Rotor shell for rotary-barreled firearms, equipped with an access door and configured to be separated into at least two parts

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a rotor shell used in rotary-barreled firearm groups, which houses the rotor, bolt assembly, and ammunition. The rotor shell provides the reciprocating motion of the bolt assembly while the rotor is rotating and includes a helical channel that guides the bolt assembly to ensure synchronization accuracy of this motion. The rotor shell further comprises a lockable access door that can be opened and closed, allowing intervention in the bolt assembly without dismantling the shell. The invention enables the rotor shell to be manufactured as at least two separable parts, facilitating machining, assembly, and maintenance processes, reducing material waste and production costs, and improving functionality.

Description

[0001] ROTOR SHELL FOR ROTARY-BARRELED FIREARMS, EQUIPPED WITH AN ACCESS DOOR AND CONFIGURED TO BE SEPARATED INTO AT LEAST TWO PARTS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the class of rotary-barreled firearms and, more particularly, to a rotor shell that houses the rotor, bolt assembly, and ammunition of such firearms. The invention concerns a rotor shell that provides the reciprocating motion of the bolt assembly while the rotor is rotating, includes a helical channel guiding the firing bolt assembly to ensure synchronization accuracy of this motion, and features a lockable access door that can be opened and closed to allow intervention in the bolt assembly without dismantling the shell. Furthermore, the rotor shell according to the present invention can be separated into at least two parts.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Rotary-barreled firearm systems are weapon systems capable of performing loading, firing, and ejection functions simultaneously through multiple barrels, cooling the barrels during rotation, and featuring a rotor assembly that can rotate as a whole. Although rotary-barreled firearm groups have the same calibers as single-barreled firearms, their multiple barrels and high rotational speeds allow them to inflict greater damage on the target.

[0006] Rotary-barreled firearms include a number of barrels mounted on a rotor, which are sequentially actuated by a motor. During the firing position, one round is fired from one barrel at a time, and this firing cycle continues in a synchronized manner.

[0007] Modern rotary-barreled firearm systems have a rotor located at the center of the firearm. The rotor forms the main rotating body of the system. Typically, the rotorincludes six bolt assemblies, rotor channels through which the bolt assemblies reciprocate, fixed and detachable rails, protrusions where these rails are mounted, a central axis around which they are positioned, a drive gear, a coupling gear, and a clutch mechanism connected to the coupling gear. This clutch system is actuated by a solenoid system located in the shell and serves to disengage the feed unit gear that works together with the coupling gear. As a whole, the rotor assembly defines the longitudinal axis located at the center of the rotary-barreled firearm and is driven by a series of gears powered by an electric motor. The rotor cooperates with other parts during the firing sequence to complete the firing cycle. When the firearm is triggered, the motor rotates the drive gear located at the front of the rotor, which in turn rotates the rotor counterclockwise and uses the cam path on the rotor shell to move the corresponding bolt assembly throughout the firing sequence. When the bolt assembly ignites the ammunition, firing occurs.

[0008] Rotary-barreled firearms comprise a shell, known as the rotor shell, that encloses the main rotating body (the rotor assembly) and includes an access cover that can be opened and closed to allow intervention into internal parts without dismantling the shell when necessary. As these firearm systems have a high rate of fire, the barrel and rotor portions are subjected to high rotational speeds, overheating, and heavy mechanical stress. While the rotor shell functions as a mechanical carrier, it also serves to protect the firing mechanism from external factors such as dust, dirt, or impact.

[0009] A helical path extends between the front and rear of the rotor shell. Each bolt assembly includes a roller that travels along this helical path. Accordingly, as the bolt assembly roller moves within the helical channels formed in the shell, the bolt assembly performs a reciprocating motion around the inner surface of the shell. During forward motion, the bolt assembly chambers a round, fires it at the foremost point, and during backward motion, ejects the empty cartridge case.

[0010] A rotary-barreled firearm (also known as a minigun) features a rotor shell equipped with an access door that allows intervention in the rails and bolt assembly duringlubrication, troubleshooting, clearing jams, or performing regular maintenance without disassembling the entire shell. The access door is typically hinged or attached with pins, allowing removal when needed.

