magazine of a cannon

Abstract

Magazine (1) of a cannon with several containers (3) for each receiving a cartridge (15), wherein the containers (3) are connected to each other by a connecting means (2), wherein at least one container (3) has a support tray (4) and at least one retaining flap (5.1, 5.2), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is pivotably held on the support tray (4), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is pivotable back and forth between a release (6) and a holding position (7), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a cartridge case area (8) and an axially spaced projectile head area (10), wherein in the holding position (7) a radial distance between the cartridge case area (8) and an opposite base of the support tray (4) is greater than a radial distance between the projectile head area (10) and the opposite base of the support tray (4), wherein in the holding position (7) between the Sleeve area (8) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) and a first area (16) of the cartridge (15), wherein in the holding position (7) a second bearing surface is formed between the projectile head area (10) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) and a second area (17) of the cartridge (15), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a transition area (12) which is formed between the case area (8) and the projectile head area (10), wherein in the holding position (7) a third bearing surface is formed between the transition area (12) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) and a transition area of ​​the cartridge (18), characterized in that a sum of the bearing surfaces of the at least one retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is at least 35% of the surface area of ​​the cartridge (15), wherein the support shell (4) is cylindrical segment-shaped with an opening angle of less than 180°, wherein two retaining flaps (5.1, 5.2) are arranged symmetrically on the support tray (4), wherein the pivot axes of the two retaining flaps (5.1, 5.2) run parallel to a cartridge axis.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a magazine of a cannon having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Magazines, for example in armored vehicles, feature a bucket chain or belt conveyor to which several containers, called buckets, are attached for holding cartridges. These containers are also referred to as ammunition loading containers. The bucket chain or belt conveyor transports the cartridges to the loading port of a cannon or to a cannon feeder. Magazines are also referred to as ammunition feeders in the following text. The terms cartridge and ammunition are used synonymously. Standard cartridges consist of a case with a diameter to hold a propellant charge. A projectile with a diameter is attached to the case. The case diameter is larger than the projectile diameter. The cartridge is conical in the transition area. When fired, the propellant charge is ignited and the projectile is propelled through a gun barrel.

[0003] In the prior art, retaining flaps for fixing ammunition are known in the form of pliers, retaining jaws, clamps and grippers.

[0004] From DE 30 31 203 C1, a magazine for a tank gun with a bucket chain is known. Several buckets for holding cartridges are arranged on the bucket chain. The containers have a cylindrical shape with two openings at the ends, so that the cartridge can be fed to the gun's feed point by means of a rammer. The containers have several openings, which are arranged axially and circumferentially. Cartridges with a projectile and a casing can be fed and secured, having two different diameters: a larger casing diameter and a smaller projectile diameter. The cartridge is secured through the openings by means of several clamps on the outer circumference. One clamp rests on the projectile and another on the cartridge casing. This protects the cartridge from shocks and vibrations.

[0005] German patent DE 2 153 327 A discloses a similar cylindrical ammunition carrier with a container for holding a cartridge, wherein the container has several openings, grippers being arranged in the openings. The grippers are pressed radially inwards against the projectile by actuating elements. The actuating elements are arranged on axially extending rods and are spring-loaded, causing the grippers to deform inwards.

[0006] From DE 33 43 843 A1, a loading device is known with a container for receiving a cartridge, which has two lower support plates on which the cartridge rests. The cartridge is secured at the top by means of two retaining jaws, which are pivotably mounted parallel to the axis of the cartridge. These retaining jaws also only make contact with a limited area of ​​the cartridge in a holding position. The two retaining jaws have a common pivoting mechanism for pivoting them simultaneously.

[0007] German patent DE 34 09 018 A1 discloses an ammunition loading container for an automatic loading device of a firearm. The ammunition loading container has a semicircular cup on which the cartridge rests. The cup is stepped in several places so that cartridges of varying diameters are held securely along their entire length. The cartridge is supported at the projectile head and the case head. The cartridge is held in the cup by two axially offset retaining clips. To load or unload the cartridge, the retaining clips are opened. Here too, the retaining clips secure the cartridge only at two small sections of the cartridge case. One retaining clip rests against the projectile head and the other against the propellant case.

