EP0783094B1 - Device for the transfer of propulsive charges for a magazine to a loading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transfer device of modules constituting propellant charges between a store storage and loading system for these modules in the chamber of an artillery cannon, in particular a cannon mounted in a turret or in an armored casemate.

Patent EP-0 521 722 describes an apparatus for transferring ammunition between a storage place and a vehicle tanker. This device has a linear conveyor bringing the ammunition one by one and a rotary conveyor picking up ammunition from the linear conveyor to store it in a store. There are plans to operate this device. in the opposite direction, i.e. the device is able to capture ammunition from the store to bring them on the conveyor to bandaged. It is also expected that this device can be used to power the weapon, but no details are given brought to the structure to be provided.

Generally, when the ammunition fired by a artillery cannon consists of a projectile and a propellant charge which are successively introduced into the barrel chamber, the charge is formed by an envelope fuel of cylindrical shape and constant length. This envelope contains sachets of propellant powder in variable number according to the quantity of powder necessary for the shooting of the projectile.

At the moment, we tend to replace this envelope single and of constant length by several modules identical cylindrical cylinders each containing a quantity of propellant determined and the number of which varies depending on the amount of powder needed to fire the projectile.

This results in a propellant charge of variable length.

Under these conditions, the storage and on the one hand, and the semi-automatic or automatic loading systems of a propellant charge in the chamber of a firearm else hand, now have to take into account that the propellant charge necessary to fire a projectile is no longer of constant length.

At the storage and food stores of modules constituting propellant charges, it is known to compartmentalize the interior volume of the store, so as to store in each compartment several rows of modules, each row containing n modules axially aligned on the axis of the row, and to use mobile means to grab automatically all modules in the same row of a store compartment and transfer them to the loading which must also be able to manage the number modules to be routed to the gun chamber to fire a projectile.

The object of the invention is to design a device for transfer of these modules between a storage warehouse of the type mentioned above and a system for loading these modules into the chamber of an artillery cannon, this transfer device allowing to manage the number of modules to be routed up to the weapon chamber.

Thus the subject of the invention is a transfer device of modules constituting propellant charges between a store storage and loading system for these modules in the chamber of an artillery cannon, in particular a cannon mounted in a turret or in an armored casemate, comprising first means to receive n modules taken from a store and second means to be able to transfer each of these n modules on a loading system conveyor, characterized in that it includes a device for controlling the second means for selecting the transfer of a number determined of modules on the conveyor depending on the quantity of modules constituting the desired propellant charge to fire a projectile.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first means include a set of n compartments, and the second means comprise at the level of each compartment a bearing surface carried by a pivotally mounted flap and movable by an actuator between an active position to retain the module and a retracted position to release the module which falls by gravity on the conveyor.

Advantageously, the compartments for receiving the modules are arranged in a row, and the conveyor includes a chute arranged under the row of compartments and parallel to it.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the first means include a set of n compartments, and the second means comprise at the level of each compartment a pusher likely to be translate in a first direction which is perpendicular to the axis of the module so as to push the one in the conveyor.

Advantageously, the device comprises at the level of each compartment of the lateral wedging means of each load module following the first direction perpendicular to the axis of the module, means which include at least one retractable finger disposed between the module and the conveyor and whose erasure is controlled by the displacement of the pusher.

The device may also include at the level of each compartment of the holding means of each module load in a second direction, perpendicular to both at the axis of the module and at the first direction, means which include at least a first tab which is erased by the module when it is entered the compartment and returned to the position of maintenance by the action of spring means.

The device may include holding means of each module in the conveyor, means comprising at at least a second retractable tongue arranged between each compartment and the conveyor, tongue which is erased by the module when it entered the conveyor and which returns to the holding position by the action of means springs.

Advantageously, the compartments for receiving the modules will be arranged in a row, and the conveyor include a chute arranged laterally to the row compartments and parallel to it.

The compartments and the chute can be integral with the same support structure.

In general, the conveyor also includes a repressor to push back the modules received in the chute towards the stretcher with a loading arm for modules in the barrel chamber.

Advantageously, the conveyor comprises means for separate from each other the modules received in the chute, these means being retractable before actuation of the repressor.

For example, the separation means could consist of a comb extending parallel to the chute, the teeth of the comb separating the modules.

The compartments will advantageously be arranged in a longitudinal block and delimited by a set of side partitions.

In general, the device for controlling second means includes a central processing unit to control the actuator of each compartment in depending on the quantity of modules constituting the load propellant desired, and means for counting the number of modules transferred to the conveyor.