[0011] The purpose and primary functions of the access door can be summarized as follows:

[0012] 1. Maintenance and inspection: The access door on a minigun rotor shell allows operators or technicians to inspect the bolt assembly, rails, and rotor components. This access is essential for preventive maintenance and for observing parts that may wear due to the high rate of fire.

[0013] 2. Clearing jams: In the event of ammunition jams, the access door allows the user to quickly identify and eliminate the problem.

[0014] 3. Part replacement: When any component of the bolt assembly or rails needs to be replaced, the access door provides direct access to these parts without dismantling the shell.

[0015] The access door is generally hinged for easy opening, but in some designs, it can be completely removed to provide wider access. It usually includes a secure locking mechanism to ensure it remains tightly closed during operation. This structure prevents debris, fragments, or dust from entering the rotor and rotor components, and also ensures that the door does not open unintentionally under firing stress. In some designs, the access door is equipped with features for quick removal to allow rapid intervention during combat or emergency maintenance.

[0016] In summary, the access door on the rotor shell plays a vital role in ensuring efficient operation, maintenance, and reliability of a minigun, providing quick and easy access to internal mechanisms without the need to disassemble the entire weapon.

[0017] In the prior art, rotary-barreled firearms feature rotor shells produced as a single, monolithic piece. Rotary-barreled weapons, such as miniguns and Gatling-type guns, use multi-barrel systems rotating at high speed and face issues such as overheating, high centrifugal forces, and external impacts. Producing the rotor shell as a singlepiece structure complicates assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and repairprocesses, while also increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the monolithic design introduces difficulties during machining, as all potential deformation risks arising from operator errors, machine vibration, or environmental conditions accumulate on a single part. In addition, localized deformations cannot be replaced individually, making it necessary to replace the entire rotor shell. The monolithic production also results in high raw material waste, further increasing production and labor costs.

[0018] The access door attached to the shell in the prior art similarly poses machining difficulties, and due to insufficient structural strength of the connection, the door tends to loosen or vibrate during rotor rotation, causing noise from metal contact. Moreover, in the existing designs, the spring lock used to secure the door to the shell loses its elasticity over time, leading to looseness. The present invention proposes using a locking pin instead of a spring lock to secure the door to the shell, thereby providing a more rigid and durable locking mechanism that eliminates the long-term loosening issue.

[0019] Patent document US11976900B2, titled “Rotor Shell for Minigun,” generally describes a rotor shell, particularly a mechanism for attaching and detaching a guide rod to the shell and a mounting structure that allows the minigun to be easily mounted or detached from a fixed platform. Although it discusses the rotor shell, it also employs a monolithic structure.

[0020] Patent US11215424B1 , titled “Minigun Rotor,” relates to improvements made to a minigun rotor with replaceable parts, enabling the replacement of only worn or damaged components instead of the entire rotor. While this document illustrates the rotor’s internal operation and its interaction with the bolt assembly, it does not propose any improvements to the rotor shell, which remains monolithic.

[0021] Turkish patent TR2019 / 04438, titled “Machine Gun with Improved Access Door,” along with US2017268840A1 (“Machine Gun with Access Door”) and US2016195349A1 (“Improved Access Door for Machine Gun”), all relate to improvedaccess door mechanisms for a machine gun’s feed assembly. These designs include an access door that can move between open and closed positions, incorporating a recess for engagement with a tongue element to guide cartridges during operation. Similarly, US2011120292A1, titled “Access Door for the Feed Assembly of a Gatling Gun,” describes an improved access mechanism for the feed assembly of a Gatling-type firearm, facilitating easier maintenance access through a specialized door design.

[0022] To overcome the aforementioned problems, the present invention proposes that the rotor shell be manufactured in at least two, preferably three or more, separate parts. Dividing the rotor shell into multiple parts simplifies the machining of both the shell itself and the helical channels formed on it, facilitates access to sensitive areas during production, enhances product quality and functionality, allows replacement of locally deformed sections, and reduces labor and raw material costs.

[0023] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention relates to improvements made to a rotor shell (A) used in rotary-barreled firearm systems, as well as to an access door (1) positioned on said rotor shell (A), in order to eliminate the disadvantages described above and to introduce new advantages to the related technical field.

