Gun mounting with limited range of motion and military vehicle equipped with such a gun mounting

Abstract

The invention relates to a gun mounting (1) with limited range of motion and to a military vehicle (V) equipped with such a gun mounting (1). The gun mounting (1) comprises a frame (2) and an oscillating mass (Mo) comprising a cradle (5) bearing a gun (4), the oscillating mass (Mo) being mounted pivotably in elevation about a trunnion axis by way of an elevation aiming system (Sp) that is secured to the frame (2) and comprises an orientation mechanism (7) capable of moving the gun (4) angularly about the trunnion axis. The elevation aiming system (Sp) further comprises a movement mechanism (8) capable of moving the trunnion axis relative to the frame (2) and parallel to itself along a trajectory between a highest position and a lowest position, the orientation mechanism (7) and movement mechanism (8) being controlled synchronously and being configured such that the position of the trunnion axis is controlled as a function of the elevation aiming angle α of the gun (4).

Description

Weapon mount with limited travel volume and military vehicle equipped with such a weapon mount

[0001] The present invention is in the military field, more particularly in that of weapon mounts, especially intended to equip military vehicles.

[0002] The present invention relates more specifically to a weapon mount with limited travel volume and a military vehicle equipped with such a weapon mount.

[0003] The weapon mounting according to the invention is particularly suitable for equipping a military vehicle comprising a turret carrying the weapon.

[0004] Traditional weapon mounts on turrets feature a pair of trunnions that serve as the weapon's elevation pivot point.

[0005] French patent application FR2544065 discloses such a weapon assembly. This weapon assembly comprises an oscillating mass mounted pivotally, via trunnions, on a carriage fixed to the turret's armor. The oscillating mass consists of a body to which a weapon is attached for rotation. This weapon acts as a recoiling mass relative to the carriage after firing. A cradle, which cooperates with the trunnions and guides the weapon's recoil, and a reloading device or magazine, which allows the weapon to be reloaded and is positioned outside the weapon's recoil path. The weapon conventionally comprises a tube closed at its rear end by a breechblock after the ammunition has been inserted.The pivoting of the oscillating mass around the trunnions for elevation pointing is controlled by any suitable means, such as jacks, so that the oscillating mass can be pointed with a positive, negative or zero elevation angle, the elevation angle being the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the weapon tube and the horizontal plane passing through the axis of the trunnions.

[0006] However, due to the oscillating mass components extending a certain distance behind the trunnions and the weapon's recoil during firing, the elevation of the oscillating mass in such a weapon mount generates a significant volume of travel and requires considerable space. Specifically, for a given elevation range, to ensure sufficient space to aim the weapon at its maximum positive elevation angle, the trunnion axis must be positioned relatively high above the turret base. However, such a high trunnion axis positioning is a disadvantage when aiming the weapon at its maximum negative elevation angle, as it necessitates increased clearance between the trunnion axis and the turret's top wall. This results in relatively bulky turrets, leading to reduced weapon stability during firing, a less-than-ideal transport size, and decreased stealth.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is therefore to offer a weapon mount with reduced height, without reducing the weapon's elevation range, and with increased weapon stability when firing, thus reducing the transport size and increasing the stealth of a vehicle equipped with this weapon mount.

[0008] The solution according to the invention is based on the modulation of the height of the weapon's elevation axis as a function of the elevation angle at which the same weapon is pointed.

[0009] Thus, the present invention relates to a weapon mount comprising a frame intended to be mounted on a support, such as a military vehicle body, and an oscillating mass having a cradle carrying a weapon, the oscillating mass being pivotally mounted in elevation relative to the frame by means of a pair of trunnions, around a trunnion axis, the weapon mount comprising an elevation aiming system connected to the frame and comprising an orientation mechanism capable of rotating the oscillating mass around the trunnion axis through its entire angular range for positive, zero or negative elevation aiming of the weapon, the weapon mount being characterized in that the elevation aiming system further comprises a displacement mechanism capable of ensuring a displacement of the trunnion axis relative to the frame and parallel to itself along a trajectory between a highest position and a lowest position,the orientation and movement mechanisms being controlled synchronously and configured such that the position of the trunnion axis is controlled according to the elevation angle of the weapon, the maximum positive elevation angle of the weapon being associated with the highest position of the trunnion axis, and conversely, the maximum negative elevation angle of the weapon being associated with the lowest position of the trunnion axis.

