GB586655A - Improvements in or relating to ammunition magazines for use with ordnance - Google Patents

Abstract

586,655. Cartridge magazines - MOLINS, D. W., RUAU, F. F., and MOLINS MACHINE CO., Ltd. Oct. 16, 1944, No. 20003. [Classes 92 (i) and 92 (ii)] An ammunition magazine for use with ordnance comprises a framework for supporting rounds in a superimposed pile, a platform beneath the pile, the platform being supported and moved by endless conveyers as the top round is removed from the pile, an electric motor for driving the conveyers, and means for controlling the movements of the platform to arrest it as the top round reaches a position from which it may be removed from the magazine and to restart the platform after such removal, said means comprising a switch operated by the moving rounds to stop and start the motor. In the construction shown-, the magazine 50, Figs. 1 and 3, consists of a framework having parallel chanrel members 7, 17, interconnected by cross-members 8, 9, 10, the framework being fixed to a frame on the gun cradle 2 and to an extension of the gun trunnion 3 so that it moves with the barrel. In the members 7, 17 are chain conveyers 18, 19 respectively winch pass around upper and lower sprockets and between which is fitted a platform 23, 24 for lifting the rounds of am munition. The lower sprockets 14, 16, which 'are driven by a motor 25, are suitably proportioned so that conveyer 19 travels faster than 18 to ensure that the uppermost round has its axis substantially parallel with the axis of the gun barrel. As the base of the uppermost round reaches a position where it may be removed by a, presser device manually or automatically operated, or alternatively as shown by the feeding movements of the platform, the round contacts and lifts a spring- controlled arm 33, Figs. 3 and 5, pivoted at 35 on an extension 60 of a second magazine 6. The lifting of the arm opens a switch 37 in circuit with motor 25 and thereby causes the motor to stop until the uppermost round has been removed to allow spring 34 to pull down the arm 33 to close the switch. The switch is mounted on another arm 43 also pivoted at 35 and held down by a spring 44. When the magazine is to be refilled, the springs 34, 44 are detached from a fixed lug 38 and arm 33 lifted by hand, a lug 62 thereon then engaging lever 43 and a spring serving to keep the arms together. A second switch 39 is actuated by an abutment on chain 19 to stop motor 25 when the platform reaches its highest point. To lower the platform a selector switch 46 is actuated to cause the motor to run in reverse upon the actuation of a press-button switch 32. When the platform reaches its lowest point it operates a switch to stop the motor. A wiring diagram of the electric circuit is given in Fig. 7 (not shown). To remove the last round from the top of the magazine 50, two levers 80, Fig. 8, are employed, these levers being fixed to a shaft 81 rotatably mounted in' levers 82 extending from a shaft 83. Shaft 83 is journalled in brackets 84 on frame member 9 and has a handle for rotating it against the action of a spring 86 to bring the levers 80 into a position clear of the rounds. The movements of the levers are controlled by a fixed cam 96 adjustably attached to a disc 97 on one of the brackets 84. When the part 23 of the platform approaches its top position, an abutment 92 on it engages and moves a lever 93 on member 9, and a lug 95 on this lever then engages and moves a second lever 90 against the action of a spring 101. Such movement of lever 90 releases a catch lever 88 on shaft 83 which is now free to turn under the action of spring 86 to bring levers 80 into operation to remove the last round from the magazine.