Casing stub catching device and vehicle

Abstract

A shell stub catching device (14) for an armament (6) of a vehicle (1), in particular a battle tank, with a deflection base (41) and a border (23) running partially around the deflection base (41), wherein the deflection base (41) is shaped such that shell stumps (15) striking the deflection base (41) move on the deflection base (41) in the direction of the border (23) due to gravity.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shell stub catching device for an armament of a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, and to a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, with such a shell stub catching device.

[0002] Main battle tanks are armed, usually in the form of a smoothbore gun. This armament is equipped with cartridged ammunition. According to internal company knowledge, such cartridged ammunition consists of a partially combustible cartridge case, a propellant charge, and a projectile. When the weapon is fired, a hollow cylindrical portion of the cartridge case burns away, leaving only a so-called cartridge case stub. This cartridge case stub is ejected, expelled, or extracted from the weapon. Such a cartridge case stub may have a metallic cartridge case base and an ignition tube welded to the cartridge case base. The cartridge case stub may have a length of, for example, 300 millimeters.

[0003] The aforementioned design and dimensions of the cartridge case stub can lead to handling problems, particularly when using an automatic loader for the weapon. These handling problems include, for example, damage to sensitive components of a main battle tank's turret when ejecting the cartridge case stub or jamming of the cartridge case stub during weapon aiming movements. Furthermore, it is undesirable for the cartridge case stub to lie undefined under the turret in the vehicle hull of the main battle tank.

[0004] Furthermore, in an unmanned turret, the shell stubs cannot be visually inspected and manually sorted and / or disposed of. Incidentally upright shell stubs can collide with the weapon's breech during firing. Loose shell stubs can also become unwanted secondary projectiles when the main battle tank is loaded with mines. This needs to be improved.

[0005] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved shell stub catching device for arming a vehicle, in particular a battle tank.

[0006] Accordingly, a shell stub catcher for the armament of a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, is proposed. The shell stub catcher comprises a deflection base and a border extending partially around the deflection base. The deflection base is shaped such that shell stub impacting the deflection base moves along the deflection base in the direction of the border due to gravity.

[0007] The appropriate shape of the deflector base ensures that the case stubs are directed toward the perimeter and thus away from the center of the case stub catcher and thus also from the weapon. This prevents the case stubs from colliding with the weapon, for example, when firing or during aiming movements of the weapon.

[0008] The armament or weapon is preferably a smoothbore cannon. Preferably, the vehicle is a main battle tank, but this is not mandatory. The vehicle can also be another armed vehicle. The case stub is part of the cartridge ammunition or cartridge ammunition of the armament. Such cartridge ammunition comprises – as previously mentioned – a case, a propellant charge, and a projectile. When the armament is fired, part of the case burns away, leaving only the case stub. The case stub comprises a case base and an ignition tube protruding from the case base. The case stub can be ejected, expelled, or extracted from the armament after it has been fired. An automatic loader can be used for this purpose, which can also feed the cartridge ammunition to the armament.

[0009] In this context, the fact that the discharge base is "shaped in such a way" that sleeve stubs impacting the discharge base move along the discharge base due to gravity in the direction of the perimeter is to be understood in particular to mean that the discharge base can have any geometry, in particular a three-dimensional one, that enables or causes the sleeve stubs to roll, slide, or glide along the discharge base due to gravity in the direction of the perimeter. For example, this can be achieved by orienting or inclining the discharge base at least in sections at an angle to the perimeter, so that the sleeve stubs roll, slide, glide, or are conveyed along the discharge base in the direction of the perimeter due to the at least partial inclination or slant of the discharge base. The "movement" of the sleeve stubs on the discharge base can accordingly comprise, for example, rolling, sliding, or gliding of the sleeve stubs on the discharge base.

[0010] Accordingly, a shell stub catching device for armament of a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, is particularly preferably proposed, which has a deflection base and a border which runs partially around the deflection base, wherein the deflection base is oriented at least partially obliquely to the border, so that shell stubs striking the deflection base move on the deflection base in the direction of the border due to gravity.

[0011] Alternatively or in addition to the at least partially oblique orientation of the discharge base relative to the border, the discharge base can also be "shaped" with the aid of a curvature or arch such that sleeve stubs striking the discharge base move along the discharge base due to gravity in the direction of the border. In this case, the discharge base can be concavely or convexly curved at least in sections in order to guide or convey sleeve stubs striking the discharge base in the direction of the border. In particular, the discharge base can be spherical cap-shaped at least in sections. In this case, a "spherical cap" is understood to mean, in particular, a section of a sphere. The discharge base can be a free-form surface at least in sections.In particular, the discharge base may have any three-dimensional geometry or contour suitable for guiding or conveying sleeve stubs striking the discharge base towards the edge due to gravity.

