IL28574A - Automatic and semi-automatic guns having a double feed mechanism - Google Patents

Description

28574/2 n¾>iB3 Π3τπ> 713AJD Improvements in automatic and semi-automatic guns having a double feed mechanism BREVETS AERO-MEOA IQUES S.A. r - 2 - 28574/2 The present invention relates to automatic and semiautomatic guns (in particular to those having a caliber ranging from 20 to 50 mm,) adapted to be fed with cartridges from : • eith t of two feed devices mounted on the gun and whioh respectively supply cartridges generally, but not neoessarily, of different respective natures (for instance explosive shell cartridges for one of the feed devices and armor pieroing shell cartridges for the other device), the term "double feed" inoluding the two feed devices one or the other of which oo- operates with the gun proper. The invention is more espe#*Bi--te_ oially, but not exclusively conoerned with guns fed through cartridge belts, the feed devices consisting in this, oase -of belt feed mechanisms · The object of the present invention is to provide a gun of this type which is better adapted to meet the requirements of practice than those existing at the present time, in particular concerning the volume they oooupy transversely with respect to the gun and the facility of taking said devioes to pieoest . i ' ' - 2a- 28547/2 According to the present invention there is provided an f-A& improved self-loading gun comprising: a gun barrel, a breech casing, ' having two introduction openings disposed on opposite sides thereof for the introduction of the cartridges to be fired, and an ejection opening for the ejection of spent cartridge cases, a breechblock reciprocable with respect to the breech casing along the gun barrel axis, two cartridge belt feed mechanisms disposed on opposite sides of the breech casing for co-operating respectively with the two introduction openings, each cartridge feed belt mechanism having a passage for the continual introduction of a belt formed of cartridges and interconnecting links, and a passage for the continual ejection of the links as the cartridges are introduced into the corresponding introduction opening, the two cartridge belt feed mechanisms being switchable with respect to the breech casing so that one of them is inoperative whereas the other is active and brings a cartridge into the path of travel of the breechblock for feeding said cartridge to said breech casing, wherein the improvement consists in that each of the cartridge belt feed mechanisms is mounted directly on hinge means whereby each cartridge belt feed mechanism isaiitchable by pivoting there*b¾^tor¾-¾e(¾? eech casing about a pivot axis at least substantially parallel to the gun barrel axis, the pivot axis being so disposed that the plane defined by said pivot axis and said gun barrel . axis is disposed in such a manner that the two introduction openings are ...····■· ' on opposite sides of said plane.

Iwoeohblook. The essential feature of the present invention oonsists in mounting the two cartridge.- feed devices in such manner that each of them is adapted to swing about an axis at least approximately parallel to the firing axis of the gun. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter described with reference to the appended drawings, given merely by way of example, and in which : Pig. 1 shows a gun aocording to the present invention seen from above; Pig. 2 is a side elevetional view of the gun of Pig. 1 seen from the left, with a portion cut away; Pig. 3 shows on an enlarged scale some elements of Pig, 1; Pig. 4 is a view similar to Pig, 3 but corresponding to a different position of operation of the gun; Pig. 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, the gun of Pig. 1 seen from the rear, in operative position; Pig, 6 is a view similar to Pig. 5 but shows the gun when one belt feed mechanism is being removed; Pig. 7 is a view similar to Pig. 5 showing another embodiment of the gun according to the present invention; and Pig. 8 is a view similar to Pig. 7 but relating Ao still another embodiment of the invention.

It should be reminded that an automatic or semi-automatic gun intended to fire both on land targets and on flying targets must be provided with two feeding mechanisms for economically and tactical reasons.

As a matter of fact, an armor piercing shell is of a cost about two and a half times that of an explosive shell, If only a gun having a single feed meonanism is available, either the two different types of ammunition are included in a single belt, which is not economical, or two different belts are to be used one consisting merely of explosive shells and the other of armor pieroing shells and these two belts must be set in position alternately by the gunner according to the target on which he is firing, whioh involves a considerable waste of time, which may be fatal.

