Ammunition feed for a gun and method for feeding military submunitions to a gun
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023809146
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-09
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing ammunition supply systems for cannons are inefficient, as they expose ammunition to shock loads during transport, fail to protect combustible cases, and have complex mechanics that limit the cadence of the cannon due to lengthy loading times.
The system incorporates stoppers and bridges with actuators and gear mechanisms to rapidly and precisely move ammunition from containers to the weapon feeder, using stoppers to stop and position ammunition on the support surface, allowing for controlled and alternating feeding from both sides, thus enhancing the cadence of the cannon.
This solution significantly reduces the time required to move ammunition, protects combustible cases, and allows for a higher cadence of the cannon by enabling efficient and controlled feeding of ammunition, even under varying conditions.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Ammunition feed of a cannon and method for feeding military active bodies to a cannon
[0002] The invention relates to an ammunition feed system for a cannon having the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular an ammunition feed system for a cannon, comprising a plurality of containers, each for receiving a military active element, at least one weapon feeder, and at least one guide device. The containers can be moved one after the other into a transfer position to the weapon feeder, preferably by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor. One of the active elements can be moved from the container in the transfer position to the weapon feeder by means of the guide device. The invention further relates to methods for feeding military active elements to a cannon.
[0003] Such an ammunition feed is known, for example, from DE 30 46 642 A1, which is referred to here as an automatic loading device for firearms. The ammunition is held ready in two magazines. Each magazine has three layers arranged one above the other, each containing six cartridges, whereby the cartridges represent a version of military active elements. The cartridges in the bottom layer are fed to a loading tube by a transport mechanism, namely a guide device. The cartridges arranged in the two top layers are located in cups. The cups are designed as half-shells, with both halves having a common pivot axis. The half-shells can be opened using a common lever mechanism in order to fill a lower layer with ammunition. The ammunition is then fed from the bottom layer to the loading tube via the transport mechanism.This transport mechanism consists of rods that move back and forth along their length, with articulated transport levers attached to them. As the rods move toward the loading tube, one of the cartridges is pushed into its push position toward the loading tube by one of the transport levers. As the rods move away from the loading tube, this transport lever is pushed toward the rod into a push position by a following cartridge, counter to a spring force. Once this transport lever has passed the following cartridge, this transport lever is moved back into the push position by the spring force, allowing the following cartridge to be fed into the loading tube.
[0004] The disadvantage of this approach is that the ammunition is not protected by the cups during transport, and all cups in a layer are opened / closed simultaneously. Furthermore, the ammunition "falls" from the upper layer to the lower layer and is thus subjected to greater shock loads. This is particularly problematic for ammunition with combustible cases, such as those often used in 130mm caliber ammunition, and could lead to ammunition damage. Furthermore, reloading the ammunition is not possible with this design. Furthermore, due to the complex mechanics, it takes a long time to feed the ammunition from the magazines to the transport mechanism, meaning that the cannon's firing rate is limited by this loading device.
[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing and / or developing the ammunition feed system for a cannon and the method for feeding military active elements to a cannon in such a way that the problems of the prior art are eliminated and / or minimized. In particular, the time required for the movement of the active elements by means of the guide device from the container in the transfer position to the weapon feeder is to be minimized.
[0006] This problem underlying the invention is now initially solved by an ammunition feed of a cannon having the features of patent claim 1.
[0007] One aspect of the invention is essentially that the guide device has at least one stopper, at least one bridge, a gear mechanism, and at least one actuator, wherein the stopper is arranged on a first longitudinal side of the weapon feeder, wherein the bridge is arranged on a second longitudinal side of the weapon feeder opposite the first, wherein the actuator is coupled to the stopper and the bridge by means of the gear mechanism in such a way that the stopper is movable between a waiting position and a holding position by means of the actuator, and that the bridge is movable between a waiting position and a transfer position by means of the actuator, wherein the stopper is arranged pivoted away from a support surface of the weapon feeder in the waiting position, thus enabling a movement of one of the active bodies from the first longitudinal side to the support surface.wherein the stopper is pivoted relative to the support surface of the weapon feeder in the holding position to form a stop for the active body moved towards the weapon feeder, so that a movement of one of the active bodies from a container arranged in the transfer position arranged on the second longitudinal side to the weapon feeder is stopped in the region of the support surface, wherein a gap is formed between the container arranged in the transfer position and the support surface, which gap is to be overcome by the active body, wherein by means of the bridge in the transfer position a larger part of the gap transverse to the longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder is bridged than with the bridge in the waiting position.
[0008] In the waiting position, the stopper is arranged in particular below a plane which is formed by the support surface. If the support surface is concave, this plane is formed as a tangential plane at the end region of the support surface facing the stopper. In the holding position, the stopper penetrates in particular this plane formed by the support surface. When the active body is now fed from the container in the transfer position via the bridge in the transfer position to the weapon feeder from the second longitudinal side transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the weapon feeder, this movement is interrupted by the stopper in the holding position. The movement of one of the active bodies from the container, which is arranged in the transfer position arranged on the second longitudinal side, to the weapon feeder is stopped in the region of the support surface.This is done in such a way that, after stopping, the active body is in the desired position relative to the weapon feeder. The active body is rolled laterally into the weapon feeder until it reaches the stop. This process of transferring the active body from the container to the weapon feeder can be carried out in a particularly short time, which has a positive effect on the cannon's potential firing rate. By positioning the stopper in the waiting position, it is also possible to feed active bodies to the weapon feeder from the first longitudinal side, further increasing the cannon's firing rate.
