JP2009516815A - Device for securing a weapon system to a chassis frame of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mounting a weapon system on a vehicle chassis, which device comprises a false chassis (12) which bears the weapon system and is secured to the chassis (4) by a connection means (17). This device is characterized in that the connection means comprises at least two attachment points (17) formed by lugs (18) secured to the chassis (4), which lugs each bear a rod (20) on which a block (22) secured to the false chassis (12) is mounted, which block is able both to move translationally and pivot with respect to the rod (20).

Description

  The technical scope of the present invention relates to a device that makes it possible to fix a weapon system to a chassis frame of a vehicle.

  Self-propelled weapon systems are usually integrated with a turret secured to an armored chassis frame.

  The mechanical characteristics of the turret and chassis frame are determined so that these different elements can withstand firing constraints.

  It has also been proposed to integrate the weapon system with a light vehicle such as a truck.

  In this case, it has been regarded as a problem to guarantee the mechanical strength of the structural elements (vehicle chassis frame and subframe) against mechanical stress generated during the firing of the cannon. This stress becomes stronger when the caliber of the weapon system is large (for example, a caliber exceeding 90 mm).

  Known solutions (for example described in US 2004/0216597) propose separating the launcher from the vehicle, for example using a telescopic arm. However, these solutions are complex to implement and require excessive mass in the launch system.

  An assembly device for attaching a mortar to a truck is also known from French Patent 2,663,727. In this device, it has been proposed to fix the mortar on the firing plate which is itself connected to the subframe by means of a flexible connection. The subframe further includes a stabilizer that presses the ground.

  Such a solution cannot be applied to the assembly of a large caliber weapon system (e.g., part of the launch system) where the stress at launch is clearly high. That is, in this case, it is impossible to sufficiently reduce the stress transmitted from the subframe to the chassis frame.

  EP 1 231 129 describes a connection means between a platform body and a vehicle chassis frame, such connection means comprising the following four points. Two pivotal connections (disposed along the central axis at the front and rear of the plate), two simple support points that are laterally disposed between the sides of the central axis and the pivot.

  This solution, which intends to attach a conventional platform body to the chassis frame, is also unsuitable for attaching subframes that support large caliber weapon systems such as part of a launch system. In fact, the proposed coupling means cannot withstand firing stress.

  The present invention relates to a low mass coupling device that ensures coupling between a vehicle chassis frame and a weapon system and minimizes stress on the chassis frame during launch.

  The invention therefore relates to a device for fixing a weapon system on a chassis frame of a vehicle, such a device comprising a sub-frame supporting the weapon system, which is integrated with the chassis frame by a coupling means, and the coupling means Comprises at least two attachment points, which are arranged between the chassis frame and the subframe and are spaced apart on the sides of the chassis frame and the subframe on both sides of the weapon system. Formed by integral projections, each projection supports a rod that is parallel to the sides of the chassis frame and the subframe, on which the unit is mounted integrally with the subframe, such as The unit can be translated and swiveled relative to the rod, ie to the chassis frame.

  The protrusions are fixed to the side surfaces of the rail on both sides of the chassis frame.

  The unit can be fixed to the subframe by means of a bracket that is integral with the side of the crossframe crosspiece.

  The unit may be fixed to the bracket by a coupling means, and the spring means is positioned between the coupling means and the bracket.

  The spring means advantageously has a different stiffness for each attachment point. Stiffness is determined by the strain to which the attachment point is exposed.

  The axis of the coupling means can be spaced from the unit pivot axis.

  The device can comprise at least six sets of attachment points.

  Advantageously, the device can comprise a pivot shaft integral with the chassis frame at the center plane of the chassis frame, whereby the pivot cooperates with a bushing in the subframe.

  The positioning pivot is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the installation position of the weapon system on the subframe.

  The attachment points are advantageously close to each other in the vicinity of the installation position of the weapon system on the subframe.

  The present invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, which description is based on the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 is equipped with a weapon system 2, which here is a launch system with a large caliber gun (caliber greater than 90 mm).

  The vehicle 1 is a truck including a cab 3 supported by a chassis frame 4. This includes the installation point provided here with the motorcycle axle 5 (as a non-limiting example).

  The weapon system 2 includes a barrel 6 that slides within a sledge 7 that is itself pivotably mounted on an upper gun rack 8 by a gun ear 9. The upper gun mount is supported by the platform body 12 or the subframe.

  The gun barrel 6 has a muzzle brake 10 at its end.

  The weapon system or launcher 2 is shown here very simplified. Of course, this is always always one or more hydraulic firing brakes (not shown) arranged between the reaction mass (barrel 6 and brake 10) and the sledge 7, and at least ensuring reaction resistance after firing. Includes one seating device (not shown).

  Finally, the rear stabilizer 11 is hinged (hinge 11a) on the platform body 12 (or upper gun mount 8) with the rear part of the hinge pin 13 of the rear axle.

  The stabilizer includes at least one parking 14 that is integral with the telescopic arm 15.

