Large-caliber weapon with a multi-chamber bolt assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a large caliber weapon comprising a breech assembly (4) including a breechblock (5) integral with a weapon tube (3), a breechblock support (6) movable in axial translation relative to the breechblock (5) and coupled to a breech head (7), characterized in that the breech assembly (4) further comprises a plurality of loading chambers (8) each intended to receive a round, a chamber (8) displacement mechanism (9) configured to support the chambers (8) and successively place one of the chambers (8) in a firing position, namely between the breechblock (5) and the breech head (7) and in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the weapon tube (3), and at least one other chamber (8) in a feeding position, in which at least one chamber (8) is capable of receiving a round through its rear end (8b),and a locking mechanism (10) configured to move the breech head (7) and the chamber (8) in the firing position between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the chamber (8) is closed at its rear end (8b) by the breech head (7) and opens at its front end (8a) into the weapon tube (3). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Large-caliber weapon with a multi-chamber bolt assembly

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of large caliber weapons, and in particular, large caliber rear-loading weapons.

[0002] Typically, a large-caliber, breech-loading weapon comprises a barrel mounted in a cradle within which it slides on rails during recoil, and a breechblock. A locking mechanism is located at the rear of the breechblock. Such a locking mechanism is, for example, a screw mechanism comprising a cover and a screw for tightening into the chamber of the barrel.

[0003] However, with such a weapon, the cycle of loading and firing several rounds is not fast and therefore does not allow a high rate of fire to be achieved.

[0004] However, in order to be able to take into account particularly fleeting targets with a satisfactory possibility of hitting them, the weapon must be able to fire short bursts at a high rate of fire almost instantaneously.

[0005] To increase the rate of fire, it is known to use a revolver-type weapon.

[0006] In a conventional manner, a revolver weapon comprises, on the one hand, a tube which is movable during firing relative to a support and, on the other hand, at least one ammunition cylinder having at least two chambers which can be placed one at a firing position and the other at a feeding position by rotation of the cylinder.

[0007] U.S. Patent US5341721 A discloses such a large-caliber revolver. In particular, this large-caliber revolver comprises two rotating cylinders mounted behind the breechblock of the weapon. Each cylinder has chambers for receiving ammunition. The weapon further comprises means for moving the ammunition in translation, located behind the cylinders, and configured to push towards the barrel a round contained in one of the cylinder chambers and aligned with the axis of the barrel.

[0008] Such a revolver-type weapon makes it possible to minimize the transport time of ammunition between its storage location, in one of the cylinder compartments, and the weapon's chamber where the ammunition will be fired.

[0009] However, these cylinders are bulky and heavy and are used solely for storing and transporting ammunition in front of the weapon's chamber. Chambering the ammunition involves means for positioning the ammunition, followed by the use of means for opening and closing the weapon's breech. Furthermore, the cylinder(s) containing the ammunition often need to be positioned at a distance from the breech. The breech is closed to allow for recoil, which increases the size of the vehicle or turret carrying the weapon and alters its inertia. Finally, between each shot, the weapon's elevation must be realigned with the magazine(s), increasing the duration of a follow-up firing sequence.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a solution for reducing the reloading time between consecutive shots (reloading) for a large-caliber weapon, and thus increasing the rate of fire of such a weapon. The present invention also aims to address the constraints of reducing size while allowing reloading at any point on the weapon's barrel, particularly in direct fire. The invention also allows the user to select the type of ammunition to be fired in the next shot.

[0011] The solution according to the present invention is based on the presence of a plurality of chambers intended to contain large caliber ammunition ready for firing, each chamber being movable between a position in which it can be reloaded and a position in alignment with the weapon tube in which the chamber is sealed at its rear end and opens at its front end into the weapon tube.