According to an advantage of the invention, the device for transfer is simple in design, and can be easily integrated into the volume reserved for this purpose in an armored turret or casemate.

According to another advantage of the invention, the device transfer can also be integrated into a chain automatic supply of modules constituting propellant charges, toward the barrel chamber.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de transfert selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
• la figure 2 est une vue suivant la flèche II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une première vue en perspective du dispositif de transfert selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une seconde vue en perspective de ce deuxième dispositif, vue suivant la direction repérée par la flèche F sur la figure 3,
• les figures 5a et 5b sont des coupes transversales de ce deuxième dispositif de transfert, coupes réalisées au niveau d'un compartiment et suivant un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe d'un module de charge. La figure 5a montre le dispositif lorsqu'un module de charge propulsive se trouve dans un compartiment des moyens de réception, la figure 5b montre ce même dispositif lorsque le module a été transféré sur le convoyeur.

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 perspective view of the transfer device according to a first embodiment of the invention, and
• FIG. 2 is a view along arrow II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the transfer device according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of this second device, seen in the direction indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 3,
• FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross sections of this second transfer device, sections made at the level of a compartment and along a plane perpendicular to the axis of a load module. FIG. 5a shows the device when a propellant charge module is in a compartment of the receiving means, FIG. 5b shows this same device when the module has been transferred to the conveyor.

In FIG. 1, the transfer device 1 of modules 3 constituting propellant charges is designed to be mounted between a storage warehouse (not shown) and a loading system 5 of these modules 3 in a chamber of an artillery cannon (not shown) to fire a projectile beforehand introduced into this room.

• des premiers moyens 6 pour réceptionner n modules 3 prélevés du magasin,
• des seconds moyens 7 pour transférer chacun de ces modules 3 sur un convoyeur 8 du système de chargement 5, et
• un dispositif de commande 9 des seconds moyens 7 pour sélectionner le transfert d'un nombre déterminé de ces n charges sur le convoyeur 8.

The transfer device 1 generally comprises:

• first means 6 for receiving n modules 3 taken from the store,
• second means 7 for transferring each of these modules 3 to a conveyor 8 of the loading system 5, and
• a control device 9 for the second means 7 for selecting the transfer of a determined number of these n loads onto the conveyor 8.

The first means 6 for receiving the modules 3 include a set of n compartments 10 which are formed in a longitudinal block 12 to form a line or a receiving row of n modules 3 axially aligned in this row. Each compartment 10 is delimited between two lateral partitions 14, vertical and parallel to each other. The two partitions 14 of a compartment 10 are separated from each other by a distance slightly greater than the length of a module 3.

The partitions allow to separate the different modules which avoids friction between the modules which would likely lead to an initiation of their powder loading.

Generally, each compartment 10 comprises a bearing surface 15 for retaining the module 3. According to a preferred embodiment, module 3 received in compartment 10 is transferred by gravity to the conveyor 8 of the loading system 5. For this purpose, this bearing surface 15 is formed by the curved edge 17a of a flap 17 which is movable by means of an actuator 20 between an active position to hold module 3 in the compartment 10 and a retracted position to release then by gravity the module 3 on the conveyor 8. This bearing surface 15 of flap 17 therefore forms, at level of each compartment 10, the second means 7 for transfer the module 3 to the conveyor 8.

In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the surface support 15 of module 3 in compartment 10 east completed by a fixed part formed by a curved edge 22a of a plate 22. This plate 22 extends substantially over the entire length of the longitudinal block 10 and parallel to it to form a bearing surface and for guiding the modules 3 at the entrance to the compartments 10. The plate 22 is inclined towards the compartments 10 so as to form an inclined plane which will allow modules 3 to roll in on themselves to get into their respective compartments 10 once they have been deposited on this plate 22. The edge 22a of the plate 22 is curved down and is located on the side of the plate adjacent to compartments 10.

The flap 17 is located towards the rear of each compartment 10 and such that, when the flap 17 is in its active position, its curved edge 17a generally comes to the same level as the edge 22a of the plate 22 and located at a distance from the latter which is less than the diameter of a module 3.

Thus, a module 3 can rest freely on these two edges 22a and 17a. Concretely, when component 17 is in its active position, it is oriented along a tilted position.

Each flap 17, towards its end opposite its edge curved 17a, is mounted articulated on an axis 24 supported by the block 12 on the one hand, and on a rod 25 of the actuator 20 associated, the latter also being supported by the block 12. Each actuator 20 is for example of the electromagnetic type.

