U.S. patent application number 10/692733 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-06 for packing case for a large-caliber cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rheinmetall W & M GmbH. Invention is credited to Berg, Martin, Borngen, Lutz, Brase, Holger, Bruske, Silvia, Heitmann, Thomas, Vagedes, Michael.
Application Number | 20040084330 10/692733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27798342 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040084330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borngen, Lutz ; et
al. |
May 6, 2004 |
Packing case for a large-caliber cartridge
Abstract
A packing case (1) for a large-caliber cartridge (2), having a
thin-walled cartridge case (3) and a projectile (4), which
protrudes at least partially out of the front of the cartridge
casing (3), and has at its outer circumference an annular stop
groove (5), with the packing case (1) including an outer case (6)
and an inner case (7) that comprises at least two partial cases
disposed one behind the other. To enable the cartridge to be easily
secured in the packing case and subsequently removed, at least two
spring-loaded stop elements (19) that can pivot toward the
projectile (4) and have guide elements (21) are provided. The stop
elements extend with a form-fit into the stop groove (5) of the
projectile (4) and are supported at the rear against a partial case
(11) of the inner case (7). When the inner case is pulled out of
the inner case, the stop elements (19) rotate with the guide
elements (21) relative to radial guide grooves (22) on which the
guide elements (21) are supported, and pivot stop elements (19)
radially out of the stop groove (5).
Inventors: |
Borngen, Lutz; (Uelzen,
DE) ; Brase, Holger; (Bergen, DE) ; Bruske,
Silvia; (Lachendorf, DE) ; Heitmann, Thomas;
(Unterlus, DE) ; Vagedes, Michael; (Hermannsburg,
DE) ; Berg, Martin; (Celle, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE, BAETJER, HOWARD AND CIVILETTI, LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Rheinmetall W & M GmbH
Unterluss
DE
|
Family ID: |
27798342 |
Appl. No.: |
10/692733 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/3 ;
206/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 39/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/003 ;
206/317 |
International
Class: |
F42B 039/00; B65D
085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 26, 2002 |
DE |
102 49 966.7 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packing case for a large-caliber cartridge, which has a
thin-walled cartridge casing and a projectile that projects at
least partially from a front of the cartridge casing, and which has
an annular stop groove on its outer circumferential surface, said
packing case comprising: an outer case that can be closed at the
front and the rear; an inner case that receives the cartridge and
is disposed inside the outer case, with the inner case including at
least two partial cases that are disposed one behind the other in a
direction of a longitudinal axis of the packing case; at least two
spring-loaded stop elements that can each pivot about a respective
shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packing
case, disposed between facing end surface of the two partial cases,
and, in a locked position, extend with a form-fit into the stop
groove of a projectile located in the packing case, thereby
supporting the projectile at the rear against the rear partial
case; and each of the stop elements having a guide element that is
supported against a respective guide groove such that, when the
inner case is pulled out of the outer case, the guide elements
rotate relative to the guide grooves by a maximum angle of
rotation, causing the stop elements to pivot outwardly from their
locked position into an unlocked position.
2. The packing case according to claim 1, wherein: the inner case
includes at least first, second and third partial cases that are
disposed one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal
axis of the packing case, with the first partial case being
attached to the outer case and receiving a front tip of a
projectile and the adjoining second and third cases being connected
to one another for relative rotation, and disposed to be axially
displaceable in the outer case; at least two guide rails are
secured, with equidistant spacing over the circumference, to the
outer surface of the first partial case, with the rails extending
in the longitudinal direction to the third partial case and being
connected to the outer surface of the third partial case; each of
the rails is provided with inward-oriented radial cams, that extend
into corresponding radial grooves in an outer surface of the second
partial case such that, when the second and third partial cases are
displaced axially from a first end position, in which the inner
case is completely inside the outer case, and into a second end
position, in which the inner case is partially pulled out of the
outer case, the second partial case rotates by a maximum preset
angle of rotation relative to the third partial case, which is
fixed against rotating inside the outer case by the guide rails;
and the spring-loaded stop elements that can pivot about a shaft
that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packing case
are disposed between the end surfaces of the second and third
partial cases.
3. The packing case according to claim 2, wherein at least four
guide rails are provided with equidistant spacing over the
circumferences of the partial cases.
