Propellant portioning device comprising an expandable holding element

Abstract

A propellant portioning device for a propellant formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules includes at least a first module holder, wherein the first module holder has at least one expandable holding element for holding one of the individual propellant modules. In an embodiment, the expandable holding element is expandable by a pressure of a fluid, wherein the fluid is introduced into an interior of the expandable holding element.

Claims

1. A propellant portioning device for a propellant formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules, the propellant portioning device comprising: at least a first module holder and a second module holder, wherein the first module holder and the second module holder each have at least one expandable holding element for holding one of the individual propellant modules, wherein a center axis of the first module holder and a center axis of the second module holder are offset relative to each other.

2. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each expandable holding element is expandable by a pressure of a fluid, wherein the fluid is introduced into an interior of the associated expandable holding element.

3. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pressure generator that produces a pressure inside each expandable holding element.

4. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a holding force of each expandable holding element is adjusted by adjusting pressurization of the expandable holding element.

5. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each expandable holding element is expandable in a radial direction in the direction of a propellant module axis.

6. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one of the individual propellant modules is clamped in the first module holder by means of the associated expandable holding element.

7. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first module holder has three of the expandable holding elements in a radial direction along a perimeter of the first module holder.

8. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each expandable holding element is in the form of an expandable cushion.

9. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the expandable holding elements can be activated to expand individually and/or together.

10. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first module holder is movable and the second module holder is fixed, and the first module holder and the second module holder can be moved relative to each other.

11. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first one of the propellant modules is transferrable from a portioning position into a transfer position by movement of the first module holder.

12. The propellant portioning device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a propellant holder that holds the propellant.

13. The propellant portioning device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor that determines a position of at least one of the propellant modules.

14. A propellant handling device, comprising: a propellant portioning device formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules with at least a first module holder and a second module holder, wherein the first module holder and the second module holder each have at least one expandable holding element for holding a propellant module, wherein a center axis of the first module holder and a center axis of the second module holder are offset relative to each other.

15. A weapon system with a propellant magazine and a weapon, comprising: a propellant handling device having a propellant portioning device formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules with at least a first module holder and a second module holder, wherein the first module holder and the second module holder each have at least one expandable holding element for holding a propellant module, wherein a center axis of the first module holder and a center axis of the second module holder are offset relative to each other.

16. The weapon system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the propellant handling device is used for ammunitioning and/or de-ammunitioning of a propellant.

17. A method for portioning a propellant formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules, the method comprising: providing a propellant portioning device having at least a first module holder and a second module holder, wherein a center axis of the first module holder and a center axis of the second module holder are offset relative to each other; and providing the first module holder with at least one expandable holding element and providing the second module holder with at least one expandable holding element, wherein the each expandable holding element is expandable to hold a first one of the individual propellant modules.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising holding a first one of the individual propellant modules by the first module holder; and holding a second one of the individual propellant modules by the second module holder; wherein the individual propellant modules are separated from each other and/or are joined together by a relative movement of the first module holder and the second module holder.

19. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising producing a pressure inside the each expandable holding element by an introduction of a fluid into the associated holding element, whereby the associated expandable holding element is expanded and/or contracted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further details and advantages of the propellant portioning device according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with the help of the attached drawings on the basis of an exemplary embodiment. In the figures:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an embodiment of the disclosed propellant portioning device comprising an expandable holding element;

(3) FIG. 2.1 shows a side view of the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1 in the pick-up position;

(4) FIG. 2.2 shows a side view of the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1 in the portioning position;

(5) FIG. 2.3 shows a side view of the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1 in the transfer position;

(6) FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a weapon system with a handling device with the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1; and

(8) FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of the pressure distribution of the propellant portioning device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) In FIG. 1, a propellant portioning device 1 is shown, by means of which the most diverse types of propellant 3 can be handled reliably and safely. Corresponding propellants 3 can be used, for example, in weapon systems 13, such as in artillery guns, battle tanks or the like, in particular in the area of propellant magazine 14 and/or for ammunitioning and/or de-ammunitioning.

(10) In appropriate weapon systems 13, a variety of types of propellants 3 are usually used, which are usually handled with different propellant portioning devices 1, each assigned to a propellant type, or manually. This is because the propellants 3 often differ in geometry, material, mass or the like. Also, propellants 3 are differently sensitive, depending on the type of outer shell or structure. The individual propellants 3 usually consist of multiple propellant modules 2, which are joined together as a type of propellant rods. Such propellants 3 can be easily damaged, in particular in case of improper pushing together or when separating the propellant modules 2. Since the propellant modules 2 are also often very firmly pushed into each other due to manufacturing tolerances, unwanted damage can occur to the outer skin of the propellant modules 2 during manual separation, which sometimes leads to the fact that these cannot be used further.

