Device for feeding ammunition into weapons

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon (20). The weapon (20) is mounted on an elevation device (30) arranged to enable elevation movement of the weapon (20) about an elevation axis (Z1). The apparatus comprises a feed chute (40; 140) connected at one end to the weapon (20). The feed chute (40) comprises a set of elements (42; 142) assembled in a stacked structure. The set of elements (42; 142) is arranged around a shaft (44; 144) configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis (Z1) to enable movement of individual elements of the set of elements (42; 142) around the shaft (44; 144) in conjunction with elevation movement of the weapon (20) about the elevation axis (Z1). The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with the apparatus according to the present invention.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for feeding ammunition into a weapon. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Combat vehicles, such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks, may be equipped with a weapon system coupled to a turret, the weapon system including a weapon mounted to the turret. Ammunition is typically configured to be fed to the weapon from an ammunition magazine via some type of flexible chute. Such a chute may be configured to provide both twisting and bending capabilities to facilitate feeding of the ammunition to the weapon. Space for the weapon system may be an issue, especially for a weapon system coupled to a turret configured to accommodate the portion of the weapon system that includes such a flexible chute, which requires a certain amount of space.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a device for feeding ammunition into a weapon. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for feeding ammunition into a weapon which facilitates a compact solution.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle equipped with such a device which facilitates a compact solution.

[0006] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by an apparatus and a vehicle for feeding ammunition to a weapon as set forth in the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0007] Specifically, the objects of the invention are achieved by an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon, the weapon being mounted on an elevation device arranged to enable elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis, the apparatus comprising a feed chute connected at one end to the weapon, the feed chute comprising a set of elements assembled in a stacked configuration, the set of elements being arranged about a shaft configured to be concentrically arranged with respect to the elevation axis to enable movement of individual elements of the set of elements about the shaft in relation to elevation movement of the weapon about the elevation axis.

[0008] Thus, by providing such a feed chute with elements arranged around a shaft arranged concentrically with respect to the elevation axis, a compact feed chute may be obtained, since the individual elements of the feed chute only need to pivot around the shaft, i.e. in a plane substantially perpendicular to the elevation axis, in order to feed ammunition through the feed chute to the weapon. This encourages the individual elements to be closely stacked together. Thus, the distance between the individual elements may be short, since there is no need to bend the elements relative to each other. This also encourages the individual elements to be assembled in a stacked structure, with the individual elements arranged at a certain distance from each other in the axial direction of the shaft. This further encourages the feed chute to require a low resistance in order to feed ammunition through the feed chute into the entire elevation range of the weapon.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the device, the feed chute is configured such that the end opposite to the end connected to the weapon is fixedly attached to a guide chute for guiding the ammunition from the magazine to the feed chute, whereby the supply of ammunition from the end opposite to the end connected to the weapon, i.e. to the weapon, may be easily achieved independently of the elevation angle of the weapon, since the ammunition may be taken into the feed chute via the fixed connected guide chute, for example.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the apparatus, the feed chute includes a first end element configured to be closest to the weapon, the first end element configured to pivot about the shaft in response to an elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis, whereby feeding of ammunition to the weapon may be easily accomplished regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the device, the feed chute comprises a second end element configured to be furthest from the weapon, the second end element being configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the feed chute by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon, whereby the feeding of ammunition from the end opposite to the end connected to the weapon, i.e. to the weapon, may be easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon, since the ammunition may be taken into the feed chute, for example via the connected guide chute, which is fixed.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the device, the elements of the set between the first and second end elements are displaceable relative to one another in stages, whereby the feeding of ammunition through the feed chute may be accomplished efficiently, since the individual elements may be displaced relative to one another based on an elevation angle to allow feeding of ammunition through one or more openings of the feed chute.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the device may comprise an element displacement control mechanism for controlling the mutual displacement of individual elements of a set of elements of the feed chute arranged in relation to a front side of the feed chute, i.e. the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or the opposite rear side thereof. According to an embodiment of the device, the element displacement control mechanism may comprise a spring member configured to be fixed to the end element and a spring bar configured to pass through the individual elements from one end element to the opposite end element and configured to control the mutual displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements of the feed chute in relation to the elevation movement of the weapon.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the device, each element movable about the shaft is configured to rotate about the shaft at a certain angle relative to the adjacent element so that the feeding of ammunition through the feeding chute is possible at any elevation angle of the elevation device. Advantageously, the rotation of each element may be set to a maximum rotation angle so that the displacement relative to the adjacent element can be easily and efficiently achieved with the uninterrupted feeding of ammunition through the feeding chute. The number of elements in a set of elements is therefore such that the maximum rotation angle of each element allows the feeding chute, in which the elements of the set of elements are arranged movable about the shaft, to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through the feeding chute at any elevation angle of the weapon.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the device, the feed chute is configured to provide at least one channel configured to be fed by the elements, the individual elements movable around the shaft being arranged at a fixed distance from each other in the axial direction of the shaft. The feed chute comprises a sliding mechanism comprising a set of sliding members arranged in relation to the individual elements and configured to run in a feed direction to facilitate the feeding of the ammunition through each individual element of the feed chute. This facilitates easy and efficient feeding of the ammunition through the feed chute by the set of sliding members. This may result in a compact feed chute with a small number of individual elements.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the device, each slide member of the slide mechanism comprises a slide rail arranged in a superposed relation to each element to allow relative movement to facilitate stepwise mutual displacement of each element of the set of elements when rotating about the shaft, such that the rotational movement of the individual elements relative to each other and feeding of the ammunition through a low resistance feed chute may be efficiently achieved by the superposed slide rails arranged in a superposed relation to each element.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the device, the feed chute has a connection side for connecting the feed chute to a weapon and an opposing receiving side, the feed chute has a front side that faces substantially in the direction of fire of the weapon when the feed chute is connected to the weapon and an opposing rear side, the device includes a rotation limiting mechanism disposed in association with the front or rear side of the feed chute and configured to limit rotation of an individual element about the shaft, the rotation limiting mechanism including a track associated with each element of the set of elements, the track extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft to facilitate limited rotation of the individual element about the shaft, thereby facilitating efficient control of movement of each element of the set of elements such that feeding of ammunition through the feed chute is facilitated.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the device, the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacing members configured to connect the set of elements to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft, thereby facilitating efficient restriction of rotational movement of the individual elements of the set of elements to facilitate feeding of ammunition through the feed chute.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the device may comprise a track member arranged relative to a front side of the feed chute, i.e., the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or an opposite rear side, and configured to penetrate the set of elements so as to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft. The track member is configured to be arranged on the opposite side relative to the arrangement of the element displacement control mechanism. According to an embodiment, the device may comprise a spacing member arranged relative to the track member and configured to hold the individual elements together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft, and to limit relative movement of the elements by the track member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the device, the second end element furthest from the weapon is configured to have an angle within a range between a maximum elevation angle and a minimum elevation angle of the weapon.

[0021] This may optimize the simplicity of the feed chute by minimizing the number of elements in the set of elements of the feed chute. This is because the feed chute only requires half the elevation angle for the elevation corresponding to the rise of the weapon to the highest elevation angle and the fall to the lowest elevation angle. The elevation of the weapon, i.e. the barrel of the weapon, upwards usually corresponds to an elevation angle substantially greater than the elevation angle for the fall of the weapon. This means that for a weapon in a horizontal position, assuming the vehicle is in a horizontal position, the angle of the second end element is somewhat upwards in the forward direction of the barrel of the weapon.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the device, the set of elements are pivotally journalled about the shaft, facilitating easy and efficient rotation of the individual elements about the shaft.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feed chute comprises an upper channel for feeding ammunition and a lower channel for feeding ammunition, the shaft being disposed between the upper and lower channels.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the device, the feed chute includes a fastening mechanism associated with one end of the feed chute for attaching the feed chute to a weapon, which facilitates easy and efficient rotation of the first end element of the feed chute in response to an elevation movement of the weapon.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the device, the ammunition is configured to be guided through a guide chute from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially lying position in the feed chute, which may be a space-efficient way of guiding the ammunition to the feed chute within the turret.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus is for a vehicle mounted weapon system S having a weapon mounted on a turret via an elevation device.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the device, the device comprising the feed chute and the guidance channel to which the feed chute is connected are adapted to be placed inside the turret.

[0028] Specifically, the objectives of the present invention are achieved by providing a vehicle with an apparatus for feeding ammunition from a magazine to a weapon of a weapon system mounted on the vehicle as described herein.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the vehicle is a tracked vehicle. According to some embodiments, the vehicle is a combat vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a tracked vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a side view of a turret equipped with a weapon system having a weapon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3a] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating perspective views of a chute arrangement including a feed chute associated with an elevation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] 3a, which shows a perspective view of a chute arrangement and an elevation device including a charge directed to the chute arrangement; [Figure 4a] 3b shows a schematic diagram of another perspective view of the chute arrangement and elevation device of FIG. 3a; [Figure 4b] 4a, which shows a schematic perspective view of a chute arrangement and an elevation device including a charge directed to the chute arrangement; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a feed chute associated with an elevation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. 5; [Figure 7a] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 5; [Figure 7b] 7b shows a schematic perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 7a, in which ammunition is fed through the feed chute; [Figure 8] 6 shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. 5; [Figure 9a] 9 shows a schematic diagram of a side view of the feed chute of FIG. 8 taken along section AA. [Figure 9b] 9 shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. 8 at section BB. [Figure 9c] 9 shows a schematic cross section CC of the side view of the feed chute of FIG. 8. [Figure 10a] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating perspective views of a chute arrangement including a feed chute associated with an elevation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10b] 10b shows a schematic diagram of another perspective view of the chute arrangement and elevation device of FIG. 10a. [Figure 11a] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a feed chute according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11b] 11b shows a schematic perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 11a; [Figure 12a] 11b shows a schematic perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 11a; [Figure 12b] 11b shows a schematic perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 11a; [Figure 13a] FIG. 11b shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. [Figure 13b] 11a, in which ammunition is fed through the feed chute; FIG. 11b, in which a perspective view of the feed chute is shown; [Figure 14a] FIG. 11b shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. [Figure 14b] 11b shows another schematic side view of the feed chute of FIG. 11a; [Figure 15] 14a , 14b, and 14c show schematic diagrams of a side view of the feed chute taken along section AA. [Figure 16] 14a , 14b, and 14c show schematic cross-sections CC in a side view of the feed chute of FIG. 14a. [Figure 17a] Schematically shows another side view of the supply chute of FIG. 11a. [Figure 17b] Schematically shows a cross-section D-D of the side view of the supply chute of FIG. 17a. [Figure 18] Schematically shows a cross-section B-B of the side view of the supply chute of FIG. 14b.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] In this specification, the term "in the laminated structure" related to "a set of elements assembled in a laminated structure" may refer to the elements being assembled closely, that is, adjacent elements being arranged relatively without gaps with respect to each other, or the elements being assembled at a certain distance from adjacent elements. When a set of elements are assembled in a laminated structure while being arranged at a certain distance from adjacent elements, the elements are connected to a sliding member configured to run in relation to the set of elements so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through the supply chute.