[0009] Advantageously, a first stopper group with at least one stopper is arranged on the first longitudinal side of the weapon feeder and a second stopper group with at least one stopper is arranged on the second longitudinal side of the weapon feeder.
[0010] This allows for controlled feeding and positioning of the active elements in the weapon feeder from both long sides of the weapon feeder in a particularly short time. While feeding from one long side, the feed from the other long side can be prepared, allowing active elements to be fed to the weapon feeder at particularly short intervals, alternating from both long sides.
[0011] Further preferably, a first bridge group with at least one bridge is arranged on the second longitudinal side of the weapon feeder, and a second bridge group with at least one bridge is arranged on the first longitudinal side of the weapon feeder. In this way, the supply of the active bodies to the weapon feeder can be better controlled and carried out in a shorter time, even from the first longitudinal side.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the ammunition feed system, all stoppers of the first stopper group can be moved simultaneously into their respective holding positions and all bridges of the first bridge group can be moved simultaneously into their respective transfer positions by means of a first actuator and the gear mechanism. Furthermore, all stoppers of the first stopper group and all bridges of the first bridge group can be moved simultaneously into their respective waiting positions by means of the first actuator and the gear mechanism.
[0013] In this way, the transfer of the active body from the second longitudinal side is possible in a simple constructive manner and by means of only a single actuation of the first actuator.
[0014] In a further embodiment of the ammunition feed system, all stoppers of the second stopper group can be moved simultaneously into their respective holding positions and all bridges of the second bridge group can be moved into their respective transfer positions by means of a second actuator and the gear mechanism. Furthermore, all stoppers of the second stopper group and all bridges of the second bridge group can be moved simultaneously into their respective waiting positions by means of the second actuator and the gear mechanism.
[0015] This enables the transfer of the active body from the first longitudinal side in a simple design and by means of a single actuation of the second actuator, whereby the stoppers and bridges coupled to the first actuator are moved beforehand or simultaneously into their respective waiting positions by means of the first actuator. To enable the aforementioned transfer of the active body from the second longitudinal side, the stoppers and bridges coupled to the second actuator are moved beforehand or simultaneously into their respective waiting positions by means of the second actuator.
[0016] Preferably, at least one stopper of each stopper group, in its holding position, has a first distance from a central longitudinal axis of the weapon feeder in order to form the stop for a projectile region of the active body by means of this stopper. At least one stopper of each stopper group, in its holding position, has a second distance from the central longitudinal axis of the weapon feeder in order to form the stop for a casing region of the active body by means of this stopper. The projectile region of the active body usually has a smaller diameter than the casing region. By adapting the stoppers to such different diameters through the aforementioned different distances, the movement of the active body can be better controlled, in particular stopped more controlled in the desired relative position of the active body to the weapon feeder.
[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the ammunition feed, the gear mechanism comprises a first stopper rod for moving all stoppers of the first stopper group, a first rotary mechanism, a first crossbar, a second rotary mechanism, and a first bridge rod for moving all bridges of the first bridge group. The first rotary mechanism is motion-coupled to the first stopper rod, the first crossbar, and the first actuator. The first crossbar is motion-coupled to the first bridge rod by means of the second rotary mechanism.Thus, a rotation of the first rotation mechanism by means of the first actuator leads, on the one hand, to a movement of the first stopper rod in the longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder and, on the other hand, a rotation of the first rotation mechanism by means of the first actuator leads to a movement of the first crossbar in a transverse direction of the weapon feeder, which further leads to a rotation of the second rotation mechanism and thus to a movement of the first bridge rod in the longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the ammunition feed, the gear mechanism comprises a second stopper rod for moving all stoppers of the second stopper group, a third rotary mechanism, a second crossbar, a fourth rotary mechanism, and a second bridge rod for moving all bridges of the second bridge group. The third rotary mechanism is motion-coupled to the second stopper rod, the second crossbar, and the second actuator. The second crossbar is motion-coupled to the second bridge rod by means of the fourth rotary mechanism.Thus, rotation of the third rotating mechanism by means of the second actuator leads, on the one hand, to a movement of the second stop rod in the longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder, and, on the other hand, rotation of the third rotating mechanism by means of the second actuator leads to a movement of the second crossbar in the transverse direction of the weapon feeder, which further leads to a rotation of the fourth rotating mechanism and thus to a movement of the second bridge rod in the longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder. Such simple mechanisms are easy to manufacture and, furthermore, are very robust during operation of the ammunition feeder. This means that safe movement of the active bodies is also possible, even if the weapon feeder is tilted or, under certain circumstances, even moves jerkily.
[0019] For precise movement, at least one of the stoppers advantageously has a gear which engages with a rack arranged on the associated stopper rod, so that by the longitudinal movement of this stopper rod this stopper can be pivoted back and forth between its holding position and its waiting position in a plane perpendicular to the support surface.
[0020] Such a movement mechanism is both simple to construct and robust in operation.
[0021] Also, at least one of the bridges preferably has a gear wheel for its precise movement, which engages with a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod, so that by the longitudinal movement of this bridge rod, this bridge can be pivoted back and forth between its transfer position and its waiting position in a plane parallel to the support surface.
