Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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10 DEVICE FOR EJECTING SHELLS AND/OR CONNECTORS FROM AN
AMMUNITION CHAIN OR STRIP ASSOCIATED WITH A PRIMARY AND/OR
SECONDARY WEAPON
Subject-matter of the invention
The technological field of the invention relates to the ejection
of shells and/or connectors from at least one (or combination of) chain(s) or
strip(s) of ammunition characterized by a specific caliber, i.e., that going
from
the small to medium caliber, the small caliber being associated with a
secondary weapon (called "machine-gun" or "coax"), while the medium caliber
relates to a primary weapon (called "barren. The ejection is generally done
after shooting from the inside toward the outside of a turret mounted on any
armored vehicle, through an entire series of structures having specific
geometric and mechanical characteristics.
The sequence of technical operations relative to the ejection
of small- and/or medium-caliber ammunition residues may be generalized to the
combination of two actions: i) recovering any material (stones, plants, etc.)
falling under the effect of gravity into a closed circular structure, such as
a pipe,
and ii) transporting this material on a moving surface, such as a belt,
provided
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with a vibrating device situated below the latter in order to modify some or
ail of
the environmental conditions of the material.
Technological background
Within a turret mounted on any armored vehicle, after
conveying an ammunition chain or strip through one (or several) supply
channel(s) toward the primary weapon (barre!) and/or secondary weapon
(machine-gun or coax), where the ammunition either has a small caliber varying
between 5.56 mm and 15 mm, or a medium caliber ranging from 20 mm to 50
mm, and after shooting said ammunition, the ejection of the shells and/or
connectors making up the latter to date has never been a priority in the state
of
the art, either technically (mechanical, electrical, etc. parameters), or as
relates
to ergonomics and safety.
Thus, after shooting medium-caliber ammunition from an
ammunition chain or strip at the primary weapon, the shells are ejected
through
an orifice situated near the barrel at the height of the turret mask. ln other
words, it is evacuated outside the turret in the forward direction
"practically"
parallel to the axis of said barre!, while the connectors are collected inside
the
turret, and more particularly within the basket, following a "random" path
between the various internai modules such as the HMI (Human Machine
Interface), the wiring systems, etc. In some scenarios, the ejection is
sideways
or downward, like what is described for a "coax".
Regarding the small-caliber ammunition associated with the
secondary weapon, both for the shells and the connectors from the ammunition
chain or strip, the recovery of these two units, also generally called
residues,
after shooting follows the same approach as that previously described for the
connectors of the medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip of the barrel.
Without a system for recovering the shells and/or connectors
of an ammunition chain or strip characterized by the two aforementioned
calibers, it is essential to develop an effective and safe approach accounting
for
the bulk, electromechanical parameters and contractual constraints, while
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economically optimizing the turrets previously developed. In other words, for
each project, old and new, it is necessary to rethink and optimize the
architectural concept in the mask of the turret.
Regarding the i) conceptual (electronic and mechanical
engineering), ii) safety, and iii) economic perspectives, the approach
described
above is not acceptable, or profitable for the builder. Furthermore, the
user's
requirements are relatively drastic at ail levels, which is why a new approach
is
necessary to remain competitive and innovative.
Background of the invention
In the prior art, the proposed solutions are based on the fact
that only the shells from the medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip
intended
for the primary weapon are ejected after shooting, either outside the turret
through a specific orifice arranged near said primary weapon, or into a
specific
collector provided inside the latter. The connectors of the medium-caliber
ammunition chain or strip, as well as the residues associated with the small-
caliber ammunition intended for the secondary weapon, travel, after shooting,
either through one (or two) ejection channel(s) (barrel), or one (or two)
evacuation channel(s) (coax), such that, upon leaving the latter, they
naturally
fall under the effect of gravity inside the turret at the basket, but randomly
regarding the reception location.
In addition to the approach described above, a whole series
of devices for storing shells and/or connectors is known that have been
developed on portable weapons (pistol, rifle, machine-gun, etc.), but without
allowing their ejection. In other words, these mechanisms are not transposable
to the device developed in the present invention within a turret mounted on
any
armored vehicle.
In document FR 2,977,018, the invention proposes a device
for recovering connectors ejected by a weapon shooting ammunition connected
by connectors. This connector recovery device includes a moving corridor
conveying connectors that is secured by a first end to a window for ejecting
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connectors from the weapon. The moving corridor slides at a second end
relative to a first end of a fixed corridor conveying connectors, the fixed
corridor
being secured by its second end to an ammunition box and emerging therein.
