EP0955513B1 - Automatic feeding mechanism for primer cartridges in an artillery gun - Google Patents

Automatic feeding mechanism for primer cartridges in an artillery gun Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0955513B1
EP0955513B1 EP19990107740 EP99107740A EP0955513B1 EP 0955513 B1 EP0955513 B1 EP 0955513B1 EP 19990107740 EP19990107740 EP 19990107740 EP 99107740 A EP99107740 A EP 99107740A EP 0955513 B1 EP0955513 B1 EP 0955513B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
feeding device
tubular element
translation
screw
breech
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
Application number
EP19990107740
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0955513A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Soulaigre
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Giat Industries SA
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Giat Industries SA
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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
    • F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
    • F41A19/57—Firing mechanisms operating with primer cartridge

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device automatic cannon supply artillery, especially for a large caliber cannon equipped with a screw or wedge cylinder head.
  • a choke is intended for initiate the propellant charge of a stationary ammunition in the gun barrel chamber and we know some number of towing supply systems.
  • document USH-1121 describes a system supply of towed artillery cannon a screw cylinder head and which includes a charger squibs.
  • a system has two drawbacks major which are first of all the restricted number can be put in the charger, but especially imposes the automatic ejection of the sockets of used packing.
  • the ejection of these sockets constitutes a danger when the artillery gun is integrated into the turret of a self-propelled vehicle.
  • the sockets ejected can cause malfunctions in the various mechanical systems of the turret, especially the automatic feeding system for ammunition.
  • FR-A-2 679 990 describes a system automatic loading of tows which is housed at inside an internal recess of a cylinder head screw.
  • This loading system includes a cable gland assembly which is integral with a sealing device.
  • the stuffing box includes a tray receiving a plurality of tows which remain in place after use, i.e. the sockets are not ejected.
  • this the disadvantage of automatic loading offer a limited number of pins that can take place in the stuffing box.
  • This limitation is basically related to the position of the loading system inside an internal recess of the bolt tear.
  • US-A-5,054,365 describes a cable-carrying chain placed behind a sleeve of a cylinder head corner.
  • a chain can include a large number but the latter must be arranged in cases of which a front face cooperates with a seal integral with the ignition light.
  • Such a provision is intended to guarantee gas tightness when switching on the choke, but it complicates the placing the pins in the charger and it there remains a risk of gas leakage between the gasket and the ignition light.
  • the object of the invention is to design a device automatic supply of chokes for a cannon large-caliber field artillery equipped with a screw or wedge cylinder head, comprising a large quantity of sleeves whose sockets are not ejected and which are carried by a stationary magazine relative to the cylinder head, the device according to the invention nevertheless ensuring a excellent gas tightness when firing the gasket.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a device automatic cannon supply artillery, the barrel being notably equipped with a sleeve cylinder head crossed by an axially aligned opening with the axis XX of the barrel tube defining a chamber containing a propellant charge M, of a mobile assembly supporting a breech obturation means for obturating tightly opening the breech sleeve, and a choke supply device to initiate the propellant charge, and a choke channel to transmit initiation to the propellant charge, characterized in that the tow channel is made up of an element tubular movable axially in translation between a retracted position where he comes to cover a stump when the closure means is locked before the initiation of propellant charge, and an advanced position where it releases the bushing of the packing when the sealing means is unlocked after initiation of said charge, said tube being actuated between these two positions by a means translation drive operated by the assembly mobile.
  • the tubular element is integral with the mobile assembly and is slidably mounted inside the screw.
  • the front end of the tubular element is inserted in a seal placed at the front of the cylinder head.
  • the tubular element is provided at its front end a sealing means inserted in the seal of the breech.
  • the means of translational drive of the element tubular consists of a pivoted bent lever housed in the cylinder head screw, one end of the lever engaging freely in an oblong opening of the slide, the other end of the lever being connected to the element tubular.
  • the end of the lever has at least one pin which engages in a peripheral groove of an attached ring on the tubular element.
  • the tows are arranged in a store secured to the mobile assembly comprising a chain without end, operated step by step by a drive means in rotation.
  • the device for rotating the chain endless includes a set of lifters supported in translation by the shutter and controlled by a stop secured to the sleeve, a ratchet wheel secured to a driving wheel of the endless chain and rotationally controlled by the set of pushers.
  • the feeding device includes a system ignition system to ignite a suffocation, this system ignition being integral with the slide.
  • a very first advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that the chokes are not subjected to any translational movement. This structure reduces the masses in motion and therefore simplify the mechanical production.
  • Another advantage is the use of movements of the mobile assembly to control on the one hand the translation of the tow channel and on the other hand the rotation of the cable gland chain.
  • the packing device according to the invention was specially designed for a cannon large caliber artillery whose representation was voluntarily limited in the figures at the rear of the tube 1 which forms a chamber 2 intended to receive a propellant charge M or ammunition.
  • the figures show a cannon artillery equipped with a bolt breech whose obturation implements three main elements, namely: a sleeve 3, a cylinder head screw 4 capable of being screwed in the sleeve 3 and a flap 5 of cylinder head serving as support for the different organs that make up the whole cylinder head mobile whose structure is described in the French patent cited above.
  • flap 5 is in the form of a metal part solid applied against the rear face of the sleeve in being articulated with respect to the sleeve 3 and around an axis 8 via an arm 6.
  • This flap supports a bell 7 on which the screw 4 is mounted to rotate freely to ensure the closure of the cylinder head by screwing or unscrewing about a twelfth of a turn.
  • Part 5 pivots relative to the cylinder head sleeve 3 about an axis 8 to ensure closing and opening movements of screw 4, thus ensuring that this component is secured with the sleeve before firing a charge M.
  • Au flap 5 is coupled to a slider 9, slidably mounted by report to the shutter to provoke in a known and described manner by patent FR-A-2 679 990 the rotation of the screw 4 (screwing, unscrewing by rotation of an angle of about 30 °). relative to bell 7 and allow the opening of the cylinder head.
  • the rotational movement of the screw is thus controlled by the cooperation of a roller 100 secured to the screw with an inclined groove 101 carried by the slide.
  • the device for supplying studs are mounted at the rear of the weapon and takes advantage of it as will be explained below the translation of the movable slide 9 relative to the flap 5, and consists of a magazine 11 of pins 12, a ignition system 13 integral with the slide 9 and a movable tubular ignition element 14 connecting the choke 12a in chamber 2 of the weapon.
  • the cylinder head flap 5 has a face front 5a located opposite the sleeve 3 of the weapon and a opposite rear face 5b.
  • the screw 4 is connected to the front face 5a of the flap 5.
  • the slider 9 is produced in the form of a metal plate applied against flap 5 and rendered movable relative to it in one direction perpendicular to the axis XX of the tube 1.
  • the movement of translation of the slide 9 is controlled by a lever pivoting around the axis 8, distinct from the arm 6, and of which the end (only shown here) carries a roller 17 housed in a slide light.
  • the relative kinematics of rotations around the same axis 8 of the lever driving the slide and arm 6 causing the opening rotation flap 5 is obtained by a device coupling / decoupling not shown and described in detail by FR-A-2 679 990. It will be noted that the slide 9 is sliding mounted between two integral slides 15 and 16 of part 5.
  • Store 11 mainly consists of Figure 2 by an endless chain 18 which carries the 12 pins arranged side by side and parallel the to each other in a direction parallel to the X-X axis of the tube 1.
  • the endless chain 18 is wound on four toothed wheels 19 respectively located towards the four corners of a path formed by a guide device 20 fixed on the flap 5 and forming a substantially loop rectangular.
  • the chain 18 is constituted by the assembly of links 21 made by laser cutting in a sheet of spring steel.
  • Each link has two openings 22 and it is made integral with its neighbor by a packing ring 23 which mounts in the opening 22 by snap-fastening.
  • Each packing holder 23 receives a packing 12 which passes through a central opening 24 of each packing holder 23, and the base c of the packing 12 is housed in an enlarged recess 24a coaxial with the opening 24.
  • each toothed wheel 19 is mounted free in rotation on a shaft 25 fixed on the flap 5.
  • Notches 26 are provided on one side side of each wheel 19. These notches 26 are regularly spaced on a circle following a step which corresponds to the step of advancement of the chain 18.
  • a pusher 27 with spring carried by the chain guide 18 is housed in one of the notches 26, and goes from a notch to the other at each step of advancement of the chain 18.
