Ammunition loading box and system

Abstract

The invention relates to an ammunition loading box (14A-14C) for cartridge ammunition (15), in particular for a vehicle (1), having an ammunition-receiving element (16) that encloses a receiving space (17) for receiving precisely one piece of cartridge ammunition (15), a lateral opening (22, 39, 42), which is provided on the ammunition-receiving element (16) and through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the surroundings (4) of the ammunition loading box (14A-14C), and a lateral flap (23, 40, 43), which is attached to the ammunition-receiving element (16) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (24, 41, 44), about the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) from an open state (Z2), in which the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) releases the lateral opening (22, 39, 42), into a closed state (Z1), in which the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) closes the lateral opening (22, 39, 42), and vice versa, wherein the pivot axis (24, 41, 44) is oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction (19) of the ammunition loading box (14A-14C). 320 A L G -A N M – 0 3 / 1 2 / 2 0 1 9

Description

[0001] AMMUNITION LOADING BOX AND SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to an ammunition loading box and a system comprising such an ammunition loading box.

[0003] According to internal company findings, the loading of military vehicles, especially main battle tanks, with cartridges is often done manually. The step of loading a main battle tank with cartridges is not only very labor-intensive and energy-intensive, as the ammunition is usually heavy, but handling the ammunition can also pose a safety risk. The cartridges are therefore usually transported in special ammunition boxes designed for the respective ammunition size and / or type. This means that a particular ammunition box can often hold exactly one type and / or size of ammunition. For filling ammunition boxes, they often have a single opening located at one axial end of one of the main extensions of the ammunition box. This opening is often closed with a lid that is screwed onto the axial end of the ammunition box.In order to inspect the ammunition contained in such an ammunition box, the ammunition must first be removed from the ammunition box, which represents a time-consuming additional work step.

[0004] Such internally known ammunition boxes therefore have the disadvantage that the ammunition contained in the ammunition box is not accessible for quick inspection, quick maintenance and / or quick use.

[0005] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved ammunition box. Accordingly, an ammunition loading box for cartridged ammunition, in particular for a vehicle, is proposed, comprising an ammunition receiving element that encloses a receiving space for receiving precisely one piece of cartridged ammunition, a lateral opening provided on the ammunition receiving element through which the receiving space is accessible from the surroundings of the ammunition loading box, and a lateral flap that is pivotably attached to the ammunition receiving element about a pivot axis in order to move the lateral flap from an open state, in which the lateral flap releases the lateral opening, to a closed state, in which the lateral flap closes the lateral opening, and vice versa. The pivot axis is oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box.

[0006] This advantageously allows the loaded ammunition located in the ammunition loading box to be fully inspected along its longest extent when the side flap is open, inspected, serviced, removed from the ammunition loading box perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and / or loaded into the ammunition loading box. This facilitates the inspection of loaded ammunition while also ensuring quick access to loaded ammunition. This can be a fundamental advantage, particularly in emergency situations.

[0007] The ammunition receiving element represents a housing of the ammunition loading box and can therefore also be referred to as a housing. The ammunition receiving element preferably has four side walls and two end walls. The side walls and end walls can be substantially flat and connected to one another at angles of 90° via sharp edges. However, it is preferred to chamfer the edges. This allows the ammunition loading box to be designed to be particularly space-saving. The receiving space can also be provided for receiving two or more pieces of cartridged ammunition. However, it is preferred that the ammunition loading box is designed so that exactly one piece of cartridged ammunition can be received in the receiving space. The side opening preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box.

[0008] The vehicle is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction, longitudinal direction or x-direction, a second spatial direction, transverse direction or y-direction and a third spatial direction, vertical direction or z-direction. The x-, y- and z-directions are oriented perpendicular to one another. The ammunition loading box is oriented along the first spatial direction. This means that the ammunition box has its longest spatial extent along the first spatial direction. In addition, a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall, which are assigned to the ammunition receiving element, extend along the first spatial direction. A first end wall and a second end wall of the ammunition receiving element face each other along the first spatial direction. The first spatial direction can therefore also be referred to as the longitudinal direction. A direction of gravity can be oriented essentially opposite the z-direction.

[0009] "Parallel" is understood here to mean that parallel components have an angular deviation of less than ±10°, ±5°, ±2.5°, ±1.5°, ±1°, or ±0.5° relative to one another, with the values ​​being arranged in descending order. "Perpendicular" is understood here to mean that perpendicular components are arranged at an angle of 90° relative to one another with an angular deviation of less than ±10°, ±5°, ±2.5°, ±1.5°, ±1°, or ±0.5°, with the values ​​being arranged in descending order.

