EP1312886A1 - Ammunition drum for a gun - Google Patents

Abstract

The ammunition drum (110), for a weapon with at least two projectile channels (116), rotates around a longitudinal axis (112) and is composed of at least two drum segments (114.1-114.3) bonded together by tie bolts (120). The drum segments are arranged with one at the front and one at the rear, with a center segment between them. The neighboring drum segments have complementary system of fits, as lateral segments with at least one limit surface across the drum axis. Each segment has a projectile channel through it.

Description

The invention relates to an ammunition drum according to the preamble of claim 1 and a firearm according to claim 17.

Ammunition drums of this type are used to feed projectiles to the weapon barrel a firearm. They have several floor channels that are in the same mutual Angular distances are arranged around the longitudinal axis of the drum. in the General, but not mandatory, are the longitudinal axis of the drum, the longitudinal axis of the channel and the soul axis of the gun barrel directed parallel. The ammunition drum can be rotated in steps around its longitudinal axis; At her Rotation keeps them in certain angular positions between successive steps each for a limited break. The floor channels pass through it in rotation in different positions, in particular in a receiving position, in which they pick up a floor and in a delivery position in which they drop the bullet. The floor channel is located on the entry side in front of the gun barrel, that is, the bullet channel and the gun barrel arranged coaxially to each other. The ammunition drums can vary depending on the Firearm on which they are used, different numbers of bullet channels include, and also the number of steps and pauses are different. Theoretically, the supply of ammunition to a gun barrel is included an ammunition drum with only one projectile channel, which is in the course of a full Rotation of the ammunition drum is only brought into two positions. In general, however, ammunition drums have several, often three to six, Floor channels. The number of floor channels corresponds to the number of Lay the ammunition drum in which its gradual rotation through a pause is interrupted.

Ammunition drums of a conventional type are very good at being proportionate to supply small-caliber ammunition to relatively light guns. In the Use of ammunition drums on heavier guns to feed Larger-caliber ammunition, however, presents numerous problems, both with the Use of the firearm as well as in the manufacture and assembly of the ammunition drum.

When using firearms, the mass must be rotated when the ammunition drum is turned Accelerated and decelerated with every step. This Mass is composed of the mass of the projectiles to be transported and from the mass of the ammunition drum itself. Both the mass of the projectiles as well as the mass of the drum take with increasing caliber of the projectiles to. It is true that the mass to be moved can also be used with relatively large ones Calibers can be kept relatively small when ammunition drums with few Bullet channels are used, but it becomes difficult to reach such high To achieve cadenzas, as required by modern artillery become.

Large masses to be moved essentially result in two disadvantages when using the weapons. First, the location of the gun and thus change the direction of the gun barrel through the reactive forces at each Acceleration and deceleration of the ammunition drum on the gun be exercised; this has the consequence that the hit picture changes or the Weapon effect decreases. Second, the high forces cause heavy wear of the moving parts, which negatively affects the reliability of the firearm influenced and has the consequence that the service life decreases.

Ammunition drums with a large mass are also disadvantageous in production. On the one hand, the weight of the ammunition drum becomes so great that it does not can be moved and clamped more without tools. On the other hand, must heavy duty material can be used as this material with regard be selected for the highest stress that ever occurs must, although this highest stress occurs only in a few places. Heavy-duty material is generally specifically heavy and in any case relatively expensive, not only in procurement but mostly also in editing because it is not easy to edit; is particularly disadvantageous in this context that machining errors that are in a final phase of Manufacturing undercut, the entire ammunition drum to the rejects leave, so that a relatively large loss of material and processing time has to be accepted.

In order to reduce the disadvantages mentioned, attempts have been made to reduce the mass of the ammunition drums by appropriate shaping by not in or Recesses have been made in areas with little stress. Indeed the same initial quantity of material and processing are required is not easier but rather more complex. The making of recesses there are also limits because of the shape and in particular the wall thickness of the remaining mass must be such that it is still possible Incorporate cooling channels for a coolant. Alternatively, a only external cooling with ambient air can be provided, but is this requires shaping with cooling fins, which in turn requires machining makes more complex.

In summary, it can be stated that no ammunition drums are known are suitable for supplying large-caliber projectiles to gun barrels.

• eine Munitionstrommel der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, mit welcher die Nachteile des Standes der Technik sowohl im Einsatz wie auch in der Herstellung vermieden werden; und
• eine Schusswaffe mit einer auch für grosskalibrige Geschosse geeigneten Munitionstrommel vorzuschlagen.

The object of the invention is

• to create an ammunition drum of the type mentioned at the outset, with which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided both in use and in manufacture; and
• propose a firearm with an ammunition drum that is also suitable for large-caliber projectiles.

