ROHRWAFFE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a barrel weapon, for example, in 81 mm caliber. The invention particularly relates to a mortar weapon and the use of a base plate without a monopod or bipod.

[0002] Mortars are part of the basic equipment of infantry and grenadier troops. As a simple, light, high-angle weapon, they are used to directly support combat units with indirect, high-angle fire. These tube weapons fire at the upper angle and are therefore suitable for engaging a target from safe cover. Mortar weapons, including the 81mm Klaiber, are held by a monopod or bipod. The use of a tripod is also common. These legs are often mounted on a base plate or connected to it. When used on soft ground, these legs are often equipped with claws. These are driven into the ground with the first shot, thus providing a solid base for the weapon barrel. The monopod or bipod also controls the elevation of the weapon barrel.

[0003] AT 227 119 B discloses a base plate bearing for grenade launchers with a ball stud and ball socket designed as a rotating body. By pivoting a grenade launcher tube from an insertion direction, the ball stud is locked in the ball socket. In one embodiment, a locking ring is provided. To ensure that the ball socket or the locking ring is moved along at every elevation of the grenade launcher tube during all-round firing, the ball socket is pivoted such that a plane passing through an upper edge of the ball socket forms an angle with the main plane of the base plate. If, however, the locking ring is not moved along, the grenade launcher tube cannot be lowered sufficiently in the new lateral direction.

[0004] DE 10 2006 005 663 B3 discloses a tube weapon, in particular a mortar or howitzer, comprising at least one weapon barrel and a base plate. The base plate has a first and a second side opposite the first. The first side has claws or spikes. This tube weapon is characterized in that the second side has an anti-slip coating and the base plate is reversible when in use. This allows the tube weapon to be used on both soft and hard surfaces. The spikes or claws enable use on soft surfaces. The second side is smooth and enables use on hard surfaces. The first end of the weapon barrel has a ball that is suitable for receiving the ball in a ball socket of the base plate at any angle. In a first embodiment, the base plate has two ball sockets, one on the first side and another on the second side.Alternatively, another design may feature only a single ball socket, which can be attached to either side of the base plate. This barrel weapon is supported by a bipod.

[0005] DE 20 2015 001 085 U1 describes a mortar training device comprising a launching tube with a front end, a rear open end, a tube wall, and a discharge opening. The rear end of the launching tube is pivotally connected to a base plate. A support with a sighting and alignment device is designed as a height-adjustable bipod.

[0006] A base plate for the M224 mortar weapon is known from US Pat. No. 8,277,141 B1. This base plate has an opening for accommodating the spherical end of a weapon barrel. Additionally, a so-called base cap is provided, which is rotatably mounted in the opening. At a certain angle, the spherical end can be inserted directly into the base cap. At a different angle, the weapon barrel cannot be separated from the base plate. This allows the mortar system to be carried fully assembled.

[0007] A disadvantage of the existing solutions is that the elevation of the barrel weapon is achieved via the monopod or bipod by adjusting the leg length(s). This is complex and often time-consuming.

[0008] A generic device is disclosed in DE 30 34 997 A1, in which a closure for fastening a grenade launcher gun barrel is described.

[0009] The invention aims to propose a simple and improved elevation adjustment of a mortar weapon or a tube weapon.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of ​​dispensing with the conventional monopod, bipod, or tripod and creating a barrel weapon with a so-called "no-leg." Eliminating the need for a separate support for the barrel has the advantage of reducing the weight of the barrel weapon. The basic weight of the barrel weapon is minimized.

[0012] To eliminate the need for a leg, the mortar tube, mounted on a ball in a ball bearing in a base plate, is designed to be fixed to this base plate or ball bearing, but can be removed for elevation adjustment. The ball can be manufactured using 3D printing, among other methods. It can have an internal honeycomb structure made of a steel alloy or similar material.

[0013] The fixing or securing of the gun barrel in the base plate can be done solely via this ball, so that in continuation of this idea it is planned to be able to clamp the ball in the ball bearing itself.

[0014] The ball bearing has a predetermined ball diameter. The ball can be clamped, for example, using friction. To ensure an appropriate clamping torque, this friction can be created by means of at least one spring and at least one pressure plate. The pressure plate, preferably designed as a ring, presses on the ball. The pressure plate is supported by the at least one spring. The at least one spring is preferably a compression spring. A coil spring or disc spring can be used as the compression spring. This is preferably at least one spring assembly. Multiple springs or spring assemblies can be used.

[0015] The operation for adjusting the height of the weapon barrel can also be simplified. At least one tool is used to release the clamp or frictional engagement between the ball and the base plate. To release, one works against at least one spring to raise the pressure plate. This releases the ball, allowing the weapon barrel to be moved. The clamp can preferably be released continuously and as needed. Once the desired setting has been achieved—i.e., the desired alignment height of the weapon barrel has been set—the ball can be re-tightened and the frictional engagement restored.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, the at least one auxiliary device is connected to the weapon barrel in such a way that the weapon barrel can be adjusted in azimuth and elevation via the at least one auxiliary device, preferably together with the auxiliary device. This also allows tilting of the weapon barrel to be manually compensated.