[0010] "Cartridged ammunition" is understood here to mean ammunition in the form of a cartridge with a cartridge case containing a propellant charge and a projectile. The dimensions of the side opening are such that cartridged ammunition can be moved through the side opening from the area surrounding the ammunition loading box into the receiving space of the ammunition loading box and vice versa. Preferably, the ammunition loading box is configured so that cartridged ammunition can be arranged in the receiving space such that the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box coincides with the longest dimension of the cartridged ammunition to be used, i.e., the direction of the longest dimension of the cartridged ammunition to be used is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a first lateral opening provided on the ammunition receiving element, through which the receiving space is accessible from the environment, a second lateral opening provided on the ammunition receiving element, through which the receiving space is accessible from the environment, a first lateral flap which is pivotably attached to the ammunition receiving element about a first pivot axis in order to move the first lateral flap from the open state to the closed state and vice versa, and a second lateral flap which is pivotably attached to the ammunition receiving element about a second pivot axis in order to move the second lateral flap from the open state to the closed state and vice versa, wherein the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are preferably arranged at a distance from one another. For example, the first pivot axis can be arranged on one of the side walls of the ammunition loading box and the second pivot axis can be arranged on another of the side walls of the ammunition loading box. As a result, the first side flap and the second side flap are arranged on different side walls of the ammunition loading box. Advantageously, this allows the ammunition loading box to be opened in different directions. This enables access to the receiving space regardless of a possible orientation and / or arrangement of the ammunition loading box. Furthermore, work on cartridged ammunition stored in the receiving space can be carried out by several users from different directions.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition receiving element has a front opening provided on the ammunition receiving element, through which the receiving space is accessible from the surroundings of the ammunition loading box, wherein the front opening can be closed by means of a front flap.

[0014] In this case, "frontal" refers to an arrangement on one of the walls of the ammunition loading box that faces in the same direction as the ammunition loading box's longitudinal direction or opposite to it. Consequently, the frontal opening can also be referred to as a front and / or rear opening. The frontal opening advantageously makes it possible to insert or remove cartridges from the ammunition loading box along the longitudinal direction. This allows for the insertion and / or removal of cartridges from the ammunition loading box in a particularly space-saving manner. Furthermore, in the case of several ammunition loading boxes arranged next to one another, in particular one above the other, the insertion and / or removal of cartridges can be performed without first having to move one of the ammunition loading boxes.In addition, loaded cartridges can be transferred directly and quickly into the vehicle via the front opening in the receiving compartment, either manually or with the aid of a tool. For example, the ammunition loading box can be used to transfer cartridges into the vehicle's automatic loader. The automatic loader is a device attached to the vehicle and located in the turret for expedited handling of cartridges within the vehicle's interior, for example, to transfer cartridges to the weapon system.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the front flap is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element about a hinge axis, wherein the hinge axis is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0016] The front flap can be pivoted about the hinge axis to move the front flap from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. By orienting the hinge axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, the front flap can advantageously be pivoted and / or moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows, for example, the ammunition loading crate to be mounted on the front of the vehicle's turret.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition receiving element has a first front opening through which the receiving space is accessible from the surroundings of the ammunition loading box, and a second front opening through which the receiving space is accessible from the surroundings of the ammunition loading box, wherein the first front opening can be closed by means of a first front flap, wherein the second front opening can be closed by means of a second front flap, and wherein the first front opening and the second front opening are arranged opposite one another.

[0018] In addition to a first front opening, the ammunition loading box therefore also has a second front opening. The ammunition loading box therefore has an opening on both of the walls of the ammunition loading box that point in or opposite to the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box. This advantageously allows cartridges to be inserted into the ammunition loading box on one front side along the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box and removed again on an opposite front side. Cartridges can therefore also be guided completely through the ammunition loading box along the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box. In particular, if the ammunition loading box is arranged on the vehicle's automatic loader, this can accelerate and facilitate the loading of the vehicle.The first front flap can be pivoted about a first hinge axis to move it from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. The second front flap can be pivoted about a second hinge axis to move the second front flap from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. Both the first hinge axis and the second hinge axis are preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a connecting unit, in particular a bayonet lock, for positively connecting the ammunition loading box to a turret of a vehicle.

