EP0706022A1 - Ammunition feeding system for small or big calibre guns integrated in the turret of armoured vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises two magazines (G1, G2) arranged in a container (10) for storing different munitions (M1, M2). There is an intermediate transfer zone (ZT1, ZT2) for advancing the munitions between the common output point of the two magazines, and the device (3) which introduces the munitions into the weapon. The assembly is mounted within the turret of the armoured vehicle, in order to supply the turret mounted weapon. In addition to the drive mechanism for advancing the munitions, there may also be a counting device detecting the munitions as they leave the magazine, associated with a detector sensing the box of each item.

Description

The present invention relates to an ammunition supply system for a small or medium caliber firearm integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle for example, said mask being journalled on an axis to allow the weapon to debate on site, this supply system being of the type comprising at least one ammunition storage device, a weapon-specific introduction device for loading the ammunition one by one into a firing chamber, and an intermediate zone for transferring ammunition between the storage device and the device for introducing the weapon.

In a conventional supply system, the ammunition is generally linked together on a chain which is stored in a container which forms an ammunition store. The intermediate zone between the magazine and the device for introducing the weapon, is constituted by unidirectional drive means which mesh the chain to bring the ammunition to the device for introducing the weapon for loading. .

Generally speaking, a firearm can fire different munitions which are chosen according to the nature of the objective to be achieved. Concretely, an objective which appears in the field of sight of the weapon is not always identifiable in advance, knowing that the effectiveness of the shooting is conditioned by an appropriate choice of the ammunition to fire on this objective. To solve this problem, one solution is to provide two stores containing different ammunition. These two magazines are generally placed on either side of the weapon and are respectively associated with two intermediate zones to transfer the ammunition from one or other of the two magazines up to the device for introducing the weapon.

Such a solution is not technically satisfactory and in particular it has the drawback of being bulky.

In the French Patent Application filed under No. 94,09095 in the name of the Applicant, a new solution to the aforementioned problem is proposed, a solution which consists in providing an ammunition storage device which consists of a single container in which two magazines are arranged containing different munitions which are not meshed with each other, each magazine comprising a bi-directional conveyor which supports and displaces the munitions inside the magazine, and the intermediate transfer zone also includes a bi-directional movement means common to both stores and intended either to transfer ammunition from one or other of the stores to the device for introducing the weapon, or to bring back to the original store the ammunition being transferred to the device for introduction of the weapon, as well as means for synchronously selecting and controlling the bidirectional displacement means d e the intermediate zone with one or other of the conveyors depending on the ammunition store selected.

• un dispositif de stockage de munitions qui est fixe par rapport au masque de tourelle et constitué par au moins un conteneur unique dans lequel sont ménagés deux magasins ayant une ouverture d'entrée-sortie commune et contenant des munitions différentes non maillonnées entre elles, chaque magasin comprenant un moyen à déplacement bidirectionnel qui supporte et déplace les munitions à l'intérieur du magasin,
• un dispositif d'introduction propre à l'arme pour charger les munitions une à une dans une chambre de tir et qui débat en site conjointement avec l'arme,
• une zone intermédiaire de transfert automatique des munitions entre le dispositif de stockage et le dispositif d'introduction des munitions, et
• des moyens pour sélectionner l'un ou l'autre des magasins,

   système d'alimentation qui est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend également un bras articulé monté sur l'axe de tourillonnement du masque de tourelle pour suivre les débattements en site de l'arme, en ce que la zone intermédiaire de transfert comprend une première partie avec des moyens de transfert à déplacement bidirectionnel, intégré dans le conteneur du dispositif de stockage, pour acheminer automatiquement les munitions entre l'un ou l'autre des magasins et une ouverture d'entrée-sortie du conteneur, et une deuxième partie avec un moyen de transfert à déplacement bidirectionnel, intégré au bras articulé, pour acheminer automatiquement les munitions entre l'ouverture d'entrée-sortie du conteneur et le dispositif d'introduction propre à l'arme, le système d'alimentation étant complété par des moyens pour synchroniser, à partir d'un arbre moteur, le fonctionnement des moyens de transfert du magasin sélectionné et de la zone intermédiaire et par des moyens pour conserver la synchronisation, au cours d'un débattement en site de l'arme, entre les moyens de transfert du magasin non sélectionné et les moyens de transfert de la première partie de la zone intermédiaire, lorsque ce magasin sera à nouveau sélectionné.The Applicant then carried out studies to perfect such a supply system for a small or medium caliber firearm integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle for example. If we then envisage at least one double magazine fixed relative to the turret mask which is journalled on an axis to allow the weapon to debate on site, it is in particular necessary to adapt the supply system to take account of the movements in site of the weapon, which poses a problem of synchronization between the different elements of the kinematic chain of transport of ammunition vis-à-vis the store not selected, problem which arises when the weapon was debated in site and that one wishes to change store. To solve such a problem, the invention therefore proposes an ammunition supply system for a small or medium caliber firearm integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle for example, said mask being journalled on an axis for allow the weapon to debate on site, this system being of the type comprising at least:

• an ammunition storage device which is fixed relative to the turret mask and consists of at least one single container in which are arranged two magazines having a common input-output opening and containing different munitions not meshed together, each magazine comprising a bidirectional displacement means which supports and moves the ammunition inside the store,
• a device specific to the weapon for loading the ammunition one by one into a shooting chamber and which discusses the site jointly with the weapon,
• an intermediate zone for the automatic transfer of ammunition between the storage device and the device for introducing ammunition, and
• means for selecting one or other of the stores,

feeding system which is characterized in that it also comprises an articulated arm mounted on the journal axis of the turret mask to follow the deflections in elevation of the weapon, in that the intermediate transfer zone comprises a first part with transfer means with bidirectional displacement, integrated in the container of the storage device, for automatically transporting the ammunition between one or the other of the magazines and an entry-exit opening of the container, and a second part with a means of transfer with bidirectional movement, integrated into the articulated arm, for automatically conveying the ammunition between the entry-exit opening of the container and the insertion device specific to the weapon, the feeding system being supplemented by means for synchronizing, from a drive shaft, the operation of the transfer means of the selected magazine and of the intermediate zone and by means for maintaining synchronization, during a deflection in the weapon's site, between the means for transferring the store not selected and the means for transferring the first part of the intermediate zone, when this store is selected again.

