Vehicle with movable weapon station

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (10), in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station (1), in particular a remotely controlled weapon station, which is mounted on a platform (3) that can be moved between an operating position (B) and a transport position (T) via a lifting device (2), wherein the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along a lifting ramp (7) via the lifting device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station, in particular a remote-controlled weapon station, which is mounted on a platform movable between an operating position and a transport position via a lifting device.

[0002] Typically, such weapon stations are located on the vehicle roof or on the vehicle loading area and, in order not to restrict the aiming range of the weapon, often represent the highest point of the vehicle. In this respect, however, the weapon stations then protrude beyond the contour of the vehicle and thus also increase the loading dimensions.

[0003] Military vehicles, in particular, must be loaded from time to time in order to be deployed to different locations. For this purpose, the vehicle is often transported in a transport vehicle such as an aircraft, helicopter, ship, or railway wagon. Since a vehicle equipped with a weapon station often does not comply with the maximum permissible transport dimensions for loading the vehicle, the weapon stations must first be dismantled before loading, which involves a considerable amount of work.

[0004] However, vehicles are already known whose weapon stations are mounted on a platform that can be lowered by means of a lifting device from an operating position, in which the weapon station can fire at a target, to a lower transport position. The weapon station and the lifting device can be designed in such a way that the maximum permissible loading dimensions are not exceeded when the weapon station is in the transport position.

[0005] EP 1 191 303 A2 describes such a vehicle with a weapon station mounted on a platform, which can be moved back and forth between an operating position and a transport position via a lifting device. Although this vehicle is characterized by the option of optionally reducing the loading dimensions by lowering the platform and the weapon station mounted on it, the load-bearing capacity of the lifting device is rather low due to its design, especially in the operating position. In the operating position, the distance between the weapon station and the actual vehicle or to the point at which the lifting device is connected to the vehicle is comparatively large, meaning that high torques can occur in the connection area between the lifting device and the vehicle. These limits place limits on both the size and weight of the weapon station and the maximum lifting height.

[0006] The invention is based on the Aufgabe to specify a vehicle with a weapon station which can be moved between an operating position and a transport position via a lifting device, in which the lifting device is characterized by improved stability.

[0007] This task is carried out in a vehicle of the type mentioned above by g e l ö s t, that the platform can be moved back and forth along a lifting slope via the lifting device.

[0008] The ramp allows for reliable movement of the platform, and thus also of the weapon station mounted on it, between the operating position and the transport position. Due to the ramp, both the weight and the firing reaction forces of the weapon station can be transferred directly into the vehicle via the platform, improving overall stability. This allows even relatively heavy weapon stations to be mounted on the platform and moved reliably.

[0009] It has also proven advantageous if the weapon station can be moved parallel to the platform along the lifting slope. Due to the parallel movement, the orientation of the platform does not change when moving between the transport position and the operating position. In addition, this design means that the acting forces and torques are largely independent of the position of the weapon station or platform, so that a high level of stability is achieved not only in the operating position, but also between the operating position and the transport position. This is generally not the case when the platform or weapon station is moved via a pivoting movement between the transport position and the operating positions. Furthermore, the platform can be moved in a linear direction along the lifting slope. The platform can therefore be moved up and down along the lifting slope using the lifting device.The platform can be moved back and forth like a portal.

[0010] The lifting incline can form an acute angle with the horizontal. This angle can be between 20 and 80 degrees, preferably between 30 and 75 degrees, particularly preferably between 40 and 70 degrees, and even more preferably between 45 and 65 degrees. The larger the angle, the greater the lift of the platform when moving between the transport position and the operating position. The platform can thus be moved diagonally upwards into the operating position via the lifting device and in the opposite direction diagonally downwards into the transport position.

[0011] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the platform is aligned horizontally. The platform can be aligned horizontally regardless of its position, so that the angle of the platform relative to the horizontal or relative to the lifting incline does not change but remains constant when moving between the transport and operating positions. The weapon station mounted on the platform can also be aligned horizontally accordingly. The platform can have an overall plate-shaped geometry, which allows a large travel distance downwards into the transport position and thus a large lifting distance. This design allows the platform to be moved very close to the lower mounting surface, which is described in more detail below.