[0020] The connecting unit is designed to connect the ammunition loading box to the vehicle's turret. For this purpose, the connecting unit can be configured, for example, as a screw connection or a snap-in connection. However, it is preferred that the connecting unit be designed as a bayonet connection. With a bayonet connection, two components form a positive connection through a sequential sliding and rotating movement relative to one another. This advantageously allows the ammunition loading box to be connected to the vehicle's turret particularly quickly and easily. According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has an additional securing device, in particular a lashing strap, for securing a position of the cartridge-loaded ammunition in the receiving space.

[0021] The ammunition loading box preferably has an additional securing device with which the position and / or orientation of cartridged ammunition loaded in the receiving space can be positively secured. "Securing" in this context means, in particular, that unintentional movement and / or twisting and / or tilting of loaded cartridged ammunition can be prevented. This additional securing device can, for example, be designed in the form of inserts and / or filler material inserted into the receiving space. However, the additional securing device is preferably designed as a lashing strap. This advantageously allows the ammunition loading box to accommodate different types and / or sizes of ammunition without the need for additional securing devices, which in particular must be adapted for the respective ammunition.Furthermore, this allows for the insertion and / or removal of cartridges into the ammunition loading box to be carried out particularly quickly and easily. At the same time, securing cartridges within the ammunition loading box significantly increases safety during storage and / or transport.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition receiving element has a honeycomb structure on the outside facing away from the receiving space.

[0023] The ammunition receiving element is preferably designed in a so-called lightweight construction. For this purpose, one or more side walls of the ammunition receiving element can be designed with particularly thin walls, wherein the necessary stability is achieved by providing a so-called honeycomb structure on an outer side of a side wall designed in a lightweight construction, facing away from the receiving space. This honeycomb structure is an arrangement of rib structures along several overlapping directions. By designing at least one of the side walls as a honeycomb structure, this side wall can be designed to be particularly lightweight. This advantageously reduces the overall mass of the ammunition loading crate. This simplifies handling of the ammunition loading crate and simultaneously reduces the required labor and makes it safer.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a quick-release fastener provided on the ammunition receiving element for positively connecting the ammunition loading box to another ammunition loading box.

[0025] The quick-release fastener can in particular be a so-called mini twistlock. Such a fastener can be designed analogously to a so-called twistlock, as is used for example for ISO containers. The ammunition loading crate is thereby adapted to be connected to another ammunition loading crate along a horizontal or vertical direction. This allows several ammunition loading crates to be arranged as a horizontally aligned flat row, as a vertically aligned row and / or as a stack with ammunition loading crates arranged along at least two spatial directions. This advantageously makes it easier and faster to load several ammunition loading crates. In addition, this can make it easier to attach ammunition loading crates to the vehicle.This is especially true if the vehicle has a fastening option designed to accommodate the quick-release fastener, so that the ammunition loading crate can be connected to the vehicle without additional securing devices, such as tensioning straps or screws. This advantageously enables the ammunition loading crate to be quickly attached to the vehicle for transport. According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading crate has a lifting eyelet provided on the ammunition receiving element for lifting the ammunition loading crate.

[0026] The lifting eyelet is designed in particular so that the ammunition loading crate can be picked up and transported by a crane. For this purpose, the lifting eyelet can be designed, for example, as a closed ring or as a hook. However, it is also conceivable to provide a screw connection on the ammunition receiving element instead of the lifting eyelet, by means of which the lifting eyelet can be connected to the ammunition loading crate.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a carrying handle provided on the ammunition receiving element for carrying the ammunition loading box.

[0028] The carrying handle is provided, in particular, on the outside of the ammunition receiving element. The carrying handle is designed such that the ammunition loading box can be carried manually by a user. A handle can be arranged at any location on the outside of the ammunition loading box. However, it is preferred that a carrying handle be arranged centrally on a side wall of the ammunition loading box, relative to the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box. This makes the ammunition loading box particularly easy to carry manually by a single user.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading crate has a plurality of carrying handles which are provided on the ammunition receiving element in such a way that, viewed along the longitudinal direction, one carrying handle is arranged between two further carrying handles. In this case, all carrying handles could be arranged on the same side wall of the ammunition loading crate. However, it is preferred that one of the carrying handles is arranged on one of the side walls of the ammunition loading crate, while two carrying handles are arranged on another of the side walls of the ammunition loading crate, with one carrying handle being arranged in the region of each of the two end faces of the ammunition loading crate. Advantageously, the ammunition loading crate can thus be carried by just one user or by two or more users simultaneously.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a guide element provided on the ammunition receiving element for guiding the cartridged ammunition, wherein the guide element is arranged within the receiving space.