4. The packing case according to claim 2, wherein the guide rails
are seated in respective grooves formed in the outer surfaces of
the respective partial cases, with the guide rails engaging side
walls of the grooves in the first and third partial cases in a
form-fit, and with the spacing between the side walls, of the
grooves in the surface of the second partial case being selected
such that they serve as end stops for securing the locked and
unlocked positions of the second partial case.
5. The packing case according to claim 1, wherein four pivotable
stop elements are provided with equidistant spacing over the
circumference of the inner case, and their rotating shafts are
seated in the second partial case.
6. The packing case according to claim 1, wherein the guide element
of a respective stop element is a cam that is secured to the end of
the stop element facing away from the rotating shaft.
7. The packing case according to claim 2, wherein the second and
third partial cases are connected to one another for relative
rotation via a multi-part connecting ring, with the radial guide
grooves into which the respective guide element of the
corresponding stop element extends being mounted on the connecting
ring.
8. The packing case according to claim 7, wherein each respective
radial guide groove is disposed in a hook-shaped part at the end of
a lever connected to the connecting ring, with the guide element of
the respective stop element being supported on a side wall of the
hook-shaped part facing the connecting ring.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent
Application, DE 102 49 966.7 filed Oct. 26, 2002 and which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a packing case for a large-caliber
cartridge, comprising a thin-walled cartridge case and a projectile
that protrudes at least partially from the front of the cartridge
case and has an annular stop groove at its outer circumference.
[0003] German published Patent Application No. DE 100 61 068 A1
discloses a packing case having an outer case, which can be closed
at the front and the rear by a lid, and includes an inner case that
receives the cartridge and is disposed inside the outer case. The
inner case comprises at least two assemblies that are disposed one
behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the
packing case. The first assembly is permanently attached to the
front end of the outer case. On its side facing the first assembly,
the second assembly of the inner case has a receptacle that is
provided with radially elastic clamping elements and can be
displaced longitudinally between a first and a second end position
inside the outer case such that, in the first end position, a guide
part associated with the first assembly presses the clamping
elements inward, behind a support edge of the projectile located in
the packing case, and the elements remain fixed in this position;
in the second end position, the clamping elements can be spread out
against the wall of the outer case, so the cartridge can be removed
from the packing case.
[0004] Unlike other known packing cases, this packing case has the
advantage that the inner packing need not be completely withdrawn
from the outer case in order to remove the cartridge, so the
individual parts need not be re-inserted into the outer case, which
is a time-consuming process, after the cartridge has been removed.
The mechanism for actuating the clamping elements of the
projectile, however, is relatively expensive. Moreover, embodying a
corresponding support edge on the projectile as a possible
predetermined fracture point is undesirable, and may adversely
affect the flight behavior of the projectile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is the object of the invention to provide a packing case
for a large-caliber cartridge, in which the inner case need only be
partially pulled out of the outer case for removing the cartridge,
on the one hand, and the mechanism for actuating the fixing
elements of the projectile has the simplest possible embodiment, on
the other hand, without negatively affecting the function of the
elements.
[0006] In accordance with the invention, this object generally is
by a packing case for a large-caliber cartridge, which has a
thin-walled cartridge casing and a projectile that projects at
least partially from the front of the cartridge casing, and has an
annular stop groove at its outer circumference, with the packing
case comprising: an outer case that can be closed at the front and
the rear, and an inner case that receives the cartridge and is
inside the outer case, with the inner case including at least two
partial cases that are disposed one behind the other in the
direction of the longitudinal axis of the packing case; at least
two spring-loaded stop elements that can pivot about a shaft
extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the packing case
disposed between adjacent end surfaces of the two partial cases,
and, in a locked position, extend with a form-fit into the stop
groove of a projectile located in the packing case, thereby being
supported at the rear against the end surface of the rear partial
case; and the stop elements each have a guide element that is
supported against a respective guide groove such that, when the
inner case is pulled out of the outer case, the guide elements
rotate relative to the guide grooves by a maximum angle of
rotation; and the stop elements are pivoted outward from their
locked position into an unlocked position. Further, particularly
advantageous, embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
[0007] The invention is essentially based on the concept of
providing a multiple-part inner case, and at least two
spring-loaded stop elements that can be pivoted toward the
projectile and are provided with guide elements, for securing the
cartridge located in the packing case. In their locked position,
the stop elements extend into a corresponding stop groove in a
form-fit, and are seated in a partial case of the inner case at the
rear. For the respective cartridge to be removable from the packing
case, when the cartridge is pulled out, the stop elements and the
guide elements are rotated together relative to radially extending
guide grooves on which the guide elements are supported, so the
stop elements are pivoted radially outward from the stop groove
into their unlocked position.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the inner case includes
three partial cases, which are disposed one behind the other in the
direction of its longitudinal axis. The front, first partial case
is attached to the outer case, and the adjoining second and third
partial cases are connected to one another so as to co-rotate, and
are disposed to be axially displaced in the outer case. At least
two guide rails are secured, with equidistant spacing over the
circumference, to the outside of the first partial case. The rails
extend in the longitudinal direction up to the third partial case,
and have inward-oriented radial cams, which extend into
corresponding radial grooves of the second partial case such that,
when the second and third partial cases are displaced axially from
a first end position, in which the inner case is completely inside
the outer case, and into a second end position, in which the inner
case is partially pulled out of the outer case, the second partial
case rotates by a maximum preset angle of rotation relative to the
third partial case, which is fixed against rotating inside the
outer case, so the stop elements disposed at the edge between the
second and third partial cases are pivoted from their locked
position into their unlocked position.
