EP4698843A1 - Magazine for an artillery installation, provided with a moving system - Google Patents

Abstract

The magazine (100) comprises a frame (102) configured for internally housing a plurality of pieces of ammunition (A). The frame (102) comprises an inlet (103) configured for receiving the pieces of ammunition (A) and an outlet (105) configured for feeding such pieces of ammunition (A) to a weapon assembly (18). There is a guide structure (110) which extends between the inlet (103) and the outlet (105) to define a guide path (112), and which is configured to allow the pieces of ammunition (A) to slide laterally along the guide path (112). A moving system (114) comprises a movable chain structure (120), which can be moved supported by the frame (102), and which is configured for carrying and laterally pushing the pieces of ammunition (A) along the guide path (112). A motor (117) is configured for generating mechanical power, and a transmission mechanism (119) is configured to be driven by the motor (117) so as to move the movable chain structure (120) along the guide path (112) in a forward travel direction (J) and a backward travel direction (K), opposite each other.

Description

TITLE : "Magazine for an artillery installation , provided with a moving system"

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DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a magazine for an artillery installation .

Technical background

In the artillery industry, magazines are known which generally consist of a system capable of containing and automatically moving one or more pieces of ammunition to be fed to an artillery installation .

Summary of the invention

It is one obj ect of the present invention to provide a magazine for an artillery installation which is improved over the prior art . In particular, according to the present invention, a magazine is provided which is equipped with a moving system that ensures ef fective and reliable control over the loading and feeding of ammunition toward the weapon assembly of the artillery installation .

According to the present invention, this and other obj ects are achieved through a magazine having the technical features set out in the appended independent claim .

It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention . In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features .

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided herein merely as a non- limiting example and referring, in particular, to the annexed drawings as summari zed below .

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1 and 2 are , respectively, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of a turret fitted with an artillery installation which, in turn, comprises a magazine made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the next drawings .

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view similar to Figure 2 , wherein some external walls of the turret have been removed in order to show a magazine made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention .

Figures 4 and 5 are, respectively, a rear perspective view and a front perspective view wherein the magazine shown in Figure 3 is shown in magni fied form .

Figure 6 includes a pair of schematic rear elevation views of the turret and, respectively of the magazine shown in the preceding figures . These views show how pieces o f ammunition are loaded into a magazine .

Figure 7 is a top view of the magazine shown in the preceding figures , showing a door allowing access to the inlet .

Figure 8 is a perspective view along line VI I I of Figure 7 , which shows some details of the door and of an opening sensor co-operating therewith .

Figures 9 and 10 are , respectively, a rear perspective view and a rear elevation view showing a guide structure of a frame of the magazine shown in the preceding figures , viewed from the rear perspective of Figure 4 .

Figure 11 is a rear perspective view showing a movable chain structure of the magazine shown in the preceding figures , viewed from the rear perspective of Figures 4 , 9 and 10 .

Figure 12 is a partial perspective view showing a detail of the movable chain structure shown in Figure 11 .

Figure 13 is a rear elevation view similar to Figure 10 , wherein the guide structure houses the movable chain structure with a piece of ammunition, and wherein the magazine internally contains a single piece of ammunition .

Figures 14 and 15 are , respectively, a magni fied perspective view and a magni fied top view showing a part of the magazine that contains the single piece of ammunition shown in Figure 13 . In such figures a part of the movable chain structure is visible , which is contained in the guide structure part and which supports the piece of ammunition .

Figure 16 is a further magni fied partial view of the details of the movable chain structure as viewed in Figure 14 .

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 13 , showing the travel directions of the movable chain structure along the guide path .

Figure 18 is a magni fied perspective view of the magazine , showing a manual driving member, in particular a crank handle , which can be coupled with the transmission mechanism .

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a loading assembly belonging to the transmission mechanism and comprising a pair of engaging stars for clamping the pieces of ammunition exiting the guide structure .