(11) In order to now also be able to handle propellants 3 of a wide variety of types safely and reliably and in particular to be able to enable fully or partially automated handling, at least one module holder 4.1 is provided in the propellant portioning device 1 according to the invention, which has at least one expandable holding element 5 for holding the propellant 3, in particular a propellant module 2.

(12) Therefore, a propellant portioning device 1 is provided, which can be used for different types of propellants 3 and can be used in this respect in a variety of weapon systems 13 with automated ammunition feeding.

(13) As can be seen in particular in the detail of FIG. 1, the propellant portioning device 1 has a module holder 4.1, which is designed for holding a propellant 3 formed from a plurality of individual propellant modules 2. On the module holder 4.1, at least one expandable holding element 5 is arranged, which can be expanded to hold the propellant 3 and in particular to hold at least one propellant module 2. With the help of the holding element 5, the module holder 4.1 and in particular the propellant portioning device 1 can be adapted to various types of propellants 3, for example with regard to the diameter, the geometry of the shape, the mass or the like.

(14) The module holder 4.1 is movably mounted on a spindle 7 and encompasses a propellant holder 9. A propellant 3 formed from a plurality of propellant modules 2 can be placed on the propellant holder 9 and kept ready for a joining and/or separation process. The module holder 4.1 can be moved along the spindle 7 axially. The spindle 7 provides for propulsion of the movable first module holder 4.1 by rotation. The module holder 4.1, the spindle 7 and the propellant holder 9 are further arranged on a frame 11, which may also have other components which are not shown in detail, such as a drive, sensors or the like. The holder 9 shown in FIG. 1 has a tub shape, but may, for example, also be designed as a U-profile, a V-profile or in another shell form.

(15) In order for the spindle 7 to be able to rotate, a drive 8 is provided according to the illustration. The drive 8 can be operated electrically, wherein all other drive types can also be suitable here. The drive 8 is connected to the spindle 7 via a gearbox and the rotational speed of the spindle 7 is continuously controllable by means of the drive 8.

(16) As can be seen further, the module holder 4.1 according to the present exemplary embodiment is in the form of a kind of gripping device, which has a tongs-shaped geometry overall. The module holder 4.1 is designed so as to at least partially encompass the propellant 3. The propellant 3 can be introduced into the holder opening thus formed and then held by the expanded holding element 5.

(17) The module holder 4.1 has at least one holding element 5. However, it has been found advantageous if at least two, in particular three, holding elements 5 are arranged on the module holder 4.1, along the perimeter of the holder 4.1, i.e. in the radial direction. The holding elements 5 are spaced apart from each other, so that a two-point or three-point bearing of the introduced propellant module 2 results. The holding elements 5 are arranged in particular eccentrically, so that during a movement of the module holder 4.1 the propellant module 2 is subjected to a radial movement. Alternatively, however, for example, only one expandable holding element 5 may be provided, which is arranged at only one point or along the complete perimeter of the module holder 4.1. As is further shown in FIG. 1, the holding elements 3 are arranged at the holder ends and to the right and/or left of the center of the holder. However, the invention is not limited to this. Rather, embodiments may also be conceivable in which only one holding element 5 or another number of holding elements 5 is provided.

(18) The propellant load module 2 is held with a holding surface of the holding element 5. The holding surface is facing the propellant module 2 and can come into contact with this. The surface of the holding surface may preferably be designed such that a clamping effect produced by the expansion of the holding element 5 is increased, for example by a surface coating or surface structuring. As a surface coating, for example, coatings of rubber, plastic or any other material can be used and/or coatings from which a high coefficient of friction between the holding element 5 and the propellant 3 results.

(19) In order to hold the propellant module 2, the holding elements 5 can be expanded in particular by pressure of a fluid 21. The pressure in the holding element 5 can preferably be produced hydraulically and/or pneumatically. By applying pressure to the holding element 5, the holding element 5 is expanded and thus produces a holding force by contact with the propellant module 2, which holds the propellant module 2. The holding elements 5 act in particular in the radial direction, i.e. they produce a radial force in the direction of the propellant axis A.

