AU2020259650B2

AU2020259650B2 - Barrelled Weapon

Info

Publication number: AU2020259650B2
Application number: AU2020259650A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sven Guth
Original assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
Current assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2020-03-20
Publication date: 2023-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-20
Also published as: DE102019110199A1; WO2020212077A1; AU2020259650A1; EP3956625A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a barreled firearm (1) having a base plate (2), a ball bearing (8) mounted in the base plate, and a barrel (4) having a ball (7) at the end (6), the ball (7) being rotatably mounted in the ball bearing (8). The barreled firearm (1) is characterized in that the ball (7) can be fixed in the ball bearing (8). The ball (7) is fixed, i.e. locked, in the ball bearing (8) by means of a pressure plate (9) which is spring-loaded. The pressure plate (9) is preferably annular. At least one aid means (30) is provided, which can release the fixing of the ball (7) in the ball bearing (8) so that the ball (7) is rotatable in the ball bearing (8). In order for the barrel (4) to be able to be elevated while the ball (7) is released from its fixation, the at least one means (30) is attached to the barrel (4), and means (30) and barrel (4) are simultaneously operated and moved by an operator. Due to this structural design, additional support and elevation of the barrel (4) can be dispensed with. These functions are implemented by means of the clampable ball (7).

Description

Title of Invention

Barrelled weapon

Technical Field The invention relates to a barrelled weapon, for example of 81mm calibre. The invention relates in particular to a mortar weapon and the use of a base plate, without a monopod or bipod.

Background of Invention A reference herein to a patent document or any other matter identified as prior art, is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Mortars form part of the standard equipment of infantry troops. As a simple, lightweight high-angle firing weapon, they serve for direct support of the combat units with indirectly aimed high-angle fire. These barrelled weapons fire in the upper angle group and are therefore suitable for acting against a target from safe cover.

Mortars, even of 81mm calibre, are supported by a monopod or a bipod. The use of a tripod is also known. Often the legs are mounted on a base plate or are connected to it. When used on soft ground, the legs are in addition often provided with spikes. On first firing, they are driven into the ground and thus produce a solid base for the mortar tube. In addition, the mortar tube is elevated by means of the monopod or bipod.

AT 227 119 B discloses a breech end support for mortars with a ball-ended rod and a ball socket, which are configured as solids of revolution. By swivelling a mortar tube from a lead-in direction, the ball-ended rod is locked in the ball socket. In one embodiment, a locking ring is provided. To ensure that the ball socket or the locking ring is carried along at each elevation of the mortar tube during all-round firing, the ball socket is swivelled in such a way that a plane located through an upper edge of the ball socket makes an angle with the principal plane of the base plate. If, however, the locking ring is not carried along, the mortar tube cannot be lowered deeply enough in the new lateral direction.

A barrelled weapon, in particular a mortar or howitzer, with at least one mortar tube and a base plate, is known from DE 10 2006 005 663 B3. The base plate has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side has spikes or pins. This barrelled weapon is characterized in that the second side has a non-slip coating and the base plate is turnable in the state ready for use. As a result, the barrelled weapon can be used on soft ground and on hard ground. The pins or spikes make use on soft ground possible. The second side is smooth and allows use on hard ground. The first end of the mortar tube has a ball, which is suitable for fitting the ball in a ball socket of the base plate, independently of the angle. In a first configuration, the base plate has two ball sockets, one on the first side and another on the second side. Alternatively, in another configuration, only one ball socket may be provided, which is fastenable on either side of the base plate. This barrelled weapon is supported by a bipod.

DE 20 2015 001 085 Ul describes a mortar training device, comprising a launching tube with a front end, a rear open end, a tube wall and a removal opening. The rear end of the launching tube is connected swivelling to a ground plate. A support with a sighting and alignment device is in this case configured as a height-adjustable bipod.

A base plate for the M224 mortar is known from US 8,277,141 B1. This has an opening for receiving a spherical end of a mortar tube. Additionally, a so called pedestal cap is provided, which is mounted rotatably in the opening. At a certain angle, the spherical end can be inserted directly in the pedestal cap. At another angle setting, separation of the mortar tube from the base plate is not possible. The mortar may thus be carried fully mounted.