[0031] The guide element is designed in particular such that cartridged ammunition is guided within the receiving space along the longitudinal direction of the ammunition loading box. Displacement of cartridged ammunition within the ammunition loading box is thus limited to only one spatial direction, namely along the longitudinal direction. This advantageously increases safety when handling cartridged ammunition.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the ammunition loading box has a running element provided on the ammunition receiving element, in particular a running roller and / or a running ball, for transporting the ammunition loading box.

[0033] The barrel element is located on the outside of the ammunition loading box. The barrel element simplifies the movement of the ammunition loading box, particularly when transported manually by a user. Furthermore, a system comprising a vehicle and an ammunition loading box as described above is proposed, wherein the ammunition loading box is positively connected to a turret of the vehicle.

[0034] The ammunition loading box can be located anywhere on the outside of the vehicle. However, it is preferred to arrange the ammunition loading box on, and in particular on, the turret of the vehicle. This advantageously allows the ammunition loading box to interact with the vehicle's automatic loader located in the turret. This makes it particularly easy and simple to transfer cartridges contained in the ammunition loading box from the ammunition loading box into the vehicle. This also explains the name of the ammunition loading box, as it is designed to be used to load the vehicle. This not only speeds up loading the vehicle, but also makes it particularly safe.

[0035] Furthermore, a stack with a plurality of ammunition loading boxes as described above is proposed, wherein the ammunition loading boxes are positively connected to one another.

[0036] The stack can be arranged on a pallet. This advantageously simplifies and accelerates the loading of multiple ammunition crates.

[0037] The embodiments and features described for the proposed ammunition loading box apply accordingly to the proposed system and the proposed stack and vice versa.

[0038] "One" in this case is not necessarily limited to a single element. Rather, multiple elements, such as two, three, or more, may also be included. Any other counting term used here should not be understood as implying a limitation to the exact number of elements mentioned. Rather, numerical deviations upwards and downwards are possible unless otherwise stated.

[0039] Further possible implementations of the ammunition loading box, the system, and / or the stack also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard 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 ammunition loading box, the system, and / or the stack.

[0040] Further advantageous configurations and aspects of the ammunition loading crate, the system, and / or the stack are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the ammunition loading crate, the system, and / or the stack described below. The ammunition loading crate, the system, and / or the stack are explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a military vehicle!

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an ammunition loading box;

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic perspective view of the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2;

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic perspective view of the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows a further schematic perspective view of the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2;

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2;

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an ammunition loading box;

[0047] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an ammunition loading box;

[0048] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system comprising the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8;

[0049] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a system comprising the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8; and

[0050] Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a stack comprising the ammunition loading box according to Fig. 2, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8.

[0051] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been provided with the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a military vehicle 1. The military vehicle 1 is hereinafter referred to simply as a vehicle. 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 can be armed or unarmed.

[0053] Vehicle 1 is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction or x-direction x, a second spatial direction, transverse direction or y-direction y, and a third spatial direction, vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, and z are oriented perpendicular to each other. 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 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, by means of which the vehicle 1 can move along a surface 8 in a direction of travel 9. However, this does not preclude the vehicle 1 from moving in the opposite direction to the direction of travel 9, for example, in reverse gear. In the orientation of Fig. 1, the direction of travel 9 is oriented along the x-direction x.

[0057] The track drive 7 comprises a revolving chain 10 driven by a drive roller 11. The drive roller 11 is located at the rear. In the orientation shown in Fig. 1, the chain 10 rotates clockwise as the vehicle 1 moves in the direction of travel 9. 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.

[0058] 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 tracked drive unit 7 comprises a plurality of track rollers 12, of which only one is provided with a reference symbol in Fig. 1. For example, seven such track rollers 12 are provided on each side of the vehicle 1. However, the number of track rollers 12 is fundamentally arbitrary. Furthermore, the tracked drive unit 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.

[0059] 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 desired number of track rollers 12, which are also arranged on both sides of the vehicle 1, and a pair of deflection rollers 13.

[0060] Figs. 2 to 5 each show a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an ammunition loading box 14A for cartridge ammunition or cartridge-loaded ammunition 15 for the vehicle 1. Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the ammunition loading box 14A. Figs. 2 to 6 will be discussed together below.