[0022] Such a movement mechanism is also simple to construct and robust in operation.
[0023] In a further embodiment of the ammunition feed, at least one of the stoppers and / or at least one of the bridges is motion-coupled to the associated rod by means of a gear mechanism with step-up or step-down.
[0024] Thus, even a small movement of the rod can achieve a large movement of the stopper and / or bridge, or conversely, a large movement of the rod can achieve a small movement of the stopper and / or bridge. In particular, two stoppers and / or bridges in a group can be moved with different movements, namely if only one of the two stoppers and / or bridges is motion-coupled by a gear mechanism with a step-up or step-down ratio, or if different step-down or step-down ratios of two gear mechanisms are used.
[0025] At least one of the bridges advantageously has a rack which is coupled to a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod by means of a gear stage, wherein the gear stage is formed by means of two gears of different diameters arranged on a shaft, wherein one of these gears engages with the rack of the bridge and the other of these gears engages with the rack of the bridge rod.
[0026] This bridge is thus linearly movable in the direction of the bridge rod's movement. The bridge travels a shorter distance than the bridge rod if the gear meshing with the bridge rod's rack is larger than the gear meshing with the bridge rod's rack. The bridge travels a longer distance than the bridge rod if the gear meshing with the bridge rod's rack is smaller than the gear meshing with the bridge rod's rack.
[0027] Advantageously, a first container group with a plurality of containers, in particular a first magazine, is arranged adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the weapon feeder in order to be able to arrange the containers of the first container group one after the other in the transfer position to the weapon feeder by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the first container group, wherein a second container group with a plurality of containers, in particular a second magazine, is arranged adjacent to the second longitudinal side of the weapon feeder in order to be able to arrange the containers of the second container group one after the other in the transfer position to the weapon feeder by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the second container group.
[0028] The rate of fire of the cannon can be increased, particularly by alternately feeding active elements from the two container groups to the weapon feeder. Furthermore, redundancy exists in that, if one of the magazines fails, at least active elements can be fed to the weapon feeder from the other magazine.
[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the ammunition feeder, an active body holder in the weapon feeder can be opened and closed by means of the first and / or the second actuator and the gear.
[0030] Such an active body holder serves for the controlled further transport of the active body by means of the weapon feeder.
[0031] The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method for supplying military active bodies to a cannon, in particular by means of an ammunition supply as described above, with the features of patent claim 15.One aspect of the invention then essentially lies in the fact that the following steps are preferably carried out in the specified order: a) positioning a container with an active body accommodated therein in a transfer position to a weapon feeder, b) moving a stopper arranged on a first longitudinal side of the weapon feeder from a waiting position to a holding position c) moving a bridge arranged on a second longitudinal side of the weapon feeder opposite the first from a waiting position to a transfer position, d) moving the active body, in particular with the aid of gravity, from the container in the transfer position to the weapon feeder with contact with the bridge, which in the transfer position bridges a gap which forms between the container arranged in the transfer position and a support surface of the weapon feeder, e) stopping the active body by means of the stopper in the region of the support surface.
[0032] This process of transferring the active body from the container to the weapon feeder requires a particularly short time, which has a positive effect on the cannon's possible rate of fire.
[0033] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the inventive ammunition feed system for a cannon and the inventive method for feeding military active agents to a cannon. Reference is made in this regard to the claims subordinate to claim 1. A preferred embodiment of the ammunition feed system for a cannon and the method for feeding military active agents to a cannon will now be explained and described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:
[0034] Fig.1 a shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the ammunition feed of a cannon with stoppers and bridges in the respective waiting position in a plan view,
[0035] Fig.1 b shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the ammunition feed with stoppers of a first stopper group in the respective holding position and bridges of a first bridge group in the respective transfer position in a plan view, Fig.1 c shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the ammunition feed with stoppers of a second stopper group in the respective holding position and bridges of a second bridge group in the respective transfer position in a plan view,
[0036] Fig.2a shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the ammunition feed of a cannon with stoppers and bridges in the respective waiting position in a side view,
[0037] Fig.2b shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the ammunition feed with stoppers of the first stopper group in the respective holding position and bridges of the first bridge group in the respective transfer position in a side view, and
[0038] Fig.2c shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the ammunition feed with stoppers of the second stopper group in the respective holding position and bridges of the second bridge group in the respective transfer position in a side view.
[0039] Figs. 1 a to 2c show an ammunition feed system 1 for a cannon, comprising several containers 2, each accommodating a military active element, at least one weapon feeder 3, and at least one guide device 4. The containers 2 can be moved one after the other into a transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3, preferably by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor. One of the active elements can be moved from the container 2 in the transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3 by means of the guide device 4.
[0040] For the sake of clarity, no containers are shown in Fig.1 a to c and only the containers 2 arranged in the transfer positions ÜP are shown in Fig.2a to c.