[0008] German patent DE 29 48 146 A1 discloses an automatic loading device for firearms mounted in an armored vehicle turret. The loading device has an inner and an outer container unit for receiving ammunition. The inner container unit has two slots, each containing a clamp. When the ammunition is placed in the inner container unit, it is held in the area of ​​one of the projectiles by the two clamps. The clamps are moved into a closed position by cams when the ammunition is inserted into the inner container unit.

[0009] German patent DE 36 12 208 A1 discloses a device for loading a tank's weapon with large-caliber cartridges that are in a ready position on the floor of the tank's cargo bay. A substantially cylindrical conveying vessel with a rigid rear half-shell and two quarter-shells hinged to it serves to feed the cartridges. By pivoting the cartridge laterally into the rigid half-shell, the initially open quarter-shells are closed.

[0010] German patent application DE 10 2019 106 245 A1 discloses a container for propellant powder modules. One container section has a semi-cylindrical shape and serves to hold at least one (propellant powder) module. Two axially spaced half-lids are pivotably arranged on one side of the container section. These half-lids are closed by means of a handle after the modules have been inserted. Each module is held in place by one half-lid.

[0011] US patent 2003 / 0192992A1 describes a system for dropping containers from a vehicle, particularly an aircraft. This system uses a double-walled drop tube, which is specifically cylindrical.

[0012] US patent 2012 / 0266748A1 describes an automatic magazine for storing and handling explosive charges. The magazine includes containers for holding the explosive charges. Each container has two pivoting flaps that keep the individual explosive charges in the closed position.

[0013] US patent 4,318,331A discloses an automatic ammunition loading device for an armed vehicle. A half-shell serves to hold a piece of ammunition. Two hinged lids are attached to the half-shell. The lids close after the ammunition has been inserted, thus preventing it from falling out of the half-shell.

[0014] The magazine for projectiles is known from US 5 675 109 A. The projectiles are held with a pair of opposing fingers, which are adapted to the contour of the projectile.

[0015] The JP S62 - 172 995 U shows a magazine in which a cartridge is held by means of two rings, with each ring only enclosing a small axial area of ​​the cartridge.

[0016] FR 3 059 093 A1 shows a container for large-caliber ammunition. The container is used to transport the ammunition on a pallet. It has an outer shell and an inner shell. The inner shell generally corresponds to the outer shape of the ammunition and is inserted into the outer shell. The inner shell has two halves, allowing the ammunition to be enclosed from two opposite sides. A lid on one end of the container, adjacent to the base of the ammunition, provides a closure.

[0017] DE 41 26 199 A1 discloses an ammunition container for large-caliber ammunition in which the ammunition is held by at least two trays arranged parallel to the ammunition, one tray being fixed and the other being movable. The fixed tray is adapted to the shape of the ammunition and has an opening angle of less than 180°.

[0018] All the aforementioned cartridge holder designs support or hold the cartridge only over a small area. Specifically, the cartridges are only contacted by moving parts such as the retaining jaws, grippers, and clamps over a limited surface. The area where the pistons or retaining flaps contact the cartridge is called the contact surface. Impacts or vibrations create pressure between the cartridge and the pistons or retaining flaps. This pressure is distributed only over these limited contact areas, resulting in relatively large forces. Particularly sensitive cartridges could therefore be damaged or destroyed by these impacts or vibrations even before firing.

[0019] The purpose of the invention is therefore to create a magazine for a cannon with a container for holding cartridges, which adequately and safely protects even sensitive cartridges from shocks and vibrations.

[0020] The problem is solved by a magazine with the features of claim 1, in that the retaining flap has a cartridge case area and an axially spaced-apart projectile head area, wherein, in the retaining position, a radial distance between the cartridge case area and an opposite base of the support tray is greater than a radial distance between the projectile head area and the opposite base of the support tray. The distance is measured radially as the minimum distance between the area of ​​the retaining flap and the inner surface of the support tray against which the cartridge rests, which is referred to here as the base.

[0021] This allows the ammunition to be held in place by closing a retaining flap, securing it at both the projectile head and the cartridge case. Furthermore, the ammunition can be supported radially over a larger area by the retaining flaps, thus distributing pressure forces over a greater surface. This reduces the risk of damage to the ammunition inside the container before firing.