This drawback is obviated by providing such a gun with two different feed deviceB consisting of two belt feed mecha-nlsms or two magazines, one being fitted with explosive shell cartridges and the other with armor piercing shell cartridges, said feed mechanisms being arranged in such manner that each of them can be instantaneously and successively engaged for firing according to the target to be fired on. In this case one of the feed mechanisms may be disposed on the left hand side of the firing axis and the other on the right hand side thereof.

The gun aocording to the present invention comprises two cartridge feed devices (and in particular two belt feed mechanisms) 1 and 2 offset with respect to the axis XX of the gun and each cooperating with said gun in such manner that the breechblock performs the introduction into the gun of the first cartridge to be fired (designated by A for feed mechanism 1 and B for feed mechanism 2) from the feed meohanism that is in active position when said breechblock returns to its closing position from the opening position illustrated by Pigs, 1, 3 and 4. Eaoh of said feed mechanisms is adapted to be swung from an inoperative position, for which the first cartridge of this feed mechanism is out of reach from the breechblock 3 of the gun to an active position for which said first cartridge - 5 - 285X4/2 Is located on the path of travel of said breechblock so that it is caught and driven by it. As a rule each of the feed devices comprises guide surfaces, diagrammatically shown at 4 and 5 in Fig. 5, on which the first cartridge to be fired, A or B, is resting in waiting position, there being provided in a longitudinal direction openings (not shown) for the introduictipn of the cartridges.

The chief object of the present invention is to secure and hinge the two feed mechanisms on the gun or its support in such manner that the total space that is occupied is minimum, in particular for a gun intended to be fitted in an armored turret.

Por this purpose, the two feed mechanisms 1 and 2 are mounted in such manner that each of them swings with respect to the gun about an axis, such as YY (Fig. 2), at least approximately parallel to the firing axis XX of the gun. The pivoting movements o the two feed mechanisms can take place either about a common axis, as shown by Pigs. 2, 5 and 8, or about two respective axes, as shown by Pig. 7. In all cases the axis or axes coincide with or are parallel to the gun barrel axis and the introduction openings are disposed on opposite sides of the plane including the gun axis. Advantageously, as shown, the pivot axis or axes consists of a hinge 6 (Pigs. 2, 5 and 8) or two hinges 6a and 6£ (Pig. 7), pivoted about a spindle 7 (Pigs. 2, 5 and 8) or spindles 7a aid 7b (Pig. 7), said spindle, or spindles, being substantially parallel to axis XX. Preferably, as shown, this spindle is arranged in such manner, with respect to the portions of the hinge that are rigid with the gun, that it can occupy - 5 - 28574/2 m a first angular position about its axis for which it keeps -the feed mechanism or mechanisms secured to the gun and at least one other angular position for which it permits the . removal of one feed mechanism transversely with respect to said spindle.

According to the embodiment of the hinge shown by Pigs. 2, 5 and 8, the fixed portion of the single hinge 6 comprises eyes 8 rigid with the breech casing 9 (they might be rigid with the gun support, according to a modification not illustrated), said supports being located at a distance from one another such that they can receive forks 10 and 11 rigid with feed mechanisms 1 and 2, respectively, and which constitute the movable portions of the hinge. Spindle 7 extends through eyes Θ and forks 10 an 11.' Spindle 7 has opposite forks 10 and 11 r flat faces 47 the distance a between which is smaller than the opening b of said forks, which opening is itself smaller than the diameter d. of the portions of spindle 7 which are unprovided with flat faces. Spindle 7 is fitted with resilient washers 53 (Fig. 2) adapted yieldably to keep it in the angular position shown by Fig, 5, where the faces 47 thereof make an angle with the openings of forks 10 and 11.» Furthermore a lever 54 (Figs. 2 and Θ) fixed to spindle 7 permits, by rotating it about its axis against the resistance of washers 53, to bring it in the position where its flat faces 47 are in line with the edges of the openings in fork 10 (Fig. 6) in order to permit the removal of feed mechanism 1.» Spindle 7 can also be moved by lever 54 into the position where its flat faces 47 are in line with the edges of fork 11 so as to permit of removing feed mechanism 2.. Of course the respective openings of forks 10 and 11 are offset angularly, as shown by Figs. 5 6 and 8, so that the two feed mechanisms oannot be removed Simultaneously.

