EP0272399B1 - Cartridge feed system - Google Patents

Cartridge feed system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0272399B1
EP0272399B1 EP87115316A EP87115316A EP0272399B1 EP 0272399 B1 EP0272399 B1 EP 0272399B1 EP 87115316 A EP87115316 A EP 87115316A EP 87115316 A EP87115316 A EP 87115316A EP 0272399 B1 EP0272399 B1 EP 0272399B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ammunition
feed system
cartridge
deflection
buffer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP87115316A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0272399A1 (en
Inventor
Manfred Dipl.-Ing. Buchstaller
Friedrich Mössmer
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Dornier GmbH
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Dornier GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/61—Magazines
    • F41A9/64—Magazines for unbelted ammunition
    • F41A9/76—Magazines having an endless-chain conveyor

Definitions

  • the known beltless ammunition systems generally have the disadvantage inherent in the system that at the beginning of a salvo the complete ammunition supply including the transport mechanism must be accelerated to the rate of fire (cadence) of the cannon in the shortest possible time.
  • the acceleration effects also lead to unacceptable cadence slumps when using fast-reacting and powerful booster motors - to support the movement of the beltless ammunition in the ammunition storage container via a drive wheel.
  • a cannon stop cannot be ruled out if the ammunition volume is large.
  • An ammunition feeder according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A 4 573 395.
  • a storage device is formed by two movably mounted deflection devices - one in front of the ammunition intake of the weapon, the other on the opposite side of the ammunition container - and a connecting, spring-loaded lever, which makes it easier to start the weapon by not having to accelerate the entire ammunition supply, but only part of the ammunition that lies in the loops formed by the two deflection devices.
  • This memory works passively, i.e. the energy to move it must be supplied by the weapon ammunition or by the booster motor. Energy must also be put into the tensioning of the spring. This partially removes the advantage that smaller masses have to be accelerated.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a supply of ammunition that enables high cadence when the weapon is started.
  • the invention creates an "active ammunition buffer" which, when the weapon starts, cancels the inertia of the ammunition lying in front of the weapon or accelerates this part of the ammunition.
  • the retraction of the weapon and the existing booster motor are supported in their start-up phase, which leads to a very responsive overall system.
  • FIG. 1 An alternative ammunition guide is shown in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 1 shows an ammunition feeder according to the invention, which consists of the following main components:
  • the ammunition is stored and transported in four layers by means of dimensionally stable intermediate floors (4) made of light metal.
  • the ammunition lies in loops which are formed by deflection devices (deflection wheels 6, deflection shells 8, drive wheel 36, buffer wheels 10). Two of the deflection wheels are movably mounted and are referred to here as buffer wheels 10.
  • the ammunition On the top and bottom of the intermediate floors 4 and on the deflection shells 8 of the buffer wheels 10 the ammunition is guided on two slide / roller rails 12 made of low-wear plastics (eg nylatron) with little clearance.
  • the connection between the individual ammunition layers is established via deflection wheels 6.
  • the cartridges are axially fixed on one side of the conveyor rods 14 by a corresponding shaped piece (made of wear-resistant material).
  • Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the cartridge guide.
  • This management task is carried out there by a U-shaped or L-shaped profile 18 of the same material, which is attached at least on one side in each of the intermediate floors 4 and in which each floor rolls in the pull-out groove.
  • a second molded piece 20 made of wear-resistant plastic (e.g. nylatron) and adapted to the ammunition shape can be attached to each conveyor rod 14 above the ammunition center of gravity.
  • the simultaneous conveyance of cartridges and sleeves is achieved by positioning this plastic molding 20 at the level of the transition from the sleeve to the projectile.
  • the ammunition is removed from the conveyor chain 16 via a gear train (transfer wheel 22, feed wheel 24, guide wheels 26) and is forcibly via the wheels 22, 24, 26 and internal ones Pass upper and lower slide rails 12 to the cannon's endless feed chain.
  • a gear train transfer wheel 22, feed wheel 24, guide wheels 26
  • the gear train of the transfer unit is non-positively connected to the feed wheel 24 of the feed chain of the cannon, so that the pulling force of the cannon is transmitted via the feed chain to the conveyor loop in the ammunition buffer.
  • the path of the feed chain is specified by the two arrows on the far right and the feed wheel 24.
  • a guide wheel 26 and slide rails are attached, identical in construction to the ammunition handover on the upper side, via which the empties of the cannon (sleeves or ignition failure) can be passed into the ammunition system.
  • the right loop represents the ammunition buffer from which the cannon is supplied with ammunition for the start-up time of the booster motor.
  • both deflection axes of the buffer wheels 10 are guided in external link rails.
  • both deflection axes are connected to one another at their ends via couplings 28 in order to keep the length of the conveyor chain 16 constant.
  • the ammunition layers lying one above the other are each separated from one another by a telescoping telescope 30.
  • the outermost segment of the telescope 30 is connected to the outer skin of the ammunition container 2 and the innermost is coupled to the axis of the movable buffer wheel 10.
  • the movable segments are supported at the rear end via rollers 32 in the next larger segment.
  • the telescopic segments are forcibly pulled out or pushed in by the respective smaller, inner segment.
  • the front end of the middle segment is guided in the link rail of the buffer wheels 10.
  • a prestressed gas pressure spring 34 is installed in the ammunition buffer, which is supported on the outer contour of the container and the left buffer wheel 10.
  • the ammunition stored in the two buffer loops, the conveyor chain 16 and the buffer wheels 10 are accelerated synchronously with the conveying movement of the cannon by the prestressed gas pressure spring.
  • the delivery mechanism of the cannon is relieved by the gas pressure spring 34 of the movement of the ammunition in the ammunition buffer which is usually necessary.
  • the gas pressure spring thus synchronizes the insufficient start-up dynamics of the drive motor in the conveyor system with the dynamics of the cannon (start-free fire speed) at the start of a salvo or in the event of cadence fluctuations.
  • a well-known, responsive hydraulic motor (booster motor) supplied by the aircraft is installed in the ammunition container for driving the conveyor chain 16.
  • the power transmission from the booster motor to the conveyor chain 16 takes place on the drive wheel 36, which is positioned directly in front of the buffer loop in the upper part of the ammunition container 2.
  • Control of the booster motor is not necessary.
  • the booster motor can be stalled via the conveyor chain 16 blocked in the transfer unit.
  • the gear train in the transfer unit With the start of the conveying movement in the feed chain (cannon), the gear train in the transfer unit is set in motion synchronously with the cannon.
  • the prestressed gas pressure spring 34 in the left loop of the ammunition buffer accelerates the coupled buffer wheels 10 axially in the direction of the transfer unit and thereby relieves the supply chain of the cannon.
  • the right loop of the ammunition buffer is moved to the right until the booster motor has run up to maximum speed. Due to the large ammunition stock in the right loop of the buffer, sufficient time is available to accelerate the entire conveyor chain 16. The demands on the dynamics of the booster motor are reduced in relation to the available acceleration time.
  • the gear train of the transfer unit comes to a standstill.
  • the inertia of the moving ammunition and the conveyor system, as well as the booster motor that is conveying it, causes an immediate filling of the right loop of the ammunition buffer up to the mechanical stop on the left side of the buffer.
  • the booster motor is stalled via the blocked conveyor chain 16.
  • the gas pressure spring 34 integrated in the ammunition buffer is compressed during this process and maximally pretensioned for the next unloading process.
  • the gear train of the transfer unit can be designed so that the empties returned from the cannon (sleeves or ignition failure) can be taken over and stored in the ammunition system.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
  • Intermediate Stations On Conveyors (AREA)

