GB573526A - Improvements in loading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

573,526. Ordnance loading appliances. MASON, F. R., and METROPOLITANVICKERS ELECTRICAL CO., Ltd. Sept. 20, 1940, No. 14401. [Class 92 (i)] Electric motor-operated means for swinging a loading tray from a firing position clear of the breech to a loading position in line with the gun chamber, with or without similar means to effect the return movement, is combined with switching means to effect or permit operation of the motor or motors when the tray-locking means is released. Fig. 2 shows in full lines the invention applied to a known loading tray 1 shown in the loading position in dotted lines and provided with a bolt 5 operated by a finger piece 8 for locking the tray to its pivotal bearing member 3 in its loading and firing positions. As shown, electric motors A, B are provided for movement in each direction. Operation of the bolt 5 causes through a sliding rod 13 and a tumbler switch 16 the closing of the appropriate switch S<1> or S<2> for energizing the corresponding fields 27, Fig. 1, of the motors A or B by coils 23, 24 and contactors 25, 26. The motors A, B drive pinions 34, 35, of the type known under the Registered Trade Mark " Bendix ", which engage in turn a rack 33 on the loading tray. In the position shown the pinion 35 after moving the tray to loading position has passed out of engagement with the rack to permit a cam 31 on the tray to operate a switch S<4> to stop the motor. When the bolt 5 is again operated to release the tray for return to firing position, the motor pinion 34 engages the rack and, after moving clear, the cam 31 operates the switch S<3> to stop the motor. In a modification, the switches S<1>, S<2> are operated by press buttons only after a further switch in the motor circuit has been closed by movement of the locking bolt 5.