(20) The pressure, in turn, can be produced, for example, by means of a pressure generator 18 which is not shown in detail, such as a pump or a compressor. For this purpose, a connection 6 is provided on the holding element 5 for connecting a hydraulic and/or pneumatic line system. In this way, the fluid 21 can be fed in and out, whereby control of the pressure inside the holding element 5 is possible. For example, a high holding force can be produced by means of a high pressure and a low holding force by means of a lower pressure. By means of an adapted pressurization of the holding element 5, the holding force can be adjusted. In this way, different propellants 3 can be held reliably and without damage. Preferably, the individual connections 6 of the holding elements 5 can be activated individually, whereby the holding elements 5 can be activated together and/or separately. In order to be able to additionally check the pressures in the holding elements 5, sensors which are not shown in more detail may be provided, which measure the internal pressure of the holding elements 5. In this way, feedback can be carried out and the holding pressure can be controlled as required or a defect can be detected.

(21) According to the present exemplary embodiment, the holding element 5 is in the form of a cushion, in particular as a high-pressure cushion, which has a cuboid shape overall. Alternatively, however, designs are possible, for example, with round, oval, tubular or other cushions. The holding element 5 may also be made of a plastic material and, for example, may have a membrane. In this way, when holding a propellant module 2 the holding element 5 can be adapted to the outer contour of the propellant module 2.

(22) In order to now allow a separation and/or a joining together of the propellant modules 2, as FIG. 1 further shows, a second module holder 4.2 is provided. This also has at least one expandable holding element 5. The first module holder 4.1 and the second module holder 4.2 can be of almost identical form. According to the present embodiment, however, the second module holder 4.2 is in the form of an elongated module holder 4.2, in particular as a type of rail, with a number of holding elements 5. The holding elements 5 are arranged on the module holder 4.2 one after the other in particular in the longitudinal direction as a type of row. The propellant modules 2 from which a first propellant module 2 is to be separated can be held using the second module holder 4.2, while the separation of the first propellant module 2 can be carried out by means of the first module holder 4.1 which is holding the first propellant module 2.

(23) According to the present exemplary embodiment, the second module holder 4.2 has a total of five holding elements 5 and is of a fixed form relative to the frame 11 and in particular to the module holder 4.1. In particular, the second module holder 4.2 may, for example, be attached directly to the weapon system 13 and/or may be distanced from a propellant holder 9 holding the propellant 3. The holding elements 5 of the module holders 4.1, 4.2 can preferably be activated individually and expanded as required.

(24) The first module holder 4.1 is designed to be movable relative to the second module holder 4.2. In this way, the advantage is provided that the first module holder 4.1 can be moved for portioning and/or separating the propellant modules, whereas the second module holder 4.2 holds the remaining propellant modules 2.

(25) FIG. 3 shows the propellant portioning device 1 in cross-section. According to the illustration, the three expandable holding elements 5 are arranged along the tongs-shaped module holder 4.1. The expandable holding elements 5 of the second module holders 4.2 are arranged in a row, so that in this illustration only one expandable holding element 5 is visible in the upper part of the figure.

(26) In FIG. 1, the holding elements 3 are initially contracted and not expanded. The pressure inside the holding elements 5 is rather low. In this position, the propellant portioning device 1 is ready for receiving propellant modules 2. In FIG. 3, the pressure inside the holding elements 5 and thus their volume has become greater, since the cushions as holding elements 5 have been inflated with a fluid 21, in particular compressed air, whereby the holding force is produced.

(27) Using the illustrations in FIGS. 2.1 to 2.3, a separation process in a propellant portioning device 1 according to the invention will be explained in more detail. For a joining process, the corresponding steps can be taken analogously in reverse order.

(28) For portioning a propellant 3, this can be positioned according to FIG. 2.1 in the holder 9 and the expandable holding elements 5 of the second module holder 4.2 can be expanded against the propellant 3. The positioning of the propellant 3 in the holder 9 can be carried out automatically by a positioning device or manually by a user. It is suitable to design the holder 9 with a positioning aid which is not illustrated, for example a stop, for easier positioning of the propellant 3. In this case, the propellant module 3 to be separated is not gripped by the holding elements 5 of the second module holder 4.2.

(29) During the expansion of the expandable holding elements 5 of the second module holder 4.2, the propellant 3 composed of a plurality of propellant modules 2 is at least partly pressed against the holder 9, so that a clamping results between the holding elements 5 of the second module holder 4.2 and the propellant 3 and a corresponding counter-clamping results between the holder 9 and the propellant 3. The clamping and the counter-clamping can be controlled by the pressure in the expandable holding elements 5.