According to the embodiment of Fig. 7, each hinge 6a or 6b includes the same elements as the hinge 6 of Figs. 5> 6 and 8> these elements being designated by the same reference numerals, with the addition of letters a or b aocording as the hinge is 6a or 6b. The only difference is that between each pair'-of eyes 8 there is only one fork 10 or 11.

Feed mechanisms 1 and 2 are provided with side plates 12 and 13 carried by hinges 1 and 15 and normally secured in closing position by hooks 16 urged into housings iy of the., feed mechanisms in which they are held by springs (not shown by the drawings). Hooks 16 are rigid with levers 18 which permit of disengaging them from housings 17 when it is desired to bring plates 12 and 13 into opening positions, for instance for loading or unloading the gun. Preferably, as shown in particular by Pigs. 1 and 2, hinges 14 and 15 are located at the front part of side plates 12 and 13 so that the latter open from the rear toward the front, which makes their opera^ tion easier. Fig.1 shows in dot-and-dash lines the position that may be assumed by side plate 13 when it is open.

Preferably, as shown by Pigs. 5 and 7, the gun is arranged in such manner that oartridge belts 9 and 20 enter feed mechanisms 1 and 2 on the same side of the gun, and in particular in the upward direction, and that the links 21 and 22 are ejected on the other side. Also preferably, the gun is arranged so that the empty cartridge cases are ejected on the same side as the belt links, as diagrainmatically illustrated by the arrow F of Pigs. 5 and 7. The empty cartridge caBe ejeotion slot is shown at 23 in Pig. 1 , But the cartridge belts may enter from opposed sides, as shown at 19a and 20a in Pig,8, their links 21a and 22a · being ejected also on opposed sides. This arrangement may be interesting in the case of a gun disposed horizontally with one oartridge belt coming in from the right hand side and the other cartridge belt from the left hand side, ejection of the empty cartridge cases taking place toward the left as diagrammatically illustrated by arrow F.

For practical purposes, it is necessary to interconnect the cartridge fedd mechanisms through mechanical means oapable, when one of said mechanisms is brought from its position of rest to its active position, of bringing the other feed . mechanism from active position into position of rest and to secure both of these mechanisms in the respective positions they have been given* In the embodiments shown by the drawings, such means comprise a link 24 guided so as to be slidable transversely with respeot to the gun axis XX and connected with feed mechanisms 1 and 2 in such manner 6B not to interfere with their removal. For this purpose, said link is provided with notches 25 (Figs* 5 to 8) each of which oooperatee with a pin 26 rigid with the corresponding feed mechanism, said slots opening toward spindle 7 or toward that of spindles Ja. and 7b which carries this feed mechanism.

In order to give link 24 its transverse sliding movement, there is provided a sliding piece 27 guided longitudinally with respeot to the gun and a lever 28 pivoted on said gun and connected with link 24, a meohanical connection being provided with sliding piece 27 and lever 28 to transform the longitudinal sliding movement of said sliding piece 27 into a movement of rotation of lever 28.

According to the embodiment disclosed more partlcu-larly by Figs. 3 and 4, breeoh oasing 9 carries a spindle 29 extending through a longitudinal slot 30 of sliding piece 9 lever 28 being secured to the free end of said spindle 29» Furthermore, sliding piece 27 is provided with an edge adapted to slide along a longitudinal surface 9a of the breeoh casing., which prevent/3 it from rotating about spindle 29. Therefore sliding piece 27 can only have a longitudinal translatory movement during which spindle 29 moves in slot 30, The gunner may impart this movement to sliding piece 27 through direct or indirect control means (such as a cable slidable in a sheath or a hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic or similar control gear) acting for instance upon a projection 27a of sliding piece 27.

