Improved barrel clamp assembly for rotary-barrel firearms

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a barrel clamp assembly belonging to the group of rotary-barrel firearms, comprising a barrel clamp tube (2) that protects components such as the barrels, wheel, and wheel blades against external impacts while allowing air circulation through air channels; barrels that converge at a narrowing angle from rear to front and meet at the flash suppressor barrel holes (12); wheel blades (5) angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis and having a radial surface structure; and a flash suppressor (1) comprising horizontally oriented flash suppressor air channels (7). This design provides enhanced protection of critical components, improved cooling efficiency, optimized flash suppression, and increased accuracy against smaller targets.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED BARREL CLAMP ASSEMBLY FOR ROTARY-BARREL FIREARMS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to firearms and, more specifically, to improvements made in the barrel clamp assembly of rotary-barrel firearms such as a minigun.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Modern rotary-barrel weapon systems are multi-barrel machine guns with automatic firing and high rates of fire. Among modern rotary-barrel weapon systems, the minigun is a six-barrel, electrically driven machine gun with a fixed firing rate of 3,000 to 4,000 rounds per minute. High firing rates are achieved by using barrels rotating at 500 RPM or 666.67 RPM. Rotary-barrel weapon systems are capable of performing loading, firing, and unloading functions sequentially in different barrels, cooling the barrels during rotation, and allowing the entire rotor assembly to rotate. Rotary-barrel firearms comprise multiple barrels mounted on a rotor, which are sequentially operated by a motor.

[0006] During the firing process, rotary-barrel firearms employ multiple barrels (generally six) rotating successively in a circular cycle at a single position. These barrels are arranged in parallel along the barrel clamp assembly. This structure causes the ammunition to spread over a wide area during firing, making it ineffective especially against small-sized targets. Therefore, while each of the six barrels is used only for firing a single round, the remaining time allows the barrels to cool in the airflow generated by rotation. Although many improvements have been made to rotarybarrel firearms over time, rotary barrels have been preserved in all types of these weapons.In rotary-barrel firearms, overheating of the barrels and barrel clamp assembly during firing is a critical problem that directly affects the performance and lifespan of the weapon. Therefore, various methods have been developed to prevent overheating of the barrels and barrel clamp assembly during firing and to ensure cooling of the heated barrels. The most common of these methods include designing the barrel clamp tube with openings and gaps to maximize airflow into the inner sections during operation, and mounting fans with air channels inside the clamp tube to transfer heated air outward during firing.

[0007] One example in the prior art is U.S. Patent No. US2016091270A1 , which relates to a barrel clamp assembly developed for a multi-barrel minigun. This barrel clamp assembly, having multiple longitudinal openings extending between its front and rear ends, provides cooling of the barrel by moving ambient air during barrel rotation through a fan mounted between the front and rear ends of the barrel clamp tube, the fan having blades with air channels.

[0008] Another example is U.S. Patent No. US10168118B2, which relates to a barrel clamp assembly developed for Gatling-type firearms. This invention aims to direct fresh air currents to the muzzle area of the firearm, to cool the barrels during firing with directed air currents, and to contribute to the breakdown of fuel-rich gases that cause muzzle flash during firing.

[0009] Muzzle flash is another significant problem for rotary-barrel firearms, as in many other firearms. The two main components of muzzle flash are unburned powder / explosive and the mixing of ambient air and gases resulting from firing. In this case, hot, fuel-rich gases mix with ambient air, causing an explosive flame. In addition, unburned powder exiting the barrel produces sparks, creating a source of light and heat. In multi-barrel firearms, the problem caused by muzzle flash worsens with rapid firing of ammunition. This not only increases muzzle flash intensity but also creates potential for component accumulation leading to larger and more pronounced muzzle flashes.In the prior art, especially in M-134 type rotary-barrel firearm models, many methods have been developed to suppress muzzle flash. One of the most common is attaching a large collar around the barrels to conceal the flash. However, this method does not truly solve the problem, as the flash still persists and can be seen from certain angles outside the target area. Other mechanical methods attempted include using flash suppressors and muzzle brakes to reduce muzzle flash. These devices tend to disrupt the flow of propellant gases, particularly the initial shock wave from the explosion that contributes to muzzle flash. However, this strategy requires a suppressor for each barrel of an M-134 or other rotary multi-barrel firearm. Another strategy is adding chemical compounds, usually salts, to the powder to neutralize fuel-rich gases. However, this approach tends to increase both smoke and residue.