Figures 20 to 22 are rear elevation views of the magazine , showing a feeding system in di f ferent operating phases .

For completeness ' sake , the following is a li st o f alphanumerical references and names used herein to identi fy parts, elements and components illustrated in the abovesummarized drawings.

A. Piece of ammunition

Al . Front portion

A2. Projectile body

A3. Base

J. Forward travel direction

K. Backword travel direction

Ma. Tapered mating portion

Mb. Border mating portion

R. Rotation axis

S. Feeding axis

T. Oscillation axis

10. Turret

12. Artillery installation

14. Traversing mass

16. Oscillating mass

18. Weapon assembly

20. Cheeks

22. Barrel

24. Gun mount

100. Magazine

102. Frame

103. Inlet

104. Door

105. Outlet

106. Handles

108. Opening sensor

110. Guide structure

112. Guide path

112a. Front groove

112b. Back groove 114. Moving system

115a. Front support element

115b. Back support element

116a. Front plate assembly

116b. Back plate assembly

117. Motor

119. Transmission mechanism

118. Spacers

120. Movable chain structure

121a. Front gearwheels

121b. Back gearwheels

122a. Front chain

122b. Back chain

124. Rod members

126a. Flanged coupling portion

126b. Channeled coupling portion

128. Annular channel

130. Outer plates

132. Inner plates

134. Pins

136. Driving member

138. Socket

140. Crank handle

142. Feeding system

144. Diverter arm

146. Pushing drum

148. Peripheral levers

150. Loading assembly

152. Engaging star

154. Loading pawl

156. Shaft Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown as a whole a turret 10 containing an artillery installation 12. As will be described in further detail below, artillery installation 12 includes a magazine 100, shown in Figure 3 et seq., which is made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Turret 10 is particularly suitable for installation on ships, typically on a deck. It may nevertheless be installed on terrestrial vehicles as well, e.g. on armoured vehicles such as tanks, and/or on aircraft and/or on fixed installations .

Artillery installation 12 is supported by and contained in turret 10, and comprises a traversing mass (or portion) 14, an oscillating mass (or portion) 16, and a weapon ass e mb 1 y 18.

Traversing mass 14 is configured to be rotatably mounted and supported on a stationary support structure (not numbered) , so as to rotate about a substantially vertical traversing (or azimuthal) axis Z.

Oscillating mass 16 is rotatably supported by traversing mass 14 about an elevating axis Y, which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to vertical axis Z. In particular, in a per se known manner, typically traversing mass 14 and oscillating mass 16 are mutually assembled by means of a pair of cheeks 20 fixed to traversing mass 14, whereon elevation bearings are mounted, particularly at elevating axis Y.

In its turn, the weapon assembly 18 is supported by oscillating mass 16. Weapon assembly 18 comprises a barrel 22 configured for firing pieces of ammunition A. In the illustrated embodiment, barrel 22 is an artillery gun, e.g. having a caliber of 30mm .

As is also visible in Figure 3 , oscillating mass 16 comprises a gun mount 24 that supports barrel 22 , in particular allowing it to be oriented about the traversing and elevating axes , in addition to permitting its recoiling motion .

As mentioned above and as particularly visible in Figure 3 , installation 12 comprises also a magazine 100 configured to contain a plurality of pieces of ammunition A to be fed to weapon assembly 18 , in particular in order to be fired through barrel 22 .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, with particular reference to Figures 14 and 15 , each piece of ammunition A comprises , in a per se known manner, a front portion Al , a proj ectile body A2 and a base A3 .

Front portion Al comprises , at its end, a warhead having a ( conical ) shape suitable to reduce air resistance . In particular, front portion Al internally includes a fuse , e . g . in the warhead .

Proj ectile body A2 is situated centrally between front portion Al and base A3 .

Base A3 , constituting the rear end of piece o f ammunition A, protrudes peripherally from proj ectile body A2 .

Magazine 100 is configured for automatically moving the plurality of pieces of ammunition A. Moreover, as will be further described hereinafter, ammunition A contained in magazine 100 is , advantageously, of the linkless type .