[0025] The primary objective of the invention is to minimize the disadvantages and labor losses arising from manufacturing rotor shells (A) as monolithic structures, as seen in the prior art, by dividing the rotor shell (A) into two or more separate parts. The division of the rotor shell (A) into multiple parts facilitates access to corners and confined areas during production, allowing more precise and cleaner machining of sensitive sections.

[0026] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the material waste and labor costs encountered during the production of the rotor shell (A). In the prior art, manufacturing the rotor shell (A) as a single-piece structure not only presentsmanufacturing challenges but also results in a high rate of material waste. Producing the rotor shell (A) in two or more parts and manufacturing these parts separately significantly decreases both waste material and manufacturing time and labor costs. A further objective of the invention is to enable faster and more cost-effective repair of faults and deformations that occur during the use of the rotor shell (A). In the prior art, where the rotor shell (A) is a single-piece structure, any wear, fatigue, or damage on the shell usually requires complete replacement of the entire shell. In the present invention, since the rotor shell (A) is composed of multiple parts, replacement of only the locally damaged section is sufficient to eliminate such issues.

[0027] Another major advantage of the invention is that it provides significant convenience during assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and repair of the rotor shell (A). Producing the rotor shell (A) as multiple smaller parts instead of a single large and heavy mass allows easier handling during assembly and disassembly, offering great advantages particularly during maintenance or repair operations involving the shell or its internal components.

[0028] Yet another objective of the invention is to render the access door (1) positioned on the rotor shell (A) more functional by integrating it into the shell structure, thereby enabling more synchronized operation of the internal components and easier access to the interior of the rotor shell (A). For this purpose, the access door (1) is designed as an integral part of the rotor shell (A) rather than as an external component mounted on it. When opened, this integrated design provides a wider opening and allows more comfortable intervention into the interior of the shell.

[0029] A further objective of the invention is to enhance the structural stability of the access door (1) by improving its mounting mechanism so that vibrations occurring during operation have minimal effect. For this purpose, the access door (1) is preferably mounted to the rotor shell (A) using pins as connection elements; however, bolts, welding, or other mounting fixtures may also be employed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided solely for illustrative purposes and depict only examples of the invention. They are presented to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope or applicability. For the sake of clarity and simplicity of illustration, the drawings may not be depicted to scale.

[0031] Figure 1 : Perspective view of a rotor shell according to the prior art.

[0032] Figure 2: Front left-side perspective view of the rotor shell.

[0033] Figure 3: Front right-side perspective view of the rotor shell.

[0034] Figure 4: View of the rotor shell with the access door removed.

[0035] Figure 5: Exploded view of the rotor shell components.

[0036] Figure 6: External view of the upper part of the rotor shell.

[0037] Figure 7: Internal view of the upper part of the rotor shell.

[0038] Figure 8: External view of the access door.

[0039] Figure 9: Internal view of the access door.

[0040] Figure 10: External view of the lower part of the rotor shell.

[0041] Figure 11 : Internal view of the lower part of the rotor shell.

[0042] REFERENCE LIST

[0043] The reference numerals included in the drawings correspond to the following components:

[0044] A. Rotor shell

[0045] 1. Access door

[0046] 2 Upper body of the rotor shell

[0047] 3. Lower body of the rotor shell

[0048] 4. Rotor bearing

[0049] 5. Helical path

[0050] 6. Upper surface of the rotor shell7. Connection elements

[0051] 8. Pin and bolt hole

[0052] 9. Service door

[0053] 10. Helical path cover

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained through examples provided solely for a better understanding of the concept, without any limiting effect.

[0056] In the present invention, the rotor shell (A) is divided into two or more parts in order to reduce the machining, assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and repair difficulties arising from the monolithic structure of the rotor shells (A) used in the prior art; to decrease the rate of material waste, production costs, labor, and time; and to minimize expenses caused by the need to replace the entire shell due to localized deformations. Additionally, to provide easier access to the internal components of the shell, the access door is designed as an integral part of the shell structure.

