Aiming drive for a weapon system and weapon system having such an aiming drive

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aiming drive (10) for receiving and orienting a weapon system (102), characterised by a coupling mechanism (12) for aiming in elevation, wherein the coupling mechanism (12) has a crank (14), a rocker (16) and a coupler (18), wherein one end of the crank (14) is mounted on a first bearing (22) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (20), wherein one end of the rocker (16) is mounted on a second bearing (26) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (24), wherein the crank (14) and the rocker (16) are each connected in an articulated manner at their other end to the coupler (18), wherein the first bearing (22) and the second bearing (26) are each connected to a base element (28), wherein the base element (28) defines a reference plane (30), wherein the coupler (18) has, on its upper side facing away from the base element (28), a receiving surface (32) for receiving and fastening the weapon system (102), wherein the crank (14) can be pivoted about the first pivot axis (20) by driving a crank drive (36) such that an elevation angle (α) which is enclosed by the receiving surface (32) and the reference plane (30) can be set. The invention also relates to a weapon system (100) having such an aiming drive (10).

Description

[0001] Title: Targeting drive for a weapon system and weapon system with such a targeting drive

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a directional drive for receiving and aligning a weapon system having features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a weapon system having the features of the independent claim.

[0004] Laying drives and weapon systems are known from the state of the art. A cradle is often used in this case, in which the weapon is mounted in a forked structure with a rotational degree of freedom around a cradle axis. For example, a tank's gun barrel is mounted in this manner. Launching devices such as the MASS decoy launcher available from the applicant also utilize this type of mounting using a cradle. This allows the weapon system to be aimed in elevation.

[0005] However, such solutions are comparatively complex to construct, as the cradle comprises a large number of components that must be designed to be sufficiently stable to absorb the forces (projectile momentum). Adequate stabilization during advance is usually achieved when the projectile momentum acts centrally on the cradle axis, as is the case with the gun barrel of a tank, for example, where the central longitudinal axis of the gun barrel and the cradle axis usually intersect. However, depending on the weapon system employed, such a design is not always possible. To achieve the desired accuracy, design measures may then be necessary, or certain parameters must be adhered to when using the aiming drive and weapon system.

[0006] DE 33 10 355 A1 shows a vehicle-mounted barrel weapon that is pivotably mounted in a cradle and adjustable in elevation. To prevent the barrel weapon from following a recoil-induced reaction movement of the vehicle, a hydraulic cylinder and a parallel linkage act on the cradle.

[0007] US 1,700,902 discloses a carriage for an anti-aircraft gun. The machine gun is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin at the end of an arm for elevation adjustment. A rod is pivotally mounted on the arm, which is pivotally connected to another rod hinged to the gun barrel. This allows for elevation adjustment.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a straightening drive with improved stabilization and a compact design using structurally simple means.

[0009] The invention solves this problem by a straightening drive having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The proposed aiming drive is designed and / or intended to accommodate and align a weapon system. The aiming drive has a coupling gear for aiming the weapon system in elevation.

[0011] The coupling mechanism has a crank, a swing arm (pendulum support) and a coupler. The crank is attached to a

[0012] The crank is mounted at one end (its first end) on a first bearing (first bearing point) for pivoting about a first pivot axis. The swing arm is mounted at one end (its first end) on a second bearing (second bearing point) for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The crank and the swing arm are each pivotally connected to the coupling at their other end (their second end).

[0013] The first bearing and the second bearing are each connected (directly or indirectly) to a base element, with the base element defining a reference plane. The base element can be designed as a base plate of the aiming drive. In relation to the linkage, the base element represents a frame in the sense of technical mechanics. The link has, on its upper side facing away from the base element, a receiving surface for receiving and securing the weapon system. The link is therefore designed and intended as a structure for receiving a weapon system, e.g. a launcher unit for deploying fireable active agents, a tube weapon or a launch tube for projectiles. The receiving surface can be designed as a flat surface, partially or completely. Blind holes or through holes, optionally with an internal thread, can be formed in the receiving surface for securing the weapon system.

[0014] The coupling mechanism further comprises a crank drive. By driving the crank drive, the crank can be pivoted about the first bearing or the first pivot axis. This allows an angle or elevation angle enclosed by the receiving surface and the reference plane to be adjusted, in particular continuously.

[0015] By driving the crank drive and pivoting the crank accordingly, an elevation angle is achieved via the rocker arm (pendulum support) and the coupling, which is designed to accommodate or supports a weapon system. This elevation angle is set relative to the reference plane on the coupling's mounting surface. The elevation angle is continuously adjustable depending on the position of the crank (crank angle).

[0016] The proposed design enables the straightening drive to be designed compactly and with a low overall height. In addition, the straightening drive is comparatively lightweight and has a comparatively small number of components. This contributes to a cost-effective design. Furthermore, the crank drive advantageously stabilizes the elevation axis or the set elevation during advance. For example, the crank drive can have a self-locking mechanism through a gear that is present, which has a stabilizing effect on the crank. Alternatively or additionally, the crank drive can be designed to be activated for stabilization after a drive to pivot the crank (set the elevation angle), e.g. by activating a motor of the crank drive, in particular by energizing an electric motor (transition from open-loop to closed-loop control).

[0017] In contrast to DE 33 10 355, which conventionally aims the barrel weapon using a cradle and uses a hydraulic cylinder and parallel linkage to reduce the reaction movement due to recoil, the coupling gear of the aiming drive proposed here serves to aim the weapon system in elevation, whereby in this case the coupling is designed and intended as a support structure for the weapon system. This also represents a difference to US 1,700,902. If one wanted to interpret the arrangement shown there, consisting of the weapon barrel, arm, first rod and further rod, as a coupling gear, the barrel weapon would not be arranged on the coupling (further rod), but rather the barrel weapon would form the rocker.

[0018] Within the scope of one embodiment of the invention, the belt, particularly on the receiving surface, can have a mechanical interface for receiving and securing the weapon system. The mechanical interface can have one or more flat surface sections and / or fastening holes (blind or through holes), which are optionally equipped with an internal thread. The weapon system can thus be or be fastened to the belt by means of screws and / or bolts via the fastening holes.

[0019] Advantageously, the coupling gear can be designed such that the elevation angle is adjustable within a range of -20 to +120°, preferably from -15 to +100°, more preferably from -10° to +90°. In other words, the coupling gear can be designed such that it has an elevation angle adjustment range of -20 to +120°, preferably from -15 to +100°, more preferably from -10° to +90°. This contributes to a comparatively large elevation adjustment range for a weapon system carried by the aiming drive. This allows both positive and negative elevation angles to be set. In addition, pitching and rolling movements of a land or water vehicle carrying the aiming drive, e.g., a seagoing ship, can be compensated for. This can offer decisive advantages in operational situations.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the rocker arm can have a first section that extends away from the second bearing and a second section that extends towards the coupling, the first section and the second section being angled towards one another (angle or "kink" outwards with respect to the coupling mechanism, i.e. away from the crank). In other words, the first section and the second section of the rocker arm each have a central longitudinal axis that enclose an angle with one another, preferably an angle of 20-40°, more preferably an angle of 25-35°. This gives the rocker arm comparatively high stability. In addition, at large elevation angles, e.g. elevation angles of 80-90°, collisions between the rocker arm and the coupling can be avoided.

[0021] In principle, it is conceivable that the coupling is designed as a preferably flat component that extends along a central longitudinal plane. The receiving surface can be oriented parallel to the central longitudinal plane and optionally have a mechanical interface, as described above.

[0022] Advantageously, the belt can have a first coupling section in which the receiving surface is located, and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section and the second coupling section are angled to one another. In other words, the first coupling section and the second coupling section can each extend along a plane, wherein the planes enclose an angle with one another, in particular an angle of 80-100 °, more preferably 85-95 °, even more preferably 90 ° (right-angled arrangement of the first coupling section to the second coupling section). By means of two coupling sections angled to one another, a stable reception and fastening of a weapon system on the belt can be achieved, since the weapon system can be supported and fastened on the two coupling sections.Conveniently, a first joint, via which the coupling is pivotally connected to the crank, can be arranged in the second coupling section, and a second joint, via which the coupling is pivotally connected to the rocker, can be arranged in the first coupling section. This leads to improved support of the coupling due to favorable leverage ratios. Furthermore, such a design contributes to a large adjustment range of the elevation angle.

[0023] Specifically, the first joint and the second joint can be positioned on the coupling such that, at an elevation angle of 0°, the first joint (measured orthogonally to the reference plane) is further away from the reference plane than the second joint. This allows for high stability during firing (absorption of the projectile momentum). A wide adjustment range of the elevation angle is facilitated.

[0024] The aiming drive can expediently have a pivot drive for aiming the weapon system in azimuth, wherein by driving the pivot drive the base element can be pivoted about an axis or axis of rotation oriented vertically to the reference plane. This makes it possible to align the pivot drive in azimuth or about the azimuth axis. In concrete terms, the pivot drive can have a motor, in particular an electric motor, which by means of a gear, e.g. by means of a spur gear or bevel-helical gear, acts on a gear ring coupled to the base element or meshes with this in order to drive the base element in rotation. The base element can be rotatably mounted on the surface, e.g. a vehicle deck or a ship deck, by means of a rotating device, e.g. a ball bearing slewing ring.