Magazine 100 is supported by oscillating mass 16 and it is operatively integral with the latter ; in particular, magazine 100 is integrated into gun mount 24 . Therefore , magazine 100 is separate and distinct from traversing mass 14 . Furthermore , as shown in the illustrated embodiment , magazine 100 is located on top of oscillating mass 16 .

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , magazine 100 comprises a frame 102 configured for internal ly housing a plurality of pieces o f ammunition A. Frame 102 comprises an inlet 103 configured for receiving pieces of ammunition A to be introduced into frame 102 . In addition, with particular reference to Figures 9 , 10 and 13 , frame 102 comprises an outlet 105 configured for feeding pieces o f ammunition A out of said frame 102 towards weapon as sembly 18 of artillery installation 10 .

Furthermore , magazine 100 comprises a door 104 which can be opened relative to frame 102 , in particular being hinged thereto . Door 104 is suitably situated on top of frame 102 .

As is more clearly visible in Figure 6 , door 104 i s designed to allow the operator to gain access to inlet 103 through which ammunition A can be introduced into or removed from magazine 100 . In particular, door 104 can be rai sed from a closed position, shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 7 , to an open position, shown in Figure 6 . In the closed position, door 104 is lowered against frame 102 and prevents the operator from accessing inlet 103 . Vice versa, in the open position, door 104 is raised from frame 102 and allows the operator to gain access to inlet 103 of magazine 100 , so that pieces of ammunition A can be introduced or removed through inlet 103 .

In the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 may comprise a locking device configured to prevent door 104 from unintentionally moving from the closed position to the open position . In particular, in the closed pos ition the locking device creates a repeatably removable and restorable mechanical constraint between door 104 and frame 102. For example, the locking device may comprise a (translatable and/or rotatable) latch associated with either one of frame 102 and door 104. The latch can be moved by an operator into a position in which it mutually disengages frame 102 and door 104, thereby allowing door 104 to be raised into the open position from the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch is provided with one or more gripping portions, in particular consisting of one or more handles 106 that can be gripped by the operator for moving the latch into the disengaged position - e.g. in the directions indicated by arrows in Figure 7.

Preferably, with particular reference to Figure 8, the locking device further comprises an opening sensor 108, e.g. mounted on frame 102, configured for detecting when door 104 is raised from the closed position to switch into the open position. In particular, when opening sensor 108 detects the open position of door 104, it is configured for inhibiting the actuation of magazine 100 and/or of weapon assembly 18. In the illustrated embodiment, opening sensor 108 is a mechanical one, e.g. a switch (in particular, a microswitch) , e.g. capable of detecting the position of the above-described latch .

As mentioned above, according to the illustrated embodiment, magazine 100 provides an automatic system for loading linkless ammunition A, which will be described in detail below.

As is particularly visible in Figures 9 and 10, frame

102 comprises a guide structure 110 situated between inlet

103 and outlet 105. Guide structure 110 defines a guide path 112 and is configured to allow pieces of ammunition A to slide laterally along guide path 112. In particular, guide path 112 lies in a plane which i s substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of ammunition A and, more particularly, also substantially perpendicular to the firing axis of barrel 22 .

In the illustrated embodiment , guide structure 110 is configured to allow such pieces of ammunition A to be moved within frame 102 of magazine 100 , in particular by traveling from inlet 103 to outlet 105 , and reach weapon assembly 18 .

Also , as shown in Figures 3 to 6 , magazine 100 comprises a moving system 114 configured for transporting ammunition A along guide path 112 defined by guide structure 110 .

Preferably, guide path 112 defines a closed path and i s shaped substantially as a loop and/or a serpentine .

Guide structure 110 is configured to be crossed by an axially intermediate portion, e . g . proj ectile body A2 , of each piece of ammunition A intended to slide laterally along guide path 112 . Preferably, as will be further described hereinafter, guide structure 110 is also configured to support in abutment the axially intermediate portion o f pieces of ammunition A as they slide laterally .

