STORE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a magazine for storing ammunition bodies, comprising several storage locations arranged side by side, each of which is assigned a holding device for holding an ammunition body. Such a magazine is described, for example, in DE 30 46 642 A1.

[0002] Such magazines are typically used in military vehicles equipped with large-caliber weapons and are used to store and hold the sometimes very heavy ammunition, some weighing over 40 kg. These vehicles are usually loaded with ammunition before deployment, for which purpose the magazine is loaded with several ammunitions. During deployment, the ammunition to be fired can be removed individually from the magazine, fed into the weapon, and then fired.

[0003] To store the ammunition, the magazine has several adjacent storage locations, each of which is designed for a single ammunition. To ensure that the individual ammunition can be securely held in the corresponding storage locations and do not slip, for example, during high-speed off-road driving, each storage location is assigned a holding device in which the corresponding ammunition is held. To hold the ammunition as securely as possible, they are usually placed in a holding device when the magazine is being loaded and then removed from the holding device when they are removed from the magazine before being fed into the weapon.

[0004] For example, it is known to design the holding devices as tubes open on one side, similar to a shelf, and to store the individual ammunition bodies in these tubes. However, to pull the ammunition bodies out of the tubes and then feed them into the weapon, a considerable amount of space is required across the entire width and height in front of the tubes, equivalent to at least one bullet length.

[0005] In contrast, belt or revolver magazines require less space, as they allow the ammunition to be removed from the magazine only at a fixed, defined position. In such magazines, the retaining devices are arranged on a rotating belt or a rotating drum, or are connected to a rotating belt or a corresponding drum. To remove an ammunition from such a magazine, it must be moved into a removal position. However, due to the coupling of the retaining devices, it is necessary to move all retaining devices and ammunition together until the desired ammunition reaches the removal position. As a result, these magazines have a relatively long access time.This is particularly problematic when different ammunition bodies are stored in the magazine and a specific ammunition body is to be removed from the magazine and is not located near the removal position.

[0006] Based on this, the invention presents the Aufgabe, a magazine that is characterized by fast access times even for different types of ammunition as well as a corresponding procedure for storing ammunition bodies.

[0007] This object is achieved according to independent claim 1 in a magazine of the type mentioned at the outset by gelöst, that a conveying device is provided for conveying an ammunition body from one holding device to an adjacent holding device.

[0008] This design allows individual ammunition bodies to be moved back and forth between the various storage locations independently of the other ammunition bodies. This eliminates the need to move all the ammunition bodies and holding devices; instead, one ammunition body can be selected and then moved to the removal position independently of the other ammunition bodies.

[0009] With regard to retrieval, it has proven advantageous if the ammunition bodies are stored horizontally in the magazine. This design makes the ammunition bodies easier to access than, for example, if stored vertically. Furthermore, the ammunition bodies usually have to be fed into the weapon in a horizontal position anyway, so horizontal storage also simplifies the subsequent loading process of the weapon.

[0010] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the magazine to have several storage levels arranged one above the other, with each storage level containing several storage locations. This design results in a dense ammunition body packing, so that the available space is used as effectively as possible. The number of storage levels and the number of storage locations per level can thus be adapted to the prevailing space conditions. In practice, for military vehicles, for example, three storage levels with eight storage locations each have proven advantageous. This would then correspond to a capacity of 24 ammunition bodies. However, each storage level can also have only one storage location.

[0011] Multiple storage levels have also proven advantageous with regard to different ammunition bodies. This is because it is possible to assign a specific ammunition body type to each level, so that when an ammunition body or ammunition body type is selected, it can be removed from the corresponding level without having to move the ammunition bodies from the other levels.

[0012] In order to move the ammunition bodies from the various levels to a removal position, it has proven advantageous to provide a projectile lift. During reloading, the projectile lift can transport the ammunition bodies to be stored to their corresponding storage level and then, when the ammunition bodies are to be removed, transfer them from the storage level to a removal position. It is advantageous if the magazine has a common removal position for several ammunition bodies, in particular a common removal position for all ammunition bodies, for removing the ammunition bodies from the magazine. The ammunition bodies can only be removed from the magazine at a fixed point, and only at this point is corresponding space or a corresponding removal area required behind the magazine in the removal direction.

[0013] It has also proven advantageous if the magazine has two storage areas, with a bullet lift arranged between the two storage areas to transport the ammunition between the storage levels. This design reduces the path of the ammunition from their storage location in the magazine to the bullet lift. The bullet lift can be arranged in the middle of the magazine so that the two storage areas are the same size and accordingly there is the same number of storage locations on both sides of the bullet lift. The ammunition bodies from the two storage areas can be fed to the ammunition lift independently of one another, which simplifies ammunition body selection, for example. By dividing the magazine into two parts, it is also possible to select twice the number of different ammunition bodies directly. For example, ifIf there are three storage levels, a different ammunition body type can be present not only on each storage level, but also in each storage area of each storage level.

[0014] With regard to the magazine, it has proven advantageous if each storage level is assigned at least one conveyor for transporting the ammunition bodies within the respective storage level. The conveyor allows the ammunition bodies to be moved back and forth horizontally between the individual storage locations of a storage level.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the storage levels to be designed as stacked storage units in which the ammunition bodies are stored according to the last-in, first-out principle. Such a stacked structure is characterized by a small installation space, as no space is required for the ammunition bodies to move past each other. Furthermore, only a single or at least one storage level can be provided, designed as a stacked storage unit, in which the ammunition bodies are stored accordingly.

[0016] During reloading, the ammunition can first be transported to the appropriate storage level by the projectile lift and then moved by the conveyor system in one storage direction until they reach their final storage location. During retrieval, the ammunition is then transported by the conveyor system in the opposite direction from its respective storage location to the projectile lift. When moving the ammunition to or from its final storage location, the conveyor system can move the ammunition across multiple storage locations, depending on how many ammunition are already located at the corresponding storage level.

[0017] If, for example, a storage level is still empty and is to be gradually filled with several ammunition bodies, the conveying device first transports the first ammunition body to the storage location furthest from the projectile lift. The ammunition body then passes through the storage locations between the projectile lift and the final storage location before arriving at the latter. During removal, the conveying device can move the ammunition bodies accordingly towards the projectile lift. Since all storage locations on the storage level or in the storage area of the storage level between the storage location of the ammunition body to be removed and the projectile lift are passed through, the ammunition body closest to the projectile lift must always be removed first in each storage level.

[0018] In a structural development of the invention, it has proven advantageous if at least one conveying device is provided between the storage levels. This configuration enables the ammunition bodies to be transported using as few conveying devices as possible, which reduces the structural volume of the magazine. If three storage levels are provided, two conveying devices can be provided, namely one between the middle and lower storage levels and one between the middle and upper storage levels. In this respect, the conveying device can move both ammunition bodies arranged below the conveying device and ammunition bodies arranged above it. It is possible to move several ammunition bodies simultaneously with one conveying device, even in different storage levels.However, each storage level can also be assigned its own conveyor system, or some storage levels can be assigned only one conveyor system, while others can be assigned several conveyor systems. Furthermore, conveyor systems can be arranged below or above a storage level, but not between two storage levels. For example, a conveyor system can be arranged below the lowest or above the highest storage level.

[0019] To drive the conveyor system, it is advantageous if each conveyor system has a single level drive. However, it is also possible to have only one drive for all conveyor systems or for all conveyor systems in a storage area. The conveyor systems can then be coupled together, for example, via a belt drive.

[0020] With regard to the structural design of the conveying device, it has proven advantageous if it has at least one rotatable conveying shaft for conveying the ammunition bodies. The conveying shaft can be arranged between two adjacent holding devices. With regard to the arrangement of the conveying device, "between" does not mean that the conveying shaft is arranged exactly between two holding devices, but rather above or below the holding devices. Ammunition bodies can be conveyed from one storage location to an adjacent storage location via the conveying shaft. For this purpose, the holding devices can first be moved into a transfer position in which it is possible to insert ammunition bodies into the holding devices or remove them from the holding device.The ammunition bodies can then be transported from one holding device to the other via the rotatable transport shaft. The transport shafts can extend parallel to the longitudinal axes of the ammunition bodies or the holding devices. Furthermore, a transport shaft can also be arranged between the projectile lift and the respective first holding devices. The design of the transport devices can be independent of their positioning.

[0021] The magazine can have two, in particular parallel, base plates, between which the conveying device or the conveying shafts are rotatably mounted. For mounting, the base plates can have a hole pattern with several holes. The conveying shafts can be inserted into the corresponding holes. The base plates can be spaced from one another by several, in particular four, rods. The holding devices or the holding shells of the holding devices can be rotatably mounted between the two base plates. The longitudinal or rotational axes of the holding devices can be arranged parallel to one another, resulting in a matrix-like arrangement. Furthermore, the longitudinal or rotational axes of the holding devices can be arranged perpendicular to the base plates.

[0022] It is further advantageous if the conveying shaft has at least one conveying wheel with at least one receiving contour for receiving an ammunition body. During the conveying of an ammunition body, it can be received in the receiving contour and then conveyed by the rotation of the conveying shaft. For the secure transport of the ammunition bodies, the receiving contour can be adapted to the ammunition body geometry so that the ammunition bodies cannot slip during transport. It is advantageous in this respect if the receiving contour is concave. In order to securely hold the ammunition bodies during transport from one holding device to another, it has proven particularly advantageous if each conveying shaft has two conveying wheels.For example, one feed wheel can engage the rear section of the ammunition body and another in the middle section of the ammunition body, which is usually the heaviest. An additional feed wheel for the front section of the ammunition body is also possible. The feed edges of a feed shaft can be connected to each other via a strut, and the strut can be rotationally coupled to each other.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport wheel is designed as a star wheel, in particular with four receiving contours. If the transport wheel has four receiving contours, the transport wheel can be rotated a quarter turn to transport an ammunition body.

[0024] This has proven advantageous in practice. If multiple conveyor wheels are provided, each conveyor wheel can be designed as a star wheel.

[0025] To rotate the conveyor shaft and thus also the conveyor wheels, it has proven advantageous for the conveyor shaft to have a drive wheel. The drive wheel can be connected to the strut and thus also be rotationally coupled to the conveyor wheels. The drive wheel can be located at one end of the conveyor shaft and driven via a chain or belt drive. Furthermore, it is also possible for the drive wheel to be part of a drive motor, especially if each conveyor shaft is driven by its own drive motor.

[0026] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the conveyor shafts of a conveyor device can be rotated via a common plane drive. This common drive allows all conveyor shafts of a conveyor device to rotate synchronously, eliminating the need to drive all conveyor shafts individually. The drive wheels of the conveyor shafts can be coupled together, e.g., via a chain or belt. It is also possible for the drive shafts of different conveyor devices to be coupled together, thereby further reducing the number of drives required. Nevertheless, in terms of reliability, it has proven advantageous if only the conveyor shafts of one conveyor device are coupled together. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a separate drive for each conveyor shaft.