Lever 28 includes a head 28a, of arcuate shape in plan view, as shown by Pigs. 3 and 4, and of dovetail shape in profile view, so that this head can remain engaged in mortise 31 provided in link 24 whatever ¾o the position thereof.

Lever 28 carries, on the side of sliding piece 27, two rollers "32 and 33 which cooperate with a projeoting 6am 34 rigid with sliding piece 27. This cam comprises a flat face 34a parallel to the gun axis XX and oblique surfaces 34b and 34c with which rollers 32 and 33 are adapted to cooperate^ respectively.

Either of these two rollers can run on flat face 34a.

The gun above described works in the following manner.

In the position shown by Figs. 1, 3 and 5, cartridge feed mechanism 1 is in a position such that its first cartridge A is outside of the path of travel of breechblock 3. On the contrary, cartridge feed mechanism 2 is in a position for which its first cartridge B is located across said path, of travel. Therefore, when the gun is firing, the cartridges of belt 20 are introduced into the gun and fired* In this position, as shown by Pig, 3, roller 32 is bearing against flat face 34a. Lever 28 is therefore prevented from rotating in the clockwise direction about spindle 29 and consequently link 24 cannot move toward the top of Pig, 3. Cartridge feed devices 1 and 2 are therefore locked in their respective positions.

If, now, the gunner wishes to fire shells belonging to belt 19, he moves sliding piece 27 toward the right of Fig. 3 into the position of Pig. 4. In the course of this movement, roller 32 first moves along the portion of surface 34a which iB on its left in Fig. 3. Once this roller has reached' Itamk inclined face 34b, lever 28 is no longer locked. At this time, roller 33 reaches inclined face 34c then runs along this faoe, imparting to lever 28 a rotation in the clockwise direction. This rotation produces an upward displacement of link 24 and consequently cartridge feed mechanism 2 is brought into position of rest whereas cartridge feed mechanism 1 is brought into active position. The two feed meohanisms then occupy a position symmetrical with that shown by Fig. 5.

Finally, sliding piece 27 further moves toward the right, which brings roller 33 upon inclined plane 34a and therefore look© lever 28, link 24 and the two cartridge feed meohanisms in the position they now occupy.

Fig, 1 shows that the fact that cartridge feed mechanisms 1 and 2 are pivoted about one axis or two axes parallel to the gun axis XX permits of reducing the space occupied by the gun in the transverse direction at the level of said feed mechanisms. This is due to the fact that a rotation through a relatively small angle is sufficient for causing the first cartridge A or B to move from its position of rest to its active position. As a consequence of this double angular displacement, the portion of the cartridge feed mechanism which is most remote from the gun axis XX undergoes but a relatively small displacement in the radial direction, so that the space necessary for the displacement of the cartridge feed mechanism is reduced with respect to what would be necessary If said feed mechanisms were rotatable about an axis or two axes disposed in a different direction.

In a general manner, while the above description disoloses what are deemed to be practical and efficient embodiments of the present invention, said invention is not limited thereto as there mi^ht be changes made in the arrangement, disposition and form of the parts without departing from the principle of the invention as comprehended within the scope of the appended claims. * 12 - 28574/2

Claims (11)

1. An improved self-loading gun comprising: a gun barrel, a breech casing, having two introduction openings disposed on opposite sides thereof for the introduction of the cartridges to be fired, and an ejection Opening for the ejection of spent cartridge cases, a breechblock reciprocable with respect to the breech casing along the gun barrel axis, two cartridge belt feed mechanisms disposed on opposite sides of the breech casing for co-operating respectively with the two introduction openings, each cartridge feed belt mechanism having a passage for the continual introduction of a belt formed of cartridges and interconnecting links, and a passage for the continual ejection of the links as the cartridges are introduced into t e corresponding introduction opening, the two cartridge belt feed mechanisms being switchable with respect to the breech casing so that one of them is inoperative whereas the other is active and brings a cartridge into the path of travel of the breechblock for feeding said cartridge to said breech casing, wherein the improvement consists in that each of the cartridge belt feed mechantems is mounted directly on hinge means whereby oach cartridge belt feed mechanism is awitchable by pivoting casing about a pivot axis at least substantially parallel to the gun barrel axis, the pivot axis being so disposed that the plane defined by said pivot axis and said gun barrel axis is disposed in such a manner that the two introduction openings areV _ , on opposite sides of said plane. - 13 - 28574/2

2. A gun according to Claim 1 wherein both of eaid feed mechanisais are pivotable about the same axis.

3. A gun according to Claim 1, wherein the pivot axis about which one of the cartridge belt feed mechanisms is pivotable is different from the pivot axis about which the other cartridge belt mechanism is pivotable.