The fixed corridor also includes a means for propelling connectors favoring
the
individual progression of each connector in the fixed corridor, the recovery
device also including, at the moving corridor and the fixed corridor, a means
for
guiding the connectors. The propulsion means includes at least one connector
propeller that is rotating and placed laterally with respect to the fixed
corridor,
and the rotation axis of which is perpendicular to the direction of advance of
the
connectors in the fixed corridor and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the connector propeller includes a
cylindrical brush with radial bristles. The guide means includes at least i) a
first
guide rail secured to the moving corridor able to correspond with the first
notch
of each connector and thus guiding the connector transversely to the first
rail, ii)
a second guide rail secured to the fixed corridor able to correspond with the
first
notch of each connector and guiding the connector transversely to the second
rail, and iii) an intermediate rail secured to the fixed corridor and able to
correspond with a second notch of each connector guiding the connector
transversely to the intermediate rail, when the connector goes from the moving
corridor to the fixed corridor. The intermediate rail of the fixed corridor
and the
first (second, respectively) guide rail of the moving corridor (fixed
corridor,
respectively) are parallel and partially overlap without contact. Due to the
recovery of the connectors, the ammunition box includes a moving partition
made from a flexible material separating the connectors from the ammunition,
which makes it possible not to increase the volume of the ammunition box.
In document EP 2,156,131, the invention relates to the side
ejection belt for ejecting the empty connectors through a central receiver for
a
machine gun. This ejection on the side of the machine gun allows the barrel to
interact with a center of gravity directly below the weapon to improve the
general balance with this appropriate center of gravity and allows an
ammunition box to be placed below the weapon. One aim resulting from these
aspects is not to add substantial weight, mass or equipment to the machine
gun. In one preferred embodiment, a machine gun with side strip loading i)
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ejects the used shells downward from an ejector below the barrel using a new
deflector with an ammunition holder that deflects the used shells downward
while passing through one side of the firearm, and ii) includes a substantial
part
of the bag moved from the left side of the weapon to the right, until the
overall
5 mass of the bag balances the weapon.
In document US20100319521, a link chute ejection adapter
for discharging a weapon comprises an ammunition strip having a base and a
cover positioned above the base. A first side watt is coupled to the base and
the
cover and comprises a proximal end configured to be received removably in a
receiving chamber of the weapon. A second side watt is positioned relative to
the first side watt and is coupled to the base and the cover. A link chute
coupler
is supported at the distal end of the base. An ejection chamber is defined by
the
base and the cover, the first side watt and the second side watt. The ejection
chamber extends in an axial direction globally along a longitudinal axis from
a
proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the receiving
chamber of the weapon and the distal end being connected to an ejection
chute. A stop of the housing is supported by the proximal end of the first
side
watt to position a housing for the ammunition strip. An ammunition stop is
supported by the proximal end of the second side watt to position ammunition
of
the ammunition strip. The ammunition stop axially includes a finger moving
outwardly away from the ejection chamber and transversely away from the
outside from an outer surface of the second side watt.
As described in document FR 804,422, some machine guns
used on board airplanes include two side orifices placed behind one another:
an
ejection orifice for the shells of the ammunition and a separate orifice for
the
connectors that were connecting these shells when they entered the slide to
exit. To avoid the risks due to violent bursting of the shells, an ejection
corridor
is fairly frequently adapted to machine guns intended to collect the shells
and
connectors to prevent them from causing damage to their surroundings. The
drawback of this ejection corridor is related to the fact that the shells and
connectors are mixed therein and frequently become tangled, which causes
swelling and even scratching of the machine-gun if a shell bounces into the
shell box. Furthermore, this ejection corridor, which rigidly follows the
machine
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gun in ail of its shooting positions and during its vertical travel, can only
ensure
the flow of the shells and connectors by gravity when it is flot too close to
the
vertical direction, since otherwise swelling occurs due to a lack of flow. The
evacuation device proposed in this document was designed to avoid these
drawbacks. This makes it possible to obtain the following advantages:
i) selective evacuation of the shells and connectors at their outlet from
the
machine gun with no possibility of mixing, tangling and swelling;
ii) guiding of the shells and connectors by separate chutes only coming
together in a location where mixing of the shells and connectors no
longer presents any danger;
iii) capturing shells when they leave the machine gun and deflecting the
latter by using the live force due to their ejection, so as to impose, using
a carefully placed impact wall, a constant evacuation trajectory with no
possibility of bouncing toward the slide box and scratching the machine
gun;
iv) automatic angular adaptation of separate chutes to the gravitational
flow
needs of the shells and connectors by pivoting compensating the travel
of the machine gun.
Document US 4,601,230 A discloses a weapon system
comprising a primary barrel using a supply of ammunition with connectors and a
coaxial machine-gun, both mounted in a turret able to be positioned rotating
in
an armored vehicle. The ammunition connectors fired by the primary barrel and
the ammunition connectors and shells fired by the machine gun are ejected
through the neck bearing on which the rotor of the primary weapon rotates, in
a
compartment that communicates with the outside of the vehicle. The
ammunition with connectors of the primary barrel is stored in a rectangular
ammunition box positioned diametrically in the turret basket. The connector
ejection chutes for the primary barrel comprise guide strips to guide the tabs
of
the connectors through the chute channels and thus prevent jamming of the
chute.