[0041] The guidance device 4 has at least one stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, at least one bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2, a gear 7, and at least one actuator 8.1. The stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 is arranged on a first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3. The bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2 is arranged on a second longitudinal side L2 of the weapon feeder 3, opposite the first. The actuator 8.1 is coupled to the stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 and the bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2 by means of the gear 7 in such a way that the stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 can be moved between a waiting position WP and a holding position HP by means of the actuator 8.1, and the bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2 can be moved between a waiting position WP and a transfer position ÜP by means of the actuator 8.1. The stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 is arranged lowered relative to a support surface 3.f of the weapon feeder 3 in the waiting position WP. The stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 is arranged in the waiting position WP pivoted away from a support surface 3.f of the weapon feeder 3 and thus a movement of one of the active bodies from the first longitudinal side Li to the support surface 3.f is possible. The stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 is arranged in the holding position HP pivoted towards the support surface 3.f of the weapon feeder 3 in order to form a stop for the active body moved towards the weapon feeder 3, so that a movement of one of the active bodies from a container 2, which is arranged in the transfer position ÜP arranged on the second longitudinal side L2, to the weapon feeder 3 is stopped in the region of the support surface 3.f. A gap S to be overcome by the active body is formed between the container 2 arranged in the transfer position ÜP and the support surface 3.f, wherein by means of the bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2 in the transfer position ÜP a larger part of the gap S transverse to the longitudinal direction I of the weapon feeder 3 is bridged than with the bridge.
[0042] 6.1 .1 . 6.1 .2 in the waiting position WP.
[0043] A first stopper group 5.1 with at least one stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 is arranged on the first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3. A second stopper group 5.2 with at least one stopper 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 is arranged on the second longitudinal side L2 of the weapon feeder 3.
[0044] A first bridge group 6.1 with at least one bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2 is arranged on the second longitudinal side L2 of the weapon feeder 3. A second bridge group 6.2 with at least one bridge 6.2.1, 6.2.2 is arranged on the first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3.
[0045] According to the embodiment of Figs. 1a to 2c, a first stopper 5.1.1, a second stopper 5.1.2 and a third stopper 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 as well as a first stopper 5.2.1, a second stopper 5.2.2 and a third stopper 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2 are provided. Furthermore, a first bridge 6.1.1 and a second bridge 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 as well as a first bridge 6.2.1 and a second bridge 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 are provided. However, the use of fewer or more stoppers and / or bridges per group would also be conceivable.
[0046] Fig.1 a and 2a show all stoppers 5.1.1 , 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1 , 5.2.2, 5.2.3 and bridges 6.1 .1 , 6.1.2,
[0047] 6.2.1. 6.2.2 in their respective waiting position WP.
[0048] Fig.1 b and 2b show all stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 in their respective holding position HP, all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2 in their respective waiting position WP, all bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 in their respective transfer position ÜP and all bridges 6.2.1, 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 in their respective waiting position WP. According to Fig.1 b and 2b, a supply of an active body from the second longitudinal side L2 is thus possible.
[0049] Fig.1c and 2c show all stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 in their respective waiting position WP, all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2 in their respective holding position HP, all bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 in their respective waiting position WP and all bridges 6.2.1, 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 in their respective transfer position ÜP. According to Fig.1c and 2c, a supply of an active body from the first longitudinal side Li is thus possible.
[0050] The movement of one of the active bodies by means of the guide device 4 from the container 2 in the transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3 is described below. As an example, this takes place using the situation shown in Fig. 1 b and Fig. 2b from the second longitudinal side L2. The active body, not shown here for the sake of clarity, is released from the container 2 and then rolls towards the weapon feeder 3 over the bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 due to its cylindrical outer diameter. The container 2 is preferably arranged above the support surface 3.f of the weapon feeder 3 in the transfer position ÜP, so that this movement occurs due to gravity when the entire ammunition feeder 1 is arranged horizontally. However, a movement of the active body by means of an actuator not shown here is also conceivable, in this case e.g. also against gravity.The movement of the active body from the container 2 to the weapon feeder 3 is made possible by the fact that the gap S formed between the container 2 and the weapon feeder 3 is covered by the bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2 in the respective transfer position ÜP. The active body contacts the bridges.
[0051] 6.1.1 , 6.1 .2 until a safe transfer to the support surface 3.f is possible. The movement of the active body from the container 2 to the weapon feeder 3 is controlled by the stoppers 5.1.1 ,
[0052] 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 in their respective holding position HP. The stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 each form a stop against which the active body rolls. The active body then rests on the support surface 3.f, which is concave here. Without the stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 in their respective holding position HP, the active body would move beyond the support surface 3.f and possibly become wedged on the first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3.
[0053] In the same way, the active body is moved from the container 2 to the weapon feeder 3 from the first longitudinal side Li, with the components of the guide device 4 then being in the situation shown in Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c. The aforementioned release of the active body from the container 2 in the transfer position ÜP preferably occurs by opening one or two retaining flaps of the container 2. The opening of such retaining flaps can also be effected by means of the first and / or second actuator 8.1, 8.2 and the gear 7.
[0054] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned at this point that by means of the ammunition feed 1, a movement of one of the active bodies can also be carried out, preferably also by means of the guide device 4, from the weapon feeder 3 to the container 2 in the transfer position ÜP.
[0055] By means of a first actuator 8.1 and the gear 7, all stoppers 5.1 .1 , 5.1 .2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 are simultaneously moved to their respective holding position HP and all bridges 6.1.1 ,
[0056] 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 can be moved into their respective transfer positions ÜP. By means of the first actuator 8.1 and the gear 7, all stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 and all bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 can also be moved simultaneously into their respective waiting positions WP.
[0057] These two cases correspond to two specific positions of the first actuator 8.1. The first actuator 8.1 is preferably designed as a linear actuator, wherein in the first specific position the first actuator 8.1 is fully retracted and in the second specific position the first actuator 8.1 is fully extended.
