GB466554A - Improvements in and relating to automatic loading mechanisms for barrel recoil guns - Google Patents

Abstract

466,554. Loading ordnance. LEISTIKOW, F. W. R. (Krupp Akt.-Ges., F.) Jan. 9, 1937, No. 705. [Class 92 (i)] The automatic loading mechanism is actuated by a power accumulator, the displaceable portion of which is coupled with the gun barrel during the run-out. In the construction shown, the barrel A, Figs. 1 and 5, is slidably mounted in the cradle B which is mounted by trunnions b<1> in the carriage C and carries the recoil brake. The trunnions are fixed to two carriers B<2> of the cradle and the carriers are interconnected above the barrel by means of a yoke B <4> carrying the cylinder B<5> of a brake for controlling the return movement of the barrel. The power accumulator comprises a cylinder F which rests on rollers G, Figs. 8 and 9, mounted on one of the carriers and which contains a second cylinder F<2> having a piston H<1> and piston-rod H. The rear end of the piston-rod is connected to the carrier adjacent to the trunnion b<1>. The cylinder F is provided with a rack f<1> which is engaged by a pinion e<1> connected to a spur wheel E meshing with a rack d<1> on the rammer rod D. In operation, the barrel recoils upon firing and after it has completed two-thirds of its return movement a spring-controlled pawl J, pivotally mounted thereon, engages with a stop f<4> at the rear end of the cylinder F. This cylinder together with the cylinder F<2> are thus moved forwardly and liquid from the inner cylinder flows through ports f<3>and f<6> into the outer cylinder which is only partly filled with the liquid, thus compressing the air above the liquid in the outer cylinder. The forward movement continues until a locking detent N engages behind the cylinder F ; the pawl J is subsequently lifted by engaging with a sloping face b<10 >on the casing b<7> of the wheels E, el. During these movements, the rammer rod D has been moved rearwardly by the spur wheel E, and in its rearward position an arm T pivotally mounted thereon is adjacent to the rear end of the pivotally mounted loading tray Q, Fig. 7. The latter is then rocked about its journals q<1> into the loading position and during this movement a stop q<6> thereon engages with the arm T and swings it in the direction of the arrow z so that it engages behind the cartridge. At the same time a shaft Q<4>, which is fixed to the front journal q<1>, is rotated and by means of a cam q<5> and crank arm R is adapted to release the detent N. The cylinder F is thus moved rearwardly under the action of the compressed air therein and the ramming rod moved forwardly to complete the ramming action, the latter end of the movements being retarded by a regulating rod F<8> which enters the space h<2> in the front end of the piston-rod H. When the cartridge has been completely pushed home, the breech mechanism is closed automatically. In closing, a stop w<1> on the breech-block W strikes the arm T and moves it clear of the barrel. In an emergency, the cylinder F can be moved to its forward position by means of a hand crank fitted to a spur wheel E<2>, Fig. 9, meshing with the wheel E.