The means of bidirectional movement of each store is constituted by a conveyor with two endless chains which are wound respectively on two upper pinions carried by a shaft and on two lower pinions carried by a shaft, these two trees being parallel to the shaft of the turret mask.

The first part of the intermediate transfer zone is arranged in an upper part of the container located above the entry-exit opening common to the two stores, and comprises a first star wheel, a conveyor with two endless chains and a second star wheel interposed between the first wheel and the conveyor, for automatically routing the ammunition between one or the other of the stores and the entry-exit opening of the container.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first star wheel is supported by a shaft parallel to the swivel shaft of the turret mask and is located in the vicinity of the entry-exit opening of the stores, either for receiving ammunition conveyed by the means of bidirectional movement of the selected magazine, either to bring ammunition back to their original store, while the second star wheel is supported by a shaft parallel to the shaft of the first star wheel, and is intended to ensure the transfer of ammunition between the first star wheel and the conveyor with two endless chains, and the two star wheels are driven in synchronism according to two different directions of rotation by means of a gear formed by two pinions respectively integral with the two support shafts of the two star wheels.

In general, the articulated arm consists of a hollow body open at its two ends and inside which is housed the second part of the intermediate transfer zone.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second part of the intermediate transfer zone is integrated into the articulated arm and consists of a conveyor with two endless chains, one end of which is located in the vicinity of the entry-exit opening of the container and the other end of which is situated in the vicinity of the entry of the device for introducing the weapon, the two endless chains winding respectively on the side of the first part of the intermediate transfer zone on two pinions carried by a first shaft, and on the side of the weapon insertion device on two pinions carried by a second shaft.

To ensure a continuous kinematic chain between the ammunition storage device and the device for introducing the ammunition into the firing chamber of the weapon, there is provided a connecting gear between the two parts of the intermediate transfer zone, then that the continuity of the kinematic chain between the first part of the intermediate transfer zone located in the container and one of the selected stores or store is ensured by the selection means of one or other of these stores .

The conveyors of the two parts of the intermediate transfer zone are driven in synchronism by means of a gear made up of two coupling pinions.

The means for selecting one or the other of the magazines comprise two drive pinions respectively associated with the two conveyors of the two magazines, and a coupling device for coupling in rotation the first star wheel and the pinion associated with the selected magazine.

When the weapon debates in site, the first part of the intermediate transfer zone housed in the container remains fixed, while its second part housed in the arm debates in site with the weapon. This results in a relative movement between the two parts of the intermediate transfer zone, which affects the part of the kinematic chain located in the container. Under these conditions, the drive pinion of the conveyor of the unselected magazine, which is detached from the kinematic chain, risks no longer being in synchronism with the kinematic chain when this magazine is selected again.

The means for maintaining the synchronization, during a deflection on site of the weapon, between the means of transfer of the store not selected and the means of transfer of the first part of the intermediate zone when this store is again selected, include two movable rectilinear racks housed in the container and respectively associated with the two drive pinions of the two magazines, each rack coming into engagement with a coupling pinion coaxial with the journal shaft of the weapon and fixed to a fixed lever of the arm, and with the drive pinion of the magazine not selected, while the drive pinion of the selected magazine is engaged with the pinion coupling in rotation with the first star wheel, the two racks being moved in two opposite directions when the shaft is debating in elevation.

A conveyor shaft integrated into the articulated arm is, for example, the drive shaft of the kinematic chain of the supply system, this shaft being able to be driven either by the shaft motor, or by an auxiliary motor.

In general, the kinematic chain can operate in two directions depending on whether the drive shaft rotates in one direction of rotation or the other. Thus, the weapon operates in the feeding phase when the ammunition is routed between one of the stores and the device for introducing this ammunition into the weapon, and operates in the de-feeding phase before being able to select the other store. . Indeed, it is necessary to bring the ammunition located in the intermediate transfer zone back to their original store before you can select the other store. It is therefore desirable to count the ammunition that leaves a store when the weapon is operating in the feeding phase to then know the number of this ammunition to bring back to their original store before selecting the other store.

The supply system therefore comprises a device for counting ammunition exiting through the entry-exit opening of the stores.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the counting device comprises a detection element for counting bosses placed radially on one face of the coupling pinion integral in rotation with the first star wheel, the detection element being carried by a shaped plate disc, the periphery of which has a toothing, this plate being rotatably supported by the shaft of the first star wheel, while the toothing of the plate is intended to engage with the drive pinion of the magazine not selected.

Finally, it is possible to integrate at least a third ammunition magazine into the ammunition storage device, this third magazine being secured to the articulated arm and the ammunition is conveyed through the second part of the intermediate transfer zone housed in the arm.

According to a very first advantage of the invention, it is possible to automatically feed a firearm from at least two magazines containing different muntions, preferably arranged inside the same container, and n '' use only one transfer chain to route the ammunition from one of the magazines to the device for introducing this ammunition into the weapon.

According to another advantage of the invention, the supply system is compact and can be mounted on several types of weapons, in particular those integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un système d'alimentation selon l'invention pour acheminer automatiquement des munitions entre l'un ou l'autre de deux magasins de stockage et un dispositif d'introduction de ces munitions dans l'arme,
• la figure 2 est une vue de détail de deux roues étoilées intégrées dans une zone intermédiaire de transfert des munitions entre les magasins de stockage et le dispositif d'introduction des munitions dans l'arme,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe partielle de moyens de synchronisation nécessaires au fonctionnement du système d'alimentation lorsque l'arme débat en site,
• la figure 4 est une vue suivant la flèche IV de la figure 3, et
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective partielle des moyens de synchronisation illustrés à la figure 3.