4. A gun according to any of Claims 1 or 3 wherein the axis of the gun barrel is fixed with respect to the breech casin , each of the cartridge belt feed mechanisms is switchable by pivoting thereof with respect to the breech casing about a second axis at least substantially parallel to the gun barrel axis, either the breech casing or each cartridge belt feed mechanism carrying, rigid therewith, a plurality of eyes in line along the second axis, the other of the breech casing or each cartridge belt feed mechanism carrying, rigid therewith, a hollow cylinder hinge element adapted to fit with said eyes coaxially therewith the hollow cylindrical hinge element being provided ith a slot parallel to the generatrices thereof and extending through the hollow cylindrical hinge element from the inside to the outside thereof, a spindle extending through the eyes and the hollow cylindrical hinge element for pivotally Interconnecting them about the second axis, said spindle having, opposite the hollow cylindrical hinge element, a cross-sectional dimension in one direction which is smaller than the width of the slot, and a cross-sectional dimension in another direction which is greater than tie width of the slot, so - 14 - 28574/2 that the cartridge belt feed mechanism can be detached from the breech casing by turning the spindle about its axis to place said one direction of said spindle substantially parallel to the width of the slot and pulling the cartridge belt eed mechanism apart om the breech casing whereby the spindle passes from the inside of the hollow cylindrical hinge element, through the slot, to the outside of the hollow cylindrical element*

5. A gun according to any of the preceding claims Comprisin in addition a cover plate pivoted to each of the belt feed mechanisms at the front part thereof, so that said cover plate opens from the rear toward the front.

6. A gun according to Claim 1, further comprising means operative in response to the movement of one feed mechanism from inoperative to active position for imperatively moving the other feed mechanism from active to inoperative position and locking said feed mechanisms in the respective positions they then occupy.

7. A gun according to Claim 6, wherein said means comprise a link guided with respect to the breech casing so as to be slidable transversely with respect to the gun barrel axis, said link being provided with notches, and pins substantially parallel to the gun barrel axis and rigid with said belt feed mechanisms engaged in said notches to cooperate therewith.

8. A gun according to Claim 7» further comprising a flat sliding piece parallel t o said gun barrel and slid - 15 - 28574/2 lever pivoted to said breech casing about an axis perpendicular to said sliding piece, means for operatively connecting said link with said lever and mechanical aeans for transforming the longitudinal sliding movements of said sliding piece into movements of rotation of said lever.

9. A gun according to Claim 8, liherein the sliding piece is provided with a slot parallel to the gun barrel axis, said link is provided with a mortise hole and said lever Includes an arcuate head engaging the mortise hole in a cooperative manner, the gun comprising, a spindle carried by said breech casing and extending in a direction perpendicular to the gun barrel axis through the slot in the slidin piece, said spindle being slidable in the slot, said lever being carried by the spindle so as to be pivotable about the axis thereof, two rollers Journalled on said lever and having their axes parallel to tie axis of the spindle, and a cam carried by said sliding piece in fixed position with respect thereto, said cam including a flat face parallel to tie gun barrel axis, and two flat faces adjacent to and oblique to said first mentioned flat face, said .three flat faces being adapted to cooperate with the rollers.

10. A gun according to Claim 9, wherein said sliding piece includes, rigid therewith, a flat projection slidable along a longitudinal wall of the breech casing. - 16 28574/2

11. An improved self-loading gun according to any Of Claims 1 to 10 substantially as described heroin with reference to the accompanying drawings. PARTHBRS PC/rb