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Aims of the invention
In order to resolve the problems mentioned in the state of the
art, the inventors' thought process focused on establishing a standard and
unique architecture in the mask of the turret, this architecture not
significantly
altering the existing environment, both geometrically and functionally.
In the present case, the desired effect is to develop a device
taking advantage of and adapting to the existing elements, such as the supply
channel(s), the ejection channel(s), etc., situated in the mask area of the
turret
such that the occupants of the turret, i.e., the commander and the shooter,
are
located at ail times in an environment similar to that previously defined,
functionally and ergonomically, with respect to the other modules situated
inside
the turret (HMI system, handling of the controls, etc.), while guaranteeing
greater safety and a more adequate, comfortable living space accessible to the
occupants. In other words, one aim sought by the present invention is for the
environment not to change regarding the number, arrangement and size of the
elements previously present, but to be better optimized functionally and in
terms
of safety.
Thus, inside the body structure, and consequently that of the
turret, there is no substantial modification (geometry, size, location, etc.),
since
the device to be developed according to the present invention is defined as
being in addition to an unchanged architecture, which means that the basic
working area for the crewmembers remains identical in each turret, on which
the medium-caliber barrel is fastened, defined between 20 mm and 50 mm,
and/or the small-caliber coax, situated between 5.56 mm and 15 mm, given that
the layout of the interior modules respects a same philosophy.
Main features of the invention
In the present invention, the device for ejecting shells and/or
connectors of a small- and/or medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip is
located at the housing of the mask of the turret in the area of the rolling
bearings, and more particularly at the outlet, at the mask, of both i) the
ejection
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channel(s) relative to the primary weapon, and ii) the evacuation channel(s)
directly connected to the secondary weapon. In other words, considering the
main axis of the primary weapon as a reference, the ejection system is located
opposite the supply system of the medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip,
i.e., the two systems, supply and ejection, are symmetrical relative to the
main
axis of the primary weapon. The ejection device has also been able to be
placed in this location owing to the fact that the body structure has a
specific
end related to the support plate for the barrel (near the mask) such that the
outside layouts of the latter hardly require any modifications in terms of
general
configuration.
After shooting, in the case of the barrel, the connectors of the
medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip can be conveyed through one (or two)
ejection channel(s), namely an upper channel and/or a lower channel, based on
the type of medium-caliber ammunition to switch in the ejection device,
whereas
for the secondary weapon, either the shells and the connectors of the small-
caliber ammunition chain or strip pass through a single evacuation channel, or
said shells (or said connectors) hurtle into the lower evacuation channel and
said connectors (or said shells) into the upper channel 2, in fine, plummet
into
the ejection device as well.
Lastly, from a practical and functional perspective, it should
be noted that in certain scenarios, the basket is flot integrated into the
body
structure of the turret. It is thus completely missing from this enclosure,
given
that the manipulations related to the operation of the turret are done
directly
from the inside of the armored vehicle itself by a crew member. As a result,
the
commander and the shooter are flot installed at the basket, but inside the
vehicle, while the ejection system remains placed in the same location. In
other
words, the positioning and operation of the ejection system are independent of
the number of people present inside the turret.
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a device for
ejecting shells and/or connectors from at least one (or combination of)
chain(s)
or strip(s) of ammunition associated with a primary and/or secondary weapon,
the ejection device being mounted in an armored vehicle turret and including a
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plurality of geometrically and mechanically defined structural elements,
making
it possible, after shooting ammunition, to guide the movement of the shells
and/or connectors from the inside toward the outside of said turret, along a
determined path, and including means for vibrating at least part of these
structural elements to favor said movement of the shells and/or connectors,
characterized in that said structural elements include at least one chute,
said
vibrating means comprise a motor placed in any location of the chute, provided
with an unbalancing mass and intended to be actuated only during shooting.