[0058] By means of a second actuator 8.2 and the gear 7, all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2,
[0059] 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2 can be moved into their respective holding position HP, and all bridges 6.2.1, 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 can be moved into their respective transfer position ÜP. By means of the second actuator 8.2 and the gear 7, all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2 and all bridges 6.2.1, 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 can also be moved simultaneously into their respective waiting position WP.
[0060] These two cases correspond to two specific positions of the second actuator 8.2. The second actuator 8.2 is also preferably designed as a linear actuator, with the second actuator 8.2 being fully retracted in the first specific position and fully extended in the second specific position. Instead of linear actuators, the use of rotary actuators, e.g., stepper motors, would also be conceivable.
[0061] The first actuator 8.1 and the second actuator 8.2 are shown only partially according to Fig. 1 a to 2c, namely in the transition area to the gear 7. At least one stopper 5.1.1, 5.2.1 of each stopper group 5.1, 5.2 has, in its holding position HP, a first distance Ai from a central longitudinal axis L Mof the weapon feeder 3 in order to form the stop for a projectile area of the active body by means of this stopper 5.1.1, 5.2.1, wherein at least one stopper 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of each stopper group 5.1, 5.2 in its holding position HP has a second distance A2 to the central longitudinal axis L M of the weapon feeder 3 in order to form the stop for a casing area of the active body by means of this stopper 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.2, 5.2.3.
[0062] Even if the active body has different diameters along its longitudinal axis, it can be achieved that the active body runs simultaneously against all stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1 or all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2. As can be seen from Fig. 1 a to 2c, the first stopper 5.1.1 of the first stopper group 5.1 and the first stopper 5.2.1 of the second stopper group 5.2 in their respective holding position HP have the first distance Ai from the central longitudinal axis L M of the weapon feeder 3. The other stoppers 5.1 .2, 5.1 .3, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 have the second distance A2 to the central longitudinal axis L M of the weapon feeder 3. The first distance Ai has a smaller value than the second distance A2.
[0063] The gear 7 has a first stopper rod 9.1 for moving all stoppers 5.1 .1, 5.1 .2, 5.1.3 of the first stopper group 5.1, a first rotating mechanism 10.1, a first crossbar 11.1, a second rotating mechanism 10.2 and a first bridge rod 12.1 for moving all bridges 6.1 .1, 6.1 .2 of the first bridge group 6.1. The first rotation mechanism 10.1 is motion-coupled to the first stopper rod 9.1, the first crossbar 11.1 and the first actuator 8.1, wherein the first crossbar 11.1 is motion-coupled to the first bridge rod 12.1 by means of the second rotation mechanism 10.2, so that a rotation of the first rotation mechanism 10.1 by means of the first actuator 8.1 leads, on the one hand, to a movement of the first stopper rod 9.1 in the longitudinal direction I of the weapon feeder 3 and so that a rotation of the first rotation mechanism 10.1 by means of the first actuator 8.1 leads, on the other hand, to a movement of the first crossbar 11.1 in a transverse direction q of the weapon feeder 3, which leads to a rotation of the second rotating mechanism 10.2 and thus to a movement of the first bridge rod 12.1 in the longitudinal direction I of the weapon feeder 3. The rods and actuators designed as linear actuators are preferably each connected to the respective rotating mechanism eccentrically to the rotation axis of the respective rotating mechanism. Each rod is rotatably mounted on the associated rotating mechanism as shown in Figs. 1a to 2c.
[0064] During the transition from the situation shown in Figs. 1 a and 2a to the situation shown in Figs. 1 b and 2b, the illustrated part of the first actuator 8.1 is moved in the transverse direction q toward the weapon feeder 3. This moves the first crossbar 11.1 toward the second longitudinal side L2 in the transverse direction q. Furthermore, the first stopper bar 9.1 is moved in the longitudinal direction I away from the first rotating mechanism 10.1. The first bridge bar 12.1 is also moved in the longitudinal direction I away from the second rotating mechanism 10.2. These movements are also possible in the opposite direction.
[0065] The gear 7 has a second stopper rod 9.2 for moving all stoppers 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 of the second stopper group 5.2, a third rotating mechanism 10.3, a second crossbar 11.2, a fourth rotating mechanism 10.4 and a second bridge rod 12.2 for moving all bridges 6.2.1, 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2. The third rotating mechanism 10.3 is motion-coupled to the second stopper rod 9.2, the second crossbar 11.2 and the second actuator 8.2, wherein the second crossbar 11.2 is motion-coupled to the second bridge rod 12.2 by means of the fourth rotating mechanism 10.4, so that a rotation of the third rotating mechanism 10.3 by means of the second actuator 8.2 leads, on the one hand, to a movement of the second stopper rod 9.2 in the longitudinal direction I of the weapon feeder 3 and so that a rotation of the third rotating mechanism 10.3 by means of the second actuator 8.2 leads, on the other hand, to a movement of the second crossbar 11.2 in the transverse direction q of the weapon feeder 3, which leads to a rotation of the fourth rotating mechanism 10.4 and thus to a movement of the second bridge rod 12.2 in the longitudinal direction I of the weapon feeder 3.
