| 摘要 |
The loader assist for mortars allows for the automated loading of ammunition through the muzzle. The invention assists soldiers by transporting the shell into the muzzle from a lower position near the base of the mortar tube thus reducing exposure to enfilade enemy fire and the effects of muzzle blast. The loader assist comprises a frame surrounding the mortar and attached thereto. The frame is supported on pivots mounted to a turntable such that both the invention and mortar move as a unit. A lift device is positioned at the center of the frame and parallel to the mortar axis. A carriage comprising a transfer device is positioned on top of said frame. Said elevator is comprised of two linear actuators which are positioned opposite each other, allowing the jaws on each shuttle to act in pairs with the respective jaws on the other, to grip the shell in two places. An actuator lifts the shell above the frame to hand it off to the transfer assembly, said shell displacing the elevator jaws until they fully engage and capture the shell, whereupon the lift actuator retracts to its starting position. The transfer assembly shuttles then raise the shell beyond the muzzle, translates it to the axis of the mortar, and inserts it into the tube. When the fins of the mortar are fully inserted in the mortar, the cam followers engage the cams. As the downward gravity travel of the shell continues, the contour of the cam causes the jaws to begin disengaging the shell in time for the jaws to clear the end of the mortar. As both jaws disengage, the shell falls under the influence of gravity.
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