EP3136040B1 - Weapons holder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a weapon carrier. In particular, an automated reloading is made possible with the weapon carrier. Advantageously, guided missiles can be launched with the weapon carrier.

Weapon systems comprising guided missiles are known from the prior art. In this case, the problem exists in known weapon carriers, which must be performed manually after a start of the last missile a Nachladevorgang. In this way the operating personnel is exposed to a source of danger. Thus, on the one hand connections between missile battery and Waffenträgersystem have to be solved manually in operational use, on the other hand, a new missile battery, which is filled with missiles, manually raised to the Waffenträgersystem and attached to this, and the connections between the weapon carrier and ammunition module be restored.

Known weapons carrier systems do not have the ability to automatically reload the ammunition and in particular at the same time automatically establish the corresponding connections between ammunition and Waffenträgersystem. Therefore, in currently known systems, as part of the reloading process, a risk exposure of the operating personnel occurs because the required connections must be made manually. Likewise, additional logistical resources, such as in particular a crane or the like, are needed for the direct loading of the weapon carrier.

US3819075A discloses a device comprising a false chassis articulated about a first transverse axis at the rear of the vehicle chassis and slidably supporting an L-shaped member which in turn supports a container. The false chassis also includes a hinge about a second transverse axis. Both sliding and false chassis are moved by means of respective lift. Rotation of the entire false chassis about the first axis provides a dump truck while allowing sliding of the L-shaped member followed by rotation of the hinged portion of the wrong chassis about the second axle so that the container is loaded or unloaded from the vehicle becomes.

EP1186848A1 discloses a combat vehicle with launcher for artillery rockets, wherein on a vehicle undercarriage, a cab and the launcher are arranged, the launcher having a top mount for receiving rocket containers and the upper mount is arranged in elevation pivotally mounted on a lower mount, which pivotable about a turntable in azimuth is mounted on the vehicle undercarriage, and in which the pivoting movement is effected in elevation by arranged between lower mount and upper mount electromechanical lifting means and further lifting means for loading and unloading of the rocket containers are provided, characterized in that the upper mount has two rectangular receiving frame whose dimensions the dimensions of the rocket containers are adapted and on each of which a rocket container can be placed and locked with the receiving frame and between the two receiving frame, in the longitudinal direction, a Zwis chenraum predetermined width extends, in which a pivotable in elevation directional arm is arranged, to which both receiving frames are coupled via releasable coupling devices and which is pivotable via an electric Hubspindeltrieb and at the free end of the Richtarms a pivot arm about a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis pivot axis is pivotally mounted by means of a pivot drive, which carries at its free end a hoist for raising and lowering the rocket container.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a weapon carrier, which allows a simple and cost-effective production and assembly a safe and reliable, especially automatic, reloading.

The solution of this object is achieved by the features of the independent claim 1. Thus, the solution of the problem is carried out by a weapon carrier comprising a receiving arm and a pivoting arm. In this case, the pivot arm is connected via a telescopic mechanism with the receiving arm. The pickup arm has a first receptacle while the pivot arm has a second receptacle. With the first shot, it is possible to hold a first suspension of an ammunition module. Likewise, it is possible with the second recording to hold a second suspension of the ammunition module. In this case, provision is made in particular for the ammunition module to be accessible through the first receptacle. The ammunition module can advantageously be fixed to the weapon carrier together with the first receptacle by the second receptacle. In order to fix the ammunition module on the weapon carrier, it is provided in particular that by inserting the telescopic mechanism, the second suspension of the ammunition module can be inserted into the second receptacle of the weapon carrier. For this purpose, the first suspension of the ammunition module must be attached to the first shot. In particular, there is thus a fastening of the first receptacle to the first suspension with an extended telescopic mechanism. Subsequently, the ammunition module can be placed on the swivel arm and locked by retracting the telescopic mechanism in the second shot. In this way, a fully automatic reloading can advantageously take place, since in particular a release of the second receptacle from the second suspension by an extension of the telescopic mechanism is made possible. The weapon carrier can thus deposit the spent ammunition module and grab and fix a new ammunition module. After fixing the ammunition module, the weapon carrier serves in particular as a launcher for a guided missile, which is arranged within the ammunition module. For this purpose, the weapon carrier is advantageously aligned in azimuth and elevation.