A module 3 received in a compartment 10 is wedged by means of an articulated pad 30 which comes position just above module 3. All pads 30 are carried by the same rod 32 to be ordered simultaneously by pivoting by means of a drive member (not shown) which drives the rod 32 along a alternating rotational movement. Each shoe 30 can thus take either an active position to wedge module 3 in its compartment 10, that is to say a retracted position for do not oppose the entry of module 3 in its compartment 10.

The control device for all the actuators 20 of the flaps 17, is constituted by a central unit of CPU processing and means of counting the number of modules 3 transferred to the conveyor 8.

The conveyor 8 of the loading system 5 comprises a chute 35 which is intended to receive the modules 3 which compartments 10 fall by gravity. This chute 35 is placed below compartments 10 and extends over the entire length of these. Guide surfaces additional 37 are provided between compartments 10 and the chute 35 for guiding the modules 3 during their fall. The conveyor 8 is also equipped with a repressor 40 actuated by a motor member 42. The repressor 40 is located towards one end of the chute 30 and includes a head 40a intended to bear on the module 3 located at the end of chute 35 for push back all the modules 3 on a stretcher loading arm (not shown).

Advantageously, the modules 3 received in the chute 35 are separated from each other by through a comb 45 whose teeth 47 engage between the modules 3. The comb 45 is retractable by means a drive member (not shown) before actuation of the 40. The comb avoids friction between modules can lead to ignition.

Concretely, and referring to Figure 2, an arm articulated 50 fitted with gripping means 52 of the depression for example comes to sample a row of modules 3 leaving the store. This arm 50 is then moved to drop this row of modules 3 on the inclined plane formed by the plate 22 located at the entrance of the compartments 10. Flaps 17 of all compartments 10 are then in an active position so that their respective bearing surfaces 15 can retain the modules 3, and the pads 30 are on the other hand in a retracted position to allow free passage of modules 3. Thus, modules 3, once released by the arms 50, roll on the inclined plane formed by the plate 22 and freely enter their respective compartments 10. The pads 30 are returned to an active position to wedge the modules 3 in their compartments respective 10.

We assume that the arm 50 takes a number of six modules, that there are also 10 compartments six and the propellant charge required to firing a projectile requires the loading of four modules 3.

Under these conditions, the fire chief introduces the aforementioned parameters in the central processing unit UC, so that only four actuators 20 are actuated so that the flaps 17 associated with these actuators 20 pass into a retracted position. Four modules 3 are thus received by the chute 35 of the conveyor 8 between the teeth 47 of the comb 45. After raising the comb 45, the chute 35 is moved towards the stretcher loading and the repressor 40 then pushes the four 3 modules on the stretcher to be loaded in the room cannon for firing a first projectile.

The chute 35 is returned to its initial position under the row of compartments 10, the comb 45 is lowered and the two actuators 20 associated with the two compartments 10 still containing a module 3 are actuated so that these two modules 3 are received through the chute 35.

The articulated arm 50 is maneuvered to introduce six new modules 3 in the six compartments 10. The unit central processing unit UC then controls two actuators 20 for two new modules 3 to be received in chute 35 and thus obtain the quantity of charge propellant needed to fire a second projectile. Well heard, the two actuators 20 are selected from so choose two compartments 10 different from those which contained the two modules 3 already received by the chute 35. The four modules of chute 35 are then pushed back to the loading stretcher.

Then, the four actuators 20 of the four compartments 10 still containing a module 3 are controlled by the central processing unit UC, and four modules 3 are received in chute 35. These four modules 3 can be pushed back to the stretcher loading because their number corresponds to the load propellant required to fire a third projectile. The previous cycle repeats for shooting new projectiles.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the mode of realization previously described. In particular, the skates 30 which allow the modules 3 to be wedged in the compartments 10, are not necessarily controlled by a driving organ. The pads 30 can be lifted or pushed back to the passage of modules 3 and then fall back down by simple gravity when modules 3 leave the compartments 10.

Figures 3 to 5b show a second mode of realization of the transfer device according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the first means 6 for receive propellant charge modules 3 include still n compartments 10 arranged in a block longitudinal 12. Each compartment 10 is delimited by two side walls 14 vertical and parallel between which have a triangular shape, which facilitates the lowering of the gripping means not shown here (such as a clamp) which transport the module from the magazine to the compartment. The bottom of each compartment is formed by a bottom plate 64 on which the module is supported.

The partitions again allow the separation of the different modules which avoids friction between modules likely to cause their initiation.

The different compartments are aligned so that form a row for receiving the modules 3.

The longitudinal block constitutes a support structure mechanically welded also carrying the chute 35 of the conveyor, which is arranged laterally to the row of compartments 10 and parallel to this one, the bottom of the chute located slightly below the plate background 64.