[0012] The present invention relates to a large-caliber weapon comprising a cradle and a recoiling mass mounted movable relative to the cradle, the recoiling mass comprising a weapon tube having a longitudinal axis and a breech assembly, the breech assembly comprising a breech block integral with the weapon tube, a breech support movable in axial translation relative to the breech block and coupled to a breech head, characterized in that the breech assembly further comprises a plurality of loading chambers intended each to receive a round, a chamber displacement mechanism configured to support the chambers and successively place one of the chambers in a firing position, namely between the breech block and the breech head and in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the weapon tube, and at least one other chamber in a feeding position,in which at least one chamber is capable of receiving ammunition at its rear end, and a locking mechanism configured to move the breech head and the chamber in the firing position between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the chamber is sealed at its rear end by the breech head and opens at its front end into the weapon tube.

[0013] Thanks to such a bolt assembly, it is possible to reload the empty chamber(s) in the feeding position while a chamber is locked with a round ready to fire, thus increasing responsiveness by reducing the time between several consecutive shots. It is also possible to place a chamber that has experienced a misfire in the feeding position, and thus manage a shot that did not fire off-axis, while having a chamber ready to fire. rusted with ammunition ready to fire, so that such an operation of managing a shot not fired does not diminish responsiveness.

[0014] In addition, the breech assembly according to the present invention allows for rapid positioning of the ammunition while presenting a compact structure.

[0015] Empty chambers can be refilled manually. Empty chambers can also be refilled automatically or semi-automatically via a refilling system. In this case, preferably, the refilling system is a dual refilling system, which reduces refilling time.

[0016] The plurality of loading chambers can be loaded with various types of ammunition. Thus, the presence of several chambers allows for a choice between several types of ammunition.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the chamber movement mechanism is supported by the cradle and includes a drawer capable of mechanically supporting the plurality of chambers arranged side by side parallel to the longitudinal axis and a translational displacement actuator connected to the drawer to move the drawer in translation relative to the cradle in a direction of translation transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Such a displacement mechanism, based on a simple translational displacement, allows for a simple and rapid movement of the chambers, and therefore a rapid selection of the ammunition ready to fire.

[0019] Preferably, the translational displacement actuator is a motorized actuator comprising an electric or hydraulic motor, in particular a geared motor, coupled to the spool by a rack and pinion link.

[0020] Such a translational displacement actuator is simple to integrate, reliable and inexpensive.

[0021] Advantageously, the drawer comprises a plurality of axial through-holes, each axial through-hole being shaped to receive a loading chamber with a clearance between the chamber and the housing, the cradle comprising axial translation stop stops, integral with the cradle, arranged to be in close proximity to the front and rear ends of each chamber placed in the feeding position and configured to leave the opening free at the rear end of each chamber.

[0022] Such clearance allows the chamber positioned in line with the longitudinal axis of the barrel to slide axially within the housing, in other words, to be axially mobile relative to the slide and the cradle. The axial translation stops, despite the presence of this clearance, prevent chambers not positioned in line with the barrel from sliding within their housing, otherwise said the chambers in the feeding position are held in a fixed position relative to the drawer.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the cylinder head is a screw-type cylinder head having an external thread adapted to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread provided at the rear end of each chamber, each chamber having an external thread at its front end adapted to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread provided in the cylinder head block, the locking mechanism being a screw-type locking mechanism comprising a linear displacement actuator connected to the cylinder head support to linearly move the cylinder head support relative to the cylinder head block along the longitudinal axis, a rotational displacement actuator connected to the cylinder head to rotate the cylinder head relative to the cylinder head support around the longitudinal axis, and a disengageable lock adapted to move between an engaged position,in which the chamber, placed in the locked position, is fixed to the bolt head during movement, and a retracted position in which said chamber is free to rotate relative to the bolt head, the linear displacement and rotational displacement actuators being configured to obtain combined linear displacement and rotational movements of the bolt head.

