FR3119449A1 - Device for holding a weapon tube relative to a structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device (15) for holding (15) a weapon tube (8) relative to a structure (2) inside which the tube is at least partially positioned, the device comprising a flange ( 16) intended to enclose the weapon tube (8). This device is characterized in that the flange (16) is intended to be secured to the walls (3a, 3b, 3c) of the structure (2) by means of at least three flexible straps (27a, 27b, 27c , 27d), each strap comprising a first attachment point (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) on a wall of the structure (2) and a second attachment point (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) on the flange (16), each strap also being equipped with a tensioning device (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Device for holding a weapon tube in relation to a structure.

The technical field of the invention is that of devices allowing the maintenance of a weapon tube relative to a structure, for example a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

It is known to equip an armored vehicle with a weapon, the tube of which is completely housed in the structure of the vehicle in the resting state. These types of weapons are mortars. The vehicle then has a roof hatch which allows the tube to be deployed to allow firing. We can consider for example the 120mm 2R2M mortar weapon system marketed by Thales.

When the tube is positioned inside the vehicle, it is necessary to maintain it in relation to the structure of the vehicle. Indeed, the shocks due to the movement of the vehicle could cause a deterioration of the weapon system or cause movement of the barrel of the weapon leading to risks for the occupants of the vehicle. The same need exists when the tube is only partially housed inside the structure and has a part which remains projecting outside the structure.

To hold a weapon tube in the rolling phase, it is conventional to implement a holding device comprising a fixed cradle linked to the structure of the vehicle and on which the tube is clamped.

These devices are usually referred to as a "road chair". They are not exclusive of the tubes housed inside the vehicle. It is indeed also necessary to clamp the tube of a weapon system placed in the superstructure. The patent FR2757620 describes for example a device comprising two jaws which close on a tube when the latter is positioned horizontally.

Known clamping systems are difficult to house inside a structure, such as a vehicle. Indeed, they lead to the installation of a support for the jaws which occupies a central position inside the structure of the vehicle and hinders the maneuvers of the personnel. The known systems are heavy, bulky, they require a relatively long set-up time. In addition, to be able to be used, they impose a precise positioning of the axis of the tube with respect to the axis of its support on its flange. This leads to oversizing to be able to take into account the angular dispersions of the axis of the weapon system from one vehicle to another.

It is the object of the invention to propose a device for holding a weapon tube with respect to a structure inside which the tube is at least partially positioned, device of reduced size, which can be set up quickly and yet providing effective support while not reducing the habitability of the structure.

Thus the subject of the invention is a device for holding a weapon tube relative to a structure inside which the tube is at least partially positioned, device comprising a flange intended to enclose the weapon tube , device characterized in that the flange is intended to be secured to the walls of the structure by means of at least three flexible straps, each strap comprising a first attachment point on a wall and a second attachment point on the bridle, each strap also being equipped with a tensioning device.

According to one embodiment, the flange may comprise at least one sleeve having a bore with a diameter greater than that of the tube, sleeve intended to be engaged around the tube, sleeve comprising means making it possible to reduce its internal diameter at least locally in order to to allow him to grip the tube.

Advantageously, the means for reducing the diameter may comprise at least one flexible band extending in the bore of the sleeve between an attachment point and a locking member, the tension of the flexible band then its locking by the locking leading to its support on the tube of the weapon which will therefore be pinched between the flexible strip and the sleeve.

According to a variant, the means for reducing the diameter may comprise at least one wedge which may be pushed radially towards the tube by a clamping means.

According to another embodiment, the flange may comprise at least two jaws which can be secured to one another by removable fastening means.

Advantageously, the flange may thus comprise two jaws in the form of half-crowns hinged to each other by a hinge located on one of their ends and which can be fixed to each other at their other ends by removable fastening means.