[0010] The problems associated with barrel clamp assemblies in rotary-barrel firearm systems in the prior art highlight the need for new developments in these areas.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to improvements made in the barrel clamp assembly used in rotary-barrel firearm systems, in order to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and to introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0013] Rotary-barrel firearm systems included in the prior art comprise a barrel assembly to hold and rotate the barrels. The barrel assembly subject to the present invention generally comprises a barrel clamp tube (2) with air channels (8) that provide airflow into the inner sections while protecting the barrels from external factors, barrel holders (3) that keep the barrels fixed, a flash suppressor (1) mounted on the front end of the barrel, and a wheel (4) mounted on the middle sections of the barrel.

[0014] The primary objective of the present invention is to prevent overheating of the barrels and the barrel clamp assembly during firing in rotary-barrel firearms, thereby increasing the performance and service life of the weapon.Another objective of the invention is to enable effective destruction of smaller-sized targets by allowing the barrels fixed in position via barrel holders (3) within the barrel clamp assembly to converge at a narrowing angle in the flash-suppressing barrel channels (17).

[0015] A further important objective of the invention is to enhance the performance of the flash suppressor (1) mounted at the front end of the barrel clamp assembly, thereby concealing the flashes generated during firing and making it more difficult to determine the position of the weapon.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided solely for illustrative purposes and show only examples of the invention. These drawings are intended to facilitate the reader’s understanding of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope or applicability. It should be noted that, for clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings may not be shown to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 : Perspective view of a barrel clamp assembly belonging to the prior art Figure 2: Rear perspective view of the barrel clamp assembly components

[0019] Figure 3: Front perspective view of the barrel clamp assembly components Figure 4: Flash suppressor

[0020] Figure 4a: Front view of the flash suppressor

[0021] Figure 5: Barrel clamp tube

[0022] Figure 6: Wheel

[0023] Figure 6a: General view of the wheel blades

[0024] Figure 6b: Front flange portion of the wheel

[0025] Figure 6c: Front view of the wheel

[0026] Figure 7: Barrel holderREFERENCE LIST

[0027] The reference numbers included in the figures are explained below:

[0028] 1. Flash suppressor

[0029] 2. Barrel clamp tube

[0030] 3. Barrel holder

[0031] 4. Wheel

[0032] 5. Wheel blades

[0033] 6. Wheel front flange

[0034] 7. Flash suppressor air channels

[0035] 8. Barrel clamp tube air channels

[0036] 9. Barrels

[0037] 10. Wheel barrel slots

[0038] 11. Airflow channels

[0039] 12. Flash suppressor barrel holes

[0040] 13. Wheel flange surface

[0041] 14. Barrel holder slots

[0042] 15. Weapon body assembly

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained with examples that are intended solely to facilitate understanding and do not impose any limiting effect. The terms “rear” or “rear end” used in the specification refer to the direction of the barrels (9) toward the weapon body assembly (15), while the terms “front” or “forward” refer to the direction of the barrels (9) toward the flash suppressor.

[0045] The present invention relates to a barrel clamp assembly for rotary-barrel firearms, comprising a barrel clamp tube (2), a barrel holder (3), barrel slots (10), wheel blades (5) angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis and having a radial surface structure, a flash suppressor (1), and flash suppressor barrel holes (12). With this invention, improvements have been made on the barrel clampassembly components - namely the barrel clamp tube (2), wheel (4) and wheel blades (5), barrel holders (3), and flash suppressor (1) - which work in an integrated manner, thereby providing solutions in four main areas. In brief, the barrel clamp tube (2) comprises segmented air channels (8) of various geometric shapes instead of the longitudinal and continuous air channels (8) common in the prior art, thereby forming wide and high-strength closed areas. Thus, the inner regions of the barrel clamp assembly, particularly critical parts such as the barrels (9), wheel (4), and wheel blades (5), are made more resistant to external impacts while still allowing airflow for cooling. The barrel holder (3), barrel slots (10), and flash suppressor barrel holes (12), arranged sequentially from rear to front, are designed to converge at a narrowing angle, enabling ammunition to concentrate at a smaller radius on the target and thereby effectively destroy smaller-sized targets. Improvements in the design, angle, and dimensions of the wheel blades (5) provide more effective cooling of the barrels under ambient heat. Unlike the vertical (longitudinal) design of flash suppressor air channels (7) in the prior art, the present invention employs horizontally designed channels with increased number, thereby enabling faster expulsion of propellant gases, improved recoil control, balanced lateral movement, prevention of gas reaching the shooter, and optimized flash suppression.