This transfer device also comprises at the level from each compartment 10 a pusher 60 capable of being translate in a first direction Z which is perpendicular to the axis of the module 3.

All the pushers constitute the second means allowing the transfer of each module on the loading system conveyor.

Each pusher 60 is constituted by a plate 61 folded in "L" on which the load module 3 is in support, plate carrying two triangular stiffeners 62.

The plate 61 is integral with a drive bar 63 which is arranged below compartment 10. The bar 63 has one end to which the pusher, end which passes through the bottom plate 64 at through a light 65. The bar 63 is mounted sliding relative to compartment 10 by through guide grooves (not shown).

The drive bar 63 carries a rack 67 on which engages a pinion 68 driven by a motor 69. The motor 69 is controlled by the central unit of processing and it causes the displacement of the bar 63 and pusher 60 in direction Z.

An upper face of the bar 63 carries a notch 70 which is intended to cooperate with a rod 71 whose axis is parallel to the axis of the module 3.

This rod 71 is secured to two wedging fingers retractable 72 which constitute wedging means lateral of each module in the first direction Z perpendicular to the axis of the module.

In their stalling position, the fingers 72 ensure thus maintaining the module 3 in its compartment 10 and they prohibit the passage of the module 3 in the chute 35 of the conveyor.

The assembly formed by the fingers 72 and the rod 71 is capable of pivoting around bearings 73 integral with the support 12.

The notch 70 has two inclined profiles 70a and 70b.

The first profile 70a is oriented so that a moving the pusher in the Z direction causes the tilting of the fingers 72 and their retraction below the bottom plate 64 of the compartment. This tilt frees up module 3 which can then be taken by pusher 60 in the chute 35.

The second profile 70b is oriented so that return of the pusher to its initial position reposition the fingers in their shimming position by one module. Returning to the finger position may possibly be assisted by a return spring.

The transfer device according to the invention comprises also at the level of each compartment, means of maintenance of each module 3 in a second direction Y, which is perpendicular both to the axis of the module and to the first direction Z.

These holding means comprise at least one first retractable tongue 74 which is mounted between the side partitions 14 which delimit a compartment 10.

This tongue 74 can pivot against the action of a return spring 79 around an axis 75 parallel to the axis of module 3. The first tab 74 is in the state of rest in the position shown in Figure 5a, in this position it is in abutment and cannot rotate around axis 75 only counterclockwise of a watch.

When a charging module 3 is inserted into the compartment 10, the first tab 74 is pushed by the module. Once it is in its compartment, the first tab is brought back to its rest position by its return spring.

It then prohibits the output of module 3 from its compartment 10 in direction Y.

The device also comprises at the level of each compartment 10 a second retractable tongue 76 which is mounted on the same axis 75 as the first tab and which is interposed between compartment 10 and the conveyor chute 35.

This second tab can also pivot against the action of a return spring 80.

It is in the rest state in the position shown in Figure 5a, in this position it is found in abutment and can only rotate around axis 75 counterclockwise.

When the module 3 is pushed into the chute 35 by the pusher 60, the second tab 76 is pushed by the module. When the module 3 is in the chute 35, the second tab 76 is returned to its rest position by its return spring.

It then prohibits any return from module 3 to the compartment 10. The return of the module to the compartment 10 is also prohibited by the position of the bottom 35a of the chute arranged below the bottom plate 64.

As in the previous embodiment, the modules 3 which are received in the chute 35 are separated from each other by a comb 45 which prevents friction between the modules.

This comb has teeth 47 which are integral an operating shaft 77, the rotation of which is controlled by a drive member 78.

The comb is retracted before actuation of a repressor, not shown, which may have a structure similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and for example include a head intended to bear on the load module located at the end of the chute and allowing all the modules to be pushed onto the loading arm stretcher.

The operation of this transfer device is the next.

As for the previous embodiment, an arm (not shown) equipped with gripping means comes place a row of modules 3 in compartments 10. An inclined plate could possibly be positioned above the pushers 60 to orient the modules towards compartments.

All the pushers 60 are in their position reception as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Each module is then held horizontally in its compartment 10 between the plate 61 and the fingers setting 72. It is also maintained in the direction vertical by the first flap 74.

Depending on the shooting parameters, the shooting leader entered into the central processing unit UC the number of desired modules. So only some of the motors 69 will be ordered and will cause the displacement of their associated pushers.

Each button that is actuated passes a module propellant charge in chute 35 between teeth 47 of comb 45. After lifting comb 45, push it back can push the modules onto a loading stretcher.