[0010] Thus, the elevation system allows for both the control of the trunnion axis's position relative to the frame, particularly its height, and the weapon's elevation orientation. The trunnion axis's height is modulated according to the weapon's elevation angle. When the weapon's elevation angle is zero, the trunnion axis occupies a so-called mid-position. Raising the trunnion axis relative to its mid-position when the weapon is aimed in positive elevation reduces the space required for aiming the weapon between the mid-position and the base of the frame. Similarly, lowering the trunnion axis relative to its mid-position when the weapon is aimed in negative elevation reduces the space required for aiming the weapon between the mid-position and the top of the frame.Consequently, the height of the mount according to the invention is less than that of a mount in the case of a conventional weapon mount with a fixed trunnion axis relative to the mount, for the same given angular elevation range. In other words, such a system allows for a reduction in height for the same elevation capability.

[0011] Considering the weapon's travel volume, which is a three-dimensional volume encompassing the various positions the weapon assumes during its elevation between its maximum positive elevation angle and its maximum negative elevation angle, the weapon mounting according to the present invention allows for a limited travel volume. Such a limitation proves particularly useful when the weapon is placed under protection, for example, in a turret turret. Furthermore, when the mount is a turret, this type of mounting allows for a turret with a reduced height and a less bulky profile.

[0012] Furthermore, such modulation of the line of fire height with the elevation pointing angle increases the stability of the weapon mount during firing.

[0013] Preferably, the displacement mechanism is arranged to move the pivot axis along a circular arc trajectory.

[0014] Preferably, the orientation and displacement mechanisms are configured such that, when the oscillating mass is rotated in elevation around the pivot axis in a clockwise, respectively counterclockwise direction, the pivot axis is moved along the arc-shaped trajectory in a counterclockwise, respectively clockwise direction, the pivoting movement of the oscillating mass around the pivot axis and the displacement movement of the pivot axis along the arc-shaped trajectory thus being counter-rotating movements.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the displacement mechanism includes a connecting rod assembly articulating the oscillating mass to the frame, a first end of the connecting rod assembly being connected to a trunnion by a first pivot joint whose axis of rotation is the trunnion axis and a second end of the connecting rod assembly being connected to the frame by a second pivot joint whose axis of rotation is parallel to the trunnion axis.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the orientation mechanism comprises a toothed sector fixed to the frame and a pinion that meshes with the toothed sector. The pinion is fixed to a journal, and the teeth of the toothed sector follow the path of the journal axis. In other words, if the path of the journal axis is an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the second pivot joint of the connecting rod assembly, the teeth of the toothed sector follow an arc of a circle concentric with said axis of rotation.

[0017] In these particular embodiments, the orientation mechanism and the displacement mechanism have a reduced number of kinematic links, allowing for better control of play and consequently better performance of the weapon assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the teeth of the toothed sector and the axis of the second pivot link are arranged in an offset manner relative to each other, the axis of the second pivot link being located in front of the teeth of the toothed sector when considering the direction of fire of the weapon.

[0019] Preferably, the link between the frame and the movement mechanism, in other words the axis of rotation of the second pivot link, is arranged at the front of the frame in the direction of firing of the weapon.

[0020] Preferably, the orientation and movement mechanisms are controlled by a single drive unit coupled to the movement mechanism.

[0021] In other words, only one axis of the movement mechanism is a motorized axis, the control of the height of the trunnion axis and the elevation orientation of the weapon being obtained only by controlling a single motorized axis.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the driving element is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod assembly to rotate the connecting rod assembly around the axis of rotation of the second pivot joint.

[0023] In another particular embodiment, the driving element is coupled to the pinion to rotate it around the pivot axis.

[0024] The driving element could, for example, be a motor.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a military vehicle characterized by the fact that it includes a weapon mount as defined above.

[0026] A military vehicle can be an armored vehicle, such as a tank, or an unarmored vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle.

[0027] Preferably, the mount is a turret mounted on a vehicle body, the turret being mounted pivoting in azimuth around a vertical axis.