[0009] It has proven advantageous for four stop elements, as well
as four guide rails, to be provided with equidistant spacing over
the circumference, with the guide rails being seated in axial
grooves on the surface of the partial cases and the spacing between
the side walls of the grooves on the surface of the second partial
case is selected such that the guides act as stops for securing the
initial and open positions of the second partial case.
[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second and
third partial cases are connected to one another via a multi-part
connecting ring, which accommodates the radial guide grooves into
which the guide elements of the stop elements, which are preferably
formed as cams, extend. The respective radial guide groove is
disposed in a hook-shaped part at the end of a lever that is
connected to the connecting ring. The guide element of the
respective stop element is supported on the side wall of the
hook-shaped part that faces the connecting ring.
[0011] Further details about and advantages of the invention ensue
from the exemplary embodiments explained below in conjunction with
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a packing case in
accordance with the invention, the case comprising an inner case
that receives a large-caliber cartridge, which is secured in its
position by stop elements.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged representation of a cross-section
through the packing case shown in FIG. 1, along the section line
II-II.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inner case.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of the inner case in
the region of a stop element, with the second partial case being
omitted.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section that corresponds to FIG. 1,
with the cartridge being drawn slightly out of the packing case and
no longer secured by the stop elements.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an enlarged representation of a cross-section
through the packing case shown in FIG. 5, along the section line
VI--VI.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] FIGS. 1 and 5 show a packing case 1 according to the
invention for a large-caliber cartridge 2, which has a thin-walled
cartridge case 3 and a projectile 4 that projects at least
partially out of the front of the cartridge case 3. At its outer
circumference, the projectile 4 has an annular stop groove 5 (FIGS.
2, 4 and 6).
[0019] The packing case 1 has a metal outer case 6, which is closed
at the front and can be closed at the rear by a lid, not shown, and
an inner, multi-part case 7, which receives the cartridge 2 and is
disposed inside the outer case 6. The inner case 7 essentially
comprises three partial cases 9 through 11 that are disposed one
behind the other in the direction of its longitudinal axis 8. The
front (first) partial case 9 is permanently attached to the outer
case 6 at the front, and receives the tip region of the projectile
part 4 of the cartridge 2 projecting from the cartridge casing
3.
[0020] The adjoining second and third partial cases 10 and 11 are
connected to one another, so as to rotate, by a four-part
connecting ring 12 (FIGS. 3 and 4), and are disposed to be axially
displaceable in the outer case 6. The second partial case 10
receives the projectile part located between the cartridge casing 3
and the first partial case 9.
[0021] Four guide rails 13 are secured to the outer circumference
of the first partial case 9 with equidistant spacing (See FIG. 3,
and extend in the longitudinal direction to the third partial case
11 where they are likewise secured. In the region of the second
partial case 10, the guide rails 13 have respective inward-oriented
cams 14, which extend into corresponding inclined grooves 15 in the
surface of the second partial case 10 (for the sake of a clear
overview, in FIG. 3 the upper guide rail is omitted, making the
grooves 15 visible) such that, when the second and third partial
cases 10, 11 are displaced axially from a first end position, in
which the inner case 7 is completely inside the outer case 6 (FIG.
