ES2670795T3 - Guidance channel element of ammunition belt and guiding channel formed by such elements - Google Patents

Abstract

Element (11) of a channel that is intended to guide an ammunition belt formed by links (9) carrying ammunition (10) between a magazine (6) and a weapon (2), element (11) formed by a single piece and comprising means (16, 18) that allow the element to be joined with at least one other element to constitute a channel (7), an element characterized by the fact that it is constituted by a plate (11a) with a substantially rectangular closed contour that it comprises two long sides (11b, 11c) connected by two short sides (11d, 11e) and that delimits a passageway (13) for the ammunition belt, the means allowing the union with another element comprising at least two pairs (15a, 15b) of tabs (16) extending substantially perpendicular to the plate (11a), tabs intended to be inserted in notches (18) carried by a nearby element (11), a first pair (15a) of tabs being arranged to the height of a first long side (11b) of the rectangular contour and the second pair (15b) of tabs (16) being arranged at the height of a second long side (11c) of the contour that is parallel to the first long side (11b).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Guidance channel element of ammunition belt and guiding channel formed by such elements

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of the channels that allow guiding an ammunition belt between a magazine and a weapon.

[0002] Ammunition tapes are made up of links that are articulated to each other, where each link carries ammunition.

[0003] These ammunition tapes are normally used in small-caliber (less than 14mm) or medium-caliber (caliber between 14mm and 50mm) weapons systems.

[0004] As an example, patent FR2929699 describes a type of links that may constitute an ammunition belt.

[0005] To carry the ammunition from the magazine to the weapon with maximum safety, it is also traditional to pass the ammunition tapes through flexible feeding channels that ensure the protection and guidance of the tapes while allowing the movement of the weapon with respect to its afuste.

[0006] Usually known channels are complex and expensive assemblies formed by the assembly of various elements. In addition, each element is in turn formed by numerous pieces that need to be assembled (by screwing or welding) before constituting the channel.

[0007] A channel for ammunition tape according to the preamble of the independent claims is known from US3307452, in which each element is formed by a single piece of C-shaped folded sheet.

[0008] This element has a complex folded structure and also the open shape of each element makes it particularly deformable, with the risk of deterioration of the guidance. The result is a risk of tape blocking in the channel.

[0009] A channel formed by the assembly of individual elements of two different types is also known from patent GB590783: C-shaped bars and closed frames. The elements are linked two by two by pins and there are spring means that are interposed between two consecutive elements. In this case also this channel formed by several different pieces is complex and expensive.

[0010] The aim of the invention is to propose an element that allows, by assembly with other elements, to form a channel for guiding ammunition belts, an element that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture and whose rigidity ensures the reliable guiding of the conveyor belt. ammunition

[0011] Thus, the invention has as its object an element of a channel which is intended to guide a strip of ammunition formed by links that carries the ammunition between a magazine and a weapon, element formed by a single piece and comprising means that allow the union of the element with at least one other element to constitute a channel, element characterized by the fact that it is constituted by a plate that has a substantially rectangular closed contour comprising two long sides connected by two short sides and that delimit a corridor for the ammunition belt, where the means that allow the union with another element comprise at least two pairs of tongues that extend substantially perpendicular to the plate, tabs intended to be inserted in notches located in a nearby element, a first pair of tabs being arranged at the height of a first long side of the rectangular contour and the second pair of tabs being dis placed at the height of a second long side of the contour that is parallel to the first long side.

[0012] Advantageously, each tab may contain a projection forming a retention stop that limits the relative separation of the element from a nearby element.

[0013] Each tab may be connected to the long side of the contour considered by a connection support that forms a support surface for the links of the ammunition belt.

[0014] Advantageously, the plate may contain means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt.

[0015] The means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt may comprise two pins extending substantially perpendicular to the plate, a first pin being arranged at the height of a first short side of the contour and being intended to form a guide to the culottes of

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ammunition of the belt, a second pin being arranged at the height of a long side of the contour and being designed to form a retaining stop for a front part of the belt link.

[0016] Each long side of the rectangular contour of the plate may contain a curved flange that separates from a flat part of the plate.

[0017] Each element of the channel may be made of cut and folded sheet.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to an element of a channel that is intended to guide a strip of ammunition formed by links carrying the ammunition between a magazine and a weapon, an element formed by a single piece and which it comprises means that allow the element to be joined with at least one other element to constitute a channel, this element being characterized by the fact that it is constituted by a plate having a substantially rectangular and open contour comprising two long sides connected by two short sides and that delimits a corridor for the ammunition belt, extending the means that allow the union with another element comprising at least two pairs of tongues substantially perpendicular to the plate, tabs intended to be inserted in notches located in a nearby element, being arranged a first pair of tabs at the height of a first long side of the rectangular contour and being arranged to the second pair of tabs at the height of a second long side of the contour that is parallel to the first long side.

