IL191606A

IL191606A - Device for mounting a weapon system on a vehicle chassis

Info

Publication number: IL191606A
Application number: IL191606A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Nexter Systems
Priority date: 2005-11-21
Filing date: 2008-05-21
Publication date: 2011-12-29
Also published as: FR2893710B1; EP1960729A1; EP1960729B1; WO2007057550A8; JP2009516815A; ES2361438T3; WO2007057550A1; DE602006020171D1; FR2893710A1; PL1960729T3; ZA200804372B; ATE498814T1; DK1960729T3; IL191606A0; JP4901875B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mounting a weapon system on a vehicle chassis, which device comprises a false chassis (12) which bears the weapon system and is secured to the chassis (4) by a connection means (17). This device is characterized in that the connection means comprises at least two attachment points (17) formed by lugs (18) secured to the chassis (4), which lugs each bear a rod (20) on which a block (22) secured to the false chassis (12) is mounted, which block is able both to move translationally and pivot with respect to the rod (20).

Description

191606 |7'ri I 453575 τηκ as*i y v >bs nmye jTO»j>flb Device for mounting a weapon system on a vehicle chassis Nexter Systems C.183969 DEVICE TO FIX A WEAPON SYSTEM TO THE CHASSIS FRAME OF A VEHICLE The technical scope of the invention is that of devices enabling a weapon system to be fastened to the chassis frame of a vehicle.

Self-propelled weapon systems are usually integral with a turret that is fixed to an armoured chassis frame.

The mechanical properties of the turret and the chassis frame are defined such that these different elements are able to withstand the firing constraints.

It has also been proposed to make a weapon system integral with a light vehicle, such as a truck.

In this case, the problem is posed of ensuring the mechanical strength of the structural elements (vehicle chassis frame and sub-frame) with respect to the mechanical stresses induced by firing the cannon. These stresses are all the stronger when the calibre of the weapon system is large (for example, for a calibre of more than 90 mm) .

Known solutions (described for example in patent US2004/0216597) propose dissociating the artillery from the vehicle, for example by using telescopic arms. However, these solutions are complicated to implement and they induce excessive mass for the artillery system.

An assembly device is also known by patent FR-2663727 to mount a mortar onto a truck. This device proposes fixing the mortar onto a firing plate itself linked to the sub-frame by flexible linking means. The sub-frame furthermore carries a stabiliser which presses on the ground.

Such a solution cannot be transposed to the assembly of a large calibre weapon system (such as a piece of artillery) for which the firing stresses are much higher. Namely, it does not enable the stresses transmitted by the sub-frame to the chassis frame to be sufficiently reduced.

Patent EP-1231129 describes linking means between a platform body and the vehicle chassis frame, such linking means incorporating four points: two pivoting links (arranged to the front and rear of the plate along a median axis) and two simple bearing points arranged laterally on either side of the median axis and between the pivots.

This solution, which aims at mounting a classical platform body onto a chassis frame, is also unsuitable for the mounting of a sub-frame carrying a large calibre weapon system, such as a piece of artillery. The linking means proposed are not, in fact, ' able to withstand the firing stresses .

The invention relates to a linking device of reduced mass that ensures a link between a vehicle chassis frame and a weapon system whilst minimising the stresses to which the chassis frame is subjected during firing.

Thus, the invention relates to a device to fix a weapon system onto a vehicle chassis frame, such device incorporating a sub-frame carrying the weapon system and made integral with the chassis frame by linking means, device wherein the linking means comprise at least two attachment points, arranged between the chassis frame and the sub-frame and spaced on the lateral faces of the chassis frame and sub-frame on either side of the weapon system, such attachment points being formed of lugs integral with the chassis frame, such lugs each carrying a rod, parallel to the lateral faces of the chassis frame and sub-frame, and onto which a unit is mounted integral with the sub-frame, such unit able to both translate and pivot with respect to the rod, and thus with respect to the chassis frame.

The lugs will be fixed on either side of the chassis frame on the lateral faces of rails.

