DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a turret , in particular for naval applications .

Technical background

In the industry, particularly but not exclusively in the naval industry, turrets are known which consist of a structure supporting and containing an artil lery installation . Generally the turret lies on a deck - or, more generally, on an upper surface - of a ship or a terrestrial vehicle , such as a military tank or the like .

In particular, a turret is moved - typically rotated - on the deck, wherein motion i s obtained, for example , through a combination of a traversing rotation ( i . e . a rotation about a substantially vertical azimuthal axis ) and an elevation rotation ( i . e . a rotation about a substantially hori zontal zenithal axis ) . More speci fically, in technical j argon, the component assemblies forming the turret are commonly distributed between the so-called "traversing mass" and "elevating mass" . The components forming the "traversing mass" are substantially located at the turret base and secured to a support structure . On the other hand, the components constituting the so-called "elevating mass" are generally rotatably supported by the components constituting the so-called "traversing mass" .

Some turret types employ an ammunition guidance system configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition to be fired by the firearm towards a target by means o f an electromagnetic emission, e . g . a radar beam or a laser ray . It is therefore appropriate to employ in the turret a protection device capable of hiding and protecting the ammunition guidance system when the latter is inoperative .

Such a turret type has been disclosed in patent publication WO 2017 / 081599 Al by the present Applicant . Summary of the invention

It is one obj ect of the present invention to provide a turret of a type which is improved over those made in accordance with the prior art , while at the same time being simple and economical to manufacture .

According to the present invention, this and other obj ects are achieved through a turret having the technical features set out in the independent claim .

It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention . In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features .

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided herein merely as a nonlimiting example and referring, in particular, to the annexed drawings as summari zed below .

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a turret made in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, wherein an associated protection device is in an opening condition .

Figures 2 , 3 and 4 are partially transparent side elevation views of the turret of Figure 1 , showing the device in an opening condition, an intermediate condition, and a closing condition.

Figure 5 is a partially transparent perspective view showing some internal components of the protection device, which is in the closing condition.

For completeness' sake, the following is a list of alphanumerical references and names used herein to identify parts, elements and components illustrated in the abovesummarized drawings.

10. Turret

12. Deck

14. Traversing part

16. Elevating part

18. Barrel

20a-b. Lateral portions

22. Embrasure

24. Ammunition guidance system

26. Protection device

28. Reclosable cavity

30. Covering element

31. Brackets

32. Arms

32a. First ends

32b. Second ends

34. Guide rails

35. Grooves

36. Fixed support

37. Roller

38. Driving assembly

39. Supporting structure

40. Linear actuator

41. Beams 42. Transmission mechanism

43. Rolls

44. Gearing

46. Gear wheel

50. Sensors

52. Edge portions

54. Projections

56. Latch elements

X. Elevation axis

Y. Traversing axis

Z. Sliding axis

A Movable oscillation axis

0. Fixed oscillation axis

XI. Rotation axis

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to the annexed drawings, numeral 10 designates as a whole a turret made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Turret 10 essentially consists of a structure that supports and contains an artillery installation. In particular, turret 10 has, as a whole, an external stealthtype conformation that reduces the reflection of electromagnetic waves, thus reducing the radar blip of the turret .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, turret 10 lies on a stationary portion, such as a deck 12 of a ship. However, turret 10 may also be installed and find application in fields other than the naval one, e.g. be installed on the top surface of a terrestrial vehicle, such as a military tank or the like.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, turret 10 comprises a traversing mass or part 14 rotatably supported by deck 12 about an azimuthal or traversing rotation axis Y ( substantially vertical ) . Also , turret 10 comprises an elevating mass or part 16 integrally rotatable with traversing part 14 about te traversing axis Y and rotatably supported by traversing part 14 about a zenithal or elevation rotation axis X ( substantially hori zontal ) . Furthermore , turret 10 comprises a barrel 18 supported by elevating part 16 and integrally rotatable therewith about elevation axi s X . Barrel 18 is configured to fire guided ammunition through itsel f .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, traversing part 14 comprises a pair of lateral portions 20a, 20b mutually defining an embrasure 22 , in which elevating part 16 i s mounted rotatable about elevation axis X . Moreover, barrel 18 crosses embrasure 22 and protrudes frontally therefrom .

In addition, turret 10 further comprises an ammunition guidance system 24 configured to direct a guided piece of ammunition to be fired through barrel 18 towards a target by means of an electromagnetic emission, e . g . a radar beam or a laser ray . In this manner, the guided piece of ammunition fired through barrel 18 can be made to follow the target by a built-in electronic system that "tracks" the electromagnetic emission . In the illustrated embodiment , ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted rotatably integral with traversing part 14 , rotating together with it about traversing axis Y .