[0025] Advantageously, the second bearing can be designed as a fixed bearing attached to the base element. This defines the second pivot axis. Specifically, this bearing or fixed bearing can be designed as a bearing block attached to the base element, on which the rocker arm is pivotably mounted (rotational degree of freedom about the second pivot axis). The bearing block can be attached, preferably directly, to the base element, e.g., by screwing.

[0026] The first bearing can expediently be designed as a fixed bearing arranged on or in the crank drive. This defines the first pivot axis. Specifically, the crank drive can have a housing or several housing parts, each of which is attached to the base element and each carries at least one rolling bearing that enables pivoting of the crank.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the crank can have two crank arms that are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another, the crank drive having two drive units, each with a motor that is coupled to one of the crank arms directly or by means of a gear, so that the crank can be pivoted when the drive units or their motors are driven. This embodiment contributes to a stable connection of the coupling relative to the base element, since the separate drive units with crank arms and the rocker form a type of tripod. This contributes to sufficient stability, but avoids kinematic overdetermination.

[0028] The crank arms can be coupled to the crank drive at their first end, e.g., by being screwed to a mechanical interface (e.g., a connecting disc). At their second end, the crank arms can each be hinged to the coupling at two spaced-apart points (first hinge). The first hinge can thus be formed by two spaced-apart hinge points.

[0029] The motor of each drive unit can be designed as an electric motor. The rotational axis of the motor shaft can be oriented parallel or congruent to the first pivot axis. A gearbox can be connected downstream of the motor, or a gearbox can be interposed between the motor and the crank arm. The gearbox can be a planetary gear, a strain wave gear, or a cycloidal gear.

[0030] Advantageously, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are spaced apart from one another, wherein the second bearing can be arranged in a central region, particularly centrally to the two drive units, as viewed orthogonally to the second pivot axis. This contributes to uniform stability due to its symmetrical design.

[0031] The coupling mechanism can be designed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, wherein the plane of symmetry is arranged such that the plane of symmetry divides the rocker arm centrally and the second pivot axis forms a normal vector of the plane of symmetry. In this case, the components of the coupling mechanism can be designed mirror-symmetrically to the plane of symmetry.

[0032] Specifically, the coupling can be 3-12 times wider than the swing arm along a width direction oriented parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis. This creates a sufficiently large interface for the mounted weapon system, while the design of the swing arm contributes to a comparatively compact and material-saving design.

[0033] The problem mentioned at the outset is also solved by a weapon system having the features of the subordinate claim.

[0034] The weapon system comprises a weapon system and a targeting drive for receiving and aligning the weapon system with one or more of the aspects described above. Regarding the advantages achieved thereby, reference is made to the relevant explanations regarding the targeting drive.

[0035] Advantageously, the weapon system can be arranged and secured on the receiving surface of the belt. This contributes to a reliable and stable coupling of the weapon system with the belt or the aiming drive.

[0036] The weapon system can be conveniently designed as a launcher unit for delivering fireable weapons, as a tube weapon, or as a launch tube for projectiles. Thus, the appropriate weapon system can be provided depending on the desired application. The respective weapon systems can be directed accordingly by the aiming drive, particularly in elevation using the coupling gear.

[0037] The measures discussed in connection with the aiming drive and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the weapon system.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, in which identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals, if necessary, but only once. They show:

[0039] Fig. la shows an embodiment of the straightening drive in a perspective view;

[0040] Fig.lb the straightening drive from Figure la in a side view according to arrow II in Figure la;

[0041] Fig.2 shows an embodiment of a weapon system with a aiming drive at an elevation angle of 0°;

[0042] Fig.3 the weapon system from Figure 2 at an elevation angle of 45°; and

[0043] Fig.4 the weapon system from Figure 2 at an elevation angle of 90°.

[0044] Figures 1a and 1b show, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a targeting drive, designated overall by reference numeral 10. The targeting drive 10 is configured and intended for receiving and aligning a weapon system 102, which will be described further below.

[0045] The aiming drive 10 has a coupling gear 12 for aiming the weapon system 102 in elevation.

[0046] The coupling mechanism 12 has a crank 14, a rocker or pendulum support 16, and a coupler 18. The crank 14 is mounted at one end (its first end) on a first bearing 22 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 20. The rocker 16 is mounted at one end (its first end) on a second bearing 26 so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 24. The crank 14 and the rocker 16 are each articulated to the coupler 18 at their other end (their second end).

