DE102012215930A1 - Apparatus and method for cleaning and / or preserving weapon casings and weapon parts - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning device (20) is proposed for cleaning and / or preserving weapon barrel (10 ') and / or barrel inserts as well as other weapon parts of an in particular automatic weapon (10), with a tubular central piece (21), guide elements (22) that extend over the circumference of the central piece (21) are arranged distributed, a fluid supply device (23) via which the device (20) fluid (23a) is supplied and a preferably rotating nozzle head (24) with openings (24a) from which the fluid (23a ) can leak. A guide device (30) additionally integrated into the cleaning device (2) enables the cleaning device (20) to be moved preferably by motor. A container (40) is provided for receiving the fluid (23a). This is functionally connected to the fluid supply device (23) via a pump / compressor unit (41) and a valve (42), for example a three-way valve. The fluid supply device (23) is preferably formed by a hose that can be wound up or unwound. Optionally, a suction turbine (43) and / or a filter (44) can be functionally connected to the guide device (30) by means of suction (45). The cleaning device (20) and the cleaning device (2) are used for cleaning and / or preserving weapon barrels (10 ') and other weapon parts, in particular weapons (10) with medium and large caliber such as cannons, artillery pieces, mortars or howitzers.

Description

The invention relates to a device for cleaning and / or conservation of weapon tubes and other parts of weapons, in particular weapons of medium and large caliber such as cannons, guns, mortars or howitzers. The invention is particularly suitable to be used on autonomous weapons without operator teams and to act autonomously on these. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning and / or preserving weapons and weapons parts, carried out with the aforementioned device. It is particularly advantageous that the weapon for the use of the invention does not have to be disassembled either partially or even completely, rather a cleaning and / or preservation in the inventive method through the mouth of the remaining in the weapon when installed weapon barrel through.

Autonomous weapon barrel cleaning facilities are generally known. So revealed the WO 2010/146354 A a pneumatically driven and propulsion generating vibrating piston motor for insertion into the mouth of the weapon barrel. Oils and cleaning agents can be applied to a cleaning fleece or sponge or as a spray directly onto the inner wall of the pipe via an attachment nozzle, wherein the cleaning effect is provided by one or more flexible brushes, which in slight excess with respect to the tube caliber on the attachment nozzle are attached.

The DE 28 39 153 A discloses an automatic gun cleaning machine for insertion through the muzzle. Two counter-rotating brushes allow a torque-free cleaning of the pipe. Several drive rollers ensure centering via their radially spring-loaded bearings as well as the feed of the device in the pipe. Sensors detect the change in diameter at the transition from the caliber part to the cargo space as well as at the mouth, therefore, each of the direction of movement of the device is switched at these locations and an autonomous cleaning takes place only in the caliber part of the weapon barrel.

The US 2008/0 229 644 A deals with an autonomous gun cleaning device for cleaning pulled barrels. The cylindrical cleaning device receives its propulsion in the pipe by pressed against the inner wall drive rollers. The cleaning of the fields and trains in the pipe is done by means of mop plates, which follow the movements of the weapon in their movement, whereby a shadow-free cleaning of the features of the pipe is possible. Cleaning and preserving agents are sprayed onto the inner wall of the pipe.

A disadvantage is that these autonomous cleaning facilities are limited to the caliber part of the weapon.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple and inexpensive in particular autonomously operable cleaning and conservation device for weapons, which is not limited to the caliber part of the tube.

The object is achieved by the features of claim 1 with respect to the device or the device, the patent claim 6 with respect to the cleaning device and the patent claim 11 with respect to the method.

The elimination of contamination on the neck of the cartridge chamber or in the chamber itself is particularly important for the function of particularly hochkadenter weapons. However, these passages usually have a larger inner diameter than the gun barrel itself.

The invention is based on the idea to provide the device, which realizes a cleaning independent of different diameters of the parts, wherein the cleaning itself is carried out by means of a fluid. The device can itself be introduced, for example, through a muzzle into the weapon or into the weapon barrel. It is irrelevant whether it is a smooth tube or a drawn tube.