Turret 10 comprises a protection device 26 configured to assume a closing condition ( shown in Figures 4 and 5 ) and an opening condition ( Figures 1 and 2 ) . In particular, as will be further clari fied below, protection device 26 i s configured to move between the closing condition and the opening condition, e . g . progressively assuming one or more intermediate conditions during the transition between said closing and opening conditions. With reference to, for example, Figures 4 and 5, in the closing condition protection device 26 encloses and protects the ammunition guidance system 24. With reference to, for example, Figures 1 and 2, in the opening condition protection system 26 clears and exposes ammunition guidance system 24. With reference to, for example, Figure 3, in the intermediate condition protection system 26 is in a transitory position between the positions corresponding to the closing condition and the opening condition.

Ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted to traversing part 14. In particular, ammunition guidance system 24 is situated laterally relative to barrel 18. Preferably, the ammunition guidance system is mounted to one of the lateral portions 20a, 20b. When viewing Figure 1, it is mounted to the first lateral portion 20a, i.e. the left-hand one.

Protection device 26 is mounted to traversing part 14, in particular to the first lateral portion 20a whereon ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted. In the closing condition, protection device 26 encloses and protects - in particular by covering it -ammunition guidance system 24 within traversing part 14, e.g. within the first lateral portion 20a of the latter. In the opening condition, protection system 26 clears and exposes - in particular by uncovering it -ammunition guidance system 24 outside traversing part 14, e.g. outside lateral portion 20a of the latter .

Preferably, traversing part 14 internally defines a reclosable cavity 28 that houses ammunition guidance system 24. In particular, reclosable cavity 28 is defined in the first lateral portion 20a. Protection device 26 comprises a covering element 30 which can be guidedly moved over traversing part 14 , in particular over the first lateral portion 20a, assuming one or more intermediate conditions corresponding to transitory positions between the closing condition and the opening condition . In particular, as will be further described below, covering element 30 makes a rototranslation between a frontal position - corresponding to the closing condition - and a raised position - corresponding to the opening condition .

In the closing condition, covering element 30 is in said frontal position, in which it closes and covers reclosable cavity 28 , thus protecting ammunition guidance system 24 . In the opening condition, covering element 30 is in said raised position, in which it opens and clears reclosable cavity 28 , thus exposing ammunition guidance system 24 .

In particular, in the closing condition, ammunition guidance system 24 - together with its covering element 30 , in the embodiment illustrated herein - completes the outl ine of lateral portion 20a, making it substantially symmetrical to lateral portion 20b with respect to embrasure 22 .

The closing condition typically occurs when turret 10 is inoperative , i . e . when barrel 18 is not being used for firing against a stationary or moving target . Thus , in the event of a sudden attack by an external enemy, ammunition guidance system 24 will be covered and completely hidden within traversing part 14 , in particular within the first lateral portion 20a . In such a situation, there fore , protection device 26 will ensure protection of ammunition guidance system 24 from the outside environment , while al so making it less trackable by radar .

Vice versa, the opening condition generally occurs when turret 10 is operative , i . e . when barrel 18 is being used for firing against a stationary or moving target . Ammunition guidance system 24 can thus be directed towards the environment outside turret 10 in order to generate the electromagnetic emission towards a target to be hit with a piece of ammunition fired through barrel 18 .

As aforementioned, covering element 30 is configured to guidedly rototranslate over traversing part 14 , in particular in such a way that in the frontal position - i . e . in the closing condition -covering element 30 will face substantially in the same direction in which the barrel can be oriented, while in the raised position - i . e . in the opening condition - covering element 30 will face upwards , in particular above traversing part 14 .

Preferably, covering element 30 is substantially concave . In particular, when covering element 30 i s in the frontal position, its sunken portion faces towards cavity 28 of the first lateral portion 20a, thus further expanding such cavity 28 at the front .

The following will describe in detail some preferred and/or optional technical features through which protection device 26 permits said rototranslation of cover 30 .

Advantageously, but not necessarily, with particular reference to Figure 5 , protection device 26 comprises a pair of arms 32 mounted to covering element 30 . In particular, each one of arms 32 has a first end 32a hinged to covering element 30 and a second end 32b in turn hinged to traversing part 14 , in particular to the first lateral portion 20a . In the illustrated embodiment , each one of the first ends 32a is hinged to a respective bracket 31 internally carried by covering element 30 . In addition, each one of the second ends 32b is hinged inside reclosable cavity 28 . In addition, protection device 26 comprises one or more guide rails 34 carried by covering element 30 . Protection device 26 comprises also one or more fixed supports 36 carried by traversing part 14 . Each guide rail 34 i s configured to move in a guided manner against a respective fixed support 36 . In particular, each guide rail 34 is configured to slide and/or rotate in a guided manner relative to the fixed support 36 . As will be further described hereinafter, in the illustrated embodiment each guide rai l 34 is configured to simultaneously translate and rotate in a guided manner relative to fixed support 36 .