[0027] If a conveyor system is provided above and below a storage level, it may be necessary for the conveyor shafts of the two conveyor systems to rotate in different directions to transport the ammunition. For example, if an ammunition is to be moved in the storage direction, it may be necessary for the conveyor shafts located above the corresponding storage level to rotate clockwise, while the conveyor shafts located below the conveyor shafts must rotate counterclockwise, since the ammunition is transported from both above and below by the respective conveyor wheels.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, two conveying shafts can be provided between two adjacent holding devices, which conveying shafts have an offset angle of rotation relative to one another. Each of these two conveying shafts can have one or more conveying wheels, so that the ammunition bodies can be transferred from the conveying wheels of one conveying shaft to the conveying wheels of the other conveying shaft during conveyance from one holding device to an adjacent holding device. This enables better guidance of the ammunition bodies between two holding devices. This dual guidance has proven particularly advantageous for storage levels whose ammunition bodies are only conveyed by conveying devices arranged above the storage level, e.g., for the lowest storage level.Furthermore, the double guide allows the ammunition bodies to be transported over a greater distance between two adjacent holding devices. This can also be advantageous when transporting them from the projectile lift to the first holding device closest to the projectile lift, as this distance may be greater than the distance between two holding devices on a storage level.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the conveying device for conveying the ammunition bodies can be provided with at least one, in particular three, rotatable screw rollers. Ammunition bodies can also be moved back and forth between two adjacent holding devices via a screw roller. The screw roller can have a corkscrew-like screw guide, which, when rotated, moves the ammunition bodies linearly in the storage or retrieval direction. For the safe transport of the ammunition bodies, three screw rollers have proven advantageous, whereby one can be arranged in the front part, one in the middle part, and one in the rear part of the ammunition bodies or the holding device.

[0030] It has also proven advantageous if the screw roller extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holding device. This design allows the ammunition bodies to be conveyed in a storage level using just one screw roller. However, it is advantageous if several, in particular three, screw rollers are provided, each arranged in parallel and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the holding devices in the level. If the conveying device has a conveying shaft, the required number of conveying shafts depends on the number of holding devices. With regard to the holding device, the terms longitudinal axis and rotational axis are used synonymously.

[0031] The number of conveyor shafts per level can be the same as the number of holding devices per level, since a conveyor shaft can be arranged between the adjacent holding devices on a level, and additionally between the floor lift and the first holding device. The screw rollers, however, cannot be linked to the number of holding devices. This is because the number of holding devices only influences the length of the screw rollers, not the number of them. Therefore, the number of screw rollers can be independent of the number of holding devices.

[0032] From a design perspective, it has also proven advantageous if the screw roller has a constriction for the holding device. This constriction makes it possible to reduce the vertical distance between the screw roller and the ammunition bodies held in the holding device, which allows reliable transport. The constriction allows the screw roller to rotate, and the holding device cannot prevent such rotation. It is advantageous if the screw roller has a constriction for each holding device on the respective storage level. The constriction and the screw guide can be arranged alternately one behind the other, so that a constriction is provided in the area of the holding devices and a screw guide is provided between the holding devices for transporting the ammunition bodies.

[0033] The screw rollers can each have a drive wheel, via which the screw rollers can be rotated to transport the ammunition bodies. It is advantageous if the screw rollers of a conveying device can be driven by a multi-plane drive, so that the screw rollers of a conveying device rotate synchronously. The drive wheels of the individual screw rollers can be coupled to each other or to the multi-plane drive, for example, via chains or belts. Similar to the drive of the conveying shafts, only one drive is required per conveying device.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the magazine have guide rails for guiding the ammunition bodies from the holding device to the conveying device. The guide rails can ensure a reliable transfer of the ammunition bodies from a holding device to the conveying device and vice versa. The guide rails can be arranged above and below each storage level so that the ammunition bodies are each guided between two guide rails. The conveying wheels, in particular the conveying wheels engaging in the middle of the ammunition bodies, can be designed as double wheels and engage around the guide rails on both sides. For this purpose, the guide rail can have a bore through which the struts of the conveying unit can extend. The guide rail can be designed as a slide rail and made of a lubricious material.

[0035] To transport the ammunition from the magazine, it has proven advantageous to provide an ejection device, e.g., in the form of a push rod, a rigid chain, or a driver. The ejection device can be used to eject an ammunition in the removal position from the projectile elevator, e.g., toward the vehicle interior.

[0036] Furthermore, with regard to the object mentioned above, a vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with a magazine of the type described above is proposed. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the magazine.

[0037] The vehicle may have a hull and a turret mounted on a pivoting base relative to the hull. The turret may mount a large-caliber weapon capable of firing the ammunition. The magazine may be located in the hull or in the turret.

[0038] In the direction of removal of the ammunition, a removal space can be arranged behind the magazine. This is required for removing the ammunition from the magazine or for ejecting the ammunition from the magazine. Since the ammunition, in particular all of the ammunition in the magazine, can only be removed or ejected in a single predefined removal position, the removal space is smaller than the magazine and can be approximately the size of an ammunition body. In this respect, a free space can be provided next to the removal space which is not required for removing the ammunition. The free space can extend all the way around the removal space and up to the walls of the hull or turret. The free area can be above and below as well as to the left and right of the removal space or the ammunition body.Since the open space is not required for the removal of the ammunition, this area can be used for other purposes, such as storing equipment. This design also represents a significant difference from rack magazines, for example, where a removal area for the removal of the ammunition must be provided in front of the entire magazine, thus providing a separate removal position for each ammunition.

[0039] Furthermore, with regard to the object mentioned above, a method for storing ammunition bodies in a magazine is proposed which allows fast access times even for different ammunition types.

[0040] The method is characterized by the fact that the ammunition bodies are transported by a conveying device from one holding device to an adjacent holding device. With this method, individual ammunition bodies are moved back and forth between the various storage locations independently of the other ammunition bodies. It is not necessary to move all ammunition bodies and holding devices; instead, one ammunition body is selected and then transported independently of the other ammunition bodies from one holding device to an adjacent holding device. To store the ammunition bodies in the magazine, they are moved in a storage direction from holding device to holding device until they have reached their final position in the magazine.The final storage location corresponds to the storage location where the ammunition remains for an extended period after storage, and not just through which it is passed. To remove the ammunition from the magazine, it is moved in the reverse direction to the bullet lift. This then transports the ammunition to a removal position where it can be removed from the magazine.

[0041] It is advantageous if the magazine for the process is designed as described above. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the magazine.

[0042] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the ammunition bodies pass through all storage locations of the respective storage level during storage, which are located between the projectile elevator and the final storage location. This allows for appropriate storage of the ammunition bodies with minimal space requirements. When removing the ammunition bodies, they can then be moved in the opposite direction, passing through all storage locations up to the projectile list.

[0043] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the holding device is designed in the manner described below.

[0044] The holding device for ammunition bodies can have two holding shells which are movable relative to one another and form a holding area in which an ammunition body can be held, wherein at least one holding shell can be rotatable about an axis of rotation and wherein the axis of rotation can run through the holding area.

[0045] This design allows for opening and closing the holding device with less space. Because the rotational axis of the holding shell runs through the holding area, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the ammunition body and the rotational axis of the holding shell is reduced compared to the clamp solution, thus reducing the space required for opening. Therefore, the holding shell does not need to be moved as far away from the ammunition body to open and close the holding device.

[0046] It has proven advantageous if both holding shells can be rotated around a common axis. This allows for rapid opening and closing of the holding device and rapid rotation of the holding shells between the holding position and the transfer position.

[0047] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the rotational axis of the holding shell is aligned with the longitudinal axis of a held ammunition body. This design allows the holding device to be opened and closed without requiring additional space. Both holding shells can move in a circular contour during opening and closing, and the distance of the holding shells from the rotational axis can remain constant. The rotational axis can run centrally through the holding area. Since ammunition bodies are rotationally symmetrical, the holding area also has a correspondingly circular contour, which can correspond to the outer diameter of the ammunition body.

[0048] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the holding device can accommodate the ammunition bodies in a horizontal position. Arranging the ammunition bodies horizontally has proven particularly effective in magazines in military vehicles, as this allows for significantly better access compared to upright storage. Furthermore, horizontal ammunition bodies in a military vehicle usually already point in the firing direction, making it relatively easy to insert the ammunition bodies into the weapon barrel without first having to be rotated 90 degrees into elevation.

[0049] With regard to the design of the holding shells, it has proven advantageous if they are designed in the manner of cylinder segments. It is advantageous if the center axes of the cylinder segments correspond to the axis of rotation. This design enables reliable accommodation of ammunition bodies, as these are also cylindrical in shape.

[0050] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the segment angles of the holding shells do not add up to more than 180 degrees. This design ensures easy ejection of the ammunition body from the holding shells. The segment angle is the angle formed by the cross-sectional connection of one end of a holding shell to the axis of rotation with the connection of the corresponding other end to the axis of rotation. The corresponding connections are each at a right angle to the axis of rotation. The larger the segment angle(s), the more support surface is available for the ammunition bodies and the more stable the holding shells are. The segment angle must therefore be sufficiently large to ensure that even heavier ammunition bodies can be safely picked up and held.In this respect, it is advantageous if the sum of the segment angles of the two holding shells is between 90 and 180 degrees, preferably between 140 and 180 degrees, particularly preferably between 170 and 180 degrees and most particularly preferably between 175 and 180 degrees.

[0051] According to an advantageous embodiment, the holding shells have different segment angles. The holding shell with the larger segment angle can bear correspondingly more weight than the holding shell with the smaller segment angle. In this respect, the holding shell with the larger segment angle can be arranged below the ammunition body in the holding position, and the holding shell with the smaller segment angle can be arranged above the ammunition body. The segment angle of one holding shell can be between 90 and 175 degrees, preferably between 100 and 160 degrees, particularly preferably between 110 and 140 degrees, and most preferably between 115 and 130 degrees. In practice, a segment angle of 120 degrees has proven advantageous. The segment angle of the other holding shell can be between 30 and 100 degrees, preferably between 40 and 80 degrees, and particularly preferably between 50 and 70 degrees. In practice, 60 degrees has proven advantageous.

[0052] In a further development, it is proposed that the two holding shells be rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis. To open the holding device and transfer it into the transfer position, in which the ammunition bodies can be inserted into the holding device or into the holding area, the two holding shells can be moved relative to each other about the rotation axis. To close the holding shell, which is open and in the transfer position, so that the ammunition body is then held in the holding shell or in the holding area, the two holding shells can be moved in opposite directions.

[0053] To move the holding shells, it is advantageous if they can be moved relative to one another via a holding shell drive. A holding shell drive offers advantages, particularly with regard to costs, compared to moving the holding shells with two drives. In this respect, it is advantageous if the holding shells can be moved relative to one another via a single, shared holding shell drive. Furthermore, using only one drive also reduces the probability of failure. The movements of the holding shells can be positively coupled, so that a movement of one holding shell leads to a movement of the other holding shell. The two holding shells are then not freely and independently movable of one another, resulting in fixed holding positions and transfer positions.The coupling also prevents one of the two holding shells from moving in an unintentional manner and thus reduces the risk that an ammunition body is not held securely in the holding position or cannot be removed from or inserted into the holding device in the transfer position.

[0054] In this regard, it is also advantageous if the two holding shells can be moved in opposite directions. For example, if one of the holding shells is rotated clockwise around the rotation axis, the other holding shell can be rotated counterclockwise.

[0055] To achieve the movement of the holding shells, it is proposed that the holding shell drive be connected to both holding shells via a gear. The gear can ensure that the two holding shells can be moved relative to each other in opposite directions using a single drive.