A drawback of the previously known solutions is that the elevation of the barrelled weapon above the monopod or bipod takes place by adjustment of the leg length(s). This is expensive and often also time-consuming.

It is therefore desirable to propose a simple and improved elevation of a mortar weapon or barrelled weapon.

Summary of Invention According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a barrelled weapon with a base plate, a ball bearing housed in the base plate and a mortar tube having a ball at the end, wherein the ball is mounted rotatably in the ball bearing, wherein the barrelled weapon includes a pressure plate pressing on the ball, wherein the ball is clampable in the ball bearing and wherein at least one means is provided that is able to loosen the clamping of the ball in the ball bearing and wherein the means is at least one handle by means of which it is possible to act upon the pressure plate via at least one line.

The invention is based on the idea of dispensing with a known monopod, bipod or tripod and presenting a barrelled weapon with a so-called "nilpod". The saving of a separate support of the tube offers the advantage of a weight reduction of the barrelled weapon. The basic weight of the barrelled weapon to be carried is minimized.

In order to be able to dispense with a leg, it is envisaged according to the invention for a mortar tube mounted on a ball in a ball bearing in a base plate to be able to be fixed in this base plate or ball bearing, but for elevation, being able to cancel the fixing again. The ball may inter alia be made by 3D printing. It may have an internal honeycomb structure in a steel alloy or the like.

The fixing or fastening of the mortar tube in the base plate may take place solely by means of this ball, so that in continuation of this idea it is envisaged for the ball itself to be firmly clampable in the ball bearing.

The ball bearing mounting has a specified ball diameter. The ball may for example be clamped by frictional resistance. So as to be able to ensure a corresponding clamping moment, this frictional resistance may be created by means of at least one spring and at least one pressure plate. The pressure plate, preferably configured as a ring, presses on the ball. The pressure plate is supported by the at least one spring. The at least one spring is preferably a compression spring. Helical springs or disk springs may be used as the compression spring. Preferably at least one spring assembly is used. Several springs or spring assemblies may be used.

The operations for adjusting the elevation of the mortar tube can also be simplified. Using at least one means, the clamping or the frictional resistance of the ball with the base plate can be loosened. Loosening requires acting against the at least one spring, to lift the pressure plate. As a result, the clamping of the ball is released, so that the mortar tube can be moved. The loosening of the clamping may preferably take place steplessly and as required. As soon as the desired setting is reached, i.e. the desired elevation of the mortar tube has been set, the ball can be secured again and the frictional resistance can be restored.

In a further development of the invention, the at least one means is connected to the mortar tube in such a way that the mortar tube can be adjusted in azimuth and elevation using the at least one means, preferably together with the means. Thus, tilting of the mortar tube can also be compensated manually.

At least one handle may function as the at least one means. However, two handles are preferred. The two handles are preferably arranged on either side of the mortar tube. They should at least be positioned at a usual height for an operator. Alternatively, an adjustment may be provided. The annular pressure plate is fastened or loosened by means of the handle or handles. This may on the one hand be accomplished with a hydraulic system with corresponding hydraulic lines or Bowden wires.

By means of the movable ball, the barrelled weapon can also be brought to a transport position. For this purpose, the mortar tube can be moved closer to the base plate.

However, the ball may also be loosened from the base plate. For this purpose it can be latched and unlatched in the base plate. The mortar tube is thus separable from the base plate. In this connection it may also be envisaged that the hydraulic lines or the Bowden wires have an interface, especially when the pressure plate is a component part of the base plate or of the ball-bearing mounting. These interfaces may be omitted if the pressure plate, like the ball, is separable with the mortar tube from the base plate.

Since assembly of the ball on or in the base plate preferably does not require tools, it is no longer necessary to carry tools.

For picking up and carrying the barrelled weapon, at least one transport handle, preferably two transport handles, may be fastened to the base plate. Alternatives for transport are known.

Preferably a simple plate is used as the base plate. This should be machinable. A CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic), for example a "Carbon", may be used as material. The base plate may have any geometry (shape) at all. Oval, rectangular, V-shaped, triangular and other base plates are conceivable. Underneath the base plate there should be at least one spike or at least one pin. The number of pins may, however, also be made dependent on the shape of the base plate. For a rectangular shape, four pins in the respective corner are to be preferred, and for a triangular shape, at least three.