Preferably, guide rails 34 protrude inside covering element 30 . In particular, a pair of guide rails 34 protrude on laterally opposite sides inside covering element 30 .

Preferably, fixed supports 36 are situated at the top of traversing part 14 , in particular of the first lateral portion 20a . In the illustrated embodiment there are a pair of fixed supports 36 that protrude on laterally opposite sides of the top surface of traversing part 14 , in particular the top surface of the first lateral portion 20a .

For example , each fixed support 36 comprises a rol ler or a bearing 37 ( only visible in Figure 5 ) configured to facilitate the sliding action thereof along corresponding grooves 35 formed longitudinally on guide rails 34 , while at the same time allowing covering element 30 to translate and oscillate between the frontal position and the raised position .

In particular, fixed supports 36 protrude on laterally opposite sides from the top of the first lateral portion 20a .

The oscillation of arms 32 relative to traversing part 14 and the sliding of grooves 35 along fixed support 36 guide the rototranslational movement o f covering element 30 over the first lateral portion 20a of traversing part 14 between the extreme positions corresponding to the closing condition ( in particular, the frontal position) and the opening condition ( in particular, the raised position) .

With particular reference to Figure 5 , the first ends are both hinged to one movable oscillation axis A, which is substantially parallel to elevation axis X, e . g . defined between arms 32 and brackets 31 of covering element 30 . Correspondingly, second ends 32b are in turn both hinged to one fixed oscillation axis 0, also substantially parallel to elevation axis X . Oscillation axes A and 0 are substantially parallel to each other .

Preferably, the top of first lateral portion 20a of traversing part 14 comprises a supporting structure 39 , whereon covering element 30 can l ie and slide when it reaches the raised position, in particular when protection device 26 is in the opening condition . For example , supporting structure 39 comprises a pair of beams 41 disposed longitudinally to support covering element 30 . Optionally, covering element 30 is provided with one or more rolls 43 , or similar means , configured to support it ( in particular, by reducing friction) as it s lides over supporting structure 39 .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, arms 32 are housed in reclosable cavity 28 and are configured to rotate therein .

Turret 10 further comprises a driving assembly 38 configured to move protection device 26 between said clos ing condition and said opening condition . For example , driving assembly 38 comprises a linear actuator 40 , e . g . a hydraulic cylinder . In the illustrated embodiment , driving assembly 38 is configured to drive covering element 30 between the frontal position and the raised position .

Furthermore , turret 10 comprises a transmission mechanism 42 cooperating with driving assembly 38 to convert a movement made by driving assembly 38 into a movement o f protection device 26 between the closing condition and the opening condition . For example , transmission mechanism 42 is configured to convert the translational motion of linear actuator 40 into a rotational motion of arms 32 about fixed oscillation axis 0.

In particular, transmission mechanism 42 comprises a gearing 44 cooperating with linear actuator 40 at its input and with at least one of arms 32 at its output .

In the illustrated embodiment , gearing 44 extends on both sides of reclosable cavity 28 , and can be made to cooperate with linear actuator 40 in a manner per se known by those skilled in the art . For example , linear actuator 40 may push a connecting rod, which in turn controls one or more crank members integrally rotatable with one or more gear wheels making up said gearing 44 .

In the illustrated embodiment , arms 32 are integrally rotatable about fixed oscillation axis 0 with a pair of gear wheels 46 cooperating with gearing 44 . In particular, each one of gear wheels 46 is fastened to a respective second end 32b of corresponding arm 32 .

Preferably, driving assembly 38 and transmission mechanism 42 are arranged within traversing part 14 , in particular within first lateral portion 20a .

By way of example , and with reference to the embodiment illustrated herein, the following will describe the movement made by covering element 30 from the raised position to the frontal position .

Starting from the opening condition of protection device 26 shown in Figure 2 , covering element 30 , which i s in the raised position, executes an initial translational movement phase .

During the initial movement phase , driving assembly 38 and transmission mechanism 42 are activated to cause a forward and clockwise rotation of arms 32 about fixed oscillation axis 0. The rotation of arms 32 about fixed oscillation axis 0 results in a corresponding forward and clockwise rotation of movable oscillation axis A o f covering element 30 about the same fixed oscillation axis 0. Thus , a forward displacement of covering element 30 occurs 30 along a sliding axis Z that is substantially perpendicular to traversing axis Y and to elevation axis X .

During this initial movement phase , guide rails 34 are not engaged with respective fixed supports 36 ( in particular, rollers 37 are not coupled with corresponding grooves 35 ) , but covering element 30 can slide supported by supporting structure 39 .

During a subsequent movement phase, the activation of driving assembly 38 and transmission mechanism 42 continues to cause a forward and clockwise rotation of arms 32 about fixed oscillation axis 0. The continuation of the rotation of arms 32 about fixed oscillation axis 0 results in a further forward and clockwise rotation of movable oscillation axis A of covering element 30 about the same fixed oscillation axis 0.