  • one of the wheels toothed or driving wheel 19a is integral with a wheel with ratchet 28 which ensures the step by step drive of the chain 18 by means of a drive device which will be described further, so that each time the chain advances 18, a packing 12 is axially aligned with the tube 1 of the weapon.
  • Notches 26 are also provided on a lateral face of the ratchet wheel 28, and a pusher spring 29 carried by the chain guide 20 is housed in one of these notches 26 at each advancement step of chain 18.
  • the slide 9 has a bracket 30 which is pierced with an opening 31 in which is housed a striker 32 associated with a return spring 33.
  • the opening 31 has a front end through which the striker 32 can protrude to strike the pin 12, and a rear end by which the striker 32 makes projection under the action of return spring 33 for come to rest on one end of a lever percussion 34 of angled shape.
  • the elbow of lever 34 is mounted pivoting about an axis 35, and the other end of the lever 34 is articulated around an axis 36 carried by a moving element 37 of an electromagnet 38 mounted on the slide 9.
  • the screw cylinder head is provided with a known sealing device 39 comprising a head 40 and an O-ring seal 41.
  • the head 40 is mushroom-shaped, that is to say that it is extended by a cylindrical part 42 which passes through freely a central passage 43 provided in the part central of the bell 7, the seal 41 being placed between the head 40 and the front face 44 of the screw 4.
  • the cylindrical part 42 opens out inside the bell 7.
  • the head 40 is locked in position by means of a elastic pin 45 which is mounted in a radial passage 46 drilled in the cylinder head screw 4.
  • One end of this pin 45 is housed in a groove 47 formed in the outer wall of the cylindrical wall 42 which extends the head 40. This light 47 allows a small displacement in translation of the head 40 relative to the screw 4.
  • a choke channel ensures the connection between the tow 12a ready to be ignited and the chamber 2 of the weapon.
  • This tow channel is made under the shape of the tubular element 14, axially aligned with the axis XX of the tube 1, and connects the pin 12a in the position of firing in chamber 2 of the weapon to initiate the charge propellant M. It is supported by the device sealing 39 of screw 4.
  • This tubular element 14 is movable in translation between two distinct positions: a first position in which he covers the choke and a second position in which it totally releases the primer.
  • This configuration constitutes a essential characteristic of the invention to the extent where the stuffing box store remains integral with the slide 9, which, given the masses involved, simplifies the mechanical production.
  • we take advantage of the translation of the slide to control both the rotation of the magazine and the translation of the element tubular.
  • One end 14a of the tubular element 14 opens out in chamber 2 of tube 1, while its other end 14b has an enlarged internal diameter recess of so as to come to cap the pin 12a which is axially aligned with tube 1.
  • the tubular element 14 is either in a first position, or retracted position, when it comes to style the 12a choke ready to be ignited, either in a second position, or advanced position, where it is released from the bushing of the 12a choke which has been ignited for allow the advance of another 12n chock in position firing.
  • the position of the tubular element 14 is determined by the translation of the slide 9 as indicated above. More specifically, the slide 9 and the element 14 are connected to each other by a connecting device 48 such that the translational movement of the slide 9 causes the displacement in translation of the tubular element 14 between its two positions indicated above.
  • the device link 48 includes a bent lever 49 housed inside of the bell 7.
  • the lever 49 is pivotally mounted around a axis 50 supported in rotation by a radial lug 51 in projection on the internal face of a ring 52 fixed to the wall internal bell 7.
  • One end 48a of the lever 49 projects freely in an oblong light 53 of the slide 9.
  • the other end 48b of the lever 49 forms a fork, the two of which parallel branches 54 come from either side of the tubular element 14.
  • the two branches 54 carry two diametrically opposed pins 55 (figure 9) which engage freely in a groove 56 of a drive ring 57 attached to the tubular element 14.
  • This ring 57 comes resting on a shoulder 58 of the tubular element 14 on the one hand, and on a split stop ring 59 fixed on the tubular element 14 with interposition of a seal toric 60 on the other hand.
  • the sealing device 60 in elastomer has the function of absorbing dispersions mechanical assembly. It thus ensures the support of the element tubular 14 on the chain 18 carrying the pins, this the latter also being held in abutment against the slide 9 (see figure 10 half bottom view)
  • a sealing device 61 ( Figure 1) is mounted in a central recess 62 formed on the front face of the head 40.
  • the sealing device 61 consists by mounting seals comprising a first seal elastomer 102 disposed between the tubular element 14 and the bottom and the cylindrical wall of the central recess 62 and a second metallic gasket 103 presser retained by a circlip fixed on the tubular element 14.
  • the endless chain 18 of store 11 which is controlled by a device step-by-step drive 70 operated from movement pivoting of the flap 5.
  • the device drive 70 of chain 18 includes a first pusher 71, associated with a return spring 72, which is supported in translation by the slide 16.
  • This first pusher 71 is controlled in translation by a stop 73 fixed and integral with the cylinder head sleeve 3.
  • the device drive 70 includes a second pusher 74 which is driven by the first pusher 71 to order in translation an articulated arm 75 (FIG.
  • a spring with blade 77 ensures the separation of the arm 75 from the pawl 28 around the axis 76 when returning to the initial position of the training device.
  • the stuffing box 11 is closed by a cover 104 ( Figure 11) affecting the shape of a flat plate and which is here made integral with the store by two clasps articulated 105a and 105b (but which could be fixed by any known means such as flanges).
  • This cover has a rectangular opening 106 which is closed by a hatch sliding 107, returned to the closed position by a spring 108 coaxial with a rod 109 which is guided by a support / stop 110 integral with the cover.
  • the hatch is guided in translation by welded flanges 111a and 111b on the cover.
  • the firing command for the 12a choke is obtained by actuating the electromagnet 38, which has for effect of rotating the percussion lever 34 around its axis 35 and to drive the striker 32 towards the pin 12a to strike it.
  • the flame resulting from the spark 12a is propagated by the element tubular 14 to the chamber 2 of the tube 1 to initiate the propellant charge M, in a manner known per se.
  • the translational movement of the slide 9 causes the unscrewing of the screw 4 and, in parallel, the removal of the percussion ignition system 13 which is secured to the slide 9.
  • the end 48a of the lever 48 abuts at one end of the light 53 of the slide 9, which has the effect of rotating the lever 49 around its axis 50.
  • the other end 48b of the lever 49 causes a translational movement of the tubular element 14 via the two pins 55 which move the drive ring 57.
  • the element tubular 14 takes the position illustrated in the half view figure 10.
  • the screw 4 and the flap 5 are integral in rotation around the control shaft 8 and release the opening of the sleeve 3 which gives access to the chamber 2 of the tube 1.
  • the first pusher 71 of the chain drive device 18 comes to rest on the stop 73.
  • the upper part of the figure 1 partially shows (in dotted lines) the cooperation of the breech flap with the sleeve on the one hand of head 3 which ensures its rotation stop and other share that of the pusher 71 with the fixed stop 73.
  • the first pusher 71 is thus moved in translation, as well as the second pusher 74 which acts on the arm 75 whose end free rests on a tooth 28a of the ratchet wheel 28, which has the effect of causing it to rotate in a determined angle.
  • This rotation is transmitted to the wheel driving tooth 19a which will cause a displacement of the chain 18 of a step corresponding to the distance separating two tows 12. Following this displacement, a new packing 12 is ready to be drawn.
  • the flap 5 is coupled to the slide 9, and this first phase of rotation ends when screw 4 is freely engaged in the housing of the sleeve 3, this which corresponds to the moment of translation of the slide 9 compared to component 5.
  • the lever 6 In the second phase of rotation of the control shaft 8, the lever 6 translates the slide 9 and the rotation of the screw 4 in the locking direction.
  • the end 48a of the lever 49 Towards the end of the movement of the slider 9 (FIGS. 1 and 10), the end 48a of the lever 49 abuts against the other end of the lumen 53 of the slider 9, which has the effect of pivoting the lever 49 around of its axis 50.
  • the other end 48b of the lever 49 causes a displacement in translation of the tubular element 14 via the pins 55 which move the drive ring 57.
  • the tubular element 14 then takes the position of the lower half-view of FIG. 10, that is to say that its rear end covers the pin 12 which is axially aligned with the tube 1.
  • each opening of the screw 4 makes it possible to position a new choke ready to be ignited, this positioning being done automatically by the only rotation of the flap 5 which causes the translational movement of the tubular element 14.
  • the endless chain 18 can support a number of pins 12 of the order of forty. The seal during the firing of the nipple is ensured in a reliable and reproducible manner by the fact that the tubular element 14 completely surrounds the body of the nipple. The displacement of the tubular element 14 makes it possible to avoid the displacement of the whole of the supply device for tows.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'alimentation automatique en étoupilles pour canon d'artillerie, en particulier pour un canon de gros calibre équipé d'une culasse à vis ou à coin.The present invention relates to a device automatic cannon supply artillery, especially for a large caliber cannon equipped with a screw or wedge cylinder head.

