 20. A method according to Example 18 or 19, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge when there is a time delay between the ignition of the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

[0086] In the foregoing detailed description, the subject method and apparatus of the present invention have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader scope of the subject of the present invention. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a first barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the first barrel including a first breech and the other of the open ends of the first barrel including a first muzzle; a second barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the second barrel including a second breech, the other of the open ends of the second barrel including a second muzzle, the second barrel being coaxially aligned with the first barrel, the second breech of the second barrel facing the first breech of the first barrel, the first breech and the second breech being separated by a gap; a first cartridge in a first breech of the first barrel; a second cartridge in a second breech of the second barrel; as well as An ignition device is configured to ignite gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge to fire the first cartridge in the first barrel and the second cartridge in the second barrel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge simultaneously.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge with a time delay between ignition of the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cartridge comprises a bullet and the second cartridge is a blank cartridge.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A first loader is used to automatically load cartridges into the first barrel.

6. The device according to claim 5, further comprising: A second loader is used to automatically load cartridges into the second barrel.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first loader includes a first bolt, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed between the first breech and the second breech, and wherein the second loader includes a second bolt, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed between the first bolt and the second breech of the second barrel.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first bolt and the second bolt are configured to undergo elastic or inelastic mutual collision during firing of a cartridge.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second barrel has a varying inner diameter along its length.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first loader for the first barrel and a second loader for the second barrel, wherein the first loader and the second loader include a common bolt block slidably disposed between the first breech of the first barrel and the second breech of the second barrel.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The common bolt block serves alternately as the bolt for the first loader and the second loader.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first barrel and the second barrel are slidably disposed on a body of the device, and the ignition device is configured to release the first cartridge and the second cartridge substantially simultaneously.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the first barrel and the second barrel are connected and disposed on a gun body of the device, and wherein the ignition device is configured to release the first cartridge and the second cartridge with a time delay between releases.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cartridge and the second cartridge each include a housing containing a propellant, and wherein the first cartridge further includes a projectile secured to one end of the housing of the first cartridge.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In response to the ignition device igniting the first cartridge and the second cartridge, the first cartridge seals the first breech of the first barrel and the second cartridge seals the second breech of the second barrel.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first cartridge comprises a caseless cartridge and the first loader of the first barrel comprises a bolt configured to seal the first breech upon firing of the first cartridge.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second cartridge comprises a caseless cartridge and the second loader of the second barrel comprises a bolt configured to seal the second breech upon firing of the second cartridge.

18. A method comprising: loading a first cartridge into a first barrel of a firearm device, the first barrel comprising openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the first barrel comprising a first breech, and the other of the open ends of the first barrel comprising a first muzzle; loading a second ammunition cartridge into a second barrel of the firearm device, the second barrel including openings at both ends, one of the open ends of the second barrel including a second breech, the other of the open ends of the second barrel including a second muzzle, the second barrel being coaxially aligned with the first barrel, the second breech of the second barrel facing the first breech of the first barrel, the first breech and the second breech being separated by a gap; and The first cartridge in the first barrel and the second cartridge in the second barrel are ignited using an ignition device of the firearm device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite the gunpowder in the first cartridge and the second cartridge simultaneously.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ignition device is configured to ignite the gunpowder in the first and second cartridges with a time delay between ignition of the gunpowder in the first and second cartridges.

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