After this first loading, and depending on the number of modules remaining in the compartments, two scenarios are possible:

If there are enough modules left in the compartments 10 to constitute the new load desired, the number of modules required is transferred in the chute 35 by the appropriate pushers.

If the number of modules is insufficient to constitute the new programmed load, the remaining modules are transferred to the chute 35 to allow the relining of compartments 10. Then the number of missing modules is transferred to free slots the chute 35 by the appropriate pushers. The unit of command will of course choose the pushers 60 which correspond to compartments 10 different from those which contained the modules already received by the chute 35.

Once the load has been formed in chute 35, the comb 45 is raised and the repressor pushes the modules on a loading stretcher. This cycle can be repeated for firing new projectiles.

The advantage of this second embodiment is: have a smaller vertical footprint than the first embodiment.

We will adopt one or the other embodiment in depending on the space available in the turret artillery.

Different variants are possible without leaving the part of the invention.

So it is possible to give different forms to means for driving the pushers, with wedging fingers and the holding flaps.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus for transferring modules (3) that make up propellant charges from a storage magazine to a loading system (5) for loading the modules into the chamber of a large-caliber gun barrel, in particular a barrel mounted in a turret or in an armored casemate, including first means (6) for receiving n modules (3) taken from a magazine, second means (7) for transferring each of the n modules (3) to a conveyor (8) of the loading system (5), characterised in that it comprises a control apparatus (9) for controlling the second means (7) so as to select transfer of a determined number of modules (3) to the conveyor (8) as a function of the quantity of modules (3) making up the desired propellant charge for firing a projectile.
2. Transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the first means (6) comprise a set of n compartments (10), and in that at each compartment the second means (7) comprise an abutment surface (15) carried by a flap (17) mounted to pivot and to be displaced by means of an actuator (20) between an active position in which it retains the module (3) and a retracted position in which it releases the module (3) which falls by gravity onto the conveyor (8).
3. Transfer apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the compartments (10) for receiving the modules (3) are disposed in a row, and in that the conveyor (8) comprises a through (35) disposed beneath the row of compartments (10) and parallel thereto.
4. Transfer apparatus of modules according to claim 1, characterised in that the first means (6) comprise a set of n compartments (10), and in that at each compartment (10), the second means (7) comprise a pusher (60) that can be moved in translation in a first direction (Z) which is perpendicular to the axis of the module so as to push said module into the conveyor (8).
5. Transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that it includes, at each compartment (10), side chocking means for chocking each charge module in a first direction (Z) that is perpendicular to the axis of the module, which means comprise at least one retractable finger (72) disposed between the module (3) and the conveyor (8), and moved out of the way by displacing the pusher (60).
6. Transfer apparatus according to one of claim 4 or 5, characterised in that it includes, at each compartment (10), means for holding each charge module (3) in a second direction (Y) perpendicular both to the axis of the module (3) and to the first direction (Z), which means comprise at least one of first retractable tab (74) which is moved out of the way by the module (3) as it enters the compartment (10) and which is returned to the holding position by the action of spring means (79).
7. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that it includes means for holding each module (3) in the conveyor (8), which means comprise at least one second retractable tab (76) disposed between each compartment (10) and the conveyor (8), which tab is moved out of the way by the module (3) as it enters the conveyor, and is returned to its holding position under the action of spring means (80).
8. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the compartments (10) for receiving the modules (3) are disposed in a row, and in that the conveyor (8) comprises a trough (35) disposed on one side of the row of compartments and parallel thereto.
9. Transfer apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the compartments (10) and the trough (35) are secured to a common support structure.
10. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of the claims 3 or 8 to 9, characterised in that the conveyor (8) also includes a ramrod (40) for pushing the modules (3) received in the trough (35) towards the cradle of an arm for loading the modules (3) into the chamber of the barrel.
11. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of the claims 3 or 8 to 10, characterised in that the conveyor (8) comprises means for separating the modules (3) received in the trough from one another, which means can be retracted prior to actuating the ramrod (40).
12. Transfer apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the separation means are constituted by a comb (45) extending parallel to the trough (35), the teeth (47) of the comb separating the modules (3).
13. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of claims 2 to 12, characterised in that the compartments (10) are provided in a longitudinal unit (12), and they are delimited by a set of end partitions (14).
14. Transfer apparatus according to anyone of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the control apparatus (9) for controlling the second means (7) comprises a central processing unit (UC) for controlling the actuator (20) of each compartment as a function of the quantity of modules (3) making up the desired propellant charge, and means for counting the number of modules (3) transferred to the conveyor (8).

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