[0061] The ammunition loading crate 14A is assigned a coordinate system with a first spatial direction or x-direction x, a second spatial direction, transverse direction or y-direction y, and a third spatial direction, vertical direction or z-direction z. The directions x, y, z are oriented perpendicular to each other. This coordinate system of the ammunition loading crate 14A does not have to coincide with the aforementioned coordinate system of the vehicle 1. However, depending on the orientation of the ammunition loading crate 14A relative to the vehicle hull 2, the two coordinate systems may also coincide or be identical. In the following, the directions refer to the coordinate system of the ammunition loading crate 14A.

[0062] The ammunition loading box 14A has an ammunition receiving element 16, which completely encloses a receiving space 17 for receiving exactly one piece of the cartridge-loaded ammunition 15. The ammunition receiving element 16 can be made of aluminum sheet or plastic. Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture the ammunition receiving element 16 using a generative or additive manufacturing process, in particular using a 3D printing process. The ammunition loading box 14A can also be made of fiber-

[0063] be made of composite materials.

[0064] The ammunition receiving element 16 has a first side wall 18A, a second side wall 18B, and a third side wall 18C (Fig. 6), each extending along a longitudinal direction 19 of the ammunition loading box 14A. Preferably, exactly four side walls 18A, 18B, 18C are provided. The longitudinal direction 19 corresponds to the orientation of a longest spatial extent of the ammunition loading box 14A. The longitudinal direction 19 is oriented parallel to the x-direction x. The first side wall 18A is oriented parallel to the third side wall 18C, while the first side wall 18A is oriented perpendicular to the second side wall 18B.

[0065] Furthermore, the ammunition receiving element 16 has a first end wall 20A and a second end wall 20B (Fig. 6), wherein the first end wall 20A and the second end wall 20B are arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction 19 and oriented parallel to one another. The ammunition receiving element 16 further has chamfers 21 oriented along the longitudinal direction 19, only one of which, however, is provided with a reference numeral. By means of the chamfers 21, the first side wall 18A is connected to the second side wall 18B, and the second side wall 18B is connected to the third side wall 18C.

[0066] The ammunition loading box 14A has a lateral opening 22 (Fig. 3) which has a rectangular geometry, is arranged on the first side wall 18A, and by means of which the receiving space 17 is accessible from the environment 4 of the ammunition loading box 14A. For example, the cartridge-loaded ammunition 15 can be inserted into the receiving space 17 through the lateral opening 22 from the environment 4 along the y-direction y, or can be removed again through the lateral opening 22 from the receiving space 17 toward the environment 4. Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14A has a lateral flap 23 which is pivotably attached to the ammunition receiving element 16 about a pivot axis 24 in order to move the lateral flap 23 from a closed state ZI to an open state Z2 and vice versa. The pivot axis 24 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 19 of the ammunition loading box 14A.

[0067] The ammunition loading box 14A has a front opening 25 (Fig. 4) which has a circular geometry, is arranged on the first end wall 20A, and by means of which the receiving space 17 is accessible from the environment 4 of the ammunition loading box 14A. For example, cartridges 15 can be inserted into the receiving space 17 through the front opening 25 from the environment 4 along the longitudinal direction 19, or removed from the receiving space 17 back to the environment 4 through the front opening 25.

[0068] Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14A has a front flap 26, which is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 about a hinge axis 27 (Fig. 4) in order to move the front flap 26 from a closed state Z10 to an open state Z20 and vice versa. The hinge axis 27 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 19 of the ammunition loading box 14A.

[0069] The ammunition loading box 14A has a connecting unit 28 (Fig. 4) in the form of a bayonet lock, which is arranged at the front opening 25. With the help of the connecting unit 28, the ammunition loading box 14A can be positively connected to the turret 5 of the vehicle 1. A positive connection is created by at least two connecting partners engaging one inside the other or behind one another.

[0070] The ammunition receiving element 16 has a honeycomb structure 29 (Fig. 5) on the outside, facing away from the receiving space 17. This honeycomb structure 29 allows the mass of the ammunition loading box 14A to be reduced. For this purpose, the honeycomb structure 29 is designed as an intersection of rib structures along two spatial directions arranged perpendicular to one another. The honeycomb structure 29 can be arranged on at least one of the first side wall 18A, the second side wall 18B, the third side wall 18C, the side flap 23, and / or the front flap 26. The honeycomb structure 29 is preferably provided on all side walls 18A to 18C, the side flap 23, and the front flap 26.