The device according to the invention further comprises at
least one of the following features, or any suitable combination thereof:
- the turret includes a body structure with a mask and a housing, and in
that the primary weapon is a medium-caliber barrel, called barrel, and the
secondary weapon is a small-caliber machine gun, called coax;
- the ammunition intended for the barrel is medium-caliber ammunition,
said medium caliber being comprised between 20 mm and 50 mm, while
the ammunition associated with the coax is a small-caliber ammunition,
said small caliber being comprised between 5.56 and 15 mm;
- on the one hand, attached to the primary weapon is (are) an upper
ejection channel and/or a lower ejection channel in which the connectors
of a chain or strip of medium-caliber ammunition enter after shooting and
continue their route, from the inside toward the outside of the turret, while
being separated from one another, such that a connector n progresses
only under the impulse of a central loop of the connector n+1, such that,
in the case of a single ejection channel, the connectors progress in the
latter independently of the orientation of their convex curvature, while in
the case of two ejection channels, the connectors that have their convex
curve upward circulate in the upper ejection channel and the connectors
that have their convex curve downward progress in the lower ejection
channel, and on the other hand, attached to the secondary weapon is
(are) an upper evacuation channel and/or a lower evacuation channel,
either in which the connectors and the shells of a small-caliber
ammunition chain or strip enter after shooting and continue their route,
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from the inside toward the outside of the turret, while being separated
from one another, or in which the connectors (the shells, respectively)
and the shells (the connectors, respectively) of a chain or strip of small-
caliber ammunition respectively enter after shooting and continue a
5
progression similar to that described in the case of a single evacuation
channel;
- the
structural elements making up said ejection device further comprise a
surface continuity, a bent channel, a spring device, and a(n) (un)locking
housing;
10 - the shell and/or connector ejection device is such that:
= the surface continuity is located directly at the outlet of the ejection
channel while being secured to a movable closing sheet associated
with the mask in order to ensure the continuity between the ejection
channel and the following element of the ejection device, namely a
bent channel;
= the bent channel, characterized by a curve angle of 90 , is the
extension of the surface continuity and has two orifices, a first orifice
situated at the height of the ejection channel and serving as an
intermediary between the surface continuity and the rest of the bent
channel, and a second orifice, located after the bend angle of 900
,
and in a plane perpendicular to said ejection channel(s), if applicable
upper and lower, i.e., pointing toward the ground when the main axis
of the barrel is horizontal and when the vehicle is parked or moving
on an essentially flat surface;
= the chute, fastened on the housing of the body structure of the turret
via vibrating studs, assumes the form of a funnel situated either at the
outlet of the ejection channel, or respectively at the outlet of an upper
ejection channel, via the surface continuity and the bent channel,
respectively, and also at the outlet of the lower ejection channel, as
well as at the outlet of the respective evacuation channel(s), if
applicable upper and lower, said chute also having two orifices, a first
orifice making it possible to receive the second orifice of the bent
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channel such that the penetration of the latter is done over a depth of
several centimeters, and a second orifice oriented toward the outside
of the turret with an angular deflection relative to the housing of the
body structure of the turret, i.e., the chute is not entirely located in the
same plane as that containing the bent channel;
= the spring device is located below a base sheet of the bent channel,
and is controlled by a(n) (un)locking housing situated on an inner part
of the housing of the body structure.
- the ejection device has a mechanism designed such that it works
similarly under ail circumstances, i.e., the mechanism is independent of
the type and caliber of the ammunition as well as the type of connectors;
- the ejection device includes means for actuating the motor, favoring the
vibrations related to the ejection of the shells and/or connectors of an
ammunition chain or strip, when the vehicle, and consequently the turret,
are not situated on perfectly horizontal ground. lndeed, irrespective of the
incline of the vehicle, and consequently of the turret, relative to the
earth's absolute horizontal, it is essential for the angle formed between
the chute and this horizontal to be favorable to the natural sliding of the
connectors toward the outside of the turret. In other words, this
corresponds to a strictly positive slope comprised between 1 and 90';
- the chute satisfies the NBC constraint following the presence of two
closing devices, a first device in the form of a removable stopper placed
at the second orifice of the chute, and a second device in the form of a
rubber strip, called bellows seal, permanently fastened to two specific
locations, namely one end of the bellows seal completely surrounds the
chute while being placed and glued in a slot midway along the height of
the latter, and another end of the bellows seal is captured by the closing
sheet;
- the surface continuity is mounted fixed or sliding longitudinally via a
spring device, and a(n) (un)locking housing, in order to favor
maintenance operations by members of the crew inside the turret.
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A second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of
the device for ejecting shells and/or connectors as described above,
characterized in that, in the case of the primary weapon, after shooting, in
the
presence of a single ejection channel, the connectors of a medium-caliber
ammunition chain or strip ejected into the latter penetrate the surface
continuity,
in the first orifice of the bent channel, in order, once the curve angle of
900 is
crossed, to orient themselves naturally downward such that they become
subject to the effect of gravity, which favors their natural separation from
one
another at a speed defined by the primary weapon, and lastly progress into the
second orifice of the bent channel to plunge one by one into the chute in
order
ultimately to be ejected outside the turret, whereas in the presence of two
ejection channels, the connectors of a medium-caliber ammunition chain or
strip
are ejected both into the upper ejection channel, to follow the same path as
that
described above in the presence of a single ejection channel, and into the
lower
ejection channel, similarly to the manner described for the upper ejection
channel, but without passing through any intermediate part at the lower
ejection
channel, i.e., once the latter has been traveled through, the connectors
plunge
directly and naturally into the chute in order to be expelled outside the
turret
according to a separating mode identical or similar to that described for the
connectors traversing the upper ejection channel.