According to one embodiment, the device may comprise four flexible straps, two straps being intended to be fixed on a first side wall of the structure and two other straps being intended to be fixed on a second side wall of the structure, the straps one times set up having an X-shaped configuration.

According to a variant, each jaw can be fixed to a different flexible strap in the vicinity of the hinge, the two flexible straps considered being intended to be fixed on the first side wall of the structure.

Each jaw can then carry at its end opposite the hinge a removable connection interface intended to allow the attachment of a flexible strap which will be intended to be fixed on the second side wall of the structure.

Advantageously, each strap can be fixed to a wall by means of a ball joint.

According to another embodiment, the device may comprise three flexible straps, two straps being intended to be fixed respectively to a first side wall and to a second side wall of the structure and the third strap being intended to be fixed to a lower wall or floor of the structure, the straps when in place having a Y-shaped configuration.

At least one jaw can thus be fixed to a flexible strap in the vicinity of the hinge, the flexible strap considered being intended to be fixed on the first side wall of the structure, a jaw moreover also carrying a removable connection interface intended to allow the attachment of a flexible strap which is intended to be fixed on the second side wall of the structure and a jaw also being fixed to a flexible strap which will itself be intended to be fixed on the floor of the structure.

Advantageously, the bridle may carry a flexible coating on its surface intended to come into contact with the barrel of the weapon.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of particular embodiments, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which:

shows in schematic section a vehicle type structure equipped with a holding device according to the prior art;

shows in schematic section a vehicle type structure equipped with a holding device according to a first embodiment of the invention, device in the holding position;

is a side view of the jaws, alone and in the open position;

shows in schematic section a vehicle-type structure fitted with the holding device according to the first embodiment of the invention, device in the stowed position;

shows in schematic section a vehicle-type structure fitted with the holding device according to a variant embodiment of the first embodiment of the invention, device in the stowed position;

shows in schematic section a vehicle type structure equipped with a holding device according to a second embodiment of the invention, device in the holding position;

shows in schematic section a vehicle-type structure equipped with the holding device according to the second embodiment of the invention, device in the stowed position;

shows in schematic section a third embodiment of a flange of the holding device according to the invention;

shows in schematic section this third embodiment of the bridle, positioned on a gun barrel;

shows in schematic section an alternative embodiment of this third embodiment.

In the various figures, there is shown a structure intended to receive a weapon tube. This structure in the figures is an armored vehicle, which is shown here in schematic section.

These diagrams are of course in no way representative of those which would show the sections of a real vehicle. Their simple purpose is to identify and position the various elements of the invention and of the vehicle that incorporates it.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the installation of a holding device inside a vehicle-type structure, but it can also be implemented in a structure which is a turret which will itself be even mounted on a vehicle.

By referring to the , an armored vehicle 1 has a structure 2 which comprises a first side wall 3a, a second side wall 3b and a bottom wall 3c or floor. The ceiling 3d is constituted by two panels 4 which are both pivotally mounted on a different side wall 3a or 3b. The pivot consists of a hinge 5.

The structure 2 delimits an internal space 6 in which is placed a weapon system 7 of the mortar type. The weapon system 7 is not part of the invention and it is shown in dotted lines in the figures. Only tube 8 of weapon system 7 is shown in solid and hatched lines.

The weapon system 7, in a conventional manner, comprises a tube 8 and a mounting 9 which carries pins 10 at the level of which the tube 8 of the weapon system is articulated to allow its pointing in elevation. There makes it possible to see the tube 8 of the weapon system 7 in the firing position.

There shows a gun barrel holding device 8 of known type. This device comprises a flange 11 which is intended to enclose the weapon tube 8.

The flange 11 here comprises a lower cradle 12a on which the tube 8 rests once positioned horizontally. The flange 11 also includes an upper cradle 12b which caps the tube 8. The two cradles 12a and 12b are secured to each other by appropriate means, for example bolts 13.

As seen on the , for such a known holding device, the lower cradle 12a is integral with a vertical post 14 which is itself fixed to the floor 3c of the vehicle.