[0019] For this embodiment, as for the preceding form:

- each tab may contain a projection that forms a retention stop that limits the relative distance of the element from a nearby element.

- each tab may be connected to the long side of the contour considered by a connection support that forms a support surface for the links of the ammunition belt.

- the plate may comprise means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt.

- the means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt may advantageously comprise two pins that extend substantially perpendicular to the plate, a first pin being arranged at the height of a first short side of the contour and being intended to form a guide for the shorts of the ammunition of the belt, a second pin being arranged at the height of a long side of the contour and being designed to form a retaining stop for a front part of the belt link.

[0020] The opening of the contour will preferably be made at the height of a long side that the second pin does not carry.

[0021] The invention also aims at a guiding channel that is intended to guide a strip of ammunition formed by links that carry ammunition between a loader and a weapon, a channel characterized by the fact that it is formed by the assembly of Several identical elements.

[0022] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of a particular embodiment, description made in reference to the attached drawings and in which:

- Figure 1 is a simplified scheme showing a channel according to the invention between a weapon and an ammunition loader,

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a channel element according to an embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 3 is a front view showing an ammunition tape inserted in a channel element according to the invention,

- Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of a channel according to an embodiment of the invention, channel in which an ammunition bearing a link has been positioned,

- Figure 5 is a side view of this part of the channel,

- Figure 6 is a front view of the plate forming the element according to the invention, after cutting and before folding,

- Figures 7a and 7b are perspective views of a channel element according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, a medium-caliber weapon system 1 (between 14 mm and 50 mm) includes a weapon 2 having a tube 3 and whose base 2a is oscillatingly installed on the pivots 4 of axis 5. The weapon system 1 also includes an ammunition loader 6 which is attached to a turret (not shown) that also carries the base 2a by means of a fork not shown.

[0024] This representation is very schematic and its only objective is to position a guide channel 7 according to the invention. This channel is intended to guide a belt 8 of ammunition between the magazine 6 and the weapon 2.

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[0025] Traditionally, the ammunition tape 8 is formed by links 9 that are articulated to each other and each carrying an ammunition 10. The tape 8 is wound on the magazine 6. This ammunition tape is not subject to the invention and it is not necessary to describe it in detail. Patent applications FR2929699 and FR1357412 describe examples of links that allow the formation of ammunition tape.

[0026] The guide channel 7 according to the invention is formed by the assembly of individual elements 11 all identical to each other.

[0027] Figure 2 shows in perspective one of these individual elements 11.

[0028] The element 11 is constituted by an element formed by a single piece which is a substantially flat plate 11a with a substantially rectangular closed contour comprising two long sides 11b and 11c that are connected by two short sides 11d and 11e. The closed contour delimits a corridor 13 for the ammunition belt.

[0029] The realization of the element 11 in the form of a closed contour makes it possible to obtain a strong stiffness of this element and reduces its bending deformations in response to an effort F parallel to the plate plane 11a. The result is a guiding of the ammunition tapes without the risk of blocking as a result of a deformation of the elements 11 of the channel.

[0030] As seen in Figure 2, the plate 11a forms a flat surface and each long side 11b and 11c of the rectangular contour of the plate includes a curved flange 14 which substantially moves away from the flat part of the plate 11a. This type of arrangement allows to increase the flexural stiffness of the plate 11a in response to effort F. It also avoids living angles that can injure the users during the placement of the channels.

[0031] As can also be seen in Figure 2, the plate 11a also includes two pairs 15a, 15b of tongues 16 which extend substantially perpendicular to the plate 11a.

[0032] A first pair 15a of tabs 16 is disposed at the height of a first long side 11b of the rectangular contour and the second pair of tabs 15b is disposed at the height of a second long side 11c of the contour that is parallel to the first long side

[0033] Each tab 16 is connected to the long side 11b or 11c of the contour considered by a widened connection support 17 which is intended to form a bearing surface for links 9 of the ammunition belt.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an ammunition 10 attached to a link 9. It is emphasized that link 9 is guided longitudinally by the four supports formed by the connection supports 17.

[0035] It is easy to control during the manufacture of the elements 11 the separations between the connection supports 17 of the two pairs of tongues 16. The clearance between the link and each channel element, therefore, can be easily controlled.

[0036] In Figure 2 it is emphasized that each connection support 17 includes a notch 18.

[0037] The tabs 16 of a given element 11 are intended to be inserted in the notches 18 carried by a nearby element 11.