[0028] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is made in light of the attached drawings, drawings in which:

[0029] is a schematic side view of a wheeled military vehicle equipped with a weapon mount according to the present invention, the weapon being shown in its extreme positive and negative elevation positions;

[0030] illustrates schematically the operation of a weapon mounting according to the invention, the weapon being pointed with a maximum positive elevation angle;

[0031] illustrates schematically the operation of a weapon mounting according to the invention, the weapon being pointed with a zero elevation angle;

[0032] illustrates schematically the operation of a weapon mounting according to the invention, the weapon being aimed at its maximum negative elevation angle, the drive unit being omitted; and

[0033] is a schematic top view of a weapon assembly according to the present invention.

[0034] If we refer first to the, we can see that the weapon mount 1 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for being mounted on a military vehicle V, in particular an armored tracked or wheeled vehicle equipped with a turret 2.

[0035] Such a military vehicle V comprises, in a known manner, a hull 3 forming a protective shell and on which is mounted a turret 2 supporting a weapon 4 such as a cannon. The turret 2 is rotatably mounted on the hull 3 of the vehicle V, around a vertical axis X1 for azimuth orientation, by means of a bearing ring 20. The weapon 4 is itself articulated around a horizontal axis, called the pivot axis A0 (), for elevation orientation between positive and negative pointing angles α.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, it can be seen that the weapon assembly 1 according to the present invention generally comprises a frame 2, an oscillating mass Mo and an improved elevation pointing system Sp.

[0037] In the application shown in the diagram, the frame 2 is a turret 2. However, it will be understood that the frame 2 could be any other type of frame suitable for supporting the oscillating mass Mo and its elevation pointing system Sp.

[0038] The oscillating mass Mo comprises a cradle 5 supporting the weapon 4 and the weapon's reloading mechanism 6. The weapon 4 is, in particular, a large-caliber weapon with a barrel. If the frame 2 is a turret 2, the oscillating mass Mo is held protected by the turret 2, specifically between an upper wall 21 and a base 22 of the turret 2. The oscillating mass Mo is mounted to pivot in elevation around the trunnion axis A0, which is perpendicular to the axis X2 of the weapon barrel and therefore perpendicular to the plane in which the weapon 4 moves during elevation. As is known, the trunnion axis A0 is defined by a pair of trunnions 50 attached to the cradle 5 and connected to the frame 2.

[0039] The Sp elevation aiming system allows both the aiming of the weapon 4 at a desired elevation angle α, within a given angular range, and the positioning of the trunnions 50 at a predetermined height H as a function of said elevation angle α. The height H of the trunnions 50 can be defined relative to the base 22 of the frame 2. This Sp elevation aiming system comprises an orientation mechanism 7, a displacement mechanism 8, and a drive element 9.

[0040] The orientation mechanism 7 comprises a pinion 70 and a toothed sector 71 which meshes with the pinion 70. In other words, a gear connection is formed between the pinion 70 and the toothed sector 71. The pinion 70 has external teeth. The pinion 70 is fixed to a journal 50 defining the pivot axis A0 and is mounted around this journal 50. The toothed sector 71 has internal teeth that mesh with the external teeth of the pinion 70. The toothed sector 71 is fixed to the frame 2.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the internal teeth follow a circular arc trajectory which develops over an angular range between an upper end and a lower end so as to allow the desired angular range of the weapon 4 to be obtained in elevation. The concave internal teeth have a concavity directed towards the front AV of the frame 2, considering the firing direction of the weapon 4.

[0042] Thus, due to the gear connection between the pinion 70 and the toothed sector 71, the pinion 70, and therefore the journal 50 on which it is mounted, and, due to the rigidity of the connection, the other journal 50, is able to move along the toothed sector 71, between a highest position () of height H max and a lowest position () of height H min The highest position of the trunnions 50 corresponds to the maximum positive elevation pointing angle α maxof weapon 4, and the lowest position of trunnions 50 corresponds to the maximum negative elevation angle α min of weapon 4. Generally, when weapon 4 is aimed at a positive elevation angle α, the trunnions 50 are positioned at a higher height than when the elevation angle α is zero; in other words, the trunnions 50 are raised. Conversely, when weapon 4 is aimed at a negative elevation angle α, the trunnions 50 are positioned at a lower height than when the elevation angle α is zero; in other words, the trunnions 50 are lowered.