The dependent claims have advantageous developments of the invention to the content.

Preferably, the weapon carrier has a foot element, via which the weapon carrier can be connected to a weapon carrier system or to a substrate. It is provided that the pivot arm relative to the foot member is horizontally and vertically pivotable. Thus, the pivot arm can be aligned both in azimuth and in elevation relative to the weapon carrier system or the ground. Since the ammunition module is fixed to the pivot arm via the second suspension, the ammunition module can therefore also be aligned in elevation and azimuth. The weapon carrier is thus on the one hand automatically reloaded, on the other hand allows the weapon carrier aligning and thus starting the missile from the ammunition module.
Particularly advantageous is provided that the pivot arm relative to the foot member in a horizontal plane is pivotable through 360 °. Thus, each angle is in the azimuth direction ingestible, so that the weapon carrier can launch the missile in all directions. At the same time, it is preferably provided that the pivot arm can be pivoted vertically relative to the foot element by at least 160 °, preferably by at least 170 °, particularly preferably by at least 180 °. In this way, sufficient adjustability in the elevation direction is given. With the weapon carrier thus the ammunition module is optimally aligned to a target to be controlled, so that an optimal launch of the missile can be done from the ammunition module. By pivoting the pivot arm in the vertical direction, that is in the elevation direction, a reloading process is also possible. It is thus provided in particular that an ammunition module can be gripped by the receiving arm by pivoting the swivel arm in the vertical direction. By pivoting back the pivot arm, the ammunition module, which is attached by the first suspension to the first receptacle of the receiving arm, deductible on the pivot arm. Using the telescopic mechanism can then insert the ammunition module in the second receptacle, so that an attachment between the second receptacle and second suspension is present.

The swivel arm is mounted according to the invention via a bearing point on a base attachment. In addition, the swivel arm according to the invention has a guide recess. The guide recess extends in one direction between the bearing point and telescopic mechanism. Thus, the guide recess is a longitudinal guide. In addition, a mounted on the base mounting drive lever is present. With the drive lever pivoting of the pivot arm in the vertical direction is possible. For this purpose, the drive lever engages with a first end in the guide recess and is connected to an opposite second end to a lifting mechanism. A storage point of the drive lever is in particular between the first end and the second end, with a more accurate Location of the bearing point can be adapted to a kinematics and weight ratios of the weapon carrier and the ammunition module. The lifting mechanism is in particular designed such that it increases or decreases an angle between the drive lever and the basic attachment to which the lifting mechanism is attached. In this way, the drive lever is rotatably supported, whereby the first end can be guided in the guide recess of the pivot arm. By actuating the lifting mechanism, the first end of the drive lever is moved in the guide recess of the swivel arm via the drive lever, which is advantageously rotatably mounted about the support point and, in particular, the resulting kinematics. By moving the first end in the pivot arm of the pivot arm is pivoted about the bearing point of the pivot arm. In this way, the swivel arm can be aligned in the elevation direction.

Advantageously, the lifting mechanism is driven hydraulically or pneumatically. The lifting mechanism extends between the second end of the drive lever and the base attachment. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism may also comprise an electric drive, in particular a linear drive. By lifting mechanism is thus a pivoting of the pivot arm in the vertical direction, that is in the elevation, very simple and performant executable.

Particularly preferably, the basic attachment to the foot member is mounted horizontally rotatable. Thus, the base mount provides a basis for azimuth alignment. By rotating the base mount relative to the foot element, an azimuth angle can be adjusted, thereby realizing the above-described pivotability of the swing arm fixed to the base mount in the horizontal plane. The basic fastening is advantageously rotatable via an electric drive, which is located particularly advantageously within the foot element. Alternatively, the azimuth can be adjusted via appropriate hydraulic, pneumatic or other elements.