D'une manière générale, une étoupille est destinée à initier la charge propulsive d'une munition mise à poste dans la chambre du tube de l'arme et on connaít un certain nombre de systèmes d'alimentation en étoupilles.Generally, a choke is intended for initiate the propellant charge of a stationary ammunition in the gun barrel chamber and we know some number of towing supply systems.

Ainsi, le document USH-1121 décrit un système d'alimentation en étoupilles d'un canon d'artillerie équipé d'une culasse à vis et qui comporte un chargeur d'étoupilles. Un tel système présente deux inconvénients majeurs qui sont tout d'abord le nombre restreint d'étoupilles pouvant être mises dans le chargeur, mais impose surtout l'éjection automatique des douilles des étoupilles usagées. L'éjection de ces douilles constitue un danger lorsque le canon d'artillerie est intégré dans la tourelle d'un véhicule automoteur. En effet, les douilles éjectées peuvent provoquer des incidents de fonctionnement dans les différents systèmes mécaniques de la tourelle, en particulier le système d'alimentation automatique des munitions.Thus, document USH-1121 describes a system supply of towed artillery cannon a screw cylinder head and which includes a charger squibs. Such a system has two drawbacks major which are first of all the restricted number can be put in the charger, but especially imposes the automatic ejection of the sockets of used packing. The ejection of these sockets constitutes a danger when the artillery gun is integrated into the turret of a self-propelled vehicle. Indeed, the sockets ejected can cause malfunctions in the various mechanical systems of the turret, especially the automatic feeding system for ammunition.

Le brevet FR-A-2 679 990 décrit un système automatique de chargement d'étoupilles qui est logé à l'intérieur d'un évidement interne d'une vis de culasse. Ce système de chargement comporte un ensemble porte-étoupilles qui est solidaire d'un dispositif d'étanchéité. Le porte-étoupilles comporte un plateau recevant une pluralité d'étoupilles qui restent en place après usage, c'est-à-dire que les douilles ne sont pas éjectées. Cependant, ce système automatique de chargement présente l'inconvénient d'offrir un nombre limité d'étoupilles qui peuvent prendre place dans le porte-étoupilles. Cette limitation est essentiellement liée à la position du système de chargement à l'intérieur d'un évidement interne de la culasse à vis de l'arme. FR-A-2 679 990 describes a system automatic loading of tows which is housed at inside an internal recess of a cylinder head screw. This loading system includes a cable gland assembly which is integral with a sealing device. The stuffing box includes a tray receiving a plurality of tows which remain in place after use, i.e. the sockets are not ejected. However, this the disadvantage of automatic loading offer a limited number of pins that can take place in the stuffing box. This limitation is basically related to the position of the loading system inside an internal recess of the bolt tear.

Le brevet US-A-5 054 365 décrit une chaíne porte-étoupilles placée en arrière d'un manchon d'une culasse à coin. Une telle chaíne peut comporter un grand nombre d'étoupilles, mais ces dernières doivent être disposées dans des étuis dont une face avant coopère avec un joint d'étanchéité solidaire de la lumière d'allumage. Une telle disposition est destinée à garantir une étanchéité aux gaz lors de l'allumage de l'étoupille, mais elle complique la mise en place des étoupilles dans le chargeur et il subsiste un risque de fuite de gaz entre l'étoupille et la lumière d'allumage.US-A-5,054,365 describes a cable-carrying chain placed behind a sleeve of a cylinder head corner. Such a chain can include a large number but the latter must be arranged in cases of which a front face cooperates with a seal integral with the ignition light. Such a provision is intended to guarantee gas tightness when switching on the choke, but it complicates the placing the pins in the charger and it there remains a risk of gas leakage between the gasket and the ignition light.

Le but de l'invention est de concevoir un dispositif d'alimentation automatique en étoupilles pour un canon d'artillerie de campagne de gros calibre équipé d'une culasse à vis ou à coin, comportant une quantité importante d'étoupilles dont les douilles ne sont pas éjectées et qui sont portées par un magasin fixe par rapport à la culasse, le dispositif selon l'invention assurant néanmoins une excellente étanchéité aux gaz lors du tir de l'étoupille.The object of the invention is to design a device automatic supply of chokes for a cannon large-caliber field artillery equipped with a screw or wedge cylinder head, comprising a large quantity of sleeves whose sockets are not ejected and which are carried by a stationary magazine relative to the cylinder head, the device according to the invention nevertheless ensuring a excellent gas tightness when firing the gasket.

L'invention a donc pour objet un dispositif d'alimentation automatique en étoupilles pour canon d'artillerie, le canon étant notamment équipé d'un manchon de culasse traversé par une ouverture axialement alignée avec l'axe XX du tube du canon délimitant une chambre renfermant une charge propulsive M, d'un ensemble mobile supportant un moyen d'obturation de culasse pour obturer de façon étanche l'ouverture du manchon de culasse, et un dispositif d'alimentation en étoupilles pour initier la charge propulsive, et un canal d'étoupille pour transmettre l'initiation à la charge propulsive, caractérisé en ce que le canal d'étoupilles est constitué par un élément tubulaire mobile axialement en translation entre une position reculée où il vient coiffer une étoupille lorsque le moyen d'obturation est verrouillé avant l'initiation de la charge propulsive, et une position avancée où il libère la douille de l'étoupille lorsque le moyen d'obturation est déverrouillé après initiation de ladite charge, ledit tube étant actionné entre ces deux positions par un moyen d'entraínement en translation actionné par l'ensemble mobile.The subject of the invention is therefore a device automatic cannon supply artillery, the barrel being notably equipped with a sleeve cylinder head crossed by an axially aligned opening with the axis XX of the barrel tube defining a chamber containing a propellant charge M, of a mobile assembly supporting a breech obturation means for obturating tightly opening the breech sleeve, and a choke supply device to initiate the propellant charge, and a choke channel to transmit initiation to the propellant charge, characterized in that the tow channel is made up of an element tubular movable axially in translation between a retracted position where he comes to cover a stump when the closure means is locked before the initiation of propellant charge, and an advanced position where it releases the bushing of the packing when the sealing means is unlocked after initiation of said charge, said tube being actuated between these two positions by a means translation drive operated by the assembly mobile.

Appliqué à un canon équipé d'un moyen d'obturation à vis dans laquelle l'ensemble mobile comprend notamment un volet articulé par rapport au manchon et un coulisseau mobile en translation perpendiculairement à l'axe XX, l'élément tubulaire est solidaire de l'ensemble mobile et est monté coulissant à l'intérieur de la vis.Applied to a cannon equipped with a shutter means to screw in which the mobile assembly comprises in particular a hinged flap relative to the sleeve and a slide movable in translation perpendicular to the axis XX, the tubular element is integral with the mobile assembly and is slidably mounted inside the screw.

L'extrémité avant de l'élément tubulaire est insérée dans un joint d'étanchéité placé à l'avant de la vis de culasse.The front end of the tubular element is inserted in a seal placed at the front of the cylinder head.

L'élément tubulaire est muni à son extrémité avant d'un moyen d'étanchéité inséré dans le joint d'étanchéité de la culasse.The tubular element is provided at its front end a sealing means inserted in the seal of the breech.

Le moyen d'entraínement en translation de l'élément tubulaire est constitué d'un levier coudé pivotant logé dans la vis de culasse, une extrémité du levier s'engageant librement dans une ouverture oblongue du coulisseau, l'autre extrémité du levier étant reliée à l'élément tubulaire.The means of translational drive of the element tubular consists of a pivoted bent lever housed in the cylinder head screw, one end of the lever engaging freely in an oblong opening of the slide, the other end of the lever being connected to the element tubular.

L'extrémité du levier comporte au moins un pion qui s'engage dans une gorge périphérique d'une bague rapportée sur l'élément tubulaire.The end of the lever has at least one pin which engages in a peripheral groove of an attached ring on the tubular element.

Les étoupilles sont disposées dans un magasin solidaire de l'ensemble mobile comprenant une chaíne sans fin, actionnée pas-à-pas par un moyen d'entraínement en rotation.The tows are arranged in a store secured to the mobile assembly comprising a chain without end, operated step by step by a drive means in rotation.