  The stabilizer 11 fixes the rear portion of the vehicle 1 before launch to the ground, and the ground fixing point 16 is determined by the position of the parking. One or two arms and one or two parking can be provided. The stabilizer 11 is shown in an unfolded state in the drawing, and a garrison 14 is fixed to the ground.

  In order to allow the vehicle 1 to move, the telescopic arm 15 can be contracted, so that the entire stabilizer can swing about the hinge 11a and be raised.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of attachment points 17a, 17b, 17c,... Disposed between the chassis frame 4 and the subframe 12 and spaced apart on both sides of the launcher 2 on the sides of the chassis frame and the subframe. . . The subframe 12 is formed integrally with the chassis frame 4 of the vehicle by connecting means having 17h.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a sub-frame 12 spaced from the chassis frame 4. In practice, these two elements are in contact with each other. Shock absorbing means (rubber sheet or the like) can be provided between the sub-frame and the chassis frame.

  2 and 3 show the structure of the attachment point 17 in more detail.

  This includes a protrusion 18 that is fixed to the chassis frame 4 by a bolt (not shown) that is tightened through the hole 19. The protrusion comprises two lateral rims 31a and 31b in which drill holes 21 are provided. A cylindrical rod 20 having an axis 27 is arranged between the drill holes. The rods are held parallel to the rims 31a, 31b by conventional means not shown (eg lateral pins or nuts).

  The rod 20 receives a unit 22 formed integrally with the subframe 12 by a bracket 23.

  The axis of the rod 20 is parallel to the sides of the chassis frame and subframe, and therefore parallel to the center planes 32 and 33 of the chassis frame and subframe (see FIGS. 4a and 4b).

  The bracket 23 includes a metal plate 30a that is welded to the side surface of the subframe 12, and a structural portion 30b that is reinforced by a rib 30c is welded thereon.

  The unit 22 is fixed to the bracket 23 by connecting means, here screws 24. One or more spring washers 25 are disposed between the screw head and the structural portion 30b. Accordingly, the screw axis 28 is arranged at a distance D from the pivot axis 27 of the unit (see FIG. 3). This distance D is reduced as much as possible to limit the stress at the joint between the bracket 23 and the subframe 12.

  Furthermore, the nature and number of washers 25 vary depending on the attachment point. As will be described later, those skilled in the art will calculate the mechanical stress experienced by the attachment point 17 upon firing and determine the required mechanical stiffness for each attachment point in order to minimize the mechanical stress. If necessary, depending on the required stiffness, the washer can be replaced by a simple cylindrical spacer.

  Due to an important feature of the present invention, the unit 22 can move laterally (direction T) or pivot (arrow R) relative to the geometric axis 27 of the rod 20.

  For this purpose, a bearing bushing is arranged between the unit 22 and the rod 20 so that a play of approximately 10 millimeters (J = J1 + J2) is due to the translation between the lateral rims 31a and 31b of the unit 22. Is provided. It is also possible to provide only a sliding fit between the unit 22 and the rod 20 without providing a bearing bush.

  At the time of launch, the subframe 12 receives considerable stress, and the structure is distorted.

  The following two types of distortion are mainly generated.

  The actual problem is that the subframe bends to bring the attachment points closer. This bend is absorbed by the amount of translation allowance T of each unit 22 relative to its rod 20, that is, relative to the chassis 4. Therefore, the sub-frame 17 can move in parallel with respect to the chassis frame 4 at each attachment point 17.

  The warp (or twist) of the subframe leads to a turn of the lateral rim of the subframe relative to the chassis frame. Such warpage is absorbed by the turning allowable amount R of each unit 22 with respect to its rod 20, that is, with respect to the chassis. Therefore, the subframe 12 can turn with respect to the chassis frame at each attachment point 17.

  Therefore, the present invention provides the amount of translation and turning allowance of the subframe 12 relative to the chassis 4 at each attachment point 17.

  By assuring a safe and lightweight connection between the chassis frame and the subframe, the present invention absorbs the distortion caused by the launch and thereby allows the stress generated in the chassis 4 of the vehicle 1 to be limited. Become. This is particularly important when the chassis has a rigid structure that cannot withstand such strains.

  Figures 4a and 4b show schematic top views of the subframe (Figure 4a) and chassis frame (Figure 4b), respectively.

  FIG. 4b shows that the chassis frame 4 comprises two lateral rails 29a and 29b, on which the projections 18 of the attachment points 17 are fixed.

  Therefore, the rail 29a is shown in the drawing as 18a, 18b,. . . Supporting the eight protrusions indicated by 18h, the rail 29b is arranged symmetrically on the vertical central plane 32, 18a, 18b,. . . Supports another eight protrusions shown at 18h.

  The rails 29a and 29b are connected to each other by spacers 34a and 34b that are screwed or welded. One intermediate spacer, indicated by 34 a, further supports a cylindrical rod or pivot 35 that is perpendicular to the plane of the chassis frame 4.