As shown in particular in Figures 9- 10 and 14- 15 , guide structure 110 preferably comprises a pair of plate assemblies 116a-b, which are so shaped as to define guide path 112 . However, in other less preferable embodiments , it is also conceivable to employ j ust a single plate as sembly . Preferably, plate assemblies 116a-b support in abutment an axially intermediate portion, e . g . the proj ectile body, o f each piece of ammunition A positioned along guide path 112 .

In the illustrated embodiment, guide structure 110 comprises a front plate assembly 116a and a back plate assembly 116b facing and substantially parallel to each other . Guide path 112 is created by, in a front position, a front groove 112a defined by front plate assembly 116a and, in a rear position, a corresponding back groove 112b defined by back plate assembly 116b. On one side, each piece of ammunition A is guided at the front, as it moves laterally in guide structure 110, by front groove 112a; on the other side, each piece of ammunition A is guided at the rear, as it moves laterally in guide structure 110, by back groove 112b. Guide grooves 112a-b are configured to be crossed by an axially intermediate portion - in particular, by projectile body A2 - of each piece of ammunition A and to be travelled, with a lateral sliding action, by each one of said pieces of ammunition A.

As aforementioned, and as clearly shown in Figure 14, the axially intermediate portions of pieces of ammunition A are supported along guide path 112 by plate assemblies 116a- b, being in abutment therewith. In more detail, during the lateral sliding motion along guide path 112, the axially intermediate portion of each piece of ammunition A is supported in abutment with plate assemblies 116a-b on the edges of guide grooves 112a-b. In the illustrated embodiment, front plate assembly 116a is in the foremost position, while back plate assembly 116b is in the rearmost position, such assemblies being at some distance from the ends of pieces of ammunition A to be guided by them. In other words, piece of ammunition A crosses on one side, i.e. at the front, front plate assembly 116a and on the other side, i.e. at the rear, back plate assembly 116b. In the illustrated embodiment, as pieces of ammunition A travel along guide path 112, front portion Al of each piece of ammunition will not slide against guide structure 110 and/or its plate assemblies 116a-b.

Furthermore, guide structure 110 comprises a plurality of spacers 118, each one of them connecting, in the axial direction, front plate assembly 116a to back plate assembly 116b . In particular, spacers 118 comprise bars which are connected, at a front end thereof , to front plate as sembly 116a and, at a rear end thereof , to back plate assembly 116b .

As shown in Figures 11 and 12 , moving system 114 comprises a movable chain structure 120 which can be moved supported by frame 102 and which is configured for carrying and laterally pushing the plurality of pieces of ammunition A along guide path 112 .

Moving system 114 further comprises a motor 117 ( only visible in Figure 5 , in the form of its output shaft ) , e . g . an electric motor, configured for generating mechanical power to be supplied to movable chain structure 120 , and a transmission mechanism, designated as a whole by numeral 119 , configured for trans ferring the mechanical power generated by motor 117 to movable chain structure 120 .

With particular reference to Figure 17 , transmission mechanism 119 (visible in Figure 5 ) is conf igured to be driven by motor 117 ( also visible in Figure 5 ) so as to move movable chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in both travel directions . In particular, the travel directions comprise a forward travel direction J and a backward travel direction K, opposite each other .

Due to the possibility of selecting the direction of trans fer of ammunition A between forward travel direction J and backward travel direction K, magazine 100 can be loaded and unloaded through the same inlet 103 . Furthermore , it is also possible to look for and f ill any undesirably empty sections of movable chain structure 120 .

Movable chain structure 120 is configured for receiving each one of pieces of ammunition A, and further comprises a pair of chains 122a-b supported by frame 102 and a plurality of rod members 124 that connect chains 122a-b in the axial direction . Rod members 124 axially cross guide structure 110 at guide path 112 . As will be further clari fied below, chains 122a-b are configured for axially holding, between themselves , each one of pieces of ammunition A. Likewise , each pair of successive rod members 124 is configured for laterally holding, on opposite sides , each piece o f ammunition .