Description

Aufgrund der aufwendigen Beladung und begrenzter Integrierbarkeit (Volumenerfordernisse) von konventionellen, gegurteten Munitionssystemen für Flugzeugkanonen sowie deren Störanfälligkeit unter negativer g-Belastung sind auch für gasdruckladende Einrohr-Revolerkanonen bzw. offen zu schiessende Verschlußkanonen moderne gurtgliedlose Munitionssysteme entwickelt worden.Due to the complex loading and limited integrability (volume requirements) of conventional, belted ammunition systems for aircraft cannons and their susceptibility to failure under negative g-loads, modern beltless ammunition systems have also been developed for gas-pressure-loading single-barrel revolver cannons or open-ended locking cannons.

Die bekannten gurtgliedlosen Munitionssysteme haben allgemein den systemimmanenten Nachteil, daß zu Beginn einer Salve der komplette Munitionsvorrat einschließlich des Transportmechanismus in kürzester Zeit auf die Feuergeschwindigkeit (Kadenz) der Kanone beschleunigt werden muß. Bei gasdruckladenden (selbst einziehenden) Kanonen mit anlauffreier Feuergeschwindigkeit von mehr als 2000 SchuB/min führen die Beschleunigungseffekte auch bei Verwendung von reaktionsschnellen und starken Boostermotoren - zur Unterstützung der Bewegung der gurtgliedlosen Munition im Munitionsvorratsbehälter über ein Antriebsrad - zumindest zu nicht akzeptablen Kadenzeinbrüchen. Bei grösserem Munitionsvolumen ist ein Kanonenstop nicht auszuschliessen.The known beltless ammunition systems generally have the disadvantage inherent in the system that at the beginning of a salvo the complete ammunition supply including the transport mechanism must be accelerated to the rate of fire (cadence) of the cannon in the shortest possible time. In the case of gas pressure-loading (self-retracting) cannons with a fire speed of more than 2000 shots / min, the acceleration effects also lead to unacceptable cadence slumps when using fast-reacting and powerful booster motors - to support the movement of the beltless ammunition in the ammunition storage container via a drive wheel. A cannon stop cannot be ruled out if the ammunition volume is large.