The units may be fixed to the sub-frame by means of brackets integral with the lateral faces of lateral beams on the sub-frame.

The units may be fixed to the brackets by joining means, spring means being positioned between the joining means and the brackets.

The spring means will advantageously be of different stiffnesses from one attachment point to another, the stiffnesses being defined as a function of the strain to which the attachment point will be subjected.

The axis of the joining means may be at a distance from the pivotal axis of the unit.

The device may comprise at least six pairs of attachment points .

Advantageously, the device may comprise a positioning pivot integral with the chassis frame at a median plane of said chassis frame, such pivot cooperating with a bushing on the sub-frame.

The positioning pivot will preferably be arranged in the vicinity of the installation of the weapon system on the sub-frame .

The attachment points will advantageously be closer to one another in the vicinity of the installation of the weapon system of the sub-frame.

The invention will become more apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment, such description being made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 schematically shows a weapon system linked to a carrier vehicle using a device according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a lateral view of an embodiment of an attachment point, - Figure 3 is a section view of the attachment point, such section being made along the plane marked AA in Figure 2, - Figure 4a schematically shows a top view of the sub-frame intended to carry the weapon system, - Figure 4b shows a schematic top view of the chassis frame of the carrier vehicle (the chassis frame being shown alone) , - Figure 4c shows a top view of the assembly of the sub-frame and the cassis frame.

With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle 1 carries a weapon system 2 which here is an artillery system comprising a large calibre (that is a calibre of over 90 mm) cannon.

The vehicle 1 is a truck comprising a cab 3 carried by the chassis frame 4. It incorporates a ground link which here (by way of non-exhaustive example) comprises two wheeled axles 5.

The weapon system 2 comprises a barrel 6, sliding in a sledge 7, which is itself mounted able to pivot on a top carriage 8 by means of trunnions 9. The top carriage is carried by a platform body 12 or sub-frame.

The barrel 6 has a muzzle brake 10 at its end.

The weapon system or artillery 2 is shown here in a very simplified manner. It naturally and habitually incorporates one or several hydraulic firing brakes (not shown) positioned between the recoiling mass (barrel 6 and brake 10) and the sledge 7 as well as at least one recuperator (not shown) ensuring the counter-recoil after firing.

Lastly, a rear stabiliser 11 is hinged (hinge 11a) on the platform body 12 (or else on the top carriage 8) to the rear of the hinge pin 13 of the rear axle.

This stabiliser comprises at least one spade 14 integral with a telescopic arm 15.

This stabiliser 11 provides anchorage in the ground for the rear of the vehicle 1 before firing, the ground anchorage point 16 is defined by the position of the spade. One or two arms and one or two spades may be provided. The stabiliser 11 is shown in the Figure in the deployed position, with the spade 14 anchored in the ground.

To enable the vehicle 1 to move, the telescopic arm 15 is able to shorten and the full stabiliser is then able to swing around hinge 11a and be lifted up.

In accordance with the invention, the sub-frame 12 is made integral with the chassis frame 4 of the vehicle by linking means which comprise several attachment points 17a, 17b, 17c,...17h arranged between the chassis frame 4 and the sub-frame 12 and spaced on the lateral faces of the chassis and sub-frame, on either side of the artillery 2.

Figure 1 is schematic and shows the sub-frame 12 arranged at a distance from the chassis frame 4. In fact, these two elements are in contact with one another. Shock absorbing means (such as sheets of rubber) may be provided between the sub-frame and chassis frame.

Figures 2 and 3 show the structure of an attachment point 17 in greater detail.

The latter comprises a lug 18 which is fixed to the cassis frame 4 by bolts (not shown) fastened through holes 19. The lug comprises two lateral rims 31a and 31b provided with drill holes 21 between which a cylindrical rod 20 is arranged with axis 27. The rod is stopped in translation with respect to rims 31a, 31b by classical means not shown (for example, transversal pins or else nuts).

The rod 20 receives a unit 22 which is made integral with the sub-frame 12 by means of a bracket 23.