In more detail , each one of rod members 124 i s connected, at a front end thereof , to a link of front chain 122a and, at a rear end thereof , to a correspondingly aligned link of back chain 122b . In the illustrated embodiment , rod members 124 axially cross both grooves 112a-b defined by plate assemblies 116a-b .

Preferably, frame 102 comprises a pair of support elements 115a-b ( see , for example , Figures 3 to 6 ) situated on axially opposite sides relative to guide structure 110 . Each one of support elements 115a-b supports a respective chain 122a-b . More particularly, a front support element 115a supports front chain 122a and, respectively, a back support element 115b supports back chain 122b .

In the illustrated embodiment, front support element 115a is provided with a plurality of front gearwheels 121 a acting as idler elements for front chain 122a, while back support element 115b is provided with a plurality of back gearwheels 121b acting as idler elements for back chain 122b .

Figures 13 to 15 show guide structure 110 of frame 102 and movable chain structure 120 of moving system 114 , wherein, for explanation purposes , a single piece o f ammunition A is shown to be housed in magazine 100 .

In the illustrated embodiment , with reference to the axial direction, front chain 122a and the associated front support element 115a are situated at the front beyond guide structure 110 , particularly beyond front plate assembly 116a . Vice versa, still with reference to the axial direction, back chain 122b and associated back support element 115b are situated at the rear beyond guide structure 110 , particularly beyond back plate assembly 116b .

Therefore , in the illustrated embodiment , each piece o f ammunition A to be contained in magazine 100 is configured to be inserted through inlet 103 situated at the top of frame 102 and be received between chains 122a-b and a pair o f successive rod members 124 .

In more detail , each pair of successive rod members 124 is configured for laterally and releasably coupling with a respective piece of ammunition A held between them .

Preferably, chains 122a-b are axially spaced from piece of ammunition A, when the pair of successive rod members 124 are laterally coupled with said piece of ammunition A. More speci fically, with particular reference to Figures 14 and 15 , front portion Al is configured to be received into the movable chain structure 120 behind front chain 122a, without touching it . Furthermore , base A2 is configured to be received into movable chain structure 120 in front of back chain 122b, without touching it .

Preferably, each one of rod members 124 comprises one or more coupling portions , designated in the embodiment shown in Figure 15 as 126a and 126b . In more detail , each coupling portion 126a-b is configured for laterally coupling, e . g . by mechanical interference, with a respective mating portion Ma-Mb of a piece of ammunition A to be inserted into magazine 100 .

Preferably, there is a flanged coupling portion 126a, e . g . situated in an axially intermediate position of each rod member 124. Each flanged coupling portion 126a is configured for coupling by laterally abutting against a side of a tapered mating portion Ma (e.g. of an axially intermediate portion or of projectile body A2 ) of a respective piece of ammunition A. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment there is a channeled coupling portion 126b, e.g. situated in the vicinity of one end of each rod member 124. Channeled coupling portion 126b is configured for coupling by internally receiving a side of a border mating portion Mb (e.g. of base A3) of the respective piece of ammunition A. For example, channeled coupling portion 126b is made as an annular channel 128 formed in rod member 124.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, each one of chains 122a-b is of the articulated type, wherein pairs of successive links are hinged to each other. In more detail, each link of chains 122a-b comprises, in a per se known manner, a pair of outer plates 130 parallel to each other and a respective pair of inner plates 132, also parallel to each other, situated between outer plates 130. Plates 130 and 132 have substantially the same pitch (or length) , and inner plates 132 are offset by half pitch (or half length) relative to outer plates 130. Each link of chains 122a-b further comprises a pair of pins 134 going through the pairs of plates 130 and 132 and allowing them to be hinged at their ends about their axes.