[0056] From a design perspective, it has proven advantageous to locate the gearbox at one end of the holding shells. This provides easy access from the outside, simplifying maintenance. The gearbox can be located at the end of the holding shells where the rear end of the ammunition body is accommodated. In this way, the gearbox can limit the holding area to the rear. Alternatively, it is also possible to locate the gearbox and the holding shell drive at the front end of the holding shells.

[0057] Furthermore, the holding shells can be mounted on a pivot bearing at the opposite end. Such mounting on both sides of the holding shells allows the acting forces to be reliably absorbed. The holding area or the held ammunition bodies can be located between the two holding shells and between the pivot bearing and the gear. In this way, the ammunition bodies are securely held in the holding device in any direction and cannot move.

[0058] With regard to the design of the gear unit, it has proven advantageous to use a planetary gear unit. A planetary gear unit enables the two retaining shells to move in opposite directions around a common axis of rotation using a single drive in a simple design.

[0059] The planetary gear set can have a ring gear with internal teeth and a sun gear with external teeth. Between the ring gear and the sun gear, several planetary gears can be provided, meshing with the ring gear and the sun gear. For even power transmission, three evenly distributed planetary gears have proven advantageous. The sun gear and the ring gear can both be rotatable about the rotational axis.

[0060] The planet gears can be rotatably mounted on a carrier and connected to each other so that they cannot move relative to each other. The retaining shell drive can be connected to the carrier, e.g. via a screw connection. When the sun gear is rotated in one direction about the axis of rotation, the planet gears ensure that the ring gear rotates in the opposite direction. The ring gear can be connected to one of the retaining shells and the sun gear can be connected to the other retaining shell, so that both retaining shells can then rotate in opposite directions about the axis of rotation. Alternatively, it is also possible to drive the ring gear via the retaining shell drive. The sun gear then rotates accordingly in the opposite direction.

[0061] In addition to the relative movement of the two holding shells, it has also proven advantageous if the two holding shells can be rotated together about the axis of rotation via a rotary drive. This enables a wider range of applications for the holding device. Appropriate rotation also ensures that, in the transfer position, ammunition bodies can be introduced into the holding device from any direction or that ammunition bodies can be ejected from the holding device in any direction. Furthermore, in the transfer position, the two holding shells can be transferred into a gripping position by rotating together about the axis of rotation and aligned so that they can grip an ammunition body from above. When the holding device or the two holding shells are then transferred from this gripping position to the holding position, the ammunition body is secured in the holding device and can then, for example,together with the holding device. In this respect, ammunition bodies can also be gripped with the holding device, and the holding device can be designed like a gripper. The gripping position therefore corresponds to a transfer position in which both holding shells have been rotated together by 90 degrees around the rotation axis.

[0062] By rotating the two retaining shells, ammunition can be ejected from the retaining device in any direction, especially to the right and left. This is particularly advantageous when the retaining device is used in a bullet elevator or a magazine.

[0063] The two retaining shells can be rotated together around the rotational axis without moving relative to each other, i.e., without relative movement. The rotary drive can rotate the retaining shell drive, the gear, and both retaining shells together around the rotational axis. The planetary gears of the gear can be coupled to the rotary drive via the web. For this purpose, the web can be connected, for example, to a gear ring that can be rotated by the rotary drive. The rotary drive can be arranged above the retaining shell drive.

[0064] With regard to the holding shells, it has proven advantageous if the two holding shells are arranged opposite one another in a holding position such that an ammunition body is held between the two holding shells, and if the two holding shells are arranged in a transfer position such that an ammunition body can be ejected from the two holding shells. In the holding position, the ammunition body can lie in one of the two holding shells, in particular in the larger holding shell, and the other holding shell can be arranged opposite the holding shell and thus secure the ammunition body. In this way, the ammunition bodies can be held in a form-fitting manner. The two holding shells are then arranged on opposite sides of the ammunition body. In order to remove the ammunition body from the holding device orIn order to eject it from the holding device, the two holding shells can be moved into the transfer position in which the ammunition body is no longer secured.

[0065] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the two holding shells rest against one another in the transfer position. This position of the two holding shells ensures that ammunition bodies can be removed from the holding device or inserted into the holding device. When the two holding shells rest against one another, the positive connection is correspondingly canceled. The two holding shells can rest against one another butt-to-end, but the two holding shells can also rest against one another in the transfer position in such a way that they are at least partially arranged one behind the other and overlap. Since the gripping position basically just corresponds to a rotated transfer position, the two holding shells can rest against one another accordingly in the gripping position.

[0066] To simplify ammunition removal, it has proven advantageous if one of the holding trays has an ejection device for ejecting an ammunition. A certain force can be applied to an ammunition via the ejection device, which facilitates the removal or ejection of the ammunition. The ejection device can be designed as an ejection pawl and, in particular, as a spring. Due to the spring design, no additional activation or electrical energy is required to eject the ammunition from the holding device. When the ammunition is inserted or picked up, the ammunition can pre-tension the ejection device, so that the ejection device then ensures that the ammunition is ejected from the holding device when the holding trays are moved into the transfer position.The ejection device can be arranged in the holding tray with the larger segment angle, since the main load of the ammunition body rests on this holding tray. It is advantageous if the ejection device is located near the center of gravity of the ammunition body, i.e., particularly in the center of the holding tray. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide several ejection devices distributed along the length of the holding tray. This allows for reliable ejection of the ammunition body without it becoming tilted. The longitudinal axis of the ammunition body then remains parallel to the rotational axis of the holding trays.

[0067] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide an ejection mechanism with at least one ejection latch and an ejection drive for moving the ejection latch. The ejection drive can move the ejection latch, thereby ejecting the ammunition body from the retaining tray.

[0068] The ejection mechanism can be designed such that the ejection latch can be actuated via a relative movement of the holding rollers. The ejection latch can thus be positively coupled to the holding rollers in such a way that the ammunition bodies are automatically ejected when the holding rollers assume a predefined position, in particular the transfer position.

[0069] The ejection latch can have two latch members pivotally connected to the retaining tray at one end, which latch members are pivoted to eject an ammunition body. It is advantageous if the two latch members are pivoted towards each other or at least one latch member is pivoted towards the other latch member. For example, one latch member can be pivoted clockwise and the other counterclockwise. At the end not connected to the retaining tray, the latch members can have rollers that can ensure that the ammunition body is reliably ejected and does not jam. When the ammunition body is in the retaining tray, the ends of the latch members or the rollers can be in contact with the lower half of the ammunition body, so that when the latch members are pivoted, the ammunition body is moved away from the retaining tray in which the latch members are mounted.

[0070] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the ejection mechanism is designed in such a way that the ammunition is ejected in a specific direction, independent of gravity. This allows the ammunition to be ejected from the retaining trays not only downwards, but also, for example, sideways and, to a certain extent, upwards.

[0071] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the ejection latch to protrude beyond the edge of the lower retaining tray. The ejection latch can thus have a larger segment angle than the retaining tray, especially than the retaining tray with the larger segment angle. In this respect, the ammunition body can also be additionally secured in the retaining tray by the ejection latch.

[0072] To ensure reliable ejection of the ammunition, it has proven advantageous to provide several, particularly three, ejection latches. One ejection latch may be provided for the rear area of the ammunition body and two ejection latches for the front area of the ammunition body.

[0073] According to an advantageous development, the ejection drive comprises a toothed segment coupled to one of the two retaining shells and an ejection pinion rotatably connected to the other retaining shell. Upon relative movement of the retaining shells, the toothed segment rotates the ejection pinion and thereby actuates the ejection pawl. The ejection of the ammunition bodies can thus be positively controlled by the relative movement of the retaining shells. No additional motor is required to drive the ejection pawls. The ejection pinion can, for example, be rotationally coupled to one or more ejection pawls via a rod coupling. In particular, the ejection pinion is rotationally coupled to at least one pawl member, so that upon rotation of the ejection pinion by the toothed segment, the pawl member also rotates accordingly, and the ammunition body is thus essentially ejected automatically.

[0074] The toothed segment can be designed in such a way that it does not actuate the ejection pinion in a certain rotation range of the holding shell, and actuates the ejection pinion in another rotation range. The holding shells can thus be moved relative to one another within a certain range without the ejection pawls being activated. This means that the ammunition body can only be ejected when the holding shells have been rotated far enough. In practice, for example, it has proven advantageous if the toothed segment only comes into contact with the ejection pinion when the holding shells only have to be rotated against one another by less than 45 degrees, in particular less than 30 degrees, preferably by less than 25 degrees, and most preferably by 22 degrees. The ejection pawls are then only activated in this final pivot range.

[0075] It is also advantageous if the toothed segment comes into contact with a different ejection pinion when the retaining shell rotates clockwise than when it rotates counterclockwise. Thus, one ejection pinion can be provided for ejection to the right and one for ejection to the left.

[0076] It is also advantageous if the toothed segment and the drive pinion are not located within the holding area, so that this area is not reduced or impaired. One toothed segment can be provided in the front area of the holding shell and another toothed segment in the rear area of the holding shell. The same can also apply to the ejection pinions, with two pinions each being provided in the front and rear areas, one for ejection to the right and one for ejection to the left.

[0077] In particular, if the retaining shells are adapted to the contour of the ammunition body and therefore do not have the same distance from each other or from the rotation axis, particularly in the front and rear areas, it may be necessary for the gear ratios between the front toothed segment and the front ejection pinions and between the rear toothed segment and the rear ejection pinions to be different. Therefore, the number of teeth of the front and rear toothed segments and / or the number of teeth of the front and rear ejection pinions may be different. This design ensures that the ejection pawls or the pawl members of the ejection pawls pivot in the same direction when the retaining shells rotate.

[0078] In a further development, it is proposed that the retaining cups be designed in such a way that they are adapted to the contour of the ammunition body to be held. This adaptation ensures that the ammunition body cannot move between the two retaining cups and is thus held securely. The distance of the retaining cups from the rotation axis can be greater in the rear area of the retaining cups than in the front area. This is accompanied by the fact that the ammunition bodies are also narrower in the front area than in the rear area due to aerodynamics. In this respect, the retaining area can be shaped like the ammunition body.

[0079] The retaining shells can extend over the entire length of the projectile. The retaining shells can have a length of at least 300 mm, preferably at least 500 mm, particularly preferably at least 700 mm, further preferably at least 900 mm, further preferably at least 1100 mm, and most preferably at least 1300 mm. The retaining shells and the retaining area can be designed to accommodate 120 mm caliber projectiles.

[0080] The ammunition can be designed as large-caliber ammunition that can be fired through the gun barrel of a military vehicle. For example, they can be projectiles with a caliber of 120 mm. They can be cartridge-loaded ammunition, cartridge ammunition with a separate propellant charge, or even propellant charges or projectiles themselves. In particular, they are lethal ammunition.

[0081] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the floor lift is designed in the manner described below.

[0082] For the vertical movement of ammunition bodies between two storage levels of a magazine, the projectile lift can have a receiving tray for receiving an ammunition body and a holding device for holding the ammunition body, wherein the holding device can lift the ammunition body vertically from the receiving tray.

[0083] By lifting the ammunition body, it is no longer necessary to eject it sideways from the receiving tray. Instead, the ammunition body can be slid onto the receiving tray and then gripped by the holding device, which can be moved from a gripping position to a holding position. The holding device can then be lifted vertically together with the ammunition body and then moved to a transfer position, where the ammunition body can be ejected from the holding device and fed to the appropriate storage level.