Other advantages, characteristics and details of the invention will emerge from the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of example and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a supply system according to the invention for automatically conveying ammunition between one or the other of two storage magazines and a device for introducing this ammunition into the weapon,
• FIG. 2 is a detailed view of two star wheels integrated in an intermediate zone for transferring ammunition between the storage magazines and the device for introducing the ammunition into the weapon,
• Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of synchronization means necessary for operation of the supply system when the weapon debates on site,
• FIG. 4 is a view along arrow IV of FIG. 3, and
• FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the synchronization means illustrated in FIG. 3.

The supply system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is in particular designed for a small or medium caliber firearm integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle for example.

In a conventional manner, the turret mask which supports the weapon is journalled on a horizontal axis materialized by a shaft 100 supported by a turret cradle to allow the weapon to debate on site, and the cradle is itself rotatably mounted around a vertical axis to allow the weapon to debate in deposit.

The supply system 1 comprises in particular a storage device 3 for ammunition, an insertion device 5 specific to the weapon for loading the ammunition one by one into a firing chamber, and an intermediate zone ZT1 and ZT2 for automatically transferring the ammunition between the storage device 3 and the introduction device 5 of the weapon.

The storage device 3 comprises a container 10 having the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Two stores G1 and G2 containing different munitions M1 and M2 are arranged inside the container 10.

The two stores G1 and G2 are arranged on either side of a central vertical partition 12 which longitudinally divides the interior volume of the container 10 into two parts. The container 10 extends over a length which is greater than the length of the munitions M1 and M2.

Two vertical corridors respectively external 15 and internal 17 are delimited in each store G1 and G2 by means of an intermediate vertical wall 19 parallel to the central wall 12.

• le couloir externe 15 est délimité entre la paroi longitudinale verticale 10a du conteneur 10 qui borde le magasin G1 et la paroi verticale intermédiaire 19 de ce magasin G1, et
• le couloir interne 17 est délimité entre la paroi verticale intermédiaire 19 du magasin G1 et la paroi verticale centrale 12 qui sépare les deux magasins G1 et G2.

More specifically, for store G1 for example:

• the external corridor 15 is delimited between the vertical longitudinal wall 10a of the container 10 which borders the store G1 and the intermediate vertical wall 19 of this store G1, and
• the internal corridor 17 is delimited between the intermediate vertical wall 19 of the store G1 and the central vertical wall 12 which separates the two stores G1 and G2.

The two corridors 15 and 17 of the store G1 have a width which is slightly greater than the diameter of the ammunition which they must store. At their lower ends, the two corridors 15 and 17 communicate with each other by a semi-circular part 20 formed in the bottom wall of the container 10. At their upper ends, the two corridors 15 and 17 open into the interior of the container 10 by the same inlet-outlet opening 22. This opening 22 extends over a length and a width greater than that of the munitions M1 and M2 to allow the ammunition to pass freely.

The layout of the store G2 is identical to that of the store G1, and the two external corridors 15 and internal 17 of the store G2 also open, at their upper ends, inside the container 10 through the entry-exit opening. 22.

The munitions M1 and M2 are intended to be stored horizontally and on top of each other in the corridors 15 and 17 of the two stores G1 and G2, these munitions not being linked together.

Each store G1 and G2 is equipped with a bi-directional displacement means for supporting and moving the ammunition M1 and M2 inside the store.

The munitions M1 and M2 are loaded into the stores G1 and G2 by hatches T1 and T2 provided on the longitudinal walls 10a of the container 10.

This means of bidirectional movement is for example constituted by a conveyor 25 with two endless chains 27. The two chains 27 of each conveyor 25 extend parallel to each other and are each wound on two respectively upper sprockets 29 and lower 31. The sprockets 29 and 31 share each chain in two strands and are arranged so that one strand of the chain 25 can travel freely in the external corridor 15 of the associated magazine G1 or G2, while the other strand of this chain 27 can move freely in the internal corridor 17 of the associated store G1 or G2. The two upper sprockets 29 of the two chains 27 are supported and integral in rotation with the same shaft 29a, while the two lower sprockets 31 are supported and integral with the same shaft 31a, so that the two chains 27 of each conveyor 25 are driven in synchronism. The ends of the shafts 29a and 31a of each conveyor 25 are housed in bearings supported by the side walls of the container 10, for example.

The two endless chains 27 of each conveyor 25 are equipped with radial stops 35 which are intended to support the munitions M1 or M2, the distance separating two consecutive stops 35 being slightly greater than the diameter of the munitions M1 and M2.

The representation of the device for introducing the weapon 5 has been purposely schematized, given that it is specific to the type of weapon considered, and that the device 3 for storing ammunition and the intermediate transfer zone ZT1 and ZT2 ammunition forms an assembly which can cooperate with different types of introduction devices to load the ammunition into the firing chamber of the weapon.

The intermediate ammunition transfer zone generally comprises two parts ZT1 and ZT2 which are respectively integrated into the container 10 and into an articulated arm 102. One end of the arm 102 is mounted articulated on the journal shaft 100 of the weapon to follow the deflections in site of the weapon, and its other end cooperates with the entry of the device 5 for introducing ammunition into the firing chamber of the weapon.

Under these conditions, the second part ZT2 of the intermediate ammunition transfer zone, which is integrated into the arm 102, debates on site with the weapon, while the first part ZT1 of this intermediate transfer zone, which is integrated into the container 10, remains fixed when the weapon debates on site.

The first part ZT1 of the intermediate zone is arranged in an upper part of the container 10 which is located above the two stores G1 and G2, and comprises transfer means with bidirectional displacement for automatically transporting the munitions M1 or M2 of the one or the other of the two stores between the entry-exit opening 22 common to these two stores and an entry-exit 104 provided at the top of the container 10.