• für die Munitionstrommel der eingangs genannten Art durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Anspruchs 1, und
• für die Schusswaffe durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 17.

The solution of this object is achieved according to the invention

• for the ammunition drum of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 , and
• for the firearm by the features of claim 17 .

Preferred developments and details of the ammunition drum are defined by claims 2 to 16 which are dependent on claim 1 .

The new ammunition drum has a modular structure and is therefore different of conventional ammunition drums in that they consist of at least two, but generally three or more drum segments is manufactured. Thereby the mass of the individual drum parts becomes smaller, so that their handling is facilitated. A processing error in a final phase is not serious, since only the affected drum segment, but not an entire ammunition drum needs to be replaced. It is also in the case of a revision of the firearm possible to replace only individual damaged drum segments, whereby the total life of the ammunition drum increases.

To ensure precise joining of adjacent drum segments facilitate, it is advantageous to touch these drum segments on their To provide partitions with complementary fit elements.

The ammunition drum can be designed so that the drum segments Longitudinal segments are, with the separation between adjacent drum segments runs essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum. At a in this configuration, the drum segments can be sector-like and preferred be the same. Generally, each longitudinal segment contains one Floor channel, but it is also possible to have multiple floor channels in each longitudinal segment to arrange or between two longitudinal segments with floor channels to arrange a spacing segment without a floor channel. A floor channel can also partly by a first and partly by a second, neighboring Longitudinal element to be limited. The floor channels can be an insert from one have heat-resistant and low-abrasion insert; this allows this Use surrounding parts of the longitudinal segment from a less resilient and to produce relatively cheaper material.

An ammunition drum, its drum segments, has proven to be particularly advantageous Are cross segments, with the separation between adjacent Cross segments essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drum.

Here, the ammunition drum is generally designed to be a Has middle segment, which mainly consists of the floor channels. The middle segment can be in one piece and the entirety of the floor channels comprise, or it can consist of several, preferably the same segment units consist. Each segment unit generally comprises one or, if necessary also more than one floor channel. The ammunition drum can also be designed so that the central segment alternately with segment units and has no floor channel.

Center segments with a variety of segment units are from the standpoint cooling from particularly advantageous. The segment units can be tubular be designed so that special coolant channels are unnecessary.

Furthermore, an ammunition drum made of cross segments either has a Front segment designed cross segment or one designed as a rear segment Cross segment on; seen in the firing direction of the firearm the front segment at the front and the rear segment at the rear of the middle segment. The ammunition drum preferably comprises both a front segment and a tail segment.

With very large ammunition drums, not only the middle segment but also the front and / or the rear segment may also be longitudinally divided. Very long Cross segments can also be subdivided into several cross segment units.

The cross-sectional profile of the projectile channels over the length of the ammunition drum depends on the shape of the cartridges to be fired. The floor channels can, for cylinder cartridges - over the axial length of the ammunition drum have a constant diameter and, if necessary, for return transport the empty pods are used after the shot. The floor channels can also - for non-cylindrical cartridges - a rear area with a larger diameter than a sleeve or cartridge chamber and one have a front area with a smaller diameter; at such The empty tubes are ejected towards the rear.

The floor channels are the most thermally and mechanically stressed Parts of the ammunition drum; for a construction with a middle segment, a front segment and / or a rear segment can be used for the middle segment a high quality, especially high temperature resistant material can be selected while the front segment and the rear segment from less resistant, but cheaper, lighter and easier to work with Materials can be manufactured.

In connection with this, the ammunition drum has proven to be cheap to be designed so that the floor ducts run over the entire length of the drum and consequently from the middle segment into or through the front segment and extend into or through the rear segment.

To increase the life of the ammunition drum and a safe function It is important to ensure the temperature of the ammunition drum and in particular keep the floor channels in a limited temperature range and to cool them enough. This is especially true of high cadence weapons and with relatively light drums, like those from dynamic Reasons are preferred, important. Cooling measures must ensure that not only at the moment of shooting but also afterwards is cooled; this is supposed to ignite, in particular the auto-ignition of the after the last shot in the bullet channels remaining bullets that also known as the cook-off effect can be avoided. Monitoring the Cooling effect can be easily realized when cooling with the help of a coolant circulating through coolant channels. It it is then sufficient to provide a flow switch that detects insufficient coolant flow generates a warning signal. This type of cooling is suitable for everyone Ambient temperatures, especially for very high ambient temperatures.

When choosing a suitable coolant, note the following: The coolant must not evaporate or evaporate at high temperatures change chemically in an unfavorable manner; the coolant may be used at low temperatures do not freeze or have too high viscosity; the coolant must never be corrosive or abrasive. A suitable coolant is for example water, to which a suitable additive is added. Additionally, which provides protection against the cold and corrosion, for example glycol can be used become.