Preferably, each rod member 124 is mounted to a chain link at the hinging axis defined by pins 130. As shown, rod members 124 can be positioned at predetermined distances along chains 122a-b, in particular corresponding to the length of a predefined number of successive links, depending on the caliber of piece of ammunition A to be housed therebetween .

In the illustrated embodiment , therefore , when a piece of ammunition A has to be inserted through inlet 103 o f magazine 100 , door 104 can be moved from a closed position into an open position . In the closed position, door 104 prevents an operator from gaining access to the movable chain structure 120 . Vice versa, when it is in the open position, door 104 allows an operator to gain access to movable chain structure 120 , in particular through inlet 103 . Subsequently, the operator inserts piece of ammunition A from above between two laterally consecutive rod members 124 . During the insertion operation, coupling portions 126a- b are brought into mechanical interference with mating portions Ma-b of piece of ammunition A. In this manner , through rod members 124 , a releasable coupling between movable chain structure 120 and piece of ammunition A i s accomplished . When movable chain structure 120 is moved, pieces of ammunition A coupled with rod members 124 are transported concordantly and integrally along guide path 112 . The coupling between movable chain structure 120 and piece of ammunition A and the subsequent transportation of piece of ammunition A along guide path 112 are accomplished without front portion Al undergoing any mechanical stress . This is advantageous because , typically, front portion Al includes the fuse of piece of ammunition A.

With particular reference to Figures 17 and 18 , the following will describe in detail some further technical features of moving system 114 .

Motor 117 is of the bidirectional type and is configured for turning in a forward direction and in a backward direction, opposite to the forward direction .

With reference to Figure 17 , when motor 117 turns in the forward direction, transmission mechanism 119 moves chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in the forward travel direction . Vice versa, when motor 117 turns in the backward direction, transmission mechanism 119 moves chain structure 120 along guide path 112 in the backward travel direction .

Transmission mechanism 119 is a gear reducer of a per se known type .

Moreover, as is visible in Figure 18 , transmission mechanism 119 is prearranged for being also manually operable , independently of motor 117 . In particular, transmission mechanism 119 is prearranged for coupling with a driving member 136 configured to be operated manually by a user . More particularly, transmission mechanism 119 comprises a socket 138 , and driving member 136 comprises a crank handle 140 that can be coupled with socket 138 , e . g . by inserting therein the end of crank handle 140 .

Motor 117 can be controlled either locally or remotely . In particular, motor 117 can be activated either in local mode , by means of a loading panel and/or a control panel provided on magazine 100 ( e . g . installed on frame 102 or door 104 ) and manually operable by a user, or remotely through a management interface s ituated in a remote location and operable by a user .

With particular reference to Figures 19 to 22 , the following will describe in detail a feeding system 142 configured for influencing the trans fer of pieces o f ammunition A from outlet 105 to weapon assembly 18 as a function of travel direction J, K in which movable chain structure 120 is moved along guide path 112 . In particular, as will be described below in more detail , and as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 , when movable chain structure 120 i s moved along guide path 112 in forward travel direction J, feeding system 142 allows the trans fer of pieces o f ammunition A from outlet 105 to weapon assembly 18 . Vice versa, as illustrated in Figure 20 , when movable chain structure 120 is moved along guide path 112 in backward travel direction K, feeding system 142 mechanically prevents the trans fer of pieces of ammunition A from outlet 105 to weapon assembly 18 .

Feeding system 142 comprises a diverter arm 144 facing toward outlet 105 , in particular laterally relative thereto . Arm 144 is elastically pushed in rotation around an oscillation axis T away from outlet 105 . Moreover, diverter arm 144 is configured to assume an obstructing condition ( Figure 20 ) and a clearing condition ( Figures 21 and 22 ) . In particular, elastic members ( e . g . a torsion spring, not numbered) tend to bring diverter arm 144 into the clearing condition .