These transfer means with bidirectional movement consist of a first star wheel 37, a conveyor 105 with two endless chains 107 and a second star wheel 110 interposed between the first wheel 37 and the conveyor 105.

The star wheel 37 (FIG. 2) comprises two stars 39 with four branches 40, which are supported and integral in rotation with a carrying shaft 41. The two stars 39 are separated from each other by a distance less than the length of the munitions M1 and M2 so as to partially receive the latter. The star wheel 37 is mounted at the entry-exit opening 22 of stores G1 and G2 to automatically receive the ammunition M1 or M2 transported by the conveyor 25 of the selected store. The shaft 41 which carries the star wheel 37 is rotatably supported by the container 10 and extends parallel to the shafts 29a and 31a of the two conveyors 25 of the stores G1 and G2.

Each longitudinal side of the inlet-outlet opening 22 of the container 10 is partly bordered by a casing 43 in the form of an arc of a circle for retaining and guiding the ammunition M1 or M2 during their transfer between the conveyor 25 of the selected store and the star wheel 37.

The two endless chains 107 of the conveyor 105 extend parallel to each other and are each wound on two gears respectively upper 112 and lower 114. The two upper gears 112 are supported in rotation by the journal shaft 100 of the turret mask, while the two lower pinions 114 are supported and integral with the same shaft 114a, so that the two chains 107 are driven in synchronism. The ends of the shaft 114a of the conveyor 105 are housed in bearings supported by the side walls of the container 10, for example.

The two endless chains 107 of the conveyor 105 comprise radial lugs 116 which are intended to support the munitions M1 or M2, the distance separating two successive lugs 116 being slightly greater than the diameter of an ammunition. The conveyor 105 is bordered by the two longitudinal walls 10a of the container 10 so that the ammunition is retained and guided during their transfer.

The upper gears 112 of the conveyor 105 are located at the upper part of the container 10 and at the level of the entry-exit opening 104 in order to be able to extract the ammunition from the container 10.

The second star wheel 110 (FIG. 2) is carried by the shaft 114a and integral in rotation with the lower pinions 114 of the conveyor 105. This second star wheel 110 also comprises two stars 118 with four branches 119 which are separated from one 'other of a distance less than the length of the munitions M1 and M2. The second star wheel 110 is intended to rotate in the opposite direction to that of the first star wheel 37 to automatically transfer the ammunition between the star wheel 37 and the conveyor 105.

In general, the arm 102 is constituted by a hollow body 102a which is open at its two ends and extends between the inlet-outlet opening 104 of the container 10 and the inlet of the introduction device 5 ammunition in the weapon, and the second part ZT2 of the intermediate transfer zone is housed inside this hollow body 102a.

This second part ZT2 comprises a transfer means with bidirectional displacement for automatically routing the ammunition M1 and M2 between the entry-exit opening 104 of the container 10 and the entry of the device for introducing the weapon.

This transfer means with bidirectional movement consists of a conveyor 120 with two endless chains 122. The two chains 122 extend parallel to each other and are each wound on two sprockets 124 and 126. The two sprockets 124 are supported and integral in rotation with the same shaft 124a, while the two pinions 126 are supported and integral with the same shaft 126a, so that the two chains 122 of the conveyor 120 are driven in synchronism. The trees 124a and 126a are parallel to the journaling shaft 100 of the turret mask. The ends of the shafts 124a and 126a of the conveyor 120 are housed in bearings supported by the side walls of the body 102a of the arm 102.

The two endless chains 122 of the conveyor 120 comprise radial stops 128 which are intended to retain the ammunition M1 and M2, the distance separating two successive stops 128 being slightly greater than the diameter of the ammunition, and the conveyor 120 is bordered by two longitudinal walls body 102a so that the ammunition is retained and guided during their transfer.

The upper gears 112 of the conveyor 105 and the gears 124 of the conveyor 120 are positioned on either side of the entry-exit opening 104 of the container 10, so that the munitions M1 or M2 can be transferred automatically from one conveyor to another.

The transfer of the ammunition M1 and M2 between the conveyor 120 of the articulated arm 102 and the entry of the device 5 for introducing the ammunition into the weapon is effected by means of two star wheels 130 and 132.

The star wheel 130 is mounted on the shaft 126a of the conveyor 120, while the star wheel 132 is mounted at a lower level between the star wheel 130 and a zone 135 for placing a munition M1 or M2. These two star wheels 130 and 132 therefore ensure the transfer of ammunition between the conveyor 120 and the stationing area 135 where an M1 or M2 ammunition is aligned along the axis of the loading and firing chamber before being introduced into this room. The two star wheels 130 and 132 rotate in the same direction of rotation by means of gears not shown.

In order to obtain continuity of the kinematic chain for transferring the ammunition between the storage device 3 and the ammunition introduction device 5, several connecting gears are provided.

A gear formed by two coupling pinions 137 and 139 in engagement with each other ensures a kinematic connection between the two parts ZT1 and ZT2 of the intermediate transfer zone, that is to say to drive in synchronism the conveyor 105 housed in the container 10 and the conveyor 120 housed in the articulated arm 102. The coupling pinion 137 is housed inside the container 10, mounted on the journal shaft 100 of the turret mask and secured in rotation of the upper pinions 112 of the conveyor 105. The coupling pinion 139 is housed in the arm 102, mounted on the shaft 124a of the conveyor 120 and integral in rotation with the pinions 124 of this conveyor 120.

A gear formed by two coupling pinions 141 and 143 in engagement with one another ensures a kinematic connection between the two star wheels 37 and 110 of the first part ZT1 of the intermediate transfer zone. The pinion 141 is integral in rotation with the shaft 114a which carries the star wheel 110 and the lower pinions 114 of the conveyor 105, while the pinion 143 is integral in rotation with the shaft 41 which carries the star wheel 37.