[0043] The displacement mechanism 8 allows the movement of the trunnions 50 carrying the pinion 70 along the trajectory defined by the toothed sector 71, which displacement in turn allows the orientation in elevation of the weapon 4.

[0044] If we consider a trajectory in the arc of a circle, the displacement of the trunnions 50 is a rotational displacement around an axis passing through the center of the arc of a circle. To this end, the displacement mechanism 8 comprises a connecting rod assembly 80 which is connected to the journal 50, to which the pinion 70 is attached, and which is mounted for rotation relative to the frame 2 so as to allow rotation of the journal 50 around an axis passing through the center of the arc of the circle formed by the toothed sector 71. At the end of the connecting rod assembly 80 connected to said journal 50, called the first end, a first pivot joint with axis of rotation A1 coaxial to the journal axis A0 connects the connecting rod assembly 80 and the journal 50. At the end of the connecting rod assembly 80 connected to the frame 2, called the second end, a second pivot joint with axis of rotation A2 parallel to the journal axis A0 connects the connecting rod assembly 80 and the frame 2.The axis A2 of the second pivot joint is located in front of the toothed sector 71, considering the firing direction of the weapon 4, and passes through the center of the arc trajectory defined by the toothed sector 71. Thus, the connecting rod assembly 80 is articulated between the trunnion 50 and the frame 2.

[0045] Due to the meshing between the pinion 70 and its associated toothed sector 71, a rotation of the connecting rod assembly 80 around the axis of rotation A2, in a first direction of rotation, causes a rotation of the oscillating mass Mo, and therefore of the weapon 4, around the pivot axis A0, in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. In other words, the rotational movement of the weapon 4 for its elevation adjustment and the revolution of the pivot axis A0 relative to the axis of rotation A2 are counter-rotating movements. They are also simultaneous movements, one movement causing the other.

[0046] These counter-rotating and simultaneous movements are controlled by the drive element 9. The drive element 9 is coupled to the displacement mechanism 8, in other words to at least one connecting rod assembly, as schematically represented in Figures 2 and 3. Thus, the drive element 9 controls the rotational movement of the connecting rod assembly 80 and therefore the displacement of the pivot axis A0 relative to the frame 2. Advantageously, the drive element 9 is a single motor M coupled to at least one connecting rod assembly 80.

[0047] The operating principle of the weapon assembly 1 is similar to that of an epicyclic gear train comprising a fixed outer planetary ring gear, at least one planetary pinion rolling on said ring gear and rotating about a planetary axis carried by a planet carrier, and a central planetary pinion geared to at least one planetary pinion. The axis of rotation A2 is the planetary pinion, the journal 50 and the connecting rod assembly 80 are the planet carrier, the weapon 4 is the planetary pinion, the connecting rod assembly 80 ensures contact between the planetary pinion and the planetary pinion, and the toothed sector 71 is the fixed outer planetary ring gear.

[0048] In a first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 5, the motor M drives the second pivot joint. In other words, the axis of rotation A2 of the second pivot joint between the frame 2 and the connecting rod assembly 80 is a motorized axis.

[0049] In this embodiment, during operation, the rotation of the motorized axis A2, via the motor M, orients the connecting rod assembly 80 and thus displaces the axis A1 of the first pivot joint relative to the frame 2. The displacement of the axis A1 of the pivot joint between the connecting rod assembly 80 and the trunnion 50 causes the trunnion 50 of the weapon 4 to move along its trajectory between its upper and lower positions, the pinion 70 moving along the toothed sector 71. The movement of the pinion 70 on the toothed sector 71 in turn causes, by meshing, the orientation of the weapon 7 in elevation.

[0050] Alternatively, in a second embodiment shown in the figure, the motor M drives the first pivot joint. In other words, the axis of rotation A1 of the first pivot joint between the connecting rod assembly 80 and the journal 50 is a motorized axis.