[0057] As illustrated schematically in Figure 1, the rotor shell (A) used in rotary-barreled firearms according to the prior art is produced as a single-piece, monolithic structure. The present invention aims to eliminate the disadvantages of this monolithic configuration by manufacturing the rotor shell (A) in at least two, preferably three or more separate parts. Dividing the rotor shell (A) into two or more parts allows easier machining of both the overall shell and its components, including the helical path (5) formed on the inner surface, and provides easier access to sensitive areas, resulting in a cleaner, more precise, and higher-quality product. The invention also allows replacement of only the deformed section of the rotor shell (A) that has been damaged after long-term use of the firearm, thereby reducing labor and material costs.The rotor shell (A) according to the invention preferably comprises a semi-cylindrical lower body (3) of the shell, an upper body (2) of the shell that is symmetrical to the lower body (3) and includes all the aforementioned functions, and an access door (1) that can be opened when required to allow intervention in the internal parts of the rotor shell (A), particularly the bolt assembly. The access door (1) according to the invention is significantly lightened and made more machinable compared to the access doors used in the prior art. By designing the access door (1) integrally with the rotor shell (A), it has been made more functional; the helical path (5) located on the inner surface of the rotor shell (A), which guides the reciprocating motion of the bolt assembly, continues along the inner surface of the access door (1) as well, thereby ensuring alignment and synchronization of internal components and providing easier access to the inner region of the rotor shell (A). Unlike the access doors used in the prior art, the access door (1) of the present invention does not create any protrusion on the outer surface of the shell when in the closed position. Furthermore, to prevent deformation or loosening of the access door (1) caused by extended operation of the rotary-barreled firearm, the door is secured to the upper body (2) of the shell by at least one locking pin that can be easily attached and detached.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 4, the exploded view of the rotor shell (A) according to the invention shows that the shell is divided into four distinct parts, including the access door (1). The main body of the rotor shell (A) is longitudinally divided along the X-axis into two separate components — the upper body (2) and the lower body (3). Although the access door (1) is produced as a separate component, as in the prior art, it is designed in the present invention as a fully integrated part of the rotor shell (A), forming a structural unity with the shell rather than being merely attached to it.

[0059] In the prior art, the access door (1) was designed as two distinct components — a service door (9) and a helical path cover (10) — whereas in the present invention, these are combined into a single piece forming the access door (1). Designing the access door (1) as a single component ensures complete structural integration with the rotor shell (A) and allows the helical path (5) formed on the inner surface of theshell to continue seamlessly onto the inner surface of the access door (1). This design enables the reciprocating motion of the bolt assembly along the helical path (5) formed on the rotor shell (A) to continue without interruption along the access door (1). Another important advantage of this continuity is that when the access door (1) is opened, the firearm loses its firing function, as the helical path (5) on the rotor shell (A) is interrupted and no longer continues on the access door (1). Therefore, the access door (1) also serves as a safety lock within the system. This feature significantly increases the safety of both the operator and the surrounding environment during maintenance and repair operations by ensuring that the firearm cannot be fired while the access door (1 ) is open.

[0060] Another advantage of designing the access door (1) as a single piece with the helical path cover is that it increases the visible area and internal accessibility of the rotor shell (A), thereby simplifying internal inspection and fault detection.

[0061] In the present invention, the opening direction of the access door (1) is also modified. In the prior art, the door opened in the same direction as the barrel, whereas in the present invention, it opens in the opposite direction of the barrel. To achieve this, the access door (1) is mounted to the rotor shell (A) at its upper portion, on the side opposite to the barrel, by means of connection elements (7) such as pins, bolts, or welds. In other words, while the door connection point in the prior art was located on the barrel side, in the present invention this connection point has been relocated to the opposite direction of the barrel. This configuration increases the visible and accessible area when the door is open, providing easier access to the internal regions of the rotor shell (A).

[0062] The design modifications made in the present invention — such as forming the access door (1) as a single piece together with the helical path cover, changing the door’s opening direction, and integrating it fully with the rotor shell (A) — have significantly improved the door’s size and functionality. Unlike the prior art, where the smaller and narrower door limited visibility and made troubleshooting difficult, thepresent invention allows for a larger opening, improving accessibility and facilitating maintenance and inspection operations.