The axis of rod 20 is parallel to the lateral faces of the chassis frame and sub-frame, and therefore also to the median planes 32 and 33 of the chassis frame and sub-frame (see Figures 4a and 4b) .

The bracket 23 comprises a metal plate 30a welded to a lateral face of the sub-frame 12 and onto which a profile 30b is welded reinforced by a rib 30c.

The unit 22 is fixed to the bracket 23 by joining means which here are screws 24. One or several spring washers 25 are positioned between the screw head 24 and profile 30b. The axis 28 of the screws is thus arranged at a distance D from the pivoting axis 27 of the unit (see Figure3) . This distance D is reduced as much as possible so as to limit the stresses on the link between the bracket 23 and the sub-frame 12.

Furthermore, the nature and the number of washers 25 will be different from one attachment point to another. As will be described hereafter, the Expert will calculate the mechanical stresses to which each attachment point 17 is subjected during firing and will define the required mechanical stiffnesses for each attachment point so as to minimise the mechanical stresses. If need be, according to the stiffness required, the washers may be replaced by simple cylindrical spacers .

According to one important characteristic of the invention, the unit 22 is able both to translate (directions T) and pivot (arrow R) with respect to the geometric axis 27 of the rod 20.

To this end, a bearing bush is positioned between the unit 22 and the rod 20 and play (J = Jl + J2) of around ten millimetres is provided for the translation of the unit 22 between the lateral rims 31a and 31b. It is also possible for no bearing bush to be provided and for there to be only a sliding fit between the unit 22 and the rod 20.

During firing, the sub-frame 12 is subjected to considerable stresses which cause its structure to strain.

Two main types of strain occur: Flexion of the sub-frame which, in practical terms, causes the different attachment points to be brought closer together. These flexions are absorbed by the translation capacity T of each unit 22 with respect to its rod 20, and thus with respect to the chassis 4. The sub-frame 17 is thus able to translate with respect to the chassis frame 4 at each attachment point 17.

Any warping (or twisting) of the sub-frame leads to the pivoting of the lateral rims of the sub-frame with respect to the chassis frame. Such warping is absorbed by the pivoting capacity R of ' each unit 22 with respect to its rod 20, and thus with respect to the chassis frame. The sub-frame 12 is thus able to pivot with respect to the chassis frame at each attachment point 17.

The invention thus procures a translation and pivoting capacity of the sub-frame 12 with respect to the chassis 4 at each attachment point 17.

Whilst ensuring a safe and lightweight link between the chassis frame and sub-frame, the invention thus enables the strain caused by firing to be absorbed and thus the stresses to which the vehicle 1 chassis 4 is subjected to be limited. This is particularly important when the chassis has a rigid structure which cannot withstand such strain.

Figures 4a and 4b respectively show, as simplified top views, the sub-frame (Figure 4a) and the chassis frame (Figure 4b) .

Figure 4b shows that the chassis frame 4 comprises two lateral rails 29a and 29b onto which the different lugs 18 of the attachment points 17 are fixed.

Rail 29a thus carries eight lugs marked 18a, 18b, ...18h in the Figure and rail 29b carries eight other lugs marked 18a, 18b...18h which are laid symmetrically to the vertical median plane 32.

Rails 29a and 29b are linked to one another by spacers 34a, 34b either screwed or welded. One intermediate spacer marked 34a furthermore carries a cylindrical rod or pivot 35 perpendicular to the plane of the chassis frame 4.

The sub-frame 12 shown in Figure 4a is also made in the form of a mechanically-welded structure incorporating lateral beams 36a and 36b namely linked by at least one spacer 37 as well as by a metal plate 38 onto which a crown 39 intended to receive the top carriage 8 is fixed.

The rear part of the sub-frame 12 also carries hinges 11a for the stabiliser ( s ) (not shown).

The lateral beams 36a and 36b each carry brackets marked 23a, 23b,...23h in the Figure. The brackets carried by beam 36a are arranged symmetrically to the brackets of bean 36a with respect to the vertical median plane 33.

