Description:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims no priority from any of the patent application(s).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an ejection mechanism. More particularly, the present invention relates to the ejection mechanism for removal of an article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In modern manufacturing systems, material handling equipment, and artillery, effective handling of the object to be processed or fired is crucial for high performance of the machinery. More particularly in automated artillery field guns it is important to manage a primer in such manner that the extraction of the primer is speedy and does not cause excessive movement of the components. Similarly in modern production processes such as injection molding effective removal of the article without damaging the cast is important for highly efficient production processes.
[0004] In the prior art, the ejection mechanism is attached to the sliding frame. Therefore, the entire sliding frame needs to be moved in order to engage the ejection mechanism with the article. This excessive movement of the sliding frame leads to time delay. Considering the high speed requirement and complexity of the modern artillery equipment, it is required to reduce the movement of the components to the minimum to avoid time delay and energy consumption.
[0005] In light of the above stated discussion, there exists a need for simple and compact design of an ejection mechanism which can enable high speed operation of the artillery or production systems and overcome at least one of the above stated disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an ejection mechanism. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0007] In one non limiting embodiment of the present subject matter, an ejection mechanism is disclosed. The ejection mechanism for removal of an article comprises a sliding frame configured to reciprocate along X-axis, an extractor configured to remove the article from a spindle lock. In addition, the extractor is mounted on the spindle lock. Further, the extractor engages with the article. Further, the extractor pushing block is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame. Furthermore, the extractor pushing block is configured to engage with the extractor.
[0008] In one embodiment, the extractor may comprise protrusions. The extractor pushing block engages with the protrusions to facilitate rotation of the extractor, further the extractor may comprise arms configured to hold the article.
[0009] In another embodiment, the extractor is mounted on the spindle lock using an extractor pin. Further the extractor rotates along the extractor pin when the extractor is rotated by the extractor pushing block.
[0010] In addition, the extractor pushing block is assembled in the sliding frame using a pushing block pin, further a spring is assembled on the pushing block pin, further the spring provides biasing effect to the extractor pushing block. Further the sliding frame comprises one or more grooves, further the one or more grooves are configured to station the extractor pushing block. Further, the extractor pushing block also removes obstructions for the extractor, when the extractor rotates in the anti-clockwise direction to remove the article. Further size and shape of the extractor, the extractor pushing block, and the one or more grooves are adjustable according to size and weight of the article or other operational requirements.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention the sliding frame comprises an actuation assembly configured to actuate the article.
[0012] Now, during an ejection stroke, the sliding frame moves in the negative X direction, further the extractor pushing block engages with the extractor and rotates in the anticlockwise direction, further the extractor rotates in an anticlockwise direction by the virtue of its engagement with the extractor pushing block, further, the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the extractor and remains steady against a step provided in the sliding frame (102) further the article is ejected from the spindle lock in positive Y direction by the virtue of its engagement with the extractor , further the sliding frame continues to travel in the negative X direction and disengages from the extractor.
[0013] Furthermore, during a reverse stroke, the sliding frame moves in the positive X direction, further the extractor pushing block is disengaged from the extractor, further the extractor pushing block rotates in the clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor pushing block in the one or more grooves, further the extractor rotates in the clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor in the spindle lock. After the completion of the reverse stroke, a new article is fed into the spindle lock by the feeding assembly, further the feeding assembly places the new article on the extractor, further the actuation assembly is aligned with the new article and the spindle lock after completion of the reverse stroke.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0015] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an ejection mechanism (1000), in accordance with various embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an assembled view (2000) of the ejection mechanism (1000), in accordance with various embodiments of the present subject matter;
[0017] Figure 3A-3C illustrate working of the ejection mechanism (1000) during an ejection stroke (3000), in accordance with various embodiments of the present subject matter;
[0018] Figure 4A-4B illustrate working of the ejection mechanism (1000) during a reverse stroke (4000), in accordance with various embodiments of the present subject matter; and
[0019] Figure 5 illustrates an article feeding mechanism (5000), in accordance with various embodiments of the present subject matter.
[0020] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted in one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
[0022] In the accompanying drawings components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0023] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0024] The present subject matter relates to an ejection mechanism (1000) for removal of an article (106).
[0025] Referring to figure 1 which illustrates an exploded view of the ejection mechanism (1000). The ejection mechanism (1000) includes a sliding frame (102). The sliding frame (102) may be configured to reciprocate along the X-axis. The sliding frame (102) may further include an actuation assembly (122). The ejection mechanism (1000) may further include a spindle lock (108). The spindle lock (108) may be configured to hold the article (106). The actuation assembly (122) may be spring loaded and may be configured to actuate or trigger the article (106). Further, the ejection mechanism (1000) includes an extractor (104). The extractor (104) may engage with the article (106). The extractor pushing block (110) is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame (102). In addition, the extractor pushing block (110) may be configured to engage with the extractor (104) and rotate the extractor (104) in an anticlockwise direction.
[0026] Further, the sliding frame (102) includes one or more grooves (124) to allow stationing and rotation of the extractor pushing block (110) within the sliding frame (102). Further, the extractor pushing block (110) also removes obstructions for the extractor (104) when the extractor (104) rotates in the anti-clockwise direction to remove the article (106). Further, the extractor pushing block (110) may be assembled in the sliding frame (102) with a pushing block pin (126). Further, the extractor pushing block (110) may be biased using a spring (114). The spring (114) may be assembled with the pushing block pin (126). The spring (114) may be a torsion spring, or any suitable type of spring as per the requirement of the operation.