[0084] With regard to the receiving tray, it has proven advantageous if the ammunition bodies can be pushed lengthwise onto the receiving tray. The receiving tray can be open at the front and rear ends so that ammunition bodies can be pushed onto the receiving tray from the rear and pushed forwards out of the receiving tray. The receiving tray can therefore serve as a linear guide for the ammunition bodies, ensuring that they are securely held in the receiving tray and cannot be pushed sideways out of the receiving tray. The receiving tray can be cylindrical segment-shaped, and the inner diameter of the receiving tray can be adapted to the largest diameter of the ammunition body. This will usually be the diameter at the lower end of the ammunition body. This enables the ammunition bodies to be securely guided in the receiving tray.When the ammunition body is placed on the receiving tray, the longitudinal axis corresponds to the longitudinal axis or cylinder axis of the receiving tray.

[0085] The receiving tray can be longer than the ammunition bodies so that they do not protrude beyond the receiving tray. The receiving tray can be essentially the same length as the holding device or the holding trays of the holding device.

[0086] It has also proven advantageous if the holding device and the receiving tray are arranged parallel to one another. This design ensures that an ammunition body located on the receiving tray can be reliably gripped and lifted from the holding device. The ammunition body does not need to be rotated or pivoted for this purpose. At the same time, it is also ensured that the ammunition body can be placed on the receiving tray and then, for example, moved into a removal position in which the ammunition body can be ejected from the magazine. The holding device can have a rotation axis, and the rotation axis can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving tray.

[0087] In a further development, it is further proposed that the holding device be movable vertically relative to the receiving tray. This design allows the distance between the holding device and the receiving tray to not be constant, but rather to allow the holding device to move toward the receiving tray, for example, to pick up and lift an ammunition body from the receiving tray.

[0088] In this regard, it is further proposed that the holding device be able to lift the ammunition bodies from the receiving tray and place them on the receiving tray in the manner of a gripper. Due to the gripper-like design, the holding device can lift an ammunition body upwards and out of the receiving tray, eliminating the need for the ammunition body to be slid onto the holding device. The actual movement of the ammunition bodies between the storage levels can thus be handled by the holding device, and the receiving tray allows the ammunition bodies to be inserted into the projectile lift.

[0089] From a design perspective, it has proven advantageous if the receiving tray has one, in particular two, recesses. One, in particular two, projectile supports can be provided, which can be arranged, for example, on the floor of the projectile elevator or the magazine. If the receiving tray is located in the lowest storage level, the projectile support can extend through the recesses and hold part of the ammunition body. The design and position of the projectile support can be adapted to the contour of the ammunition body. This is because the ammunition body is usually narrower in the front area than in the rear area, so that the projectile support can support the ammunition body, especially in the front area. In this respect, the projectile support can also ensure that the holding device can reliably grip the ammunition bodies and then lift them off the receiving tray.

[0090] For the movement of the holding device, it has proven advantageous if it can be moved vertically via a linear drive. The linear drive allows the holding device to be moved up and down and to any storage level. The linear drive enables precise positioning of the holding device, allowing the ammunition bodies to be reliably lifted from the receiving tray or placed on it, and the various storage levels to be approached precisely.

[0091] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if two linear drives are provided, whereby one linear drive can be arranged on one side of the holding device and the other linear drive on the other side of the holding device. By means of these two linear drives, the holding device remains as straight as possible during vertical movement, so that the ammunition body cannot move unintentionally due to a tilt. Furthermore, the weight of the ammunition body located in the holding device can be evenly distributed by two linear drives. It is advantageous if one linear drive is arranged at one end region of the holding device and the other linear drive is arranged at the other end region. The holding device can then extend between the two linear drives.

[0092] With regard to the design of the linear drive, it has proven advantageous if it has at least one, in particular two, rotatable threaded spindles which move the holding device in a vertical direction when rotated. By using a threaded spindle, the position of the holding device can be controlled very precisely. The movement of the holding device can depend on the direction of rotation of the threaded spindle; for example, the holding shell can be moved upwards when the threaded spindle is turned clockwise and downwards when the threaded spindle is turned counterclockwise. By using two threaded spindles, the acting forces can be distributed evenly, which improves the overall stability of the projectile lift. It is advantageous if the threaded spindles are arranged parallel to one another and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ammunition body or perpendicular to the holding device.Furthermore, it is advantageous if both linear drives each have two threaded spindles, so that the holding device can be moved up and down by a total of four threaded spindles. This ensures particularly uniform support of the holding device.

[0093] The lead screws of a linear guide can be mounted at the lower end in a bearing rail, allowing them to rotate, so that they do not shift but maintain a fixed position even during rotation. At the upper end of the lead screws, where the lifting motor and gear unit can be located, the two lead screws can also be connected to each other via a corresponding bearing rail. The linear drive can then have a rectangular shape.

[0094] In a further development, it is proposed that the linear drive have a guide element which is arranged on the threaded spindle in the manner of a spindle nut. By rotating the threaded spindle, the guide element can be moved up and down. The guide element can be connected to the holding device; in particular, the holding device is rotatably mounted in or on the guide element. The guide element can be arranged on both threaded spindles of a linear drive and connect the two threaded spindles to one another. The guide element can have two threaded bores through which the two threaded spindles can extend, wherein the threads can mesh with one another such that the guide element can be moved in the vertical direction. It is advantageous if two guide elements are provided, one for each linear drive. The holding device can then be rotatably mounted on both sides in or on a guide element.

[0095] In order to rotate the threaded spindle, it has proven advantageous to provide a lifting motor which can drive the threaded spindle, in particular both threaded spindles of a linear drive, via a gear. The lifting motor can be arranged at the upper end of the linear drive so that it does not hinder the movement of the holding device. The lifting motor can be connected to both threaded spindles of a linear drive via a gear so that the two threaded spindles always rotate synchronously. This prevents the guide element from jamming due to uneven rotation of the threaded spindles. With two linear drives, a separate lifting motor can be provided for each linear drive. Both lifting motors can be coupled to one another, in particular via a corresponding control system, so that all four threaded spindles rotate synchronously.

[0096] According to an advantageous development, the receiving tray is provided for movement in a vertical direction. By moving the receiving tray, ammunition bodies can be pushed onto the receiving tray at different levels and ejected from the receiving tray at different levels. For example, it may be desirable to replenish the ammunition depot at the lowest level and remove the ammunition bodies at a higher level. The receiving tray can then be moved to the desired replenishment position and the ammunition bodies can then be lifted from the receiving tray via the holding device and then stored. When an ammunition body is to be removed from the magazine, the holding device can place it on the receiving tray. In the next step, the receiving tray can then be moved to the removal position and the ammunition body can be ejected at the desired location.The movement of the receiving tray thus allows for variable loading and unloading of ammunition at different levels. The bullet lift can therefore also be used for existing magazines and vehicles and can also serve as a retrofit solution.

[0097] With regard to the relative movement of the receiving tray and the holding device, it has proven advantageous if the receiving tray and the holding device are coupled to one another in such a way that the receiving tray can be moved together with the holding device when the holding device is located within or above a boundary plane. It is advantageous if the boundary plane is the second storage level. The storage levels are counted from the bottom, with the lowest level corresponding to the first level. If the holding device is moved upwards, for example, and thereby exceeds the boundary plane, the receiving tray is moved accordingly. The holding device and the receiving tray are then coupled and they move in parallel at the same distance in the vertical direction.

[0098] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the receiving tray is decoupled from the holding device when the holding device is located below the boundary plane. To pick up an ammunition body from the receiving tray or to deposit an ammunition body from the holding device onto the receiving tray, both the receiving device and the holding device can be moved to the lowest storage level. To achieve this, the holding device can be moved below the boundary plane independently of the receiving tray. The receiving tray can be located in the lowest level when the holding device is in the boundary plane.

[0099] If the holding device is located within or above the boundary plane, the receiving tray can be located at a distance equal to the boundary plane from the lowest level below the holding device. Similarly, if the second storage level is the boundary plane, the distance of the receiving tray from the holding device is equal to the distance of the boundary plane from the lowest storage level.

[0100] From a design point of view, it is advantageous if the receiving tray is coupled to the holding device via a linear guide. The linear guide allows the receiving tray, together with the holding tray, to be moved vertically via the linear drive. The receiving tray does not require its own drive; instead, it is moved via the lifting motor(s) of the linear drives. The linear guide can be designed as a vertical strut that can extend parallel to the threaded spindle. It is advantageous if two, in particular four, linear guides are provided so that the receiving tray can be moved securely in the vertical direction, even when an ammunition body is resting on it. Two of the four linear guides can each be connected to an end region of the receiving tray. Furthermore, it is possible for two linear guides to be connected to one another, in particular via a U-shaped connection.This design allows the receiving tray to rest on the connection between the two linear guides, increasing stability. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the linear guide is guided within the guide element.

[0101] If the holding device moves relative to the receiving tray, the guide element can slide over the linear guide so that the receiving tray is not moved.

[0102] In a further development of the linear guide, it is proposed that it include a stop that limits the movement of the holding device relative to the receiving tray. The stop can be arranged at the upper end of the linear guide and ensure that the guide element moves the receiving tray along with it. During a vertical upward movement, the guide element can strike the stop, so that during a further movement, the receiving tray is moved along with the guide element or the holding device. The stop can strike the guide element when the holding device is in the boundary plane.

[0103] The distance of the stop from the receiving tray or the length of the linear guide can be dimensioned such that the distance between the receiving tray and the holding device corresponds to the distance of the lowest storage level from the boundary level. For example, if the second level is the boundary level, the linear guide can be so long that the distance between the holding device and the receiving tray corresponds to a storage level.

[0104] It is further proposed that the receiving tray be suspended from the holding device in a linearly movable manner. The receiving tray can be suspended from the holding device via the guide element. Although the linear guide can be rigid struts, these can essentially function like cables. This is because if the receiving trays have not yet reached the lowest storage level, the receiving tray can move in parallel with the holding device. Once the holding device reaches the boundary level and the receiving tray reaches the lowest storage level, the holding device can be moved further downwards and then, for example, lift a piece of ammunition from the receiving tray.

[0105] With regard to the holding device, it has proven advantageous if it has two holding shells that are rotatably connected to one another at one end via a gear and at the other end via a pivot bearing. The pivot bearing can be mounted in a guide element or the pivot bearing can be part of the guide element, so that the two holding shells can be rotated relative to the guide element. The opposite side of the holding shells can be mounted in another guide element, so that the holding device is then arranged between the two guide elements and can be rotated relative to them.

[0106] With regard to the holding device, it has proven advantageous if it can be moved into a holding position, a transfer position and a gripping position. In the holding position, an ammunition body can be secured in the holding device and moved vertically together with the holding device. In the gripping position, the holding device can be moved from above onto an ammunition body located on the receiving tray, so that the holding device encompasses the ammunition body at least in sections. If the holding device is then moved into the holding position, the ammunition body is secured in the holding device and can then be lifted off the receiving tray. In the transfer position, an ammunition body can be ejected from the holding device, in particular laterally, and then fed, for example, to a holding position in a magazine.