[0022] In the holding position, a first bearing surface is formed between the case area of ​​the retaining flap and a first area of ​​the cartridge, wherein a second bearing surface is formed between the projectile head area of ​​the retaining flap and a second area of ​​the cartridge, wherein the retaining flap has a transition area formed between the case area and the projectile head area, and wherein a third bearing surface is formed between the transition area of ​​the retaining flap and a transition area of ​​the cartridge in the holding position. According to the invention, the sum of the bearing surfaces of the at least one retaining flap is at least 35% of the surface area of ​​the cartridge, wherein the support shell is cylindrical segment-shaped with an opening angle of less than 180°, wherein two retaining flaps are arranged mirror-symmetrically on the support shell, and wherein the pivot axes of the two retaining flaps run parallel to a cartridge axis.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the retaining flap has a first semi-cylindrical area with a first radius and a second semi-cylindrical area with a second radius, the second radius being smaller than the first radius. This allows a large first bearing surface to be formed between the first area of ​​the retaining flap and a first area of ​​the cartridge in the holding position, and a large second bearing surface to be formed between the second area of ​​the retaining flap and a second area of ​​the cartridge in the holding position.

[0024] These features allow for particularly gentle storage of cartridges in the container. The retaining flap rests in its holding position with the entire contact surface of both the first and second sections on the cartridge. This contact surface is characterized by continuous contact between the retaining flap and the cartridge at every point. Due to this complete contact surface, the pressure exerted between the cartridge and the retaining flap is minimal. Despite this low pressure, the cartridge is securely held in the container. This provides excellent protection against bending, impacts, vibrations, and shocks, preventing damage to even delicate cartridges.

[0025] It is conceivable that the semi-cylindrical areas are designed as a kind of constriction, i.e., forming a relatively short axial contact surface with the ammunition. In a preferred embodiment, however, the semi-cylindrical areas extend over a longer axial area closely parallel to the outer circumferential surface of the ammunition, so that the contact surfaces are correspondingly large.

[0026] The total contact area of ​​at least one retaining flap must be at least 35% of the cartridge's surface area. This further increases the cartridge's protection against impacts or vibrations. It is also possible to achieve the contact area defined above by incorporating holes into the retaining flap for weight reduction.

[0027] In the embodiment according to the invention, the retaining flap has a transition area formed between the cartridge case area and the projectile head area, wherein, in the holding position, a third bearing surface is formed between the transition area of ​​the retaining flap and a transition area of ​​the cartridge. In this way, the bearing surface between the retaining flap and the cartridge is further increased, so that the protection of the cartridge against shocks, vibrations, or impacts is even more effective. Due to this transition area, cartridges with complex shapes can be transported safely. Typically, cartridges are conical in the transition area between the cartridge case and the projectile. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transition area of ​​the retaining flap is partially conical.The conical design of the retaining flap in the transition area ensures that a contact surface forms between the retaining flap and the cartridge in the holding position. This conical shape secures the cartridge in both radial and axial directions. In the partially cylindrical area, axial fixation is achieved solely through friction and not additionally through positive locking.

[0028] According to the invention, the cartridge tray is designed, at least partially, and in particular along its entire length, as a hollow cylindrical segment with an opening angle of less than 180°. It is possible to further support the cartridge in the projectile head area with an insert, or to form a retaining rib on the cartridge tray in the projectile head area. This feature allows the cartridge to be inserted into and removed from the cartridge tray from above. Furthermore, the cartridge can be slid in and out of the cartridge tray along its axis. This provides considerable flexibility regarding the use of handling devices that interact with the magazine.

[0029] In the embodiment according to the invention, two retaining flaps are arranged symmetrically on the support shell, with the pivot axes of the two retaining flaps running parallel to a cartridge axis. Such an arrangement leads to a simple and therefore cost-effective design of the retaining flaps and the associated pivoting mechanisms. The torques to be transmitted by the pivoting mechanisms are small, since the projecting areas of the retaining flaps are short. Due to the symmetry, partially identical or at least similar components can also be used.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, a torsion spring is arranged on each of the retaining flaps to hold the flap in the holding position. This torsion spring allows the retaining flap to gently seat on the cartridge when it is moved from the release to the holding position. This process occurs shortly after a new cartridge is inserted into a magazine chamber. The gentle seating prevents damage to the cartridge during this process. In the holding position itself, the torsion spring exerts slight pressure from the retaining flap onto the cartridge. This securely holds the cartridge in the chamber, preventing it from being unintentionally ejected under stress.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining flap has a total length that is greater than the length of the cartridge. This feature allows for the formation of a bearing surface between the retaining flap and the cartridge that extends over the entire length of the cartridge. This protects the cartridge from bending stresses. Since no part of the cartridge casing remains exposed to the retaining flap, no bending moments can occur.