The receiving arm preferably has a further telescopic mechanism with which the receiving arm is extended. In this way, in particular a gripping a new ammunition module simplify, since the first suspension by Extension or shortening of the pickup arm itself is linearly adjustable. This is particularly useful when there is a height difference between the weapon carrier and the ammunition module storage that must be overcome by the pickup arm.

The receiving arm is advantageously aligned perpendicular to the pivot arm. Thus, it is provided in particular that a movement of the telescopic mechanism of the pivot arm is independent of a movement of the further telescopic mechanism of the receiving arm. With the telescopic mechanism and the other telescopic mechanism can thus easily approach a munitions module, whereby the storage of ammunition modules has no special requirements to meet.

The first receptacle is particularly advantageous a hook element. With the hook element can be a first suspension of the ammunition module grip. Particularly advantageously, the first suspension is mounted above the center of gravity of the ammunition module, so that handling of the ammunition module is made possible solely by engagement of the hook element in the suspension. In particular, the ammunition module can be placed by retracting the further telescopic mechanism on the swivel arm, if this is aligned horizontally. By retracting the telescopic mechanism can then insert the second suspension in the second recording.

The receiving arm is advantageously connected rotationally fixed to the pivot arm. This ensures a rigid connection of the ammunition module to the weapon carrier. On the one hand this leads to a secure hold of the ammunition module, on the other hand to a precise start of the missile, since the ammunition module can be precisely aligned both in azimuth and in elevation.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that an interface connection between weapons carrier and ammunition module is automatically produced and separable. For this purpose, an interface connection is provided in particular on the swivel arm and the ammunition module. The interface connection comprises all necessary connections between the weapon carrier and the ammunition module. By the Automatic connection between weapon carrier and ammunition module eliminates the need to expose personnel to manually create the interface connection of potential hazards. This increases the safety of the personnel concerned.

Figur 1

eine erste schematische Abbildung des Waffenträgers gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 2

eine zweite schematische Abbildung des Waffenträgers gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 3

eine schematische Abbildung des Waffenträgers beim Greifen eines Munitionsmoduls, und

Figur 4

eine schematische Abbildung des Waffenträgers mit verriegeltem Munitionsmodul.

The invention will now be described in detail by means of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1

a first schematic illustration of the weapon carrier according to the embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2

a second schematic illustration of the weapon carrier according to the embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3

a schematic illustration of the weapon carrier when gripping a munitions module, and

FIG. 4

a schematic illustration of the weapon carrier with locked ammunition module.

FIG. 1 shows a weapon carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The weapon carrier 1 comprises a receiving arm 2 and a pivot arm 3. The receiving arm 2 and the pivot arm 3 are aligned perpendicular to each other and rotationally fixed to each other. In addition, a telescopic mechanism 10 is provided between the pickup arm 2 and the swing arm 3, so that a distance between the pickup arm 2 and the swing arm 3 is adjustable by the telescopic mechanism 10.

The receiving arm 2 has a first receptacle 5. The first receptacle 5 is designed as a hook element and serves for gripping an ammunition module 9 (cf. FIG. 3 ). The first receptacle 5 is arranged on an end of the receiving arm 2 opposite the telescopic mechanism 10. In addition, the receiving arm 2 has a further telescopic mechanism 11, so that the receiving arm 2 by the other telescopic mechanism 11 extendable and is shortenable. This means in particular that a distance between the first receptacle 5 and telescopic mechanism 10 is variably adjustable.

The pivot arm 3 is mounted on a base attachment 13 via a bearing point 12. The basic attachment 13 is mounted on a foot element 4 via a drive 19. The foot element 4 allows binding of the weapon carrier 1 on a ground or on a weapon carrier system. About the drive 19, the base attachment 13 relative to the foot member 4 is pivotable. The pivoting thus allows alignment of the base attachment 13 and thus of the pivot arm 3 in the azimuth direction. Due to the mounting of the swivel arm 3 at the bearing point 12, the swivel arm 3 is pivotable, in particular in a vertical direction, that is to say in an elevation direction. Thus, the directions of movement azimuth and elevation are independently adjustable.