[0107] Further advantages and details of the magazine and the method will be explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments in the attached figures. These show: Fig. 1 a magazine in a perspective side view; Fig. 2 a perspective detailed view of a storage area of the magazine according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a sectional view through the magazine according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a further sectional view through the magazine to visualize the drive of the conveyor device; Fig. 5 the magazine according to Fig. 4 in a perspective side view; Fig. 6 different views of the transport of an ammunition body from one holding device to an adjacent holding device; Fig. 7 a sectional view through a magazine in a further embodiment; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the transport device of the magazine according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 a perspective view of the magazine according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 10 a perspective side view of the magazine's bullet lift; Fig. 11 a perspective detailed view of the bullet lift; Fig. 12 a perspective view of the bullet lift in the removal position; Fig. 13a - i Perspective views of the projectile lift during the storage of an ammunition body; Fig. 14 a front view of the holding device in the transfer position and in the holding position; Fig. 15 a perspective side view of the holding device; Fig. 16 various views of the holding tray drive mechanism; Fig. 17 a perspective view of the holding tray drive mechanism; Fig. 18 various schematic sectional views of a military vehicle; Fig. 19a, b various perspective views of the holding device and the ejection mechanism.

[0108] In the following, the design of the magazine 1 as well as the loading of the magazine 1 and the removal of ammunition bodies 100 from the magazine 1 will first be described in more detail, before the design of the holding device 4 and the design of the projectile lift 7 will then be discussed in more detail.

[0109] The Fig. 1 The magazine 1 shown serves for the horizontal storage of ammunition bodies 100, in particular in the form of 120 mm cartridges, and can be used, for example, in a military vehicle 200. As will be described in more detail below, the magazine 1 can, for example, be loaded with ammunition bodies 100 before a deployment, and during deployment, the individual ammunition bodies 100 can first be moved to a removal position P, removed one after the other from the magazine 1, fed to the weapon 203 of the vehicle 200, and then fired.

[0110] The magazine 1 has a total of 24 storage locations 3 for storing the ammunition bodies 1, with each storage location 3 being able to store one ammunition body 100. Furthermore, an additional ammunition body 100 can also be accommodated in the projectile lift 7, so that the magazine 1 has a total capacity of 25 ammunition bodies 100. Each storage location 3 is assigned a holding device 4 so that the individual ammunition bodies 100 are securely held at each storage location 3 and cannot slip.

[0111] As shown in the presentation of the Fig. 1 As can also be seen, the magazine 1 has two base plates 1.1, 1.2 arranged parallel to each other, which are spaced apart from each other by several rods 1.3. The base plates 1.1, 1.2 each have a hole pattern 1.4 so that the holding devices 4 can be mounted between the two base plates 1.1, 1.2.

[0112] In the middle of the magazine 1 there is a projectile lift 7 which divides the magazine 1 into two different storage areas 2. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 1 The right storage area 2 is not equipped with holding devices 4, so that the hole pattern 1.4 of the base plates 1.1, 1.2 is visible. In the left storage area 2, the holding devices 4 are also partially not shown, as is also the case in the Fig. 2 is visible. In this illustration, only the right storage area 2 and the floor lift 7 are visible, and the front base plate 1.2 is not shown.

[0113] Furthermore, it can be seen that the individual storage locations 3 are arranged in three storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 arranged one above the other. The storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of each storage area 2 have four storage locations 3 arranged next to one another and therefore also four holding devices 4 arranged next to one another. The storage locations 3 of the various storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 are arranged one above the other in such a way that a matrix-like arrangement of the holding devices or the ammunition bodies 100 results.

[0114] To reload the magazine 100 and load it with a plurality of ammunition bodies 100, the ammunition bodies 100 are successively inserted into the projectile lift 7. Depending on which storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 the respective ammunition body 100 is to be stored in, the ammunition body 100 is then moved by the projectile lift 7 to the correct storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. In a next step, the ammunition body 100 is then transported by the projectile lift 7 to the first storage location 3 of the corresponding storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and then moved in the storage direction E until the ammunition body 100 has reached its final storage location 3. The transport of the ammunition bodies 100 from the projectile lift 7 to the first storage location 3 and then to the further storage locations 3 will be explained in more detail below.

[0115] If the magazine 1 is still empty, the first ammunition body 100, after being transported by the projectile lift 7 to the first storage location 3 of the corresponding storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, is moved three storage locations 3 further in the storage direction E until it reaches the outermost storage location 3. During this transport, the ammunition body 3 thus passes through all storage locations 3 of the respective storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or the respective storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of one of the two ammunition areas 2 located between the projectile lift 7 and the final storage location 3.

[0116] The next ammunition body 100 then only needs to be transported two more storage locations 3 from the first storage location 3 of the corresponding storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 until it reaches its final storage location 3. The remaining storage locations 3 of magazine 1 are then filled in a similar manner.

[0117] When the ammunition bodies 100 are removed, they are moved in the retrieval direction A from their respective storage location 3 to the ammunition lift 7. Since the ammunition bodies 100 must always pass through all storage locations 3 located between their final or current storage location 3 and the projectile lift 7, it is only possible to transport the ammunition body 3 from a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 to the projectile lift 7 that is closest to the projectile lift 7. Each storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 or each storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the respective storage area 2 thus functions as a stack storage, and the ammunition bodies 100 can be removed from this stack storage according to the last-in-first-out principle. Although the removal sequence of the ammunition bodies 100 of a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 is thus predetermined, it is possible to switch between the different storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and the various storage areas 2 can be selected.

[0118] For example, if all storage locations 3 of the magazine are equipped with an ammunition body 100, then when removing an ammunition body 100, one can select from six different ammunition bodies 100, namely from the ammunition bodies 100 of the respective levels closest to the projectile lift 7. In this respect, it is also possible for different ammunition body types to be stored in the various storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and / or in the two storage areas 2, and then for a specific ammunition body type to be selected and removed during removal depending on the requirements.

[0119] A conveying device 5 is provided for transporting the ammunition bodies 100 from the projectile lift 7 to the first storage location 3, as well as for moving the ammunition bodies 100 between the individual storage locations 3 and the individual holding devices 4. The conveying device 5 is provided between the individual storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, so that at least two conveying devices 5 are provided on each storage side 2.

[0120] In one embodiment, the conveying devices 5 comprise a plurality of conveying shafts 5.1, which are rotatably mounted between the two base plates 1.1, 1.2 of the magazine. These conveying shafts 5.1 are, for example, Fig. 5 The transport shafts 5.1 extend parallel to the lying ammunition bodies 100 and each have a plurality of transport wheels 5.2, 5.3 designed as star wheels, which, when rotated, ensure that the ammunition bodies 100 are transported from one storage location 3 to an adjacent storage location 3.

[0121] When designing according to the Fig. 5 The transport shafts 5.1 each have two transport wheels 5.2, 5.3, whereby the first transport wheel 5.2 is larger than the second transport wheel 5.3, which is related to the contour of the ammunition bodies 100. This is because the ammunition bodies 100 have a larger diameter in the rear area than in the middle area, which is also the case in the Fig. 10 The two conveyor wheels 5.2, 5.3 are mounted on or at a strut 5.4, so that when the strut 5.4 rotates, the two conveyor wheels 5.2, 5.3 rotate in the same direction.

[0122] In order to transport the ammunition bodies from one storage location 3 to the next, the ammunition bodies 100 are first transferred from the holding device 4 onto the transport wheels 5.2, 5.3. For this purpose, the transport shafts 5.1 are rotated from the position in the Fig. 5 First, the holding device 4 is rotated approximately 45 degrees in the direction of the ammunition body 100 to be moved. In a next step, the holding device 4 is then transferred into a transfer position Ü, which allows the removal of the ammunition body 100. The various positions of the holding device 4 are described in more detail below with reference to the other figures.

[0123] When the ammunition body 100 then rests on the conveying shaft 5.1 or on the conveying edges 5.2, 5.3, the conveying shaft 5.1 is rotated approximately 90 degrees toward the adjacent holding device 4 and can then be picked up by the corresponding holding device 4. To then convey the ammunition body further, the process is continued accordingly and the ammunition body 100 is transferred to the next conveying shaft 5.1.

[0124] In order to transfer the ammunition bodies 100 from holding device 4 to holding device 4, the corresponding transport shafts 5.1 are arranged above or below the holding devices 4 and between two adjacent holding devices 4, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 3 Furthermore, the Fig. 3 It can be seen that only between the storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 transport devices 5 are provided. The lower transport device 5 is therefore responsible for the transport of the ammunition bodies 100 in the lowest storage level 2.1 as well as for those in the middle storage level 2.2. For example, if an ammunition body 100 in the lowest storage level 2.1 is to be transported according to the illustration in the Fig. 3 If the ammunition bodies 100 are to be moved in the insertion direction E, i.e., from right to left, the transport shafts 5.1 above the lower storage level 2.1 must rotate clockwise. If the same transport shafts 5.1 are to move ammunition bodies 100 of the middle storage level 2.2 accordingly, the transport shafts 5.1 must be rotated counterclockwise.

[0125] Since a transport device 5 is provided both below and above the middle storage level 2.2, the ammunition bodies 100 of the middle storage level 2.2 are transported by both transport devices 5. According to the illustration of the Fig. 3 To move the ammunition bodies 100 in the storage direction E, the transport shafts 5.1 arranged above the middle storage level 2.2 must rotate clockwise and the transport shafts 5.1 arranged below the middle storage level 2.2 must rotate counterclockwise. As further described in the Fig. 3 As can be seen, a transport shaft 5.1 is also arranged between the first holding device 4 and the projectile lift 7, so that the ammunition bodies 100 can be moved both from the ammunition lift 7 and to the ammunition lift 7.

[0126] The number of conveyor shafts 5.1 per conveyor device 5 thus corresponds to the number of holding devices 4 or the number of storage locations 3 per storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of each storage area 2. As shown in the Fig. 3 As can be seen, four conveying shafts 5.1 per conveying device 5 are therefore provided for the four holding devices 4.

[0127] The detailed design of the transport wheels 5 is shown in the Fig. 5 and in the Fig. 6 Each transport wheel 5.2, 5.3 has four concave receiving contours 5.21, 5.31, each offset by 90 degrees from each other. The curvature or design of the receiving contours 5.21, 5.31 is adapted to the ammunition bodies 100 so that they rest as securely as possible in the corresponding receiving contours 5.21, 5.31 during transport.

[0128] Furthermore, in the Fig. 6 An alternative embodiment is shown in which two conveying shafts 5.1 are provided between the holding devices 4 for conveying ammunition bodies 100 from one holding device 4 to an adjacent holding device 4. In this embodiment, a conveying device 5 thus has twice as many conveying shafts 5.1 as holding devices 5 are provided in a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. As further shown in the Fig. 6 As can be seen, the ammunition bodies 100 are better guided by the double number of transport shafts 5.1 and are transferred from one transport shaft 5.1 to the other transport shaft 5.1 approximately halfway between the two holding devices 4.

[0129] If two conveyor shafts 5.1 are used between two holding devices 5, it is necessary to adjust the hole pattern 1.4 in the base plates 1.1, 1.2. This is shown by comparing the hole patterns 1.4 of the Fig. 5 and the Fig. 7 Even if in the Fig. 7 no design with two conveyor shafts 5.1 between two holding devices 4 is shown, it can be seen that the base plate 1.1 has two holes between two holding devices 4 or two storage locations 3, so that two conveyor shafts 5.1 can be stored accordingly.