Advantageously, in the case of the secondary weapon, after
shooting, the connectors and the shells of a small-caliber ammunition chain or
strip are ejected simultaneously through the evacuation channel, either
separately after they respectively pass in the upper, lower evacuation
channels,
respectively, and lower, upper evacuation channels, respectively, before
plunging, naturally under the effect of gravity, into the chute, and to be
expelled
outside the turret.
Still advantageously, the motor assists or improves the
process of ejecting the shells and/or connectors of an ammunition chain or
strip,
given that said ejection is not always allowed owing only to the effect of
gravity,
and given that, when they are channeled in the chute, the shells and/or
connectors are slowed slightly in the fall after the various friction existing
between them, the resistance between them and the chute, and the incline of
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the turret, said motor, actuated only during shooting, causing a vibration of
the
chute, this vibration being characterized by a certain intensity, which makes
it
possible to eject ail of the shells and/or connectors by minimizing the
mechanical stresses, said intensity initially being variable given that it
depends
on the type and caliber of ammunition as well as the type of connectors used,
then becoming constant during shooting when a frequency favorable to the
ejection of the shells and/or connectors outside the turret has been obtained,
said vibration intensity being damped at the turret by the vibrating studs.
Brief description of the Figures
Figure 1 shows ammunition of the cartridge type, as well as a
small- and/or medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip with connectors.
Figure 2 shows a view of an armored vehicle turret with a
primary weapon (barrel), a secondary weapon (machine-gun or coax), and the
ejection device.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view relative to the barrel of
one preferred embodiment for a device for ejecting shells and/or connectors of
a small- and/or medium-caliber ammunition chain or strip according to the
present invention.
Figure 4 shows several views of a connector for an
ammunition chain or strip used in the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention
In general, the items of ammunition 1 are connected and
clipped to one another using connectors 2 in order to form a flexible chain or
strip 3 of ammunition 1 (Figure 1). As a reminder, in terms of its
composition,
the ammunition 1 is generally made up of a bullet or warhead 4, a shell 5,
gunpowder 6, a cup 7, and a fuse 8. In the present case, this involves taking
into consideration ammunition 1 with two types of caliber, namely medium-
caliber ammunition 1 ranging from 20 mm to 50 mm, and small-caliber
ammunition 1, defined between 5.56 mm and 15 mm.
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A chain or strip 3 of ammunition 1 has an undefined and
unspecified initial size, which means that it is important to keep in mind
that,
depending on the needs defined by the mission in progress, it is possible to
modify the length of said chain or strip 3 of ammunition 1 at any time, either
by
adding ammunition 1, or removing it. However, for good use of the chain or
strip
3 of ammunition 1, the latter must respect a fixed starting length, whereas,
depending on the bulk constraints encountered within the turret 9, it may not
exceed a certain length. These two parameters must be taken into
consideration throughout the entire mission in order to optimize the
efficiency of
the conveyance of the chain or strip 3 of ammunition 1 to the selected weapon.
In other words, between these two minimum and maximum values, as
described above, the variation of the size of the chain or strip 3 of
ammunition 1
is tolerated inside a turret 9 mounted on any armored vehicle (Figure 2).
As shown by Figures 2 and 3, the ejection device 10
according to the invention is situated at the outlet of the ejection channels,
upper 11 and lower 12, respectively, and evacuation channels, upper 13 and
lower 14, respectively, in the region of the rolling bearings 15 near the mask
16,
while being fastened on the frame 17 of the body structure 18 of the turret 9.
Thus, considering the main axis of the primary weapon, i.e., the barrel 19, as
reference, the ejection device 10 is located opposite the supply system 20 of
the chain or strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition 1, transversely relative to
the
reference axis, which also causes both the supply 20 and ejection 11, 12
systems to be approximately symmetrical relative to said reference.