It is clear that when the tube 8 is released, the post 14 remains present in the structure of the vehicle and forms an obstacle hindering the movement of personnel.

It is also noted that the angular positioning of the tube 8 must be carried out relatively precisely so that the tube 8 can be placed correctly in the lower cradle 12a. No possibility of relative adjustment of the device in relation to the tube is possible.

There shows a device 15 for holding a weapon tube 8 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

This device 15 comprises a flange 16 which comprises at least two jaws 17a and 17b which can be secured to one another by removable fixing means 18.

Flange 16 is also shown in , it comprises two jaws 17a and 17b in the form of half-crowns which are hinged to each other by a hinge 19 located on one of their ends. They can be fixed to each other at their other ends by removable fixing means 18, which comprise for example a screw 20, which is hinged at an axis 21 with respect to a first stirrup 22 integral with a jaw 17b.

When the jaws 17a and 17b are folded around the tube 8 of the weapon, the screw 20 can come to engage at the level of a second stirrup 23 carried by the other jaw 17a, and it allows the joining of the two jaws 17a ,17b using a nut 24.

Such a type of quick fastening is classic. The stirrup 23 has two parallel sides, which allows the passage of the screw 18 without dismantling the nut 24. The tightening of the nut 24 on the screw allows the fastening of the screw with the stirrup 23.

As we also see in the , the jaws 17a and 17b of the flange 16 each carry a flexible coating 25 at their inner face which is intended to come into contact with the tube 8 of the weapon. Such an arrangement makes it possible not to damage the barrel of the weapon and moreover gives the assembly shock-absorbing capacities.

As we see at the , each jaw 17a and 17b carries two rings 26 which are intended to allow the attachment of a flexible strap 27a, 27b, 27c or 27d.

Depending on the embodiment chosen, a flexible strap may be fixedly attached to a ring 26 (for example using a screw shackle), or it may be removably attached to a ring 26 by the intermediary of a removable connection interface (for example a carabiner).

According to , we see that the holding device 15 comprises four flexible straps 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d (denoted below in a generic way by 27i) which make it possible to make the flange 16 integral with the side walls 3a and 3b of the structure 2.

Each strap 27i thus comprises a first attachment point on a wall of the structure (respectively 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d - denoted generically 28i) and a second attachment point on the flange (respectively 29a, 29b, 29c and 29d - denoted generically 29i), each strap is also equipped with a tensioning device 30a, 30b, 30c or 30d (denoted generically 30i). The flexible strap tensioning devices are conventional. A ratchet or ratchet tensioning device providing secure locking after tensioning of the strap (for example a device as described by the patents EP2230127 or EP2353934) will be preferred.

Advantageously, the first attachment points of the 27i straps on the walls will include ball joints. Such an arrangement will allow the straps 27i to take the angular orientation best suited to the actual position of the tube 8. The first attachment points 28i will preferably be fixed attachment points (for example connections of the straps by shackles) .

As seen on the , each jaw 17a and 17b is fixed to one of the flexible straps 27a or 27b in the vicinity of the hinge 19. The attachment points considered (29a and 29b) are fixed attachment points. Furthermore, the two flexible straps considered (27a and 27b) are fixed to the first side wall 3a of the structure 2 by attachment points (28a and 28b) which are also fixed.

The entire flange 16 is therefore permanently attached to the side wall 3a.

Each jaw 17a and 17b also carries at its end opposite the hinge 19 attachment points 29c and 29d to which removable connection interfaces (such as carabiners) are fixed intended to allow the attachment of flexible straps 27c or 27d which are intended to be fixed on the second side wall 3b of the structure 2.

Thus, according to this first embodiment of the invention, two straps 27a and 27b are fixed to a first side wall 3a of the structure 2 and two other straps 27c and 27d are fixed to a second side wall 3b of the structure.

Once the bridle 16 has been locked by the fastening means 18 around the tube 8 of the weapon, the straps 27i are stretched by their tensioning devices 30i and provide both reliable and flexible support for the tube 8. All of the 27i straps put together have an X-shaped configuration.

Note that the tube holding device according to the invention makes it possible to avoid any difficulties due to a misalignment of the tube 8 with respect to its nominal rest position. Indeed the 27i straps have an adjustable length and are able to immobilize the tube for different angular positions of the latter.

Another advantage of the invention is the ease of installation and the small size of the device 15.

There shows tube 8 of the weapon in the firing position. The panels 4 forming the ceiling of the structure have been opened and the tube 8 has its end projecting out of the structure 2 of the vehicle 1.

Note that the holding device 15 has been stored along the side walls 3a and 3b. For this purpose, it has been positioned on the first side wall 3a a support 31 on which the flange 16 can be hooked. Support 31 is shown very schematically. It may include a horizontal bar which will slip between the jaws 17a and 17b to support the flange 16.

Note that the removable fixing means 18 have been attached, ensuring a connection of the two jaws 17a and 17b to each other. The straps 27a and 27b have been stretched which secures the fixing of the flange 16 to its support 31.

At the level of the second side wall 3b, the straps 27c and 27d have been attached one and the other to the rings 32c and 32d, via the carabiners. The rings 32c and 32d are themselves fixed to the wall 3b.

Here again the straps 27c and 27d have been stretched so as to immobilize this part of the holding device.

The space below the tube 8 is therefore completely cleared. The holding device takes up little space and does not interfere with manoeuvres.

The installation of the device 15 is done easily and quickly.

Once the tube 8 has been brought horizontal, an operator detaches the flange 16 from its support 31 by unrolling the straps 27a and 27b and by opening the removable fastening means 18. It is then sufficient to cover the tube 8 with the flange 16 and again lock the removable fastening means 18.

The other two straps 27c and 27d are then detached from the fixed rings 32c and 32d to bind them to the flange 16 at the level of the second attachment points 29c and 29d.

The tightening of the four straps 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d will complete the installation of the holding device 15.

As a variant, it is of course possible to provide strap winder mechanisms fixed to the side walls at the level of the first attachment points 28a, 28b, 28c and 28d. However, we will make sure to keep a ball joint at the level of the connection of each 27i strap with its wall.

It is of course possible to store the flange 16 in a different way.

By way of example, we have represented a structure 2 in which the flange 16 removed is placed in a box 33 arranged at the foot of the first side wall 3a. The straps 27a and 27b can then be left flexible, which will allow faster positioning of the flange 16 on the tube 8 of the weapon.

Figures 6 and 7 show a holding device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

This mode differs from the previous one mainly by the number of flexible straps 27i used: three instead of four.

With this embodiment, the two lower straps 27b and 27d are replaced by a single strap 27e which is arranged substantially vertically below the tube 8.

The lower strap 27e also comprises a tensioning device 30e and it is linked to a fixed ring 32e which is integral with the floor 3c (forming the first attachment point 28e).

Furthermore, the flange 16 is modified and only has one ring 26 at the level of the second attachment point 29e fixed to the lower jaw 17a of the flange 16. This ring is substantially placed in the middle of the lower jaw 17a.

Once the straps 27i have been fixed and stretched as shown in , the configuration of the straps put in place has a Y shape.

No ball joint has been provided at the level of the first attachment point 28e, in order to limit the volume of obstacles on the floor 3c.

The lower strap 27e will be fixed to the flange 16 by a fixed attachment point 29e. This strap 27e will be fixed to the ring 32e of the floor by a removable type attachment point 28e, like a carabiner.

Furthermore, just as in the previous embodiment, the attachment point 29a is a fixed attachment point, and the flexible strap 27a is fixed to the first side wall 3a of the structure 2 by an attachment point 28a which is also fixed and equipped with a ball joint. The flange 16 is therefore fixed permanently to the side wall 3a.

The flexible strap 27c is fixed to the second side wall 3b by an attachment point 28c which is fixed and equipped with a ball joint, and it is fixed to the flange 16 by an attachment point 29c which is removable.

There shows tube 8 of the weapon in the firing position. The panels 4 forming the ceiling of the structure have been opened and the tube 8 has its end projecting out of the structure 2 of the vehicle 1.

The dismantled flange 16 is stored in a box 33 placed at the foot of the first side wall 3a. The straps 27a and 27e can then be left flexible, which will allow faster positioning of the bridle on the tube 8 of the weapon.

At the level of the second side wall 3b, the strap 27c has been attached to a fixed ring 32c via a carabiner. The strap 27c has been stretched so as to immobilize this part of the holding device.

It is of course possible to replace the box 33 with a support 31 which will be fixed to the first side wall 3a.

All the preceding description can of course be transposed to a structure 2 which would be, not the vehicle itself, but a turret integral with the vehicle and inside which the weapon tube would be at least partially housed.

The holding device simply requires having sufficient internal volume in the structure to allow a flange to be put in place around the barrel of the weapon and also to allow this flange to be linked, by flexible straps, to internal walls. of structure.

Other embodiments are possible for flange 16.

Figures 8 and 9 thus show by way of example a flange 16 which is made in the form of a generally cylindrical sleeve 34 comprising a bore 35 having a diameter which is greater than that of the tube 8 of the weapon.

The sleeve 34 is not split and it is intended to be engaged around the tube 8 by the free end of the latter.

As in the previous embodiments, the sleeve 34 carries on its outer surface rings 26 which are intended to allow the attachment of the flexible straps 27i. Depending on the configuration selected (X or Y straps) there will be three or four rings 26.

The sleeve 34 comprises means 36 making it possible to reduce at least locally its internal diameter 35 in order to allow it to enclose the tube 8.

In this embodiment, the means 36 for reducing the diameter comprise at least one flexible band 37 which extends in the bore 35 of the sleeve 34 between an attachment point 38 and a locking member 39.

In Figures 8 and 9 the attachment point 38 is formed by a rivet passing through the wall of the sleeve 34 and clamping the flexible band 37 against the internal wall of the sleeve 34.

It is understood that other embodiments of the attachment point 38 would be possible, for example several rivets to distribute the forces, or else a jaw which would be fixed to the outside of the sleeve 34 and on which the strip 37 s 'cling after passing through the wall of the sleeve through a radial slot.

As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the flexible band 36 passes through the wall of the sleeve through a radial slot 40 and it passes through a locking member 39 and it comes out so as to be able to be pulled (arrow T ). This locking member 39 is for example constituted by a ratchet or ratchet tensioning device which makes it possible to ensure secure locking of such a strip after it has been tensioned (one can for example consult the devices described by the patents EP2230127 or EP2353934).

As we see at the , the tension of the flexible band 37 then its locking by the locking member 39 leads to its pressing on the barrel of the weapon 8 which is therefore pinched between the flexible band 37 and the sleeve 34.

Here again it is possible to cover the internal surface of the bore 35 of the sleeve 34 with a flexible coating to protect the external surface of the tube 8 of the weapon.

Alternatively, it is possible to replace the flexible strip 37 with another means 36 for reducing the internal diameter 35.

For example and as shown in , the means for reducing the internal diameter 36 can be made in the form of a wedge 41 which can be pushed radially towards the tube 8 by a clamping means which here comprises a threaded rod 42 which can pivot (arrow R) in a radial tapping 43 arranged in the sleeve 34. A maneuvering wheel 44 thus makes it possible to bring the wedge 41 closer or further from the tube 8.