Instead of cooling with the help of a special coolant, for example water with an addition, the ammunition drum could be shaped appropriately Cooling is also done with the help of the ambient air. Instead of coolant channels suitable shaping, for example with cooling fins, be provided.

On ammunition drums, which are divided into cross segments and a front segment, generally have a central segment and a rear segment those areas of the floor channels that are cooled inside of the front segment or the rear segment. This is all the more necessary the greater the axial length within the front segment or Areas of the projectile channels arranged in the rear segment. You can do this in the coolant channels are provided in the front segments and / or in the rear segments his. In order to produce the coolant channels as simply as possible, it is favorable one or more in the outer surface of the segment units of the central segment Make recesses in the area that in the Front segment or the rear segment comes to rest; the wall of this recess then limited, together with the opposite one in the assembled state Wall of the front segment or rear segment, a coolant channel, which is optimal, namely close to the place of heat development. Outside the front segment or the rear segment can be cooled without special coolant, only with the help of the ambient air. With a Such a construction gives a sufficient cooling effect with simpler Shape and low coolant consumption.

The individual drum segments can be connected to each other in different ways be connected. The connection can, for example, without connecting elements, only by positive or non-positive connection.

The ammunition drums are driven, for example, from the outside via control rollers. The cartridges can be fed by means of a central drive element, which is arranged in a central opening or breakout of the ammunition drum is done.

One is an example of a positive connection of drum segments Connection with integral connection elements, for example a connection with complementary grooves and protrusions, called; it can be used in particular Attach the drum segments to each other, which are designed as longitudinal segments are and their parting surfaces in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum, preferably diametrical.

One is an example of a non-positive connection of drum segments Called shrink connection, with which in particular a middle segment or Segment units of a middle segment in a front segment or rear segment can be attached.

The ammunition drum can also be additional connecting elements for Example screws, with which the drum segments are clamped together become; it can be essential to provide screw locks, to loosen the screws in the dynamic Prevent stress; in particular, middle segments or Segment units of middle segments in this way between the front segment and clamp the rear segment. Instead of the connections of the drum segments mentioned other suitable connections can also be provided. The The middle segment can, for example, be welded to the front segment and be connected to the rear segment; however, this can be a retroactive one Machining, especially of the floor channels, is necessary.

The new ammunition drum is designed to be mounted on a firearm become. It is preferred to retrofit existing firearms like this trained that for mounting and driving the ammunition drum on the Firearm no changes are necessary.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Munitionstrommel nach der Erfindung, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 2

ein Frontteil der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Munitionstrommel, in einem Schaubild;

Fig. 3

ein Längssegment eines Mittelteiles der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Munitionstrommel, in einem Schaubild; und

Fig. 4

ein Heckteil der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Munitionstrommel, in einem Schaubild.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

an embodiment of the ammunition drum according to the invention, in a diagram;

Fig. 2

a front part of the ammunition drum shown in Figure 1, in a diagram.

Fig. 3

a longitudinal segment of a central part of the ammunition drum shown in Figure 1, in a diagram. and

Fig. 4

a rear part of the ammunition drum shown in Fig. 1, in a diagram.

It should be noted that the drawings should not be considered to scale are.

1 shows an ammunition drum 110 with a longitudinal axis 112 of the drum. The ammunition drum 110 is divided transversely to the longitudinal axis 112 of the drum into three drum segments 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 designed as transverse segments and furthermore has four connecting parts 120 in the form of screws. The first drum segment 114.1, also referred to as the tail segment 114.1 , is shown in FIG. 2 ; the second drum segment , 114.2, also referred to as the middle segment 114.2 , essentially consists of four identical segment units , which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 of the drum, and is shown in FIG. 3 ; the third drum segment 114.3 , also referred to as or front segment 114.3 , is shown in FIG. 4 .

In general, the transverse segments touch with their separating surfaces which run essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis 112 of the drum. The separating surface of a transverse segment does not have to be continuous, that is to say that several individual partial separating surfaces can be present on a transverse segment, which are separated from one another by recesses. The separating surfaces can also have partial separating surfaces extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum, in particular in order to provide fitting elements which facilitate the precise joining of the transverse segments. Furthermore, the separating surfaces can also be designed to taper in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum or to have partial separating surfaces designed to be tapering, which likewise facilitates precise assembly of the individual transverse segments.

The tail segment 114.1 is of flange-like design according to FIG. 2 and has a central bore 115.1 for receiving a shaft, not shown, via which ammunition drum 110, when it is attached to a firearm, not shown, can be set in rotation. Furthermore, the rear segment 114.1 has four bores 115.2 which are arranged at the same mutual angular distances of 90 ° and at the same distances from the central bore 115.1 . The bores 115.2 serve to receive the rear ends of the segment units 114.4 of the central segment 114.2. The rear segment 114.1 also has four bores 115.3 for receiving the connecting elements 120 .