[0071] The ammunition loading box 14A further comprises a quick-release fastener 30 (Fig. 5) provided on the ammunition receiving element 16 for positively connecting and / or locking the ammunition loading box 14A to another ammunition loading box 14A. A quick-release fastener 30 is attached to each of eight corners of the ammunition loading box 14A. The first side wall 18A and the third side wall 18C, as well as the quick-release fasteners 30 arranged thereon, are designed to complement one another to enable the connection of several ammunition loading boxes 14A. Preferably, the quick-release fastener 30 is also configured to positively connect the ammunition loading box 14A to the vehicle 1, more preferably to the turret 5 of the vehicle 1.

[0072] The ammunition loading box 14A further comprises a lifting eye 31 provided on the ammunition receiving element 16 for lifting the ammunition loading box 14A, in particular with the aid of a crane. The lifting eye 31 can be designed, for example, as a closed eye or as a hook. Overall, the ammunition loading box has a lifting eye 31 at at least four corners of the ammunition loading box 14A.

[0073] The ammunition loading box 14A further comprises a carrying handle 32, which is arranged on the second side wall 18B and, relative to the longitudinal direction 19 of the ammunition loading box 14A, is arranged between two further carrying handles 33, 34. The further carrying handles 33, 34 are arranged on both the first side wall 18A and the third side wall 18C. The carrying handles 32 to 34 can be designed to be retractable into the ammunition receiving element 16.

[0074] Finally, the ammunition loading box 14A has a running element 35 at at least two of the corners of the ammunition receiving element 16, which is designed as a roller and serves to transport the ammunition loading box 14A. With the help of the running element 35, the ammunition loading box 14A can be transported manually in a horizontal direction with particular ease.

[0075] Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 show the side flap 23 in the closed state ZI and the front flap 26 in the closed state Z10, so that the ammunition loading box 14A is closed to the environment 4.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows the side flap 23 in the open state Z2, so that the side flap 23 releases the side opening 22.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows the front flap 26 in the open state Z20, so that the front flap 26 releases the front opening 25.

[0078] As Fig. 6 shows, the ammunition loading box 14A has a guide element 36 provided on the ammunition receiving element 16, which is arranged within the receiving space 17. The guide element 36 serves to guide cartridged ammunition 15 along the longitudinal direction 19. The guide element 36 is thus configured to prevent a degree of freedom of the cartridged ammunition 15 along the y-direction y and / or along the z-direction z and simultaneously facilitate a movement of the cartridged ammunition 15 along the longitudinal direction 19. For this purpose, the guide element 36 can be designed as an arrangement of low-friction plastic rails. The guide element 36 also serves to protect the cartridged ammunition 15 from impacts and other external forces.

[0079] Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14A has an additional securing device 37, 38, each in the form of a lashing strap, which serves to secure the position and / or orientation of the cartridge-loaded ammunition 15 in the receiving space 17. The additional securing device 37, 38 is thus designed to prevent a degree of freedom of the cartridge-loaded ammunition 15 along the longitudinal direction 19.

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an ammunition loading box 14B.

[0081] In this embodiment of the ammunition loading box 14B, the ammunition loading box 14B, analogous to the first embodiment of the ammunition loading box 14A, has an ammunition receiving element 16, a front opening 25, and a front flap 26, which is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 about a hinge axis 27 (Fig. 4) in order to move the front flap 26 from the closed state Z10 to the open state Z20 and vice versa. The ammunition loading box 14B thus essentially corresponds in terms of its structure to that of the ammunition loading box 14A. Therefore, only differences between the two embodiments of the ammunition loading box 14A, 14B will be discussed below. The ammunition loading box 14B has a first lateral opening 39, which has a rectangular geometry and is arranged on the first side wall 18A. The first side opening 39 is by means of a first side flap

[0082] 40. The first side flap 40 is pivotable about a first pivot axis

[0083] 41 is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 in order to move the first lateral flap 40 from a closed state ZI to an open state Z2 and vice versa, as previously explained with reference to the ammunition loading box 14A.

[0084] Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14B has a second lateral opening 42, which has a rectangular geometry and can be closed by means of a second lateral flap 43. The second lateral flap 43 is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 about a second pivot axis 44 in order to move the second lateral flap 43 from a closed state ZI to an open state Z2 and vice versa.