[0066] During the transition from the situation shown in Figs. 1 a and 2a to the situation shown in Figs. 1 c and 2c, the illustrated part of the second actuator 8.2 is moved in the transverse direction q toward the weapon feeder 3. This moves the second crossbar 11.2 toward the first longitudinal side Li in the transverse direction q. Furthermore, the second stopper bar 9.2 is moved in the longitudinal direction I away from the third rotating mechanism 10.3. The second bridge bar 12.2 is also moved in the longitudinal direction I but away from the fourth rotating mechanism 10.4. These movements are also possible in the opposite direction. At least one of the stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 has a gear which engages with a rack arranged on the associated stopper rod 9.1, 9.2, so that the longitudinal movement of this stopper rod 9.1, 9.2 causes this stopper 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 can be pivoted back and forth between its holding position HP and its waiting position WP in a plane perpendicular to the support surface 3.f.
[0067] According to the embodiment of Figs. 1a to 2c, all stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 have such a coupling to the associated rod 9.1, 9.2, which is not shown in detail here for the sake of clarity. This coupling makes it possible to translate the linear movement of the stopper rods 9.1, 9.2 into a rotational movement of the stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3.
[0068] At least one of the bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2 has a gear which engages with a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod 12.1, 12.2, so that by the longitudinal movement of this bridge rod 12.1, 12.2 this bridge 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2 can be pivoted back and forth between its transfer position WP and its waiting position WP in a plane parallel to the support surface 3.f.
[0069] According to Figs. 1a to 2c, the first bridge 6.1.1 of the first bridge group 6.1 and the first bridge 6.2.1 of the second bridge group 6.2 have such a gear. This coupling enables the linear movement of the bridge rods 12.1, 12.2 to be translated into a rotational movement of the bridges 6.1.1, 6.2.1.
[0070] At least one of the stoppers 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3 and / or at least one of the bridges 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2 is coupled in motion to the associated rod 9.1, 9.2, 12.1, 12.2 by means of a gear mechanism with step-up or step-down.
[0071] According to the embodiment of Fig.1 a to 2c, the second bridge 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 and the second bridge 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 have such a gear mechanism, which is implemented as follows.
[0072] The second bridge 6.1.2 of the first bridge group 6.1 has a rack, which is coupled to a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod 12.1 by means of a gear stage (not shown in detail). The gear stage is formed by two gears of different diameters arranged on a shaft. One of these gears meshes with the rack of bridge 6.1.2, and the other of these gears meshes with the rack of bridge rod 12.1.
[0073] The same applies to the second bridge 6.2.2 of the second bridge group 6.2. The second bridge 6.1.2 of the second bridge group 6.2 has a rack, which is coupled to a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod 12.1 by means of a gear stage (not shown in detail). The gear stage is formed by two gears of different diameters arranged on a shaft. One of these gears meshes with the rack of the bridge 6.1.2, and the other of these gears meshes with the rack of the bridge rod 12.1.
[0074] A first container group with a plurality of containers 2, in particular a first magazine, is arranged adjacent to the first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3 in order to be able to arrange the containers 2 of the first container group one after the other in the transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3 by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the first container group. A second container group with a plurality of containers, in particular a second magazine, is arranged adjacent to the second longitudinal side L2 of the weapon feeder 3 in order to be able to arrange the containers 2 of the second container group one after the other in the transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3 by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the second container group.
[0075] During operation of the ammunition feed 1, active bodies are fed alternately from the first and second container groups to the weapon feeder 3 in order to achieve a high rate of fire of the cannon.
[0076] By means of the first and / or the second actuator 8.1, 8.2 and the gear 7, an active body holder (not shown here) in the weapon feeder 3 can be opened and closed.
[0077] The following describes the method for feeding military active agents to a cannon. The description uses the example of feeding from the second longitudinal side L2 (see Fig. 1 b and Fig. 2b). The following steps are preferably carried out in the specified order: a) Positioning a container 2 with an active body accommodated therein in a transfer position ÜP to a weapon feeder 3, b) Movement of a stopper 5.1 .1 , 5.1 .2 , 5.1.3 arranged on a first longitudinal side Li of the weapon feeder 3 from a waiting position WP to a holding position HP, c) Movement of a bridge 6.1 .1 , 6.1 .2 arranged on a second longitudinal side L2 of the weapon feeder 3 opposite the first from a waiting position WP to a transfer position ÜP, d) Movement of the active body, in particular with the aid of gravity, from the container 2 in the transfer position ÜP to the weapon feeder 3 with contact to the bridge 6.1 .1 , 6.1 .2, which in the transfer position ÜP bridges a gap S which is formed between the container 2 arranged in the transfer position ÜP and a support surface 3.f of the weapon feeder 3, e) stopping the active body by means of the stopper 5.1 .1, 5.1 .2, 5.1.3 in the area of the support surface 3.f.
[0078] In the same way, the active body is moved from the container 2 to the weapon feeder 3 from the first longitudinal side Li, with the components of the guidance device 4 then temporarily in the position shown in Fig. 1c and Fig. 2c. In particular, steps a) to c) can be performed simultaneously or at least in an overlapping manner.