[0012] Due to its at least partially inclined or slanted position, the deflection base is preferably designed to guide or convey the case stubs to the border. The deflection base is arranged in particular within the border. The border preferably surrounds the deflection base in a band-like or wall-like manner. In particular, the border has a lower edge and an upper edge. The deflection base is preferably connected to the border at the lower edge. The border preferably encloses or delimits an interior space of the case stubs catching device in which the case stubs are collected or caught. In particular, the border can be fence-shaped or grid-shaped. In this case, the interior space can be visible from outside the case stubs catching device. The border can also be referred to as a boundary or outer wall.

[0013] In this case, the border encircling the deflection base "in sections" is to be understood in particular to mean that the border preferably does not encircle the deflection base completely. For example, the border is open or opened on one side of the cartridge case stub catcher. In particular, the border is open or opened in the direction of the weapon. In particular, the border is only provided on three of the four sides of the deflection base. For example, the border has two side walls and a rear wall arranged between the side walls, whereby the border preferably does not have a front wall. The border is therefore preferably open or opened opposite the rear wall.

[0014] The discharge base can have multiple base sections, which can be arranged at different angles to the border. A base section, in particular a base base section, can also be provided that is not arranged at an angle to the border. This latter base section can, for example, be oriented perpendicular to the border. Accordingly, "partially obliquely oriented" is to be understood in particular as meaning that parts or sections of the discharge base can be inclined relative to the border, whereas other parts or sections of the discharge base are not inclined to the border and can, for example, be oriented perpendicular to it. In particular, the discharge base, in particular the base sections, extend obliquely from the base base section toward the lower edge of the border. The base base section is arranged in particular between the lower edge and the upper edge of the border.

[0015] In this case, the movement of the case stubs "due to gravity" on the discharge base means, in particular, that, for example, due to the at least partially oblique or inclined arrangement of the discharge base, the respective weight of the case stubs ensures that they roll and / or slide on the discharge base and thus move outward along the discharge base toward the edge. "Outward" here means away from the discharge base toward the edge. Supplying external energy to move the case stubs toward the edge is not required. The case stubs can, in particular, come to rest against the edge.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the discharge base is oriented at least in sections obliquely to the border.

[0017] Thus, as previously explained, the discharge floor is arranged or positioned, for example, with its floor sections at an angle to the perimeter. However, this does not preclude the discharge floor from being oriented at least partially at a non-angle to the perimeter. For example, the aforementioned base floor section can be oriented perpendicular to the perimeter.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the discharge base has a truncated pyramid-shaped geometry at least in sections.

[0019] A "truncated pyramid" is generally understood to mean a polyhedron with a base, a top, and four lateral surfaces connecting the base and top. The truncated pyramid-shaped geometry of the discharge base results from the fact that several base sections of the discharge base are arranged at an angle to one another. The partially truncated pyramid-shaped geometry preferably has three base sections arranged in a truncated pyramid shape, with one side of the truncated pyramid-shaped geometry being open. This results in the sectional structure of the truncated pyramid. In particular, the base sections form three lateral surfaces of the truncated pyramid. The truncated pyramid is therefore not completely formed, but only partially, so that the truncated pyramid has not four, but only three lateral surfaces in the shape of the three base sections.Furthermore, the truncated pyramid does not have a base surface, but only a top surface, in particular in the form of the aforementioned base floor section. The discharge floor is thus preferably open downwards. "Partially truncated pyramid-shaped" can accordingly mean that the truncated pyramid-shaped geometry of the discharge floor is partially incomplete and, for example, has only three and not four lateral surfaces in the form of the floor sections. The floor sections are, in particular, trapezoidal in shape. The floor sections can widen or broaden from the base floor section toward the perimeter. The floor sections can be of different sizes, have different geometric shapes, and / or be inclined at different angles relative to the perimeter. This can achieve an asymmetrical or asymmetrical structure of the truncated pyramid-shaped geometry of the discharge floor.The truncated pyramid-shaped geometry of the discharge base is therefore not regular, but preferably irregular. In contrast, a symmetrical truncated pyramid is understood to be a geometry in which all lateral surfaces are the same size and / or uniformly shaped. The base sections are preferably flat. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The base sections or some of the base sections can also be curved or arched, in particular concavely curved or arched or convexly curved or arched. In this case, the base sections form a curved or arched geometry starting from the base base section in the direction of the border. The discharge base can thus have a curved or curved geometry, in particular a curved or curved contour, at least in sections. A combination of flat and curved base sections can also be provided.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the border has a first side wall, a second side wall and a rear wall arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0021] The discharge base is oriented obliquely to the first side wall, obliquely to the second side wall, and obliquely to the rear wall. Sleeve stumps striking the discharge base are thus directed to the first side wall, the second side wall, or the rear wall. The rear wall is oriented, in particular, perpendicular to the side walls. The rear wall can be directly connected to the side walls. However, it is also possible for connecting walls to be provided between the rear wall and the side walls. In this case, an indirect or mediate connection between the rear wall and the side walls is provided via the connecting walls. The discharge base is preferably connected to both the side walls and the rear wall.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the first side wall and the rear wall are connected to one another by means of a first connecting wall oriented obliquely to the first side wall and obliquely to the rear wall, wherein the second side wall and the rear wall are connected to one another by means of a second connecting wall oriented obliquely to the second side wall and obliquely to the rear wall.