Aus der US-A 4 424 735 ist ein Munitionsbehälter bekannt, bei dem die Munition in mehreren Schlaufen liegt. Vorgesehen sind dort eine endlose Förderkette, ein Kettenspanner und eine Übergabeeinheit zum Zuführen der Munition zu einer Waffe. Eine Unterstützung beim Anlauf der Waffe ist nicht vorgesehen.From US-A 4 424 735 an ammunition container is known in which the ammunition is in several loops. There is an endless conveyor chain, a chain tensioner and a transfer unit for feeding the ammunition to a weapon. Support for starting the weapon is not provided.

Aus der US-A 4 252 049 ist ein Munitionszuführungssystem bekannt, bei dem der Einzug beim Anlaufen der Waffe dadurch erleichtert wird, daß zwei Umlenkeinrichtungen für die Munition an Federn beweglich gelagert sind. Dadurch muß beim Anlaufen der Waffe nicht der gesamte Munitionsvorrat sofort beschleunigt werden, sondern nur ein Teil der Munition. Allerdings muß der Antriebsmotor beim Anlauf auch noch die Federn spannen.From US-A 4 252 049 an ammunition supply system is known in which the retraction when the weapon is started is facilitated by the fact that two deflection devices for the ammunition are movably mounted on springs. As a result, the entire ammunition supply does not have to be accelerated immediately when the weapon is started, but only part of the ammunition. However, the drive motor must also tension the springs when starting.

Aus der US-A 4 573 395 ist eine Munitionszuführung nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 bekannt. Durch zwei beweglich gelagerte Umlenkeinrichtungen - eine vor dem Munitionseinzug der Waffe, die andere auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Munitionsbehälters - und einem verbindenden, federbelasteten Hebel wird ein Speicher gebildet, der den Anlauf der Waffe dadurch erleichtert, daß nicht der gesamte Munitionsvorrat beschleunigt werden muß, sondern nur ein Teil der Munition, die in den Schlaufen liegt, die von den beiden Umlenkeinrichtungen gebildet werden. Dieser Speicher arbeitet passiv, das heißtldie Energie, ihn zu bewegen, muß vom Munitionseinzug der Waffe oder vom Boostermotor aufgebracht werden. Ebenso muß Energie in das Spannen der Feder gesteckt werden. Dadurch wird der Vorteil, daß kleinere Massen beschleunigt werden müssen, zum Teil wieder aufgehoben.An ammunition feeder according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A 4 573 395. A storage device is formed by two movably mounted deflection devices - one in front of the ammunition intake of the weapon, the other on the opposite side of the ammunition container - and a connecting, spring-loaded lever, which makes it easier to start the weapon by not having to accelerate the entire ammunition supply, but only part of the ammunition that lies in the loops formed by the two deflection devices. This memory works passively, i.e. the energy to move it must be supplied by the weapon ammunition or by the booster motor. Energy must also be put into the tensioning of the spring. This partially removes the advantage that smaller masses have to be accelerated.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine Munitionszuführung vorzuschlagen, die schon beim Anlaufen der Waffe eine hohe Kadenz ermöglicht.The object of the invention is to propose a supply of ammunition that enables high cadence when the weapon is started.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß von Munitionszuführungen mit den Merkmalen der Ansprüche gelöst.This object is achieved by ammunition feeders with the features of the claims.

Durch die Erfindung wird ein "aktiver Munitionspuffer" geschaffen, der beim Anlaufen der Waffe die Massenträgheit der vor der Waffe liegenden Munition aufhebt oder diesen Teil der Munition beschleunigt. Der Einzug der Waffe und der vorhandene Boostermotor werden in ihrer Anlaufphase unterstützt, was zu einem sehr reaktionsschnellen Gesamtsystem führt.The invention creates an "active ammunition buffer" which, when the weapon starts, cancels the inertia of the ammunition lying in front of the weapon or accelerates this part of the ammunition. The retraction of the weapon and the existing booster motor are supported in their start-up phase, which leads to a very responsive overall system.

Mit der Erfindung des integrierten Munitionspuffers werden folgende wesentliche Vorteile erreicht, die die Adaption dieses Lösungsprinzips an Kanonensysteme mit anlauffreien, hohen Feuergeschwindigkeiten in hochmanövrierfähigen Flugzeugen ermögliche, deren störungsfreie Funktion sicherstellen und problemlose Beladung in kürzester Zeit erlauben:

  • - Kompakte Gestaltung der Aussenkontur des Munitionsbehälters; Einbauvolumen kleiner als bei gegurteter Munition; Weiterverwendung des freiwerdenden Einbauvolumens möglich.
  • - Einfache Gestaltung des integrierten Munitionspuffers mit einem Minimum an drehenden und beschleunigten Teilen, was Anlaufdynamik, Systemzuverlässigkeit und Lebensdauer erhöht.
  • - Optimale Anpaßbarkeit des Munitionspuffervolumens an die Einzugsleistung der zu versorgenden Kanone; Minimierung der Anforderungen an den Munitionstransport (Booster) und dessen Energieversorgung; Gewichtsreduzierung.
  • - Be- und Entladbarkeit des Munitionsvorratsbehälters ohne Ausbau (Einbau des Munitionssystems in unzugängliche Einbauräume).
  • - Unterstützung des Kanonenfördersystems zu Beginn einer Salve (anlauffreie Feuergeschwindigkeit).
  • - Übernahme von Leergut der Kanone (Hülsen und gegebenenfalls Zündversager) möglich; Platzeinsparung für Leergutaufnahme; Weiterverwendung des freiwerdenden Einbauvolumens möglich.
  • - Gleichzeitige Be- und Entladbarkeit des Munitionssystems am Boden (Reduzierung der Turn-Around-Zeit).
With the invention of the integrated ammunition buffer, the following essential advantages are achieved, which enable this solution principle to be adapted to cannon systems with start-up-free, high fire speeds in highly maneuverable aircraft, which ensure their trouble-free function and allow trouble-free loading in the shortest possible time:
  • - Compact design of the outer contour of the ammunition container; Installation volume smaller than with belted ammunition; The reused installation volume can be reused.
  • - Simple design of the integrated ammunition buffer with a minimum of rotating and accelerated parts, which increases start-up dynamics, system reliability and service life.
  • - Optimal adaptability of the ammunition buffer volume to the intake performance of the cannon to be supplied; Minimization of the requirements for ammunition transport (booster) and its energy supply; Weight reduction.
  • - Loading and unloading of the ammunition storage container without removal (installation of the ammunition system in inaccessible installation spaces).
  • - Support of the cannon delivery system at the beginning of a salvo (non-start fire speed).
  • - Transfer of empties from the cannon (sleeves and, if applicable, ignition failure) possible; Space saving for empties; The reused installation volume can be reused.
  • - Simultaneous loading and unloading of the ammunition system on the ground (reduction of the turn-around time).

Die Erfindung wird anhand zweier Ausführungsformen in Figuren 1 und 2 näher beschrieben. In Figur 3 wird eine alternative Munitionsführung gezeigt.The invention is described in more detail using two embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2. An alternative ammunition guide is shown in FIG.

Figur 1 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Munitionszuführung, die aus folgenden Hauptkomponenten besteht:Figure 1 shows an ammunition feeder according to the invention, which consists of the following main components:

a) Munitionsbehälter 2a) Ammunition container 2

Durch formstabile Zwischenböden (4) aus Leichtmetall wird die Munition in vier Lagen bevorratet und transportiert. Die Munition liegt in Schlaufen, die von Umlenkeinrichtungen (Umlenkräder 6, Umlenkschalen 8, Antriebsrad 36, Pufferräder 10) gebildet werden. Zwei der Umlenkräder sind beweglich gelagert und werden hier als Pufferräder 10 bezeichnet.The ammunition is stored and transported in four layers by means of dimensionally stable intermediate floors (4) made of light metal. The ammunition lies in loops which are formed by deflection devices (deflection wheels 6, deflection shells 8, drive wheel 36, buffer wheels 10). Two of the deflection wheels are movably mounted and are referred to here as buffer wheels 10.

An der Ober- und Unterseite der Zwischenböden 4 und an den Umlenkschalen 8 der Pufferräder 10 wird die Munition auf jeweils zwei Gleit/Rollschienen 12 aus verschleißarmen Kunststoffen (z.B. Nylatron) mit geringer Freigängigkeit geführt. Durch biegesteife, dünne Förderstäbe 14, jeweils vor und hinter einer Patrone bzw. Hülse, werden diese voneinander getrennt und somit einzeln im Munitionsbehälter 2 gelagert und transportiert. Über Umlenkräder 6 wird die Verbindung zwischen den einzelnen Munitionslagen hergestellt.On the top and bottom of the intermediate floors 4 and on the deflection shells 8 of the buffer wheels 10 the ammunition is guided on two slide / roller rails 12 made of low-wear plastics (eg nylatron) with little clearance. Rigid, thin conveyor rods 14, in front of and behind a cartridge or sleeve, separate them and thus store and transport them individually in the ammunition container 2. The connection between the individual ammunition layers is established via deflection wheels 6.