[0033] FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a tracked vehicle V according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The illustrated vehicle V is composed of a combat vehicle. The tracked vehicle V includes a vehicle body B including a chassis and a vehicle body of the vehicle V according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] The tracked vehicle V includes a pair of track assemblies T1, T2 suspended and connected to the vehicle body B. The pair of track assemblies includes a right track assembly T1 and a left track assembly T2 for driving the vehicle, each having an endless track E driven by driving means arranged to run on a set of wheels W of the track assembly.

[0035] Even if the illustrated motor vehicle V is a tracked vehicle, the motor vehicle V may be composed of a wheeled vehicle according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] The vehicle V is equipped with a turret 10. The turret 10 is arranged on the upper part of the vehicle V. The turret 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle V and perpendicular to the lateral extension of the vehicle V.

[0037] The vehicle V is configured with a weapon system S having a weapon 20. The weapon 20 is mounted on a turret 10. The weapon 20 of the weapon system S can therefore be rotated by rotating the turret 10 about an axis Y.

[0038] The weapon 20 is configured to be connected to an elevation device, for example a so-called weapon cradle, which is connected to the turret 10. The elevation device may be the elevation device 30 shown in Figures 3a-3b, 4a-4b and 5. The weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered, i.e., elevated, around an elevation axis Z1 shown in Figure 1 by the elevation device. The weapon 20 comprises a barrel 22. The barrel 22 of the weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered, i.e., elevated, around an elevation axis Z1.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a turret 10 equipped with a weapon system S having a weapon 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] As discussed above with reference to Figure 1, the weapon 20 is configured to be connected to an elevation device, such as the elevation device 30 shown in Figures 3a-3b, 4a-4b and 5. The weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered, i.e., elevated, about an elevation axis Z1 by the elevation device, such as a weapon cradle.

[0041] The weapon 20 is configured to rise and fall within an elevation angle α. The weapon 20 is configured to be in a position that corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle V, i.e., to rise an angle α1 from the horizontal position when the vehicle is in the horizontal position, and to fall an angle α2 from the horizontal position.

[0042] Figures 3a and 4a show schematic views of different perspectives of a chute arrangement C including a feed chute 40 associated with an elevation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 3b and 4b show corresponding views of ammunition guided into the chute arrangement. The chute arrangement or parts of the chute arrangement may be included in an apparatus for feeding ammunition into a weapon according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Chute configuration C includes a feed chute 40. An apparatus for feeding ammunition into a weapon according to the present disclosure includes a feed chute 40. The feed chute 40 includes a set of elements 42 assembled in a laminated structure. The individual elements of the set of elements 42 may be referred to as ribs or rib elements.

[0044] The set of elements 42 are arranged about a shaft 44 (see FIG. 4a) that is configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis Z1 of the elevation device 30 (see, for example, FIGS. 3a-3b) so as to enable movement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44 in association with elevation movement of the weapon about the elevation axis Z1.

[0045] The feed chute 40 is included in an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon (not shown in Figures 3a-3b, 4a-4b). The feed chute 40 is configured at one end to be connected to the weapon. The end of the feed chute configured to be connected to the weapon is directed towards the elevation device 30. The feed chute 40 is positioned relative to the elevation device 30 such that the shaft 44 is coaxial with the elevation axis Z1. The feed chute 40 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7a-7b, 8 and 9a-9c.

[0046] The chute arrangement C includes guiding chutes 50, 60 for guiding ammunition from an ammunition magazine M to a feed chute 40. The ammunition magazine M is shown diagrammatically in Figures 3a-b and 4a-b. The ammunition magazine may have any suitable configuration for containing ammunition.

[0047] The guide chutes 50, 60 include an intermediate chute 50 and a vertical chute 60. The intermediate chute 50 is configured to connect the vertical chute 60 with the supply chute 40.

[0048] The ammunition magazine M may be configured to receive the ammunition A in an upright position. The ammunition magazine M may have two channels for guiding the ammunition A. This may facilitate having different types of ammunition.

[0049] Thus, the chute arrangement C has two channels C1, C2 which connect to the channels of the ammunition magazine M, i.e. the first channel C1 which connects to the first channel of the magazine and the second channel C2 which connects to the second channel of the magazine M.

[0050] The intermediate chute 50, according to this embodiment, has a twisted configuration to guide the ammunition A from a substantially upright position in the magazine M and vertical chute 60 to a substantially lying position in the feed chute 40.

[0051] The intermediate chute 50 comprises a set of rods 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 arranged to provide the meandering of the chute arrangement C according to this embodiment. The rods 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 are supported by a pair of frame arrangements 56, 57 arranged around the rods at a distance from each other.

[0052] The individual rounds of ammunition A adapted to be guided into each channel C1, C2 are linked together. An individual round of ammunition A may also be called a cartridge. The ammunition A adapted to be provided in a magazine M and adapted to be guided from the magazine to the weapon via the chute arrangement C is in a combined state in which all the rounds are linked together.

[0053] Ammunition A may be in the form of an ammunition belt. Ammunition A thus coupled is configured to be moved by the weapon. The weapon thus comprises means for receiving ammunition and for pulling the coupled ammunition A in conjunction with firing a round. This may be achieved in any suitable manner and by any suitable means, for example electrically and / or mechanically. The weapon may comprise any suitable ammunition mechanism not shown.

[0054] The elevation device 30 may be configured to be connected to a bearing support member of the turret such that elevation motion is facilitated by the elevation device 30.

[0055] The elevation device 30 is arranged to enable an elevation movement of a weapon, for example the weapon 20 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The elevation device 30 is arranged to enable an elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis Z1.

[0056] Elevation device 30, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, is configured to be mounted to a turret, such as turret 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and thus configured to rotate with the turret about axis Y shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0057] The elevation device 30 comprises a ring-shaped support member 32 for supporting a weapon. The ring-shaped support member 32 has an opening O through which the weapon, i.e. the barrel of the weapon, is intended to be placed. The opening O of the ring-shaped support member 32 has an extension that corresponds to the extension of the barrel when mounted on the ring-shaped support member 32. An elevation axis Z1 is arranged in relation to the ring-shaped support member 32. The elevation axis Z1 is perpendicular to the axial extension of the opening O and thus to the axial extension of the barrel of the weapon.

[0058] The elevation device 30, which includes a ring-shaped support member 32 having an opening O, may be configured to be journaled on bearings to facilitate rotation of the weapon cradle 30 about axis Z1 for elevation of the barrel of the weapon when supported by the elevation device 30.

[0059] The elevation device 30 may therefore be configured to be connected to the turret via such a bearing to facilitate rotation of the elevation device 30 relative to the turret, i.e. about axis Z1.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic side view of the feed chute 40 in relation to the elevation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Here, a portion of the weapon 20 is shown generally extending from an opening O in the elevation device 30.

[0062] In Figure 5, the weapon is in a horizontal position and the end of the feed chute 40 connected to the weapon 20, including the element closest to the weapon, also has a corresponding horizontal orientation. The element of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 that is configured to be closest to the weapon 20 is referred to below as the first end element with reference to Figures 6, 7a-7b, 8 and 9a-9c.

[0063] The element of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 furthest from the weapon has a constant slope according to an angle β between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon (see also FIG. 2). The element of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 configured to be furthest from the weapon 20 is referred to below as the second end element with reference to FIGS. 6, 7a-7b, 8, and 9a-9c.

[0064] FIG. 6 generally illustrates a side view of the feed chute of FIG. 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7a generally illustrates a perspective view of the feed chute of FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIG. 7b generally illustrates a perspective view of the feed chute of FIG. 7a with ammunition being fed through the feed chute.

[0065] Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of Figure 5. Figure 9a shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of Figure 8 through section AA, Figure 9b shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of Figure 8 through section BB, and Figure 9c shows a schematic side view of the feed chute of Figure 8 through section CC.

[0066] The feed chute 40 has a first side 40a and an opposite second side 40b (see Figures 6 and 8). The feed chute 40 has a third side 40c and an opposite fourth side 40d (see Figures 6 and 8). The first side 40a and the opposite second side 40b are substantially perpendicular to the third side 40c and the opposite fourth side 40d to provide a rectangular shape. The feed chute has a connection side 40e for connection to a weapon and an opposite receiving side 40f (see Figure 9b). The connection side 40e and the receiving side 40f are surrounded by the first side 40a, the second side 40b, the third side 40c and the fourth side 40d to form the feed chute 40.

[0067] When the feed chute 40 is connected to a weapon on a vehicle in a substantially horizontal position, the first longitudinal side 40a is the upper side 40a, the opposite second longitudinal side 40b is the lower side 40b, the third side 40c is the front side 40c, i.e. facing towards the barrel of the weapon, i.e. the firing direction, and the fourth side 40d is the rear side 40d. Each side 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e and 40f would be referred to as if the feed chute 40 were connected to a weapon on a vehicle V, for example as shown in FIG. 1.

[0068] The feed chute 40 comprises a set of elements 42 assembled in a stacked configuration arranged about a shaft 44 that is configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to an elevation axis Z1 to permit movement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44 in conjunction with elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1 (see, e.g., FIG. 5).

[0069] As the individual elements of the feed chute 40 move, they only pivot about the shaft 44, i.e., in a plane substantially perpendicular to the elevation axis. Tight stacking of the individual elements is promoted by the individual elements of a set of elements 42 only rotating in one plane.

[0070] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 comprises an upper channel C1 for feeding ammunition and a lower channel C2 for feeding ammunition. The upper channel C1 may thus form part of the first channel C1 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 3a. The lower channel C2 may thus form part of the second channel C2 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 44 is disposed between the upper and lower channels. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes an intermediate portion 40i configured to extend between the upper and lower channels C1, C2. The intermediate portion 40i is configured to divide the feed chute 40 into two channels C1, C2. Thus, the intermediate portion 40i has an extension corresponding to the extension of the channels C1, C2. The shaft 44 is disposed to pass through the intermediate portion 40i.

[0072] The upper and lower channels C1, C2 have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the ammunition, and therefore are narrower relative to the short side 40c, i.e. the side 40c facing towards the barrel of the weapon (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes an upper opening O1 disposed on the upper side 40a to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of combined ammunition from the upper channel C1 into the weapon (see FIG. 8).

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes a lower opening O2 located on the lower side 40b to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of combined ammunition from the lower channel C2 into the weapon (see FIG. 8).

[0075] A feed chute according to the present disclosure may alternatively be configured with a single channel. A feed chute according to the present disclosure may be configured with any suitable number of channels.

[0076] The individual elements of the feed chute 40 are integrally formed according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] The individual elements of the feed chute 40 have a plate shape and may be referred to as plate elements or plate members.