[0012] With regard to reliable movement, it has also proven advantageous if the lifting ramp has a guide to guide the movement of the platform. The platform can thus be moved back and forth or up and down along the guide via the lifting device. The guide thus allows a reliable and predefined linear movement of the platform, preventing unintentional movement of the platform. From a structural point of view, the guide can be designed as a linear guide, allowing the platform to be moved in a straight line between the transport position and the operating position along the lifting ramp of the vehicle.

[0013] To ensure reliable support of the platform and thus reliable force transmission into the vehicle, it has proven advantageous if the lifting ramp is connected, in particular bolted, to an inclined surface of the vehicle. This bolted connection allows forces from the lifting ramp and thus also from the guide to be transmitted into the vehicle or the vehicle's upper side, preventing relative movement of the lifting ramp and the guide relative to the vehicle. It is advantageous to provide multiple bolted connections along the lifting ramp or along the guide to ensure sufficient stability even with very heavy weapon stations.

[0014] With regard to guiding the platform, it has also proven advantageous to provide two guides arranged parallel to one another. The stability of the platform can be further improved using such a double guide. This is because the forces introduced into the vehicle can be distributed across the two guides, thus reducing the load acting on each guide. The two guides can be designed like a rail, on which the platform can be moved up and down along the lifting slope. Furthermore, the lifting slope can have a mounting plate by means of which the two guides can be connected to one another and by means of which the lifting slope can be arranged flat on the upper side of the vehicle, in particular on the inclined surface. The mounting plate prevents any relative movement of the two guides and can simplify assembly overall.

[0015] In order to move the platform up and down along the lifting slope, it has proven advantageous if the platform has a drive, particularly one integrated into the platform, which allows it to be moved back and forth along the lifting slope. The platform can be moved automatically using the drive. This has proven particularly advantageous for heavy weapon platforms, as large forces are required to move the platform into the operating position, which can hardly be applied manually or only with great effort. Furthermore, the movement of the platform can also be controlled remotely using the drive, for example from the protected interior of the vehicle or from a remote command post. The risk of a soldier coming under fire when manually moving the platform in an exposed position outside the vehicle is thus significantly reduced.The drive is advantageously integrated into the platform. This allows the drive to be moved along the incline along the lifting slope along with the platform. The drive is advantageously not visible from the outside, but rather located in the protected interior of the platform.

[0016] Automated movement of the platform is particularly advantageous for remote-controlled weapon stations, which can be operated from the protected interior of the vehicle, for example. This allows the weapon station to not only be automatically aimed and fired remotely, but also moved back and forth between the transport and operational positions.

[0017] To implement the drive, it has proven advantageous if the lifting device has a rack and a pinion that meshes with the rack. The pinion can be arranged on the platform side so that the platform can be moved along the rack by rotating the pinion. This design, similar to a linear drive, allows the platform to be reliably moved up and down along the lifting slope. The rack can be arranged on the lifting slope side and thus be fixed. The rack can extend parallel to the guide along the lifting slope and can be firmly connected to the lifting slope, for example to the mounting plate of the lifting slope, via screws. A direct connection to the vehicle or to the inclined surface is also possible.The platform can be moved up and down the inclined plane via the rack and pinion connection, similar to a cogwheel system, preventing relative movement with respect to the guide and rack, and thus preventing, for example, slipping or sliding of the platform. Drive via a rack and pinion connection has therefore proven advantageous, especially for very heavy weapon stations.

[0018] With regard to the drive, it has also proven advantageous if the lifting device has an electric drive for rotating the pinion. The electric drive can then be used to move the platform up and down the lifting slope. The electric drive can be arranged on the platform side and thus directly coupled to the pinion. The vehicle's on-board electrical system can be used for the power supply. To ensure that the electric motor can be supplied with power despite the movement of the platform, a cable can be provided connecting the electric motor to the on-board electrical system. However, this cable must allow relative movement of the platform and the electric drive with respect to the vehicle. In this respect, the cable can be a trailing cable with a corresponding trailing cable guide. The cable and the cable guide can be arranged next to the platform and run parallel to the lifting slope.Alternatively, power can be supplied via a power rail or a battery.

[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the lifting device has an emergency drive interface via which the pinion can be driven by an external drive device. If the electric motor fails, the platform can thus continue to be moved via an external drive device. Even if the military vehicle is, for example, partially destroyed or can no longer supply power to drive the pinion or the electric motor for another reason, the platform and thus also the weapon station can still be moved back and forth between the two end positions. The external drive device can be, for example, a cordless screwdriver, which can be used to move the pinion and thus drive the platform. If the electric drive fails, the cordless screwdriver can be temporarily coupled to the pinion via the emergency drive interface to drive the platform.From a design point of view, the emergency drive interface can be designed, for example, as a hexagonal interface, via which torques can be transmitted from the external drive device to the pinion.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform can be locked in the operating position by means of a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism prevents movement of the platform, which increases stability, particularly during firing. Furthermore, the locking mechanism ensures that only the smallest possible forces act on the drive, since the forces can be transmitted directly into the vehicle via the locking mechanism. Thus, it is not necessary to apply a continuous force via the lifting device to secure the platform in the operating position.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the platform can be locked in the transport position. The platform can thus be locked in both end positions, resulting in the advantages already explained with regard to the operating position. To lock the platform in the transport position, an additional locking mechanism can be provided, which can be operated automatically and / or manually. In addition, a stop can be provided for the operating position and / or the transport position, preventing any further movement of the platform.

[0022] In order to lock the platform, it has proven advantageous if the locking mechanism, in particular for locking the platform in the operating position, has a locking element which is movable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the platform can be locked and thus immobilized. In the release position, the platform can be moved via the drive in the manner described above. From a structural point of view, the locking element can be designed as a tapered bolt, via which the platform can be clamped in the end position to be locked. The locking element can engage in the platform in a form-fitting manner and, in particular, with as little play as possible. A frictional locking mechanism can also be possible, provided that this can reliably prevent movement of the platform even with a heavy weapon station.

[0023] With regard to locking, it has also proven advantageous if the locking element can be moved between the locking position and the release position via an adjusting element. The locking element can be moved back and forth in a linear direction via the adjusting element, so that the locking element can be moved either into the platform to prevent movement or out of it to release it. The locking element can thus be arranged so that it can be moved relative to the platform. The platform can have a recess, in particular on its underside, into which the locking element can be inserted to lock the platform. The locking element can be moved in the horizontal direction and thus interact with the platform at an angle. It is advantageous if the adjusting element for moving the locking element can be moved remotely, for example from a distance.from the protected interior of the vehicle or even from a remote command post. This eliminates the need for a soldier to put themselves in danger to lock or release the vehicle.

[0024] With regard to the design of the actuator, it has proven advantageous if it is configured as a pneumatic cylinder. The locking element can thus move back and forth pneumatically. The pneumatic cylinder can be connected to the vehicle's pneumatic system for this purpose. Alternatively, the locking element can also be moved electrically or hydraulically via the actuator.

[0025] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the locking mechanism has an emergency drive interface via which the locking element can be moved by means of an external drive device. If the actuating element has failed, for example due to damage, and is no longer available to move the locking element, the locking element can also be moved via the external drive device, e.g. manually. In this respect, the platform can be locked and released not only automatically, but also manually. A cordless screwdriver with the emergency drive interface of the locking mechanism can also be used to move the locking element, so that both the release and locking as well as the above-described movement of the platform can be enabled using a cordless screwdriver.To move the locking element via an external drive, it may be necessary to vent the pneumatic cylinder beforehand, especially manually, so that it does not prevent the corresponding movement.

[0026] The external drive device can rotate a pinion, which can mesh with a rack connected to the locking element, so that the locking element can be moved back and forth between the locking position and the release position by rotating the pinion. As with the emergency drive interface of the lifting device, the emergency drive interface of the locking mechanism can be designed as a hexagonal interface, allowing both emergency drive interfaces to be operated using the same tool, in particular the same cordless screwdriver. This allows both the movement of the locking element and the movement of the platform to be easily performed one after the other by the same person.

[0027] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide several, in particular two, locking elements, each of which is movable via an actuating element, in particular via a pneumatic cylinder. Double locking can be achieved via the two locking elements, so that the acting forces can be distributed between both locking elements. Furthermore, the two locking elements provide redundancy, thus reducing the overall risk of failure. The two locking elements can be arranged parallel to each other and movable in the same direction.

[0028] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the weapon station protrudes above the contour of the vehicle in the operating position. Advantageously, the weapon station protrudes upwards above the contour of the vehicle, so that this arrangement of the weapon station also allows targets in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle to be engaged. For this purpose, the weapon barrel or barrels of the weapon station can be moved into a depression position. The weapon station can thus represent the highest point, so that the loading dimensions, particularly in the vertical direction, can be reduced by lowering the weapon station or moving it into the transport position.

[0029] In this respect, it has also proven advantageous if the weapon station is arranged within the contour of the vehicle in the transport position. If the weapon station is arranged within the contour of the vehicle, the loading dimensions are determined only by the vehicle itself, so that the weapon station does not influence or increase the loading dimensions. The weapon station can therefore be moved into the contour of the vehicle for loading. The weapon station is then arranged below the roof level of the vehicle and no longer forms the highest point of the vehicle. Although it is advantageous for the weapon station to be arranged completely within the contour of the vehicle in the transport position in order to achieve minimal loading dimensions, it can also be sufficient if the weapon station protrudes less from the contour of the vehicle in the transport position than in the operating position.This also allows the overall loading dimensions to be reduced.

[0030] With regard to the design of the vehicle itself, it has proven advantageous if it has an upper mounting surface for mounting the locking device that is offset downwards compared to the highest point of the vehicle roof and arranged horizontally. By offsetting the surface downwards compared to the highest point of the vehicle roof, sufficient space is created for mounting the locking device so that it does not protrude from the contours of the vehicle. Instead, the pneumatic cylinder can be arranged on the upper mounting surface and move the locking element parallel to the upper mounting surface. In the past, the weapon station was mounted directly on the upper mounting surface without any possibility of lowering it. The upper mounting surface can therefore offer sufficient space for directly mounting the weapon station itself.

[0031] By using the mounting surface for mounting the locking mechanism and, if necessary, part of the lifting device, the position of the weapon station mounted on the platform changes only slightly compared to a weapon station mounted directly on the upper mounting surface. This eliminates the need for major adjustments to the weapon station's control electronics in the vehicle, and the platform, lifting device, lifting ramp, and locking mechanism can be used as a retrofit solution for vehicles with permanently mounted weapon stations.

[0032] Furthermore, a panel can be provided which covers the offset of the upper mounting surface, resulting in a seamless appearance. This can be advantageous with regard to the vehicle's visibility. The panel can be adapted to the contour of the vehicle and trace this. The upper mounting surface can therefore not be visible but can be covered by the panel. The panel can cover the locking mechanism and any part of the lifting device mounted on the upper mounting surface. Furthermore, the lifting slope or the guide can extend up to the panel so that the lifting slope can be supported at least partially via the panel relative to the vehicle. The panel can merge seamlessly into the inclined surface so that the straight lifting slope can extend from the inclined surface to the panel.

[0033] To ensure that the locking element(s) can lock into the platform in the operating position, the panel can have recesses that allow the locking elements to move accordingly. Furthermore, the panel can have a maintenance opening, which can be covered. The cover can also be adapted to the contours of the vehicle, but can be removed, for example, to perform maintenance work or to manually release the locking mechanism. The panel can be designed as a locking housing that protects the locking mechanism from external influences.

[0034] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the vehicle to have an inclined surface to which the lifting ramp is mounted. This allows forces from the lifting ramp to be transferred into the vehicle via the inclined surface. The lifting ramp preferably rests flat on the inclined surface to ensure reliable force transmission. The lifting device can thus move the platform up and down along the inclined surface.

[0035] The vehicle can have a lower mounting surface that is offset downwards relative to the upper mounting surface, wherein the inclined surface can extend between the two mounting surfaces. The two mounting surfaces can thus be offset parallel to one another, and the platform can be arranged essentially at the height of the upper mounting surface in the operating position and essentially at the height of the lower mounting surface in the transport position. The inclined surface can be designed as a flat surface and extend diagonally between the two mounting surfaces. The lifting slope or the guide can extend from the upper mounting surface to the lower mounting surface along the inclined surface. The two mounting surfaces can be aligned essentially horizontally.

[0036] Furthermore, the vehicle can have a vehicle undercarriage, e.g. a vehicle hull, and a turret that can rotate relative to the vehicle undercarriage, whereby the lifting ramp can be arranged on the turret of the vehicle. In this respect, the inclined surface can also be part of the turret, just like the two mounting surfaces. The turret can be arranged on the vehicle undercarriage and the lifting ramp can be arranged in the upper area of ​​the turret so that the weapon station represents the highest point of the vehicle in the operating position and can therefore protrude above the contour of the turret. Furthermore, the turret can have a large-caliber weapon, which can represent the vehicle's main armament. The lifting ramp can be arranged next to the weapon, so that the weapon station can also be arranged next to the weapon on the turret. The weapon station can have a significantly smaller caliber than the weapon, but can achieve a significantly higher firing rate.For example, the weapon station could contain a machine gun. The weapon station can advantageously fire cartridges automatically, for example, via a cartridge belt. The vehicle could advantageously be a wheeled howitzer, which can engage targets at great distances using its main armament. The weapon station, on the other hand, can be used to engage targets at close range.

[0037] With regard to the installation of the weapon station, it has proven advantageous if the platform has a mounting interface for mounting the weapon station on the platform. The mounting interface can be used to create a mechanical connection between the weapon station and the platform, ensuring that the weapon station is securely held on the platform. Furthermore, control signals and electrical energy can be transmitted to the weapon station via the mounting interface in order to operate and control it accordingly. The control signals can be transmitted from the vehicle via cables, first to the platform and then to the weapon station. The weapon station can be detachably connected to the platform, in particular via several screw connections. The mounting platform advantageously has a connecting flange at the lower end, which enables a reliable connection.

[0038] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that weapon stations of different types can be mounted on the platform via the mounting interface. The interface thus allows a certain degree of modularity and adaptation to different weapon station types. It is therefore possible to select weapon stations depending on the external boundary conditions and then arrange them on the platform via the mounting interface. Since even very heavy and large weapon stations can be used, the other components and in particular the lifting device must be designed accordingly. In particular, the movement of the platform and the weapon station along the lifting slope, so that occasionally large forces can be supported via the lifting slope, allows the reliable use and movement of even large and heavy weapon stations.

[0039] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. In these drawings: Fig. 1a, b: Perspective side views of a vehicle with a platform movable via a lifting device in an operating position and in a transport position; Fig. 2a, b: Perspective side views of two different weapon stations mounted on the platform in the operating position; Fig. 3: A perspective detailed view of a locking mechanism for locking the platform; Fig. 4: A sectional view of the platform and the locking mechanism in the operating position.

[0040] The representation in the Fig. 1 shows a perspective section of a military vehicle 10, which has a vehicle hull and a turret mounted rotatably on the hull. The turret houses the vehicle's 10 main armament in the form of a 155 mm artillery gun. In addition to the large-caliber artillery gun, a remotely controlled weapon station 1 is also provided, which is used primarily for engaging enemies at close range.

[0041] In order for the weapon station 1 to cover the entire surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 10, it is positioned as shown in the Fig. 2a, 2b represents the highest point of the vehicle 10 and protrudes upwards relative to the roof of the vehicle 10 or the roof of the turret. Although this exposed position also allows reliable combat in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle 10, the weapon station 1 significantly increases the loading dimensions of the vehicle 10. In order for the vehicle 10 to comply with the maximum permissible loading dimensions despite the weapon station 1, the weapon station 1 is mounted between the Fig. 2a, 2b shown operating position B, into a lowered transport position T. In the transport position T, the weapon station 1 is then arranged within the contour of the vehicle 10, so that it no longer protrudes from the turret roof and the maximum permissible loading dimensions can be maintained.

[0042] In order to move the weapon station 1 up and down between the operating position B and the transport position T, it is arranged on a platform 3 which can be moved by means of a lifting device 2 on a lifting slope 7. In the illustrations of the Fig. 1a und 1b This platform 3 is shown in the two end positions, i.e. in the transport position T and the operating position B.

[0043] The lifting slope 7 extends in an inclined direction so that the platform 3 can be moved up and down on the lifting slope 7 between the transport position T and the operating position B. The lifting slope 7 has two guides 7.1 arranged next to each other like a rail, which are connected to each other via a mounting plate 7.2. This mounting plate 7.2 rests flat on an inclined surface 10.1 of the vehicle 10 or the turret and is connected to it via several screw connections. By means of the lifting device 2, the platform 3 can thus be moved up and down via the lifting slope 7 or via the guides 7.1 along the inclined surface 10.1. Since the lifting slope 7 rests directly on the inclined surface 10.1, the weight of the sometimes very heavy weapon station 1 can be reliably absorbed by the vehicle 10 and the weapon station can be safely moved back and forth between the transport position T and the operating position B.

[0044] The inclined surface 10.1 is designed as a straight surface that connects an upper mounting surface 10.2 and a lower mounting surface 10.3 of the tower. Based on the illustration in the Fig. 2a, 2b It can be seen that these two mounting surfaces 10.2, 10.3 can be arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. In the operating position B, the platform 3 is arranged approximately at the height of the upper mounting surface 10.3 and in the transport position T approximately at the height of the lower mounting surface 10.4. The upper mounting surface 10.3 is offset downwards compared to the tower roof, resulting in an offset on which the locking device 5, described in more detail below, is arranged. Furthermore, a covering 6 is provided which covers this offset or the upper mounting surface 10.2, so that it is not visible from the outside. The covering 6 which fits into the contour of the tower can be seen, for example, from the illustration of the Fig. 3 can be seen. Below the cover is the locking mechanism 5 located on the upper mounting surface 10.2.

[0045] In order to move the platform 3 between the transport position T and the operating position B, the lifting device 2 essentially has three elements, namely a rack 2.2 running along the lifting slope 7 and connected to it, a pinion on the platform side, and a drive integrated into the platform 3 for rotating the pinion. The pinion is arranged on the rack 2.2 in such a way that it moves in a linear direction along the rack 2.2 during a rotational movement. Since the pinion is integrated into the platform 3 or connected to the platform 3, the platform 3 and thus also the weapon station 1 mounted on the platform 3 can be moved back and forth in a linear direction along the lifting slope 7 by rotating the pinion.

[0046] To move the pinion, the drive has an electric motor that is connected to the vehicle 10 via a trailing cable connection and is supplied with electrical energy by the vehicle 10. In the illustrations of the Fig. 2a und 2b The trailing cable guide 4 can be seen, which moves along with the platform 3 when it moves, protecting the current-carrying cables against external influences and extending parallel to the lifting slope 7 along the inclined surface 10.1 of the tower.

[0047] Although the platform 3 is typically moved automatically from inside the vehicle 10 via the lifting device 2, it is also possible to move the platform 3 via an external drive device. If, for example, the lifting device 3 malfunctions or there is a power outage, this can ensure that the platform 3 continues to move.

[0048] For the corresponding movement of the platform 3, the lifting device 2 has a Fig. 4 The platform 3 has an emergency drive interface 2.3, which can be seen. This is coupled to the pinion, so that the pinion also rotates via a rotational movement of the emergency drive interface 2.3, allowing the platform 3 to be raised and lowered in the manner described above. The emergency drive interface 2.3 can be coupled to a tool or a cordless screwdriver, so that the platform 3 can also be moved accordingly by an external drive.

[0049] In order to ensure that the platform 3 remains reliably in the operating position B, in which, in addition to the weight of the weapon station 1, firing reaction forces must also be absorbed, and to ensure that the forces acting on the drive or the lifting device 2 remain within a manageable range, a locking mechanism 5 is provided. The locking mechanism 5 essentially consists of two elements shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3 pneumatic cylinders 5.3, which can be seen, each of which is connected to a locking element 5.2, so that the locking elements 5.2 can be moved back and forth in a linear direction between a locking position and a release position via the pneumatic cylinders 5.3. In the locking position, when the platform 3 is in the operating position B, the locking elements 5.2 can engage with it or interact with it in a form-fitting manner, so that movement of the platform 3 is then no longer possible and the acting forces can largely be introduced into the vehicle 10 via the locking elements 5.2. The locking elements 5.2 are movable in a horizontal direction and thus parallel to the upper mounting surface 10.3.

[0050] In order to lower a platform 3 locked in the operating position B into the transport position T, it is therefore necessary to first release the lock and move the locking elements 5.2 into the release position. This is normally done by retracting the locking elements 5.2 using the pneumatic cylinders 5.3. However, if this should not be possible, for example due to damage or a malfunction, the lock can also be released via an external drive device. This basically works in a similar way to the movement of the platform 3 via the emergency drive interface 2.3 of the lifting device 2. This is because the lock 5 also has an emergency drive interface 5.4, which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0051] This emergency drive interface 5.4 is also connected to a pinion, which can be rotated by rotating the emergency drive interface 5.4, e.g., using a hand tool or a cordless screwdriver. The pinion meshes with a rack, which can be moved in a linear direction via the pinion and is coupled to the two locking elements 5.2, so that by rotating the pinion, the locking elements 5.2 can be moved in a linear direction between the locked position and the released position. However, the two pneumatic cylinders 5.3 would first have to be vented, as these would prevent corresponding movement via an external drive. Overall, the platform 3 can thus not only be moved up and down by an external drive, for example in an emergency situation, but can also be locked and released accordingly.

[0052] In order to provide access to the locking device 5 and in particular to the pneumatic cylinders 5.3, the casing 6 has an opening which can optionally be closed by a cover 6.1 and which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 2a und 2b can be seen. In the representation of the Fig. 3 the cover 6.1 is removed so that the locking device 5 and in particular the two pneumatic cylinders 5.3 arranged parallel to one another can be seen.

[0053] Furthermore, the panel 6 has, as shown in the Fig. 1a two recesses, so that the locking elements 5.2 extend through the wall of the panel 6 in the locking position and can thus lock the platform 3 in the operating position B. Furthermore, the lifting slope 7 extends to the panel 6 and is supported at the upper end on the panel 6 or via the panel 6 on the vehicle 10. The panel 6 merges seamlessly into the inclined surface 10.1, so that the lifting slope 7 can also extend from the inclined surface 10.1 to the panel 6. This is shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 1a easy to recognize.

[0054] As can be seen from the illustrations of the Fig. 2a und 2b As can be seen, different weapon stations 1 can be mounted on the platform 3. In the illustrations of the Fig. 2a und 2b Therefore, two weapon stations of different types are shown. For mounting different types of weapon stations, the platform 3 has a universal mounting interface 2.3. Furthermore, the weapon station 1 can also be supplied with electrical energy for operation via the mounting interface 2.3, and control signals for aiming and firing the weapon station 1 can also be transmitted via the mounting interface 2.3.

[0055] Overall, the weapon station 1 can be moved between the operating position B and the transport position T via the platform 3, which can be moved diagonally upwards and downwards, so that the maximum permissible loading dimensions are maintained in the transport position T and the vehicle 10 can be loaded into a transport vehicle despite the weapon platform 1. Since the platform 1 is arranged in every position, and thus also between the transport position T and the operating position B, on the lifting slope 7, which in turn rests flat against the turret of the vehicle 10, high mechanical stability is ensured at all times. Bezugszeichen:

[0056] 1 Weapon station 2 Lifting device 2.2 Rack 2.3 Emergency drive interface 3 Platform 3.2 Mounting interface 4 Tow cable guide 5 Locking device 5.2 Locking element 5.3 Pneumatic cylinder 5.4 Emergency drive interface 6 Fairing 6.1 Cover 7 Lifting slope 7.1 Guide 7.2 Mounting plate 10 Vehicle 10.1 Inclined surface 10.2 Upper mounting surface 10.3 Lower mounting surface BOperating position TTransport position

Claims

1. Vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with a weapon station (1), in particular a remote-controlled weapon station, which is mounted on a platform (3) which can be moved between an operating position (B) and a transport position (T) via a lifting device (2), characterized by that the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along a lifting slope (7) via the lifting device (2).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the weapon station (1) can be moved parallel to the platform (3) along the lifting slope (7).

3. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting slope (7) has a guide (7.1), wherein the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along the guide (7.1) via the lifting device (2).

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the lifting slope (7) is screwed to an inclined surface (10.1) of the vehicle (10).

5. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) can be moved back and forth along the lifting slope (7) via a drive integrated in the platform (3).

6. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (2) has a rack (2.2) and a pinion meshing with the rack (2.2), wherein the pinion is arranged on the platform side so that the platform (3) can be moved along the rack (2.2) by rotating the pinion, and wherein the lifting device (2) has an electric drive for rotating the pinion.

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the lifting device (2) has an emergency drive interface (2.3) via which the pinion can be driven by means of an external drive device.

8. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) can be locked in the operating position (B) via a locking device (5).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device (5) for locking the platform (3) has a locking element (5.2) which is movable between a locking position and a release position.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking element (5.2) is movable between the locking position and the release position via an adjusting element, wherein the adjusting element is designed as a pneumatic cylinder (5.3).

11. Vehicle according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the locking device (5) has an emergency drive interface (5.4) via which the locking element (5.2) can be moved by means of an external drive device.

12. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weapon station (1) protrudes from the contour of the vehicle (10) in the operating position (B).

13. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe weapon station (1) is arranged in the transport position (T) within the contour of the vehicle (10).

14. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a vehicle substructure and a tower rotatably arranged relative to the vehicle substructure, wherein the lifting slope (7) is arranged on the tower of the vehicle (10).

15. Vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (3) has an interface (3.2) for mounting the weapon station (1) on the platform (3), wherein weapon stations (1) of different types can be mounted on the platform (3) via the interface (3.2).

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