[0032] Advantageously, the first semi-cylindrical section of the retaining flap has a length that is at least 20 to 30% of the total length of the retaining flap. The length of this first semi-cylindrical section depends primarily on the cartridges being transported. Typical cartridge case and bullet lengths fall within this range of 20 to 30% of the cartridge's total length. This ensures that the retaining flap supports the cartridge along its entire length.

[0033] It is possible that the carrying tray is also adapted to the shape of the ammunition, i.e., that it is stepped in the area of ​​the projectile head, or that a supporting insert is arranged, in particular attached, within the carrying tray in the area of ​​the projectile head.

[0034] There are numerous ways to develop and refine the invention. Reference is first made to the claims dependent on claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. Schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cannon magazine in a side view in section. Fig. 2 schematically a detail of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 with retaining flaps in a release position and Fig. 3 schematically a detail of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 in a side view perpendicular to the one from Fig. 1

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a magazine 1 for a cannon. Several containers 3 – the so-called cups – are arranged on a connecting element 2 – preferably in the form of a belt conveyor. The container 3 has a support tray 4 for receiving and conveying a cartridge 15. When the magazine 1 is in operation, the connecting element 2 moves in the direction of the arrow, so that the cartridge 15 is brought, for example, to a cannon. The cartridge 15 rests in the support tray 4, which has the shape of a half-shell. The angular range of the cartridge 15, in which it rests on the half-shell, is less than 180°. Furthermore, the container 3 has two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2, which are pivotably arranged on the support tray 4. The retaining flap 5.1 is held on the support tray 4 by means of a hinge 13.1, and the retaining flap 5.2 is held on the support tray 4 by means of a hinge 13.2. The hinges 13.1 and 13.2 could, for example, be mounted using ball bearings. The two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 are arranged symmetrically on two opposite sides of the cup 4. In . Fig. Figure 1 shows the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 in a holding position 7. This position is characterized by the fact that the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 hold the cartridge 15 by resting on it and being pressed against it with a slight force. These forces exerted by the two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 on the cartridge 15 are generated by two torsion springs 14.1 and 14.2, which are integrated into the hinges 13.1 and 13.2. The forces thus generated are distributed over a large surface area of ​​the cartridge 15, as the two contact surfaces between the two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 and the cartridge 15 are correspondingly large. These contact surfaces are created by the contact between the two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 and the cartridge 15 and extend almost over the entire upper half of the cartridge 15.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a detail of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 with retaining flaps in a release position 6. The same reference numerals are used as for Fig. 1 used. Since Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are largely identical, the description will be extended to Fig. 1 was referred to and only the changes are discussed below.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows only the container 3 in a release position 6. The two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 are pivoted outwards so that the cartridge 15 can be removed from the top of the cup 3. This occurs, for example, in a transfer position of the container 3 to a cannon. In this release position 6, a cartridge 15 can also be fed into an empty container 3 from above. Due to the design of the support shell 4 as a half-shell, it is also possible to push the cartridge 15 axially out of the cup 3 in the release position 6 of the container 3, or to push the cartridge 15 axially into an empty container 3.

[0038] After a cartridge 15 is inserted into the carrying tray 4, the two retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 are closed, i.e., they are moved from the release position 6 to the holding position 7. This is accomplished by means of the torsion springs 14.1 and 14.2 and mechanisms not shown here. This closing action preferably occurs automatically. The two mirror-symmetrically arranged retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 are moved simultaneously by means of such mechanisms and come into contact with the cartridge 15 at the same time. The rotation of the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 occurs about an axis formed by the two hinges 13.1 and 13.2. It is also conceivable to use two or more hinges per retaining flap 5.1 or 5.2.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a detail of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 in a side view perpendicular to the one from Fig. Figure 1 is shown. The same reference symbols are used as for the preceding figures. Since Fig. 3 and the preceding figures are largely the same, the description refers to Fig. 1 was referred to and only the changes are discussed below.