(30) During the process of expansion of the expandable holding elements 5, their surface adapts to the contour of the propellant 3. Due to this adaptation, an optimal force transfer, in particular an optimal clamping, can take place between the surfaces of the expandable holding elements 5 and the propellant 3.

(31) The movable first module holder 4.1 is meanwhile in the pick-up position, wherein the expandable holding elements 5 of the first module holder 4.1 are relaxed, consequently contracted.

(32) For portioning, the first module holder 4.1 can be moved into the portioning position according to FIG. 2.2 by means of the spindle 7 and the drive 8. Due to the tongs-shaped embodiment, the first module holder 4.1 can be positioned so that the propellant module 2 to be portioned is located in the first module holder 4.1 after the movement.

(33) Subsequently, the expandable holding elements 5 of the first module holder 4.1 are expanded so that the propellant module 2 to be separated is clamped in the first module holder 4.1 and the propellant module 2 is gripped. Due to a small offset of the propellant axis A or the axes of the first and the second module holders 4.1, 4.2 and the eccentricity of the holding elements 5, this gripping results in a slight bending at the connection point of the second or further propellant modules 2 and the propellant module to be portioned 2, so that the portioning of the propellant module 2 is facilitated during subsequent movement of the first module holder 4.1.

(34) In addition, it is provided in the embodiment according to the illustration in FIG. 2.2 that one of the expandable holding elements 5 of the first module holder 4.1 is arranged on the module holder 4.1 below the propellant module to be portioned 2. By expanding this expandable holding element 5, a slight lifting of the propellant module to be portioned 2 can be achieved during gripping, so that this is lifted off from the holder 9.

(35) If the propellant module 2 to be portioned is gripped by the first module holder 4.1 and bent slightly, the portioning of the propellant module 2 is carried out by a movement of the first module holder 4.1 along the spindle 7. During the portioning process, the remaining propellant modules 2, which are joined together for the propellant 3 and which are not to be portioned, remain fixed by the second module holder 4.2, wherein the expandable holding elements 5 remain expanded accordingly.

(36) In the following, the first module holder 4.1 is then transferred to the transfer position shown in FIG. 2.3. Here, the holding elements 5 of the first module holder 4.1 remain expanded and the propellant module 2 is gripped accordingly. At the transfer position, the single propellant module 2 can then be transferred, for example, to the magazine 14, the weapon 15 or another ammunition body handling device 16.

(37) Once the propellant module 2 has been transferred, the propellant portioning device 1 is again in the pick-up position. The process is then repeated, wherein that holding element 5 of the second module holder 4.2 which holds a propellant module of the propellant 3 to be portioned 2 in this portioning process is contracted, so that this can be portioned from the first module holder 4.1 in the further method. The propellant 3 can be pushed into a front position for this purpose, for example by means of a slider, in particular in the direction of the first module holder 4.1, so that the next propellant module 2 to be separated is not held by the module holder 4.2. The process is repeated until the portioning of the propellant 3 into individual propellant modules 2 is completed.

(38) The propellant portioning device 1 further has a sensor 10, which can be used for determining the position of the propellant 3 and/or the portioned propellant module 2 and/or the movable first module holder 4.1. It may be provided to design the sensor 10 as a speed sensor and/or accelerometer. It is also conceivable to determine the type or positioning of the propellant using the sensor 10. Infrared or ultrasonic sensors or laser sensors or sensors which can process visible light are suitable as a sensor 10. Accordingly, a camera may be provided alternatively or in addition to the sensor 10.

(39) While in the illustration the propellant 3 is portioned into individual propellant modules 2, the application of the propellant portioning device 1 is by no means limited to this. It may also be provided that the propellant 3 is portioned into pairwise composite propellant modules 2, for example. Depending on the specification, a propellant 3 can thus be portioned into two or more propellant modules 2.

(40) Using a propellant portioning device according to the invention 1, differences between the different forms and types of propellants 3 can be compensated. Using the expandable holding element 5, which is positioned on the module holder 4.1 and/or the module holder 4.2, the different geometric propellant 3 can be held securely. The holding elements 5 can be filled independently of each other as required, in such a way that the light, filigree propellants 3 are not damaged.

(41) The propellant portioning device 1 according to the invention can be used in a weapon system 13 shown in FIG. 4 by way of example, in particular a battle tank or an artillery gun, which has a weapon 15, in particular a barrel weapon, and a propellant magazine 14 with multiple propellants 2. The propellant portioning device 1 is part of a propellant handling device 12. The propellant handling device 12 may be arranged in the ammunition flow between the propellant magazine 14 and the weapon 15. Universal use can be carried out by adjusting by means of the expanding holding element 5. The propellant handling device 12 is used here as a loading device for feeding propellants 3 to the weapon 15.