[0038] Thus, the tabs 16 and the notches 18 constitute means that allow the joining of an element 11 with one or two neighboring elements. Each tongue 16 finally includes a protrusion 19 that is bent at a right angle to the tongue 16. The protrusion 19 forms a retention stop that allows limiting the relative distance of an element 11 with respect to a nearby element.

[0039] If, in particular, figure 5 is considered, showing the assembly of several elements 11 (here five elements) to form a channel 7, it is observed that each tongue 16 is housed in a notch 18 of a nearby element. This assembly allows the separation and approach of the elements 11 from each other to the support of one or more projections 19 against the plate 11a of a nearby element. In particular, in figure 5 it is emphasized that the element 11 located to the rightmost has an upper tongue 16 whose projection 19 is resting against the nearby element 11 when the lower tongue 16 is not supported. There is a possible relative pivoting of these elements 11 with respect to each other, which allows the channel to follow curved paths.

[0040] It is also possible to provide a clearance between the tabs 16 and the notches 18 that allow a pivot of an element 11 with respect to the ones around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the

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plate 11a. A limited torsion of channel 7 is thus allowed, which may be useful for certain types of weapon assemblies.

[0041] Figure 4 shows the same assembly of five elements 11 according to another viewing angle. Taking into account the two elements 11 located further to the left, in Figure 4 you can see the introduction of the tabs 16 in the notches 18. It is also emphasized in this figure 4 that the connection brackets 17 of the different tabs are located after assembly, substantially in prolongation of each other. The guiding of the links 9 of the ammunition belt is, therefore, done continuously along the entire channel 7 despite the relative pivots of the elements 11 with respect to each other.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2, the plate 11 also includes other means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt.

[0043] These guiding means comprise two pins 20 and 21 which extend substantially perpendicular to the plate 11a.

[0044] A first pin 20 is arranged at the height of a first short side 11d of the contour and is intended to form a transverse guide for the shorts 10a of the ammunition 10 of the belt. The shorts 10a of the ammunition are supported (or in front) against a flange 20a of this first pin arranged near the opening 13.

[0045] As seen in Figure 5, the first pins 20 are long enough so that the shorts 10a of the ammunition are always in support (or in front) against a pin 20 during its advance through the channel 7.

[0046] A second pin 21 is arranged at the height of the second long side 11c of the contour of the element 11 and is intended to form a retaining stop for a front part 9a of the link 9.

[0047] The second pin 21 therefore prevents the transverse displacement of the ammunition belt that remains positioned between the first pin 20 and the second pin 21. In this way, the two pins thus ensure a positioning transverse of the ammunition that are not positioned crossed in the channel 7.

[0048] From the standpoint of manufacturing, the elements 11 are made by laser cutting or punching on a stainless steel plate 1 to 2 mm thick. Figure 6 shows the cutting profile that is performed on each plate. Each element, therefore, is done in one piece, which is particularly economical.

[0049] After cutting, all the folds are made first with the help of an adapted tool (folder, sausage tool ...).

[0050] The assembly is done by placing the tabs 16 of the second pair 15b of an element 11 in position in the notches 18 of another channel element 11. The tabs 16 of the first pair 15a are then supported to place them by elastic deformation in the corresponding notches 18 of the other channel element.

[0051] Thus, the elements are assembled together to form a channel 7 having the desired length.

[0052] The invention has been described within an application for guiding a medium caliber (20 mm) ammunition tape. Of course, it is applicable for guiding channels of ammunition belts of other calibers, in particular of small caliber (less than 14 mm, for example 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm).

[0053] Figures 7a and 7b show in perspective a channel element according to two other embodiments of the invention.

[0054] These embodiments differ from the preceding one in that the plate 11a has a substantially rectangular contour that is open and not closed.

[0055] Thus, according to Figure 7a, an opening 22 is made at the height of the upper long side 11b and between the tabs 16 of the first pair of tongues 15a.

[0056] According to Figure 7b, the opening 22 is made between a tongue 16 of the first pair 15a and the short side 11e of the plate 11a.

[0057] The opening 22 significantly decreases the stiffness of the element but, on the other hand, allows a slight torsional deformation of the plate 11a around a direction parallel to the long sides 11b and 11c, which gives the channel realized a torsional flexibility . In addition, the opening 22 makes it easier to guide a tape of ammunition, with a tool, through the channel during the initial loading of the weapon.

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[0058] The opening 22 is preferably made at the height of the long side 11b that does not have the second guide pin 21. In this way, the torsional deformation of the plate 11a will not disturb the guidance of the ammunition belt being made. at the height of the long side 11c.