[0023] The discharge base is, in particular, also arranged at an angle to the first connecting wall and at an angle to the second connecting wall. The discharge base is, in particular, connected to the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, the first connecting wall, and the second connecting wall.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, the first connecting wall and / or the second connecting wall have openings.

[0025] The openings can be slit-shaped. The openings make it possible to see into the case stub catching device, for example, to determine how much the case stub catching device is already filled with case stumps. The first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, the first connecting wall, and / or the second connecting wall can be fence-shaped or grid-shaped. The first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, the first connecting wall, and the second connecting wall are preferably firmly connected to one another.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the discharge base is oriented obliquely to the first side wall, obliquely to the second side wall and obliquely to the rear wall.

[0027] As previously mentioned, the discharge floor is preferably also oriented obliquely to the first connecting wall and obliquely to the second connecting wall.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the discharge base has a first base section oriented obliquely to the first side wall at a first base section inclination angle, a second base section oriented obliquely to the second side wall at a second base section inclination angle, and a third base section oriented obliquely to the rear wall at a third base section inclination angle.

[0029] The first floor section inclination angle and the second floor section inclination angle can be the same. In particular, the first floor section and the second floor section are oppositely inclined. The first floor section inclination angle and the second floor section inclination angle can each be, for example, 40° to 70°. The third floor section inclination angle can be the same as the first floor section inclination angle and the second floor section inclination angle. However, the third floor section inclination angle can also be different from the first floor section inclination angle and the second floor section inclination angle. The third floor section inclination angle can also be, for example, 40° to 70°. The third floor section is arranged between the first floor section and the second floor section. The third floor section can be positioned rotated by 90° to the first floor section and the second floor section.The first floor section is connected to the first side wall, the second floor section is connected to the second side wall, and the third floor section is connected to the rear wall. The first floor section and the third floor section can additionally be connected to the first connecting wall. The second floor section and the third floor section can furthermore be additionally connected to the second connecting wall.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the discharge floor has a base floor section which is positioned parallel to and spaced from a lower edge and an upper edge of the border.

[0031] The base floor section is thus arranged between the lower edge and the upper edge. The lower edge spans a plane or lies in a plane. Accordingly, the upper edge also spans a plane or lies in a plane. The base floor section also spans a plane or lies in a plane. The plane of the base floor section is arranged between the plane of the lower edge and the plane of the upper edge. The first floor section is inclined at a first base floor section inclination angle relative to the base floor section or to the plane of the base floor section. The second floor section is accordingly inclined at a second base floor section inclination angle relative to the base floor section or to the plane of the base floor section. The first base floor section inclination angle and the second base floor section inclination angle can be, for example, 10° to 20°.The first base floor section inclination angle and the second base floor section inclination angle can be the same. The third floor section is inclined at a third base floor section inclination angle relative to the base floor section or to the plane of the base floor section. The third base floor section inclination angle can, for example, also be 10° to 20°. Accordingly, the first floor section, the second floor section, and the third floor section are also inclined at their respective base floor section inclination angles to the plane of the lower edge and to the plane of the upper edge. The plane of the lower edge and the plane of the upper edge are arranged parallel to one another and run at a distance from one another.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the base floor section forms a plane to which the first floor section, the second floor section and the third floor section are each inclined at a base floor section inclination angle.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the base floor section inclination angles can be different or the same. In particular, the first base floor section inclination angle of the first floor section and the second base floor section inclination angle of the second floor section are the same. The first floor section and the second floor section are inclined in opposite directions. The third floor section is arranged between the first floor section and the second floor section, wherein the third floor section is preferably placed perpendicular to the first floor section and the second floor section. The base floor section can have an opening or aperture for a slip ring or a hatch. The base floor section inclination angles and the floor section inclination angles are preferably different. The floor section inclination angles are preferably greater than the base floor section inclination angles.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the border has catch elements that point obliquely in the direction of the discharge floor.

[0035] In particular, the catching elements are provided on the upper edge of the border. The catching elements protrude into the interior of the case stub catching device bordered or limited by the border. The catching elements are inclined in particular at a catching element inclination angle relative to the border, in particular to the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear wall, the first connecting wall and / or the second connecting wall. The catching element inclination angle is preferably less than 90°. With the help of the catching elements, case stubs sliding towards the border are either tipped over or fixed in place in such a way that they cannot be ejected from the case stub catching device, for example in the event of a mine detonation of the vehicle. The same applies to case stubs that have already tipped over and come to rest beneath the catching elements.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, each capture element has a triangular geometry, with a tip of the triangular geometry pointing in the direction of the discharge base.