Le dispositif d'entraínement en rotation de la chaíne sans fin comprend un ensemble de poussoirs supportés en translation par le volet et commandés par une butée solidaire du manchon, une roue à cliquet solidaire d'une roue menante de la chaíne sans fin et commandée en rotation par l'ensemble de poussoirs.The device for rotating the chain endless includes a set of lifters supported in translation by the shutter and controlled by a stop secured to the sleeve, a ratchet wheel secured to a driving wheel of the endless chain and rotationally controlled by the set of pushers.

Le dispositif d'alimentation comprend un système d'allumage pour mettre à feu une étoupille, ce système d'allumage étant solidaire du coulisseau. The feeding device includes a system ignition system to ignite a suffocation, this system ignition being integral with the slide.

Un tout premier avantage de la présente invention réside dans le fait que les étoupilles ne subissent aucun mouvement de translation. Cette structure permet de réduire les masses en mouvement et donc de simplifier la réalisation mécanique.A very first advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that the chokes are not subjected to any translational movement. This structure reduces the masses in motion and therefore simplify the mechanical production.

Un autre avantage réside dans la mise à profit des déplacements de l'ensemble mobile pour commander d'une part la translation du canal d'étoupille et d'autre part la rotation de la chaíne porte-étoupilles.Another advantage is the use of movements of the mobile assembly to control on the one hand the translation of the tow channel and on the other hand the rotation of the cable gland chain.

D'autres caractéristiques, avantages et détails de l'invention apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture du complément de description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation donné uniquement à titre d'exemple en référence aux dessins annexés et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe partielle selon la flèche VI-VI de la figure 2 pour illustrer la position du dispositif d'alimentation automatique en étoupilles selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue suivant la flèche VII de la figure 1, couvercle retiré, pour illustrer la structure du dispositif d'alimentation automatique en étoupilles,
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un maillon de la chaíne sans fin qui porte les étoupilles,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'un porte-étoupille fixé sur un maillon de la chaíne,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe partielle de l'assemblage maillon de la chaíne-porte-étoupille,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe pour illustrer une roue dentée qui supporte la chaíne sans fin,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe pour illustrer la roue dentée menante de la chaíne sans fin,
  • la figure 8 est une vue schématique pour illustrer l'entraínement en rotation de la roue dentée menante de la figure 12,
  • la figure 9 est une vue en coupe partielle pour illustrer une partie du dispositif d'entraínement en translation du canal d'étoupille, et
  • la figure 10 est une vue agrandie du dispositif d'entraínement en translation du canal d'étoupille illustré sur la figure 1, la demi-vue supérieure montrant le canal d'étoupille en position avancée lorsque la culasse est ouverte, alors que la demi-vue inférieure montre le canal d'étoupille en position reculée lorsque la culasse est fermée,
  • la figure 11 représente le couvercle fermant le magasin à étoupilles et sa trappe de fermeture, cette dernière étant représentée par moitié dans sa position ouverte et par moitié dans sa position fermée.
Other characteristics, advantages and details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the additional description which follows of an embodiment given solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view along the arrow VI-VI of FIG. 2 to illustrate the position of the automatic supply device for pins according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a view along arrow VII of FIG. 1, cover removed, to illustrate the structure of the automatic supply device for tows,
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of a link in the endless chain which carries the tows,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a stuffing box attached to a link in the chain,
  • FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the link assembly of the gland-carrying chain,
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view to illustrate a toothed wheel which supports the endless chain,
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view to illustrate the driving gear of the endless chain,
  • FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view for illustrating the rotational drive of the driving toothed wheel of FIG. 12,
  • FIG. 9 is a partial section view to illustrate a part of the device for translational translation of the choke channel, and
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the drive device in translation of the choke channel illustrated in Figure 1, the upper half view showing the choke channel in the advanced position when the bolt is open, while the half bottom view shows the stem channel in the retracted position when the cylinder head is closed,
  • FIG. 11 represents the cover closing the stuffing box store and its closing hatch, the latter being represented by half in its open position and by half in its closed position.

Le dispositif d'alimentation en étoupilles conforme à l'invention a été spécialement conçu pour un canon d'artillerie de gros calibre dont la représentation a été volontairement limitée sur les figures à la partie arrière du tube 1 qui forme une chambre 2 destinée à recevoir une charge propulsive M ou une munition.The packing device according to the invention was specially designed for a cannon large caliber artillery whose representation was voluntarily limited in the figures at the rear of the tube 1 which forms a chamber 2 intended to receive a propellant charge M or ammunition.

Sur les figures, on a représenté un canon d'artillerie équipé d'une culasse à vis dont l'obturation met en oeuvre trois éléments principaux, à savoir : un manchon 3, une vis de culasse 4 susceptible d'être vissée dans le manchon 3 et un volet 5 de culasse servant de support aux différents organes qui constituent l'ensemble mobile de culasse dont la structure est décrite dans le brevet français cité précédemment. On notera simplement que le volet 5 se présente sous la forme d'une pièce métallique massive appliquée contre la face arrière du manchon en étant articulée par rapport au manchon 3 et autour d'un axe 8 par l'intermédiaire d'un bras 6. Ce volet supporte une cloche 7 sur laquelle est montée libre en rotation la vis 4 permettant d'assurer la fermeture de la culasse par vissage ou dévissage d'environ un douzième de tour. Le volet 5 pivote par rapport au manchon 3 de culasse autour d'un axe 8 pour assurer les mouvements de fermeture et d'ouverture de la vis 4 en assurant ainsi la solidarisation de ce volet avec le manchon avant la mise à feu d'une charge M. Au volet 5 est attelé un coulisseau 9, monté coulissant par rapport au volet pour provoquer de façon connue et décrite par le brevet FR-A-2 679 990 la rotation de la vis 4 (vissage, dévissage par rotation d'un angle d'environ 30°). par rapport à la cloche 7 et permettre l'ouverture de la culasse.The figures show a cannon artillery equipped with a bolt breech whose obturation implements three main elements, namely: a sleeve 3, a cylinder head screw 4 capable of being screwed in the sleeve 3 and a flap 5 of cylinder head serving as support for the different organs that make up the whole cylinder head mobile whose structure is described in the French patent cited above. We will simply note that flap 5 is in the form of a metal part solid applied against the rear face of the sleeve in being articulated with respect to the sleeve 3 and around an axis 8 via an arm 6. This flap supports a bell 7 on which the screw 4 is mounted to rotate freely to ensure the closure of the cylinder head by screwing or unscrewing about a twelfth of a turn. Part 5 pivots relative to the cylinder head sleeve 3 about an axis 8 to ensure closing and opening movements of screw 4, thus ensuring that this component is secured with the sleeve before firing a charge M. Au flap 5 is coupled to a slider 9, slidably mounted by report to the shutter to provoke in a known and described manner by patent FR-A-2 679 990 the rotation of the screw 4 (screwing, unscrewing by rotation of an angle of about 30 °). relative to bell 7 and allow the opening of the cylinder head.

Le mouvement de rotation de la vis est ainsi commandé par la coopération d'un galet 100 solidaire de la vis avec une rainure inclinée 101 portée par le coulisseau.The rotational movement of the screw is thus controlled by the cooperation of a roller 100 secured to the screw with an inclined groove 101 carried by the slide.

Suivant l'invention, le dispositif d'alimentation en étoupilles, de référence générale 10, est monté à l'arrière de l'arme et met à profit comme il sera expliqué ci-après la translation du coulisseau 9 mobile par rapport au volet 5, et est constitué d'un magasin 11 d'étoupilles 12, d'un système d'allumage 13 solidaire du coulisseau 9 et d'un élément tubulaire d'allumage 14 mobile reliant l'étoupille 12a à la chambre 2 de l'arme.According to the invention, the device for supplying studs, of general reference 10, are mounted at the rear of the weapon and takes advantage of it as will be explained below the translation of the movable slide 9 relative to the flap 5, and consists of a magazine 11 of pins 12, a ignition system 13 integral with the slide 9 and a movable tubular ignition element 14 connecting the choke 12a in chamber 2 of the weapon.

Pour faciliter la description du dispositif d'alimentation 10 en étoupilles, on va considérer sur les figures 1 et 2 que le volet 5 de culasse comporte une face avant 5a située en regard du manchon 3 de l'arme et une face arrière 5b opposée. Ainsi, la vis 4 est reliée à la face avant 5a du volet 5.To facilitate the description of the device supply of 10 in tows, we will consider on the Figures 1 and 2 that the cylinder head flap 5 has a face front 5a located opposite the sleeve 3 of the weapon and a opposite rear face 5b. Thus, the screw 4 is connected to the front face 5a of the flap 5.