[0046] As shown representatively in Figure 1, the prior art rotary-barrel firearm barrel clamp assembly generally comprises barrels (9) fixed by barrel holders (3), a barrel clamp tube (2) with longitudinal openings, and a flash suppressor (1) mounted at the front end with longitudinal air channels (7).

[0047] In the prior art, the barrel clamp tube (2) contains continuous longitudinal air channels (8) to expel hot air generated during firing. As shown in Figure 1 , the barrel clamp tube air channels (8) of the prior art are designed as wide and long openings that extend continuously along the barrel clamp tube (2). This design of the prior art barrel clamp tube air channels (8) causes the internal components of the barrel clamp assembly — such as the wheel (4) and wheel blades (5), and especially the barrels (9) — to be exposed to external impacts and to suffer damage during use or transportation of the firearm. In the present invention, the barrel clamp tube (2)comprises segmented air channels (8) of various geometric shapes on its surface, thereby forming wide, high-strength closed areas. This design of the barrel clamp tube air channels (8) both increases the strength of the barrel clamp tube (2) and protects the inner regions of the barrel clamp assembly from direct impacts, making critical components such as the barrels (9), wheel (4), and wheel blades (5) more resistant to external factors. At the same time, the barrel clamp tube air channels (8) allow cold air from outside to enter the mechanism during operation, thereby enabling cooling of the barrels.

[0048] In the barrel clamp assembly of the prior art, the barrels extend in parallel from the barrel holder slots (14) located at the rear end, through the wheel barrel slots (10) in the middle section, and up to the flash suppressor barrel holes (12) at the front end. In other words, the spacing between the barrels remains constant from rear to front. This causes the ammunition to spread over a wide area during firing, thereby preventing effective results, particularly against small-sized targets. The combination of barrel holder slots (14), wheel barrel slots (10), and flash suppressor barrel holes (12), which ensures that the barrels are fixed within the mechanism, is referred to in the present invention as the barrel fixing set. In the present invention, the spacing between the barrel holder slots (14) on the rear barrel holder (3) is wider than the spacing between the wheel barrel slots (10) located in the middle section of the barrel clamp assembly. The spacing between the wheel barrel slots (10) is, in turn, wider than the spacing between the flash suppressor barrel holes (12) located at the front end of the barrels (9). This synchronized design of the barrel holder slots (14), wheel barrel slots (10), and flash suppressor barrel holes (12) causes the barrel ends (9) to converge at a narrowing angle toward the flash suppressor barrel holes (12). As a result, ammunition is concentrated at a smaller radius on the target during firing, thereby increasing the hit accuracy on small-sized targets and enabling the target to be struck and destroyed much more effectively.