[0024] The disengageable bolt allows the chamber to be extracted from the breechblock by recoiling and rotating the breechblock head. The combined linear displacement and rotation of the breechblock head screw the breechblock head into the chamber and the chamber into the breechblock. Similarly, the combined linear displacement and rotation of the breechblock head, along with the movement of the disengageable bolt, allow the chamber to be unscrewed from the breechblock and then the breechblock head to be unscrewed from the chamber.

[0025] Preferably, the linear displacement actuator includes a guide element, in particular in the form of a pair of axial rods, integral with the cylinder head support and mounted to slide in the cylinder head block, which guide element is driven in translation by a translational drive element, in particular a cylinder or a geared motor, supported by the cylinder head block.

[0026] Preferably, the rotational displacement actuator includes a rotating coupling member fixed in movement to the cylinder head and mounted freely in rotation relative to the cylinder head support, which rotating coupling member is driven in rotation by a rotating drive member, in particular a geared motor, fixed to the recoiling mass.

[0027] The internal and external threads can each have several threads.

[0028] The presence of several threads allows for faster screwing / unscrewing and better sealing.

[0029] Advantageously, the breechblock includes a deformable seal positioned against the rear end of the weapon tube and configured to be compressed between the front end of a chamber in the locked position and the rear end of the weapon tube.

[0030] Such a deformable seal makes it possible to ensure sealing at the front of the chamber.

[0031] Advantageously, each loading chamber defines a breech head receiving space extending from the rear end of the chamber to an ammunition receiving space, the breech head receiving space having a first cross-section and the ammunition receiving space having a second cross-section which is smaller than the first cross-section.

[0032] Thus, the junction area between the breech head reception space and the ammunition reception space has a shoulder which limits the insertion of the breech head into the chamber and which ensures a good seal at the rear of the chamber when the breech head closes the rear of the chamber.

[0033] In particular, the internal thread at the rear end of each chamber extends from the rear end of the chamber to the rear end of the chamber's ammunition receiving space, the diameter of the internal thread being larger than the diameter of the ammunition receiving space. Thus, when the bolt head and the chamber are in the locked position, the base of a round received in the receiving space is compressed between the bolt head and the chamber. This compression of the base ensures a seal at the rear of the chamber.

[0034] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a particular embodiment thereof will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

[0035] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the large caliber weapon according to the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.2] is a cutaway view of the weapon in [Fig.1];

[0037] [Fig.3] is a top view of the weapon according to the present invention illustrating the step reloading of chambers placed in a feeding position;

[0038] [Fig.4] is a top view of the weapon illustrating the positioning step of a chamber reloaded in the firing position;

[0039] [Fig.5] is a side view, in longitudinal section, of the weapon illustrating the step of dismantling placement of the bolt head and chamber from the firing position to a locked position;

[0040] [Fig.6] is a top view of the weapon illustrating the locking step, one of the rooms being in the locked position;

[0041] [Fig.7] is a side view, in longitudinal section, of the weapon of the [Fig.6];

[0042] [Fig.8] is a top view of the weapon illustrating the firing stage; and

[0043] [Fig.9] is a side view, in longitudinal section, of the weapon illustrating the step of dismantling chamber locking after the ammunition has been fired.

[0044] If we refer first of all to [Fig. 1], we can see that the large caliber weapon according to the present invention comprises, in a manner known per se, a cradle 1 and a recoiling mass 2.

[0045] The cradle 1 is a non-recoiling element of the weapon. The cradle 1 has the function of supporting and guiding the recoiling mass 2.

[0046] The recoil mass 2 refers to all the elements of the weapon that recoil during firing. Typically, the recoil mass 2 is connected to the cradle 1 by one or more recoil brakes (not shown) and by one or more recoil mechanisms (not shown) which return the recoil mass 2 to its firing position after firing. The recoil mass 2 includes, in particular, a barrel 3 and a bolt assembly 4.

[0047] The weapon tube 3 has a longitudinal axis X0, a front end 3a and a rear end 3b. By the term "front" is meant the end located towards the front of the weapon, i.e. on the side of the weapon from which the ammunition is fired, and by the term "rear" is meant the end located in the opposite direction.

