Mechanism that automatically opens the breech block wedge on a semi-automatic weapon

US4462299A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Firma Wegman & Co. GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Peter Grunewald · Bocholt, DE
• Rudolf Brockmeyer · Kassel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 25, 1982
• Grant date: Jul 31, 1984
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F41A5/32
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A mechanism that automatically opens the breech block wedge on a semi-automatic weapon, especially a tank cannon with a training liner. Mounted on the breech of the weapon is an electromechanical drive mechanism that includes an electric motor with a drive shaft on which is mounted an energy-saving flywheel that can be connected through adjustable couplings and a reduction gear to an opener shaft on which is mounted an opener lever that shifts the breech block wedge into the open position when the shaft rotates. The flywheel is accelerated to a nominal speed when the couplings are disengaged. Electronic controls then engage the couplings for a predetermined amount of time and turn off the electric motor. Some of the energy of rotation of the flywheel is transferred to the opener lever. The couplings are then disengaged and the electric motor turned on again. The electronic controls are practically activated by the firing pulse and/or the actual firing procedure.