The pins or spikes may for their part be replaceable. It is thus possible for a defective pin to be replaced with a new one. However, the possibility may also be created so that pins for soft ground can be replaced with feet for hard ground. These feet for hard ground are characterized in that they do not have a point, but a larger standing surface instead. Preferably these feet have a nonslip surface on their standing surface.

A barrelled weapon with a base plate, a ball bearing housed in the base plate and a mortar tube that has a ball at the end, wherein the ball is mounted rotatably in the ball bearing, is proposed. The barrelled weapon is characterized in that the ball is fixable in the ball bearing. Fixation, i.e. fastening of the ball in the ball bearing, preferably takes place by means of a pressure plate, which is preferably spring-loaded. The spring force acting on the pressure plate must be able to hold the mortar tube, by means of the ball at the end, at the height that has been set, even during firing.

Moreover, the pressure plate is preferably annular. At least one means is provided, by which the fixation of the ball in the ball bearing can be loosened, so that the ball can be rotated in the ball bearing. So that elevation of the mortar tube can be effected during release of the fixation of the ball, it is provided that the at least one means is fitted on the mortar tube. As a result, both the means and the mortar tube are actuable and movable simultaneously by one operator.

Owing to this design configuration, additional support and elevation of the mortar tube can be dispensed with. These functions are performed by means of the clampable ball.

Brief Description of Drawings The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of an embodiment example, with a drawing. This shows:

Fig. 1 a slightly perspective view of a barrelled weapon according to the invention,

Fig. 2 a top view from Fig. 1 from behind,

Fig. 3 a top view from Fig. 1 from in front.

Detailed Description A barrelled weapon, for example a mortar or a mortar weapon, is designated with the numeral 1. The barrelled weapon 1 has a base plate 2. On the base plate 2, a ball bearing 8 is embedded, and integrated therein. The barrelled weapon 1 further comprises at least one mortar tube 4. The mortar tube 4 has an opening 5 at the front end. At the rear end 6, the mortar tube 4 is closed off by a ball 7. It should be noted that a large ball has a larger torque than a small ball. The ball 7 is suitable for being mounted in the ball bearing 8. Ball bearing 8 and ball 7 have mutually adapted diameters. The diameter of the ball 7 may for example be 180mm in the case of a barrelled weapon 1 of 80mm calibre. The ball 7 is a triaxial adjustment ball.

The ball 7 is clampable in the ball bearing 8. This preferably takes place by means of at least one spring (not shown in more detail) and a pressure plate 9. The latter is preferably configured as a ring, so that the ball 7 is partially covered by this ring. The preferably annular pressure plate 9 is pressed on the ball 7 by the at least one spring. This produces a frictional resistance between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7. Five springs are preferred. The spring force acting on the pressure plate 9 is to be configured so that the mortar tube 4 can be held by means of the ball 7 at the height that has been set, even during firing.

The shape of the base plate 2 is freely selectable. In the present embodiment the base plate 2 has an approximately triangular shape. In the corners 10, 11, 12 there is in each case a pin 13. These pins 13 are preferably replaceable and may therefore also be changed. Moreover, it is unimportant whether these pins 13 are firmly attached underneath the base plate 2 or are passed through holes 14, 15, 16 in the base plate. For engaging in the holes 14, 15, 16, the pins 13 may in each case have a groove on the circumference (not shown in more detail). This should be configured in such a way that the base plate 2 or the edge of the hole 14, 15, 16 can engage in this groove. In the design of this joint between the pins 13 and the base plate 2, the loading during firing has to be taken into account. The pins 13 can be used in the case of soft ground.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of fastening a kind of feet 17 on the base plate 2 instead of the pins 13. These may be secured to the base plate 2, similarly to the pins 13, but may also be inserted in holes 14, 15, 16. The feet 17 differ from the pins 13 in that for their part they do not have a point, but preferably are flattened. The lower surface 18 of the feet 17 may preferably be provided with a nonslip material (Fig. 2). This may be rubber. Roughened surfaces are also conceivable. The material may in addition be shock absorbing. Alternatively a shock-absorbing layer may additionally be provided on the surface 18 (not shown in more detail). Replacing the pins 13 with the feet 17 makes it possible to use the barrelled weapon 1 on hard ground as well. Replacing the feet 17 with pins 13 makes use on soft ground possible.