From a structural perspective (Figure 3), the ejection device
10 according to the invention comprises a plurality of rigid elements defined
as
follows:
= a surface continuity 21 is located directly at the outlet of the upper
ejection channel 11 while being secured to the movable closing sheet
22 associated with the mask 16 in order to ensure the continuity
between this upper channel 11 and the following element of the
ejection device 10 (namely the bent channel 23);
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= the bent channel 23, having a curve angle of 90 , is the extension of
the surface continuity 21, and has two specific orifices: the first orifice
24, situated at the height of the upper ejection channel 11, serves as
an intermediary or junction between the surface continuity 21 and the
5 rest of
the bent channel 23, while the second orifice 25, located after
the bend angle of 90 , is located in a plane perpendicular to said
upper 11 and lower 12 ejection channel(s). In other words, it points
toward the ground when i) the main axis of the barrel 19 is horizontal,
and ii) the vehicle is parked or moving on perfectly flat terrain. The
10 second
orifice 25 of said bent channel 23 emerges in a chute 26. The
latter is fastened on the housing 17 of the body structure 18 of the
turret 9 using vibrating studs (flot shown), and assumes the form of a
funnel situated at the outlet of the respective upper 11 discharge
channel, via the surface continuity 21 and the bent channel 23, and
15 lower
discharge channel 12, as well as the upper 13 and lower 14
evacuation channels. Said chute 26 also has two orifices: a first
orifice 27 makes it possible to receive the second orifice 25 of the
bent channel 23 such that the penetration or nesting is done over a
depth of several centimeters, while a second orifice 28 is oriented
toward the outside of the turret 9. Lastly, the chute 26 is characterized
in that it has, at the second orifice 28, an angular deflection relative to
the housing 17 of the body structure 18 of the turret 9. In other words,
the chute 26 is not completely located in the same plane as that
containing the bent channel 23;
= a motor 29, with a smaller size, is placed in any location at said chute
26, and is provided with an unbalancing mass causing a series of
vibrations of variable intensity (the operation will be outlined below);
= to take full advantage of the surface continuity 21, a spring device 30
is located below a base sheet 31 of the bent channel 23, and is
controlled by a(n) (un)locking housing 32, in turn situated on an inner
part of the housing 17 of the body structure 18 of the turret 9 (the
operation will be outlined below).
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From a functional perspective, the ammunition 1 cornes from
a chain or strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition 1 defined between 20 mm and
50 mm intended for the primary weapon 19, as well as a chain or strip 3 of
small-caliber ammunition 1 ranging from 5.56 mm to 15 mm reserved for the
secondary weapon 33. Another important criterion characterizing the
ammunition 1 is that related to the type of ammunition 1, i.e., that defined
by its
composition/nature. These include "maximum ordinates", "explosives", etc. In
the present invention, the ejection device 10 is thus valid for ail types of
ammunition I. Lastly, as described above, the items of ammunition 1 are
connected and clipped to one another using connectors 2. In general, the
latter
generally have i) an identical or similar three-dimensional structure,
irrespective
of the considered type of ammunition 1, and ii) a substantially similar
attaching
principle independent of the considered type of ammunition 1. Based on the set
of criteria set out above, the ejection device 10 according to the present
invention has been designed such that it works similarly under ail
circumstances, in other words the mechanism is independent of the type and
caliber of the ammunition 1, as well as the type of connectors 2.
Thus, the ejection relates to i) the connectors 2 of a chain or
strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition 1 only for the barrel 19 and/or ii) the
shells
5 and the connectors 2 of a chain or strip 3 of small-caliber ammunition 1 for
the
coax 33. In both scenarios, the residues must be found outside the turret 9,
like
the shells 5 associated with the chain or strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition
1
relative to the primary weapon 19.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the caliber of
the ammunition 1 is 30 mm and/or 40 mm for the primary weapon 19, and 7.62
mm for the secondary weapon 33, while the type of connector 2 is or is similar
to that described in Figure 4. The connector 2 is made up of a two parts 34,
35,
generally articulated to one another. The second part 35 includes a central
loop
or curl 36, relative to the height of the connector 2, defining an
approximately
semi-cylindrical opening, dimensioned to be adjusted on the shell 5 of a
cartridge 1 with a given caliber. The first part 34 includes two loops 37, 38
of
this type, but situated, in terms of height, respectively on either side of
the
central loop 36. Each of these loops 36, 37, 38 includes, at its each of its
two
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
17
free ends, a small loop 39 oriented in the other direction, so as to define a
flare
allowing easy insertion or withdrawal of the ammunition 1. The upper loop 37
of
the first part 34 is extended by an essentially flat and rectangular part 40
extending upward, and the lower loop 38 of the first part 34 is extended
downward by an essentially flat part 41, ending with a finger 42 that is
inserted
in the removal slot 43 of the shell 5 in order to guarantee the correct
alignment
of the ammunition 1 in the chain or strip 3 of ammunition 1. The flexibility
of the
chain or strip 3 of ammunition 1 is due to the articulation between the loop
or
curl 36 and the ammunition 1.
However, it should be noted that the ejection device 10
according to the present invention does flot apply to the ejection of shells 5
for
ammunition 1 belonging to the chain or strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition 1.
lndeed, in this case, said shells 5 are ejected through an orifice 44 situated
at
the mask 16 of the turret 9, near the primary weapon 19. The ejection is done
in
the forward direction outside the turret 9, in a direction "practically"
parallel to
the axis of the barrel 19.