In continuation is desired selbige device also to use for the preservation of the weapon. This step can be followed by the previous cleaning step. For this purpose, the same nozzle (s) can be used, which serve for discharging the fluid for cleaning, whereby compressed air is pressed through the nozzle (s) instead of the cleaning fluid.

The device comprises at least one central piece, which has a tubular passage or bore, wherein tubular is not defined to be round with limited. On the circumference guide elements are provided on the central piece, at least two. These can be designed as fins and take over the centering within the weapon / weapon parts to be cleaned. At the other end of the bore at least one nozzle is provided with openings through which the respective fluid can escape. The nozzle (s) are in turn preferably movable (rotating) integrated on the central piece.

This device is movable or displaceable within the weapon, in particular in the directions back and forth. This movement can be done manually but preferably automatically and autonomously. With the tubular Centerpiece are a first container with the liquid fluid and at least one other container with the gaseous fluid, if a preservation is provided, functionally connected to the fluid supply device. The fluid supply device is preferably formed by a hose that can be wound up or unwound. The fluid reaches the device via the fluid supply device or the flexible hose.

The force required for the hose drive is low, the feed of the cleaning device is almost powerless. The cleaning device / device is variable for different weather conditions, since the thickness of the preservation film can be adjusted by the pressure of the compressed air and the withdrawal speed (eg in rain: thicker layer, in the sun: thinner layer). The cleaning process can at any time emergency - stopped - for example, in case of sudden need for use of weapons - and the weapon are used. A shot with remaining oil is still possible. Atomized cleaning fluid (at the high pressure nozzle) exiting the gun barrel barrel and drum weapon barrel transitions conserves the inside of the gun barrel and the barrel barrel location in the weapon barrel.

During cleaning of the cartridge chamber "floats" the cleaning nozzle and is held by the centering of the cleaning device in the barrel. The cleaning is very fast: after about three (3) minutes, the cleaning of the weapon including preservation is completed.

With the device as well as the method a completely automatic cleaning and preservation of the weapon is also possible for especially remote-controlled guns. It is possible to clean and preserve drawn and smooth pipes. This results in a shadow-free cleaning, regardless of tube topography and the twist direction. The cleaning and preservation device can be used for different calibers. For this, only the wings (fins) of the centering unit must be adapted to the pipe diameter. It could be cleaned next to the gun barrel other parts of the weapon with deviating from the pipe dimensions, such as cartridge chamber, the neck of the cartridge chamber, revolver drums, Gasabzapfbohrungen the gas charger or for the gas cylinder block, etc.

It is advantageous, since instead of the brush / fleece, a fluid is used, that a wear of the cleaning brush or the cleaning fleece as in the prior art can not occur. The cleaning device or device is also very simple and robust. There are no moving parts that can break off and remain in the barrel of the gun. No sensors are required for diameter and end stop. This makes the device very robust.

The environmental compatibility is also realized by collecting / aspirating the cleaning fluid. With cleaning and treatment of the cleaning fluid, a circulation operation is possible and a longer cleaning can be carried out with a small fluid supply despite a high fluid flow rate (~ 12 [liter / min]). Optionally, a suction turbine and / or a filter can be functionally connected to the guide device by means of suction. The cleaning device can be used for, for example, high-caliber cannons for air defense, in particular the revolver guns 35 mm Oerlikon Millennium Gun and Oerlikon Revolver Gun, particularly suitable for gas-fired guns. The use is not limited to such weapons and weapon systems. The invention allows the duration of use and increase time between maintenance intervals, so that an autonomous operation z. B. on unmanned, remote platforms in the first place is possible. The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings with reference to an embodiment. It shows:

1 u. 2 a sectional view of a gun barrel with incorporated cleaning / corrosion protection device,

3 an embodiment of the cleaning / corrosion protection device.

1 shows a sectional view through a part of a weapon to be cleaned 10 (Weapon barrel) with a muzzle 10a , a caliber part 10b , the neck of a cartridge chamber 10c with an enlarging diameter opposite the caliber part and a cartridge chamber 10d , On the inner wall is an example pollution with reference number 100 shown.