In the obstructing condition shown in Figure 20 , diverter arm 144 obstructs outlet 105 when movable chain structure 120 is moved in backward direction K along guide path 112 . In particular, in this condition pieces o f ammunition A being transported by movable chain structure 120 come in abutment with diverter arm 114 and push it in rotation around oscillation axis T ( counterclockwise when viewing Figure 20 ) against the action of the associated elastic members . Thus , diverter arm 144 is made to substantially overlap the opening of outlet 105 , thereby preventing pieces of ammunition A from passing through it and causing them to keep sliding along guide path 112 past outlet 105 .

Vice versa, in the clearing condition shown in Figures 21 and 22 , diverter arm 144 clears outlet 105 when movable chain structure 120 is moved in forward direction J along guide path 112 . In particular, in this condition diverter arm 114 is rotated by the associated elastic members about oscillation axis T ( clockwise when viewing Figures 21 and 22 ) away from the opening of outlet 105 . Thus , pieces o f ammunition A being transported by movable chain structure 120 can be directed, e . g . by an end of diverter arm 144 , toward outlet 105 .

Feeding system 142 further comprises a pushing drum 146 situated on the side opposite diverter arm 144 . Pushing drum 146 is configured for pushing pieces of ammunition A against diverter arm 144 toward outlet 105 , in particular when diverter arm 144 is in either the obstructing condition or the clearing condition . In more detail , diverter arm 144 and pushing drum 146 are located on laterally opposite sides of guide path 120 , near outlet 105 .

Pushing drum 146 is configured for turning about a rotation axis R which is substantially parallel to oscillation axis T .

Furthermore , pushing drum 146 comprises a plurality of peripheral levers 148 elastically pressed outward in abutment with pieces of ammunition A, so as to push them against diverter arm 144 . In particular, peripheral levers 148 are pivoted about axes parallel to rotation axis R .

Feeding system 142 further comprises a loading assembly 150 , illustrated as a whole in Figure 19 , configured for picking up each piece of ammunition A that crosses outlet 105 and for trans ferring each picked-up piece of ammunition A to weapon assembly 18 . In particular, the pick-up operation performed by loading assembly 150 occurs in a transverse direction relative to the section of guide path 120 where outlet 105 is located . Loading assembly 150 is situated on the side opposite pushing drum 146 relative to guide path 120 , in particular on the same side as outlet 105 ( and diverter arm 144 ) .

Loading assembly 150 i s configured to be rotated about a feeding axis S by transmission mechanism 119 ( a gearwheel of which is shown in Figure 19 ) in a rotation direction that is tangentially concordant with travel direction J, K being followed by movable chain structure 120 along guide path 112 .

Feeding axis S is substantially parallel to rotation axis R and/or oscillation axis T .

Loading assembly 150 comprises at least one engaging star 152 rotatable about feeding axis S and a respective loading pawl 154 hinged to the periphery of engaging star 152 and elastically preloaded to clamp each piece o f ammunition A that goes past outlet 105 against engaging star 152 . In other words , loading assembly 150 clamps each piece of ammunition A between pawl 154 and a recessed edge o f engaging star 152 to which pawl 154 is hinged .

Loading assembly 150 comprises a pair of engaging stars 152 , each one provided with a respective loading pawl 154 , mutually spaced apart along said feeding axis , e . g . being carried by and connected to a shaft 156 extending along feeding axis S .

Of course , without prej udice to the principle of the invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein by way of non- limiting example , without however departing from the scope o f the invention as set out in the appended claims .

Claims

1. Magazine (100) for an artillery installation (10) , said magazine comprising: a frame (102) configured for internally housing a plurality of pieces of ammunition (A) and comprising an inlet (103) configured for receiving said pieces of ammunition (A) to be introduced into said frame (102) , an outlet (105) configured for feeding said pieces of ammunition (A) out of said frame (102) to a weapon assembly (18) of the artillery installation (10) , and a guide structure (110) extending between said inlet (103) and said outlet (105) to define a guide path (112) , and configured to allow said pieces of ammunition (A) to slide laterally along said guide path (112) ; and a moving system (114) comprising a movable chain structure (120) , which can be moved supported by said frame (102) , and which is configured for carrying and laterally pushing said pieces of ammunition (A) along said guide path (112) , a motor (117) configured for generating mechanical power, and a transmission mechanism (119) configured to be driven by said motor (117) so as to move said movable chain structure (120) along said guide path (112) in both travel directions, comprising a forward travel direction (J) and a backward travel direction (K) opposite each other.