  The subframe 12 shown in FIG. 4a is also formed as a mechanically welded structure and is connected by a metal plate 38 to which at least one spacer 37 and a crown 39 for receiving the upper gun mount 8 are fixed. It includes cross members 36a and 36b.

  The rear portion of the subframe 12 also supports a hinge 11a for a stabilizer (not shown).

  The cross members 36a and 36b are respectively 23a, 23b,. . . The bracket indicated by 23h is supported. The bracket supported by the cross member 36 a is disposed symmetrically with the bracket of the cross member 36 a with respect to the vertical center plane 33.

  The spacer 37 supports a cylindrical bush 40 for receiving a rod 35 that is integral with the chassis frame 4.

  FIG. 4 c shows the assembly of the subframe 12 to the chassis frame 4.

  During assembly, the precise positioning of the subframe is facilitated by the cooperation of the rod 35 and the bush 40. The rod 35 and the bush 40 are arranged in the vicinity of a portion to which stress at the time of launch is applied by the weapon system of the subframe, that is, in the vicinity of the crown 39.

  The connection between the bush and the rod allows the subframe to be positioned with respect to the chassis frame, and a part of the firing stress is transmitted from the subframe to the chassis to be absorbed, whereby the load at the attachment point 17 is reduced. Can be reduced at launch.

  After positioning, each bracket 23 is disposed above the protrusion 18. Each protrusion 18 supports the unit 22. The assembly is completed by the bracket 23 being screwed to each unit 22 so as to constitute each attachment point 17 of the connecting means.

  FIG. 4c shows that the number of attachment points increases in the rear part of the chassis, ie in the vicinity of the crown 29 for fixing the weapon system, and is located closer to each other. In fact, this part is the part with the strongest mechanical stress and the least displacement.

  Depending on the characteristics of the weapon system and the carrier on which the system is installed, those skilled in the art will determine the size of each attachment point and determine its number and distribution. Positioning and sizing are done through numerous simulations of the firing stress of the structure.

  During such sizing, the required stiffness for each attachment point 17 is also calculated in order to minimize the stress to be withstood. The stiffness calculation allows the washer or spacer 25 used at each attachment point 17 to be determined.

  Thus, the present invention makes it possible to attach a given weapon system to various types of transport vehicles relatively easily, while at the same time limiting the stress that the transport vehicle experiences during launch.

  The present invention is particularly useful when the transport vehicle is provided with a rigid chassis frame.

1 shows a schematic view of a weapon system coupled to a transport vehicle using an apparatus according to the present invention. It is a side view of embodiment of an attachment point. It is sectional drawing of an attachment point, Such a cross section is a cross section along plane AA of FIG. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a subframe to support a weapon system. 1 shows a schematic top view of a chassis frame of a transport vehicle (a chassis frame is shown alone). Fig. 5 shows a top view of the subframe and chassis frame assembly.

Claims (10)

  An apparatus for fixing a weapon system (2) to a chassis frame (4) of a vehicle, comprising a subframe (12) supporting the weapon system, integrated with the chassis frame by coupling means, At least two attachment points (17) arranged between the chassis frame (4) and the subframe (12) and spaced apart on the sides of the chassis frame and the subframe on both sides of the weapon system (2). The attachment point (17) is formed by a protrusion (18) that is integral with the chassis frame (4), and each of the protrusions is a rod (parallel to the sides of the chassis frame and the subframe). 20) on which a unit (22) integral with the subframe (12) is mounted, this unit being attached to the rod (20), ie the vehicle Also move the turning is possible parallel to the frame (4), fixing device for weapon system.   The fixing device for a weapon system according to claim 1, wherein the projections (18) are fixed to the sides of the rails (29a, 29b) on both sides of the chassis frame (4).   The unit (22) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unit (22) is fixed to the subframe (12) by means of a bracket (23) that is integral with the side of the cross member (36a, 36b) on the subframe (12). Fixing device for weapon systems.   The unit (22) is fixed to the bracket (23) by means of coupling means (24) and the spring means (25) is arranged between the coupling means (24) and the bracket (23). A fixing device for a weapon system according to any one of the above.   5. A fixing device for a weapon system according to claim 4, wherein the spring means (25) has a different stiffness for each attachment point (17), the stiffness being determined according to the strain to which the attachment point is subjected.   Fixing device for a weapon system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the axis of the coupling means (24) is spaced a distance (D) from the pivot axis of the unit.   Fixing device for a weapon system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least six sets of attachment points (17).   8. A positioning pivot (35) that is integral with the chassis frame (4) is provided at the central surface of the chassis frame, the pivot cooperating with a bush (40) on the subframe (12). A fixing device for a weapon system according to any one of the preceding claims.   Fixing device for a weapon system according to claim 8, wherein the positioning pivot (35) is arranged on the subframe (12) in the vicinity of the installation part of the weapon system.   10. The fixing device for a weapon system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the attachment points (17) are closer to each other in the vicinity of the installation part of the weapon system on the sub-frame (12).

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