A cleaning device - device 20 - Includes a tubular center piece 21 with one opposite the caliber part 10b smaller diameter. Furthermore, it comprises a number of guide elements 22 in the form of, for example, three or four or more around the circumference of the central piece 21 approximately at equal angular intervals to each other arranged fins. These are arranged and dimensioned in their common outer masses slightly smaller than the tube caliber that they are the cleaning device 20 in the caliber part 10b center substantially while allowing a low-friction sliding movement parallel to the tube axis. The centering function is not limited to a number of fins. A centering can be, for example, through a pipe with an outside diameter smaller than the tube caliber.

The guide elements 22 do not close the pipe diameter. Rather, they allow a good flow around the cleaning device 20 , Via a fluid supply device 23 can the cleaning device 20 under high pressure a fluid 23a - For example, a detergent petroleum-based - are fed, which through the center piece 21 to the nozzle head 24 can be performed. There can be the fluid 23a from suitable openings 24a leak and on the pollution 100 incident. Thus, the pollution is solved by mechanical force / high pressure and by chemical solubility of the wall. A suitable fluid is a cleaning oil or other suitable cleaning fluid.

The length of the cleaning device 20 and the guide elements 22 is chosen so that the cleaning device at all positions in the caliber part 10b , the neck of the cartridge chamber 10c and the chamber 10d within the weapon 10 is substantially centered with respect to the tube axis. This is the length of the cleaner 20 at least greater than the length of the cartridge chamber of the weapon to be cleaned. Preferred is a length which is at least 1.5 times as long as the cartridge chamber 10d including neck 10c is.

The cleaning device 20 becomes during the cleaning process muzzle in the weapon 10 . 10a introduced and towards the cartridge chamber 10d moving in the direction of the arrow. Dissolved parts of the pollution 30 are either flushed out of the mouth of the weapon either directly due to the fluid pressure or they remain at least partially in a movie 200 on the inside of the weapon 10 back.

If the gun barrel during the cleaning in relation to the cartridge bearing muzzle slightly (a few degrees, preferably about 5-15 ° to the horizontal) inclined downwards, so that the outflow of excess cleaning liquid is supported from the pipe mouth and a running in of the cleaning liquid in the direction the weapon and the cartridge chamber inhibited. At the same time, it is effectively prevented that a lot of the cleaning fluid forms in the form of a lake at the lowest point of the pipe circumference. It is particularly preferred if the tube is lowered during the cleaning process such that the tube can be locked by an existing mechanical device. Therefore, it is preferable that the weapon barrel is lowered and locked except for the bolt-lockable mechanical lance position.

2 shows a sectional view through a part of a weapon to be cleaned 10 after a cleaning process from the mouth to the bottom of the cartridge chamber. The cleaning device 20 turns in the direction of the arrow in the direction of the mouth 10a emotional. Through the fluid supply device 23 a gaseous fluid, for example compressed air, is supplied, which flows out of the openings of the nozzle head 24 exit and the movie 200 towards the mouth at least partially from the wall of the pipe 10 away. It is advantageous if a small amount of the film 200 in the form of a thin protective layer remains in the weapon to improve the corrosion protection.

It is provided according to the invention that the fluid in the area of the gun barrel mouth is sucked off or collected during the entire cleaning and preservation process. The fluid is purified, filtered and collected. Thus, it is available as a fluid supply for further cleaning cycles or can be used by circulation operation for longer cleaning operations.

The nozzle head 24 has in the illustrated form four outlet openings for the fluid, of which two each substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the cleaning device 20 and two each in the direction of the fluid supply device 23 (here a flexible hose) are designed. The outlet openings are preferably designed such that by the exiting fluid of the nozzle head in rotation about the central axis of the cleaning device 20 is stimulated around. As a result, a uniform cleaning is achieved by the cleaning fluid on the inner wall of the space to be cleaned. Such nozzle heads are basically known from the prior art.