Of course the connection between the wedge 41 and the rod 43 is a pivot connection allowing the maintenance in angular position of the wedge 41 during screwing. One or more pins 45 may be provided to prevent any untimely pivoting of the wedge 41 during tightening. The wedge 41 will have a cylindrical profile which will be applied against the tube 8 of the weapon.

A flexible coating will be applied to the wedge 41 in order to protect the external surface of the tube 8 of the weapon.

Instead of pushing the wedge by a threaded connection, it will be possible to push it by means of a quick fixing by bracing, such as a clamp or a clamping toggle.

Claims (13)

Device (15) for holding a weapon tube (8) relative to a structure (2) inside which the tube (8) is at least partially positioned, device comprising a flange (16) intended to come to enclose the weapon tube (8), device characterized in that the flange (16) is intended to be secured to the walls (3a, 3b, 3c) of the structure (2) by means of at least three flexible straps (27a,27b,27c,27d), each strap comprising a first attachment point (28a,28b,28c,28d) on a wall and a second attachment point (29a,29b,29c,29d) on the strap (16), each strap also being equipped with a tensioning device (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d). Holding device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flange (16) comprises at least one sleeve (34) having a bore (35) of a diameter greater than that of the tube (8), sleeve intended to be engaged around of the tube (8), sleeve comprising means (36) making it possible to reduce at least locally its internal diameter in order to enable it to enclose the tube (8). Holding device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the means (36) for reducing the diameter comprise at least one flexible strip (37) extending in the bore (35) of the sleeve (34) between a point of attachment (38) and a locking member (39), the tension of the flexible band (37) then its locking by the locking member (39) leading to its pressing on the tube (8) of the weapon which therefore finds itself pinched between the flexible strip (37) and the sleeve (34). Holding device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the means (36) for reducing the diameter comprise at least one wedge (41) which can be pushed radially towards the tube by a clamping means (42,43). Holding device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flange (16) comprises at least two jaws (17a, 17b) which can be secured to one another by removable fixing means (18). Holding device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the flange (16) comprises two jaws (17a, 17b) in the form of half-crowns articulated on one another by a hinge (19) located on one of their ends and being able to be fixed to each other at their other ends by the removable fixing means (18). Holding device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises four flexible straps (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d), two straps (27a, 27b) being intended to be fixed to a first lateral wall (3a ) of the structure (2) and two other straps (27c, 27d) being intended to be fixed on a second side wall (3b) of the structure (2), the straps put in place having an X-shaped configuration. Holding device according to Claims 5 and 7, characterized in that each jaw (17a, 17b) is fixed to a different flexible strap (27a, 27b) in the vicinity of the hinge (19), the two flexible straps considered being intended to be fixed on the first side wall (3a) of the structure (2). Holding device according to Claim 8, characterized in that each jaw (17a, 17b) carries at its end opposite the hinge (19) a removable connection interface intended to allow the attachment of a flexible strap (27c , 27d) which is intended to be fixed on the second side wall (3b) of the structure (2). Holding device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each strap (27i) is fixed to a wall by means of a ball joint (28i). Holding device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises three flexible straps (27a, 27c, 27e), two straps (27a, 27c) being intended to be fixed respectively on a first lateral wall (3a) and on a second side wall (3b) of the structure (2) and the third strap (27e) being intended to be fixed to a lower wall (3c) or floor of the structure, the straps put in place having a configuration in the form by Y. Holding device according to Claims 5 and 11, characterized in that at least one jaw (17b) is fixed to a flexible strap (27a) in the vicinity of the hinge (19), the flexible strap in question being intended to be fixed on the first side wall (3a) of the structure (2), a jaw (17b) also carrying a removable connection interface intended to allow the attachment of a flexible strap (27c) which is intended to be fixed on the second side wall (3b) of the structure and a jaw (17a) also being fixed to a flexible strap (27e) which is itself intended to be fixed to the floor (3c) of the structure. Holding device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the flange (16) bears a flexible coating on its surface intended to come into contact with the barrel of the weapon.