[0037] In particular, the catch elements are tooth-shaped. The catch elements can therefore also be referred to as fangs. However, the catch elements can also be tubular. The catch elements can be manufactured by cutting the border into a jagged shape at its upper edge and folding it towards the interior. The catch elements can be provided along the entire upper edge of the border. Furthermore, the upper edge can also be only partially provided with catch elements. For example, a section of the upper edge of one of the side walls can be provided that does not have any catch elements.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the discharge base has ball rollers.

[0039] The discharge base can be completely covered with ball transfer units. Alternatively, the discharge base can also be partially covered with ball transfer units. For example, ball transfer units are provided on the first base section, the second base section, and / or the third base section. The ball transfer units facilitate the transport of the sleeve stubs along the base sections toward the edge.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the sleeve stub catching device has steps for entering the sleeve stub catching device and / or recesses for at least partially guiding torsion bars of a track drive of the vehicle through the sleeve stub catching device.

[0041] For example, a fastening web extending into the interior of the sleeve stub catching device is formed on the first floor section, to which the steps are attached. The number of steps is arbitrary. For example, two steps are provided. Using the steps, a crew member of the vehicle can step onto the sleeve stub catching device and, for example, remove sleeve stubs from the sleeve stub catching device. The steps can also prevent the crew member from stepping on the ball rollers. The steps can also be referred to as tread surfaces. The steps can be arranged at different heights, so that the steps can be arranged like stairs or steps. The recesses are provided on the lower edge of the border. In particular, the recesses are provided on the first side wall and on the second side wall.The recesses can pass through the first floor section and through the second floor section.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the discharge base and the border form a one-piece, in particular a one-piece material, component.

[0043] "Integral" or "single-piece" in this context means that the discharge base and the surround are not composed of separate sub-components, but rather form a single component, specifically the sleeve stub catching device. For example, the sleeve stub catching device can be a bent and stamped sheet metal component. Alternatively, the sleeve stub catching device can also be a welded component. In this case, the discharge base and the surround can be welded together, for example. The sleeve stub catching device can also be a combined bent, stamped, and welded sheet metal component. "Single-piece material" in this context means that the discharge base and the surround are made entirely of the same material. The sleeve stub catching device can be made, for example, from aluminum sheet or steel sheet. Fiber composite materials can also be used to manufacture the sleeve stub catching device.A mixture of different materials is also possible.

[0044] Furthermore, a vehicle, in particular a battle tank, with such a shell stub catching device is proposed, wherein the shell stub catching device is attached to a turret of the vehicle or to a vehicle hull of the vehicle.

[0045] The vehicle is preferably a tracked vehicle. However, the vehicle can also be a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle hull is protected against shelling, booby traps, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, or the like. The shell stub catcher can be mounted on a floor of the vehicle hull. For example, the shell stub catcher can be welded or bolted to the floor. Torsion bars of a tracked vehicle of the vehicle run through the vehicle hull. The torsion bars are guided through the shell stub catcher at least in sections. For this purpose, the aforementioned recesses are provided on the lower edge of the shell stub catcher. As an alternative to the vehicle hull, the shell stub catcher can also be mounted on the turret, in particular on a floor of a turret platform of the turret. In this case, the turret can, for example, be unmanned.

[0046] The embodiments and features described for the proposed sleeve stub catching device apply accordingly to the proposed vehicle and vice versa.

[0047] "One" in this case is not necessarily limited to a single element. Rather, multiple elements, such as two, three, or more, may be included. Any other counting term used here should not be understood as implying a limitation to the exact number of elements stated. Rather, numerical deviations upwards and downwards are possible unless otherwise stated.

[0048] Further possible implementations of the sleeve stub catching device and / or the vehicle also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the sleeve stub catching device and / or the vehicle.

[0049] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the sleeve stub catching device and / or the vehicle are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the sleeve stub catching device and / or the vehicle described below. The sleeve stub catching device and / or the vehicle are explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a military vehicle; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a shell stub catching device for the vehicle; Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the shell stub catching device according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the sleeve stub catching device according to the section line IV-IV of Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 shows the detailed view V according to Fig. 3 ; and Fig. 6 shows the detailed view VI according to Fig. 4 .

[0050] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0051] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a military vehicle 1.

[0052] The military vehicle 1 is referred to simply as a vehicle below. The vehicle 1 is a highly protected vehicle. For this purpose, the vehicle 1 has armor plating. The vehicle 1 is a tracked vehicle. In particular, the vehicle 1 can be a battle tank. However, the vehicle 1 can also be an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored recovery vehicle, or the like. However, the vehicle 1 can also be a wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 1 is armed.