[0048] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the cylinder head assembly 4 comprises a cylinder head block 5, a cylinder head support 6, a cylinder head 7, a plurality of loading chambers 8, a chamber displacement mechanism 9 and a locking mechanism 10.

[0049] The breech block 5 is a parallelepiped block having a front face 5a on the side of the weapon tube 3 and a rear face 5b opposite. As can be seen in Figures 5, 7, and 9, the breechblock 5 has a front bore 50 complementary to the rear end region 3b of the weapon tube 3 and extending from its front face 5a to a rear bore 51. The rear bore 51 extends from the rear face 5b of the breechblock 5 to the front bore 50 and is coaxial with the front bore 50. The rear end region 3b of the weapon tube 3 is received in the front bore 50, so that the rear bore 51 opens into the weapon tube 3. The rear bore 51 has an internal thread and is suitable for receiving a front end region 8a of a loading chamber 8.

[0050] The breechblock support 6 is mounted to slide axially relative to the breechblock 5. For this purpose, the breechblock support 6 comprises two axial rods 60 connected to each other at their rear ends by a support portion 61. Each axial rod 60 is received in a corresponding through bore 52, 53 provided in the breechblock 5. In particular, the breechblock 5 comprises an upper through bore 52 and a lower through bore 53 formed on either side of the front bore 50 and rear bore 51. Thus, the axial rods 60 of the breechblock support 6 pass through the breechblock 5, with their front ends free on the side of the gun tube 3.

[0051] The cylinder head 7 is supported by the support portion 61 of the cylinder head support 6 and is rotatably mounted relative to it. The cylinder head 7 has the function to seal the rear end 8b of a chamber 8 ready for firing. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bolt head 7 is a screw bolt head. The screw bolt head 7 is in the form of a cylindrical body 70 having an external thread extending from the front end to the rear end of the cylindrical body 70. The bolt head 7 carries a disengageable locking mechanism 71 in the form of a finger 71. The finger 71 is movably mounted between an engaged position, in which the finger 71 protrudes radially outwards from the bolt head 7, beyond the lateral wall of the cylindrical body 70, and a retracted position, in which the finger 71 is housed entirely in a corresponding recess of complementary shape formed in the lateral wall of the cylindrical body 70.

[0052] The plurality of loading chambers 8 are each intended to hold a round of ammunition. In the embodiment shown, the breech assembly 4 comprises three loading chambers 8. It should be noted, however, that the number of chambers is not limited to three. Each chamber 8 is in the form of a tube open at both ends. Each chamber 8 is positioned in the breech assembly 4 such that the longitudinal axis XI of the chamber 8 is coaxial or parallel to the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3. As can be seen in Figures 2, 5, 7, and 9, each chamber 8 defines within itself a breech face reception area 8c and a round reception area 8d. The breech face reception area 8c is a rear end region of the chamber 8 extending from the rear end 8b to the round reception area 8d.The ammunition receiving space 8d extends from the front end 8a to the breechblock receiving space 8c. The breechblock receiving space 8c has a first cross-section, and the ammunition receiving space 8d has a second cross-section that is smaller than the first. Thus, a shoulder is formed between the breechblock receiving space 8c and the ammunition receiving space 8d. The front end region 8a of each chamber 8 has an external thread suitable for engaging with the internal thread of the rear bore 51 of the breechblock 5. Each chamber 8 also has an internal thread formed on the inner tubular wall of the breechblock receiving space 8c. This internal thread is suitable for engaging with the external thread of the breechblock 7.The tubular wall of the breech head receiving space 8c has a recess 80 complementary to the disengageable lock 71 and suitable for receiving the disengageable lock 71 in the engaged position.