In 3 is the cleaning device 20 in connection with the in particular automatic weapon barrel and drum cleaning device (cleaning device) 2 shown. The cleaning device 20 is by means of a guide device 30 for example in the form of a tube through the optional muzzle brake 10e the weapon to the muzzle 10a guided. This is a linear drive 31 with a spindle motor 32 intended. With the cleaning device 20 connected is the hose 23 which is on the spindle 34 by means of, for example, an electric drive 35 can be wound up or unwound. From a container 40 for the cleaning fluid promotes a first pump / compressor unit 41 via a three-way valve 42 - shown here in a first position - the fluid to the spindle 34 and to the hose 23 to the cleaning device 20 , During the cleaning process, the cleaning fluid from the mouth 10a the weapon 10 run out and from the leadership facility 30 be absorbed and removed. Optionally, a suction turbine is provided 43 and / or a filter 44 by suction 45 at the management facility 30 to bind functionally. Upon delivery of the sucked cleaning fluid to the container 40 is thus a circulation operation with reprocessed cleaning fluid possible. To blow out the weapon 2 is the compressed air supply 46 - For example, a second pump / compressor unit or an existing compressed air connection - activated and the valve 42 switched to a second position.

Diameter and stiffness of the hose 23 be on the caliber of the weapon 10 adjusted so that the hose 23 sufficiently kink-proof can perform the insertion. This is the insertion length of the hose 23 a good measure with sufficient accuracy (about 2 cm) for the insertion depth of the cleaning device 20 in the gun 10 , The insertion and removal of the hose 23 takes place via the external hose drive, reducing the speed and position of the nozzle head 24 can be set in relation to the weapon. At special excellent positions (eg at the gas bleed bores of the gas cylinder block of a gas-loading weapon, neck and bottom of the cartridge chamber), the feed rate is varied or a possibly also repeated driving back and forth made so that these areas are particularly clean if necessary or be preserved. As the cleaning fluid 23a by means of high pressure from the nozzles 24 leakage, as an additional effect through the gas take-off holes through a reduced cleaning / rinsing / application of corrosion protection is achieved in the gas cylinders. When a rearmost position is reached (eg in the cartridge chamber), the supply of the cleaning fluid 23a switched off, started a compressed air supply, so that essentially only compressed air from the nozzle head 24 is blown out. Subsequently, the cleaning device from the weapon 10 in the direction of the estuary 10a pulled out.

When pulling out the cleaning device 20 pressure of the compressed air as well as the withdrawal speed itself can be varied. It is preferably provided that for the preservation of the weapon 10 after cleaning at least a thin residual film of the cleaning and preservation fluid to prevent corrosion on the inner wall of the weapon remains. Experiments to optimize the residual film thickness on the regulation of the recirculation rate have shown that at a pressure of the compressed air, for example, 8 bar and a drawing speed of, for example, 5 cm / sec through the gun barrel, a sufficiently good corrosion protection can be achieved. For cleaning, a pressure of the cleaning fluid of about 80 bar is provided at a flow rate of the cleaning fluid, for example, 10 to 15 liters / min.

• 1. Vorbereitung (wenn notwendig): Entladen der Waffe und absenken und arretieren des Waffenrohrs;
• 2. Einführen des Reinigungsgerätes bevorzugt durch die Rohrmündung per Ansetzen des Adapters;
• 3. Reinigung mittels Reinigungsfluid unter Hochdruck und Vorschub der Reinigungseinrichtung;
• 4. Ermittlung des jeweils aktuellen Vorschubs aus der Schlauchlänge bzw. der Abwicklung der Motorspindel;
• 5. bei Erreichen einer ausgezeichneten Position stoppen des Vorschubs und stoppen der Reinigungsfluidgabe;
• 6. Umkehrung der Bewegungsrichtung der Reinigungseinrichtung und Applikation von Druckluft (wenn Konservierung erwünscht wird).

The method preferably proceeds in the following generally formulated step sequence:

• 1. Preparation (if necessary): unload the weapon and lower and lock the gun barrel;
• 2. Introducing the cleaning device preferably through the muzzle by attaching the adapter;
• 3. Cleaning by means of cleaning fluid under high pressure and advance of the cleaning device;
• 4. determination of the current feed rate from the hose length or the development of the motor spindle;
• 5. upon reaching an excellent position stop the feed and stop the cleaning fluid;
• 6. Inversion of the direction of movement of the cleaning device and application of compressed air (if preservation is desired).