[0079] List of reference symbols Ammunition feed Container Weapon feeder Support surface of the weapon feeder 3 Guide device First stopper group First stopper of the first stopper group 5.1 Second stopper of the first stopper group 5.1 Third stopper of the first stopper group 5.1 Second stopper group First stopper of the second stopper group 5.2 Second stopper of the second stopper group 5.2 Third stopper of the second stopper group 5.2 First bridge group First bridge of the first bridge group 6.1 Second bridge of the first bridge group 6.1 Second bridge group First bridge of the second bridge group 6.2 Second bridge of the second bridge group 6.2 Gearbox First actuator Second actuator First stopper rod Second stopper rod First rotary mechanism Second rotary mechanism Third rotary mechanism Fourth rotary mechanism First crossbar Second crossbar First bridge rod Second bridge rod ÜP Transfer position
[0080] WP waiting position
[0081] HP holding position
[0082] Li first long side of the weapon feeder 3
[0083] L2second long side of the weapon feeder 3
[0084] I Longitudinal direction of the weapon feeder 3 q Transverse direction of the weapon feeder 3
[0085] L M Central longitudinal axis of the weapon feeder 3
[0086] Ai first distance
[0087] A2second distance
[0088] S gap
Claims
Ammunition feed (1) of a cannon, with several containers (2) each for receiving a military active body, with at least one weapon feeder (3) and with at least one guide device (4), wherein the containers (2) are movable one after the other into a transfer position (ÜP) to the weapon feeder (3), preferably by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor, wherein one of the active bodies is movable by means of the guide device (4) from the container (2) in the transfer position (ÜP) to the weapon feeder (3), characterized in that the guide device (4) has at least one stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3), at least one bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2), a gear (7) and at least one actuator (8.1), wherein the stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) on a first longitudinal side (Li) of the Weapon feeder (3) is arranged, wherein the bridge (6.1.1 , 6.1.2) is arranged on a second longitudinal side (L2) of the weapon feeder (3) opposite the first, wherein the actuator (8.1) is coupled to the stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) and the bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2) by means of the gear (7) in such a way that the stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) can be moved by means of the actuator (8.1) between a waiting position (WP) and a holding position (HP) and that the bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2) can be moved by means of the actuator (8.1) between a waiting position (WP) and a transfer position (ÜP), wherein the stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) in the waiting position (WP) is arranged pivoted away from a support surface (3.f) of the weapon feeder (3) and thus a movement of one of the active bodies from the first longitudinal side (Li ) to the support surface (3.f) is possible, wherein the stopper (5.1 .1 , 5.1.2, 5.1.3) in the holding position (HP) is pivoted away from the support surface (3.f) of the weapon feeder (3) is arranged pivoted towards it in order to form a stop for the active body moved towards the weapon feeder (3), so that a movement of one of the active bodies from a container (2), which is arranged in the transfer position (ÜP) arranged on the second longitudinal side (L2), to the weapon feeder (3) is stopped in the region of the support surface (3.f), wherein a gap (S) to be overcome by the active body is formed between the container (2) arranged in the transfer position (ÜP) and the support surface (3.f), wherein by means of the bridge (6.1 .1 , 6.1 .2) in the transfer position (ÜP) a larger part of the gap (S) is bridged transversely to the longitudinal direction (I) of the weapon feeder (3) than with the bridge (6.1 .1 , 6.1.2) in the waiting position (WP). Ammunition feed (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a first stopper group (5.1) with at least one stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) on the. first longitudinal side (Li) of the weapon feeder (3), wherein a second stopper group (5.2) with at least one stopper (5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) is arranged on the second longitudinal side (L2) of the weapon feeder (3). Ammunition feeder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first bridge group (6.1) with at least one bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2) is arranged on the second longitudinal side (L2) of the weapon feeder (3), wherein a second bridge group (6.2) with at least one bridge (6.2.1, 6.2.2) is arranged on the first longitudinal side (Li) of the weapon feeder (3). Ammunition feed (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that by means of a first actuator (8.1) and the gear (7) all stoppers (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) of the first stopper group (5.1) are moved simultaneously into their respective holding position (HP) and all bridges (6.1.1, 6.1.2) of the first bridge group (6.1 ) can be moved into their respective transfer position (ÜP), whereby by means of the first actuator (8.1 ) and the gear (7) all stoppers (5.1.1 , 5.1.2, 5.1.3) of the first stopper group (5.1 ) and all bridges (6.1.1 ,. 6.1.2) of the first bridge group (6.1) are movable into their respective waiting positions (WP). Ammunition feed (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that by means of a second actuator (8.2) and the gear (7) all stoppers (5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) of the second stopper group (5.2) into their respective holding position (HP) and all bridges (6.2.1, 6.2.2) of the second bridge group (6.2) into their respective transfer position (ÜP), whereby by means of the second actuator (8.2) and the gear (7) all stoppers (5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) of the second stopper group (5.2) and all bridges (6.2.1, 6.2.2) of the second bridge group (6.2) can be moved into their respective waiting position (WP) at the same time. Ammunition feed (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one stopper (5.1.1, 5.2.1) of each stopper group (5.1, 5.2) in its holding position (HP) has a first distance (Ai) from a central longitudinal axis (L M) of the weapon feeder (3) in order to form the stop for a projectile area of the active body by means of this stopper (5.1.1, 5.2.1), wherein at least one stopper (5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) of each stopper group (5.1, 5.2) in its holding position (HP) has a second distance (A2) from the central longitudinal axis (L M ) of the weapon feeder (3) in order to form the stop for a sleeve area of the active body by means of this stopper (5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.2, 5.2.3). Ammunition feed (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the gear (7) has a first stopper rod (9.1) for moving all stoppers (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) of the first stopper group (5.1 ), a first rotating mechanism (10.1 ), a first crossbar (11.1 ), a second rotating mechanism (10.2 ) and a first bridge bar (12.1 ) for moving all bridges (6.1.1 , 6.1.2) of the first bridge group (6.1 ), wherein the first rotation mechanism (10.1 ) is motion-coupled to the first stopper rod (9.1 ), the first crossbar (11.1 ) and the first actuator (8.1 ), wherein the first crossbar (11.1 ) is motion-coupled to the first bridge rod (12.1 ) by means of the second rotation mechanism (10.2), so that a rotation of the first rotation mechanism (10.1) by means of the first actuator (8.1) leads, on the one hand, to a movement of the first stopper rod (9.1) in the longitudinal direction (I) of the weapon feeder (3), and so that a rotation of the first rotary mechanism (10.1) by means of the first actuator (8.1) leads, on the other hand, to a movement of the first crossbar (11.1) in a transverse direction (q) of the weapon feeder (3), which leads to a rotation of the second rotary mechanism (10.2) and thus to a movement of the first bridge rod (12.1) in the longitudinal direction (I) of the weapon feeder (3). Ammunition feeder (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the gear (7) has a second stopper rod (9.2) for moving all stoppers (5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) of the second stopper group (5.2), a third rotating mechanism (10.3), a second crossbar (11.2), a fourth rotating mechanism (10.4) and a second bridge bar (12.2) for moving all bridges (6.2.1, 6.2.2) of the second bridge group (6.2), wherein the third rotation mechanism (10.3) is motion-coupled to the second stopper rod (9.2), the second crossbar (11.2) and the second actuator (8.2), wherein the second crossbar (11.2) is motion-coupled to the second bridge rod (12.2) by means of the fourth rotation mechanism (10.4), so that a rotation of the third rotation mechanism (10.3) by means of the second actuator (8.2), on the one hand, leads to a movement of the second stopper rod (9.2) in the longitudinal direction (I) of the weapon feeder (3), and so that a rotation of the third rotating mechanism (10.3) by means of the second actuator (8.2) leads, on the other hand, to a movement of the second crossbar (11.2) in the transverse direction (q) of the weapon feeder (3), which leads to a rotation of the fourth rotating mechanism (10.4) and thus to a movement of the second bridge rod (12.2) in the longitudinal direction (I) of the weapon feeder (3). Ammunition feeder (1) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the stoppers (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) has a gear, which is in engagement with a toothed rack arranged on the associated stopper rod (9.1, 9.2), so that by the longitudinal movement of this stopper rod (9.1, 9.2) this stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) can be pivoted back and forth between its holding position (HP) and its waiting position (WP) in a plane perpendicular to the support surface (3.f).
0. Ammunition feed (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the bridges (6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2) has a gear which engages with a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod (12.1, 12.2), so that by the longitudinal movement of this bridge rod (12.1, 12.2) this bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2) can be pivoted back and forth between its transfer position (ÜP) and its waiting position (WP) in a plane parallel to the support surface (3.f).Ammunition feed (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the stoppers (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3) and / or at least one of the bridges (6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2) is motion-coupled to the associated rod (9.1, 9.2, 12.1, 12.2) by means of a gear mechanism with step-up or step-down.
2. Ammunition feed (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the bridges (6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2) has a rack which is coupled to a rack arranged on the associated bridge rod (12.1, 12.2) by means of a gear stage, wherein the gear stage is formed by two gears of different diameters arranged on a shaft, one of these gears engaging the rack of the bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.2.1, 6.2.2) and the other of these gears engaging the rack of the bridge rod (12.1, 12.2).Ammunition feeder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first container group with a plurality of containers (2), in particular a first magazine, is arranged adjacent to the first longitudinal side (Li) of the weapon feeder (3) in order to be able to arrange the containers (2) of the first container group one after the other in the transfer position (ÜP) to the weapon feeder (3) by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the first container group, wherein a second container group with a plurality of containers, in particular a second magazine, is arranged adjacent to the second longitudinal side (L2) of the weapon feeder (3) in order to be able to arrange the containers (2) of the second container group one after the other in the transfer position (ÜP) to the weapon feeder (3) by means of a bucket chain and / or a belt conveyor of the second container group. Ammunition feeder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an active body holder in the weapon feeder (3) can be opened and closed by means of the first and / or the second actuator (8.1, 8.2) and the gear (7). Method for feeding military active bodies to a cannon, in particular by means of an ammunition feeder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the following steps are preferably carried out in the specified order: a) positioning a container (2) with an active body received therein in a transfer position (ÜP) to a weapon feeder (3), b) movement of a stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) arranged on a first longitudinal side (Li) of the weapon feeder (3) from a waiting position (WP) into a holding position (HP), c) movement of a bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2) from a waiting position (WP) into a transfer position (ÜP), d) movement of the active body, in particular with the aid of gravity, from the container (2) in the transfer position (ÜP) to the weapon feeder (3) with contact with the bridge (6.1.1, 6.1.2), which in the transfer position (ÜP) bridges a gap (S) which is formed between the container (2) arranged in the transfer position (ÜP) and a support surface (3.f) of the weapon feeder (3), e) stopping the active body by means of the stopper (5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3) in the area of the support surface (3.f).