[0063] Furthermore, in the prior art, the spring lock used to secure the access door (1) to the rotor shell (A) tended to lose elasticity over time, resulting in looseness. In the present invention, this spring lock is replaced with a locking pin, providing a more rigid and durable locking mechanism that effectively eliminates the long-term loosening problem.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the access door (1) is in the closed position, it forms a perfect continuity with the rotor shell (A), fitting flush within the body as an integral part of the shell, unlike prior art examples where the door remained externally mounted.

[0065] In the prior art, manufacturing the rotor shell (A) as a single-piece structure caused significant difficulties in machining certain internal sections such as the helical path (5), comers, and edges. These operations required highly specialized tools and prolonged processing times, which increased the probability of error and the material waste rate. By dividing the rotor shell (A) into two or more parts, it becomes possible to use standard, low-cost machine tools that are widely available for small-scale component production. For example, shorter cutting tools — which are commonly used in the industry for smaller parts — operate more effectively during the machining of individual shell segments, ensuring more precise results and minimizing the margin of error. As a result, the invention achieves significant reductions not only in labor and processing time but also in material waste generated during production. Manufacturing the rotor shell (A) as a structure composed of multiple smaller parts rather than as a single large and heavy mass also provides substantial advantages in assembly, disassembly, and repair. In addition to the production and cost benefits mentioned above, this configuration allows easier handling of individual parts and faster maintenance operations.In the present invention, the division of the rotor shell (A) into two or more parts may occur along any of the X, Y, or Z axes. However, it is preferably divided along the X-axis (longitudinally), since such a configuration allows easier access to and machining of the internal regions of the shell. As shown in Figure 5, the division of the rotor shell (A) along the X-axis provides a major advantage by improving accessibility during the machining process of the internal sections of the shell.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rotor shell (A) for rotary-barreled firearms, which houses the rotor, bolt assembly, and ammunition of a rotary-barreled firearm group, characterized in that it comprises:• at least two parts that enable the rotor shell (A) to be separated and reassembled,• a helical path (5) formed on its inner surface, and• an access door (1 ) integrally formed with the rotor shell (A).

2. The rotor shell (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises connection elements for joining the multiple parts that allow separation and reassembly of the shell.

3. The rotor shell (A) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said connection elements are pins.

4. The rotor shell (A) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said connection elements are bolts.

5. The rotor shell (A) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said connection elements are welds.

6. The rotor shell (A) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it preferably comprises a semi-cylindrical lower body (3) and an upper body (2) of the shell, which is symmetrical to said lower body (3).

7. The access door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it forms an integral structure with the rotor shell (A).

8. The access door (1 ) according to any of claims 1 or 7, characterized in that a service door (9) and a helical path cover (10) are formed as a single piece.

9. The access door (1) according to any of claims 1, 7, or 8, characterized in that it comprises a helical path (5) on its inner surface that aligns with the helical path on the inner surface of the shell.

10. The access door (1) according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, or 9, characterized in that when in the closed position, it fits flush with the rotor shell (A) without forming any protrusion on the upper surface (6) of the shell.

11. The access door (1 ) according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, or 10, characterized in that when the door is open, the connection between the helical path (5) on the rotor shell (A) and the helical path (5) on the access door (1) is interrupted, thereby disabling the firing function of the firearm.

12. The access door (1) according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11, characterized in that its opening direction is opposite to the direction of the barrel.

13. The access door (1) according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking pin that connects the access door (1) to the upper body (2) of the shell and can be easily attached and detached.

14. The access door (1) according to any of claims 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking bolt that connects the access door (1) to the upper body (2) of the shell and can be easily attached and detached.

15. A rotor shell (A) for rotary-barreled firearms, which houses the rotor, bolt assembly, and ammunition of a rotary-barreled firearm group, characterized in that it comprises an access door (1) integrally formed with the rotor shell (A), said access door including a helical path (5) that continues the helical path present on the shell16. The rotor shell (A) according to claim 15, characterized in that the helical path (5) formed on the inner surface of the rotor shell (A) continues seamlessly on the inner surface of the access door (1 ).