Finally, two coupling pinions 145 and 147 are intended to selectively engage the pinion 143 depending on whether the magazine G1 or G2 is selected, that is to say to synchronously drive the star wheel 37 and the conveyor 25 of the selected store. The pinion 145 is carried by the upper shaft 29a of the conveyor 25 of the store G1 and is integral in rotation with the pinions 29 which support the chains 27 of this conveyor 25. In a similar manner, the pinion 147 is carried by the shaft 29a of the conveyor 25 of the store G2 and is integral in rotation with the pinions 29 which support the chains 27 of this conveyor 25.

When the magazine G1 is selected, the coupling pinion 145 engages with the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37, while it is the pinion 147 which engages with the pinion 143 when the magazine G2 is selected.

A coupling control device 150 is provided for selectively engaging the pinion 143 associated with the star wheel 37 with the pinion 145 associated with the store G1 or the pinion 147 associated with the store G2 so as to select the store G1 or G2.

Referring to Figure 3, the coupling control device 150 comprises a sleeve 151 which is slidably mounted by means of grooves on each of the two upper shafts 29a of the conveyors 25, so that the two coupling pinions 145 and 147 are in fact respectively supported and integral with the two sleeves 151. The coupling control device 150 also comprises an arm 152 terminated at each end by a fork 153, the two forks 153 respectively engaging in two annular grooves formed at the periphery of the sleeves 151. Finally, in its central part, the arm 152 is articulated on a shaft 154 driven in rotation by a motor assembly M to move the two sleeves 151 in translation in two opposite directions.

Thus, when the pinion 145 is brought into engagement with the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37 (store G1 selected), the pinion 147 is uncoupled from the pinion 143 (store G2 not selected).

If we assume that store G1 is selected, then there is a continuous kinematic chain between this store G1 and the entry of the device for introducing the weapon 5. This kinematic chain can be set in motion from a single drive shaft which, in the example considered here, is the shaft 126a of the conveyor 120 housed in the articulated arm 102.

• la mise en mouvement du convoyeur 120 du bras 102 et la rotation du pignon d'accouplement 139 associé à ce convoyeur,
• la rotation du pignon 137 en prise avec le pignon 139, ces deux pignons assurant la liaison cinématique entre les deux parties ZT1 et ZT2 de la zone intermédiaire de transfert,
• la mise en mouvement du convoyeur 105 du conteneur 10 par l'intermédiaire des pignons 112 solidaires en rotation du pignon 137,
• la rotation de la roue étoilée 110 solidaire en rotation des pignons inférieurs 114 du convoyeur 120,
• la rotation du pignon 141 solidaire en rotation de la roue étoilée 110,
• la rotation du pignon 143 et de la roue étoilée 37 solidaire en rotation du pignon 143,
• la rotation du pignon 145 en prise avec le pignon 143, ces deux pignons assurant la liaison cinématique entre la première partie ZT1 de la zone intermédiaire de transfert et le magasin sélectionné G1, et
• la mise en mouvement du convoyeur 25 du magasin G1 par l'intermédiaire des pignons supérieurs 29 solidaires en rotation du pignon 145.

In this case, the rotation of the motor shaft 126a successively causes:

• the movement of the conveyor 120 of the arm 102 and the rotation of the coupling pinion 139 associated with this conveyor,
• the rotation of the pinion 137 in engagement with the pinion 139, these two pinions ensuring the kinematic connection between the two parts ZT1 and ZT2 of the intermediate transfer zone,
• the movement of the conveyor 105 of the container 10 by means of the pinions 112 integral in rotation with the pinion 137,
• the rotation of the star wheel 110 integral in rotation with the lower pinions 114 of the conveyor 120,
• the rotation of the pinion 141 integral in rotation with the star wheel 110,
• the rotation of the pinion 143 and of the star wheel 37 integral in rotation with the pinion 143,
• the rotation of the pinion 145 in engagement with the pinion 143, these two pinions ensuring the kinematic connection between the first part ZT1 of the intermediate transfer zone and the selected magazine G1, and
• the movement of the conveyor 25 of the store G1 by means of the upper pinions 29 integral in rotation with the pinion 145.

This continuous kinematic chain between the conveyor 25 of the magazine G1 and the insertion device 5 of the weapon makes it possible to automatically transport ammunition M1 stored in the magazine G1 to the loading and firing chamber of the manner described below and assuming the weapon pointed at a determined angle of elevation.

The setting in motion of the conveyor 25 of the store G1 (FIG. 1) moves the ammunition M1 inside the store in the direction of the entry-exit opening 22 common to the two stores G1 and G2. Each munition M1 which leaves for example via the external corridor 15 of the store G1 is transferred between two consecutive branches 40 of each of the two stars 39 of the star wheel 37. The ammunition M1 is then transferred from the star wheel 37 to the star wheel 110 , then conveyed by the conveyor 105 to the entry-exit opening 104 located at the top of the container 10. The ammunition is then taken up by the conveyor 120 of the articulated arm 102 to be conveyed to the device for introduction 5 of the weapon.

In this last phase, the munition M1 which arrives towards the end of the conveyor 120, is taken up by the star wheel 130 integral in rotation with the motor shaft 126a. The munition M1 is finally received by the star wheel 132 to be retained during its downward movement towards the zone 135 for placing the munition.

In general, the continuous kinematic chain which makes it possible to transfer a succession of munitions M1 stored in the magazine G1 to the system 5 for introducing the weapon can advantageously operate in the opposite direction, that is to say to bring the ammunition M1 from the stationing area 135 to the store G1, this operation being necessary when the shooter decides to fire ammunition M2 stored in the store G2 and while ammunition M1 is located between the opening entrance-exit 22 of the stores and the stationing area 135, as will be explained below.

Suppose the weapon at rest, that is to say that the kinematic chain of the supply system is stationary, and that the shooter controls a movement in elevation of the weapon to point it on a target before firing ammunition from store G1 already selected during a previous shot.