b) Förderkette 16b) Conveyor chain 16

Zwei hoch reißfeste Transportketten, zu beiden Enden der Munition, sind im konstanten Abstand (Patronendurchmesser zuzüglich Transportformstücke der Förderstäbe 14 und Freigängigkeit) über Querstege (Förderstäbe 14) miteinander verbunden. Die so entstandene endlose Förderkette 16 wird in mehreren Schlaufen über alle Umlenkräder 6, 10, 22, 36 des Behälters 2 geführt.Two highly tear-resistant transport chains, at both ends of the ammunition, are connected at a constant distance (cartridge diameter plus transport fittings of the conveyor bars 14 and freedom of movement) via crossbars (conveyor bars 14). The resulting endless conveyor chain 16 is guided in several loops over all deflection wheels 6, 10, 22, 36 of the container 2.

Um die Berührung der empfindlichen Munitionsspitzen bzw. Patronenböden mit den Förderketten 16 zu vermeiden, werden die Patronen durch ein entsprechendes Formstück (aus verschleißfestem Material) an der einem Seite der Förderstäbe 14 axial fixiert.In order to avoid touching the sensitive ammunition tips or cartridge bottoms with the conveyor chains 16, the cartridges are axially fixed on one side of the conveyor rods 14 by a corresponding shaped piece (made of wear-resistant material).

Figur 3 zeigt eine alternative Ausführung der Patronenführung.Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the cartridge guide.

Dies Führungsaufgabe wird dort durch ein U-oder L-förmiges Profil 18 des gleichen Materials übernommen, das mindestens einseitig in jedem der Zwischenböden 4 angebracht ist und in dem jedes Geschoß in der Ausziehrille abrollt. Mit dieser Lösung kann die sonst notwendige axiale Führung der Kette erheblich vereinfacht werden (lediglich Kettenspannung).This management task is carried out there by a U-shaped or L-shaped profile 18 of the same material, which is attached at least on one side in each of the intermediate floors 4 and in which each floor rolls in the pull-out groove. With this solution, the otherwise necessary axial guidance of the chain can be considerably simplified (only chain tension).

Um ein Verkanten der Munition in Transportrichtung zu vermeiden, kann an jedem Förderstab 14 oberhalb des Munitionsschwerpunkts ein zweites, auf die Munitionsform abgestimmtes Formstück 20 aus verschleißfestem Kunststoff (z.B. Nylatron), angebracht sein. Die gleichzeitige Förderung von Patronen und Hülsen wird durch die Positionierung dieses Kunststoff-Formstücks 20 in der Höhe des Übergangs von der Hülse zum Geschoß erreicht.In order to avoid tilting of the ammunition in the direction of transport, a second molded piece 20 made of wear-resistant plastic (e.g. nylatron) and adapted to the ammunition shape can be attached to each conveyor rod 14 above the ammunition center of gravity. The simultaneous conveyance of cartridges and sleeves is achieved by positioning this plastic molding 20 at the level of the transition from the sleeve to the projectile.

c) Übergabeeinheitc) transfer unit

In einer der Schlaufen des Munitionspuffers, in der in Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführung rechts unten, wird die Munition über ein Räderwerk (Übergaberad 22, Zuführrad 24, Führungsräder 26) aus der Förderkette 16 entnommen und zwangsweise über die Räder 22, 24, 26 und innenliegende obere und untere Gleitschienen 12 der endlosen Zuführkette der Kanone übergeben.In one of the loops of the ammunition buffer, in the embodiment shown at the bottom right in FIG. 1, the ammunition is removed from the conveyor chain 16 via a gear train (transfer wheel 22, feed wheel 24, guide wheels 26) and is forcibly via the wheels 22, 24, 26 and internal ones Pass upper and lower slide rails 12 to the cannon's endless feed chain.

Das Räderwerk der Ubergabeeinheit ist kraftschlüssig mit dem Zuführrad 24 der Zuführkette der Kanone verbunden, so daß die Einzugskraft der Kanone über die Zuführkette auf die Förderschlaufe im Munitionspuffer übertragen wird. Die Bahn der Zuführkette ist durch die zwei Pfeile ganz rechts und das Zuführrad 24 vorgegeben.The gear train of the transfer unit is non-positively connected to the feed wheel 24 of the feed chain of the cannon, so that the pulling force of the cannon is transmitted via the feed chain to the conveyor loop in the ammunition buffer. The path of the feed chain is specified by the two arrows on the far right and the feed wheel 24.

Auf der Unterseite des Räderwerks sind, baugleich wie bei der Munitionsübergabe an der oberen Seite, ein Führungsrad 26 sowie Gleitschienen angebracht, über die das Leergut der Kanone (Hülsen bzw. Zündversager) in das Munitionssystem übergeben werden können.On the underside of the gear train, a guide wheel 26 and slide rails are attached, identical in construction to the ammunition handover on the upper side, via which the empties of the cannon (sleeves or ignition failure) can be passed into the ammunition system.