To understand the operating mode of the ejection device 10
according to the present invention, it is necessary to analyze each of the
components set out above.
Before examining such considerations, it should be recalled
that initially, i.e., before shooting, within the turret 9, the chain or strip
3 of
medium- and/or small-caliber ammunition 1 is conveyed toward the primary 19
or secondary 33 weapon, respectively, following specific supply channels 20.
After shooting, the bullet 4 is expelled outside the selected weapon 19, 33,
but it
must be taken into consideration that the ammunition 1 residues must also be
ejected using specific ejection and/or evacuation channels.
Thus, in the case of the primary weapon 19, when the chain
or strip 3 of medium-caliber ammunition 1 reaches the height of the latter
primary weapon 19, after having left the supply system 20, and once the
shooting is done, the connectors 2 continue their route by entering the
ejection
channels 11, 12. More specifically, depending on the selected type of medium-
caliber ammunition 1, the connectors 2 enter either the upper ejection channel
= CA 03034165 2019-02-15
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11, or the lower ejection channel 12. In both cases, the connectors 2 advance
alone, given that the ammunition 1 has been removed from the chain or strip 3
of ammunition 1. At this time, the connectors 2 are separated from one another
such that the connector n progresses only under the impulse of the central
loop
36 of the con nector n+1.
With respect to the upper ejection channel 11, the
connectors 2 have their convex curve upward therein. The path continues such
that they first penetrate the surface continuity 21 (the operating principle
related
to its mobility will be explained below), then the first orifice 24 of the
bent
channel 23 using a connecting mode similar to that described above with the
ejection channels 11, 12. Once the curve angle of 900 is crossed, the
connectors 2 naturally orient themselves downward such that they are subject
to the effect of gravity. Under the action of the latter, the connectors 2
naturally
separate from one another at a speed defined by the operation of the primary
weapon 19. When the second orifice 25 of the bent channel 23 is traversed, the
individualized connectors 2 dive toward the chute 26, ultimately to be ejected
outside the turret 9.
For the lower ejection channel 12, the approach is
substantially similar to that described for the upper ejection channel 11. The
differences essentially appear in the following steps: i) the connectors 2
have
their convex curve downward therein, and ii) the residues do not pass through
intermediate parts (such as the surface continuity 21 and/or the bent channel
23
in the case of the upper ejection channel 11) at the outlet of the lower
ejection
channel 12. In other words, once the latter channel 12 has been traveled, the
residues dive directly and naturally into the chute 26 in order to be expelled
outside the turret 9 according to a separating mode identical to that defined
for
the connectors 2 traversing the upper ejection channel 11.
In the case of the secondary weapon 33, once the chain or
strip 3 of small-caliber ammunition 1 reaches the height of the secondary
weapon 33, also after having passed through the supply channels 20, once the
shooting is done, the shells 5 and the connectors 2 will be ejected separately
after they pass in two specific and separate evacuation channels 13, 14: i)
for
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
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the connectors 2, they follow the upper evacuation channel 13 before diving,
naturally under the effect of gravity, into the chute 26 to end up outside the
turret 9, and ii) for the shells 5, the ejection mechanism is substantially
similar,
with the difference that the shells 5 follow the lower ejection channel 14 to
end
up outside the turret 9 after having been collected in the chute 26.
Thus, both for the residues from the primary weapon 19 and
those from the secondary weapon 33, the chute 26 serves as a funnel to
channel them so that they may be ejected outside the turret 9.
It should also be noted that in both scenarios, i.e., for the
residues indifferently coming from each type of weapon 19 and/or 33, the
ejection outside the turret 9 is flot always done only by gravity. Indeed,
when
they are channeled into the chute 26, the residues are slowed slightly in
their
fall following i) various friction existing between them, ii) the resistance
between
them and the chute 26, and iii) the incline of the turret 9. This is why
preferably,
a small motor 29 is placed in any location at said chute 26. The purpose of
this
motor 29 is to cause, via an unbalancing mass, a vibration with a certain
intensity, which makes it possible to eject all of the residues by rninimizing
the
mechanical stresses. Its intensity is initially variable, given that it
depends on
the type and caliber of the ammunition 1 as well as the type of connectors 2
used. This intensity should next be constant during shooting when an adequate
frequency favorable to the ejection of the residues outside the turret 9 has
been
obtained. The vibration is absorbed by the vibrating studs, fastening the
chute
26 to the housing 17 of the body structure 18 of the turret 9, and its
frequency
can be modified easily by changing the unbalancing mass. This motor 29 is
actuated only during shooting. Indeed, upstream, the first item of ammunition
1
is rearmed to be brought in front of the orifice of the considered weapon 19,
33.