[0040] In the view from Fig. Figure 3 shows the different sections of cartridge 15. Cartridge 15 has a cylindrical case 16 to hold a propellant charge. A cylindrical projectile head 17 is attached to the case 16 and is ejected upon ignition of the propellant charge. The case 16 has a larger diameter than the projectile 17. The transition between the case 16 and the projectile head 17 is formed by a cartridge cone 18. This cartridge cone 18 can be part of the case 16 or part of the projectile head 17; the crucial factor is that there is a smooth transition between the case 16 and the projectile head 17.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 further illustrates how the retaining flap 5.1 rests on the cartridge. Fig. Figure 3 shows the container 3 in holding position 7 with the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 closed. The retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 have a sleeve area 8 with a sleeve area radius 9, the sleeve area 8 resting on the sleeve 16 of the cartridge 15. The contact surface between the sleeve 16 and the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 extends over the entire length of the sleeve 16.

[0042] The retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 each have a projectile head area 10 with a projectile head area radius 11, the projectile head area 10 resting on the projectile head 17 of the cartridge 15. The contact surface between the projectile head 17 and the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 extends over almost the entire length of the projectile head 17. Only a short tip of the projectile head 17 does not contact the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2.

[0043] The retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 also rest on the cartridge cone 18 of the cartridge 15. The retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 have a transition area 12 with which the cartridge makes contact. The retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2 extend axially along the cartridge 15 over a region that is greater than the length of the cartridge 15.

[0044] The cartridge 15 rests in the case area 8 on the support tray 4. Towards the support tray 4, the cartridge 15 is thus supported only by its case 16. However, since support is also provided by the other parts of the cartridge 15 towards the retaining flaps 5.1 and 5.2, it is nevertheless sufficiently protected against shocks and vibrations. Support of the cartridge 15 can also be provided in the front area.

[0045] The described magazine 1 of a cannon is used particularly in automatic loaders or automatic ammunition feeders of armored vehicles. Reference symbol list 1 Magazine 2 Connecting devices 3 containers or cups 4 support tray 5.1 5.2 Retaining flap Retaining flap 6 Release position 7 Holding position 8 sleeve area 9 Sleeve area radius 10 Projectile head area 11 Projectile head area radius 12 Transition area 13.1 Hinge 13.2 Hinge 14.1 Torsion spring 14.2 Torsion spring 15 cartridges 16 Sleeve 17 Projectile head 18 cartridge cone

Claims

[1] Magazine (1) of a cannon with several containers (3) for each receiving a cartridge (15), wherein the containers (3) are connected to each other by a connecting means (2), wherein at least one container (3) has a support tray (4) and at least one retaining flap (5.1, 5.2), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is pivotably held on the support tray (4), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is pivotable back and forth between a release (6) and a holding position (7), wherein the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a cartridge case area (8) and an axially spaced projectile head area (10), wherein in the holding position (7) a radial distance between the cartridge case area (8) and an opposite base of the support tray (4) is greater than a radial distance between the projectile head area (10) and the opposite base of the support tray (4), wherein in the holding position (7) between the sleeve area (8) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) and a first area (16) of the cartridge (15) a first bearing surface is formed, wherein in the holding position (7) a second bearing surface is formed between the projectile head area (10) of the holding flap (5.1, 5.2) and a second area (17) of the cartridge (15), wherein the holding flap (5.1, 5.2) has a transition area (12) which is formed between the case area (8) and the projectile head area (10), wherein in the holding position (7) a third bearing surface is formed between the transition area (12) of the holding flap (5.1, 5.2) and a transition area of ​​the cartridge (18), . characterized by, that a sum of the bearing surfaces of the at least one retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is at least 35% of the surface of the cartridge (15), wherein the support shell (4) is cylindrical segment-shaped with an opening angle of less than 180°, wherein two retaining flaps (5.1, 5.2) are arranged symmetrically on the support shell (4), wherein the pivot axes of the two retaining flaps (5.1, 5.2) run parallel to a cartridge axis. [2] Magazine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a first semi-cylindrical area (8) with a first radius (9) and a second semi-cylindrical area (10) with a second radius (11), wherein the second radius (11) is smaller than the first (9). [3] Magazine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the transition area (12) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) is partially conical. [4] Magazine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a torsion spring (14.1, 14.2) is arranged on the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) to hold the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) in the holding position (7). [5] Magazine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a total length which is greater than the length of the cartridge (15). [6] Magazine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sleeve area (8) of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2) has a length which is at least 20 to 30% of the total length of the retaining flap (5.1, 5.2).

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