[0053] The chamber displacement mechanism 9 allows the chambers 8 to be moved in translation with their axes XI parallel to the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3. In other words, the chamber displacement mechanism 9 allows the chambers 8 to be moved transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the weapon tube 3 and the breechblock 5. In particular, this displacement mechanism 9 is capable of move each chamber 8 in translation between a feeding position, in which the chamber 8 can be reloaded with ammunition through its rear end 8b, and a firing position, in which the chamber 8 is in alignment with the weapon tube 3 and is located between the breechblock 5 and the breech head 7. The chamber 8 movement mechanism 9 comprises a slide 90 and a translational movement actuator 91.

[0054] The slide 90 is designed to mechanically support the plurality of chambers 8. To this end, the slide 90 comprises a body defining recesses 92, each shaped to receive a portion of a loading chamber 8. In the embodiment shown, the cylinder head assembly 4 comprises three loading chambers 8, and the slide 90 includes three axial through recesses 92. It should be emphasized that the number of recesses 92 defined in the slide 90 is not limited to three and is equal to the number of loading chambers 8. Since each chamber 8 is in the form of a tube, each recess 92 is also in the form of a tubular recess. The internal diameter of the tubular recess 92 is slightly larger than the external diameter of the chamber 8 at the section of the chamber 8 intended to be received in the recess 92, such that a clearance exists between the chamber 8 and the recess 92.The section of chamber 8 received in housing 92 is essentially the central section of chamber 8. In other words, the length of chamber 8 protruding at the front of housing 92 and the length of chamber 8 protruding at the rear of housing 92 are the same. The three housings 92 are arranged one after the other in the body of drawer 90, their axes lying essentially in the same plane passing through the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3. The body of drawer 90 could also have a curved, arc-shaped form, with the housings 92 then being side by side with their axes parallel to each other but in different planes passing through the longitudinal axis X0.

[0055] The drawer 90 is supported by the cradle 1, behind the cylinder head block 5, and is mounted to move in translation relative to it. For this purpose, the cradle 1 includes a support housing 11 to which the body of the drawer 90 is connected and in which the drawer 90 is mounted to move in translation. This support housing 11 is positioned between the rear face 5b of the cylinder head block 5 and the support portion 61 of the cylinder head support 6. The support housing 11 comprises an upper flange 1la and a lower flange 11b arranged in alignment with the upper face 5c and lower face 5d, respectively, of the cylinder head block 5 and extending on either side of the slide 90. These flanges 1la, 11b have, on their opposing faces, a sliding portion (not visible) adapted to cooperate with a complementary sliding portion 93 of the slide body 90. Thus, the slide 90 is guided in translation between the upper flange 1la and the lower flange 11b of the support housing 11.The flanges lia, 11b also each have a through hole. receiving the axial rods 60 of the breech support 6. Thus, this support housing 11 allows to guide both the translational movement of the drawer 90 and therefore of the chambers 8 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the weapon tube 3 and the axial translational movement of the breech support 6 and therefore of the breech head 7 in the longitudinal direction of the weapon tube 3.

[0056] The cradle 1 also includes two stop housings 12 arranged on either side of the cylinder head block 5 and integral with the support housing 11. Each stop housing 12 has two opposing stops 12a, 12b, namely a front axial translation stop 12a and a rear axial translation stop 12b, and a reinforcing element 12c extending between the two opposing stops 12a, 12b. These front stops 12a and rear stops 12b are arranged to be in close proximity to the front ends 8a and rear ends 8b, respectively, of each chamber 8 in the feeding position and are configured to leave the opening at the rear end 8b of each chamber 8 unobstructed.In particular, each rear stop 12b is in the form of a wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3, which wall is pierced with a loading opening configured to allow the passage of a cartridge but to prevent the passage of a chamber 8 through it. Each front stop 12a is in the form of a wall parallel to the wall of the rear stop 12b and positioned opposite the corresponding rear stop 12b. The reinforcing element 12c is in the form of a wall connecting the front stop 12a and the rear stop 12b at their edge on the lower flange side 11b and configured to allow the passage of the slide 90 and the chambers 8.