[0059] The plate 11a also has all the structural features previously described in reference to Figures 2 to 6. Thus, each plate 11a is connected to the one next to it by means of two pairs 15a, 15b of tongues 16 that extend perpendicularly to plate 11a and which are inserted in notches 18 carried by a nearby plate 11a. Therefore, it is completely possible, to describe the characteristics of these two embodiments, also consider Figures 2 to 6 incorporating an opening 22 as described in reference to Figures 7a and 7b.

[0060] Also in that case the plates 11a may be made by laser cutting or by punching. The opening 22 grants a certain torsional deformation capacity of the plate.

[0061] In order to limit the deformation in flexion of the plate as a result of an effort F parallel to the plane of the plate (see figure 2) and, therefore, to allow guiding of the ammunition tapes by the pins 20 and 21 avoiding the blocking of the ammunition tapes, the plate 11a may be given a thickness greater than that adopted for the preceding embodiment.

[0062] The curved flanges 14 can also be extended to make a curved flange that follows, continuously (except at the height of the opening 22), the entire outer edge of the plate 11a. In that case, the plate 11a for example will be embedded after cutting to form the flange.

[0063] As a variant, it would be possible to define an element 11 in the form of a closed (or open) contour but in which the means of joining between elements would have a different shape than the folded tongues. For example, additional joining means such as oblong connecting rings fixed in holes of two nearby elements could be defined. Such an embodiment would allow the rigidity ensured by the closed form to be preserved. However, it is less interesting from an economic point of view because, by multiplying the parts, the manufacturing and assembly costs of the canal increase.

Claims (10)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 1. Element (11) of a channel that is intended to guide an ammunition belt formed by links (9) carrying ammunition (10) between a magazine (6) and a weapon (2), element (11) formed by a single piece and comprising means (16, 18) that allow the element to be joined with at least one other element to constitute a channel (7), an element characterized by the fact that it is constituted by a plate (11a) with a substantially closed contour rectangular comprising two long sides (11b, 11c) connected by two short sides (11d, 11e) and delimiting a passage (13) for the ammunition belt, the means allowing the union with another element comprising at least two pairs ( 15a, 15b) of tabs (16) extending substantially perpendicular to the plate (11a), tabs intended to be inserted in notches (18) carried by a nearby element (11), a first pair (15a) of tabs being arranged at the height of a first long side (11b) of the rectangular contour r and the second pair (15b) of tabs (16) being arranged at the height of a second long side (11c) of the contour that is parallel to the first long side (11b). 2. Element (11) of a channel that is intended to guide an ammunition belt formed by links (9) carrying ammunition (10) between a magazine (6) and a weapon (2), element (11) formed by a single piece and comprising means (16, 18) that allow the element to be joined with at least one other element to constitute a channel (7), an element characterized by the fact that it is constituted by a plate (11a) having a substantially contour rectangular and open comprising two long sides (11b, 11c) connected by two short sides (11d, 11e) and delimiting a passage (13) for the ammunition belt, the means that allow the union with another element comprising at least two pairs (15a, 15b) of tabs (16) extending substantially perpendicular to the plate (11a), tabs intended to be inserted in notches (18) carried by a neighboring element (11), a first pair (15a) being arranged of tabs at the height of a first long side (11b) of the contour rec tangular and the second pair (15b) of tabs (16) being arranged at the height of a second long side (11c) of the contour that is parallel to the first long side (11b). 3. A channel element according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each tongue (16) includes a projection (19) forming a retention stop that limits the relative distance of the element (11) with respect to to a nearby item. 4. A channel element according to claim 3, characterized in that each tongue (16) is connected to the long side of the contour considered by a connection support (17) that forms a bearing surface for the links (9) of the ammunition tape. Element of a channel according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plate (11a) includes means (20, 21) that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt. 6. A channel element according to claim 5, characterized in that the means that allow transverse guidance of the ammunition belt comprise two pins (20, 21) that extend substantially perpendicular to the plate (11a) , a first pin (20) being arranged at the height of a first short side (11d) of the contour and state destined to form a guide for the shorts (10a) of the ammunition of the belt, a second pin (21) being arranged at the height of a long side (11b) of the contour and being intended to form a retaining stop for a front part (9a) of the link (9) of the belt. 7. A channel element according to claim 2 and claim 6, characterized in that the opening of the contour is made at the height of a long side that does not have the second pin. 8. A channel element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each long side (11b, 11c) of the rectangular contour of the plate (11a) includes a curved flange (14) which is separated from a flat part of the plate. 9. Element of a channel according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is made of cut and folded sheet. 10. Guidance channel (7) that is intended to guide a belt (8) of ammunition formed by links (9) carrying ammunition (10) between a magazine (6) and a weapon (2), a channel characterized by the fact of which it is formed by the assembly of elements (11) according to one of the preceding claims.