Next, when shooting is initiated, the bullet 5 is fired such that i) the gases
resulting from this maneuver are recovered by fans to be ejected outside the
turret 9, and ii) the motor 29 is actuated simultaneously. It should be noted
that,
in one preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor 29 is situated below
the
base sheet 45 of the chute 26.
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
The presence of the motor 29 is even more useful and
justified when the vehicle, and consequently the turret 9, are flot situated
on
perfectly horizontal ground. Thus, when the vehicle is stopped or moving on
uneven terrain, the turret 9 cannot undergo an incline exceeding a certain
value.
5 Yet, since the chute 26 itself has a specific angular deflection relative to
the
housing 17 of the body structure 18 of the turret 9, the maximum angular
difference in absolute value is comprised between 10 and 900. If this value is
too
low to favor the ejection of residues under the effect of gravity, only the
motor
29 acts to drive and accelerate the fall thereof.
10 One
additional criterion associated with the chute 26 is
related to the NBC constraint, i.e., relative to the nuclear, biological
and/or
chemical protection(s) associated with the considered weapon 19, 33. To
satisfy
the latter, two closing devices are considered simultaneously:
= a removable stopper 46 is placed at the second orifice 28 of the chute
15 26;
= a rubber strip 47, called bellows seal, is permanently fastened in two
specific locations. At one end, it completely surrounds the chute 26
while being placed and glued in a slot midway along the height of the
latter 26, and at the other end, it is captured by the closing sheet 48.
20 The
last parameter to be taken into consideration in the
ejection device 10 according to the invention is the surface continuity 21.
This is
a structure which i) provides the connection between the upper ejection
channel
11 and the first orifice 24 of the bent channel 23, and ii) remains fixed or
slides
longitudinally. It is associated with a spring device 30 via a vertical plate
(not
shown) adjacent to the bent channel 23, situated below the base sheet 31 of
the
bent channel 23, the spring device 30 in turn, via said vertical plate, being
connected to a(n) (un)locking housing 32 managed by a member of the crew
present in the turret 9.
Thus, during operation, the spring device 30 is tensed such
that the surface continuity 21 tends to be brought back toward the upper
ejection channel 11 to define and ensure continuity between these two
structures 11, 21. In other words, it is the (un)locking housing 32 or click
that
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
21
keeps the spring device 30 in this position to prevent the surface continuity
21
from returning. To perform maintenance on certain specific elements within the
turret 9, it suffices to free the (un)locking housing 32 or click in order for
the
spring device 30 no longer to be tensed and the surface continuity 21 to slide
outward, in other words, for it no longer to be secured to the upper ejection
channel 11. Owing to this separating operation, as a safety measure, the
crewmember can remain within the turret 9 in order, for example, to: i)
perform
maintenance operations of the primary weapon 19, ii) clear incorrectly engaged
ammunition 1, iii) remove the supply 20 and/or ejection 11, 12 channel(s), iv)
etc.
Advantages of the invention
The project currently being developed makes it possible to
achieve very high operational, functional, ergonomic, economic, etc. levels
after
the position ing defined above.
In terms of the mechanical aspects, the assembly follows
from a relatively simple approach, while configuring a rigid fastener able to
absorb ail of the impacts and vibrations as needed during the various
movements of the turret and/or the vehicle in which the turret is attached,
these
movements being both in terms of elevation and rotation, as well as those
described by the movements of the vehicle.
Thus, to favor such mounting, the turret, and more
particularly the environment at the interface around the barrel, has undergone
only slight structural modifications. The latter essentially appear at a
specific
end of the body structure of the turret in direct contact with the support
plate of
the barrel adjoining the mask as well as at the mask as such. This is why this
ejection device is mounted on a turret with which a small- and/or medium-
caliber barrel is associated. In the case of the large-caliber barrel, the
ejection
and recovery of the residues of the ammunition follows a completely different
approach, which is why it is flot developed in this patent application.
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
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Reference symbols
1 ammunition
2 connector
3 chain or strip
4 bullet or warhead
shell
6 gunpowder
7 cap
8 fuse
9 turret
ejection device
11 upper ejection channel
12 lower ejection channel
13 upper evacuation channel
14 lower evacuation channel
rolling bearing(s)
16 turret mask
17 housing
18 body structure
19 barrel
ammunition supply system
21 surface continuity
22 closing sheet
23 bent channel
24 first orifice of the bent tube
CA 03034165 2019-02-15
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25 second orifice of the bent tube
26 chute
27 first chute orifice
28 second chute orifice
29 motor
30 spring device
31 base sheet
32 (un)locking housing
33 machine-gun or coax
34 first con nector part
35 second con nector part
36 central curl or loop
37 loop
38 loop
39 small opposite loop
40 rectangular part
41 flat part
42 finger
43 removal slot
44 ejection orifice at the mask
45 base sheet
46 chute stopper
47 bellows seal
48 closing sheet