1), into a second end position, in which the inner case 7 is
partially pulled out (e.g. by 50 mm) of the outer case 6 (FIG. 5),
the second partial case 10 rotates by a maximum preset angle of
rotation, for example of 10.degree., relative to the third partial
case 11 which is held against relative rotation in the outer case 6
via the guide rails connected to the first partial case 9.
[0022] The guide rails 13 are seated in respective grooves 16 on
the outer surface of the partial casing 9-11, with each guide rail
13 being in a form-fit with the groove side walls in the region of
the first and third partial cases 9 and 11, and the connecting ring
12 being in a form-fit with the side walls of the grooves 16. In
contrast, in the region of the second partial case 10, the spacing
between the side walls 17, 18 of the grooves 16 is selected such
that they limit the rotation of the second partial case 10 with
respect to the third partial case 11, and serve as end stops.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, four spring-loaded stop elements
19, whose rotating shafts 20 are seated in the end wall of the
second partial case 10, are provided at the edge between the second
and third partial cases 10 and 11. These stop elements 19 each
rotates about a respective axis that extends parallel to the
longitudinal axis 8 of the packing case 1.
[0024] In the locked position shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the stop
elements 19 are pressed by respective springs, not shown, into the
stop groove 5 of the projectile 4 located in the packing case 1,
and are held there in a form-fit.
[0025] A respective guide element 21 formed as a cam is provided at
the free ends of the stop elements 19 spaced from the rotating
shafts 20. Each guide element 21 extends into an approximately
radially extending guide groove (or surface) 22 provided in a
hook-shaped part 23 disposed at the end of a lever 24 connected to
the connecting ring 12. The guide element 21 of a respective stop
element 19 is supported against the side wall 25 of the hook-shaped
part 23 facing the connecting ring 12 (See FIGS. 2, 4 and 6).
[0026] The intended use of the packing case 1 according to the
invention is described in detail below.
[0027] After the lid, not shown, that closes the rear of the
packing case 1 has been removed, the cartridge 2 to be inserted is
pushed into the inner case 7. In the process, the stop elements 19
are pivoted outward, counter to the pressure of corresponding
springs by the projectile. As soon as the cartridge 2 impacts the
stop surfaces of the first partial case 9 at the front, the stop
groove 5 of the projectile 4 is located beneath the stop elements
19, so the stop elements 19 are pressed into the stop groove 5 by
the springs, which are not shown. The cartridge 2 is therefore
locked in a form-fit (FIGS. 1 through 4). The springs prevent an
undesired pivoting of the stop elements 19 out of the locked
position.
[0028] If the packing case 1 falls in the direction of the
cartridge floor 26, the form-fit connection diverts the stress from
the projectile 4 into the third partial case 11, which protects the
cartridge casing 3. If the packing case 1 falls in the direction of
the projectile tip of the cartridge 2, the projectile 4 is
supported with its stop edge against the first partial case 9, and
the cartridge casing 3 is supported by the second partial case 10
and against the first partial case 9.
[0029] If the cartridge 2 is to be removed from the packing case 1,
after a corresponding lid has been removed, the third partial case
11, and thus the second partial case and the cartridge 2, are
pulled about 50 mm out of the outer case 6, for example with a
guide loop, not shown (FIGS. 5 and 6). In the process, the second
partial case 10 is rotated by 10.degree. relative to the connecting
ring 12 by the radial cams 14 secured to the guide rails 13 and
extending into the angled (or inclined) radial grooves 15 of the
second partial case 10. The stop elements 19 co-rotate with the
second partial case 10, so the guide element 21 of each respective
stop element 19 slides outward at the side wall 25 of the
hook-shaped part 23, the wall being formed as a radial surface, and
the stop element 19 is pulled outward counter to the pressure of
its associated spring. The cartridge 2 is thereby released, and can
be removed by the inner case 7.
[0030] Of course, the invention is not limited to the
above-described embodiment. For example, more or fewer than four
stop elements 19 or guide rails 13 can be employed.
[0031] Instead of being effected by the spacing between the side
walls of the guide rails/grooves in the second partial case, the
end stops for limiting the rotation of the stop elements with
respect to the radial guide grooves can be effected by the length
of the radial grooves into which the radial cams of the guide rails
extend.
[0032] It is not absolutely necessary to provide a hook-shaped
lever end for forming the radial guide grooves. Instead, the guide
grooves can also be provided directly in a connecting ring.
[0033] The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and
modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention as set forth herein.
* * * * *