Durch Variation der relativen Position der Führungsräder 26 sowie des Zuführrads 24 der Zuführkette zum Ubergaberad 22 in der Übergabeeinheit kann ein großer Anschlußwinkelbereich der Zuführkette zur Kanone abgedeckt werden.By varying the relative position of the guide wheels 26 and the feed wheel 24 of the feed chain to the transfer wheel 22 in the transfer unit, a large connection angle range of the feed chain to the cannon can be covered.

d) Beschleunigungsvorrichtungd) accelerator

Zwei gegenüberliegende Umlenkräder (Pufferräder 10) im Inneren des Munitionsbehälters 2, über die jeweils eine Schlaufe der Förderkette 16 geführt wird, sind in Richtung der Förderkette 16 beweglich gelagert. Dabei stellt die rechte Schlaufe den Munitionspuffer dar, aus dem für die Anlaufzeit des Boostermotors die Kanone mit Munition versorgt wird.Two opposite deflection wheels (buffer wheels 10) in the interior of the ammunition container 2, over each of which a loop of the conveyor chain 16 is guided, are movably mounted in the direction of the conveyor chain 16. The right loop represents the ammunition buffer from which the cannon is supplied with ammunition for the start-up time of the booster motor.

In außenliegenden Kulissenschienen werden die beiden zugehörigen Umlenkachsen der Pufferräder 10 geführt. In der gezeigten Ausführung sind beide Umlenkachsen an ihren Enden über Kupplungen 28 miteinander verbunden, um die Länge der Förderkette 16 konstant zu halten.The two associated deflection axes of the buffer wheels 10 are guided in external link rails. In the embodiment shown, both deflection axes are connected to one another at their ends via couplings 28 in order to keep the length of the conveyor chain 16 constant.

In den beiden Förderschlaufen des Munitionspuffers werden die übereinander liegenden Munitionslagen jeweils durch ein ineinander verschiebbares Teleskop 30 voneinander getrennt. Das äußerste Segment des Teleskops 30 ist dabei mit der Aussenhaut des Munitionsbehälters 2 verbunden und das innerste mit der Achse des beweglichen Pufferrads 10 gekoppelt. Die beweglichen Segmente sind am hinteren Ende über Rollen 32 im jeweiligen nächstgrößeren Segment gelagert. Die Teleskop-Segmente werden zwangsweise vom jeweiligen kleineren, innenliegenden Segment ausgezogen bzw. eingeschoben. Zur Erhöhung der Steifigkeit des Teleskops 30 ist das vordere Ende des mittleren Segments in der Kulissenschiene der Pufferräder 10 geführt.In the two conveyor loops of the ammunition buffer, the ammunition layers lying one above the other are each separated from one another by a telescoping telescope 30. The outermost segment of the telescope 30 is connected to the outer skin of the ammunition container 2 and the innermost is coupled to the axis of the movable buffer wheel 10. The movable segments are supported at the rear end via rollers 32 in the next larger segment. The telescopic segments are forcibly pulled out or pushed in by the respective smaller, inner segment. To increase the rigidity of the telescope 30, the front end of the middle segment is guided in the link rail of the buffer wheels 10.

Auf der der Übergabeeinheit gegenüberliegenden Seite ist im Munitionspuffer eine vorgespannte Gasdruckfeder 34 eingebaut, die an der Behälteraußenkontur und dem linken Pufferrad 10 abgestützt ist.On the side opposite the transfer unit, a prestressed gas pressure spring 34 is installed in the ammunition buffer, which is supported on the outer contour of the container and the left buffer wheel 10.

Bei Munitionsentnahme an der Übergabeeinheit werden durch die vorgespannte Gasdruckfeder die in den beiden Pufferschlaufen gespeicherte Munition die Förderkette 16 und die Pufferräder 10 synchron mit der Förderbewegung der Kanone beschleunigt. Der Fördermechanismus der Kanone wird durch die Gasdruckfeder 34 von der üblicherweise notwendigen Bewegung der Munition im Munitionspuffer entlastet.When ammunition is removed from the transfer unit, the ammunition stored in the two buffer loops, the conveyor chain 16 and the buffer wheels 10 are accelerated synchronously with the conveying movement of the cannon by the prestressed gas pressure spring. The delivery mechanism of the cannon is relieved by the gas pressure spring 34 of the movement of the ammunition in the ammunition buffer which is usually necessary.