[0053] Vehicle 1 is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction, the longitudinal direction or x-direction x, a second spatial direction, the transverse direction or y-direction y, and a third spatial direction, the vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, and z are oriented perpendicular to one another. A direction of gravity g can be oriented essentially opposite to the z-direction z.

[0054] The vehicle 1 comprises a protected vehicle hull 2, which accommodates a crew member of the vehicle 1. The vehicle hull 2 ​​is protected against fire, booby traps, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, or the like. The vehicle hull 2 ​​encloses an interior 3 in which the crew can be located. The interior 3 of the vehicle hull 2 ​​can be entered and exited from an area 4 of the vehicle 1 via hatches or doors.

[0055] The vehicle 1 can have a turret 5 with a weapon or armament 6. The turret 5 can also enclose part of the interior 3. Thus, the interior 3 can also be arranged at least partially outside the vehicle hull 2, namely in the turret 5. The turret 5 is rotatably mounted on the vehicle hull 2. The turret 5 can include an electric or hydraulic drive to rotate the turret 5. However, the turret 5 can also be operated manually if the drive fails. The armament 6 can be a smoothbore cannon. The armament 6 can be a primary armament or main armament. For example, the armament 6 can have a caliber of 130 mm. A secondary armament, for example in the form of a machine gun, can also be provided.

[0056] The vehicle 1 further comprises a tracked drive 7, with the aid of which the vehicle 1 can move on a surface 8 in a direction of travel 9.

[0057] However, this does not exclude the possibility that the vehicle 1, for example in reverse gear, can also move in the opposite direction to the direction of travel 9. In the orientation of the Fig. 1 the direction of travel 9 is oriented along the x-direction x.

[0058] The track drive 7 comprises a revolving chain 10, which is driven by a drive roller 11. The drive roller 11 is provided at the rear. In the orientation of the Fig. 1 When the vehicle 1 moves in the direction of travel 9, the chain 10 rotates clockwise. The chain 10 can have a plurality of interconnected chain links that are movably connected to one another. The chain links are made of a metallic material, such as steel. However, the chain 10 can also be a rubber chain or have rubber elements.

[0059] The drive roller 11 is operatively connected to a drive of the vehicle 1. The drive can, for example, comprise an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, and a transmission. Furthermore, the track drive 7 comprises a plurality of track rollers 12, of which Fig. 1 only one is provided with a reference symbol. For example, seven such chain rollers 12 are provided on each side of the vehicle 1. However, the number of chain rollers 12 is fundamentally arbitrary. Furthermore, the track drive 7 comprises a deflection roller 13. The deflection roller 13 is provided at the front. Conversely, the drive roller 11 can also be arranged at the front and the deflection roller 13 at the rear.

[0060] The track drive 7 preferably comprises two chains 10, which are arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, viewed along the direction of travel 9. Accordingly, the track drive 7 also comprises a pair of drive rollers 11 arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, any number of track rollers 12, which are also arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, and a pair of deflection rollers 13.

[0061] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a shell stub catching device 14 for the vehicle 1, in particular for the armament 6. The Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the shell stub catching device 14. The Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the sleeve stub catching device 14 according to the section line IV-IV of the Fig. 3 . The Fig. 5 shows the detailed view V according to the Fig. 3 . The Fig. 6 shows the detail view VI according to the Fig. 4 . The following refers to the Fig. 2 bis 6 referred to at the same time.

[0062] The case stub catching device 14 is designed to catch case stub 15 ejected, expelled or extracted from the weapon 6, some of which are in the Fig. 2 are shown. The case stubs 15 are part of a cartridge ammunition or cartridge ammunition of the armament 6. Such cartridge ammunition has a case, a propellant charge, and a projectile. When the armament 6 is fired, a hollow cylindrical part of the case burns away, so that only the case stub 15 remains. The case stub 15 has a metallic case base 16 and an ignition tube 17 welded to it. Each case stub 15 can have a length of, for example, 300 millimeters.

[0063] The aforementioned geometry and dimensions of the cartridge case stub 15 can lead to handling problems, particularly when using an automatic loader for the weapon 6. These handling problems include, for example, damage to sensitive components of the turret 5 when picking out the cartridge case stub 15 or jamming of the cartridge case stub 15 during aiming movements of the weapon 6. Furthermore, it is undesirable for the cartridge case stub 15 to lie undefined under the turret 5 in the vehicle hull 2.

[0064] Furthermore, in an unmanned turret 5, the shell stubs 15 cannot be visually inspected and manually sorted and / or disposed of. Randomly upright shell stubs 15 can collide with the breech of the weapon 6 when the weapon 6 is fired. Loose shell stubs 15 can become secondary projectiles when the vehicle 1 is loaded with mines. These aforementioned problems can be solved or at least reduced with the aid of the shell stubs catching device 14.

[0065] As the Fig. 3 and 4 show, the sleeve stub catching device 14 is arranged on a floor 18 of the vehicle body 2. The sleeve stub catching device 14 can be screwed to the floor 18. The floor 18 has an outer surface 19 facing the environment 4 and an inner surface 20 facing the interior 3. The sleeve stub catching device 14 is arranged on or on the inner surface 20. In the orientation of the Fig. 3 and 4Above the floor 18 torsion bars 21 of the track drive 7 run along the y-direction y through the vehicle body 2. The number of torsion bars 21 is arbitrary. In the Fig. 4 Two torsion bars 21 are shown by way of example, only one of which is provided with a reference numeral. The torsion bars 21 thus extend through the interior space 3. The torsion bars 21 can be located in recesses 22 of the floor 18 provided on the inner surface 20. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Alternatively, the sleeve stub catching device 14 can also be mounted on the tower 5, in particular on a floor of a tower platform of the tower 5.

[0066] The sleeve stub catcher 14 can be a bent and stamped sheet metal component. For example, the sleeve stub catcher 14 can be made of an aluminum alloy, in particular aluminum sheet. The sleeve stub catcher 14 can also be made of sheet steel. However, fiber composite materials can also be used. A combination of different materials can also be used to manufacture the sleeve stub catcher 14.

[0067] The case stub catcher 14 comprises a border 23, which, however, does not completely extend around the case stub catcher 14, but is open towards the front, i.e., towards the armament 6. The border 23 has a first side wall 24 and a second side wall 25. The side walls 24, 25 are spaced apart from one another along the y-direction y and positioned parallel to one another. The side walls 24, 25 are oriented parallel to a plane spanned by the x-direction x and the z-direction z. Each side wall 24, 25 has an opening 26, 27. The openings 26, 27 allow a view through the side walls 24, 25, for example, to check how full the case stub catcher 14 is with case stubs 15.

[0068] A rear wall 28 is arranged between the two side walls 24, 25. The rear wall 28 also has an opening 29. The rear wall 28 is oriented perpendicular to the side walls 24, 25. The first side wall 24 is connected to the rear wall 28 by means of a first connecting wall 30 running obliquely to the first side wall 24. The first connecting wall 30 is also oriented obliquely to the rear wall 28. The second side wall 25 is connected to the rear wall 28 by means of a second connecting wall 31 running obliquely to the second side wall 25. The second connecting wall 31 is also oriented obliquely to the rear wall 28. Each connecting wall 30, 31 has an opening 32, 33.

[0069] The border 23 has a shape which is oriented in the Fig. 2 bis 4 lower edge 34 provided on the underside and one in the orientation of the Fig. 2 bis 4 upper edge 35 provided on the top side. Recesses 36, 37 for the torsion bars 21 are provided on the lower edge 34. In particular, the side walls 24, 25 have the recesses 36, 37. The torsion bars 21 can thus be guided at least partially through the sleeve stub catching device 14. The number of recesses 36, 37 is arbitrary. For example, two, three, four, or more than four such recesses 36, 37 can be provided. In particular, such recesses 36, 37 can also be provided in the region of the rear wall 28.

[0070] Catch elements 38 are provided on the upper edge 35, of which Fig. 2 bis 4 only one of each is provided with a reference symbol. The catching elements 38 are triangular or tooth-shaped. The catching elements 38 can be attached to the side walls 24, 25, the rear wall 28, and / or the connecting walls 30, 31. Starting from the upper edge 35, the catching elements 38 project obliquely downward toward the lower edge 34 into an interior space 39 of the sleeve stub catching device 14, which interior space is delimited by the border.

[0071] As in the Fig. 5 As shown with reference to the first side wall 24, the catch elements 38 are each inclined at a catch element inclination angle α relative to the side walls 24, 25, the rear wall 28, and / or the connecting walls 30, 31. The catch element inclination angle α is less than 90°, so that a tip 40 of the respective catch element 38 projects obliquely downward into the interior space 39. The tip 40 can be beveled. This can result in a hook-shaped or barbed geometry of the tip 40.

[0072] In addition to the border 23, the sleeve stub catching device 14 has a discharge base 41 which is connected to the border 23. The discharge base 41 comprises a central base base section 42 with an opening 43 for a slip ring (not shown). The base base section 42 is positioned parallel to and spaced from the lower edge 34 and the upper edge 35. Viewed along the z-direction z, the base base section 42 is thus positioned between the lower edge 34 and the upper edge 35. In particular, the base base section 42 lies in a plane 44 which is arranged both parallel to a plane 45 spanned by the lower edge 34 and parallel to a plane 46 spanned by the upper edge 35.