[0130] To drive the conveyor shafts 5.1, regardless of whether one or more conveyor shafts 5.1 are provided between two holding devices 5, each conveyor shaft 5.1 has a drive wheel 5.5 at one end. As shown in the Fig. 4 and 5As can be seen, all conveyor shafts 5.1 of a conveyor device 5 are connected to a common level drive 6 via a coupling element 5.6 designed as a belt. The conveyor shafts 5.1 of a conveyor device 5 thus all rotate synchronously when an ammunition body 100 is transported from one holding device 4 to an adjacent holding device 4. Since all conveyor shafts 5.1 of a conveyor device 5 always move together anyway, it is not absolutely necessary, for example, when reloading the magazine 1 or moving the ammunition bodies 100 in the storage direction E, to move the ammunition bodies one after the other, but rather, for example, several ammunition bodies 100 in a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can also be moved simultaneously. Because conveyor devices 5 can also transport ammunition bodies 100 from different storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, several ammunition bodies 100 can thus also be moved in different storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 by a conveying device 5.

[0131] For guiding the ammunition bodies 100, guide rails 8 are also provided, which also ensure that the ammunition bodies 100 can only be moved in the storage direction E or in the retrieval direction A during transport, but not, for example, perpendicular to them. As shown in the Fig. 5 As can be seen, the guide rails 8 are arranged above and below each storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and extend essentially perpendicular to the ammunition bodies 100 or perpendicular to the transport shafts 5.1.

[0132] In the case of the guide rails 5.8, which are arranged between two storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, the struts 4.5 of the respective conveyor shafts 5.1 extend through the guide rails 5.8, and the guide rails 8 are arranged at the height of the drive wheels 5.2, 5.3. The drive wheels 5.2, 5.3 can each be designed as double wheels and engage around the guide rails 5.8. This allows, in particular, the guide rails 5.8 that are not arranged in the roof area or in the floor area to be fixed in a fixed position. So that the guide rails 5.8 do not hinder the movement of the holding device 4 from the transfer position Ü and the holding position H, the holding rails 5.8 can have a rounding in the corresponding areas, which can be used, for example, in the Fig. 5 and also in the Fig. 3 can be seen.

[0133] In a further embodiment, the conveying device 5 can have one or more screw rollers 5.7 instead of the conveying shafts 5.1. This embodiment is shown in the Fig. 7 bis 9 As shown particularly in the Fig. 9 As can be seen, the conveying device 5 has three screw rollers 5.7 of different sizes or diameters arranged parallel to one another, wherein one screw roller 5.7 is arranged in the middle, one in the rear and one in the front area of the ammunition body 100.

[0134] Unlike the conveyor shafts 5.1, the screw rollers 5.7 do not extend parallel to the longitudinal axes of the ammunition bodies 100, but rather parallel to them. Accordingly, the screw rollers 5.7 are not rotatably mounted in the base plates 1.1, 1.2, but rather in corresponding rails that extend between the two base plates 1.1, 1.2. As shown in the Fig. 9 As can be seen, not all holes of the hole pattern 1.4 are required, in particular not the holes in which the conveyor shafts 5.1 are rotatably mounted.

[0135] The screw rollers 5.7 have alternating constrictions 5.72 and screw guides 5.71. The screw guides 5.71 serve, analogously to the conveying shafts 5.1, to transport the ammunition bodies 100 from one holding device 4 to the next holding device 4 and are accordingly arranged between the holding devices 4. The screw guides 5.71 are designed such that the ammunition bodies 100 are guided in them and a rotational movement of the screw rollers 5.7 leads to a linear movement of the ammunition bodies 100 in the storage direction E or in the retrieval direction A, depending on the direction of rotation of the screw roller 5.7. This is determined, for example, by means of the Fig. 8 clearly, in which the transport of an ammunition body 100 between the two right-hand holding devices 4 is shown.

[0136] The constrictions 5.71 are arranged in the area of the holding devices 4 and ensure that the holding devices 4 can be moved back and forth between the holding position H and the transfer position Ü. The constrictions 5.71 also serve to allow the screw roller 5.7 to reach closer to the longitudinal axis of the ammunition bodies 100, which enables a safe transport of the ammunition bodies 100, as is also shown in the illustration of the Fig. 8 is evident.

[0137] In order to move the ammunition bodies 100 within a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, the screw rollers 5.7 of a conveying device 5 must be rotated synchronously. For this purpose, the screw rollers 5.7 each have a drive wheel 5.5, which are coupled to one another via one or more coupling elements 5.6 and are rotatable via a level drive 6.

[0138] Before the detailed design of the holding device 4 and the floor lift 7 is discussed in more detail below, Fig. 18a und 18b the positioning of the magazine 1 in the vehicle 200 and the resulting space conditions are explained.

[0139] The vehicle 200 has a vehicle hull 201 and a turret 202 mounted rotatably relative to the hull, which houses a large-caliber weapon 203. The magazine 1 is located in the rear area of the turret 202, and the ammunition cartridges 100 are ejected from the magazine 1 toward the weapon 203 and then fed to the weapon 203. The feeding of the ammunition cartridges 100 from the magazine 1 to the weapon 203 can be accomplished either manually by a loader or automatically, for example, by a corresponding loading device.

[0140] In the top view of the Fig. 18a and in the side section view of the tower according to Fig. 18b the ammunition bodies 100 still in magazine 1 can be seen. The removed ammunition body 100 was, as already described above, first transported from its storage location 3 to the bullet lift 7 and then brought to the middle storage level 2.2, in which the ammunition body 100 can be ejected from magazine 1. Since, during removal, all ammunition bodies 100 located in magazine 1 are first moved to the removal position P and only then can they be removed or ejected, only little space is required in the area between magazine 1 and weapon 203. This can also be seen in the figures. This is because behind magazine 1 in the removal position P, i.e. in the exemplary embodiment in the middle storage level 2.2 behind the bullet lift 7 in the middle of magazine 1, only a small removal space 205 needs to be provided for removing the ammunition body 100.The free areas 204 located next to the removal chamber 205, however, can be used for other purposes and are not required for the removal of an ammunition body 100. Due to the fixed and identical removal position P for all ammunition bodies 100, the space required by the magazine 1 or the space required for the removal of an ammunition body 100 can be significantly reduced.

[0141] The following will now be discussed in particular with reference to Fig. 14 bis 17 the design and function of the holding device 4 are described in more detail.

[0142] In the Fig. 14 The holding device 4 is shown in a perspective side view and in a holding position H. The holding device 4 essentially consists of two holding shells 4.2, 4.3, which are rotatably coupled to one another at a front end region 4.22 via a pivot bearing 4.6 and at a rear end region 4.21 via a holding shell drive mechanism 4.9. In the holding position H, the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are opposite one another in such a way that an ammunition body 100 is positively received in the holding region 4.10 located between the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 and cannot be removed from the holding device 4. This is also the case, for example, in the Fig. 13g shown.

[0143] In order to remove the ammunition body 100 from the holding device 4, it is necessary to move the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 relative to each other and to rotate them about the rotation axis D. The movement of the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 can be determined, for example, by means of the Fig. 14 In the right position of the Fig. 14 the holding device 4 or the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are in the holding position H. In order to remove an ammunition body 100 from the holding device 4, the upper holding shell 4.2 is rotated counterclockwise and the lower holding shell 4.3 is rotated clockwise around the rotation axis D until the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are in contact with each other, as shown in the left illustration of the Fig. 14 can be seen.

[0144] The upper retaining shell 4.2 and the lower retaining shell 4.3 are each designed as cylindrical segments and have different segment angles x1, x2. The lower retaining shell 4.3 is larger than the upper retaining shell 4.2 and has a larger segment angle x2, so that the force or weight of the ammunition bodies 100 is distributed over a larger area. The retaining shell 4.2, which has the smaller segment angle x1, only has to absorb a comparatively small force and serves primarily to secure the ammunition bodies 100 in the lower retaining shell 4.3.

[0145] In order for an ammunition body 100 to be either removed from the holding device 4 or inserted into the holding device 4 in the transfer position Ü, the sum of the segment angles x1, x2 is approximately 180 degrees, as shown in the left illustration of the Fig. 14 can be seen. If the sum of the segment angles were greater than 180 degrees, an ammunition body 100 could not be removed from the holding device 4, even if the two holding shells 4.2 and 4.3 were in contact with one another. If, however, the sum of the segment angles x1 and x2 were significantly smaller than 180 degrees, the strength of the holding shells 4.2 and 4.3 would be reduced.

[0146] As this continues in the Fig. 15 or in the Fig. 13 h, the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are adapted to the contour of the ammunition body 100. Thus, the distance of the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 from the axis of rotation D, which simultaneously corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the ammunition bodies 100, is greater in the rear end region 4.21 than in the front end region 4.22, just as is the case with the ammunition bodies 100.

[0147] The lower holding shell 4.3 has an ejection device designed as an ejection latch 4.7, which is configured as a passive spring. When an ammunition body 100 is inserted, the ejection latch 4.7 is tensioned by the weight of the ammunition body 100. When the lower holding shell 4.3 is rotated about the rotation axis D and moved into the transfer position Ü, the ejection latch 4.7 ensures that the ammunition body 100 is automatically ejected from the holding device 4.

[0148] In the Fig. 8 For example, it can be seen that the two right-hand holding trays 4 are in the transfer position Ü. The ammunition body 100 was initially located in the right-hand holding device 4 and was held by it at the corresponding storage location 3. In order to move the ammunition body 100 to the projectile lift 7 for removal from the magazine 1, the holding device 4 was first transferred from the holding position H to the transfer position Ü. The ejection latch 4.7 moves the ammunition body 100 to the conveying device 5, which then conveys the ammunition body 100 to the adjacent holding device 4. To receive the ammunition body 100, this holding tray 4 is also in the transfer position Ü, as shown in the Fig. 8 can be seen. When the ammunition body 100 has been transported by the conveying device 5 and has reached the holding device 4, the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 of the holding device 4 are moved into the holding position H. The upper holding shell 4.2 is rotated clockwise about the rotation axis D and the lower holding shell 4.3 is rotated counterclockwise.

[0149] If the ammunition body 100 is to be held in the holding device 4, the holding device 4 remains in the holding position H. If the ammunition body 100 is to be transported further to the retrieval position A, the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are rotated further about the rotation axis D until they rest against each other on the other side of the ammunition body 100. The position of the holding device 4 then corresponds to that of the right-hand holding device 4 of the Fig. 8 and the ammunition body 100 can be moved further in the unloading direction A.

[0150] To move the two holding trays 4.2, 4.3 in the manner described above and to transfer them from the holding position H to the transfer position Ü or vice versa, the holding tray drive mechanism 4.9 comprises a holding tray drive 4.4 in the form of a motor and a gear 4.5. The gear 4.5 is designed such that both holding trays 4.2, 4.3 can be moved by a single motor.