[0078] Each individual element of the feed chute 40 has an upper side which, when stacked with the rest of the set of elements 42 , forms the upper side 40 a of the feed chute 40 .

[0079] Each individual element of the feed chute 40 has an underside which, when stacked with the rest of the set of elements 42 , forms the underside 40 b of the feed chute 40 .

[0080] Each individual element of the feed chute 40 has a front side which, when stacked with the rest of the set of elements 42, forms a front side 40c of the feed chute 40.

[0081] Each individual element of the feed chute 40 has a back side which, when stacked with the remainder of the set of elements 42, forms a back side 40d of the feed chute 40.

[0082] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes a support frame 46 for supporting the set of elements 42, the support frame 46 having an upper frame portion 46a disposed on the upper side 40a and a lower frame portion 46b disposed on the lower side 40b, associated with a connecting end 40e of the feed chute 40. The support frame 46 is configured to be fixedly attached to a weapon.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes a fastening mechanism 47 associated with the connecting end 40e of the feed chute 40 for attaching the feed chute 40 to a weapon.

[0084] The fastening mechanism 47 comprises a pair of fastening members 47a, 47b for fasteningly attaching the feed chute 40 to a weapon. The fastening mechanism 47 is attached to the support frame 46. The support frame 46 is here configured to be fixedly attached to the weapon by the fastening mechanism 47.

[0085] The feed chute 40 is configured to be attached to the weapon by a fastening mechanism 47 such that the element closest to the weapon (hereinafter designated first end element 42e1) rotates about shaft 44 in response to elevation movement of the weapon. The feed chute 40 may be attached to the weapon by any suitable fastening mechanism.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes a first end element 42e1 configured to be closest to the weapon. The first end element 42e1 is disposed on the connection side 40e (see FIG. 9b).

[0087] The first end element 42e1 is configured to pivot about the shaft 44 in response to elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis. The first end element 42e1 is configured to be fixedly attached to the support frame 46.

[0088] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 40 includes a second end element 42e2 configured to be furthest from the weapon. The second end element 42e2 is disposed on a receiving side 40f opposite the connecting side 40e.

[0089] The second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed to be connected to the feed chute 40 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon. The second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that feeding of ammunition from the guide chute can be easily accomplished regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (see, for example, Figures 3a, 4a). Thus, the second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that ammunition can be introduced into the feed chute 40 via the connected guide chute.

[0090] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the elements of the set of elements 42 between the first end element 42e1 and the second end element 42e2 are displaceable from one another in incremental steps. The individual elements are configured to displace from one another based on an elevation angle to allow for feeding of ammunition through the channels C1, C2 of the feed chute 40, according to certain embodiments.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each element movable about shaft 44 is configured to rotate about the shaft at a fixed angle relative to adjacent elements to allow ammunition to be fed through feed chute 40 at all elevation angles of the elevation device.

[0092] The rotation of each individual element about shaft 44 is set to a maximum rotation angle such that displacement relative to adjacent elements can be easily and efficiently accomplished as ammunition is continuously fed through feed chute 40, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0093] The number of elements in the set of elements 42 is selected such that the maximum rotation angle of each such element allows the feed chute 40, in which the set of elements 42 are movably arranged about the shaft 44, to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through the feed chute 40, i.e. through the channels C1, C2 of the feed chute 40, at all elevation angles of the weapon.

[0094] The feed chute 40 includes a track member 40t disposed relative to the rear side 40d and configured to pass through the set of elements 42 to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft 44. The track member 40t is disposed relative to the middle portion 40i relative to the rear side 40d. The track member 40t may be included in a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft 44.

[0095] The track member 40t extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i. The track member 40t extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to allow a certain rotation of each element of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44. The track member 40t extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to limit the rotation of each element of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44.

[0096] An apparatus for feeding ammunition into a weapon according to the present disclosure may include a track member disposed relative to the rear side of the feed chute 40, or the opposite front side thereof, configured to pass through a set of elements 42 to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft.

[0097] Each element of the feed chute 40 comprises a track member or track disposed in association with the rear side of the respective element, which when stacked with the remaining parts of the set of elements 42 forms a track member 40t of the feed chute 40. The track member 40t thus penetrates each element in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the axial extension of the shaft 44. Each track member or track disposed in association with the rear side of the respective element and penetrating each element thus extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 44 so as to limit rotation of each element of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44. Each track member or track disposed in association with the rear side of the respective element thus extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to limit rotation of each element of the set of elements 42 about the shaft 44. The track member or track disposed in association with the rear side of the respective element may be included in a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit rotation of the respective element about the shaft 44.

[0098] The individual elements of the feed chute 40 are connected by spacing members 48 disposed relative to the track members 40t. The spacing members 48 are configured to hold the individual elements together axially, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 44, and to limit relative movement of the elements by the track members 40t. The spacing members 48 may be included in a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft 44.

[0099] Each spacing member 48 of a set of spacing members 48 is configured, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, to connect the track members, i.e., tracks, of the individual element and adjacent elements so as to limit rotation of the individual element about the shaft 44 of the feed chute 40 (see FIG. 9a).

[0100] According to one aspect of the disclosure, when each element of a set of elements is disposed at substantially the same height, i.e., when there is substantially no mutual displacement of the individual elements, the track or track member of each individual element is alternately displaced relative to adjacent elements (see FIG. 9a). Thus, the track or track member of each individual element is alternately displaced relative to adjacent elements to facilitate connection of adjacent elements by individual spacing members 48 that are fixedly connected to one of the elements and movably connected to the track of the adjacent element to allow limited mutual displacement relative to the element to which the spacing member of the element is fixed.

[0101] Each element to which the spacing member 48 is fixed has another spacing member 48 movably connected to its track which in turn is fixedly connected to the next adjacent element, as shown in Figure 9a.

[0102] The set of spacing members 48 has a longitudinal extension according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The set of spacing members 48 has a joint member configuration according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The set of spacing members 48 has a cylindrical shape according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The set of spacing members 48 has a longitudinal extension to extend through two adjacent elements of the set of elements 42 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The set of spacing members 48 is configured to be movable along the track members, i.e., tracks, of the individual elements at the longitudinal extensions of the track members according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0103] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon according to the present disclosure may comprise a spacing member disposed in relation to the track member and configured to hold the individual elements together in the axial, i.e. shank, direction and to limit relative movement of the elements by the track member.

[0104] The feed chute 40 comprises an element displacement control mechanism 49 for controlling the mutual displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 (see Figures 8 and 9c). The element displacement control mechanism 49 is arranged in relation to the front side 40c. The element displacement control mechanism 49 is arranged in relation to the middle portion 40i in relation to the front side 40c.

[0105] The element displacement control mechanism 49 includes a spring member 49a. The spring member 49a is configured to be fixed to the second end element 42e2 as shown in FIG. 9c. The element displacement control mechanism 49 includes a fixing member 49b for fixing the spring member 49a. The fixing member 49b is attached to the end of the second end element 42e2 by a screw joint J1, J2, here a pair of screw joints J1, J2. The fixing member 49b has an extension extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial extension of the shaft 44 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i.

[0106] The spring member 49a includes a fixing portion 49a-1 configured to be fixed by the fixing member 49b. The fixing portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a has an extension portion corresponding to the extension portion of the fixing member 49b. The fixing portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a is disposed between the screw joints J1 and J2.

[0107] The spring member 49a includes a spring bar 49a-2 configured to pass through the individual elements from the second end element 42e2 to which the fixed portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a is fixed to the first end element 42e1 (not shown in FIG. 9c). The spring bar 49a-2 is configured to pass through an opening 49o in the individual elements.

[0108] The spring member 49a is configured to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 relative to the elevation movement of the weapon. The spring bar 49a-2 of the spring member 49a is configured to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 relative to the elevation movement of the weapon and thus the movement of the individual elements about the shaft 44.

[0109] The spring bar 49a-2 of the spring member 49a is configured to flex in relation to the elevation movement of the weapon, and hence the rotation of each element about the shaft 44, so as to control the relative displacement of each element of the set of elements 42 relative to each other such that the displacement of each element relative to adjacent elements is substantially the same.

[0110] The openings 49o of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 are configured to provide space for the spring bar 49a-2 to bend in association with rotation of the individual element about the shaft 44. The spring bar 49a-2 is configured to pass through the individual elements, including the first end element 42e1 (not shown in FIG. 9c), to allow axial movement associated with bending of the spring bar 49a-2.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the device for feeding ammunition to a weapon according to the present disclosure may comprise such an element displacement control mechanism for controlling the mutual displacement of individual elements of a set of elements of the feeding chute arranged relative to the front side of the feeding chute, i.e. the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or the opposite rear side thereof, the element displacement control mechanism being configured to be arranged on the opposite side relative to the arrangement of the track members.

[0112] According to one aspect of the apparatus, the element displacement control mechanism may comprise a spring member configured to be secured to the end element and including a spring bar configured to pass through each element from one end element to an opposing end element and configured to control the relative displacement of each element of a set of elements of the feed chute in relation to an elevation movement of the weapon.

[0113] The individual elements of the feed chute 40 are configured such that the elements can be integrated with at least one other element to form the feed chute 40 .

[0114] Each element of the feed chute 40 has an opening for receiving a shaft 44 disposed in the intermediate portion 40i, which when stacked with the remainder of the set of elements 42 forms an enclosure for the shaft 44 of the feed chute 40.

[0115] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2 furthest from the weapon is configured to have an angle β that is within a range between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon (see FIG. 5). The second end element 42e2 furthest from the weapon is configured to have an angle β such that the number of elements in the set of elements 42 of the feed chute 40 may be minimized, thereby optimizing the compactness of the feed chute 40.

[0116] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2, furthest from the weapon, is configured with an angle β such that the feed chute requires substantially half the elevation angle for elevation corresponding to the weapon's highest elevation angle and lowest elevation angle (see also FIG. 2). The upward elevation of the weapon, i.e., the weapon's barrel, typically corresponds to an elevation angle α1 that is substantially greater than the elevation angle α2 for lowering the weapon 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0117] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2, which is furthest from the weapon, is configured with an angle β such that, for a weapon in a horizontal position, the second end element is angled somewhat upwardly toward the front of the weapon's barrel, assuming the vehicle is in a horizontal position.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the device, the set of elements are pivotally journalled about the shaft, facilitating easy and efficient rotation of the individual elements about the shaft.

[0119] 10a and 10b show schematic views of different perspective views of a chute arrangement C including a feed chute 140 associated with an elevation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chute arrangement or portions of the chute arrangement may be included in an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon according to the present disclosure.

[0120] Chute configuration C includes a feed chute 140. An apparatus for feeding ammunition into a weapon according to the present disclosure includes a feed chute 140. The feed chute 140 includes a set of elements 142 assembled in a laminated structure. The individual elements of the set of elements 142 may be referred to as ribs or rib elements.