The spacer 37 carries a cylindrical bushing 40 intended to receive the rod 35 integral with the chassis frame 4.

Figure 4c shows the assembly of the sub-frame 12 onto the chassis frame 4.

During assembly, the correct positioning of the sub-frame is facilitated by the cooperation of the rod 35 with the bushing 40. The rod 35 and bushing 40 and positioned in the vicinity of the spot where the firing stresses are applied by the weapon system of the sub-frame, that is to say near to the crown 39.

The bushing/rod link enables the sub-frame to be positioned with respect to the chassis frame but also enable part of the firing stresses transmitted from the sub-frame to the chassis to be taken up, and thus the attachment points 17 to be relieved during firing.

After positioning, each bracket 23 is positioned above a lug 18. Each lug 18 carries a unit 22. The assembly is completed by the brackets 23 being screwed onto the different unit 22 so as to constitute the different attachment points •17 of the linking means.

Figure 4c shows that the attachment points are more numerous and closer to each other in the vicinity of the rear part of the chassis, that is to say at the crown 29 used to fasten the weapon system. It is in fact at this spot that the mechanical stresses are at their strongest but also where the displacements are at their lowest.

The Expert will dimension each attachment point and will select their number and distribution according to the characteristics of the weapon system and those of the carrier on which the system is to be installed. The positioning and dimensioning will be performed by numerical simulation of the firing stresses on the structure.

During such dimensioning, the required stiffness will also be calculated for each attachment point 17 so as to minimise the stresses withstood. This stiffness calculation will enable the washers or spacers 25 which will be implemented at each attachment point 17 to be defined.

Thanks to the invention it is thus possible for a given weapon system to be relatively simply adapted to different types of carrier vehicle whilst limiting the stresses to which the carrier vehicle is subjected during firing.

The invention is more particularly useful when the carrier vehicle is fitted with a rigid chassis frame.

Claims

1. A device to fix a weapon system (2T onto a vehicle chassis frame { , such device incorporating a sub-frame (½ carrying the weapon system and made integral with the chassis frame by linking means, device wherein the linking means comprises at least two attachment points J^T, arranged between the chassis frame ) and the sub-frame -^T) and spaced on the lateral faces of the chassis frame and sub-frame on either side of the weapon system £) , such attachment points [Yf) being formed of lugs integral with the chassis frame [W, such lugs each carrying a rod CJ TT parallel to the lateral faces of the chassis frame and sub-frame, and onto which a unit (22") is mounted integral with the sub-frame such unit able to both translate and pivot with respect to the rod [2£fi , and thus with respect to the chassis frame { 1■

2. A fastening device for a weapon system according to Claim 1, wherein the lugs are fixed on either side of the chassis frame ^f on the lateral faces of rails -9¾", V≤) .

3. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the units (2-€"7 are fixed to the sub-frame by means of brackets (-2-3^ integral with the lateral faces of lateral beams {3&srf on the sub-frame ^T.

4. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the units (-2-2") are fixed to the brackets !<2 ) by joining means t f) , spring means [2f being positioned between the joining means [ and the brackets ( 3-) .

5. A fastening device for a weapon system according to Claim 4, wherein the spring means are of different stiffnesses from one attachment point {yf) to another, the stiffnesses being defined as a function of the strain to which the attachment point will be subjected.

6. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 4 or 5, wherein the axis of the joining means is at a distance (D) from the pivotal axis of the unit.

7. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein it comprises at least six pairs of attachment points O ) .

8. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein it comprises a positioning pivot C3Hf) integral with the chassis frame at a median plane of said chassis frame, such pivot cooperating with a bushing on the sub-frame [χί) .

9. . A fastening device for a weapon system according to Claim 8, wherein the positioning pivot { ^ is arranged in the vicinity of the installation of the weapon system on the sub-frame

10. A fastening device for a weapon system according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the attachment points ^H" are closer to one another in the vicinity of the installation of the weapon system of the sub-frame ( 2Ί · For the Applicants 0ί \l