[0047] The first bearing 22 and the second bearing 26 are each connected to a base element 28, wherein the base element 28 defines a reference plane 30. In the example, the base element 28 is designed as a base plate of the straightening drive 10.

[0048] The coupling 18 has, on its upper side facing away from the base element 28, a receiving surface 32 for receiving and fastening the weapon system 102 (not shown here). The receiving surface 32 is designed here, for example, as a flat surface and has blind holes or through holes 34 for fastening the weapon system 102. The coupling gear 12 further has a crank drive 36. By driving the crank drive 36, the crank 14 can be pivoted about the first bearing 22 or the first pivot axis 20. As a result, an angle or elevation angle a, which the receiving surface 32 and the reference plane 30 enclose with one another, can be adjusted (see, for example, Fig. 3).

[0049] The coupling gear 12 is designed such that the elevation angle can be adjusted in a range from -10° (not shown) to +90° (see Fig.4).

[0050] The rocker arm 16 has a first section 40 extending away from the second bearing 26 and a second section 42 extending toward the coupling 18 (see Fig. 1b). The first section 40 and the second section 42 are angled relative to each other. Thus, the central longitudinal axes of the sections 40, 42 form an angle ß, which in the example is approximately 30°.

[0051] The coupling 18 has a first coupling section 44, in which the receiving surface 32 is located, and a second coupling section 46, wherein the first coupling section 44 and the second coupling section 46 are angled relative to one another. Thus, the first coupling section 44 extends along a plane 45, and the second coupling section 46 extends along a plane 47, forming an angle X with one another. In the example, the angle X is 90°; in other words, the coupling sections 44, 46 are arranged at right angles to one another.

[0052] In the present case, a first joint 50, via which the coupling 18 is pivotally connected to the crank 14, is arranged in the second coupling section 46, and a second joint 52, via which the coupling 18 is pivotally connected to the rocker arm 16, is arranged in the first coupling section 44. Specifically, the first joint 50 and the second joint 52 are positioned on the coupling 18 such that, at an elevation angle of 0°, the first joint 50 (measured orthogonally to the reference plane 30) is further away from the reference plane 30 than the second joint 52 (see Fig. 1b).

[0053] The aiming drive 10 has a pivot drive 54 for aiming the weapon system 102 in azimuth (shown only in Fig. 1b). By driving the pivot drive 54, the base element 28 can be pivoted about a rotation axis 55 oriented vertically to the reference plane 30. The pivot drive 54 can be designed as described above. The base element 28 can be rotatably mounted on the base 58, for example, a vehicle deck or a ship deck (see Fig. 1b), by means of a rotating device 56, for example, a ball bearing slewing ring.

[0054] In the example, the second bearing 26 is designed as a fixed bearing attached to the base element 28. This bearing or fixed bearing 26 is designed as a bearing block 60 attached to the base element 28. In this case, the bearing block 60 is attached directly to the base element 28, for example, by screwing.

[0055] The first bearing 22 is designed here as a fixed bearing arranged on or in the crank drive 36. In the example, the crank drive 36 has a plurality of housing parts 62, 64, each of which is fastened to the base element 28 and each of which carries a roller bearing (not shown) which enables the crank 14 to pivot. The crank 14 has two crank arms 66, 68 which are spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another. The crank drive 36 has two drive units 70, 72, each with a motor 74, 76. The motor 74, 76 is coupled directly or by means of a gear to one of the crank arms 66, 68, so that the crank 14 can be pivoted when the drive units 70, 72 or their motors 74, 76 are driven. The drive units 70, 72 can be designed as described above.

[0056] The crank arms 66, 68 are coupled at their first end to the respective drive unit 70, 72 of the crank drive 36. At their second end, the crank arms 66, 68 are each pivotally connected to the coupling 18 at two spaced-apart locations. The first joint 50 is thus formed by two spaced-apart pivot points 78, 70.

[0057] The first pivot axis 20 and the second pivot axis 24 are spaced apart from one another, the second bearing 26 being arranged in a central region, viewed orthogonally to the second pivot axis 24, in this example centrally to the two drive units 70, 72 (cf. Fig. 1a).

[0058] The coupling mechanism 12 is designed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry S, wherein the plane of symmetry S divides the rocker arm 16 in the middle and the second pivot axis 24 forms a normal vector to the plane of symmetry S.

[0059] The coupling 18 has in this case along a width direction

[0060] B, which is oriented parallel to the first pivot axis 20 and the second pivot axis 24, has a width that is 3-12 times greater, here for example 10 times greater, than the rocker 16.

[0061] The weapon system 100 is described with reference to Figures 2-4.