3 , each of the segment units 114.4 of the middle segment 114.2 is tubular and delimits a projectile channel 116 with a longitudinal axis 118. The segment units 114.4 can also be limited other than cylindrical, and the middle segment 114.2 can also be formed in one piece. The channel longitudinal axes 118 are aligned parallel to the drum longitudinal axis 112 . 1, each segment unit 114.4 of the middle segment 114.2 extends over the entire axial length of the ammunition drum 110, that is to say that each segment unit 114.4 projects with its rear end into the rear segment 114.1 and with its front end into the front segment 114.3. The outside diameter of the front section of each segment unit 114.4 is smaller than the outside diameter of its rear section. A, preferably helical, recess 122, which forms a first boundary of a coolant channel, extends over the outer surface of the front part of each segment unit 114.4 . A second limitation of the coolant channel is formed by the inner wall of a bore 115.4 in the front segment 114.3 . There can also be several coolant channels on a front segment. The coolant channels are designed to receive a coolant that circulates when weapons are used. A web at the front end of the front section is dimensioned so that sealing problems with circulating coolant are prevented.

The front segment 114.3 shown in FIG. 4 has a central bore 115.5 . In the assembled state of the ammunition drum 110 , the bore 115.5 is aligned with the central bore 115.1 of the rear segment 114.1 and serves to receive the shaft (not shown), which serves to mount the ammunition drum 110 and to drive the ammunition supply. The front segment 114.3 also includes the already mentioned four holes 115.4 that the front ends of the center segment of the segment units 114.2 and 114.4 of the center segment record 114.2 in the assembled state of the ammunition drum 110th Furthermore, the front segment 114.3 has four flange-like projections 124 with bores 125, in which the connecting elements 120 are received in the assembled state of the ammunition drum 110 . Four connection points 132 are also formed on the front segment 114.3 , which serve to receive control rollers via which the ammunition drum 110 is driven.

Claims (17)

Ammunition drum (110) for a firearm, with at least two projectile channels (118) which are arranged around a longitudinal drum axis (116) ,
characterized in that the ammunition drum ( 110 ) has at least two drum segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) connected to one another. Ammunition drum ( 110 ) according to claim 1,
characterized in that adjacent drum segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) have complementary fitting elements. Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 1 or 2 ,
characterized in that the drum segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) are designed as transverse segments, the transverse segments having at least one interface which runs essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis (112) of the drum. Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 3 ,
characterized in that one of the transverse segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) is designed as a central segment ( 114.2 ). Ammunition drum ( 110 ) according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized in that one of the transverse segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) is designed as a front segment ( 114.3 ). Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 3, 4 or 5 ,
characterized in that one of the transverse segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) is designed as a rear segment ( 114.1 ). Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 4 ,
characterized in that the central segment (114.2) has a plurality of segment units ( 114.4 ) running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drum ( 112 ). Ammunition drum ( 110 ) according to claim 7,
characterized in that a floor channel (116) runs through each segment unit (114.4) . Ammunition drum (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the drum segments are at least partially positively attached to each other. Ammunition drum (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the drum segments ( 114.2, 114.3 ) are at least partially non-positively, for example by shrinking, attached to each other. Ammunition drum ( 110 ) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it also has connecting elements ( 120 ), for example screws, by means of which the drum segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) are fastened to one another. Ammunition drum (110) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it has an arrangement for cooling, in particular the floor channels (118) . Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 12,
characterized in that the arrangement for cooling has cooling areas on at least one of the drum segments, which are intended to give off heat to a coolant, possibly air. Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 12,
characterized in that the arrangement for cooling has at least one coolant channel which lies in one of the drum segments (114.3) and is intended to be flowed through by a coolant. Ammunition drum ( 110 ) according to claim 14,
characterized in that the coolant duct on the one hand by the wall of a recess (122) in the outer surface of the segment unit (114.4) and on the other hand by the recess opposite wall is a bore (115.3) limits of the drum segment (114.3). Ammunition drum (110) according to claim 3 ,
characterized in that the transverse segments ( 114.1, 114.2, 114.3 ) are made of different materials, the transverse segment ( 114.2 ) forming the projectile channels ( 118 ) preferably being made of a material which is one compared to the remaining transverse segments ( 114.1, 114.3 ) increased strength, especially high heat resistance. Firearm with at least one weapon barrel and at least one ammunition drum,
characterized in that the ammunition drum is designed according to one of claims 1 to 16 .

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