[0121] The set of elements 142 is arranged about a shaft 144 (see FIG. 10b) that is configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis Z1 of the elevation device 30 so as to enable movement of the individual elements of the set of elements 142 about the shaft 144 in conjunction with elevation movement of the weapon about the elevation axis Z1.

[0122] The feed chute 140 is included in an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon (not shown in Figures 10a-b). The feed chute 140 is configured at one end to be connected to the weapon. The end of the feed chute 140 configured to be connected to the weapon is directed towards the elevation device 30. The feed chute 140 is positioned relative to the elevation device 30 such that the shaft 144 is coaxial with respect to the elevation axis Z1. The feed chute 140 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11a-b, 12a-b, 13a-b, 14a-b, 15, 16 and 17a-b.

[0123] Chute configuration C includes guiding chutes 50, 60 for guiding ammunition from the ammunition magazine to the feed chute 40. The ammunition magazine may have any suitable configuration for containing ammunition.

[0124] The guide chutes 50, 60 may be guide chutes substantially corresponding to the guide chutes 50, 60 of Figures 3a-3b and 4a-4b. The guide chutes 50, 60 include an intermediate chute 50 and a vertical chute 60. The intermediate chute 50 is configured to connect the vertical chute 60 with the supply chute 40.

[0125] 11a-11b and 12a-12b generally illustrate different perspective views of a feed chute 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while FIGS. 13a, 14a-14b generally illustrate different side views of the feed chute 140 of FIG. 11a, and FIG. 13b generally illustrates a perspective view of the feed chute 140 of FIG. 11a with ammunition being fed through the feed chute 140.

[0126] Figure 15 shows generally a cross section AA of the side view of the feed chute 140 of Figure 14a, Figure 16 shows generally a cross section CC of the side view of the feed chute 140 of Figure 14a, Figure 17a shows generally another side view of the feed chute 140 of Figure 11a, Figure 17b shows generally a cross section DD of the side view of the feed chute 140 of Figure 17a, and Figure 18 shows generally a cross section BB of the side view of the feed chute 140 of Figure 14b.

[0127] FIG. 13a illustrates a schematic side view of a feed chute 140 in an elevated position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] In Fig. 13a, the weapon is in a horizontal position according to a variant, for example as shown in Fig. 5, and the end of the feed chute 140 connected to the weapon, including the element 142A closest to the weapon, also has a corresponding horizontal arrangement. The element 142A of the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140 that is configured to be closest to the weapon is referred to below as the first end element 142A.

[0129] The element 142E of the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140 that is furthest from the weapon has a constant slope according to an angle β between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon. The element 142E of the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140 that is configured to be furthest from the weapon 20 is referred to below as the second end element 142E.

[0130] The feed chute 140 has a first side 140a and an opposite second side 140b (see, e.g., FIG. 13a). The feed chute 140 has a third side 140c and an opposite fourth side 140d (see, e.g., FIG. 13a). The first side 140a and the opposite second side 140b are substantially perpendicular to the third side 140c and the opposite fourth side 140d to provide a rectangular shape. The feed chute has a connection side 140e for connection to a weapon and an opposite receiving side 140f (see, e.g., FIG. 14b). The connection side 140e and the receiving side 140f are surrounded by the first side 140a, the second side 140b, the third side 140c, and the fourth side 140d to form the feed chute 140.

[0131] When the feed chute 140 is connected to a weapon on a vehicle in a substantially horizontal position, the first longitudinal side 140a is the upper side 140a, the opposite second longitudinal side 140b is the lower side 140b, the third side 140c is the front side 140c, i.e., facing towards the barrel of the weapon, i.e., the firing direction, and the fourth side 140d is the rear side 140d. Each side 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e and 140f would be referred to as if the feed chute 140 were connected to a weapon on a vehicle V, for example, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0132] The feed chute 140 comprises a set of elements 142 assembled in a stacked configuration. The set of elements 142 is arranged about a shaft 144 that is configured to be arranged coaxially with respect to an elevation axis so as to allow movement of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the set of elements 142 about the shaft 144 in conjunction with an elevation movement about an elevation axis Z1 of the weapon (see, for example, FIG. 10a). Each individual element of the set of elements 142 has an extension that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft 144. Each individual element of the set of elements 142 has a plane of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft 144.

[0133] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft 144 may include a shaft coupling member J144 disposed relative to the receiving side 140f (see, e.g., FIGS. 14b and 18). The shaft coupling member J144 includes a shaft protrusion J144a configured to protrude from the receiving side. The shaft protrusion J144a is configured to facilitate connection and removal from the intermediate chute 50. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft protrusion J144a is configured to movably connect to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 configured to face the receiving side 140f of the supply chute 140. This may facilitate easy installation and removal of the supply chute.

[0134] As the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140 move, they only pivot about the shaft 144, i.e., in a plane substantially perpendicular to the elevation axis. The individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E are configured to be spaced a fixed distance axially of the shaft 144 from adjacent elements. Thus, each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, and 142E of the set of elements 142 is such that the first end element 142A is pivotally disposed about the shaft 144 in relation to the connecting side 140e, the first intermediate element 142B adjacent to the first end element 142A is pivotally disposed about the shaft 144 at a certain distance from the element 142A, and the second intermediate element 142C adjacent to the first intermediate element 142B is pivotally disposed about the shaft 144 at a certain distance from the element 142B. a third intermediate element 142D adjacent to the second intermediate element 142C is pivotally disposed about shaft 144 a distance from element 142C, and a second end element 142E adjacent to the third intermediate element 142D is pivotally disposed about shaft 144 a distance from element 142D relative to the receiving side. This is facilitated by the rotation of each element of the set of elements 142 only in one plane. In the embodiment of the feed chute 140 disclosed in, for example, Figures 11a-11b, 12a-12b, 13a-13b, 14a-14b, 15, 16, and 17a-17b, the set of elements 142 is comprised of five individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E spaced apart from one another at a fixed distance. However, the number of individual elements in the set of elements may be any suitable number of elements, and may be more or less than five elements. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a gliding mechanism 200 disposed in relation to the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E to facilitate feeding of ammunition through each individual element of the feed chute 140. The gliding mechanism 200 is described in more detail below.

[0135] The feed chute 144 comprises a set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE (see, e.g., Figures 14b and 18) disposed between each element of the set of elements 142 and relative to the shaft 144 to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together axially, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144. Each spacing member of the set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE is configured to be disposed about the shaft 144 so as to facilitate preventing movement of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E relative to one another in the axial direction of the shaft.

[0136] The set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a first spacing member 4AB arranged around a portion of the shaft 144 passing between the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B. The set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a second spacing member 4BC arranged around a portion of the shaft 144 passing between the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C. The set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a third spacing member 4CD arranged around a portion of the shaft passing between the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D. The set of spacing members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a fourth spacing member 4DE arranged around a portion of the shaft passing between the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E.

[0137] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 comprises an upper channel C1 for feeding ammunition and a lower channel C2 for feeding ammunition. The upper channel C1 may thus form part of the first channel C1 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 10a. The lower channel C2 may thus form part of the second channel C2 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 10a.

[0138] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes an intermediate portion 140i configured to extend between the upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2. The intermediate portion 140i is configured to divide the feed chute 140 into two channels C1, C2. Thus, the intermediate portion 140i has an extension corresponding to the extension of the channels C1, C2. The shaft 144 is disposed to pass through the intermediate portion 140i. Thus, each individual element has an intermediate portion that, when assembled, forms the intermediate portion 140i.

[0139] The upper and lower channels C1, C2 have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the ammunition, and thus are narrower relative to the short side 140c, i.e., the side 140c facing towards the barrel of the weapon (see, for example, Figures 13a and 14a).

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes an upper opening O1 disposed on the upper side 140a to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of combined ammunition from the upper channel C1 into the weapon (see FIG. 14a).

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a lower opening O2 disposed on the lower side 140b to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of combined ammunition from the lower channel C2 into the weapon (see FIG. 14a).

[0142] A feed chute according to the present disclosure may alternatively be configured with a single channel. A feed chute according to the present disclosure may be configured with any suitable number of channels.

[0143] The individual elements of the feed chute 140 are integrally formed according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0144] The individual elements of the feed chute 140 have a plate shape and may be referred to as plate elements or plate members.

[0145] Each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140 has an upper side that, when assembled with the rest of the set of elements 142, forms an upper side 140a of the feed chute 140.

[0146] Each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140 has an underside that, when assembled with the rest of the set of elements 142, forms the underside 140b of the feed chute 140.

[0147] Each individual element of the feed chute 140 has a front side that, when assembled with the rest of the set of elements 142 , forms a front side 140 c of the feed chute 140 .

[0148] Each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140 has a rear side that, when assembled with the remainder of the set of elements 142, forms a rear side 140d of the feed chute 140.

[0149] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a support frame 146 for supporting a set of elements 142, the support frame 146 having an upper frame portion 146a disposed on an upper side 140a and a lower frame portion 146b disposed on a lower side 140b, associated with a connecting end 140e of the feed chute 140 (see FIG. 13a). The support frame 146 is configured to be fixedly attached to a weapon.

[0150] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a fastening mechanism 147 associated with the connecting end 140e of the feed chute 140 for attaching the feed chute 140 to a weapon.

[0151] The fastening mechanism 147 comprises a pair of fastening members 147a, 147b for fasteningly attaching the feed chute 140 to a weapon. The fastening mechanism 147 is attached to a support frame 146. The support frame 146 is here configured to be fixedly attached to the weapon by the fastening mechanism 147.

[0152] The feed chute 140 is configured to be attached to the weapon by a fastening mechanism 147 such that the element closest to the weapon, hereafter referred to as the first end element 142A, rotates about the shaft 144 in response to an elevation movement of the weapon. The feed chute 140 may be attached to the weapon by any suitable fastening mechanism.

[0153] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a first end element 142A configured to be closest to the weapon. The first end element 142A is disposed on the connection side 140e (see, e.g., FIG. 14a).

[0154] The first end element 142A is configured to pivot about the shaft 144 in response to elevation movement of the weapon about the elevation axis. The first end element 142A is configured to be fixedly attached to a support frame 146, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0155] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed chute 140 includes a second end element 142E configured to be furthest from the weapon. The second end element 142E is disposed on a receiving side 140f opposite the connecting side 140e.

[0156] The second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to be connected to the feed chute 140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. The second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that feeding of ammunition from the guide chute is easily accomplished regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (see, e.g., FIGS. 10a-10b). Thus, the second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that ammunition can be introduced into the feed chute 140 via the connected guide chute.

[0157] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, elements 142B, 142C, 142D between the first end element 142A and the second end element 142E of the set of elements 142 are displaceable relative to one another in incremental steps. The individual elements are configured to displace relative to one another based on an elevation angle to allow for the feeding of munitions through the channels C1, C2 of the feed chute 140, according to certain embodiments.