[0085] In Fig. 7, the first lateral flap 40 is shown in the open state Z2 and the second lateral flap 43 is shown in the open state Z2, so that the first lateral flap 40 and the second lateral flap 43 expose the receiving space 17 to the environment 4. As a result, for example, cartridges 15 can be inserted into the receiving space 17 through the first lateral opening 39 from the environment 4 along the y-direction y and removed from the receiving space 17 back to the environment 4 through the second lateral opening 42. The first pivot axis 41 and the second pivot axis 44 are both oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 19.

[0086] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an ammunition loading box 14C. In this embodiment, the ammunition loading box 14C has, analogously to the ammunition loading box 14A, an ammunition receiving element 16, a lateral opening 22, and a lateral flap 23. The ammunition loading box 14C thus essentially corresponds in structure to that of the ammunition loading box 14A. Therefore, only the differences between the two embodiments of the ammunition loading box 14A, 14C will be discussed below.

[0087] Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14C has a first end opening 45, which has a circular geometry and is arranged on the first end wall 20A. The first end opening 45 can be closed by means of a first end flap 46. The first end flap 46 is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 about a first hinge axis 47 in order to move the first end flap 46 from a closed state Z10 to an open state Z20 and vice versa, as previously explained with reference to the ammunition loading box 14A.

[0088] Furthermore, the ammunition loading box 14C has a second front opening 48, which has a circular geometry and can be closed by means of a second front flap 49. The second front flap 49 is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element 16 about a second hinge axis 50 in order to move the second front flap 49 from a closed state Z10 to an open state Z20 and vice versa.

[0089] In Fig. 8, the first front flap 46 is shown in the open state Z20 and the second front flap 49 is shown in the open state Z20, so that the first front flap 46 and the second front flap 49 expose the receiving space 17 to the environment 4. As a result, for example, cartridges 15 can be inserted into the receiving space 17 through the first front opening 45 from the environment 4 along the longitudinal direction 19 and removed from the receiving space 17 back to the environment 4 through the second front opening 48. The first hinge axis 47 and the second hinge axis 50 are both oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 19.

[0090] The previously explained embodiments of the ammunition loading box 14A, 14B, 14C can be combined with one another as desired, particularly with regard to their structural features. For example, the ammunition loading box 14C can have two side flaps 40, 43, as previously explained with reference to the ammunition loading box 14B.

[0091] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system 51A.

[0092] In particular, Fig. 9 shows a partial representation of the vehicle 1 and the ammunition loading box 14A in a loaded state of the vehicle 1. The ammunition loading box 14A is positively connected to the turret 5 of the vehicle 1 by means of the connecting unit 28. This enables the loading of the vehicle 1 with a cartridge 15 inserted in the ammunition loading box 14A. However, the system 51A can also have the ammunition loading boxes 14B, 14C.

[0093] Figure 10 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a system 51B.

[0094] Fig. 10 shows the vehicle 1 in a drivable state. The vehicle 1 is only partially shown in Fig. 10. On the turret 5 of the vehicle 1, one or more ammunition loading crates 14A are positively connected to the turret 5. The positive connection is achieved using the quick-release fasteners 30. However, the system 51B can also comprise the ammunition loading crates 14B, 14C. Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a stack 52.

[0095] The stack 52 comprises a plurality of ammunition loading crates 14A. The plurality of ammunition loading crates 14A are positively connected to one another by means of the quick-release fasteners 30. This enables a secure connection of several ammunition loading crates 14A to one another without the need for additional components and / or aids. The plurality of ammunition loading crates 14A can be arranged on a pallet 53. This simplifies the loading of the stack 52. The ammunition loading crate 14A is dimensioned such that an integer number of adjacent ammunition loading crates 14A corresponds to the dimensions of the pallet 53 with respect to the x-direction x and / or the y-direction y. However, the stack 52 can also be formed with the ammunition loading crates 14B, 14C.

[0096] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0097] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS Vehicle Vehicle hull Interior Surroundings Turret Armament Tracked vehicle Subsoil Direction of travel Chain Drive roller Track roller Deflection roller A Ammunition loading box B Ammunition loading box C Ammunition loading box Ammunition Ammunition receiving element Receptacle A Side wall B Side wall C Side wall Longitudinal direction A End wall B End wall Chamfer Opening Flap 24 Pivot axis