FIG. 2 shows the weapon carrier 1 in a position in which the pivot arm 3 has an elevation angle. The elevation angle of the pivot arm 3 is adjustable via a lifting mechanism 18. The lifting mechanism 18 extends between a connection point (not shown) on the base attachment 13 and a second end 17 of a drive lever 15. A first end 16 of the drive lever 15 engages in a guide recess 14 of the pivot lever 3 a. The slot 14 is in particular a longitudinal recess and extends in a direction between telescopic mechanism 10 and bearing point 12. If a stroke is carried out by the lifting mechanism 18, the drive lever 15 is rotated. The bearing of the drive lever 15 on the base attachment 13 is in particular outside of a middle between the first end 16 and the second end 17, so that a translation of the lifting mechanism 18 is present. By the stroke of the lifting mechanism 18, the first end 16 of the drive lever 15 is displaced within the guide recess 14. In this way, a pivoting of the pivot arm 3 takes place about the bearing point 12, so that an orientation in the elevation direction is given.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the weapon carrier 1 engages an ammunition module 9. For this purpose, both the telescopic mechanism 10 and the further telescopic mechanism 11 are extended. Via the telescopic mechanism 10, a first direction of movement 200 is made possible. Through the other Telescope mechanism 11 is a second direction of movement 300 allows. At the same time a stroke of the lifting mechanism 18 is minimized, whereby the pivot arm 3, starting from the in FIG. 1 shown basic position, an elevation alignment of 180 °. Since the receiving arm 2 is arranged perpendicular to the pivot arm, the receiving arm 2 is also pivoted by pivoting the pivot arm 3 by 180 ° in the azimuth direction by 180 °. Thus, the pickup arm 2 vertically falls down. By means of the further telescopic mechanism 11, a height difference 100 between a lower edge of the foot element 4 and a storage location of the ammunition module 9 can be bridged. In this way, no special requirements are made to the storage location of the ammunition module 9. For example, the ammunition module 9 can be stored directly on a truck or on a vehicle trailer and be provided in the vicinity of the weapon carrier 1.

The first receptacle 5 is used to engage in a first suspension 7 of the ammunition module 9. For this purpose, the first suspension 7 of the ammunition module 9 is advantageously designed as a socket into which the hook-shaped first receptacle 5 can engage. In addition, the first suspension 7 is advantageously arranged above the center of gravity of the ammunition module 9. By engaging the first receptacle 5 in the first suspension 7, a partial connection between the weapon carrier 1 and ammunition module 9 is present. In particular, it is provided that, after the intervention and securing of the first receptacle 5 and the second suspension 7, a retraction of the further telescopic mechanism 11 takes place. In addition, advantageously, a pivoting of the pivot arm 3 in the elevation direction to the in FIG. 4 To achieve alignment of the receiving arm 2 shown. Subsequently, a retraction of the telescopic mechanism 10 is advantageously carried out, whereby a second suspension 8 of the ammunition module 9 is inserted into the second receptacle 6.

By pivoting the pivot arm 3 from the in FIG. 3 shown position in the in FIG. 4 shown by the retraction of the telescopic mechanism 10 is advantageously a fixation between the second receptacle 6 and second suspension 8. In this way, the ammunition module. 9 securely and firmly fixed to the weapon carrier 1. By pivoting the pivot arm 3 in the elevation direction thus elevation alignment of the ammunition module 9 is feasible. By rotation of the basic attachment 13, an alignment of the ammunition module in the azimuth direction is made possible. In this way, the weapon carrier 1 can be regarded as a starting element for at least one guided missile, which is provided within the ammunition module 9.

After the at least one guided missile has been launched from the ammunition module 9, the spent ammunition module 9 is advantageously deposited, this taking place in the reverse order of the picking up of the ammunition module 9.

The second suspension 8 has particularly advantageously an interface connection, which engages in a mating connector of the second receptacle 3. In this way, an automatic contacting of weapon carrier 1 and ammunition module 9 takes place in particular. This allows a connection of any necessary connections between the weapon carrier 1 and the ammunition module. 9 Since contact and solution of interface connections are automatic, no personnel need to be exposed to a potential hazardous situation.

1. 1. Der Richtmechanismus entspricht dem Nachlademechanismus
   • 1.1 wobei der Richtmechanismus eine Einstellung der elevierenden und der azimutalen Ausrichtung des Systems umfasst,
     • 1.1.1 wobei die Elevation beginnend von zum Boden paralleler Stellung des Schwenkarms 3 im Ausgangszustand einen Winkel von 180° umfasst,
     • 1.1.2 wobei der azimutale Stellwinkel 360° beträgt.
2. 2. Die Richt- und Nachladeprozeduren werden durch das System abgebildet.
3. 3. Der Richt- und Nachlademechanismus wird elektronisch gesteuert,
   • 3.1 wobei manuelle Eingaben über eine Eingabeperipherie möglich sind, und
   • 3.2 wobei Befehlssignale von einem weiteren Kontrollgerät in Abhängigkeit von Missionsparametern empfangen werden können.
4. 4. Die mechanischen Schnittstellen zwischen verschiedenen Munitionsmodulen 9 und Waffenträger 1 sind standardisiert,
   • 4.1 wobei die Standardisierung auch für jegliche weitere Schnittstellen zwischen Munitionsmodul 9 und Waffenträger 1 gilt.
5. 5. Die zur Aufnahme verwendeten Hebel und/oder Arme sind variabel einstellbar,
   • 5.1 wobei aber auch eine statische Lösung ohne variabel einstellbare Hebel und/oder Arme möglich ist,
   • 5.2 wobei die maximal benötigte variable Länge von dem Schwenkarm 3 durch die Positionierung des Waffenträgers 1 auf einer Waffenplattform bestimmt wird, und
   • 5.3 wobei die maximal benötigte variable Länge des Aufnahmearms 2 durch den Höhenunterschied von der Integrationsfläche des Waffenträgers 1 auf der Waffenplattform und der niedrigsten Höhe der Aufnahmevorrichtung einer der verwendeten Munitionsmodule bestimmt wird.
6. 6. Es ist eine einfache Integration des Waffenträgers 1 auf jeglichen Waffenplattformen möglich,
   • 6.1 da standardisierte mechanische Schnittstellen verwendet werden,
   • 6.2 da nur lösbare Elemente, wie insbesondere Schrauben, zur Herstellung der Verbindung zwischen dem Waffenträger und der Waffenplattform verwendet werden, und
   • 6.3 da sonstige benötigte Verbindungen, wie insbesondere elektrische, hydraulische oder elektronische Verbindungen, ebenfalls über standardisierte Schnittstellen hergestellt werden.
7. 7. Es können eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Upgrades oder Verbesserungen ohne großen Aufwand installiert werden,
   • 7.1 was durch standardisierte mechanische Schnittstellen realisiert wird,
   • 7.2 was durch Verwendung lösbarer Elemente realisiert wird.

The weapon carrier 1 also has the following advantages: There is a weapon carrier 1 for automatically reloading ammunition modules 9 on the weapon carrier 1 and for automatically establishing interface connections between ammunition module 9 and weapon carrier 1. In addition, the weapon carrier 1 can be used as a straightening unit for the ammunition module 9. The weapon carrier 1 is characterized in a particularly preferred manner by the following points:

1. 1. The straightening mechanism corresponds to the reload mechanism
   • 1.1 wherein the straightening mechanism comprises adjustment of the elevating and azimuthal orientation of the system,
     • 1.1.1 wherein the elevation, starting from the position parallel to the ground, of the swivel arm 3 in the initial state comprises an angle of 180 °,
     • 1.1.2 where the azimuthal angle is 360 °.
2. 2. The straightening and reloading procedures are mapped by the system.
3. 3. The straightening and reloading mechanism is controlled electronically,
   • 3.1 wherein manual inputs via an input periphery are possible, and
   • 3.2 wherein command signals can be received from another control device in response to mission parameters.
4. 4. The mechanical interfaces between different ammunition modules 9 and weapon carrier 1 are standardized,
   • 4.1 wherein the standardization applies to any other interfaces between ammunition module 9 and Waffenträger 1.
5. 5. The levers and / or arms used for recording are variably adjustable,
   • 5.1 but also a static solution without variably adjustable levers and / or arms is possible,
   • 5.2 wherein the maximum required variable length is determined by the pivot arm 3 by the positioning of the weapon carrier 1 on a weapons platform, and
   • 5.3 wherein the maximum required variable length of the pickup 2 is determined by the difference in height of the integration surface of the weapon carrier 1 on the weapon platform and the lowest height of the receiving device of the ammunition modules used.
6. 6. It is possible to easily integrate Waffenträgers 1 on any weapons platforms,
   • 6.1 because standardized mechanical interfaces are used
   • 6.2 because only releasable elements, in particular screws, are used to make the connection between the weapon carrier and the weapon platform, and
   • 6.3 since other required connections, such as in particular electrical, hydraulic or electronic connections, are also produced via standardized interfaces.
7. 7. It can be installed a variety of different upgrades or improvements without much effort,
   • 7.1 which is realized by standardized mechanical interfaces,
   • 7.2 which is realized by using detachable elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

weapons carrier

2

pickup

3

swivel arm

4

foot element

5

first recording

6

second shot

7

first suspension

8th

second suspension

9

ammunition module

10

telescopic mechanism

11

another telescopic mechanism

12

bearing point

13

basic clip

14

guide recess

15

drive lever

16

first end

17

second end

18

lifting mechanism

19

drive

Claims (9)

1. Weapons carrier (1), comprising

   - a receiving arm (2) having a first receiving arrangement (5) for holding a first mounting bracket (7) of a munitions module (9), and

   - a pivot arm (3) having a second receiving arrangement (6) for holding a second mounting bracket (8) of the munitions module (9),

   - wherein the pivot arm (3) is connected via a telescopic mechanism (10) to the receiving arm (2), and

   - wherein the second mounting bracket (8) of the munitions module (9) may be inserted into the second receiving arrangement (6) by means of retracting the telescopic mechanism (10) if the first mounting bracket (7) of the munitions module (9) is fastened to the first receiving arrangement (5), wherein the pivot arm (3) is mounted via a mounting point (12) on a base fastening arrangement (13) and comprises a guiding recess (14) that extends in a direction between the mounting point (12) and telescopic mechanism (10), wherein a drive lever (15) that is mounted on the base fastening arrangement (13) engages with a first end (16) into the guiding recess (14) and is attached by an opposite-lying second end (17) to a lifting mechanism (18).
2. Weapons carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterised by a base element (4) via which it is possible to attach the weapons carrier (1) to a weapons carrying system or to a substrate, wherein the pivot arm (3) may pivot with respect to the base element (4) in a horizontal plane and vertically.
3. Weapons carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the pivot arm (3) may pivot with respect to the base element (4) in the horizontal plane about 360° and/or vertically about at least 160°, preferably about 170°, particularly preferably about at least 180°.
4. Weapons carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lifting mechanism (18) extends between the second end (17) and the base fastening arrangement (13).
5. Weapons carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the base fastening arrangement (13) is mounted on the base element (4) in the horizontal plane in such a manner as to be able to rotate.
6. Weapons carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiving arm (2) comprises a further telescopic mechanism (11) with which it is possible to extend the receiving arm (2).
7. Weapons carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiving arm (2) is oriented in a perpendicular manner with respect to the pivot arm (3).
8. Weapons carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first receiving arrangement (5) is a hook element.
9. Weapons carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receiving arm (2) is attached to the pivot arm (3) in a non-rotatable manner.

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