[0049] One of the fundamental components of the barrel clamp assembly in rotary-barrel firearm systems is the wheel (4), which is a ring-shaped body of single-piece construction. It is mounted to the barrel clamp tube (2) via metal connection pointsand rivet / screw holes located around its circumference. The wheel barrel slots (10) positioned on the front flange (6) allow the barrels to be inserted and held parallel to the longitudinal main axis. Numerous curved wheel blades (5) are placed around the wheel. In the prior art, these wheel blades (5) are designed at an angle opposite to the barrel axis. In other words, in the previous technique, the blade angles are oriented in the same direction as the rotation of the barrel clamp assembly (counterclockwise). This design of the prior art wheel blades, angled opposite to the barrel axis (same direction as the rotation of the barrel clamp assembly), provides cooling by expelling hot air outward from within the barrel clamp assembly. In contrast, in the present invention, the wheel blades (5) have a radial surface structure and are angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis. In other words, the blade angles in the present invention are designed opposite to the rotation direction of the barrel clamp assembly. The wheel blades (5) maintain this form along their entire length. Unlike the prior art, the design of the wheel blades (5) in the present invention, and particularly their radial surface structure, provides cooling not by expelling hot air outward, but by drawing cool air from outside into the assembly. This design increases the flow of cool air toward the heated barrels (9) during firing, thereby enabling rapid cooling of the environment. This method provides much more effective and faster cooling compared to the prior art, where wheel blade angles are aligned with the rotation direction and cooling is achieved by expelling hot air outward. Consequently, the firing performance and barrel lifespan of the weapon are significantly increased.

[0050] Another significant distinction of the wheel blades (5) in the present invention compared to the prior art is that they are up to three times longer than the blades used previously. In the present invention, the wheel blades (5) are designed to extend along the barrel axis, angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13), and to maintain their form along the length of the barrel, thereby allowing them to continue longer without colliding with the barrels (9). The increased length of the wheel blades (5), up to three times that of the prior art, substantially enlarges their surface area, which in turn generates greater airflow during rotation of the clamp assembly. Thisenhanced airflow allows more cold air from outside to be transferred into the inner section, thereby achieving faster and more effective cooling.

[0051] The barrel clamp assembly of rotary-barrel firearm systems comprises a flash suppressor (1) mounted at its front end. The primary function of this flash suppressor is to prevent detection of the weapon’s position by concealing the flash generated during firing from being visible at different angles. As shown in Figure 1, flash suppressors (1) of minigun-type rotary-barrel firearm systems contain flash suppressor air channels (7) designed to rapidly expel propellant gases during firing, thereby extinguishing the flash occurring at the barrel tips. In the prior art, the flash suppressor air channels (7) of rotary-barrel firearms are vertically oriented relative to the mouth opening of the flash suppressor. In the present invention, however, the flash suppressor (1) comprises horizontally oriented air channels (7) relative to its mouth opening. Furthermore, the number of flash suppressor air channels (7) has been increased. This design ensures proportional distribution of pressure at the barrel exit during firing, faster expulsion of propellant gases, and balancing of lateral movement through redirected gases, thereby optimizing the flash suppression function. With this new design of the flash suppressor air channels (7), faster expulsion of propellant gases also improves recoil control and substantially prevents gases from reaching the shooter.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A barrel clamp assembly belonging to the group of rotary-barrel firearms, comprising a barrel clamp tube (2), a barrel holder (3), barrel slots (10), a wheel (4) with wheel blades (5), and a flash suppressor (1), characterized in that the wheel blades (5) are angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis.

2. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the barrel clamp tube (2) comprises segmented air channels (8) of various geometric shapes, thereby forming wide closed areas.

3. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the spacing between the barrel holder slots (14) located on the rear barrel holder (3) is wider than the spacing between the wheel barrel slots (10) located on the wheel (4) in the middle section of the barrel clamp assembly, and the spacing between the wheel barrel slots (10) is wider than the spacing between the flash suppressor barrel holes (12).

4. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the spacing between the barrels (9) continues from the rear barrel holder slots (14) to the front flash suppressor barrel holes (12) at a narrowing angle.

5. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the wheel blades (5) have a radial surface structure.

6. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the wheel blades (5) are angled relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis.

7. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claims 1, 5, and 6, characterized in that the wheel blades (5) are angled opposite to the rotation direction of the barrel clamp assembly, thereby drawing cold air inward.

8. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claims 1, 5, 6, and 7, characterized in that the angle of the wheel blades (5) relative to the wheel flange surface (13) along the barrel axis is maintained along the entire length of the blades.

9. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claims 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8, characterized in that the wheel blades (5) are up to three times longer than those of the prior art, thereby providing cooling over a larger area.io10. The barrel clamp assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flash suppressor air channels (7) are horizontally oriented relative to the mouth opening of the flash suppressor.

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