[0057] Alternatively, these front and rear stops could be replaced by any suitable immobilizing means allowing axial immobilization of the chambers in the feeding position during retraction. Such immobilizing means could, for example, include retractable cams or fingers.

[0058] The translational displacement actuator 91 is connected to the slide 90 to move the slide 90 in translation relative to the cradle 1, in particular along the support housing 11, in a direction of translation transverse to the longitudinal axis X0. In the embodiment shown, this actuator 91 is a motorized actuator. The motorized actuator 91 comprises an electric motor, in particular a geared motor, fixed to the cradle, in particular to the lower flange 11b of the support housing 11. Preferably, this motor is coupled to the slide 90 by a rack and pinion connection (not visible). Such a connection makes it possible to transform a rotational movement of the motor shaft into a translational movement of the slide 90 reliably and without obstructing the space at the rear of the cylinder head block 5.

[0059] The locking mechanism 10 is configured to move the bolt head 7 and the chamber 8 in the firing position between an unlocked position and a locked position rusted. In the unlocked position, the breech head 7 is positioned behind the chamber 8, which is in the firing position. In the locked position, the breech head 7 is received in the breech head receiving space 8c of the chamber 8, thus closing the rear of the chamber 8, and the front end region 8a of the chamber 8 is received in the rear bore 51 of the breech block 5, thus opening into the weapon tube 3.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 10 is a screw-type locking mechanism. This mechanism 10 comprises a linear displacement actuator and a rotary displacement actuator configured to obtain combined linear displacement and rotary movements of the bolt head 7, as well as the disengageable lock 71 integral with the bolt head 7.

[0061] The linear displacement actuator allows the breechblock support 6 to be moved linearly relative to the breechblock block 5 along the longitudinal axis X0 of the gun tube 3. This actuator comprises the pair of axial rods 60 of the breechblock support 6, constituting a guide element, and a translational drive element for the axial rods 60. The translational drive element can be a cylinder or a geared motor (not shown) supported by the breechblock block 5.

[0062] The rotational displacement actuator allows the breech head 7 to be rotated relative to the breech support 6 around the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3. This actuator includes a rotational coupling member 13 and a rotational drive member 14 of this coupling member 13. The coupling member 13 is in the form of a bell comprising a circular disc 13a carrying in its center a shaft 13b whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the disc 13a. The shaft 13b is rotationally fixed to the cylinder head 7. In particular, the shaft 13b is received, with an interference fit, in a central recess opening at the rear end of the cylinder head 7. The circular disc 13a is mounted freely to rotate relative to the cylinder head support 6. In particular, the circular disc 13a is mounted to rotate relative to the support portion 61.The rotating drive element 14 can be a geared motor fixed to the recoiling mass 2. In particular, the geared motor 14 is fixed to the support part 61 of the breech support 6. Thus, when the geared motor 14 drives the bell 13 in rotation relative to the breech support 6, the breech head 7 is also driven in rotation relative to the breech support 6 around the longitudinal axis X0 of the weapon tube 3.

[0063] Thus, the breech assembly 4 according to the present invention has a compact structure and allows for the alignment, guidance and locking of chambers, previously loaded with ammunition, in the tube to enable firing.

[0064] The operating method of the large-caliber weapon described above is such that represented in Figures 3 to 9.

[0065] At the beginning of a firing sequence, the bolt assembly 4 is in the configuration shown in [Fig. 3]. In this configuration, two chambers 8 are in the feeding position and are ready to receive a new round through their rear end 8b. These two chambers 8 can be reloaded simultaneously by any suitable means, by manual, automatic, or semi-automatic reloading.

[0066] Next, as can be seen in [Fig.4], the chamber 8 containing the chosen ammunition is aligned with the weapon tube 3, therefore in firing position, by lateral translational movement of the drawer 90 via the translational movement actuator 91.