When the weapon is debated on site, the movements of the weapon are transmitted to the articulated arm 102 which pivots around the journal shaft 100. The pinion 139 which is located on the side of the arm 102 and in engagement with the pinion 137 located on the container side 10, normally ensures the transmission of movement between the first ZT1 and second ZT2 parts of the intermediate transfer zone. As the pinion 139 is locked in rotation by the drive shaft 126a, the rotation of the arm 102 causes the rotation of the pinion 137 which is engaged with the pinion 139. This rotational movement is automatically reflected on the part of the kinematic chain located inside the container 10. As a result, the munitions M1 located in the first part ZT1 of the intermediate transfer zone and in the selected magazine G1, are all moved in one direction or another depending on the direction of rotation of the arm 102.

However, during this deflection on site of the weapon which in particular causes a rotational movement of the star wheel 37, the branches 40 of this star wheel 37 offset angularly with respect to the first munition M2 of the unselected magazine G2 which will be the first ammunition extracted from this store by the star wheel 37 when the shooter has decided to select it. Such an angular offset can cause a desynchronization between the transfer means of the first part ZT1 of the intermediate transfer zone and the transfer means of the unselected magazine G2. This desynchronization can create a malfunction of the kinematic chain when the pinion 145 associated with the store G2 must come into engagement with the pinion 143 associated with the star wheel 37, the teeth of these pinions not being correctly positioned with respect to each other. To overcome such a drawback, the supply system 1 according to the invention is also equipped with means for maintaining this synchronization, as a result of the deflection of the weapon on site.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, these synchronization means comprise two rectilinear racks 155 and 157 housed in the container 10.

More specifically, one end of the rack 155 is engaged with a pinion 158 which is coaxial with the journal shaft 100 of the shaft and fixed to a lever 159 secured to the arm 102, while the other end of the rack 155 is intended to engage with the pinion 145 associated with the magazine G1, when this magazine is not selected, that is to say when the pinion 145 is not engaged with the pinion 143 associated with the wheel star 37. Similarly, one end of the rack 157 is engaged with the pinion 158, while its other end is intended to come into engagement with the pinion 147 when the magazine G2 is not selected, ie that is to say when the pinion 147 is not engaged with the pinion 143 associated with the star wheel 37.

Thus, when the weapon debates on site, the rotation of the pinion 158 causes the displacement of the two racks 155 and 157 in two opposite directions while being guided along slides arranged in the container 10.

When the magazine G1 is selected, the pinion 147 by which the movement of the conveyor 25 of the magazine G2 takes place and which is separated from the kinematic chain, will nevertheless be rotated as a result of the linear displacement of the rack 155, so that the angular offset which results from a displacement in elevation of the weapon will be fully transmitted to the pinion 147.

This rotation of the pinion 147 causes the conveyor 25 of the magazine G2 to move, so that the ammunition M2 is moved inside the magazine in a direction which is a function of the direction of rotation of the articulated arm 102.

This results in a relative displacement of the first munition M2 ready to be extracted from the magazine G2 which corresponds to the angular offset of the branches 40 of the star 37. Under these conditions, when the magazine G2 is selected by the shooter, synchronization will be maintained between the kinematic chain and the pinion 147 for driving the conveyor 25 of the store G2 not yet selected.

Suppose now that the weapon is operational and fires ammunition, that is to say that the kinematic chain of the supply system is in motion as a result of the rotation of the motor shaft 126a to convey the ammunition M1 from the store G1 up to the device 5 for introducing the weapon which discharges one by one into the firing chamber, and let us suppose that in parallel the shooter modifies the site of the weapon to follow a mobile objective for example.

When the kinematic chain is in motion, the two pinions 137 and 139 which provide the kinematic connection between the two parts ZT1 and ZT2 of the intermediate transfer zone rotate in synchronism under the control of the motor shaft 126a.

The deflection on site of the weapon is transmitted to the arm 102 and this will result in an increase or a reduction in the speed of the pinion 137 situated in the fixed container 10 relative to the pinion 139 situated on the side of the arm 102 which debates in elevation . Under these conditions, the movement of the transfer means located in the first ZT1 part of the intermediate transfer zone and those of the selected store G1, will be accelerated or slowed down which will also cause a desynchronization of these transfer means compared to those of the unselected store G2. The aforementioned means for maintaining this synchronization are again actuated and in the same way via the racks 155 and 157.

As indicated above, the kinematic chain of the feed system 1 can operate in a direction corresponding to a feed phase of the weapon to convey ammunition M1 or M2, depending on whether the magazine G1 or G2 is selected, up to the device 5 for introducing the weapon, but can also operate in the opposite direction corresponding to a phase of de-supplying to bring ammunition M1 or M2, present in the intermediate transfer zone ZT1 and ZT2, to their magazine d origin and it suffices to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor shaft 126a which sets in motion the kinematic chain of the supply system 1. The phase of disarming the weapon is necessary when the shooter decides to select the other store or store G2 for example, while munitions M1 already extracted from store G1 are still present in the intermediate transfer zone ZT1 and ZT2 between the entry opening - outlet 22 of the magazines and the device 5 for introducing the weapon.

In this phase of disarming the weapon, it should be noted that the star wheel 132 interposed between the conveyor 120 integrated into the arm 102 no longer has a support function for retaining the ammunition during their downward movement towards the zone station 135, but allows you to take back an ammunition that is in this station 135 area to reassemble it towards the star wheel 130, replace it between two cleats 128 of the conveyor 120 to bring it and the ammunition which precedes it to the store G1.

However, when the system is in the feed phase of the weapon, that is to say when the ammunition is conveyed to the device 5 for introducing the weapon, a device is provided for counting the number of ammunition M1 or M2 which are extracted from the selected magazine to know the number of ammunition that will be brought back to their original magazine during the de-feeding phase and before selecting the other magazine.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the counting device 160 of the munitions M1 or M2 extracted from their respective stores G1 and G2, comprises a detection element such as a proximity sensor 162 connected to an electronic control unit. The sensor 162 detects and counts bosses 164 placed radially on one face of the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37.