(42) Alternatively, or additionally, a corresponding propellant portioning device 1 can also be used for ammunitioning and/or de-ammunitioning. For this purpose, the propellant portioning device 1 may be arranged as part of a propellant handling device 12 in the ammunition flow between an external propellant magazine or an external ammunition store and an internal propellant magazine 14.

(43) Alternatively, or additionally, a corresponding propellant portioning device 1 can also be used for ammunitioning and/or de-ammunitioning. For this purpose, the propellant portioning device 1 can be moved, for example, into the area of a hatch 17 of the weapon system 13. Now propellants 3 can be introduced from the outside into the weapon system 13, for example by means of an ammunitioning and de-ammunitioning device, as described for example in DE 10 2011 050 430 A1, or manually and can then be further processed by means of the propellant portioning device 1.

(44) The propellant handling device 12 may also have an ammunition body holding device 16, which in particular is pivoted around a pivot axis and, for example, can be pivoted from a horizontal position into a vertical position. In particular, the ammunition body holding device 16 can be moved into a suitable position relative to the propellant portioning device 1 for transferring the propellant modules 3. The transfer can be carried out in particular in a vertical and/or horizontal position. Intermediate positions are also conceivable. In addition, the ammunition body holding device 16 can be mounted movably, for example, to bridge distances between a position behind the weapon 15 and a propellant magazine 14 and to be moved to the current position of the propellant portioning device 1. Alternatively, or additionally, the handling device 12 may preferably be arranged to be movable within the weapon system 13.

(45) The propellant portioning device 1 has the task of separating a propellant rod 3, consisting of a number of propellant modules 2 which are joined together into individual propellant modules 2. For this purpose, the propellant rod 3 is placed on a shell 9. Here, all propellant modules 2 are clamped, except for the propellant 2 to be removed. The clamping is carried out pneumatically by means of high-pressure cushions 5, which are attached to the module holder 4.2. Subsequently, the propellant module 2 to be removed is separated from the propellant rod 2 by means of the module holder 4.1 in the form of a fork, which has a plurality of high-pressure cushions 5. The separation is carried out by means of a linear movement, in particular by means of an electric spindle drive, the module holder 4.1 and the high-pressure cushions 5, which are arranged eccentrically. The propellant module 2 is then moved to the end position. This position is measured by means of a laser sensor 10. The separation of the further propellant modules 2 is carried out analogously.

(46) The main advantage of the device 1 is that the clamping of the propellant modules 2 by means of the holding elements 5 is force-controlled. The clamping force can be controlled via the pneumatic pressure. As a result, different types of propellant, which only allow specific radial forces, can be separated reliably and without damage. Another advantage is the fully automated functional sequence of the removal process. Using the laser rangefinder 10 in conjunction with the regulated drive of the module holder 4.1, the propellant rod 2 and then the removed propellant module 2 can be positioned precisely, so that in the further process the propellant module 2 can be conveyed further automatically. In addition, it is possible not only to separate an individual propellant module 2 but also, according to what is required, to separate a rod with two or more propellant modules 2. In this way, it is made possible to separate a propellant rod 3 in a fully automated manner and to deliver it by a reliable process to the point of use in an artillery gun or the like. In addition, it is possible, if a propellant module 2 cannot be removed, to convey the propellant 3 back again or to convey it out.

(47) FIG. 5 shows schematically the pressure distribution with a pressure generator 18, for example a controllable pump. The holding elements 5 are connected to the pressure generator 18 via a line and valve system which is connected to the connections 6. The holding elements 5 are connected to the pressure generator 18 via one or more lines 20 and one or more valves 19. The pressure generator 18 can introduce a fluid 21 through the lines 20 into the interior of the holding elements 5, whereby the holding element 5 expands. Analogously, the fluid 21 can also be drained again from the holding element 5, whereby it contracts.

REFERENCE CHARACTER LIST

(48) 1 propellant portioning device 2 propellant module 3 propellant 4.1 (first) module holder 4.2 (second) module holder 5 expandable holding element 6 connection 7 spindle 8 drive 9 holder 10 sensor 11 frame 12 propellant handling device 13 weapon system 14 propellant magazine 15 weapon 16 munition body holding device 17 hatch 18 pressure generator 19 valve 20 line 21 fluid A propellant axis