[0067] Once the desired chamber 8 is placed in the firing position, the locking mechanism 10 is actuated, as shown in [Fig. 5]. In particular, the linear displacement actuator and the rotational displacement actuator are actuated to move the bolt head 7 in translation and rotation towards the chamber 8. This allows the bolt head 7 to be screwed into the bolt head receiving space 8c of the chamber 8, and then the threaded front end region 8a of the chamber 8 to be screwed into the rear bore 51 of the bolt block 5. During these combined movements, the bolt head 7 is advanced while being rotated over the distance A, until the bolt head 7 abuts against the shoulder formed at the front end of the internal thread of the chamber 8.This shoulder is arranged so that when the bolt head 7 comes against the shoulder, it compresses the base of the received cartridge in the chamber 8. Once the bolt head 7 is screwed into the chamber 8, the chamber 8 and the bolt head 7 attached to it are in turn advanced and rotated over the distance B, until the chamber 8 comes against the rear end 3b of the weapon tube 3. Advantageously, a deformable sealing gasket 54 is positioned between the rear bore 51 and the front bore 50 of the bolt block 5, so that when the chamber 8 is screwed into the bolt block 5, the sealing gasket 54 is compressed between the front end 8a of the chamber 8 and the rear end 3b of the weapon tube 3.

[0068] As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, this screwing action allows the different elements of the recoiling mass 2 to be locked together, namely the weapon tube 3, the breechblock 5, the chamber 8 ready for firing, the breech head 7 and the breech support 6. The ammunition contained in the chamber 8 thus locked can then be fired.

[0069] The internal and external threads of the cylinder head 7, the chambers 8, and the cylinder block 5 are preferably multi-threaded. Such threads are strong and allow for stress absorption and a significant advance.

[0070] As can be seen in [Fig. 8], firing the ammunition causes a recoil of the recoiling mass 2, and in particular, the axial sliding of chamber 8 locked in drawer 90. The other chambers 8, in feeding position, are axially immobilized during recoil by the front stops 12a and rear stops 12b of cradle 1.

[0071] After the weapon is returned to battery, the recoiling mass 2 is unlocked, as shown in [Fig. 9]. To achieve this, the bolt head 7 is moved backward while being rotated. During this unscrewing movement of the bolt head 7, the disengageable locking bolt 71 moves from its retracted position to its engaged position, making the chamber 8 fixed to the bolt head 7 as it moves. Thus, with the locking bolt 71 engaged, the combined recoil and rotational movements of the bolt head 7 cause the chamber 8 to unscrew from the bolt block 5. Once the chamber 8 is extracted from the rear bore 51 of the bolt block 5, the bolt head 7 is in turn unscrewed from the chamber 8, after the locking bolt 71 moves into the retracted position, thus freeing the chamber 8.

[0072] Once chamber 8 is in the firing position and placed in the unlocked position, the drawer 90 can again be moved laterally to place a new chamber 8 containing a round in the firing position. The previous locking and firing steps can be repeated immediately after firing the previous round. Concurrently with this new firing sequence, chambers 8 in the feeding position, which are empty after firing, can be reloaded.

[0073] Thus, to fire the first salvo, the procedure is to insert a round into the empty chamber(s) 8 in the feeding position, to move the slide 90 to bring one of the chambers 8 into the firing position, and then to lock said chamber 8 in the locked position, notably by tightening the screw. The firing can then be initiated, and simple unscrewing, sliding, and tightening movements are repeated to fire subsequent rounds. Loading the empty chambers 8 with ammunition is carried out concurrently, while another round is being fired, resulting in a high rate of fire.