[0073] The base floor section 42 is connected to the first side wall 24 by means of a first floor section 47. For this purpose, the first floor section 47 runs obliquely from the base floor section 42 to the lower edge 34. The first floor section 47 is thus inclined at a first base floor section inclination angle β1 relative to the base floor section 42 or to the plane 44. The first base floor section inclination angle β1 can be, for example, 10° to 20°. The first floor section 47 can also be connected to the first connecting wall 30. The recesses 36, 37 extend into the first floor section 47. The first floor section 47 is further inclined at a first floor section inclination angle γ1 relative to the first side wall 24. The first floor section inclination angle γ1 is less than 90°.

[0074] The base floor section 42 is further connected to the second side wall 25 by means of a second floor section 48. For this purpose, the second floor section 48 extends obliquely from the base floor section 42 to the lower edge 34. The second floor section 48 is thus inclined at a second base floor section inclination angle β2 relative to the base floor section 42 or to the plane 44. The second base floor section inclination angle β2 can be, for example, 10° to 20°. The two base floor section inclination angles β1, β2 are equal. The second floor section 48 can also be connected to the second connecting wall 31. Recesses 36, 37, as previously mentioned, also extend into the second floor section 48. The second floor section 48 is further inclined at a second floor section inclination angle β2 relative to the second side wall 25. The second floor section inclination angle β2 is less than 90°.The soil section inclination angles γ1, y2 can be equal.

[0075] The discharge floor 41 further comprises a third floor section 49, which connects the base floor section 42 to the rear wall 28. In addition, the third floor section 49 can connect the base floor section 42 to the two connecting walls 30, 31. The third floor section 49 extends obliquely downward from the base floor section 42 to the lower edge 34. The third floor section 49 is thus inclined at a third base floor section inclination angle β3 relative to the base floor section 42 or the plane 44. The third base floor section inclination angle β3 can be, for example, 10° to 20°. The third base floor section inclination angle β3 and the base floor section inclination angles α1, 62 can be the same. However, this is not mandatory. The third floor section 49 is further inclined at a third floor section inclination angle γ3 relative to the rear wall 28. The third soil section inclination angle γ3 is less than 90°.

[0076] The first floor section 47 is connected to the second floor section 48 by means of the third floor section 49. Viewed along the y-direction y, the third floor section 49 is thus positioned between the first floor section 47 and the second floor section 48. Because the first floor section 47 and the second floor section 48 are inclined relative to the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 25, and because the third floor section 49 is inclined relative to the rear wall 28, the discharge floor 41 has a truncated pyramid-shaped structure, at least in sections. This means that all floor sections 47, 48, 49 slope downwards, starting from the base floor section 42, toward the lower edge 34.

[0077] A fastening web 50 may be attached to the first base section 47, to which steps 51, 52 are mounted for entry and exit into and out of the case stub catching device 14. This facilitates removal of the case stubs 15 from the case stub catching device 14.

[0078] The first floor section 47, the second floor section 48 and / or the third floor section 49 can, as shown in the Fig. 6as shown by way of example using the third base section 49, be at least partially or completely covered with ball rollers 53. This facilitates transport of the sleeve stubs 15 from the base base section 42 of the discharge base 41 outwards in the direction of the border 23. For mounting the ball rollers 53, openings 54 are provided in the respective base section 47, 48, 49, in which openings a respective housing 55 of the ball roller 53 is received. The housing 55 can rest with a collar 56 on a front surface 57 of the respective base section 47, 48, 49 facing the interior 39, wherein the housing 55 can protrude beyond a rear surface 58 of the respective base section 47, 48, 49. The collar 56 can also be arranged flush with the front surface 57. A freely rotatable ball 59 is received in the housing 55.

[0079] The functionality of the case stub catching device 14 is explained below. Due to the inclined position of the base sections 47, 48, 49 and the provision of the ball rollers 53 on the base sections 47, 48, 49, case stubs 15 striking the discharge base 41 are guided outward toward the edge 23 and come to rest on the discharge base 41. The movement of the case stubs 15 on the discharge base 41 toward the edge 23 is due to gravity, i.e., due to the respective dead weight of the case stubs 15.

[0080] With the aid of the catching elements 38, shell stubs 15 sliding toward the edge 23 are either tipped over or fixed in such a way that they cannot be ejected from the shell stump catching device 14, for example, in the event of a mine detonation of the vehicle 1. The same applies to shell stubs 15 that have already tipped over, which come to rest on the deflection floor 41 under the catching elements 38.