[0151] The design of the gearbox 4.5 is in the Fig. 16 The gear 4.5 is designed as a planetary gear and has an outer ring gear 4.52, an inner sun gear 4.51, and three planet gears 4.53 that mesh with the ring gear 4.52 and the sun gear 4.51. The three planet gears 4.53 are connected to each other via a web 4.54 and ensure that the ring gear 4.52 and the sun gear 4.51 rotate in opposite directions. When the sun gear 4.51 rotates clockwise, the ring gear 4.52 rotates counterclockwise, but about the same axis of rotation D. The ring gear 4.52 is connected to the upper holding shell 4.2 and the sun gear 4.51 is connected to the lower holding shell 4.3, so that both holding shells 4.2, 4.3 can be rotated in opposite directions about the axis of rotation D by a single holding shell drive 4.4 connected to the sun rim 4.51.

[0152] In addition to the relative movement of the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 around the rotation axis D, it is also possible to rotate both holding shells 4.2, 4.3 together around the rotation axis D. This can be done, for example, using the Fig. 13c and 13h This is evident. Although the holding device 4 is in the transfer position Ü in both illustrations, the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are rotated together by approximately 90 degrees around the rotation axis D.

[0153] In order to rotate the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 together, another motor in the form of a rotary drive 4.8 is provided, which can be used, for example, in the Fig. 17 For the sake of clarity, the Fig. 17 The holding shell drive 4.4 is not shown, but both drives 4.4, 4.8 are, for example, in the Fig. 1 oder 2 shown. The rotary drive 4.8 drives a gear ring 4.55, to which the web 4.54 is attached. The rotary drive 4.8 thus rotates the entire gear 4.5 and also the retaining shell drive 4.4 around the rotation axis D, without the retaining shells 4.2 and 4.3 moving relative to each other. To move the retaining shells 4.2 and 4.3 to their desired position as quickly as possible, both drives 4.4 and 4.8 can be operated simultaneously.

[0154] At the storage locations 3 it is generally not necessary for the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 to be rotated together around the rotation axis D, but for the holding device 4 the two in the Fig.8 shown transfer positions Ü as well as the holding position H. The rotary drive 4.8 is primarily required for the projectile lift 7 described below, since via this the holding device 4 or the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 can also be rotated into a gripping position G. For this reason, no rotary drive 4.8 is provided for the holding devices 4 of the various storage locations 3 of the magazine 1 and the respective holding shells 4.2, 4.3 can only be rotated relative to one another via the holding shell drive 4.4.

[0155] The corresponding webs 4.54 therefore do not need to be moved, but are screwed to the base plate 1.2 of the magazine 1. Because the planetary gears 4.53 are rotatably mounted on the web 4.54, they also serve as a pivot bearing for the holding device 4 on the base plate 1.2. Fig. 1 The design of the hole pattern 1.4 on the outside of the base plate 1.2 can also be seen, so that the ring gear 4.52, for example, can be accommodated in the base plate 1.2 and does not protrude from the base plate 1.2. On the opposite base plate 1.1, the pivot bearings 4.6 are inserted into the base plate 1.1, so that the two retaining shells 4.2, 4.3 are also rotatably mounted on this base plate 1.1.

[0156] The holding tray drive mechanism 4.9 is arranged at the end of the holding device 4 which serves to receive the lower ends of the ammunition bodies 100. As can be seen, for example, from the Fig. 1 und 2 As can be seen, the holding tray drive 4.4 of the holding devices 4 assigned to the storage locations 3 of the magazine 1 is arranged on the same side. The level drives 6 for driving the conveying devices 5, however, are arranged on the other side of the magazine 1, so that the level drives 6 and the holding tray drives 4.4 are opposite each other with respect to the magazine 1.

[0157] The joint rotation of the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 is particularly important for the following Fig. 11 bis 13 floor lift 7, which is described in more detail, is required.

[0158] The following will now be based on the Fig. 19a und 19b A possibility for driving the ejection pawls 4.7 via an ejection mechanism 4.11 is described. An ejection drive 4.11 is provided in the front and rear areas of the holding shells 4.2, 4.3, via which the ammunition bodies 100 can be ejected laterally and essentially independently of gravity from the holding rollers 4.2, 4.3.

[0159] As already described, the lower holding shell 4.3 is equipped with several ejection pawls 4.71, 4.72, namely two front ejection pawls 4.71 in the front area and one rear ejection pawl 4.72 in the rear area. Each ejection pawl 4.71, 4.72 has two pawl links that can be moved independently of one another and are pivotally mounted at one end in the lower holding shell 4.3. The right and left pawl links of the front ejection pawls 4.71 are each connected to a front ejection pinion 4.15 via a rod (not visible in the figure). When the ejection pinion 4.15 is rotated, the connected pawl links of the ejection pawls 4.71 also rotate accordingly. The pawl links of the rear ejection pawl 4.72 are connected in a corresponding manner to the two Fig. 19a to be seen rear ejection pinions 4.14 and can be moved via them.

[0160] To drive the ejection pawls 4.71, 4.72, the respective ejection pinions 4.15, 4.14 of the ejection drives 4.11 must be turned, namely either the front and rear right ejection pinions 4.14, 4.15 or the front and rear left ejection pinions 4.14, 4.15.

[0161] In order to move the ejection pinions 4.14, 4.15 accordingly, the upper holding shell 4.2 is connected in the front and rear end areas 4.22, 4.21 to a toothed segment 4.12, 4.13, which can be rotated together with the holding shell 4.2 about the rotation axis D. If the upper holding shell is moved according to the illustration of the Fig. 19a When turned clockwise, the toothed segments 4.12 and 4.13 are moved toward the right-hand ejection pinions 4.14 and 4.15. However, as long as the toothed segments 4.12 and 4.13 have not yet reached the ejection pinions 4.14 and 4.15, they do not move. Only shortly before the two retaining shells 4.2 and 4.1 touch each other do the toothed segments 4.12 and 4.13 engage with the ejection pinions 4.14 and 4.15. In the example shown, the distance between the two retaining shells 4.1 and 4.2 at the beginning of engagement is approximately 22 degrees. In this final pivoting range of the holding shells 4.1, 4.2, before they abut one another, the toothed segments 4.12, 4.13 rotate the drive pinions 4.14, 4.15 counterclockwise. This movement is correspondingly transmitted to the right-hand pawl members of the ejection pawls 4.71, 4.72, so that the pawl members then move the ammunition body 100 toward the opening created between the two holding shells 4.1, 4.2, thus ejecting it to the left out of the holding area 4.10 slide out.

[0162] When the holding shells 4.1, 4.2 are then moved back into the holding position H, the drive pinions 4.14, 4.15 are rotated in the opposite direction until the toothed segments 4.12, 4.13 are disengaged again and the pawl members again assume the positions shown in the Fig. 19a und 19b have reached the position shown.

[0163] If an ammunition body 100 is to be ejected to the other side, the holding shells 4.1, 4.2 are rotated in the opposite direction and the toothed segments 4.12, 4.13 then drive the other drive pinions 4.14, 4.15. According to the illustration of the Fig. 19a The left-hand latching members are then actuated, pushing the ammunition body 100 to the right out of the holding area 4.10. Due to the described positive coupling, no additional motor is required to eject the ammunition bodies 100; instead, the ammunition bodies 100 can be ejected automatically via the essentially purely passive ejection drive 4.11 when the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 have reached the corresponding position, for example, the transfer position Ü.

[0164] As can be seen, for example, in a comparison of the ejection pawls 4.71, 4.2 of the Fig. 19a und 19b with the Fig. 13i If you notice, the Fig. 13i The ejection latches 4.7 shown are located rather in the lower area of the ammunition bodies 100, whereas the ejection latches 4.71, 4.72 according to the Fig. 19a, 19b the ammunition bodies 100 are pushed laterally out of the holding rollers 4.1, 4.2. This is due to the fact that the pawl members of the ejection pawls 4.71, 4.72 are mounted in the end regions facing each other in the holding shell 4.3, whereas the pawl members of the ejection pawl 4.7 are mounted according to Fig. 13i are pivotally mounted in the opposite end regions. The ejection pawls 4.71, 4.72 can therefore also protrude from the holding tray 4.3 and contribute to secure lateral support of the ammunition bodies 100 in the holding tray 4.3.

[0165] As this is the case in the Fig. 1 As can be seen, the projectile lift 7 is arranged in the middle of the magazine 1 and divides the magazine 1 into two storage areas 2, each having 12 storage locations 3 for the ammunition bodies 100. These storage locations 3 are divided into three storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 arranged one above the other, each with four storage locations 3. Via the projectile lift 7, the individual storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be equipped with ammunition bodies 100 or ammunition bodies 100 can be moved from the storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 to the removal position P, at which the ammunition bodies 100 can be removed from the magazine 1 or at which the ammunition bodies 100 can be transported out of the magazine 1.

[0166] In the presentation of the Fig. 11 The projectile lift 7 is shown in a perspective view isolated from the magazine 1. The projectile lift 7 has a receiving tray 7.1, which is movable in the vertical direction, and a holding device 4, which is also movable in the vertical direction. The holding device 4 used in the projectile lift 7 is the same holding device 4 that is also used to hold the ammunition bodies 100 at the storage locations 3 and which has already been described above.

[0167] The projectile lift 7 further comprises two linear drives 7.2, via which the holding device 4 can be moved in the vertical direction. Each of the two linear drives 7.2 has two threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22, which are rotatably mounted at their lower end in a bearing rail 7.25 and which extend parallel to one another in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the rotational axis D of the holding device 4 or the longitudinal axis of the ammunition bodies 100. To move the holding device 4, a guide element 7.6 is provided, which is arranged like a spindle nut on the two threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 of the linear drive 7.2. If the two threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 rotate evenly, the guide element 7.6 can thus be moved up and down in the vertical direction.

[0168] As is also the case in the Fig. 11 As can be seen, the holding device 4 is mounted on the guide element 7.6, so that the holding device 4 can be moved accordingly via the guide element 7.6. To ensure a uniform movement of the holding device 4, it is connected to a corresponding guide element 7.6 in both the front end region 4.21 and the rear end region 4.22, each of which can be moved by means of a linear drive 7.2. Thus, the weight of an ammunition body 100 can be supported via two linear drives 7.2 or, accordingly, via four threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22.

[0169] In order to securely connect the projectile lift 7 to the magazine 1 or to the two storage areas 2, the storage rail 7.25 can be connected to a base plate 1.1, 1.2 of the magazine 1, and the threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 can also be rotatably connected to the magazine 1. Thus, the forces generated by the reception of an ammunition body 100 can be safely absorbed.

[0170] To prevent the guide elements 7.6 from jamming, all four threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 must be rotated at approximately the same speed in the same direction. Each linear guide 7.2 has a lifting motor 7.23 connected to each of the two threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 via a gear 7.24, ensuring that the two threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 rotate synchronously. The respective lifting motors 7.23 of the two linear drives 7.2 are also controlled simultaneously, resulting in a synchronous rotation of all four threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22.

[0171] Although the receiving tray 7.1 cannot be moved directly in the vertical direction via the linear drives 7.2, the receiving tray 7.1 is coupled to the holding device 4 or to the linear guide 7.3. The coupling depends on the position or storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 of the magazine 1 in which the holding device 4 is located. If the holding device 4 is located in or above a boundary level 2.2, the receiving tray 7.1 is coupled to the holding device 4 and can be moved together with it in the vertical direction. However, if the holding device 4 has been moved below the boundary level 2.2, the coupling is released and the holding device 4 can then be moved independently of the receiving tray 7.1. In the exemplary embodiment, the middle storage level 2.2 represents the boundary level 2.2, so that below this level the holding device 4 can be moved independently and thus also relative to the receiving tray 7.1 can be moved and above the middle storage level 2.2 the receiving tray 7.1 can be moved together with the holding device 4. This is explained below using the various positions in the . Fig. 13 explained in more detail.