Die Gasdruckfeder synchronisiert somit zu Beginn einer Salve oder bei Kadenzschwankungen die unzureichende Anlaufdynamik des Antriebsmotors im Fördersystem auf die Dynamik der Kanone (anlauffreie Feuergeschwindigkeit).The gas pressure spring thus synchronizes the insufficient start-up dynamics of the drive motor in the conveyor system with the dynamics of the cannon (start-free fire speed) at the start of a salvo or in the event of cadence fluctuations.

e) Boostermotore) Booster engine

In der gezeigten Ausführungsform ist zum Antrieb der Förderkette 16 im Munitionsbehälter ein an sich bekannter, vom Flugzeug versorgter, reaktionsschneller Hydraulikmotor (Boostermotor) eingebaut. Die Kraftübertragung vom Boostermotor zur Förderkette 16 erfolgt am Antriebsrad 36, das direkt vor der Pufferschlaufe im oberen Teil des Munitionsbehälters 2 positioniert ist.In the embodiment shown, a well-known, responsive hydraulic motor (booster motor) supplied by the aircraft is installed in the ammunition container for driving the conveyor chain 16. The power transmission from the booster motor to the conveyor chain 16 takes place on the drive wheel 36, which is positioned directly in front of the buffer loop in the upper part of the ammunition container 2.

Figur 2 zeigt eine ähnliche Ausführung, bei der die Munition jedoch in sechs statt in vier Lagen aufbewahrt ist.Die erfindungsgemäße Munitionszuführung funktioniert folgendermaßen:

  • Vor Entnahme von Munition aus dem Munitionssystem wird durch ein Signal (z.B. Weapon Master: ON) der Boostermotor in Förderrichtung in Bewegung gesetzt, das Antriebsrad 36 bewegt die Förderkette 16 in Pfeiirichtung. Aufgrund des Stillstands des Räderwerks in der Ubergabeeinheit wird die linke Munitionsschlaufe des Puffers bis zum mechanischen Anschlag verkürzt. Dabei wird die in dieser Schlaufe integrierte Gasdruckfeder 34 maximal vorgespannt. Aufgrund der mechanischen Kopplung der beiden Pufferräder 10 wird die rechte Schlaufe des Munitionspuffers in dem Maß vergrößert, wie die linke Schlaufe verkürzt wird.
FIG. 2 shows a similar design, but in which the ammunition is stored in six instead of four layers.
  • Before removal of ammunition from the ammunition system, the booster motor is set in motion in the conveying direction by a signal (for example Weapon Master: ON), the drive wheel 36 moves the conveyor chain 16 in the direction of the arrow. Due to the standstill of the gear train in the transfer unit, the left ammunition loop of the buffer is shortened to the mechanical stop. The gas pressure spring 34 integrated in this loop is maximally pretensioned. Due to the mechanical coupling of the two buffer wheels 10, the right loop of the ammunition buffer is enlarged to the extent that the left loop is shortened.

Eine Steuerung des Boostermotors ist nicht erforderlich. Bei Erreichen des mechanischen Anschlags auf der linken Seite des Munitionspuffers kann der Boostermotor über die in der Übergabeeinheit blockierte Förderkette 16 abgewürgt werden.Control of the booster motor is not necessary. When the mechanical stop on the left side of the ammunition buffer is reached, the booster motor can be stalled via the conveyor chain 16 blocked in the transfer unit.

Mit Beginn der Förderbewegung in der Zuführkette (Kanone) wird das Räderwerk in der Übergabeeinheit synchron zur Kanone in Bewegung gesetzt. Die vorgespannte Gasdruckfeder 34 in der linken Schlaufe des Munitionspuffers beschleunigt die gekoppelten Pufferräder 10 axial in Richtung Übergabe einheit und entlastet dadurch die Zuführkette der Kanone. Dabei wird die rechte Schlaufe des Munitionspuffers so lange nach rechts bewegt, bis der Boostermotor auf Maximalgeschwindigkeit hochgelaufen ist. Aufgrund des großen Munitionsvorrats in der rechten Schlaufe des Puffers steht für die Beschleunigung der gesamten Förderkette 16 ausreichend Zeit zur Verfügung. Die Anforderungen an die Dynamik des Boostermotors werden im Verhältnis zur verfügbaren Beschleunigungszeit reduziert.With the start of the conveying movement in the feed chain (cannon), the gear train in the transfer unit is set in motion synchronously with the cannon. The prestressed gas pressure spring 34 in the left loop of the ammunition buffer accelerates the coupled buffer wheels 10 axially in the direction of the transfer unit and thereby relieves the supply chain of the cannon. The right loop of the ammunition buffer is moved to the right until the booster motor has run up to maximum speed. Due to the large ammunition stock in the right loop of the buffer, sufficient time is available to accelerate the entire conveyor chain 16. The demands on the dynamics of the booster motor are reduced in relation to the available acceleration time.

Bei Kanonen-Stop kommt das Räderwerk der Übergabeeinheit übergangslos zum Stillstand. Die Trägheit der bewegten Munition und des Fördersystems sowie der weiterfördernde Boostermotor bewirken eine sofortige Auffüllung der rechten Schlaufe des Munitionspuffers bis zum mechanischen Anschlag auf der linken Pufferseite. Dabei wird der Boostermotor über die blockierte Förderkette 16 abgewürgt. Die im Munitionspuffer integrierte Gasdruckfeder 34 wird bei diesem Vorgang komprimiert und für den nächsten Entladevorgang maximal vorgespannt.When the cannon stops, the gear train of the transfer unit comes to a standstill. The inertia of the moving ammunition and the conveyor system, as well as the booster motor that is conveying it, causes an immediate filling of the right loop of the ammunition buffer up to the mechanical stop on the left side of the buffer. The booster motor is stalled via the blocked conveyor chain 16. The gas pressure spring 34 integrated in the ammunition buffer is compressed during this process and maximally pretensioned for the next unloading process.

Das Räderwerk der Übergabeeinheit kann so gestaltet sein, daß das von der Kanone rückgeführte Leergut (Hülsen bzw. Zündversager) übernommen und im Munitionssystem gespeichert werden kann.The gear train of the transfer unit can be designed so that the empties returned from the cannon (sleeves or ignition failure) can be taken over and stored in the ammunition system.

Die erfindungsgemäße Munitionszuführung kann folgendermaßen beladen werden:

  • Der Munitionsvorrat des beschriebenen gurtgliedlosen Munitionssystems kann bei Verwendung eines geeigneten Bodengeräts (gurtgliedloser Vorratsbehälter; gleiches Funktionsprinzip) in kürzester Zeit (wenige Sekunden) erneuert werden. Synchron zur Munitionsbeladung wird das gespeicherte Leergut entladen. Diese wird durch Anschluß der Munitionstransportkette des Bodengeräts an die Übergabeeinheit (bzw. abgeklappte Zuführkette der Kanone) des Munitionssystems und Umkehrung der Drehrichtung des Boostermotors erreicht.
The ammunition feeder according to the invention can be loaded as follows:
  • The ammunition stock of the belt-less ammunition system described can be replaced in a very short time (a few seconds) when using a suitable floor device (belt-less storage container; same operating principle). The stored empties are unloaded synchronously with the ammunition loading. This is achieved by connecting the ammunition transport chain of the ground device to the transfer unit (or folded supply chain of the cannon) of the ammunition system and reversing the direction of rotation of the booster motor.

Claims (7)

1. Cartridge feed system for ammunition without a belt for automatic feed firearms, in particular for aircraft guns, wherein the feed step may be aided by a booster motor with
a) an ammunition holder (2) with intermediate bases (4) in which the ammunition is superimposed in - one or a plurality of loops,
b) an endless conveyor chain (16) which is guided by at least one driving wheel (36) and several deflection devices (deflection wheels (6), deflection shells (8), buffer wheels (10)),
c) a delivery unit for feeding and carrying away the ammunition and
d) at least two deflection devices (8, 10) which are mounted in a movable manner and form loops, characterized by a linear motor which accelerates the deflection devices (8, 10), which are mounted in a movable manner, in the direction of the delivery unit when the weapon is started.
2. Cartridge feed system according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable deflection devices are rigidly connected to each other and that slide bars are provided to guide the movable deflection devices.
3. Cartridge feed system according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the linear motor is formed as a prestressed gas pressure spring (34) which is preferably disposed directly in a loop.
4. Cartridge feed system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the intermediate bases (4) is formed as a telescope (30) in such a way that the length can be altered.
5. Cartridge feed system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one formed piece (20) per cartridge by which the cartridge is fixed relative to the conveyor chain (16).
6. Cartridge feed system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by U or L-shaped profile bars (18) which guide the cartridges.
7. Cartridge feed system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the delivery unit is disposed in a corner of the ammunition holder (2), contains a delivery wheel (22), a feed wheel (24) and two guide wheels (26) for the pressing step and suitably guided slide bars.
EP87115316A 1986-12-24 1987-10-20 Cartridge feed system Expired - Lifetime EP0272399B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3644513A DE3644513C1 (en) 1986-12-24 1986-12-24 Ammunition feeder
DE3644513 1986-12-24

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EP0272399A1 EP0272399A1 (en) 1988-06-29
EP0272399B1 true EP0272399B1 (en) 1990-12-19

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EP87115316A Expired - Lifetime EP0272399B1 (en) 1986-12-24 1987-10-20 Cartridge feed system

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DE (1) DE3644513C1 (en)
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2020244B3 (en) 1991-08-01
US5107750A (en) 1992-04-28
DE3644513C1 (en) 1992-08-27
EP0272399A1 (en) 1988-06-29

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