[0081] The deflection floor 41 can allow the case stubs 15 to slide sideways beneath the turret 5, thus avoiding the risk of collision with the breech of the weapon 6. Lying case stubs 15 roll sideways. Upright case stubs 15 slide sideways, with the firing tube 17, however, being inclined in such a way as to avoid a collision with the breech. The catching elements 38 fix lying and upright case stubs 15 and minimize the danger posed by secondary projectiles in the event of a mine load on the vehicle 1. The additional ball rollers 53 facilitate the rolling and sliding of the case stubs 15. The case stub catching device 14 can, however, be used not only for case stubs 15, but also for complete cases.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0083] 1Vehicle 2Vehicle hull 3Interior 4Surroundings 5Turret 6Armament 7Track 8Subsurface 9Direction of travel 10Track 11Drive roller 12Track roller 13Deflection roller 14Case stub catcher 15Case stub 16Case base 17Ignition tube 18Base 19Outer surface 20Inner surface 21Torsion bar 22Recess 23Border 24Side wall 25Side wall 26Breakthrough 27Breakthrough 28Rear wall 29Breakthrough 30Connecting wall 31Connecting wall 32Breakthrough 33Breakthrough 34Lower edge 35Top edge 36Recess 37Recess 38Breakthrough element 39Interior 40Tip 41Discharge base 42Base base section 43Breakthrough 44Level 45Level 46Level 47Base section 48Base section 49Base section 50Fastening web 51Step 52Step 53Ball transfer unit 54Breakthrough 55Housing 56Collar 57Front surface 58Rear surface 59Ball gGravity direction xx-direction yy-direction zz-direction αCatch element inclination angle β1Base floor section inclination angle β2Base floor section inclination angle β3Base floor section inclination angle γ1Floor section inclination angle y2Floor section inclination angle γ3Floor section inclination angle

Claims

1. A cartridge case stub catching device (14) for an armament (6) of a vehicle (1), in particular a battle tank, with a deflection base (41) and a border (23) extending partially around the deflection base (41), wherein the deflection base (41) is shaped such that cartridge case stumps (15) striking the deflection base (41) move on the deflection base (41) in the direction of the border (23) due to gravity.

2. Sleeve stub catching device according to claim 1, characterized by that the discharge base (41) is oriented at least in sections obliquely to the border (23).

3. Sleeve stub catching device according to claim 2, characterized by that the discharge base (41) has a truncated pyramid-shaped geometry at least in sections.

4. Shell stub catching device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by thatthe border (23) has a first side wall (24), a second side wall (25) and a rear wall (28) arranged between the first side wall (24) and the second side wall (25).

5. Shell stub catching device according to claim 4, characterized by that the first side wall (24) and the rear wall (28) are connected to one another by means of a first connecting wall (30) oriented obliquely to the first side wall (24) and obliquely to the rear wall (28), wherein the second side wall (25) and the rear wall (28) are connected to one another by means of a second connecting wall (31) oriented obliquely to the second side wall (25) and obliquely to the rear wall (28).

6. Sleeve stub catching device according to claim 5, characterized by that the first side wall (24), the second side wall (25), the rear wall (28), the first connecting wall (30) and / or the second connecting wall (31) have openings (26, 27, 29, 32, 33).

7. Sleeve stub catching device according to one of claims 4 - 6, characterized by that the discharge base (41) is oriented obliquely to the first side wall (24), obliquely to the second side wall (25) and obliquely to the rear wall (28).

8. Sleeve stub catching device according to one of claims 4 - 7, characterized by that the discharge base (41) has a first base section (47) which is oriented obliquely to the first side wall (24) at a first base section inclination angle (y1), a second base section (48) which is oriented obliquely to the second side wall (25) at a second base section inclination angle (y2), and a third base section (49) which is oriented obliquely to the rear wall (28) at a third base section inclination angle (y3).

9. Shell stub catching device according to claim 8, characterized by thatthe discharge base (41) has a base base section (42) which is positioned parallel to and spaced from a lower edge (34) and an upper edge (35) of the border (23).

10. Shell stub catching device according to claim 9, characterized by that the base floor section (42) forms a plane (44) to which the first floor section (47), the second floor section (48) and the third floor section (49) are each inclined at a base floor section inclination angle (β1, β2, β3).

11. Sleeve stub catching device according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized by that the border (23) has catch elements (38) which point obliquely in the direction of the discharge base (41).

12. Shell stub catching device according to claim 11, characterized by that each catching element (38) has a triangular geometry, wherein a tip (40) of the triangular geometry points in the direction of the discharge base (41).

13. Sleeve stub catching device according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized by that the discharge base (41) has ball rollers (53).

14. Sleeve stub catching device according to one of claims 1 - 13, characterized by Steps (51, 52) for accessing the sleeve stub catching device (14) and / or recesses (36, 37) for at least partially passing through torsion bars (21) of a tracked drive (7) of the vehicle (1) through the shell stub catching device (14).

15. Vehicle (1), in particular a battle tank, with a shell stub catching device (14) according to one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the shell stub catching device (14) is attached to a turret (5) of the vehicle (1) or to a vehicle hull (2) of the vehicle (1).