Le coulisseau 9 est réalisé sous la forme d'une plaque métallique appliquée contre le volet 5 et rendue mobile par rapport à celui-ci suivant une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe XX du tube 1. Le mouvement de translation du coulisseau 9 est commandé par un levier pivotant autour de l'axe 8, distinct du bras 6, et dont l'extrémité (seule représentée ici) porte un galet 17 logé dans une lumière du coulisseau. La cinématique relative des rotations autour du même axe 8 du levier entraínant le coulisseau et du bras 6 entraínant la rotation d'ouverture du volet 5 est obtenue par un dispositif de couplage/découplage non représenté et décrit en détail par le brevet FR-A-2 679 990. On notera que le coulisseau 9 est monté coulissant entre deux glissières 15 et 16 solidaires du volet 5. The slider 9 is produced in the form of a metal plate applied against flap 5 and rendered movable relative to it in one direction perpendicular to the axis XX of the tube 1. The movement of translation of the slide 9 is controlled by a lever pivoting around the axis 8, distinct from the arm 6, and of which the end (only shown here) carries a roller 17 housed in a slide light. The relative kinematics of rotations around the same axis 8 of the lever driving the slide and arm 6 causing the opening rotation flap 5 is obtained by a device coupling / decoupling not shown and described in detail by FR-A-2 679 990. It will be noted that the slide 9 is sliding mounted between two integral slides 15 and 16 of part 5.

Le magasin 11 est essentiellement constitué sur la figure 2 par une chaíne sans fin 18 qui porte les étoupilles 12 disposées côte à côte et parallèlement les unes aux autres suivant une direction parallèle à l'axe X-X du tube 1. La chaíne sans fin 18 est enroulée sur quatre roues dentées 19 respectivement situées vers les quatre coins d'un chemin constitué par un dispositif de guidage 20 fixé sur le volet 5 et formant une boucle sensiblement rectangulaire.Store 11 mainly consists of Figure 2 by an endless chain 18 which carries the 12 pins arranged side by side and parallel the to each other in a direction parallel to the X-X axis of the tube 1. The endless chain 18 is wound on four toothed wheels 19 respectively located towards the four corners of a path formed by a guide device 20 fixed on the flap 5 and forming a substantially loop rectangular.

Comme cela est illustré sur les figures 3, 4 et 5, la chaíne 18 est constituée par l'assemblage de maillons 21 réalisés par découpe laser dans une tôle d'acier à ressort. Chaque maillon comporte deux ouvertures 22 et il est rendu solidaire de son voisin par une bague porte-étoupille 23 qui se monte dans l'ouverture 22 par encliquetage. Chaque porte-étoupille 23 reçoit une étoupille 12 qui traverse une ouverture centrale 24 de chaque porte-étoupille 23, et le culot c de l'étoupille 12 vient se loger dans un évidement élargi 24a coaxial à l'ouverture 24.As illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the chain 18 is constituted by the assembly of links 21 made by laser cutting in a sheet of spring steel. Each link has two openings 22 and it is made integral with its neighbor by a packing ring 23 which mounts in the opening 22 by snap-fastening. Each packing holder 23 receives a packing 12 which passes through a central opening 24 of each packing holder 23, and the base c of the packing 12 is housed in an enlarged recess 24a coaxial with the opening 24.

En se reportant à la figure 6, chaque roue dentée 19 est montée libre en rotation sur un arbre 25 fixé sur le volet 5. Des encoches 26 sont ménagées sur une face latérale de chaque roue 19. Ces encoches 26 sont régulièrement espacées sur un cercle suivant un pas qui correspond au pas d'avancement de la chaíne 18. Un poussoir 27 à ressort porté par le guide de chaíne 18 vient se loger dans l'une des encoches 26, et passe d'une encoche à l'autre à chaque pas d'avancement de la chaíne 18.Referring to Figure 6, each toothed wheel 19 is mounted free in rotation on a shaft 25 fixed on the flap 5. Notches 26 are provided on one side side of each wheel 19. These notches 26 are regularly spaced on a circle following a step which corresponds to the step of advancement of the chain 18. A pusher 27 with spring carried by the chain guide 18 is housed in one of the notches 26, and goes from a notch to the other at each step of advancement of the chain 18.

En se reportant aux figures 7 et 8, l'une des roues dentées ou roue menante 19a est solidaire d'une roue à cliquet 28 qui assure l'entraínement pas à pas de la chaíne 18 au moyen d'un dispositif d'entraínement qui sera décrit plus loin, de manière à ce qu'à chaque avance de la chaíne 18, une étoupille 12 soit axialement alignée avec le tube 1 de l'arme. Des encoches 26 sont également ménagées sur une face latérale de la roue à cliquet 28, et un poussoir à ressort 29 porté par le guide de chaíne 20 vient se loger dans l'une de ces encoches 26 à chaque pas d'avancement de la chaíne 18.Referring to Figures 7 and 8, one of the wheels toothed or driving wheel 19a is integral with a wheel with ratchet 28 which ensures the step by step drive of the chain 18 by means of a drive device which will be described further, so that each time the chain advances 18, a packing 12 is axially aligned with the tube 1 of the weapon. Notches 26 are also provided on a lateral face of the ratchet wheel 28, and a pusher spring 29 carried by the chain guide 20 is housed in one of these notches 26 at each advancement step of chain 18.

La mise à feu d'une étoupille 12 est assurée par un système d'allumage 13 fixé sur la face arrière du coulisseau 9. Plus précisément, en se reportant aux figures 1 et 10, le coulisseau 9 comporte une potence 30 qui est percée d'une ouverture 31 dans laquelle est logé un percuteur 32 associé à un ressort de rappel 33. L'ouverture 31 présente une extrémité avant par laquelle le percuteur 32 peut faire saillie pour percuter l'étoupille 12, et une extrémité arrière par laquelle le percuteur 32 fait en partie saillie sous l'action du ressort de rappel 33 pour venir prendre appui sur une extrémité d'un levier de percussion 34 de forme coudée. Le coude du levier 34 est monté pivotant autour d'un axe 35, et l'autre extrémité du levier 34 est articulée autour d'un axe 36 porté par un équipage mobile 37 d'un électro-aimant 38 monté sur le coulisseau 9.The ignition of a choke 12 is ensured by a ignition system 13 attached to the rear of the slide 9. More specifically, referring to the figures 1 and 10, the slide 9 has a bracket 30 which is pierced with an opening 31 in which is housed a striker 32 associated with a return spring 33. The opening 31 has a front end through which the striker 32 can protrude to strike the pin 12, and a rear end by which the striker 32 makes projection under the action of return spring 33 for come to rest on one end of a lever percussion 34 of angled shape. The elbow of lever 34 is mounted pivoting about an axis 35, and the other end of the lever 34 is articulated around an axis 36 carried by a moving element 37 of an electromagnet 38 mounted on the slide 9.

Bien entendu, en revenant à la figure 1, la vis de culasse est munie d'un dispositif connu d'étanchéité 39 comprenant une tête 40 et un joint d'étanchéité torique 41. La tête 40 est en forme de champignon, c'est à dire qu'elle se prolonge par une partie cylindrique 42 qui traverse librement un passage central 43 prévu dans la partie centrale de la cloche 7, le joint d'étanchéité 41 étant placé entre la tête 40 et la face avant 44 de la vis 4. La partie cylindrique 42 débouche à l'intérieur de la cloche 7. La tête 40 est bloquée en position au moyen d'une goupille élastique 45 qui se monte dans un passage radial 46 percé dans la vis de culasse 4. Une extrémité de cette goupille 45 vient se loger dans une rainure 47 ménagée dans la paroi externe de la paroi cylindrique 42 qui prolonge la tête 40. Cette lumière 47 permet un faible déplacement en translation de la tête 40 par rapport à la vis 4.Of course, returning to Figure 1, the screw cylinder head is provided with a known sealing device 39 comprising a head 40 and an O-ring seal 41. The head 40 is mushroom-shaped, that is to say that it is extended by a cylindrical part 42 which passes through freely a central passage 43 provided in the part central of the bell 7, the seal 41 being placed between the head 40 and the front face 44 of the screw 4. The cylindrical part 42 opens out inside the bell 7. The head 40 is locked in position by means of a elastic pin 45 which is mounted in a radial passage 46 drilled in the cylinder head screw 4. One end of this pin 45 is housed in a groove 47 formed in the outer wall of the cylindrical wall 42 which extends the head 40. This light 47 allows a small displacement in translation of the head 40 relative to the screw 4.