The sensor 162 is carried by a disc-shaped plate 165 whose periphery is provided with a toothing 166. The plate 165 is mounted to rotate freely on the shaft 41 of the star wheel 37 and its toothing 166 is intended to come in gear with the pinion 145 if the magazine G2 is selected or with the pinion 147 if the magazine G1 is selected.

Thus, the angular offset of the star wheel 37, which results from a deflection in elevation of the weapon, is also transmitted to the turntable 165 so that the proximity sensor 162 undergoes the same angular offset as the holes 164 of star wheel 37 to avoid any counting error.

• le pignon d'entraînement 145 du convoyeur 25 du magasin G1 est en prise avec le pignon 143 solidaire en rotation de la roue étoilée 37, et
• le pignon d'entraînement 147 du convoyeur 25 du magasin G2 est désaccouplé du pignon 143 mais est en prise avec sa crémaillère associée 157 et la denture 166 du plateau tournant 165.

In summary, if store G1 is selected:

• the drive pinion 145 of the conveyor 25 of the store G1 is engaged with the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37, and
• the drive pinion 147 of the conveyor 25 of the store G2 is uncoupled from the pinion 143 but is engaged with its associated rack 157 and the toothing 166 of the turntable 165.

• le pignon d'entraînement 147 du convoyeur 25 du magasin G2 vient en prise avec le pignon 143 solidaire en rotation de la roue étoilée 37, et
• le pignon d'entraînement 145 du convoyeur 25 du magasin G1 est désaccouplé du pignon 143 pour venir en prise avec sa crémaillère associée 155 et la denture 166 du plateau tournant 165.

Then, when the magazine G2 is selected by acting on the coupling control device 150:

• the drive pinion 147 of the conveyor 25 of the store G2 comes into engagement with the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37, and
• the drive pinion 145 of the conveyor 25 of the store G1 is uncoupled from the pinion 143 in order to come into engagement with its associated rack 155 and the toothing 166 of the turntable 165.

When the shooter decides to change the store, the weapon must first be de-supplied, that is to say bring the ammunition present in the transfer zone ZT1 and ZT2 back to their original store G1 or G2. For this, the movement of the kinematic chain is reversed by rotating the motor shaft 126a in the opposite direction.

However, as a result of the inertia of the munitions M1 and M2, when the last munition is brought back to its original store by the star wheel 37 located near the entry-exit opening 22 of the stores G1 and G2, this latter munition can cause a slight angular offset at the level of the star wheel 37. Such an angular offset must be avoided because it is likely to cause a lack of synchronization between the pinion 143 integral in rotation with the star wheel 37 and the pinion 145 or 147 with which it must engage when the other magazine is selected once the weapon is de-energized.

The supply system can then advantageously be equipped with a safety device 167 which has the function of blocking the pinion 143 secured in rotation of star wheel 37 at the moment when the last ammunition returns to its original store G1 or G2 by leaving star wheel 37, a moment which corresponds to the end of the weapon's de-energizing phase where the motor shaft 126a of the kinematic chain is stopped in rotation.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, this safety device 167 is constituted by a movable pin 168 and by a control electromagnet 169 which are carried by the plate 165 of the counting device 160. This plate 165 is coaxial with the pinion 143 integral in rotation of the star wheel 37, and the pin 168 is intended to engage in one of several curved grooves 169 machined in the body of the pinion 143, each groove ending in a hole 169a. Concretely, when the counting device 160 counts the last ammunition which must be brought back to its original store, the pin 168 is controlled by the electromagnet 169 to engage in one of the grooves 169 of the pinion 143 so as to penetrate into the hole 169a of this groove when the last munition leaves the star wheel 37. The pinion 143 is then immobilized in rotation as well as the kinematic chain as a result of the stop in rotation of the motor shaft 126a.

After this locking operation, the coupling control device 150 is actuated to select the other magazine. Once, the other magazine selected, the electromagnet 169 is again controlled to disengage the pin 168 and unlock the pinion 143. Then, the drive shaft 126a is controlled in rotation to convey the ammunition from the magazine selected to the device d introduction 5 of the weapon.

Generally, the drive shaft 126a of the kinematic chain of the supply system 1 can be driven by the weapon's engine or by an auxiliary motor.

As a variant of the supply system described above, the ammunition storage device 3 can be equipped with a third magazine G3 containing M3 ammunition.

In this variant illustrated in FIG. 1, the store G3 is arranged inside a container 170 which is integral with the articulated arm 102. Two star wheels 172 and 174, whose axes are parallel to the journal shaft 100 of the turret mask, are mounted in the container 170. The ammunition M3 comes partially to be housed in the respective branches of these two star wheels 172 and 174 which are driven in two opposite directions of rotation. The outlet from the container 170 is formed by a conduit 175 which opens at the level of the conveyor 120 of the articulated arm 102 for conveying the ammunition M3 to the device for introducing the weapon.

As the magazine G3 is integral with the articulated arm 102, that is to say that it pivots around the journal shaft 100, it is not necessary to carry out any compensation for the angular offset caused by a clearance in site of the weapon.

Claims (17)