[0172] In the Fig. 13a First, the ammunition loading position M is shown, in which an ammunition body 100 can be inserted into the magazine 1 or pushed onto the receiving tray 7.1. The receiving tray 7.1 is located in the middle storage level 2.2, and the holding device is located in the upper storage level 2.3.

[0173] In a next step, the holding device 4 is then transferred from the holding position H to the transfer position Ü, as shown in the Fig. 13c can be seen. The holding device 4 is then lowered by rotating the threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22. During this movement, the receiving tray 7.1 also moves accordingly until it reaches the lower storage level 2.1.

[0174] The receiving tray 7.1 is guided in the guide element 7.6 via a linear guide 7.3. Stops 7.4 are provided at the upper end of the linear guide 7.3, which ensure that the receiving tray 7.1 hangs on the holding device 4 or on the guide element 7.6 when the receiving tray 7.1 is located above the lowest storage level 2.1. Also in the Fig. 11 und 12 It can be seen that the receiving tray 7.1 hangs under the holding device 4 and moves with it.

[0175] The distance between the receiving tray 7.1 and the holding device 4 corresponds to the position according to Fig. 13a bis 13d the distance between the various storage levels 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. When the receiving tray 7.1 has reached the lowest storage level 2.1, it cannot be lowered any further, so that the holding device 4 then moves towards the receiving tray 7.1 upon further lowering and the movements are no longer coupled. The guide element 7.6 then slides down the linear guides 7.3 of the receiving tray 7.1 during this movement. Due to the joint rotation of the two holding trays 4.2, 4.3 of the holding device 4 by the rotary drive 4.8, the two holding trays 4.2, 4.3 can be rotated into a gripping position G, in which the holding trays 4.2, 4.3 grasp an ammunition body 100 from above or rest on it from above, as shown in the Fig. 13e The gripping position G basically corresponds to a transfer position Ü rotated by 90 degrees, as is also the case when comparing the Fig. 13c and the left representation of the Fig. 14 becomes apparent.

[0176] In a next step, the holding device 4 is then moved into the holding position H and the ammunition body 100 is gripped by the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 of the holding device 4 in the manner of a gripper, so that it is then positively received between the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 or in the holding area 4.10.

[0177] When the threaded spindles 7.21, 7.22 are then turned in the opposite direction and the holding device 4 moves upwards again, the ammunition body 100 is lifted vertically from the receiving tray 7.1. This is shown in the Fig. 13g The holding device 4 can then be moved into the storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 in which the ammunition body 100 is to be stored. The guide element 7.6 then slides upwards again on the linear guide 7.3 until the end of the linear guide 7.3 is reached and the stops 7.4 prevent further relative movement between the holding device 4 and the receiving tray 7.1. If the holding device 4 is then moved further upwards, the stops 7.4 ensure that the receiving tray 7.1 is moved along with it, so that the holding device 4 and the receiving tray 7.1 then move upwards in the same direction at a distance from a storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

[0178] In the Fig. 13h und 13i The holding device 4 has gripped an ammunition body 100, lifted it from the receiving tray 7.1 and then moved to the second storage level 2.2. If the picked up ammunition body 100 is now to be stowed in the second storage level 2.2, the two holding trays 4.2, 4.3 are moved to the transfer position Ü and rotated together about the rotation axis D via the rotary drive 4.8 until the Fig. 13h shown position is reached. In this position, the ammunition body 100 can then be ejected from the holding device 4 and fed to the conveying device 5, which then conveys the ammunition body 100 to the first holding device 4 of the corresponding storage level 2.2. By rotating the two holding trays 4.2, 4.3, it is achieved that the ammunition body 100 can be ejected not only to the right from the holding device 4, but also to the left. For this, the holding trays 4.2, 4.3 would have to be moved from the Fig. 13h In the position shown, each of the two retaining cups 4.2 and 4.3 can be rotated in opposite directions about the rotation axis D until the retaining cups 4.2 and 4.3 rest against the other side of the ammunition body 100. Theoretically, it would also be possible to rotate the retaining cups 4.2 and 4.3 together by 180 degrees about the rotation axis D in order to eject the ammunition body 100 to the other side. However, the smaller retaining cup 4.2 would then be located below the larger retaining cup 4.3, which could lead to stability problems.

[0179] In order for the holding device 4 or the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 to be rotatable in the manner described above and for the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 to be able to be rotated in the floor lift 7 into the holding position H, the gripping position G and the transfer position Ü, it is necessary to rotate the holding shells 4.2, 4.3 relative to the guide elements 7.6. The holding shells 4.2, 4.3 are rotatably mounted in the guide elements 7.6, so that the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 can be rotated from the holding position H to the transfer position Ü via the holding shell drive 4.4 and from the transfer position Ü to the gripping position G via the rotary drive 4.8. Since the gear 4.5 and the holding shell drive 4.4 also rotate about the rotation axis D when the two holding shells 4.2, 4.3 rotate together, they are also rotatably mounted on the guide element 7.6. The rotary drive 4.8 is not mounted opposite the guide element 7.6 rotatable so that it can be firmly connected to the guide element 7.6.

[0180] In order to remove an ammunition body 100 from the magazine 1, it must first be fed from the corresponding storage level 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 to the projectile lift 7, then placed on the receiving tray 7.1 and then moved to the removal position P. In the magazine 1 shown in the figures, both the reloading position M and the removal position E of the receiving tray 7.1 or the ammunition body 100 are located in the middle storage level 2.2. In order to place the ammunition body 100 on the receiving tray 7.1, the holding device 4 holding the ammunition body 100 must first be moved to the lowest storage level 2.1. Then the holding trays 4.2, 4.3 are rotated about the rotation axis D into the gripping position G, as shown in the Fig. 13e is shown. In a next step, the holding device 4 is then moved upwards in this gripping position G without the ammunition body 100. The ammunition body 100 remains on the receiving tray 7.1. In order to transport the ammunition body 100 to the second storage level 2.2, in which it can be pushed out of the receiving tray 7.1 and then fed to the weapon, the holding device 4 must be moved to the uppermost storage level 2.3. This is possible, for example, in the Fig. 12 The ammunition body 100 can then be ejected from the receiving tray 7.1 in this removal position E, for example by means of a pusher piston not shown in the illustrations.

[0181] Furthermore, it is not absolutely necessary to store the ammunition bodies 100 in the magazine 1 from the reloading position M, in which the ammunition bodies 100 lie on the receiving tray 7.1. Rather, since the receiving tray 7.1 is open at both ends, the ammunition bodies 100 can also be directly ejected from the receiving tray 7.1 and then fed into the weapon. In this respect, the removal position E of the projectile lift 7 corresponds exactly to the reloading position M.

[0182] In the Fig. 12 It can also be seen that the receiving tray 7.1 has two rectangular recesses 7.11. The two projectile supports 7.5 can extend through these recesses 7.11 when the receiving tray 7.1 is located in the lowest storage level 2.1. Since the ammunition bodies 100 are narrower in the front part than in the rear part, the projectile supports 7.5 serve to support this narrower front part in particular, since the ammunition bodies 100 cannot fully rest on the cylindrical receiving tray 7.1 in this area. Bezugszeichen:

[0183] 1Magazine 1.1Base plate 1.2Base plate 1.3Rod 1.4Hole pattern 2Storage area 2.1Storage level 2.2Storage level / boundary level 2.3Storage level 3Storage location 4Holding device 4.1Ejection mechanism 4.11Ejection drive 4.12Rear toothed segment 4.13Front toothed segment 4.14Rear ejection pinion 4.15Front ejection pinion 4.2Holding tray 4.21End area 4.22End area 4.3Holding tray 4.4Holding tray drive 4.5Gear 4.51Sun gear 4.52Ring gear 4.53Planet gear 4.54Web 4.55Gear ring 4.6Pivot bearing 4.7Ejection pawl 4.71 Front ejection pawl 4.72 Rear ejection pawl 4.8 Rotary drive 4.9 Retaining tray drive mechanism 4.10 Holding area 5 Conveying device 5.1 Conveying shaft 5.2 Conveying wheel 5.21 Receiving contours 5.3 Conveying wheel 5.31 Receiving contours 5.4 Strut 5.5 Drive wheel 5.6 Coupling element 5.7 Worm roller 5.71 Worm guide 5.72 Constriction 5.8 Guide rail 6 Level drive 7 Floor lift 7.1 Receiving tray 7.11 Recess 7.2 Linear drive 7.21 Threaded spindle 7.22Threaded spindle 7.23Lifting motor 7.24Gearbox 7.25Bearing rail 7.3Linear guide 7.4Stop 7.5Projectile support 7.6Guide element 100Ammunition body 200Vehicle 201Vehicle hull 202Vehicle turret 203Weapon 204Free area 205Removal area . E Storage direction A Retrieval direction D Rotation axis H Holding position Ü Transfer position GG Gripping position P Removal position M Reloading position x1 Segment angle x2 Segment angle

Claims

1. Magazine for storing ammunition bodies (100) with several storage levels (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) arranged one above the other, each storage level (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) comprising several storage spaces (3) arranged next to each other, wherein the storage locations (3) are each assigned a holding device (4) for holding an ammunition body (100), characterized by a transport device (5) arranged between the storage levels (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for transporting an ammunition body (100) from a holding device (4) of a storage level (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) to an adjacent holding device (4) of the same storage level (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

2. Magazine according to claim 1, characterized by two storage areas (2), wherein a projectile lift (7) is arranged between the two storage areas (2) for conveying the ammunition bodies between the storage levels (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

3. Magazine according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one conveying device (5) for conveying the ammunition bodies (100) in the respective storage level (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) is assigned to each of the storage levels (2.1, 2.2, 2.3).

4. Magazine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage levels (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) are designed as stacking storage devices in which the ammunition bodies (100) can be stored according to the last-in-first-out principle.

5. Magazine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (5) for conveying the ammunition bodies (100) has at least one rotatable conveying shaft (5.1) which is arranged between two adjacent holding devices (4).

6. Magazine according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveyor shaft (5.1) has at least one conveyor wheel (5.2) with at least one receiving contour (5.21) for receiving an ammunition body (100).

7. Magazine according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the conveyor shafts (5.1) of a conveyor device (5) can be rotated via a common plane drive (6).

8. Magazine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two transport shafts (5.1) are provided between two adjacent holding devices (4), which have a rotational angle offset relative to each other.

9. Magazine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (5) for conveying the ammunition bodies (100) has at least one, in particular three, rotatable screw rollers (5.7).

10. Vehicle, in particular military land vehicle, with a magazine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method for storing ammunition bodies (100) in a magazine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the ammunition bodies (100) are transported by a conveying device (5) from a holding device (4) to an adjacent holding device (4).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the magazine (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 12.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that, during storage, the ammunition bodies (100) pass through all storage locations (3) of the respective storage level (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) which are arranged between the projectile lift (7) and the final storage location (3).