[0062] The weapon system 100 comprises a weapon system 102 and a targeting drive 10 as described above. The weapon system 102 is arranged and secured on the receiving surface 32 of the belt 18.

[0063] In principle, different weapon systems 102 can be used by means of the aiming drive 10 in order to adapt the intended use of the weapon system 100 accordingly.

[0064] In the present case, the weapon system 102 is designed as a launcher unit 104 for deploying fireable active agents 106. The active agents 106 can be fired from the launcher unit 104 along a firing direction 108 after initiation.

[0065] In this case, the firing direction 108 is oriented parallel to the receiving surface 32. By adjusting the elevation angle a resulting between the reference plane 30 and the receiving surface 32, the firing direction 108 is adjusted accordingly. In other words, the resulting elevation corresponds to the firing direction 108.

[0066] The active means 106 may be smoke grenades which, after a preliminary firing, form a decoy target in order to divert a sensor-guided weapon from the object to be protected, e.g. a ship.

[0067] Figure 2 shows the situation at an elevation angle of a = 0° and the resulting firing direction 108.

[0068] Figures 3 and 4 show the resulting firing direction 108 at an elevation angle of a = 45° (Figure 3) and a = 90° (Figure 4).

Claims

Patent claims 1. A aiming drive (10) for receiving and aligning a weapon system (102), characterized by a coupling gear (12) for aiming in elevation, wherein the coupling gear (12) has a crank (14), a rocker (16) and a coupler (18), wherein the crank (14) is mounted at one end on a first bearing (22) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (20), wherein the rocker (16) is mounted at one end on a second bearing (26) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (24), wherein the crank (14) and the rocker (16) are each connected in an articulated manner to the coupler (18) at their other end, wherein the first bearing (22) and the second bearing (26) are each connected to a base element (28), wherein the base element (28) defines a reference plane (30), wherein the coupler (18) facing away from the upper side has a receiving surface (32) for receiving and fastening the weapon system (102),wherein the crank (14) is pivotable about the first pivot axis (20) by driving a crank drive (36), so that an elevation angle (a) enclosed by the receiving surface (32) and the reference plane (30) can be adjusted.

2. Straightening drive (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling gear (12) is designed such that the elevation angle (a) is adjustable in a range from -20° to +120°.

3. Straightening drive (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rocker (16) has a first section (40) which extends from the second bearing (26) and a second portion (42) extending toward the coupling (18), the first portion (40) and the second portion (42) being angled toward one another.

4. Straightening drive (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling (18) has a first coupling section (44) in which the receiving surface (32) is located, and a second coupling section (46), wherein the first coupling section (44) and the second coupling section (46) are angled to one another.

5. Straightening drive (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that a first joint (50), via which the coupling (18) is connected in an articulated manner to the crank (14), is arranged in the second coupling section (46) and that a second joint (52), via which the coupling (18) is connected in an articulated manner to the rocker (16), is arranged in the first coupling section (44).

6. Straightening drive (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first joint (50) and the second joint (52) are positioned on the coupling (18) in such a way that at an elevation angle (α) of 0° the first joint (50) is further away from the reference plane (30) than the second joint (52).

7. Straightening drive (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a pivoting drive (54) for aiming in azimuth, wherein by driving the pivot drive (54) the base element (28) can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (55) vertical to the reference plane (30).

8. Straightening drive (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second bearing (26) is designed as a fixed bearing fastened to the base element (28) and / or that the first bearing (22) is designed as a fixed bearing arranged on or in the crank drive (36).

9. Straightening drive (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crank (14) has two crank legs (66, 68) spaced apart from one another and arranged parallel to one another, wherein the crank drive (36) has two drive units (70, 72) each having a motor (74, 76), which is each coupled directly or by means of a gear to one of the crank legs (66, 68), so that the crank (14) is pivotable when the motors (74, 76) are driven.

10. Straightening drive (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first pivot axis (20) and the second pivot axis (24) are spaced apart from one another, wherein the second bearing (26) is arranged in a central region, in particular centrally to the two drive units (70, 72), viewed orthogonally to the second pivot axis (24).

11. Straightening drive (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling (18) is arranged along a width direction (B) which is parallel to the first pivot axis (20) and the second pivot axis (24), has a width that is 3 to 12 times greater than the rocker arm (16).

12. Weapon system (100) , with a weapon system (102) and a directional drive (10) for receiving and aligning the Weapon system (102) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Weapon system (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the weapon system (102) is arranged and fastened on the receiving surface (32) of the belt (18).

14. Weapon system (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the weapon system (102) is designed as a launcher unit (104) for dispensing fireable agents (106), as a tube weapon or as a launch tube for projectiles.

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