[0158] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each element movable about shaft 144 is configured to rotate about shaft 144 at a fixed angle relative to adjacent elements to allow ammunition to be fed through feed chute 140 at all elevation angles of the elevation device.

[0159] The feed chute 140 includes a slide mechanism 200 disposed relative to each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through each individual element of the feed chute 140.

[0160] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the slide mechanism 200 includes a set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 positioned a distance from one another within the channels C1, C2 of the feed chute. The set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 are configured to extend in a feed direction to facilitate feeding of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140. Thus, the set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 is configured to extend in a direction substantially coincident with the axial direction of the shaft to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140. Each slide member of the set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 has a longitudinal extension configured to extend in the feed direction of the channels C1, C2.

[0161] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes an upper sliding member configured to be positioned in an upper portion of the channel of the feed chute 140 and a lower sliding member configured to be positioned in a lower portion of the channel of the feed chute 140.

[0162] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes two upper and two lower sliding members for each channel of the feed chute 140. Thus, for a feed chute with only one channel, the sliding mechanism 200, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, will include two upper and two lower sliding members.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 include sliding rails arranged in a stacked manner to enable relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0164] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the individual slide rails of the slide members of the slide mechanism 200 are overlapped such that the slide rail closest to the supply side 140f, i.e., the side configured to be supplied with ammunition, overlaps the next slide rail, and so on.

[0165] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 include sliding rails that are positioned relative to one another to provide a telescopic function to facilitate relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0166] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the individual slide rails of the individual slide members are attached to a single supply element in a manner that allows relative movement of the slide rails to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the individual slide rails of the individual slide members are attached to a single supply element such that the slide rails can move relative to one another based on rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0168] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, each slide rail of each slide member has a slide surface configured to face the ammunition during feeding of the ammunition through the feed chute 140.

[0169] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the number of individual slide rails on each slide member is based on the degree of elevation of the weapon, i.e., the range between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon, and thus the range of rotational movement of each feed element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about shaft 144.

[0170] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of individual slide rails on each slide member depends on the degree of elevation of the weapon, i.e., the range between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon, and thus the range of rotational movement of each feed element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about shaft 144.

[0171] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of individual slide rails for an individual slide member may depend on the location of the individual slide member. For example, with respect to intermediate section 140i, a slide member located in the center of feed chute 140 may require fewer slide rails because it is located closer to shaft 144.

[0172] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, each slide member of the slide mechanism 200 includes a guide rail that is disposed relative to the slide rail of the slide member to guide and thus control the movement of the slide rail.

[0173] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rails of each slide member have longitudinal extensions configured to extend in substantially the same direction as the associated slide rails and thus in the feed direction of the channels C1, C2.

[0174] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rail of each slide member, which is disposed relative to the slide rail of the slide member, is configured to pass through an opening in an element, which is disposed relative to the position of the slide member.

[0175] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rails of the individual sliding members, which are arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members, may be configured to be movably positioned based on rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0176] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rail of each sliding member that is disposed in relation to the sliding rail of the sliding member may be configured to be movably positioned based on movement of the sliding rail of the sliding member.

[0177] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of guide rails of an individual slide member disposed in relation to the slide rails of that slide member may depend on the position of the slide member. A slide member disposed in the center of the feed chute 140 may require fewer slide rails because they are located closer to the shaft 144 than slide members disposed in relation to the front or rear sides, i.e., further away from the shaft 144.

[0178] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rails disposed relative to the front and / or rear sides may require two guide rails. Such guide rails may be arranged one on top of the other and movable relative to one another based on rotational movement of the respective feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. Such guide rails may be arranged one on top of the other and movable relative to one another based on movement of the slide rails of the slide members to which the guide rails are connected.

[0179] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a centrally located guide rail for the feed chute 140 may require one guide rail. Such a single guide rail may be movably and connectably disposed relative to the end elements. Such a single guide rail may include tracks associated with each end thereof for allowing connection and movement based on rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0180] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the slide mechanism 200 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the slide rail with the guide rail. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member is configured to be attached to the slide rail of the slide member, face toward the guide rail, and further facilitate movable connection of the guide rail. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member includes an opening through which the guide rail is configured to pass. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member may have a U-shaped configuration with a base disposed in relation to the slide rail and a leg with an opening.

[0181] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a first sliding member 210 disposed at a central upper portion of the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140. The first sliding member 210 is thus configured to be disposed relative to a central portion of the upper side 140a.

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes three sliding rails 211, 212, 213 (see, e.g., FIG. 11a) arranged one on top of the other to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes a first sliding rail 211 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 212 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 213 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0183] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 211, 212, 213 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140.

[0184] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes a single guide rail 214 that is positioned relative to the sliding rails 211, 212, 213 of the first sliding member 210 to guide and therefore control the movement of the sliding rails 211, 212, 213.

[0185] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 214 is movably connected to the first end element 142A relative to a first end and movably connected to the second end element 142E relative to a second end opposite the first end. The guide rail 214 is movably connected to the first end element 142A by the same joint member as the first sliding member 211 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The guide rail 214 is movably connected to the second end element 142E by the same joint member as the third sliding member 213 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The guide rail 214 is configured to pass through an opening in the set of elements 142 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0186] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rail 114 has a track configured to extend relative to the first end element 142A to facilitate relative movement with respect to the coupling member through an opening in the first end element 142A for mounting the first sliding member 211.

[0187] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the guide rail 114 has a track configured to extend relative to the second end element 142E to facilitate relative movement with respect to the coupling member through an opening in the second end element 142E for mounting the third sliding member 213.

[0188] The tracks of the first guide rail 214 are positioned to allow limited relative rotational movement of the set of elements 142 about the shaft 144. The tracks of the first guide rail 214 are positioned to allow limited relative movement of the gliding rail with respect to the guide rail 214 according to one embodiment.

[0189] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the slide member 210 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the slide rails by the pair of guide rails, which according to one aspect substantially corresponds to a control member for slide member 220 described below with reference to FIG. 17b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the slide mechanism 200 includes a second slide member 220 disposed at the upper rear portion of the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140. Thus, the second slide member 220 is configured to be disposed in association with the upper side 140a and the rear side 140d.

[0190] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes three sliding rails 221, 222, 223 arranged in a stacked manner to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 (see, for example, FIGS. 11a and 17b). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a first sliding rail 221 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 222 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 223 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. The first sliding rail 221 may be fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by a coupling member J2A. The second sliding rail 222 may be fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C by a joint member J2C. The third sliding rail 223 may be fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by a joint member J2E (see, e.g., Figures 15 and 17b).

[0191] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 221, 222, 223 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140.

[0192] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a first guide rail 224 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide rail 224 is fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by the same joint member J2A as the first sliding member 221 (see FIG. 17b). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide rail 224 is configured to pass through the opening OA of the first end element 142A, the opening OB of the first intermediate element 142B, and the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C, and is movably disposed relative to the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first guide rail 224 has a track T24 (see FIG. 11a) configured to extend relative to the second intermediate element 142C to facilitate relative movement with respect to the coupling member J2C through an opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C for mounting the second sliding member 222 (see FIGS. 15 and 17b). Thus, the first guide rail 224 is movably disposed with respect to the second sliding member 222.

[0193] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a second guide rail 225 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by the same joint member J2E as the third sliding rail member 223 (see FIG. 17b). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is configured to pass through the opening OE of the second end element 142E, the opening OD of the third intermediate element 142D, and the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C, and is movably disposed relative to the third intermediate element 142D and the second intermediate element 142C. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 has a track T25 configured to extend relative to the second intermediate element 142C to facilitate relative movement relative to the coupling member J2C passing through the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C for mounting the second sliding member 222. Thus, the second guide rail 225 is movably disposed relative to the second sliding member 222. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is overlapped relative to the second intermediate element 142C. The tracks of the first guide rail 224 and the second guide rail 225 are disposed to allow limited relative rotational movement about the shaft 144 of the pair of elements 142. The coupling member passing through the opening of the second intermediate element 142C stops each guide rail by opposing each end of each track of the pair of guide rails 224, 225.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding member 220 includes control members U21, U22, U23 for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rails 221, 222, 223 by a pair of guide rails 224, 225. The control members may also be referred to as control brackets or control bracket members. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding member includes a first control member U21 attached to the first sliding rail 221, a second control member U22 attached to the second sliding rail 222, and a third control member U23 attached to the third sliding rail 223. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each control member U21, U22, U23 has a U-shaped configuration with a base disposed relative to each sliding rail 221, 222, 223 and a leg with an opening. See FIG. 17b.

[0195] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a third sliding member 230 disposed in a lower central portion of the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140. The third sliding member 230 is thus configured to be disposed relative to an upper central portion of the central portion 140i of the feed chute 140.

[0196] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third slide member 230 comprises two slide rails 231, 232 arranged one on top of the other to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 (see, for example, FIG. 11a). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third slide member 230 comprises a first slide rail 231 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A and a second slide rail 232 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0197] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the third sliding member 230 may include a single guide rail 234 arranged with substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 16).

[0198] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member 230 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rail by the guide rail 234, which according to one aspect includes a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0199] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a fourth sliding member 240 disposed in a central rear portion of the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140. Thus, the fourth sliding member 240 is configured to be disposed relative to a central portion of the rear side 140d.

[0200] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth slide member 240 comprises three slide rails 241, 242, 243 (see, e.g., FIG. 12a) arranged in a stacked manner to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth slide member 240 comprises a first slide rail 241 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second slide rail 242 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third slide rail 243 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0201] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 241, 242, 243 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the upper channel C1 of the feed chute 140.

[0202] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth sliding member 240 may include guide rails arranged with substantially the same functionality as the guide rails 224 , 225 of the second sliding member 220 .

[0203] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, sliding member 240 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rails by a pair of guide rails, and according to one aspect, a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0204] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a fifth sliding member 250 disposed in a central lower portion of the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140. The fifth sliding member 250 is thus configured to be disposed relative to a central portion of the lower side 140b.

[0205] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fifth slide member 250 comprises three slide rails 251, 252, 253 (see, e.g., FIG. 12a) arranged in a stacked manner to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fifth slide member 250 comprises a first slide rail 251 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second slide rail 252 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third slide rail 253 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0206] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 251, 252, 253 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140.

[0207] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fifth sliding member 250 may include a single guide rail 254 arranged with substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 12a).

[0208] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member 250 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rail by the guide rail 254, which according to one aspect includes a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0209] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a sixth sliding member 260 disposed at a lower rear portion of the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140. Thus, the sixth sliding member 260 is configured to be disposed relative to the lower side 140b and the rear side 140d.

[0210] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sixth slide member 260 includes three slide rails 261, 262, 263 arranged in a stacked manner to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 (see, for example, FIG. 12a). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sixth slide member 260 includes a first slide rail 261 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second slide rail 262 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third slide rail 263 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. The first slide rail 261 may be fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by a joint member J6A. The second slide rail 222 may be fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C by a joint member J6C. The third slide rail 223 may be fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by a joint member J6E (see, for example, FIG. 15).