A means 30 for clamping the ball 7 in the ball bearing 8 in the base plate 2 is fitted around the mortar tube 4. Moreover, in the present embodiment there are two handles 19, 20. The handles 19, 20 are in each case connected functionally to the pressure plate 9 via a line 21, 22. These lines may be hydraulic lines or Bowden wires etc. The means 30 may in addition include a display 31 for coordinates in 3 axes. The orientation of the mortar tube 4 may be determined or indicated by means of this display 31. The display 31 thus supports elevation of the mortar tube 4.

The ball 7 is separable from the base plate 2. The mortar tube 4 may thus be separated from the base plate 2, in particular for transport. However, this also makes possible easy replacement of the mortar tube 4 with another one. To simplify transport or replacement, interfaces are provided on or in the base plate 2, which allow separation of the lines 21, 22 between the base plate 2 and the means 30 (not shown in more detail).

The base plate 2 may have at least one carrying handle 23, 24. This carrying handle 23, 24 allows picking up and carrying of the barrelled weapon 1 or the base plate 2 alone.

Elevation of the barrelled weapon 1 takes place as follows:

For use, the barrelled weapon 1 is for example brought from a transport position (not shown in more detail) into an operational position. If the mortar tube 4 is separate from the base plate 2, the mortar tube 4 with the ball 7 at the end is slipped into the ball bearing 8 of the base plate 2, i.e. latched into it. The clamping between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7 is removed by lifting the pressure plate 9 against the spring force that acts upon the pressure plate 9. Lifting takes place by actuating the handles 19, 20 and the associated actuation of the hydraulics or the Bowden wires. These are actuated until the mortar tube 4 is in a desired position. In this position, loading of the barrelled weapon 1 with munitions, not shown in more detail, for example a shell, may take place. Loading in some other position is also conceivable and is not excluded.

For aiming the mortar tube 4, the handles 19, 20 are actuated again, so that the clamping between the pressure plate 9 and the ball 7 is removed. As a result, the ball 7 is again free to move in the ball bearing 8 of the base plate 2. The handles 19, 20 are actuated until elevation of the mortar tube 4 is completed. The display 31 may be employed as support for elevation of the mortar tube 4.

Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or ''comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

Reference symbols

1 barrelled weapon 2 base plate 3 (free) 4 mortar tube 5 opening of mortar tube 6 end of mortar tube 7 ball 8 ball bearing 9 pressure plate 10 corner 11 corner 12 corner 13 pins 14 hole 15 hole 16 hole 17 feet 18 lower surface of the feet 19 handle 20 handle 21 line 22 line 23 carrying handle 24 carrying handle 25 (free) 26 (free) 27 (free) 28 (free) 29 (free) 30 means (aid) 31 display

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS

1. Barrelled weapon with a base plate, a ball bearing housed in the base plate and a mortar tube having a ball at the end, wherein the ball is mounted rotatably in the ball bearing, wherein the barrelled weapon includes a pressure plate pressing on the ball, wherein the ball is clampable in the ball bearing and wherein at least one means is provided that is able to loosen the clamping of the ball in the ball bearing and wherein the at least one means is at least one handle by means of which it is possible to act upon the pressure plate via at least one line.

2. Barrelled weapon according to claim 1, wherein springs act on the pressure plate.

3. Barrelled weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one means is fitted on the mortar tube.

4. Barrelled weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape of the base plate is oval, triangular, quadrangular, V-shaped, round.

5. Barrelled weapon according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base plate has pins or feet.

6. Barrelled weapon according to claim 5, wherein the pins and the feet are replaceable with one another, and the pins are replaceable with the feet and the feet with the pins.

7. Barrelled weapon according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, on their underside, the feet have a rough surface and/or are provided with a nonslip and/or a shock-absorbing material.

8. Barrelled weapon according to one of claims 1 to 7, including at least one display, which supports elevation of the mortar tube.

9. Barrelled weapon according to claim 8, wherein the display is a display for coordinates in 3 axes.

10. Barrelled weapon according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one means can accommodate the display.

11. A barrelled weapon according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure plate is configured as a ring.