[0017] According to the invention, at least one auxiliary means functions as a handle. However, two handles are preferred. The two handles are preferably arranged on either side of the weapon barrel. They should be mounted at least at a normal height for an operator. Alternatively, an adjustment mechanism can be provided. The clamping and releasing of the annular pressure plate is accomplished via the handle(s). This can be achieved via a hydraulic system with appropriate hydraulic lines or Bowden cables.

[0018] The movable ball also allows the gun to be moved into a transport position. This allows the gun barrel to be moved closer to the base plate.

[0019] The ball can also be detached from the base plate. To do so, it can be clipped in and out of the base plate. The weapon barrel can be separated from the base plate in this way. In this context, the hydraulic lines or Bowden cables can also be provided with an interface, especially if the pressure plate is part of the base plate or the ball bearing. These interfaces can be omitted if the pressure plate, like the ball, can be separated from the base plate with the weapon barrel.

[0020] Since the mounting of the ball on or in the base plate is preferably tool-free, there is no need to carry tools.

[0021] To pick up and carry the barrel weapon, at least one carrying handle, preferably two carrying handles, can be attached to the base plate. Alternative transport options are known.

[0022] The use of a simple plate is preferred for the base plate. This plate should then be machineable. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), for example carbon, can be used as the material. The base plate can have any geometry (shape). Oval, rectangular, V-shaped, triangular, and other base plates are conceivable. Below the base plate, it should have at least one claw or at least one spike. The number of spikes can also depend on the shape of the base plate. For a rectangular shape, four spikes in each corner are preferable; for a triangular shape, at least three.

[0023] The spikes or claws can themselves be replaceable. This makes it possible to replace a broken spike with a new one. It is also possible to swap spikes for soft surfaces with feet for hard surfaces. These feet for hard surfaces are characterized by the fact that they do not have a point, but rather a larger base. These feet preferably have a non-slip surface.

[0024] The proposed weapon is a barrel with a base plate, a ball bearing incorporated in the base plate, and a barrel with a ball at its end, with the ball rotatably mounted in the ball bearing. The barrel is characterized by the ball being lockable in the ball bearing. Locking, i.e., securing the ball in the ball bearing, is preferably achieved via a pressure plate, which is preferably spring-loaded. The spring force acting on the pressure plate must be able to hold the barrel at the set height via the ball at the end, even during a shot.

[0025] The pressure plate is also preferably annular. At least one tool is provided that can release the ball from the ball bearing, allowing the ball to rotate within the ball bearing. To ensure that the elevation of the weapon barrel can be adjusted while the ball is released, the at least one tool is attached to the weapon barrel. This allows the tool and the weapon barrel to be simultaneously actuated and moved by one operator.

[0026] This design eliminates the need for additional support and elevation adjustment of the weapon barrel. These functions are achieved by the clampable ball.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a slightly perspective view of a tube weapon according to the invention, Fig. 2 a top view of Fig. 1 from behind, Fig. 3 a top view of Fig. 1 from the beginning.

[0028] A barrel weapon, for example a mortar or a mortar weapon, is designated 1. The barrel weapon 1 has a base plate 2. A ball bearing 8 is integrated into the base plate 2. The barrel weapon 1 also comprises at least one weapon barrel 4. The weapon barrel 4 has an opening 5 at the front end. At the rear end 6, the weapon barrel 4 is closed off by a ball 7. It should be noted that a large ball has a greater torque than a smaller ball. The ball 7 is suitable for being mounted in the ball bearing 8. The ball bearing 8 and the ball 7 have diameters that are adapted to one another. For a barrel weapon 1 with an 80 mm caliber, the diameter of the ball 7 can be 180 mm, for example. The ball 7 is a 3-axis adjustable ball.

[0029] The ball 7 can be clamped in the ball bearing 8. This is preferably achieved by at least one spring (not shown in detail) and a pressure plate 9. This is preferably designed as a ring, so that the ball 7 is partially covered by this ring. The preferably annular pressure plate 9 is pressed onto the ball 7 via the at least one spring. This creates a frictional connection between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7. Five springs are preferred. The spring force acting on the pressure plate 9 is to be designed such that the weapon barrel 4 can be held at the set height via the ball 7 even when a shot is fired.

[0030] The shape of the base plate 2 can be freely chosen. In the present embodiment, the base plate 2 has an approximately triangular shape. The shape A pin 13 is attached to each of the corners 10, 11, 12. These pins 13 are preferably replaceable and can therefore also be replaced. It is irrelevant whether these pins 13 are permanently attached below the base plate 2 or are guided through holes 14, 15, 16 in the base plate. To engage in the holes 14, 15, 16, the pins 13 can then each have a groove on their circumference (not shown in detail). This groove should be designed such that the base plate 2 or the edge of the hole 14, 15, 16 can engage in this groove. When designing the connection between the pins 13 and the base plate 2, the load when firing must be taken into account. The mandrels 13 can be used for applications involving soft ground.