With the inventive method, it is also possible to clean the individual drums of a revolver gun. At the beginning of the cleaning process, a first cartridge chamber of the revolver is in alignment with the gun barrel. Thus, the cleaning is carried out in the manner described above, namely that the cleaning device 20 mouth side into the weapon to the bottom of the cartridge chamber under supply of the cleaning fluid 23a , Upon reaching the rear end of the cartridge chamber, the direction of movement of the cleaning device is reversed 20 around and instead of cleaning fluid compressed air is blown out. The cleaning device 20 is now pulled at least as far back in the direction of the mouth until it would not hinder rotation of the drum. Then, without feeding a new cartridge, a charging step of the gun is made with a rotation of the revolver drum around a chamber. Subsequently, the cleaning device 20 inserted in the next turret chamber and the cleaning process repeated until all revolver chambers are cleaned and preserved.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2010/146354 A [0002]
• DE 2839153 A [0003]
• US 2008/0229644 A [0004]

Claims (15)

Cleaning device ( 20 ) for the cleaning and / or conservation of weapon barrel ( 10 ' ) and / or drum inserts and other weapon parts of a particular automatic weapon ( 10 ), characterized by • a tubular center piece ( 21 ), • guiding elements ( 22 ), which extend beyond the circumference of the central part ( 21 ), a fluid supply device ( 23 ), over which the device ( 20 ) Fluid ( 23a ), • a preferably rotating nozzle head ( 24 ) with openings ( 24a ), from which the fluid ( 23a ) can escape. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide elements ( 22 ), at least two, arranged approximately at equal angular intervals to each other and are designed as fins. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular central piece ( 21 ) one opposite the caliber part ( 10b ) of the weapon barrel ( 10 ' ) and / or drum insert has smaller diameter. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid ( 23a ) comprises a cleaning agent. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fluid ( 23a ) is a gas, for example compressed air. Cleaning device ( 2 ) with a cleaning device ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a guide device ( 30 ), which is a particularly automatic and preferably motorized moving of the cleaning device ( 20 ). Cleaning device ( 2 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that a linear drive ( 31 ) with a spindle motor ( 32 ) the management facility ( 30 ) form. Cleaning device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a container ( 40 ), for receiving the fluid ( 23a ) is provided via a pump / compressor unit ( 41 ) and a valve ( 42 ), for example a three-way valve, with the fluid supply device ( 23 ) is functionally connected. Cleaning device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the fluid supply device ( 23 ) is formed by a wound up or unwound hose. Cleaning device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that a suction turbine ( 43 ) and / or a filter ( 44 ) by suction ( 45 ) at the management facility ( 30 ) are functionally connected. Method for cleaning and / or preserving, in particular, automatic weapon barrel ( 10 ' ) and drum inserts and associated weapon parts of a weapon with a cleaning device ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a cleaning device ( 2 ) according to claims 6 to 10, characterized by the steps of: • introducing the cleaning device ( 20 ) through the muzzle ( 10a ), for example, by attaching an adapter; Introduction of the fluid ( 23a ) by means of preferably high pressure and feed of the pure ( 20 ); Determination of the current feed rate from a hose length or the development of a motor spindle of the cleaning device ( 2 ); • when reaching an excellent position stop the feed and stop the cleaning fluid, • reversing the direction of movement of the cleaning device ( 20 ). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that with reversal of the direction of movement compressed air ( 23a ) is fed. A method according to claim 11 and 12, characterized in that, if during the cleaning process, the cleaning fluid from the mouth ( 10a ) of the weapon ( 10 ), this from the management body ( 30 ) is received and discharged. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that a suction by means of the suction turbine ( 43 ) and / or the filter ( 44 ) can be carried out. Use of the cleaning device ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and the cleaning device ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 6 to 10 for cleaning and / or conservation of weapon tubes ( 10 ' ) and other parts of weapons, in particular weapons ( 10 ) with medium and large caliber such as cannon, guns, mortars or howitzers.

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