Ammunition supply system for a small or medium caliber firearm integrated in a turret mask of an armored vehicle for example, said mask being journalled on an axis to allow the weapon to debate on site, this system being of the type comprising at least: - an ammunition storage device (3) which is fixed relative to the turret mask and consists of at least one single container (10) in which two stores (G1, G2) are provided having a common entry-exit opening (22) containing different munitions (M1, M2) not meshed together, each magazine (G1, G2) comprising a bidirectional displacement means which supports and moves the ammunition inside the magazine, - an introductory device (5) specific to the weapon for loading the ammunition (M1, M2) one by one in a shooting chamber and which debates on site jointly with the weapon, - an intermediate zone (ZT1, ZT2) for automatic transfer of ammunition between the storage device (3) and the device for introducing ammunition (5), and - means (150) for selecting one or the other of the stores (G1, G2),
feeding system which is characterized in that it also comprises an articulated arm (102) mounted on the journal axis (100) of the turret mask to follow the deflections in elevation of the weapon, in that the area transfer intermediate comprises a first part (ZT1) with transfer means (37, 105, 110) with bidirectional movement, integrated in the container (10) of the storage device (3), for automatically transporting the ammunition between one either store and an entry-exit opening (104) of the container (10), and a second part (ZT2) with a transfer means (120) with bidirectional movement, integrated in the articulated arm (102), for automatically transporting the ammunition between the entry-exit opening (104) of the container (10) and the introduction device (5) specific to the weapon, the supply system being supplemented by means (137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147) for synchronizing, with from a drive shaft (126a), the operation of the transfer means of the selected magazine and of the intermediate transfer zone and by means for maintaining the synchronization, during a movement in the weapon's site, between the transfer means (25) of the store not selected and the transfer means (37, 105, 110) of the first part (ZT1) of the intermediate zone, when this store will be selected again. Feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part (ZT1) of the intermediate transfer zone is arranged in an upper part of the container (10) situated above the common entry-exit opening (22) to the two stores (G1, G2), and comprises a first star wheel (37), a conveyor (105) with two endless chains (107) and a second star wheel (110) interposed between the first wheel (37 ) and the conveyor (105). Feeding system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first star wheel (37) is supported by a shaft (41) parallel to the journal shaft (100) of the turret mask and is located in the vicinity of the entry-exit opening (22) of stores (G1, G2) either to receive ammunition (M1 or M2) conveyed by the bi-directional displacement means (25) of the store (G1 or G2), or to bring ammunition ( M1 or M2) to their original store (G1 or G2). Feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that the second star wheel (110) is supported by a shaft (114a) parallel to the shaft (41) of the first star wheel (37), and is intended to ensure the transfer of ammunition (M1 or M2) between the first star wheel (37) and the conveyor (105) with two endless chains (107). Feeding system according to claim 4, characterized in that the conveyor (105) with two endless chains (107) opens at the entry-exit opening (104) of the container (10), and in that that the two endless chains (107) are wound on two respectively upper gears (112) carried by the shaft (100) of the journaling of the turret mask and lower (114) carried by the shaft (114a) of the second star wheel (110). Feeding system according to claim 5, characterized in that the two star wheels (37, 110) are driven in synchronism in two different directions of rotation by means of a gear formed by two pinions (143, 141) respectively integral with the two shafts (41, 114a) for supporting the two star wheels. Feeding system according to claim 6, characterized in that the second star wheel (110) and the conveyor (105) are driven in synchronism by means of the pinion (141) coaxial with the pinion (114) carried by the shaft (114a ) of the second star wheel (110) and on which one of the endless chains (107) of the conveyor (105) is wound. Feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated arm (102) consists of a hollow body (102a) open at its two ends and inside which is housed the second part (ZT2 ) from the intermediate transfer area. Feeding system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second part (ZT2) of the intermediate transfer zone consists of a conveyor (120) with two endless chains (122), one end of which is located in the vicinity of the entry-exit opening (104) of the container (10) and the other end of which is situated in the vicinity of the entry of the introduction device (5) of the weapon, and in that the two chains endless (122) are wound respectively on the side of the first part (ZT1) of the intermediate transfer zone on two pinions (124) carried by a shaft (124a), and on the side of the insertion device (5) the weapon on two pinions (126) carried by a shaft (126a). Feeding system according to claim 9, characterized in that the conveyors (105, 120) of the two parts (ZT1, ZT2) of the intermediate transfer zone are driven in synchronism by means of a gear consisting of two pinions (137 , 139) respectively carried by the shafts (100, 124a) of the two conveyors (105, 120). Feeding system according to claim 10, characterized in that the shaft (126a) of the conveyor (120) integrated into the articulated arm (102) is a drive shaft. Feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for bidirectional movement of each magazine consists of a conveyor (25) with two endless chains (27) which are wound respectively on two upper sprockets (29) carried by a shaft (29a) and on two lower pinions (31) carried by a shaft (31a), these two shafts (29a, 31a) being parallel to the journal shaft (100) of the turret mask. Feeding system according to claim 12, characterized in that the means for select one or the other of the magazines (G1, G2) comprise two pinions (145, 147) respectively carried by the shafts (29a) of the two conveyors (25) and for driving the latter, and a device for controlling coupling (150) for coupling with the pinion (143) integral in rotation with the first star wheel (37) either the pinion (145) when the magazine (G1) is selected, or the pinion (147) when the magazine (G2) is selected. Feeding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for maintaining the synchronization, during a deflection of the weapon in elevation, between the transfer means (25) of the magazine not selected and the transfer means (37, 105, 110,) of the first part (ZT1) of the intermediate transfer zone when this store is again selected, comprise two mobile rectilinear racks (155, 157) housed in the container (10) , in that each rack (155, 157) is engaged with a pinion (158) coaxial with the journal shaft (100) of the weapon and fixed to a lever (159) integral with the arm (102), and in that the pinion (145 or 147) of the magazine (G1 or G2) not selected is engaged with its associated rack (155 or 157), while the pinion (147 or 145) of the magazine (G2 or G1) is selected in engagement with the pinion (143) integral in rotation with the star wheel (37), the two creat meshes (155, 157) being moved in two opposite directions when the tree debates in elevation. Supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises a counting device (160) of the ammunition (M1 or M2) exiting through the entry-exit opening (22) of the stores (G1, G2). Feed system according to claim 15, characterized in that the counting device (160) comprises a detection element (162) for counting bosses (164) placed radially on one face of the pinion (143) integral in rotation with the star wheel (37). Feeding system according to claim 16, characterized in that the detection element (162) is carried by a plate (165) in the form of a disc, the periphery of which has teeth (166), in that the plate ( 165) is mounted to rotate freely on the shaft (41) of the star wheel (37), and in that the toothing (166) is intended to come into engagement with the pinion (145 or 147) of the magazine (G1 or G2) not selected.

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