[0211] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 261, 262, 263 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140.

[0212] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sixth sliding member 260 includes a first guide rail 264 and a second guide rail 265 that are arranged to have substantially the same functions as the guide rails 224 , 225 of the second sliding member 220 .

[0213] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, sliding member 260 includes control members for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rails by guide rails 264, 265, which according to one aspect substantially correspond to the control members for sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0214] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a seventh sliding member 270 disposed in an upper central portion of the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140. The seventh sliding member 270 is thus configured to be disposed in association with a lower central portion of the central portion 140i of the feed chute 140.

[0215] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seventh slide member 270 comprises two slide rails 271, 272 (see, e.g., FIG. 11b) arranged one on top of the other to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seventh slide member 270 comprises a first slide rail 271 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A and a second slide rail 272 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0216] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the seventh sliding member 270 may include a single guide rail 274 arranged with substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 16).

[0217] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member 270 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rail by the guide rail 274, which according to one aspect includes a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0218] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes an eighth sliding member 280 disposed in a central rear portion of the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140. Thus, the eighth sliding member 280 is configured to be disposed relative to a central portion of the rear side 140d.

[0219] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the eighth slide member 280 comprises three slide rails 281, 282, 283 (see, e.g., FIG. 12b) arranged in a stacked manner to allow relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the eighth slide member 280 comprises a first slide rail 281 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second slide rail 282 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third slide rail 283 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0220] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 281, 282, 283 have an angled configuration that includes a mounting portion and a sliding portion that includes a sliding surface configured to face toward the ammunition being fed through the lower channel C2 of the feed chute 140.

[0221] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the eighth slide member 280 may include guide rails arranged with substantially the same functionality as the guide rails 224 , 225 of the second slide member 220 .

[0222] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member 280 includes a control member for further facilitating connection and control of the sliding rails by the pair of guide rails, and according to one aspect, a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0223] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the individual slide rails of the individual slide members are attached to a single supply element such that the slide members can move relative to one another based on rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0224] The guide rails are not shown in figures 11b and 12b.

[0225] The rotation of each element about shaft 144, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, is set to a maximum rotation angle so that displacement relative to adjacent elements can be easily and efficiently achieved as ammunition is continuously fed by the slide members of slide mechanism 200 through feed chute 140.

[0226] The number of elements in a set of elements 142 and the distance between the elements in a set are selected such that the maximum rotation angle of each of such elements allows the feed chute 140, in which the set of elements 142 are movably arranged about the shaft 144, to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through the feed chute 140, i.e. through the channels C1, C2 of the feed chute 140, by the slide members of the slide mechanism 200 at all elevation angles of the weapon.

[0227] The feed chute 140 includes a rotation limiting mechanism 300 configured to limit rotation of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. See, e.g., Figures 11b and 15. The rotation limiting mechanism 300 has substantially the same function as the track members 40t and spacing members 48 described above with reference to the feed chute 40.

[0228] The rotation limiting mechanism 300, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, is disposed relative to the rear side 140d of the feed chute 140. The rotation limiting mechanism 300, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, is centrally disposed relative to the rear side 140d of the feed chute 140.

[0229] The rotation limiting mechanism 300, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, is centrally located relative to the rear side 140d of the feed chute 140 and is disposed from the connecting side 140e to the receiving side 140f.

[0230] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the rotation limiting mechanism 300 may comprise or be connected to a coupling member J300 disposed relative to the receiving side 140f (see, e.g., FIGS. 14b and 15). The coupling member J300 includes a protrusion J300a configured to protrude from the receiving side 140f. The protrusion J300a is configured to facilitate connection and removal from the intermediate chute 50. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the protrusion J300a is configured to movably connect to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 configured to face the receiving side 140f of the feed chute 140. The protrusion J300a, together with the shaft protrusion J144a, is configured to movably connect to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 configured to face the receiving side 140f of the feed chute 140. This may facilitate easy installation and removal of the feed chute 140.

[0231] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 comprises a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350. The set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes individual track member portions. Each individual track member portion 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 is positioned relative to an individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140.

[0232] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 for the supply chute 140 differs from the track members 40t and spacing members 48 described above with reference to the supply chute 40, i.e., the supply chute rotation limiting mechanisms 40t, 48, in that the tracks for the spacing members 48 are provided in track member portions attached to each element of the supply chute 40 and each element of the supply chute 140.

[0233] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the set of track member sections 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes tracks. The tracks of each track member section 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 are spaced a distance from the respective elements to which they are connected. The tracks of each track member section 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 are spaced a distance from and within a fixed distance between the respective elements adjacent to the respective elements to which they are connected.

[0234] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of track member sections 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a first end track member section 310 disposed relative to the first end element 142A. The first end track member section 310 is centrally disposed relative to the rear side of the first end element 142A.

[0235] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 is configured to protrude toward the first intermediate element 142B. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B in a direction that substantially coincides with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B.

[0236] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 includes a track portion having a track T10. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T10 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side of the first end element 142A at a distance from the rear side of the first end element 142A. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 is attached to the rear side of the first end element 142A by a first coupling member J10a associated with one end of the track portion and a second coupling member J10b associated with an opposite end of the track portion. The first and second coupling members may be, for example, threaded coupling members. Thus, the first and second coupling members are configured to attach the track portion to the first end element 142A, and the first and second coupling members are attached at opposite sides of the center at a distance from the center of the rear end of the first end element 142A.

[0237] The track T10 of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the first end element 142A.

[0238] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a first intermediate track member portion 320 disposed in association with the first intermediate element 142B. The first intermediate track member portion 320 is disposed in association with the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0239] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first intermediate track member section 320 has a first connecting portion 320a configured to protrude toward the first end element 142A, and thus toward the first end track member section 310. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 320a is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the first end element 142A in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the first intermediate element 142B and the first end element 142A.

[0240] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first intermediate track member portion 320 has a second connecting portion 320b configured to protrude toward the second intermediate element 142C, and thus toward the second intermediate track member portion 330. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 320b is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C.

[0241] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 320a of the intermediate track member portion 320 includes a track portion having a track T20a. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20a is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to an extension of the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B. The track T20a of the track portion of the first connecting portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 is configured to face the track T10 of the track portion of the first end track member portion 310.

[0242] The track T20a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0243] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 320b of the intermediate track member portion 320 includes a track portion having a track T20b. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20b is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B. The track T20b of the track portion of the first connecting portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the second intermediate track member portion 330.

[0244] The track T20b of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0245] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first intermediate track member section 320 with the first connecting portion 320a and the second connecting portion 320b is attached to the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B by a first coupling member J20a associated with one end of the track section and a second coupling member J20b associated with an opposite end of the track section. The coupling members J20a and J20b pass through the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B to attach the first and second connecting portions 320a, 320b to the first intermediate element 142B. The first and second coupling members may be, for example, threaded coupling members. Thus, the first and second coupling members are configured to attach the track section to the first intermediate element 142B, and the first and second coupling members are attached at a distance from the center of the rear end of the first intermediate element 142B on opposite sides of the center.

[0246] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a second intermediate track member portion 330 disposed in association with the second intermediate element 142C. The second intermediate track member portion 330 is disposed in association with the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0247] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second intermediate track member portion 330 has a first connecting portion 330a configured to protrude toward the first intermediate element 142B, and thus toward the first intermediate track member portion 320. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 330a is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the second intermediate element 142C and the first intermediate element 142B.

[0248] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second intermediate track member portion 330 has a second connecting portion 330b configured to protrude toward the third intermediate element 142D, and thus toward the third intermediate track member portion 340. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 330b is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D.

[0249] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 includes a track portion having a track T30a. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T30a is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C. The track T30a of the track portion of the first connecting portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 is configured to face the track T20b of the track portion of the second connecting portion 320b of the first intermediate track member portion 320.

[0250] The track T30a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0251] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 includes a track portion having a track T30b. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T30b is configured to extend at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C. The track T30b of the track portion of the second connecting portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the third intermediate track member portion 340.

[0252] The track T30b of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0253] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second intermediate track member section 330 with the first connecting portion 330a and the second connecting portion 330b is attached to the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C by a first coupling member J30a associated with one end of the track section and a second coupling member J30b associated with an opposite end of the track section. The coupling members J30a and J30b pass through the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C to attach the first and second connecting portions 330a, 330b to the second intermediate element 142C. The first and second coupling members may be, for example, threaded coupling members. Thus, the first and second coupling members are configured to attach the track section to the second intermediate element 142C, and the first and second coupling members are attached at a distance from the center of the rear end of the second intermediate element 142C on opposite sides of the center.

[0254] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a third intermediate track member portion 340 disposed in association with the third intermediate element 142D. The third intermediate track member portion 340 is disposed in association with the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0255] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third intermediate track member portion 340 has a first connecting portion 340a configured to protrude toward the second intermediate element 142C, and thus toward the second intermediate track member portion 330. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 340a is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the third intermediate element 142D and the second intermediate element 142C.

[0256] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third intermediate track member portion 340 has a second connecting portion 340b configured to protrude toward the second end element 142E, and thus toward the second end track member portion 350. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 340b is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the second end element 142E in a direction substantially corresponding to the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E.

[0257] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 includes a track portion having a track T40a. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T40a is configured to extend at a certain distance from the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D. The track T40a of the track portion of the first connecting portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 is configured to face the track T30b of the track portion of the second connecting portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330.

[0258] The track T40a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0259] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connecting portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 includes a track portion having a track T40b. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20 is configured to extend at a certain distance from the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D. The track T40b of the track portion of the second connecting portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the second end track member portion 350.

[0260] The track T40b of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0261] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third intermediate track member section 340 with the first connecting portion 340a and the second connecting portion 340b is attached to the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D by a first coupling member J40a associated with one end of the track section and a second coupling member J40b associated with an opposite end of the track section. The coupling members J40a and J40b pass through the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D to attach the first and second connecting portions 340a, 340b to the third intermediate element 142D. The first and second coupling members may be, for example, threaded coupling members. Thus, the first and second coupling members are configured to attach the track section to the second intermediate element 142C, and the first and second coupling members are attached at a distance from the center of the rear end of the second intermediate element 142C on opposite sides of the center.

[0262] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the set of track member sections 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a second end track member section 350 disposed in association with the second end element 142E. The second end track member section 350 is disposed in association with the rear side of the second end element 142E.

[0263] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is configured to protrude toward the third intermediate element 142D. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is configured to protrude toward the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D in a direction substantially corresponding to the axial extension of the shaft 144 a portion of the distance between the second end element 142E and the third intermediate element 142D.