2. Magazine according to claim 1, wherein said motor (117) is of the bidirectional type and is configured for turning in a forward direction and, respectively, in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction.

3. Magazine according to claim 2, wherein, when said motor (117) turns in said forward direction and, respectively, in said backward direction, said transmission mechanism (119) moves said movable chain structure (120) in said forward travel direction and, respectively, in said backward travel direction .

4. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission mechanism (119) is a gear reducer.

5. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission mechanism (119) is prearranged for being also manually operable, independently of said motor.

6. Magazine according to claim 5, wherein said transmission mechanism (119) is prearranged for coupling with a driving member (136) configured to be operated manually by a user.

7. Magazine according to claim 6, wherein said transmission mechanism (119) comprises a socket (138) and said driving member (136) comprises a crank handle (140) that can be coupled with said socket (138) .

8. Magazine according to any one of the dependent claims, wherein said motor (117) can be controlled either locally or remotely .

9. Magazine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a feeding system configured for influencing the transfer of said pieces of ammunition (A) from said outlet to the weapon assembly (18) as a function of the direction in which said movable chain structure (120) is moved along said guide path (112) .

10. Magazine according to claim 9, wherein, when said movable chain structure (120) is moved along said guide path (112) in said forward travel direction (J) and, respectively, in said backward travel direction (K) , said feeding system (142) mechanically allows and, respectively, prevents the transfer of said pieces of ammunition (A) from said outlet (105) to the weapon assembly (18) .

11. Magazine according to claim 10, wherein said feeding system comprises a diverter arm (144) facing toward said outlet (105) , elastically pushed in rotation around an oscillation axis (T) away from said outlet (105) , and configured to assume an obstructing condition, in which said diverter arm (144) obstructs said outlet (105) when said movable chain structure (102) is moved in the backward direction, and a clearing condition, in which said diverter arm (144) clears said outlet (105) when said movable chain structure (102) is moved in the forward direction.

12. Magazine according to claim 11, wherein said feeding system further comprises a pushing drum (146) situated on the side opposite said diverter arm (144) and configured for pushing said pieces of ammunition against said diverter arm (144) toward said outlet (105) .

13. Magazine according to claim 12, wherein said pushing drum (146) is configured for turning about a rotation axis (R) which is substantially parallel to said oscillation axis (T) .

14. Magazine according to claim 13, wherein said pushing drum (146) comprises a plurality of peripheral levers (148) elastically pressed outward in abutment with said pieces of ammunition (A) for pushing them against said diverter arm (144) .

15. Magazine according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said feeding system (142) further comprises a loading assembly (150) configured for picking up each piece of ammunition (A) that crosses said outlet (105) and for transferring each picked-up piece of ammunition to the weapon assembly (18) .

16. Magazine according to claim 15, wherein said loading assembly (150) is configured to be rotated about a feeding axis (S) by said transmission mechanism (119) in a rotation direction that is tangentially concordant with the travel direction (J, K) being followed by said movable chain structure (120) along the guide path (112) .

17. Magazine according to claim 16, wherein said loading assembly (150) comprises at least one engaging star (152) rotatable about said feeding axis (S) , and a respective loading pawl (154) hinged to the periphery of said engaging star (152) and elastically preloaded to clamp each piece of ammunition (A) that goes past said outlet (105) against said engaging star (152) .

18. Magazine according to claim 17, wherein said loading assembly (150) comprises at least one pair of engaging stars (152) , each one provided with a respective loading pawl

(154) , mutually spaced apart along said feeding axis (S) .