[0098] 25 Opening

[0099] 26 flap

[0100] 27 Joint axis

[0101] 28 Connection unit

[0102] 29 Honeycomb structure

[0103] 30 quick release fastener

[0104] 31 lifting eye

[0105] 32 carrying handle

[0106] 33 Carrying handle

[0107] 34 Carrying handle

[0108] 35 Running element

[0109] 36 Guide element

[0110] 37 Additional security

[0111] 38 Additional security

[0112] 39 Opening

[0113] 40 flap

[0114] 41 Swivel axis

[0115] 42 Opening

[0116] 43 flap

[0117] 44 Swivel axis

[0118] 45 Opening

[0119] 46 flap

[0120] 47 Joint axis

[0121] 48 Opening

[0122] 49 flap

[0123] 50 joint axis

[0124] 5 1 A system

[0125] 51B System

[0126] 52 Stack 53 Pallet g Gravity direction x x- direction yy direction z z- direction

[0127] ZI condition

[0128] Z2 condition

[0129] Z10 Condition Z20 Condition

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Ammunition loading box (14A - 14C) for cartridged ammunition (15), in particular for a vehicle (1), with an ammunition receiving element (16) which encloses a receiving space (17) for receiving exactly one piece of cartridged ammunition (15), a lateral opening (22, 39, 42) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from an environment (4) of the ammunition loading box (14A- 14C), and a lateral flap (23, 40, 43) which is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element (16) about a pivot axis (24, 41, 44) in order to move the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) from an open state (Z2), in which the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) covers the lateral opening (22, 39, 42) into a closed state (Zl), in which the lateral flap (23, 40, 43) closes the lateral opening (22, 39, 42), and vice versa, wherein the pivot axis (24, 41,44) is oriented parallel to a longitudinal direction (19) of the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C).

2. Ammunition loading box according to claim 1, characterized in that the ammunition receiving element (16) has a first lateral opening (39) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the environment (4), a second lateral opening (42) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the environment (4), a first lateral flap (40) which is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element (16) about a first pivot axis (41) in order to move the first lateral flap (40) from the open state (Z2) to the closed state (Z1) and vice versa, and a second lateral flap (43) which is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element about a second pivot axis (44). ment (16) is mounted to move the second lateral flap (43) from the open state (Z2) to the closed state (Zl) and vice versa, wherein the first pivot axis (41) and the second pivot axis (44) are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (19).

3. Ammunition loading box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ammunition receiving element (16) has an end opening (25, 45, 48) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the environment (4) of the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C), wherein the end opening (25, 45, 48) can be closed by means of an end flap (26, 46, 49).

4. Ammunition loading box according to claim 3, characterized in that the front flap (26) is pivotally mounted on the ammunition receiving element (16) about a hinge axis (27), the hinge axis (27) being oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (19).

5. Ammunition loading box according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the ammunition receiving element (16) has a first front opening (45), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the surroundings (4) of the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C), and a second front opening (48), through which the receiving space (17) is accessible from the surroundings (4) of the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C), wherein the first front opening (45) is closable by means of a first front flap (46), wherein the second front opening (48) is closable by means of a second front flap (49), and wherein the first front opening (45) and the second end opening (48) are arranged opposite each other.

6. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized by a connecting unit (28), in particular a bayonet lock, for positively connecting the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C) to a turret (5) of the vehicle (1).

7. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 6, characterized by an additional securing means (37, 38), in particular a lashing strap, for securing a position of the cartridged ammunition (15) in the receiving space (17).

8. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the ammunition receiving element (16) has a honeycomb structure (29) on the outside facing away from the receiving space (17).

9. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized by a quick-action closure (30) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16) for positively connecting the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C) to another ammunition loading box (14A - 14C).

10. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 9, characterized by a lifting eyelet (31) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16) for lifting the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C).

11. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized by a carrying handle (32 - 34) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16) for carrying the ammunition loading box (14A- 14C).

12. Ammunition loading box according to claim 11, characterized by a plurality of carrying handles (32 - 34) which are attached to the ammunition receiving element (16) are provided such that, viewed along the longitudinal direction (19), a carrying handle (32) is arranged between two further carrying handles (33, 34).

13. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized by a guide element (36) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16) for guiding the cartridge-loaded ammunition (15), wherein the guide element (36) is arranged within the receiving space (17).

14. Ammunition loading box according to one of claims 1 - 13, characterized by a running element (35) provided on the ammunition receiving element (16), in particular a running roller and / or a running ball, for transporting the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C).

15. System (51A, 51B) comprising a vehicle (1) and an ammunition loading box (14A - 14C) according to one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the ammunition loading box (14A - 14C) is positively connected to a turret (5) of the vehicle (1).

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