Thus , covering element 30 makes a progressive rototranslation, moving between a plurality of incl ined positions , one of which is shown in Figure 3 , corresponding to the intermediate conditions of protection device 26 .

During the subsequent movement phase , covering element 30 has gone past supporting structure 39 , and guide rails 34 are engaged with the respective fixed supports 36 ( in particular, rollers 37 are coupled with corresponding grooves 35 ) . Thus , covering element 30 can move on until it reaches the closed position shown in Figure 4 , corresponding to the closing condition of protection device 26 .

The following will describe some other preferred and/or optional features of the present invention .

Turret 10 may also comprise , in addition to driving assembly 38 , manual control means (not visible ) configured to allow protection device 26 to be manually moved between said closing condition and said opening condition . In particular, the manual control means are useful when driving assembly 38 in not operable , e . g . because of a mal function . The manual control means may include a lever accessible to a user and integrally rotatable with one of arms 32 about the fixed oscillation axis 0. In particular, the lever may be fastened to the second end 32b of respective arm 32 .

Optionally, covering element 30 may be locked in the frontal position, corresponding to the closing condition, by suitable locking devices (not shown) . For example , the locking devices may include locking gripes or hooks . Preferably, the locking devices include latch elements mounted on the traversing part and selectively operable to engage or interfere with - e . g . by abutting on corresponding portions of the covering element and/or o f the arms .

Preferably, ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted movable relative to traversing part 14 , in particular relative to the first lateral portion 20a . For example , ammunition guidance system 24 is supported by traversing part 14 with freedom of azimuthal rotation and/or zenithal elevation relative to the latter, so that the electromagnetic emission can be oriented in space to direct the guided ammunition fired through barrel 18 .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, ammunition guidance system 24 is mounted in such a way that it can be retracted relative to traversing part 14 , in particular relative to the first lateral portion 20a, when covering element 30 is not superimposed on it .

In more detail , ammunition guidance system 24 can move - in particular, oscillate - between a proj ecting position, shown in Figures 1 and 2 , and a retracted position, shown in Figures 3 and 4 . In the proj ecting position guidance system 24 stays outside lateral portion 20a, whereas in the retracted position guidance system 24 stays at least partly hidden within reclosable cavity 28 defined by lateral portion 20a . Advantageously, the shi fting of ammunition guidance system 24 between the proj ecting position and the retracted position is controlled by a motor and/or an actuator (not shown) .

With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3 , the rotation of ammunition guidance system 24 relative to the first lateral portion 20a of traversing part 14 occurs about a rotation axis XI . In the proj ecting position ammunition guidance system 24 has swung outside reclosable cavity 28 , whereas in the retracted position ammunition guidance system 24 has swung back to hide , at least partly, within reclosable cavity 28 .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, ammunition guidance system 24 is normally in the retracted position, so that it is at least partly hidden within reclosable cavity 28 when protection device 26 is in the closing condition and in the intermediate condition ( s ) . Conversely, when protection device 26 is in the opening condition ( in particular, when covering element 30 is in the raised position) , ammunition guidance system 24 is in the proj ecting position . Moreover, before moving protection device 26 from the opening condition to the closing condition, ammunition guidance system 24 is brought into the retracted position .

Further, system 10 may also be equipped with one or more sensors 50 configured to detect when protection device 26 is in the closing condition . For example , sensors 50 may be located on traversing part 14 , particularly on the first lateral portion 20a thereof . In particular, sensors 50 may be configured to detect the presence of covering element 30 in the frontal position . For example , sensors 50 may be configured to cooperate with one or more edge portions 52 o f covering element 30 configured to lie over lateral portion 20a around reclosable cavity 28 .

In the embodiment illustrated herein, sensors 50 are switches , and each one of edge portions 52 has a proj ection 54 ( only visible in Figure 5 ) configured to cooperate with, in particular to commutate , a respective switch when covering element 30 reaches the frontal position and/or moves away from the frontal position .

In particular, edge portions 52 correspond to the top side and/or to a bottom side of covering element 30 .

In combination with or as an alternative to said sensors 50 , one or more latch elements 56 may be installed in the same positions , configured to lock covering element 30 in the frontal position . For example , latch elements 56 can be activated and deactivated to , respectively, lock and unlock edge portions 52 of covering element 30 when it is in the frontal position . In particular, when latch elements 56 are activated, they can interfere with proj ections 54 to prevent any undesired movement of covering element 30 away from frontal position 30 . Conversely, when latch elements 56 are deactivated, they can clear the proj ections to allow covering element 30 to be moved away from the frontal position .

Of course , without prej udice to the principle of the present invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein merely by way of nonlimiting example , without however departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims .