TOWER SYSTEM WITH A WEAPON SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a turret system comprising a turret roof and a weapon system mounted in the turret system with an elevation-adjustable mass. The elevation-adjustable mass comprises a mantlet.

[0002] To increase the weight or mass of the height-adjustable mass, the tower roof has at least one tower roof section designed such that the tower roof section becomes part of the height-adjustable mass. This allows the mass of the height-adjustable mass to be increased such that a center of gravity of the height-adjustable mass shifts toward the pivot point of the height-adjustable mass.

[0003] An elevation-adjustable large-caliber weapon system is typically connected at a single point to a non-elevation-adjustable weapon turret, a shield trunnion bearing. DE 100 62 210 B4 describes a shield trunnion bearing for a cradle support of a large-caliber weapon barrel. This bearing comprises bearing housings arranged on both sides of the cradle support, with each bearing housing containing at least one roller bearing for absorbing radial forces and one thrust bearing for absorbing axial forces. A toroidal roller bearing is used as the roller bearing. CARS toroidal roller bearings have a low overall height and can compensate for misalignment of the shield trunnions.

[0004] The elevation of the weapon system is controlled by an elevation drive. This rotates the elevation-adjustable part (elevation-adjustable mass) of the weapon system around the trunnion bearing. The so-called elevation-adjustable mass is usually formed by the cradle, barrel brake, barrel recoiler, breechblock, and the weapon or gun barrel. The center of gravity of the elevation-adjustable mass is usually not located exactly at the pivot point of the trunnion bearing, but rather in front of or behind it in the direction of fire. This creates an imbalance moment around the trunnion bearing. This imbalance moment must be continuously applied by the elevation drive to keep the weapon system in the direction of fire.

[0005] DE 38 29 860 A1 discloses an unbalance compensation device for a weapon system with a part that supports the weapon barrel and is pivoted in the elevation direction and mounted in a fixed frame via a shield trunnion. The unbalance compensation device has a torsion bar spring arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the shield trunnion in the firing direction in front of the shield trunnion and below the pivoting part of the weapon. The first end of the torsion bar spring is connected to the frame in a rotationally fixed manner. The second end of the torsion bar spring is connected to the pivoting part of the weapon via a lever mechanism. By appropriately designing the lever mechanism, a torque counteracting the unbalance moment is varied, thus adapting the characteristic curve of the compensation device to the unbalance curve.

[0006] EP 2 183 541 B1 describes a length and force compensator. This compensator is used to compensate for the imbalance that occurs when a height-adjustable mass is aligned around a pivot bearing using a linear force system. The length and force compensator itself is compact.

[0007] DE 11 05 313 ​​B discloses an armoured cupola with a roller shutter pivotable about a horizontal axis as a weapon carrier and with an ejection chimney in the roller shutter for the empty cartridge cases.

[0008] EP 0 122 187 A1 discloses a gun turret for an armored vehicle, comprising a saddle mounted on the vehicle by means of a bearing ring allowing its rotation about a vertical axis, and further comprising an oscillating body mounted on the saddle by pins allowing its rotation about a horizontal axis.

[0009] DE 12 74 474 B discloses a gun turret with an automatic weapon which is mounted in the gun turret together with a roller mantlet so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction, and with a telescopic slide which is pivotally mounted in the turret roof and closes an opening between the turret roof and the roller mantlet.

[0010] In practice, an alternative approach is to shift the position of the shield trunnions so that they are as close as possible to the center of gravity of the elevating mass. For a so-called nose-heavy weapon system, the attempt is made to shift the shield trunnions forward in the firing direction, while for a so-called tail-heavy weapon system, the attempt is made to shift them rearward accordingly.

[0011] Currently, large-caliber weapon systems are top-heavy due to ever-increasing gun barrels. Therefore, the aim is to move the trunnions forward in the direction of fire. However, this has the disadvantage that the distance between the trunnion and the rear edge of the weapon system increases, and with it the deflection of the weapon system within the turret in the elevation direction. In this case, the weapon system requires more space upwards and downwards, i.e. more installation space. The turret dimensions and weight increase, and thus become larger. This travel is also limited, as the distance between the trunnion and the rear edge of the weapon system is also limited by the return path of the returning masses and, in particular, by the turret ring.

[0012] The invention is designed to provide a means of achieving good elevation direction of the weapon system, particularly in the case of top-heavy weapon systems.

[0013] This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0014] DE 39 30 256 A1 discloses a tank turret with an armored turret housing and solid frontal armor plating, in which a pivotably mounted gun with a mantlet, cradle, recoil device, and rear breechblock are mounted. The objective here is to increase the recoil mass of an armored weapon. This increase is achieved by incorporating functional masses present in the tank turret into the recoil mass. For this purpose, the turret housing armor plating or the solid frontal armor plating, at least partially or entirely, including the mantlet, are included in the recoil mass.

[0015] Building on this idea, DE 42 06 218 C1 provides for a recoil braking device. This device absorbs most of the vertical forces, leaving only a reduced impact on the fixed turret housing. The shield pin of the cradle tube is also mounted in the turret housing.

[0016] The above ideas focus on increasing the returning masses.

[0017] DE 39 40 419 A1 primarily aims at ease of maintenance. To this end, a mantlet covering a turret opening and through which a weapon barrel passes is divided into several mantlet sections. This division results in at least two turret-fixed mantlets and one weapon-fixed mantlet. By dividing the mantlet elements, the mass and imbalance of the heavy mantlet element are significantly reduced compared to a pivoting mantlet element extending across the full width. The reduction of the elevation-adjustable mass is defined as an advantage here.

[0018] In contrast, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​increasing the mass or weight of an elevation-adjustable mass in order to achieve that the center of gravity of the elevation-adjustable mass is moved or relocated closer to the shield trunnion of a weapon system.

[0019] The implementation of this idea can be found in several approaches.

[0020] A first approach involves making a mantlet belonging to the elevation-adjustable mass heavier. A mantlet, which can be adjusted in elevation with the weapon system, is located in front of the shield trunnions as protection. This mantlet provides frontal armor protection for the turret. The mantlet is part of the elevation-adjustable mass. An elevation-adjustable gun barrel, mounted in a barrel guide, passes through the mantlet.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the shield is extended (in terms of area) rearward beyond the shield trunnions, thereby increasing the weight or mass of the shield and, consequently, the elevating mass. The turret roof can be left open in this area. The protection of the turret roof from above is ensured by the extension of the shield or the extended shield. Thus, the extension of the shield and the shield itself are or become part of the elevating mass.

[0022] Another approach is to design parts of a tower roof so that they can be adjusted in height.

[0023] Typically, a turret or parts of it, such as a turret roof, are not part of the elevating mass. Rather, this turret roof is firmly connected to the rest of the turret. The majority of the turret roof is located behind the shield trunnions in the firing direction and above a weapon system.

[0024] Another approach envisions parts of a tower, particularly parts of a tower roof, resting on the height-adjustable mass or being connected to this height-adjustable mass in such a way that a moment can be created on the height-adjustable mass, counteracting the imbalance moment. One advantage resulting from this basic idea is that the overall height of the tower roof can be kept lower, since part of the tower roof moves with the height-adjustable mass. Both the height of the tower and its mass can thus be reduced.

[0025] Another approach arises if a pivoting section of the turret roof is created. This pivoting section of the turret roof can, in a further approach, functionally interact with an elevation-adjustable section of the turret roof. These designs are intended to increase the elevation-adjustable mass itself and shift the center of gravity of the elevation-adjustable mass of a nose-heavy weapon further rearward, toward the shield trunnion. The imbalance moment can be reduced by this idea. This approach of increasing the elevation-adjustable mass runs counter to current practice.

[0026] A portion of the tower roof can be connected to a conventionally mounted fascia. This height-adjustable portion of the tower roof then becomes the height-adjustable portion of the height-adjustable mass.

[0027] These designs or variants move the center of gravity of the elevating mass closer to the shield trunnions. When the weapon system is elevated, a moment is generated around the shield trunnions that counteracts the imbalance moment.

[0028] Another option is to leave the area of ​​the turret roof above or above the weapon system unobstructed. A protection module can be installed in this location. This protection module can then be connected to the turret roof in a rotatable or pivotable manner in the area behind the weapon system. The front part of the protection module is then preferably connected to the mantlet in such a way that the protection module can press against the mantlet. This creates a moment during elevation adjustment that counteracts the imbalance moment.

[0029] The integration of a longer part of the turret roof into the elevating masses, preferably the part that lies over at least the entire elevating mass, also leads to the fact that the unbalance moment can be reduced, since the distance between the center of gravity of the elevating masses and the shield trunnions is further reduced.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the elevating part of the turret roof, which now counts as the elevating mass, can be integrated into / on the elevating mass via struts or stiffeners. This design not only increases the elevating mass but also simultaneously increases the rigidity of the weapon barrel guide.

[0031] The faceplate and the height-adjustable part of the tower roof are slightly separated from each other at the front. The gap itself can be sealed. A particularly advantageous embodiment results when the surfaces, such as those of the faceplate and the height-adjustable part of the tower roof, overlap. This surface overlap has the advantage of minimizing any gap that may form between them.

[0032] Assuming a preferred overlap between the mantlet and a turret roof or parts thereof, the mechanism for shifting the pivot point of the elevating mass toward the shield trunnions can be generally described as follows: A part of the turret roof is pivotably or rotatably attached to the turret roof via a pivot point. The pivotable part of the turret roof rests on or against an extended mantlet, for example. This can lead to contact between the two surfaces.

[0033] If the weapon system is lowered, the elevation-adjustable mass rotates counterclockwise or counterclockwise. The extended elevation-adjustable mantlet rotates counterclockwise with the elevation-adjustable mass. The two surfaces, that of the mantlet and that of the pivoting part, change their position relative to each other. The surface of the mantlet is deflected upwards. This causes the pivoting part of the turret roof to rotate clockwise. This creates additional space above the weapon system. (This additional space can be used to reduce the overall height of the turret roof compared to the state of the art, and the corresponding weight can be saved.) If the weapon system is raised, the elevation-adjustable mass rotates clockwise. The mantlet also rotates clockwise with the elevation-adjustable mass, and the surface of the mantlet is deflected downwards. The rotating or pivoting part of the turret roof is pivoted or twisted counterclockwise.

[0034] In another embodiment, the elevation-adjustable masses can be moved further forward. This approach is suitable when a reduction in the imbalance moment is not required. By moving them forward, the installation space of the weapon system in the turret can be reduced. The space gained in this way can be used to extend the recoil path. An increase in the aiming range is also possible. Even a shortening of the entire turret and thus a reduction in weight can be a result of this implementation.

[0035] The proposal is for a weapon system with an elevating mass. A mantlet of the weapon system is enclosed within the elevating mass. The mass of the mantlet can be increased such that the center of gravity of the elevating mass is shifted closer to the pivot point of the elevating mass. To increase the weight, the mantlet can be extended in the opposite direction to the firing direction of the weapon system.

[0036] Also proposed is a turret system with a turret roof and a weapon system mounted within the turret system. The weapon system includes an elevating mass that includes a mantlet whose weight or mass is increased. The mantlet can be extended in the opposite direction to the weapon system's firing direction. The mass or weight of the mantlet is increased in such a way that the center of gravity of the elevating mass is shifted closer to the pivot point of the elevating mass.

[0037] Alternatively, a turret system with a turret roof and a weapon system mounted in the turret system with an elevating mass is proposed, wherein the elevating mass may include a shield. Whether with or without a shield, the turret system is characterized by the fact that the turret roof has at least one turret roof section designed such that the turret roof section becomes part of the elevating mass. This allows the mass (weight) of the elevating mass to be increased such that a center of gravity of the elevating mass is shifted toward the pivot point of the elevating mass. The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a sketchy detail of a large-caliber weapon system and a turret roof according to the prior art, Fig. 2 shows a sketchy detail of a large-caliber weapon system in a first embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a sketchy detail of a large-caliber weapon system in a further embodiment, Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention of Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 in a sketchy detail of a large-caliber weapon system in a further embodiment, Fig. 6 a height direction of the weapon system based on the embodiment according to Fig. 5 , when adjusting the elevation in depression, Fig. 7 an elevation direction of the weapon system based on the embodiment according to Fig. 5 , when adjusting the height in elevation, Fig. 8in a sketchy cut-out representation an alternative variant according to Fig. 2 .

[0038] In Fig. 1 : are a simplified sketch of a weapon system 10 with an elevation-adjustable mass 1, shield trunnion 2 and a turret roof 5 according to the state of the art. A mantlet 3 serves for protection and is elevation-adjustable. 4 denotes the center of gravity of the elevation-adjustable mass 1, and 11 a weapon barrel that is mounted in a barrel guide. The shield trunnions 2 form a pivot point (2) of the elevation-adjustable mass 1 with the weapon barrel 11 and the mantlet 3. The center of gravity distance of the elevation-adjustable mass 1 is denoted by A. The center of gravity 4 lies well in front of the pivot point (2) of the elevation-adjustable mass 1. This creates a torque that attempts to rotate the elevation-adjustable mass 1 counterclockwise around the pivot point (2). This creates an imbalance moment. This imbalance moment must be permanently compensated for by an elevation drive (not shown in detail). The tower roof 5 is firmly connected to a tower of a tower system that is not shown in detail.The elevation-adjustable mass 1 consists of the weapon barrel 11 and other, unspecified components, such as the bolt, barrel brake, barrel recoiler, and barrel guide. The aperture 3 is also part of the elevation-adjustable mass 1.

[0039] The mass or weight of the higher-directed mass 1 is increased.

[0040] In a first embodiment according to Fig. 2 A part 6a of the original turret roof 5 is firmly connected to the cover 3. Alternatively, the cover 3 can be extended rearward (3a). A remaining part 5a of the turret roof 5' is fixed to the tower. The part 6a of the original turret roof 5 thus becomes part of the height-adjustable mass 1'. The height-adjustable part 6a of the turret roof 5' is, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, to the right of the shield trunnions 2 and generates a moment around the shield trunnions 2, which counteracts the unbalance moment. A center of gravity distance B of the entire height-adjustable mass 1' is reduced compared to the center of gravity distance A from the prior art according to Fig. 1 .

[0041] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 3 a part 6b of the tower roof 5" is compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 extended further rearward (opposite the direction of fire). The remaining turret roof 5b is fixed to the turret. The extension of section 6b as a height-adjustable section 6b further reduces the center of gravity distance D between the center of gravity 4 and the shield trunnions 2. This further reduces the imbalance moment.

[0042] Preferably, the height-adjustable part 6b of the tower roof 5" should be extended so that at least the entire height-adjustable mass 1" is covered by the height-adjustable part 6b of the tower roof 5". In a preferred embodiment, the return path (of the returning masses) should also be covered by the height-adjustable part 6b. If the height-adjustable mass 1" is lowered, the height-adjustable part 6b of the tower roof 5" is deflected upwards. If the height-adjustable mass 1" is increased, the height-adjustable part 6b is deflected downwards. The total tower roof height can be reduced compared to the embodiment, in particular according to Fig. 2 be further reduced.

[0043] The Fig. 4 shows an embodiment according to the invention as a supplement to the embodiment according to Fig. 3 The elevation-adjustable part 6b of the turret roof 5" is integrated into the elevation-adjustable mass 1‴ via struts or stiffeners 7. A resulting advantage is that by increasing the mass of the directional mass, the rigidity of the gun barrel guide 11 can be increased at the same time.

[0044] In a further embodiment according to Fig. 5 An elevation-adjustable screen 3 is connected to a part 6c of the turret roof 5‴. The center of gravity 4 of the elevation-adjustable mass 1‴ is moved closer to the pivot point (2). In addition, another part 6d of the turret roof 5‴ is pivotally connected to the rest of the turret roof 5c via a pivot point 8. The rotatable part 6d rests flat on the elevation-adjustable part 6c of the turret roof 5‴ (9). Both surfaces overlap. Part of the weight of the rotatable part 6d presses flatly on the elevation-adjustable part 6c of the turret roof 5‴. As a result, the imbalance moment is further reduced.

[0045] Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 5 is used in conjunction with the Fig. 6 und 7 the general mode of action is described in more detail: Fig. 6 shows the weapon system 10 after Fig. 5 when elevating in depression. If the weapon system 10 is elevating, the elevation-adjustable mass 1' rotates counterclockwise. The elevation-adjustable part 6c of the turret roof 5' also rotates counterclockwise with the elevation-adjustable mass 1'. The contact surface 9 is deflected upward. The rotatable part 6d of the turret roof 5' rotates clockwise.

[0046] In comparison with the state of the art ( Fig. 1 ) an additional space above the weapon system 10. This additional space allows the overall height of the turret roof to be reduced by 5‴ and thus weight to be saved.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows the weapon system 10 after Fig. 5 during elevation adjustment. During elevation adjustment, the elevation-adjustable mass 1'' rotates clockwise. The elevation-adjustable part 6c of the turret roof 5' rotates clockwise with the elevation-adjustable mass 1''. The contact surface 9 is deflected downward. The rotatable part 6d of the turret roof 5" rotates counterclockwise around its pivot point 8.

[0048] This mode of operation is applicable to the other embodiments according to Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 transferable. The examples can also be combined with each other.

[0049] In Fig. 8 Shown is a use of the inventive idea in the case that a reduction of an imbalance moment is not required or necessary, whereby the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is used, but this is not restrictive. The height-adjustable mass 1' (1", 1‴, 1ʺʺ) can then be pushed further forward by a dimension C (cf. Fig. 1 und Fig. 2(not limiting). This allows the space required by the weapon system 10 in the turret to be reduced. The resulting space can be used to extend the recoil path, increase the aiming range, or shorten the entire turret. This results in, among other things, a reduction in weight.

Claims

1. Turret system having a turret roof (5', 5", 5"') and a top-heavy weapon system (10) which is accommodated in the turret system and has a height-adjustable mass (1', 1", 1‴, 1""), wherein the height-adjustable mass (1', 1", 1‴, 1"") comprises a plate (3), wherein a height-adjustable weapon barrel (11) which is mounted in a barrel guide is passed through the plate (3), wherein the turret roof (5', 5", 5"') has at least one turret roof part (6a, 6b, 6c) which is designed such that the turret roof part (6a, 6b, 6c) is part of the height-adjustable mass (1', 1", 1‴, 1"") to create an increased height-adjustable mass (1', 1", 1‴, 1"") in order to provide a center of gravity of the height-adjustable mass (1', 1", 1‴, 1"") that is closer to the trunnion (2) of the weapon system (10), wherein the height-adjustable part (6a, 6b, 6c) of the turret roof (5', 5", 5"') is connected by struts (7) to a part of the weapon system (10) which is covered by the height-adjustable part (6a, 6b, 6c) of the turret roof (5', 5", 5"') in order to increase the rigidity of the barrel guide of the weapon barrel (11).

2. Turret system according to claim 1, characterized in that a rotatable part (6d) of the turret roof (5"'), as part of the height-adjustable mass (1""), is connected to a turret roof (5c), which is fixed to the turret, via a pivot point (8).

3. Turret system according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotatable part (6d) rests flat on the height-adjustable part (6c) of the turret roof (5"').

4. Turret system according to either claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the region of the turret roof (5"') above the weapon system (10) is recessed.

5. Turret system according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a protective module (6d) can be used as the rotatable part (6d).

6. Turret system according to claim 5, characterized in that the protective module (6d) can be rotatably or pivotally (8) connected to the turret roof in the region behind the weapon system (10).