[0264] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 includes a track portion having a track T50. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T50 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side of the second end element 142E at a distance from the rear side of the second end element 142E. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is attached to the rear side of the second end element 142E by a first coupling member J50a associated with one end of the track portion and a second coupling member J50b associated with an opposite end of the track portion. The first and second coupling members may be, for example, threaded coupling members. Thus, the first and second coupling members are configured to attach the track portion to the second end element 142E, and the first and second coupling members are attached at opposite ends of the center of the rear end of the second end element 142E at a distance.

[0265] The track T50 of the track portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially perpendicular to the extension of the intermediate portion of the second end element 142E.

[0266] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 comprises a set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 configured to connect a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 so as to limit rotation of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 of the feed chute 140.

[0267] Thus, a set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the set of elements 142 to limit rotation of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 of the feed chute 140.

[0268] Thus, the set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the set of elements 142 by connecting the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 so as to limit rotation of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 of the feed chute 140.

[0269] The set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together axially, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0270] Thus, the set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the set of elements 142 to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0271] The pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a longitudinal extension according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a joint member configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a cylindrical shape according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a longitudinal extension to extend through two tracks of the track sections facing each other, i.e., through the tracks of the adjacent track member sections according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to be movable along the track at the longitudinal extension of the track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, is configured to connect adjacent track sections so as to substantially prevent relative movement of the track sections in the axial direction, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tracks and thus in the axial direction of the spacing members. A pair of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, has stop members to hold adjacent track member sections in the axial direction, i.e., in the axial extension of the shaft, thereby maintaining a constant distance between adjacent elements associated with those track member sections.

[0272] Each spacing member of the set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions by being movably and connectably arranged relative to opposing tracks of the track portions.

[0273] Each spacing member of the set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to pass through opposing tracks of opposing track parts of adjacent track member parts so as to connect the opposing track parts and allow limited movement of the spacing members between the opposing opposite ends of the tracks, thereby allowing relative movement of the opposing track parts in the direction of the tracks. Thus, allowing limited movement of the spacing members between the opposing opposite ends of the tracks allows limited movement of the opposing tracks, and therefore limited rotation of adjacent elements to which the adjacent track member parts are attached.

[0274] Each spacing member of a set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to pass through opposing tracks of opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions so as to substantially prevent relative movement of the spacing members in the directional, and therefore axial, direction by providing stop members on the spacing members to connect the opposing track portions and prevent movement through each of the opposing tracks of the spacing members.

[0275] The set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 includes a first spacing member J12 configured to connect the first end track member portion 310 and the first intermediate track member portion 320 to limit rotation of the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B relative to each other about the shaft 144. The first spacing member J12 is configured to pass through the track T10 of the first end track member portion 310 and the track T20a of the first connecting portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 to connect the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B, allowing the spacing member J12 to move within the tracks T10, T20A to allow limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142A, 142B about the shaft 144. The first spacing member J12 connects the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B and is configured to pass through tracks T10 and T20a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by a stop member of the first spacing member J12.

[0276] The set of spacing members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a second spacing member J23. The second spacing member J23 is configured to connect the first intermediate track member portion 320 and the second intermediate track member portion 330 to limit rotation of the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C relative to each other about the shaft 144. The second spacing member J23 is configured to pass through the track T20b of the second connecting portion 320b of the first intermediate track member portion 320 and the track T30a of the first connecting portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 to connect the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C, allowing the spacing member J23 to move within the tracks T20b, T30a to allow limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142B, 142C about the shaft 144. The second spacing member J23 connects the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C and is configured to pass through tracks T20b and T30a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by a stop member of the second spacing member J23.

[0277] The set of spacing members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a third spacing member J34. The third spacing member J34 is configured to connect the second intermediate track member portion 330 and the third intermediate track member portion 340 to limit rotation of the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D relative to each other about the shaft 144. The third spacing member J34 is configured to pass through the track T30b of the second connecting portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 and the track T40a of the first connecting portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 to connect the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D, allowing the spacing member J34 to move within the tracks T30b, T40a to allow limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142C, 142D about the shaft 144. The third spacing member J34 connects the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D and is configured to pass through tracks T30b and T40a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by a stop member of the third spacing member J34.

[0278] The set of spacing members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a fourth spacing member J45 configured to connect the third intermediate track member portion 340 and the second end track member portion 350 to limit rotation of the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E relative to each other about the shaft 144. The fourth spacing member J45 is configured to pass through the track T40b of the second connecting portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 and the track T50 of the second end track member portion 350 to connect the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E, allowing the spacing member J45 to move within the tracks T40b, T50 to allow limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142D, 142E about the shaft 144. The fourth spacing member J45 connects the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E and is configured to pass through tracks T40b and T50 so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially aligned with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by a stop member of the fourth spacing member J45.

[0279] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is apparent that many modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiment has been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular contemplated use.

[0280] Described below are several aspects of the apparatus and vehicle for feeding ammunition to a weapon according to the present disclosure, particularly as they relate to the gliding mechanism 200.

[0281] Aspect 1A. An apparatus for feeding ammunition A to a weapon 20, the weapon 20 being mounted on an elevation device 30 arranged to permit elevation movement of the weapon 20 about an elevation axis Z1, the apparatus comprising a feed chute 140 with one or more channels C1, C2 configured for feeding ammunition A, the feed chute having a connecting side 140e for connecting the feed chute to the weapon 20 and an opposing receiving side 140f for receiving ammunition fed through the feed chute 140, the feed chute 140 comprising a set of elements 142 assembled to provide at least one channel C1, C2, the set of elements 142 comprising: , arranged about a shaft 144 configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to an elevation axis Z1 to enable movement about the shaft 144 of each of the set of mutually displaceable elements 142 in stages associated with an elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1, each of the individual elements movable about the shaft 144 being arranged at a fixed distance in the axial direction of the shaft 144 relative to adjacent elements, and the feed chute comprising a gliding mechanism 200 arranged in relation to each of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E to facilitate feeding of ammunition through each individual element of the feed chute 140.

[0282] Embodiment 2A. The apparatus of embodiment 1A, wherein the sliding mechanism 200 comprises a set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 positioned at a distance from each other within at least one channel C1, C2 of the feed chute 140.

[0283] Embodiment 3A. The apparatus of embodiment 2A, wherein the set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 are configured to extend in a feed direction to facilitate feeding of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140.

[0284] Embodiment 4A. The apparatus of embodiment 2A or 3A, wherein each of the set of slide members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 has a longitudinal extension and is configured to extend in a direction substantially coincident with the axial direction of the shaft to facilitate feeding of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the feed chute 140.

[0285] Embodiment 5A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 2A to 4A, wherein the sliding mechanism 200 comprises an upper sliding member configured to be positioned in an upper portion of the channel of the feed chute 140 and a lower sliding member configured to be positioned in a lower portion of the channel of the feed chute 140.

[0286] Embodiment 6A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 2A to 5A, wherein each sliding member of the sliding mechanism 200 is provided with sliding rails arranged in a stacked manner to enable relative movement to facilitate gradual mutual displacement of each supply element of the set of elements 142 when rotated about the shaft 144.

[0287] Embodiment 7A. An apparatus as described in embodiment 6A, wherein the respective slide rails of the respective slide members are attached to one supply element such that the slide rails can move relative to one another based on rotational movement of the respective supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0288] Embodiment 8A. The apparatus of embodiment 6A or 7A, wherein the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140 includes a first end element 142A configured to be closest to the weapon 20 relative to the connecting side 140e, a second end element 142E configured to be furthest from the weapon 20 relative to the receiving side 140f, and intermediate elements 142B, 142C, 142D disposed between the first and second elements, wherein the individual slide rails of the individual slide members disposed relative to the connecting side are attached to the first end element 142A and the individual slide rails of the individual slide members disposed relative to the receiving side are attached to the second end element 142E such that the slide rails of the individual slide members can move relative to one another based on rotational movement of the individual feed elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144.

[0289] Embodiment 9A. An apparatus as described in embodiment 8A, wherein the sliding rails of the individual sliding members disposed between the sliding rails attached to the first end element 142A and the sliding rails attached to the second end element 142E are attached to an intermediate supply element such that the sliding rails of the individual sliding members can move relative to each other based on rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shafts 144.

[0290] Embodiment 10A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 6A to 9A, wherein each slide rail of each slide member has a slide surface configured to face the ammunition during feeding of the ammunition through the feed chute 140.

[0291] Embodiment 11A. The apparatus of any of embodiments 6A-10A, wherein the number of individual slide rails of each slide member is based on the range between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon.

[0292] Embodiment 12A. The apparatus of any of embodiments 6A to 11A, wherein the number of individual slide rails of each slide member is based on the range of degrees of rotational movement of each feed element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about shaft 144.

[0293] Embodiment 13A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 6A to 12A, wherein each slide member of the sliding mechanism 200 is provided with a guide rail disposed in relation to the slide rail of the slide member to guide and control movement of the slide rail.

[0294] Embodiment 14A. The apparatus of embodiment 13A, wherein the guide rail of each slide member disposed relative to the slide rail of the slide member is configured to pass through an opening of an element of the set of elements 142.

[0295] Embodiment 15A. An apparatus as described in embodiment 13A or 14A, wherein each sliding member of the sliding mechanism 200 is provided with a pair of guide rails that are overlappingly positioned relative to the sliding rail of the sliding member to guide and thus control the movement of the sliding rail of the sliding member.

[0296] Embodiment 16A. The apparatus of embodiment 15A, wherein a first guide rail of the pair of guide rails is configured to be fixedly connected to a first end element 142A, a second guide rail of the pair of guide rails is configured to be fixedly connected to a second end element 142E, the pair of guide rails are arranged in a stacked relationship relative to the intermediate element, and the pair of guide rails are arranged to be movable relative to each other relative to an opening in the intermediate element through which the pair of guide rails are configured to pass.

[0297] Embodiment 17A. An apparatus as described in embodiment 15A or 16A, wherein the pair of guide rails of each sliding member has a track associated with a portion of the pair of guide rails where the pair of guide rails are intended to overlap, and the track of each guide rail of the pair of guide rails is arranged to permit limited relative rotational movement of the set of elements 142 about the shaft 144.

[0298] Embodiment 18A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 15A to 17A, wherein a coupling member passing through an opening in the intermediate element and configured to mount a slide rail disposed between the slide rail attached to the first end element 142A and the slide rail attached to the second end element 142E is configured to stop each guide rail by opposing each end of each track of the pair of guide rails.

[0299] Embodiment 19A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1A to 18A, wherein the feed chute 140 is configured to be fixedly attached at an end opposite the end connected to the weapon 20 to a guide chute 50, 60 for guiding ammunition A from the magazine to the feed chute 140.

[0300] Embodiment 20A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 8A to 19A, wherein the first end element 142A is configured to pivot about the shaft 144 in response to an elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1.

[0301] Embodiment 21A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 8A to 20A, wherein the second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the feed chute 140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon 20.