Selon l'invention, un canal d'étoupille assure la liaison entre l'étoupille 12a prête à être mise à feu et la chambre 2 de l'arme. Ce canal d'étoupille est réalisé sous la forme de l'élément tubulaire 14, axialement aligné avec l'axe XX du tube 1, et relie l'étoupille 12a en position de mise à feu à la chambre 2 de l'arme pour initier la charge propulsive M. Il est supporté par le dispositif d'étanchéité 39 de la vis 4. Cet élément tubulaire 14 est mobile en translation entre deux positions distinctes : une première position dans laquelle il coiffe l'étoupille et une seconde position dans laquelle il libère totalement l'étoupille. Cette configuration constitue une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention dans la mesure où le magasin d'étoupilles reste solidaire du coulisseau 9, ce qui compte tenu des masses en jeu simplifie la réalisation mécanique. De plus, on met à profit la translation du coulisseau pour commander à la fois la rotation du magasin et la translation de l'élément tubulaire.According to the invention, a choke channel ensures the connection between the tow 12a ready to be ignited and the chamber 2 of the weapon. This tow channel is made under the shape of the tubular element 14, axially aligned with the axis XX of the tube 1, and connects the pin 12a in the position of firing in chamber 2 of the weapon to initiate the charge propellant M. It is supported by the device sealing 39 of screw 4. This tubular element 14 is movable in translation between two distinct positions: a first position in which he covers the choke and a second position in which it totally releases the primer. This configuration constitutes a essential characteristic of the invention to the extent where the stuffing box store remains integral with the slide 9, which, given the masses involved, simplifies the mechanical production. In addition, we take advantage of the translation of the slide to control both the rotation of the magazine and the translation of the element tubular.

Une extrémité 14a de l'élément tubulaire 14 débouche dans la chambre 2 du tube 1, alors que son autre extrémité 14b présente un évidement de diamètre interne élargi de manière à venir coiffer l'étoupille 12a qui est axialement alignée avec le tube 1.One end 14a of the tubular element 14 opens out in chamber 2 of tube 1, while its other end 14b has an enlarged internal diameter recess of so as to come to cap the pin 12a which is axially aligned with tube 1.

L'élément tubulaire 14 est soit dans une première position, ou position reculée, lorsqu'il vient coiffer l'étoupille 12a prête à être mise à feu, soit dans une seconde position, ou position avancée, où il est dégagé de la douille de l'étoupille 12a qui a été mise à feu pour permettre l'avancée d'une autre étoupille 12n en position de mise à feu.The tubular element 14 is either in a first position, or retracted position, when it comes to style the 12a choke ready to be ignited, either in a second position, or advanced position, where it is released from the bushing of the 12a choke which has been ignited for allow the advance of another 12n chock in position firing.

La position de l'élément tubulaire 14 est déterminée par la translation du coulisseau 9 comme indiqué ci-dessus. Plus précisément, le coulisseau 9 et l'élément 14 sont reliés l'un à l'autre par un dispositif de liaison 48 tel que le déplacement en translation du coulisseau 9 entraíne le déplacement en translation de l'élément tubulaire 14 entre ses deux positions sus-indiquées.The position of the tubular element 14 is determined by the translation of the slide 9 as indicated above. More specifically, the slide 9 and the element 14 are connected to each other by a connecting device 48 such that the translational movement of the slide 9 causes the displacement in translation of the tubular element 14 between its two positions indicated above.

En se reportant aux figures 9 et 10, le dispositif de liaison 48 comprend un levier coudé 49 logé à l'intérieur de la cloche 7. Le levier 49 est monté pivotant autour d'un axe 50 supporté en rotation par une patte radiale 51 en saillie à la face interne d'une bague 52 fixée sur la paroi interne de la cloche 7.Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the device link 48 includes a bent lever 49 housed inside of the bell 7. The lever 49 is pivotally mounted around a axis 50 supported in rotation by a radial lug 51 in projection on the internal face of a ring 52 fixed to the wall internal bell 7.

Une extrémité 48a du levier 49 fait librement saillie dans une lumière oblongue 53 du coulisseau 9. L'autre extrémité 48b du levier 49 forme une fourche dont les deux branches parallèles 54 viennent de part et d'autre de l'élément tubulaire 14. Les deux branches 54 portent deux pions 55 (figure 9) diamétralement opposés qui s'engagent librement dans une gorge 56 d'une bague d'entraínement 57 rapportée sur l'élément tubulaire 14. Cette bague 57 vient en appui sur un épaulement 58 de l'élément tubulaire 14 d'une part, et sur une bague d'arrêt fendue 59 fixée sur l'élément tubulaire 14 avec interposition d'un joint torique 60 d'autre part. Le dispositif d'étanchéité 60 en élastomère a pour fonction d'absorber les dispersions mécaniques du montage. Il assure ainsi l'appui de l'élément tubulaire 14 sur la chaíne 18 portant les étoupilles, cette dernière étant également maintenue en appui contre le coulisseau 9 (voir figure 10 demi vue inférieure)One end 48a of the lever 49 projects freely in an oblong light 53 of the slide 9. The other end 48b of the lever 49 forms a fork, the two of which parallel branches 54 come from either side of the tubular element 14. The two branches 54 carry two diametrically opposed pins 55 (figure 9) which engage freely in a groove 56 of a drive ring 57 attached to the tubular element 14. This ring 57 comes resting on a shoulder 58 of the tubular element 14 on the one hand, and on a split stop ring 59 fixed on the tubular element 14 with interposition of a seal toric 60 on the other hand. The sealing device 60 in elastomer has the function of absorbing dispersions mechanical assembly. It thus ensures the support of the element tubular 14 on the chain 18 carrying the pins, this the latter also being held in abutment against the slide 9 (see figure 10 half bottom view)

Du fait du déplacement en translation de l'élément tubulaire 14, un dispositif d'étanchéité 61 (figure 1) est monté dans un évidement central 62 ménagé à la face avant de la tête 40. Le dispositif d'étanchéité 61 est constitué par un montage de joints comprenant un premier joint élastomère 102 disposé entre l'élément tubulaire 14 et le fond et la paroi cylindrique de l'évidement central 62 et un deuxième joint métallique 103 presseur retenu par un circlips fixé sur l'élément tubulaire 14. Lors du tir d'une munition, les gaz de combustion de la charge propulsive exercent une pression sur le joint métallique qui écrase le joint élastomère assurant ainsi l'étanchéité.Due to the translational movement of the element tubular 14, a sealing device 61 (Figure 1) is mounted in a central recess 62 formed on the front face of the head 40. The sealing device 61 consists by mounting seals comprising a first seal elastomer 102 disposed between the tubular element 14 and the bottom and the cylindrical wall of the central recess 62 and a second metallic gasket 103 presser retained by a circlip fixed on the tubular element 14. When firing a ammunition, the gases from the propellant charge put pressure on the metal seal which crushes the elastomeric seal thus ensuring sealing.

Sur la figure 2, on a représenté la chaíne sans fin 18 du magasin 11 qui est commandée par un dispositif d'entraínement pas à pas 70 actionné à partir du mouvement pivotant du volet 5. Plus précisément, le dispositif d'entraínement 70 de la chaíne 18 comprend un premier poussoir 71, associé à un ressort de rappel 72, qui est supporté en translation par la glissière 16. Ce premier poussoir 71 est commandé en translation par une butée 73 fixe et solidaire du manchon de culasse 3. Le dispositif d'entraínement 70 comprend un second poussoir 74 qui est entraíné par le premier poussoir 71 pour commander en translation un bras articulé 75 (figure 8) qui vient tangenter la roue à cliquet 28 en venant prendre appui sur une dent 28a de la roue 28 pour la faire tourner d'un cran et faire avancer la chaíne 18 d'un pas correspondant à la distance séparant deux étoupilles successives E. Un ressort à lame 77 assure l'écartement du bras 75 du cliquet 28 autour de l'axe 76 lors du retour en position initiale du dispositif d'entraínement.In Figure 2, there is shown the endless chain 18 of store 11 which is controlled by a device step-by-step drive 70 operated from movement pivoting of the flap 5. More specifically, the device drive 70 of chain 18 includes a first pusher 71, associated with a return spring 72, which is supported in translation by the slide 16. This first pusher 71 is controlled in translation by a stop 73 fixed and integral with the cylinder head sleeve 3. The device drive 70 includes a second pusher 74 which is driven by the first pusher 71 to order in translation an articulated arm 75 (FIG. 8) which comes tangent the ratchet wheel 28 coming to bear on a tooth 28a of the wheel 28 to rotate it by a notch and advance the chain 18 by a step corresponding to the distance separating two successive studs E. A spring with blade 77 ensures the separation of the arm 75 from the pawl 28 around the axis 76 when returning to the initial position of the training device.

Le magasin à étoupilles 11 est fermé par un couvercle 104 (figure 11) affectant la forme d'une plaque plane et qui est ici rendu solidaire du magasin par deux fermoirs articulés 105a et 105b (mais qui pourrait être fixé par tout moyen connu tel des brides). Ce couvercle présente une ouverture rectangulaire 106 qui est fermée par une trappe coulissante 107, ramenée en position de fermeture par un ressort 108 coaxial à une tige 109 qui est guidée par un support/butée 110 solidaire du couvercle. La trappe est guidée en translation par des rebords 111a et 111b soudés au couvercle. Lors du déplacement du coulisseau 9, le système d'allumage à percussion 13 porté par celui-ci pousse la trappe pour permettre à la potence 30 de coiffer l'étoupille prête à être tirée. Lors de l'ouverture du volet de culasse 5, le système d'allumage à percussion 13 s'écarte de l'étoupille et la trappe 107 vient alors recouvrir cette dernière, empêchant ainsi son éjection par l'effet de la pression de gaz résiduelle dans la chambre de l'arme.The stuffing box 11 is closed by a cover 104 (Figure 11) affecting the shape of a flat plate and which is here made integral with the store by two clasps articulated 105a and 105b (but which could be fixed by any known means such as flanges). This cover has a rectangular opening 106 which is closed by a hatch sliding 107, returned to the closed position by a spring 108 coaxial with a rod 109 which is guided by a support / stop 110 integral with the cover. The hatch is guided in translation by welded flanges 111a and 111b on the cover. When moving the slider 9, the percussion ignition system 13 carried by it push the hatch to allow the stem 30 to style the gasket ready to be drawn. When the cylinder head flap 5, the percussion ignition system 13 moves away from the suffocation and the hatch 107 then comes cover the latter, thus preventing its ejection by the effect of the residual gas pressure in the tear.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention est le suivant. On suppose que la culasse 4 est en position fermée ou verrouillée, c'est-à-dire qu'une munition M est mise à poste dans la chambre 2 du tube 1, que l'élément tubulaire 14 est dans sa position reculée où son extrémité arrière vient coiffer l'étoupille 12a axialement alignée avec le tube 1, et que le système d'allumage à percussion 13 est en regard de l'étoupille 12a (figure 1 et demi-vue inférieure de la figure 10 pour l'élément tubulaire).The operation of the device according to the invention is the following. We assume that cylinder head 4 is in position closed or locked, i.e. an M munition is stationary in chamber 2 of tube 1, that the element tubular 14 is in its remote position where its end rear caps the axially aligned pin 12a with tube 1, and that the percussion ignition system 13 is opposite the packing 12a (Figure 1 and half view Figure 10 for the tubular element).

La commande de mise à feu de l'étoupille 12a est obtenue en actionnant l'électro-aimant 38, ce qui a pour effet de faire pivoter le levier de percussion 34 autour de son axe 35 et d'entraíner le percuteur 32 en direction de l'étoupille 12a pour la percuter. La flamme résultant de la mise à feu de l'étoupille 12a est propagée par l'élément tubulaire 14 jusqu'à la chambre 2 du tube 1 pour initier la charge propulsive M, d'une façon connue en soi.The firing command for the 12a choke is obtained by actuating the electromagnet 38, which has for effect of rotating the percussion lever 34 around its axis 35 and to drive the striker 32 towards the pin 12a to strike it. The flame resulting from the spark 12a is propagated by the element tubular 14 to the chamber 2 of the tube 1 to initiate the propellant charge M, in a manner known per se.

Pour procéder au tir d'une nouvelle munition, il faut ouvrir ou déverrouiller la vis 4. De façon connue, le déverrouillage de la vis 4 s'effectue en deux phases successives par la seule rotation de l'arbre de commande 8. Dans la première phase de rotation de l'arbre 8, le volet 5 est fixe et désolidarisé de l'arbre 8 par un dispositif de couplage/découplage tel que décrit par le brevet FR-A-2 679 990. Le levier 6 qui est solidaire de l'arbre de commande 8 entraíne un déplacement en translation du coulisseau 9.To fire a new ammunition, you must open or unlock screw 4. In a known manner, the screw 4 is unlocked in two phases successively by the only rotation of the control shaft 8. In the first phase of rotation of the shaft 8, the flap 5 is fixed and disconnected from the shaft 8 by a device coupling / decoupling as described by patent FR-A-2,679 990. The lever 6 which is integral with the control shaft 8 causes a displacement in translation of the slide 9.

Le déplacement en translation du coulisseau 9 provoque le dévissage de la vis 4 et, parallèlement, le retrait du système d'allumage à percussion 13 qui est solidaire du coulisseau 9. Vers la fin du déplacement du coulisseau 9 (figures 1 et 10), l'extrémité 48a du levier 48 vient en butée à une extrémité de la lumière 53 du coulisseau 9, ce qui a pour effet de faire pivoter le levier 49 autour de son axe 50. L'autre extrémité 48b du levier 49 entraíne un déplacement en translation de l'élément tubulaire 14 par l'intermédiaire des deux pions 55 qui déplacent la bague d'entraínement 57. L'élément tubulaire 14 prend la position illustrée sur la demi-vue supérieure de la figure 10. The translational movement of the slide 9 causes the unscrewing of the screw 4 and, in parallel, the removal of the percussion ignition system 13 which is secured to the slide 9. Towards the end of the movement of the slide 9 (Figures 1 and 10), the end 48a of the lever 48 abuts at one end of the light 53 of the slide 9, which has the effect of rotating the lever 49 around its axis 50. The other end 48b of the lever 49 causes a translational movement of the tubular element 14 via the two pins 55 which move the drive ring 57. The element tubular 14 takes the position illustrated in the half view figure 10.

Dans la seconde phase de rotation de l'arbre de commande 8, la vis 4 et le volet 5 sont solidaires en rotation autour de l'arbre de commande 8 et dégagent l'ouverture du manchon 3 qui donne accès à la chambre 2 du tube 1. Vers la fin de la rotation du volet 5, le premier poussoir 71 du dispositif d'entraínement de la chaíne 18 vient en appui sur la butée 73. La partie supérieure de la figure 1 montre partiellement (en pointillés) la coopération du volet de culasse avec d'une part le manchon de culase 3 qui assure son arrêt en rotation et d'autre part celle du poussoir 71 avec la butée fixe 73. Le premier poussoir 71 est ainsi déplacé en translation, ainsi que le second poussoir 74 qui agit sur le bras 75 dont l'extrémité libre prend appui sur une dent 28a de la roue à cliquet 28, ce qui a pour effet de l'entraíner en rotation suivant un angle déterminé. Cette rotation est transmise à la roue dentée menante 19a qui va entraíner un déplacement de la chaíne 18 d'un pas correspondant à la distance séparant deux étoupilles 12. A la suite de ce déplacement, une nouvelle étoupille 12 est prête à être tirée.In the second phase of rotation of the tree control 8, the screw 4 and the flap 5 are integral in rotation around the control shaft 8 and release the opening of the sleeve 3 which gives access to the chamber 2 of the tube 1. Towards the end of the rotation of the flap 5, the first pusher 71 of the chain drive device 18 comes to rest on the stop 73. The upper part of the figure 1 partially shows (in dotted lines) the cooperation of the breech flap with the sleeve on the one hand of head 3 which ensures its rotation stop and other share that of the pusher 71 with the fixed stop 73. The first pusher 71 is thus moved in translation, as well as the second pusher 74 which acts on the arm 75 whose end free rests on a tooth 28a of the ratchet wheel 28, which has the effect of causing it to rotate in a determined angle. This rotation is transmitted to the wheel driving tooth 19a which will cause a displacement of the chain 18 of a step corresponding to the distance separating two tows 12. Following this displacement, a new packing 12 is ready to be drawn.

La vis de culasse 4 étant ouverte, une nouvelle munition est mise à poste dans la chambre 2 du tube 1, et on procède ensuite à la fermeture ou au verrouillage de la vis 4. Comme explicité précédemment, le verrouillage de la culasse s'effectue en deux phases successives par la seule rotation de l'arbre de commande 8 dans un sens inverse de celui qui assure le déverrouillage de la vis 4.With the cylinder head screw 4 open, a new ammunition is placed in the chamber 2 of the tube 1, and we then proceed to close or lock the screw 4. As explained above, the locking of the cylinder head is carried out in two successive phases by the sole rotation of the control shaft 8 in an opposite direction from the one that ensures the unlocking of the screw 4.

Dans la première phase de rotation de l'arbre de commande 8, le volet 5 est attelé au coulisseau 9, et cette première phase de rotation se termine lorsque la vis 4 s'est engagée librement dans le logement du manchon 3, ce qui correspond au moment de la translation du coulisseau 9 par rapport au volet 5.In the first phase of rotation of the tree control 8, the flap 5 is coupled to the slide 9, and this first phase of rotation ends when screw 4 is freely engaged in the housing of the sleeve 3, this which corresponds to the moment of translation of the slide 9 compared to component 5.

Dans la seconde phase de rotation de l'arbre de commande 8, le levier 6 entraíne en translation le coulisseau 9 et la rotation de la vis 4 dans le sens du verrouillage. Vers la fin du déplacement du coulisseau 9 (figures 1 et 10), l'extrémité 48a du levier 49 vient en butée contre l'autre extrémité de la lumière 53 du coulisseau 9, ce qui a pour effet de faire pivoter le levier 49 autour de son axe 50. L'autre extrémité 48b du levier 49 entraíne un déplacement en translation de l'élément tubulaire 14 par l'intermédiaire des pions 55 qui déplacent la bague d'entraínement 57. L'élément tubulaire 14 prend alors la position de la demi-vue inférieure de la figure 10, c'est-à-dire que son extrémité arrière vient coiffer l'étoupille 12 qui est axialement alignée avec le tube 1. A la fin du déplacement du coulisseau 9, le système d'allumage à percussion 13 est en regard de la nouvelle étoupille 12 prête à être tirée. On procède alors à l'actionnement de l'électro-aimant 38 pour mettre à feu cette étoupille 12 et initier la charge propulsive.
Ainsi, chaque ouverture de la vis 4 permet de positionner une nouvelle étoupille prête à être mise à feu, ce positionnement se faisant automatiquement par la seule rotation du volet 5 qui entraíne le déplacement en translation de l'élément tubulaire 14. La chaíne sans fin 18 peut supporter un nombre d'étoupilles 12 de l'ordre d'une quarantaine. L'étanchéité lors du tir de l'étoupille est assurée d'une façon fiable et reproductible par le fait que l'élément tubulaire 14 entoure complètement le corps de l'étoupille. Le déplacement de l'élément tubulaire 14 permet d'éviter le déplacement de l'ensemble du dispositif d'alimentation en étoupilles. Il devient ainsi possible de définir un magasin comportant une grande quantité d'étoupilles sans qu'il en résulte des problèmes de fixation mécanique du magasin ou d'inertie de recul de celui-ci. Le remplacement des étoupilles est réalisé de façon très rapide par le simple démontage du couvercle du magasin et le retrait de la chaíne porte-étoupilles.In the second phase of rotation of the control shaft 8, the lever 6 translates the slide 9 and the rotation of the screw 4 in the locking direction. Towards the end of the movement of the slider 9 (FIGS. 1 and 10), the end 48a of the lever 49 abuts against the other end of the lumen 53 of the slider 9, which has the effect of pivoting the lever 49 around of its axis 50. The other end 48b of the lever 49 causes a displacement in translation of the tubular element 14 via the pins 55 which move the drive ring 57. The tubular element 14 then takes the position of the lower half-view of FIG. 10, that is to say that its rear end covers the pin 12 which is axially aligned with the tube 1. At the end of the displacement of the slide 9, the ignition system percussion 13 is opposite the new pin 12 ready to be drawn. The electromagnet 38 is then actuated to ignite this choke 12 and initiate the propellant charge.
Thus, each opening of the screw 4 makes it possible to position a new choke ready to be ignited, this positioning being done automatically by the only rotation of the flap 5 which causes the translational movement of the tubular element 14. The endless chain 18 can support a number of pins 12 of the order of forty. The seal during the firing of the nipple is ensured in a reliable and reproducible manner by the fact that the tubular element 14 completely surrounds the body of the nipple. The displacement of the tubular element 14 makes it possible to avoid the displacement of the whole of the supply device for tows. It thus becomes possible to define a magazine comprising a large quantity of pins without this resulting from problems of mechanical fixing of the magazine or of inertia of recoil thereof. The replacement of the nipples is carried out very quickly by the simple removal of the magazine cover and the removal of the nipple chain.

Claims (9)

  1. An automatic squib (12) feeding device for an artillery cannon, the cannon notably being equipped with a breech ring (3) through which an opening has been made that is axially aligned with the axis XX of the cannon barrel (1) and delimiting a chamber (2) enclosing a propellant charge M, a mobile assembly supporting breech obturating means (4) to obturate the breech ring in an gastight manner, and a feeding device (11) for squibs intended to ignite the propellant charge, and a squib channel to transmit the ignition to the propellant charge, wherein the squib channel is constituted by a tubular element (14) axially mobile in translation between a backward position in which it caps a squib (12a) when the obturation means (4) are locked before the propellant charge is ignited, and a forward position where it releases the squib case when the obturation means (4) are unlocked after said charge has been ignited, said tube (14) being driven between these two positions by translation drive means (48) activated by the mobile assembly (6).
  2. A feeding device according to Claim 1, applied to a cannon equipped with screw obturation means (4) in which the mobile assembly notably comprises a vane (5) articulated with respect to the ring (3) and a slide (9) mobile in translation perpendicularly to axis XX, wherein the tubular element (14) is integral with the mobile assembly (6) and is mounted sliding inside the screw (4).
  3. A feeding device according to Claim 2, wherein the front end of the tubular element (14) is inserted into a seal (40) placed to the front of the breech screw (4).
  4. A feeding device according to Claim 3, wherein the tubular element (14) is provided at it front end with sealing means (61) inserted in the breech seal (40).
  5. A feeding device according to Claim 3, wherein the translation drive means of the tubular element (14) are constituted by a pivoting bent lever (49) housed in the breech screw (4), one end (48a) of the lever engaging freely in an oblong opening (53) in the slide (9), the other end (48b) of the lever being connected to the tubular element.
  6. A feeding device according to Claim 5, wherein the end (48b) of the lever incorporates at least one peg (55) that engages in a peripheral groove (56) of a ring (57) brought onto the tubular element.
  7. A feeding device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the squibs (12) are arranged in a magazine (11) integral with the mobile assembly and comprising an endless chain (18) that is activated link-by-link by rotation drive means.
  8. A feeding device according to Claim 7, wherein the rotation drive means (70) for the endless chain (18) comprise an assembly of pushers (71, 74, 75) supported in translation by the vane (5) and controlled by an abutment (73) integral with the breech ring (3), a ratchet wheel (28) integral with a drive gear (19) of the endless chain (18) and controlled in rotation by the pusher (71, 74, 75) assembly.
  9. A feeding device according to one of Claims 2 to 8, wherein it comprises an ignition system (13) to fire a squib (12a), this ignition system being integral with the slide (9).
EP19990107740 1998-05-04 1999-04-19 Automatic feeding mechanism for primer cartridges in an artillery gun Expired - Lifetime EP0955513B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9805699 1998-05-04
FR9805699A FR2778236B1 (en) 1998-05-04 1998-05-04 AUTOMATIC FEEDING DEVICE FOR ARTILLERY CANON

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0955513A1 EP0955513A1 (en) 1999-11-10
EP0955513B1 true EP0955513B1 (en) 2002-10-02

Family

ID=9526068

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19990107740 Expired - Lifetime EP0955513B1 (en) 1998-05-04 1999-04-19 Automatic feeding mechanism for primer cartridges in an artillery gun

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0955513B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69903216T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2778236B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3921767A1 (en) 1989-07-01 1991-01-10 Rheinmetall Gmbh FUEL CHARGING MAGAZINE WITH STEP-BY-STEP DRIVE
FR2679990B1 (en) 1991-07-31 1995-02-17 Giat Ind Sa FIREPLACE SHUTTERING SYSTEM OF A CANON TUBE.
DE4128055C2 (en) * 1991-08-23 1996-04-04 Rheinmetall Ind Gmbh Gun wedge lock
USH1121H (en) 1991-10-31 1992-12-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Primer feed mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2778236B1 (en) 2000-06-02
EP0955513A1 (en) 1999-11-10
FR2778236A1 (en) 1999-11-05
DE69903216T2 (en) 2003-02-13
DE69903216D1 (en) 2002-11-07

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