[0031] Furthermore, it is possible to attach a type of feet 17 to the base plate 2 instead of the spikes 13. These can be attached to the base plate 2, similar to the spikes 13, but can also be inserted into holes 14, 15, 16. The feet 17 differ from the spikes 13 in that they do not have a point, but are preferably flattened. The lower surface 18 of the feet 17 can preferably be provided with a non-slip material ( Fig. 2 ). This can be rubber. Roughened surfaces are also conceivable. The material can also be shock-absorbing. Alternatively, an additional shock-absorbing layer can be provided on surface 18 (not shown in detail). Replacing the spikes 13 with feet 17 enables the barrel weapon 1 to be used on hard surfaces. Replacing the feet 17 with spikes 13 enables use on soft surfaces.

[0032] A means 30 for clamping the ball 7 in the ball bearing 8 in the base plate 2 is mounted around the weapon barrel 4. In the present embodiment, these are two handles 19, 20. The handles 19, 20 are each functionally connected to the pressure plate 9 via a line 21, 22. These lines can be hydraulic lines or Bowden cables, etc. The means 30 can also accommodate a display 31 for coordinates in three axes. With the help of this display 31, the orientation of the weapon barrel 4 can be determined or displayed. The display 31 thus supports the elevation of the weapon barrel 4.

[0033] The ball 7 is detachable from the base plate 2. This allows the weapon barrel 4 to be separated from the base plate 2, particularly for transport. This also allows for easy replacement of the weapon barrel 4 with another one. To simplify transport or replacement, interfaces are provided on or in the base plate 2 that allow the lines 21, 22 between the base plate 2 and the means 30 to be separated (not shown in detail).

[0034] The base plate 2 may have at least one carrying handle 23, 24. This carrying handle 23, 24 enables the carrying and transport of the barrel weapon 1 or the base plate 2 alone.

[0035] The elevation of the barrel weapon 1 is as follows: The barrel weapon 1 is brought into a functional position for use, for example from a transport position (not shown in detail). Once the barrel 4 is separated from the base plate 2, the barrel 4 with the end ball 7 is pushed into the ball bearing 8 of the base plate 2, i.e. it is latched into it. The clamp between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7 is released by lifting the pressure plate 9 against the spring force acting on the pressure plate 9. Lifting is achieved by operating the handles 19, 20 and the associated actuation of the hydraulics or the Bowden cables. These are operated until the barrel 4 has assumed a desired position. In this position, the barrel weapon 1 can be loaded with ammunition (not shown in detail), for example a grenade. Loading in a different position is also conceivable and not excluded.

[0036] To align the weapon barrel 4, the handles 19, 20 are then operated again, releasing the clamping force between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7. This allows the ball 7 to move freely again in the ball bearing 8 of the base plate 2. The handles 19, 20 remain operated until the elevation adjustment of the weapon barrel 4 is complete. The indicator 31 can be used to assist in the elevation adjustment of the weapon barrel 4. Reference symbol

[0037] 1Tube weapon 2Base plate 3(free) 4Gun barrel 5Gun barrel opening 6Gun barrel end 7Ball 8Ball bearing 9Pressure plate 10Corner 11Corner 12Corner 13Pins 14Bore 15Bore 16Bore 17Feet 18Lower surface of the feet 19Handle 20Handle 21Cable 22Cable 23Carrying handle 24Carrying handle 25(free) 26(free) 27(free) 28(free) 29(free) 30Means (auxiliary means) 31Display

Claims

1. Barrel weapon (1) comprising a base plate (2), a ball bearing (8) introduced in the base plate (2) and a weapon barrel (4) having a ball (7) at the end (6), the ball (7) being rotatably mounted in the ball bearing (8), it being possible for the ball (7) to be clamped in the ball bearing (8), and at least one means (30) being provided which can release the clamping of the ball (7) in the ball bearing (8), characterized in that the means (30) is at least one handle (19, 20) by means of which a pressure plate (9) can be acted upon via at least one line (21, 22).

2. Barrel weapon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure plate (9), in particular a pressure plate (9) designed as a ring, presses on the ball (7).

3. Barrel weapon (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that springs act on the pressure plate (9).

4. Barrel weapon (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one means (30) is attached to the weapon barrel (4).

5. Barrel weapon (1) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shape of the base plate (2) is oval, triangular, square, V-shaped or round.

6. Barrel weapon (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the base plate (2) has a mandrel (13) or feet (17).

7. Barrel weapon (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the mandrels (13) and the feet (17) are interchangeable with each other, and the mandrels (13) are interchangeable with the feet (17) and the feet (17) are interchangeable with the mandrels (13).

8. Barrel weapon (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the feet (17) have a rough surface (18) on the underside and / or are provided with a non-slip and / or a shock-absorbing material.

9. Barrel weapon (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized by at least one display (31) which supports the elevation of the weapon barrel (4).

10. Barrel weapon (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the display (31) is a display for coordinates in 3 axes.

11. Barrel weapon (1) according to any of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the means (30) can receive the display (31).