[0051] In this second embodiment, during operation, the rotation of the motorized axis A1, via the motor M, is analogous to that obtained with a conventional aiming box, and orients the oscillating mass Mo and thus the weapon 4 in space. The rotation of the weapon 4 around the axis of rotation A1 of the first pivot joint causes, by meshing the pinion 70 carried by the trunnion 50 on the toothed sector 71, the rotation of the connecting rod assembly 80 around the axis of rotation A2 of the second pivot joint. This rotational movement of the connecting rod assembly 80 in turn creates the vertical displacement of the trunnions 50 relative to the frame 2.

[0052] Thus, the modulation of the height H of the trunnions 50, and therefore of the line of fire, with the elevation orientation of the weapon 4 by piloting a single motorized axis A1 or A2 is a simple solution allowing to increase the stability of the mounting of weapon 1 during firing.

[0053] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Weapon mount (1) comprising a frame (2) intended to be mounted on a support, such as a military vehicle (V) body (3), and an oscillating mass (Mo) comprising a cradle (5) carrying a weapon (4), the oscillating mass (Mo) being pivotally mounted in elevation relative to the frame (2) by means of a pair of trunnions (50), about a trunnion axis (A0), the weapon mount (1) comprising an elevation pointing system (Sp) connected to the frame (2) and comprising an orientation mechanism (7) capable of pivoting the oscillating mass (Mo) about the trunnion axis (A0) through its entire angular range for positive, zero or negative elevation pointing of the weapon (4),the weapon mount (1) being characterized in that the elevation aiming system (Sp) further comprises a displacement mechanism (8) capable of ensuring a displacement of the trunnion axis (A0) relative to the frame (2) and parallel to itself along a trajectory between a highest position and a lowest position, the orientation mechanisms (7) and displacement mechanisms (8) being controlled synchronously and being configured such that the position of the trunnion axis (A0) is controlled as a function of the elevation angle (α) of the weapon (4), the maximum positive elevation angle (α, max ) of the weapon (4) being associated with the highest position of the trunnion axis (A0), and conversely, the maximum negative elevation angle (α min ) of the weapon (4) being associated with the lowest position of the trunnion axis (A0). Weapon assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement mechanism (8) is arranged to move the trunnion axis (A0) along a circular arc trajectory. Weapon assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the orientation mechanisms (7) and displacement mechanisms (8) are configured such that, when the oscillating mass (4, 5, 6) is pivoted in elevation around the pivot axis (A0) in a clockwise, respectively counterclockwise direction, the pivot axis (A0) is displaced along the arc-shaped trajectory in a counterclockwise, respectively clockwise direction, the pivoting movement of the oscillating mass (Mo) around the pivot axis (A0) and the displacement movement of the pivot axis (A0) along the arc-shaped trajectory thus being counter-rotating movements. Weapon assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the displacement mechanism (8) comprises a connecting rod assembly (80) articulatingly connecting the oscillating mass (Mo) to the frame (2), a first end of the connecting rod assembly (80) being connected to a trunnion (50) by a first pivot joint whose axis of rotation is the trunnion axis (A0) and a second end of the connecting rod assembly (80) being connected to the frame (2) by a second pivot joint whose axis of rotation (A2) is parallel to the trunnion axis (A0). Weapon assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the orientation mechanism (7) comprises a toothed sector (71) fixed to the frame (2) and a pinion (70) which meshes with the toothed sector (71), the pinion (70) being fixed to a trunnion (50), the teeth of the toothed sector (71) following the trajectory of the trunnion axis (A0). Weapon assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the orientation (7) and displacement (8) mechanisms are driven by a single motor element (9) coupled to the displacement mechanism (8). Weapon assembly (1) according to claim 6 when taken in dependence on any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the driving element (9) is coupled to the second end of the connecting rod assembly (80) to rotate the connecting rod assembly (80) around the axis of rotation (A2) of the second pivot joint. Weapon assembly (1) according to claim 6 when taken in dependence on claim 5, characterized in that the driving element (9) is coupled to the pinion (70) to rotate it around the pivot axis (A0). Military vehicle (V) characterized in that it includes a weapon mount (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8. Military vehicle (V) according to claim 9, characterized in that the frame (2) is a turret mounted on a body (3) of the vehicle (V), the turret (2) being mounted pivoting in azimuth about a vertical axis (X1).

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