[0302] Embodiment 22A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 8A to 21A, wherein the second end element 142E, which is farthest from the weapon 20, is configured to have an angle β within a range between the maximum elevation angle α1 and the minimum elevation angle α2 of the weapon 20.

[0303] Embodiment 23A. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1A to 22A, wherein the supply chute 140 has an upper channel C1 for supplying ammunition A and a lower channel C2 for supplying ammunition A, and the shaft 144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel.

[0304] Embodiment 24A. The apparatus of any of embodiments 1A to 23A, wherein ammunition A is configured to be guided from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially recumbent position in the feed chute via a guide chute.

[0305] Embodiment 25A. The apparatus of any of embodiments 1A to 24A, wherein the apparatus is for a vehicle-mounted weapon system S having a weapon 20 mounted on a turret 10 via an elevation device 30.

[0306] Described below are several aspects of the apparatus and vehicle for feeding ammunition to a weapon according to the present disclosure, particularly as they relate to the rotation limiting mechanism 40t, 48; 300.

[0307] EMBODIMENT 1B. An apparatus for feeding ammunition A to a weapon 20, the weapon 20 being mounted on an elevation device 30 arranged to permit elevation movement of the weapon 20 about an elevation axis Z1, the apparatus comprising a feed chute 40; 140, the feed chute having a connection side 40e; 140e for connecting the feed chute to the weapon 20 and an opposite receiving side 40f; 140f, the feed chute having a front side 40c; 140c facing substantially in the direction of fire of the weapon when the feed chute is connected to the weapon 20 and an opposite rear side 40d; 140d, The feed chute 40;140 comprises a set of assembled elements 42;142 arranged around a shaft 44;144 configured to be arranged coaxially with respect to the elevation axis Z1 to allow movement of each individual element of the set of elements 42;142 about the shaft 44;144 associated with an elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1, and the device comprises a rotation limiting mechanism 40t, 48;300 arranged in association with the front or rear side of the feed chute, the device being configured to limit rotation of each individual element about the shaft 44;144.

[0308] Embodiment 2B. An apparatus as described in embodiment 1B, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a track associated with each element of the set of elements, the track extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft 144 to facilitate limited rotation of the individual element about the shaft 44;144.

[0309] Embodiment 3B. The apparatus of embodiment 1B or 2B, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacing members 48; J12, J23, J34, J45 configured to connect the set of elements 142 so as to limit rotation of each element about the shaft 44; 144.

[0310] Embodiment 4B. The apparatus of embodiment 3B, wherein a set of spacing members 48; J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the set of elements 142 so as to hold the individual elements of the set together axially along the shaft.

[0311] Embodiment 5B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 4B, wherein each element movable about the shaft 44 is configured to be closely spaced in the axial direction of the shaft 44 relative to adjacent elements, and wherein a rotation limiting mechanism is provided comprising a track member 40t configured to pass through the set of elements 42 to limit rotation of each element about the shaft 44.

[0312] Embodiment 6B. An apparatus as described in embodiment 5B, wherein track members 40t are disposed through each of the set of elements 42, each having a track extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft to limit rotation of the individual element about the shaft 44.

[0313] Embodiment 7B. An apparatus as described in embodiment 5B or 6B, wherein the tracks of each individual element are alternately displaced relative to adjacent elements to facilitate connection of adjacent elements by respective spacing members to limit rotation of the individual elements about shaft 44.

[0314] Embodiment 8B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 5B to 7B, wherein each spacing member 48 of the set of spacing members 48 is configured to be movably connected to the track of each element and fixedly connected to adjacent individual elements so as to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft 44.

[0315] Embodiment 9B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 4B, wherein each element movable about the shaft 144 is configured to be spaced a fixed distance in the axial direction of the shaft 144 from adjacent elements, and wherein the rotation limiting mechanism 300 comprises a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, and each individual track member portion 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 is positioned relative to an individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the set of elements 142 of the feed chute 140.

[0316] Embodiment 10B. An apparatus as described in embodiment 9B, wherein the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 comprises tracks, and the tracks of each track member portion 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 are positioned a distance from each element to which it is connected, a distance from each element adjacent to the each element to which it is connected, and within a fixed distance between those elements.

[0317] Embodiment 11B. An apparatus as described in embodiment 9B or 10B, wherein a set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 are configured to connect a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 so as to limit rotation of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 of the feed chute 140.

[0318] Embodiment 12B. The apparatus of embodiment 10B or 11B, wherein adjacent track member portions of the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 have track portions with opposing tracks, and each of the spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to be movably and connectably disposed relative to the opposing opposing tracks of the track portions, thereby connecting the opposing track portions of the adjacent track member portions.

[0319] Embodiment 13B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 10B to 12B, wherein each spacing member of a set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to pass through opposing tracks of opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions so as to connect the opposing track portions and permit limited movement of the spacing members between opposite opposing ends of the tracks, thereby permitting relative movement of the opposing track portions in the direction of the tracks.

[0320] Embodiment 14B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 10B to 13B, wherein each spacing member of the set of spacing members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to pass through opposing tracks of opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions in a manner that substantially prevents relative movement of the spacing members in the directional, and thus axial, direction by providing stop members on the spacing members connecting the opposing track portions and preventing movement through each of the opposing tracks of the spacing members.

[0321] Embodiment 15B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 14B, wherein the feed chute 40;140 is configured to be fixedly attached at an end opposite the end connected to the weapon 20 to a guide chute 50, 60 for guiding ammunition A from the magazine M to the feed chute 40;140.

[0322] Embodiment 16B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 15B, wherein the feed chute 40;140 has a first end element 42e1;142A configured to be closest to the weapon 20 and configured to pivot about the shaft 44;144 in response to elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1.

[0323] Embodiment 17B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 16B, wherein the feed chute 40;140 is configured to be furthest from the weapon 20 and is configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the feed chute 40;140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon 20.

[0324] Embodiment 18B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 17B, wherein each element movable about the shaft 44;144 is configured to rotate about the shaft 44;144 at a fixed angle relative to adjacent elements to enable ammunition A to be fed through the feed chute 40;140 at all elevation angles of the elevation device 30.

[0325] Embodiment 19B. An apparatus as described in any of embodiments 1B to 18B, wherein the feed chute 40;140 has an upper channel for feeding ammunition A and a lower channel for feeding ammunition A, and the shaft 44;144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel.

[0326] Embodiment 20B. The apparatus of any of embodiments 1B to 19B, wherein the apparatus is for a vehicle-mounted weapon system C having a weapon 20 mounted on a turret 10 via an elevation device 30.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for supplying ammunition (A) to a weapon (20), said weapon (20) being mounted on an elevation device (30) arranged to enable an elevation movement of said weapon (20) about an elevation axis (Z1), said device comprising a feed chute (40; 140) connected at one end to said weapon (20) and comprising a set of elements (42; 142) assembled in a stacked configuration, said set of elements (42; 142) being arranged around said shaft (44; 144) adapted to be arranged coaxially with respect to said elevation axis (Z1) so as to allow movement of individual elements of said set of elements (42; 142) around said shaft (44; 144) in association with an elevation movement of said weapon (20) around said elevation axis (Z1); the feed chute is configured to provide at least one channel through which ammunition is configured to be fed by the element; the individual elements movable about the shaft (144) are arranged at fixed distances from one another in the axial direction of the shaft (144); the feed chute (140) comprises a slide mechanism (200) having a set of slide members (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) disposed relative to the individual elements (142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E) and configured to run in a feed direction to facilitate the feeding of ammunition through each individual element of the feed chute (140).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the feed chute (40; 140) is configured to be fixedly attached, at an end opposite to the end connected to the weapon (20), to a guide chute (50, 60) for guiding the ammunition (A) from a magazine (M) to the feed chute (40; 140).

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed chute (40; 140) comprises a first end element (42e1; 142A) configured to be closest to the weapon (20) and configured to pivot about the shaft (44; 144) in response to an elevation movement of the weapon (20) about the elevation axis (Z1).

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) comprises a second end element (42e2; 142E) configured to be furthest from the weapon (20) and configured to be substantially fixedly connected to the supply chute (40; 140) by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (20).

5. 5. The device according to claim 4 when relying on claim 3, wherein the elements of the set of elements (42; 142) between the first end element (42e1; 142A) and the second end element (42e2; 142E) are displaceable from one another in stages.

6. 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the individual elements movable about the shaft (44; 144) are configured to rotate about the shaft (44; 144) at a constant angle relative to adjacent elements so as to enable ammunition (A) to be fed through the feed chute (40; 140) at any elevation angle of the elevation device (30).

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each slide member of the slide mechanism (200) is provided with a slide rail disposed in a superimposed relationship with each element of the set of elements (142) to enable relative movement therebetween to facilitate gradual mutual displacement of the individual elements when rotated about the shaft (144).

8. said feed chute having a connection side (40e; 140e) for connecting said feed chute to said weapon (20) and an opposite receiving side (40f; 140f); said feed chute having a front side (40c; 140c) facing substantially in the direction of fire of said weapon when said feed chute is connected to said weapon (20), and an opposite rear side (40d; 140d); the apparatus comprises a rotation limiting mechanism (40t, 48; 300) arranged in relation to the front or rear side of the feed chute and configured to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft (44; 144); 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a track associated with each element of the set of elements, the track extending substantially perpendicular to the extension of the shaft (44; 144) to facilitate the limited rotation of the individual element about the shaft (144).

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacing members (48; J12, J23, J34, J45) configured to connect the set of elements (42; 142) so as to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft (44; 144).

10. 6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second end element (42e2; 142E) furthest from the weapon (20) is configured to have an angle (β) within a range between a maximum elevation angle (α1) and a minimum elevation angle (α2) of the weapon (20).

11. 11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said set of elements (42; 142) is pivotally journalled about said shaft (44; 144).

12. said feed chute (40; 140) comprising an upper channel (C1) for feeding ammunition (A) and a lower channel (C2) for feeding ammunition (A); 12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (44; 144) is arranged between the upper channel and the lower channel.

13. 13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) comprises, associated with said one end of the supply chute (40; 140), a fastening mechanism for attaching the supply chute (40; 140) to the weapon (20).

14. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ammunition (A) is adapted to be guided through the guide chute (50, 60) from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially lying position in the feed chute.

15. 15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the apparatus is for a vehicle-mounted weapon system (C) having the weapon (20) mounted on a turret (10) via the elevation device (30).

16. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus including the supply chute (40; 140) and the guide chute (50, 60) to which the supply chute (40; 140) is connected is configured to be placed in the turret (10) of a vehicle-mounted weapon system (C) for the apparatus including the weapon (20) mounted on the turret (10) via the elevation device (30).

17. A vehicle (V) comprising a device for feeding ammunition (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 from a magazine to a weapon (20) of a vehicle mounted weapon system.

18. The vehicle of claim 17 , wherein the vehicle is a tracked vehicle.

Images