[0074] It is understood that the particular embodiment just described has been given by way of example and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Large caliber weapon comprising a cradle (1) and a recoiling mass (2) mounted movable relative to the cradle (1), the recoiling mass (2) comprising a weapon tube (3) having a longitudinal axis (XO) and a breech assembly (4), the breech assembly (4) comprising a breechblock (5) integral with the weapon tube (3), a breech support (6) movable in axial translation relative to the breechblock (5) and coupled to a breech head (7), characterized in that the breech assembly (4) further comprises a plurality of loading chambers (8) each intended to receive a round, a chamber displacement mechanism (9) configured to support the chambers (8) and successively place one of the chambers (8) in a firing position, namely between the breechblock (5) and the breech head (7) and in alignment with the longitudinal axis (XO) of the weapon tube (3), and at least one other chamber (8) in a feeding position,in which at least one chamber (8) is capable of receiving a munition through its rear end (8b), and a locking mechanism (10) configured to move the breech head (7) and the chamber (8) in the firing position between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the chamber (8) is sealed at its rear end (8b) by the breech head (7) and opens at its front end (8a) into the weapon tube (3).

2. Weapon according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (8) displacement mechanism (9) is supported by the cradle (1) and includes a slide (90) capable of mechanically supporting the plurality of chambers (8) arranged side by side parallel to the longitudinal axis (XO) and a translational displacement actuator (91) connected to the slide (90) to move the slide (90) in translation relative to the cradle (1) in a direction of translation transverse to the longitudinal axis (XO).

3. Weapon according to claim 2, characterized in that the translational displacement actuator (91) is a motorized actuator comprising an electric or hydraulic motor, in particular a geared motor, coupled to the slide (90) by a rack and pinion connection.

4. A weapon according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the drawer (90) comprises a plurality of axial through-holes (92), each axial through-hole (92) being shaped to receiving a loading chamber (8) with a clearance between the chamber (8) and the housing (92), the cradle (1) having axial translation stop stops (12a, 12b), integral with the cradle (1), arranged to be in close proximity to the front (8a) and rear (8b) ends of each chamber (8) placed in the feeding position and configured to leave the opening at the rear end (8b) of each chamber (8) free.

5. Weapon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bolt head (7) is a screw-type bolt head having an external thread adapted to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread provided at the rear end (8b) of each chamber (8), each chamber (8) having an external thread at its front end (8a) adapted to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread provided in the bolt block (5), the locking mechanism (10) being a screw-type locking mechanism having a linear displacement actuator connected to the bolt support (6) for linearly moving the bolt support (6) relative to the bolt block (5) along the longitudinal axis (X0), a rotational displacement actuator connected to the bolt head (7) for rotating the bolt head (7) relative to the bolt support (6) around the longitudinal axis (X0),and a disengageable lock (71) capable of moving between an engaged position, in which the chamber (8) placed in the locked position is fixed in movement to the breech head (7), and a retracted position in which said chamber (8) is free to rotate relative to the breech head (7), the linear displacement and rotational displacement actuators being configured to obtain combined linear displacement and rotational movements of the breech head (7).

6. Weapon according to claim 5, characterized in that the linear displacement actuator comprises a guide member (60), in particular in the form of a pair of axial rods (60), integral with the breech support (6) and mounted to slide in the breech block (5), which guide member (60) is driven in translation by a translational drive member, in particular a cylinder or a geared motor, supported by the breech block (5).

7. A weapon according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the rotational displacement actuator comprises a rotational coupling member (13) fixed in movement to the head of cylinder head (7) and mounted free to rotate relative to the cylinder head support (6), which rotating coupling member (13) is driven in rotation by a rotating drive member (14), in particular a geared motor, attached to the recoiling mass (2).

8. Weapon according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the internal and external threads each have several threads.

9. Weapon according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the breechblock (5) has a deformable seal (54) positioned against the rear end (3b) of the weapon tube (3) and configured to be compressed between the front end (8a) of a chamber (8) in the locked position and the rear end (3b) of the weapon tube (3).

10. Weapon according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each loading chamber (8) defines a breech head reception space (8c) extending from the rear end (8b) of the chamber (8) to an ammunition reception space (8d), the breech head reception space (8c) having a first cross-section and the ammunition reception space (8d) having a second cross-section which is smaller than the first cross-section.

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