[0027] In one embodiment, size, and shape of the one or more grooves (124) may be adjustable based on varied sizes or shapes of the article (106), the extractor (104) or based on any operational conditions. This, adjustability of the groove (124) is particularly helpful in modern production processes or warfare thus giving operational flexibility and agility.
[0028] Now, particularly focusing on the extractor (104). The extractor (104) may include protrusions (112). The protrusions (112) may be configured to engage with the extractor pushing block (110). Further, the extractor (104) may be assembled in the spindle lock (108) using an extractor pin (120). The extractor pin (120) allows rotation of the extractor (104) when the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the protrusions (112) on the extractor (104). Furthermore, the ejection mechanism (1000) includes a pin locking screw (128). The pin locking screw (128) is configured to lock the extractor pin (120) in the spindle lock (108). In one embodiment, size, and shape of the extractor (104) may vary according to size and weight of the article (106). Further the extractor (104) may include arms. The arms are provided to hold the article (106) in the spindle lock (108).
[0029] In an aspect, the article (106) may have three components a collar, a shaft, and a head. The collar may ensure that the article (106) is resting on the extractor (104). The collar has a larger diameter than the shaft which allows resting of the article (106) over the extractor (104). The advantage of providing a collar to the article (106) is that the article (106) can be held by the extractor (104) without slipping the article (106) into the spindle lock (108). Further, the collar may restrict the movement of the article (106) in the ejection mechanism (1000). The article (106) may have different shapes and sizes based on the type of application.
[0030] In one embodiment, the article (106) may be used as a primer in the artillery field guns or tanks. The primer used in the artillery is generally of standard size therefore the extractor (104) may also have universal standard sizes.
[0031] In general, a primer refers to the small device or component that ignites the propellant in an artillery shell, initiating the firing sequence. It is a crucial element in the functioning of artillery systems, ensuring that the propellant ignites and propels the projectile out of the artillery piece. The primer typically contains a sensitive explosive compound that is activated by the firing pin or striker mechanism, initiating the ignition process. The successful ignition of the primer sets in motion the entire firing process, leading to the expulsion of the projectile from the artillery gun.
[0032] Now, referring to figure 2 which illustrates an assembled view (2000) of the ejection mechanism (1000). The assembled view (2000) shows the engagement of the extractor (104) with the spindle lock (108) and the article (106) placed in the extractor (104).
[0033] Now, referring to fig. 3-A to 3-C which illustrates working of the ejection mechanism (1000) during ejection stroke (3000).
[0034] The spindle lock (108) on which the extractor (104) is assembled. The extractor (104) may include the extractor pin (120). The extractor pin (120) may be configured to attach the extractor (104) to the spindle lock (108). Furthermore, the extractor (104) includes the protrusions (112). The protrusions (112) may contact the sliding frame (102) and rotate around the extractor pin (120). Further, the sliding frame (102) may include the extractor pushing block (110). The extractor pushing block (110) may be configured to engage with the extractor pushing block (110) and rotate the extractor (104) around the extractor pin (120).
[0035] Now referring to fig. 3-A, the sliding frame (102) may be configured to reciprocate along the X-axis. While moving in negative X-direction the extractor pushing block (110) of the sliding frame (102) may engage with the protrusions (112) on the extractor (104) and rotate the extractor (104) around the extractor pin (120). Further, the extractor (104) rotates upward i.e., positive Y-direction. As the extractor (104) is engaged with the article (106). Therefore, the extractor (104) moves in positive Y-direction and lifts the article (106) from the spindle lock (108). The sliding frame (102) may provide necessary force while moving in negative X-direction. This force allows complete removal of the article (106) from the spindle lock (108) and throwing the article (106) away from the ejection mechanism (1000).
[0036] Further, in fig. 3-B, it can be clearly seen that the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the protrusions (112) of the extractor (104). Further, the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the extractor and remains steady against a step provided in the sliding frame (102). Further, the extractor (104) is engaged with the article (106). Further, as the extractor (104) rotates in the anticlockwise direction the article (106) is lifted and ejected in the upward direction/ positive Y direction.
[0037] Fig. 3-C discloses an isometric view of the ejection mechanism (1000) during the ejection stroke (3000). After ejection of the article (106) the sliding frame (102) continues to move in the negative X direction. At the end of the ejection stroke (3000), the sliding frame (102) disengages from the extractor (104). Further, the extractor pushing block (110) and the extractor (104) are restored into their original positions, thereby completing the ejection process of the article (106).
[0038] Referring to fig, 4-A, and 4-B, which illustrates the working of the ejection mechanism (1000) during reverse stroke (4000).
[0039] In fig. 4-A, the sliding frame (102) is moving in the positive X direction. It can be seen that the extractor pushing block (110) disengaged from the extractor (104). Further, the extractor (104) and the extractor pushing block (110) are restored into their original positions. Further, the extractor pushing block (110) rotate in the clockwise direction reaches in the original position in the one or more grooves (124) by the biasing effect of the spring (114).
[0040] Further, as the extractor (104) also rotates in the clockwise direction and thereby stationing the extractor (104) in the spindle lock (108) at its original position.
[0041] Fig, 4-B shows that as the sliding frame (102) moves in the positive X direction, the extractor pushing block (110) rotates in the clockwise direction and reaches at the original position by the virtue of biasing action from the spring (114) disclosed in the fig. 1. Furthermore, the extractor (104) also rotates the clockwise direction and reached the original position in the spindle lock (108).
[0042] In an aspect, after completion of the reverse stroke (4000) a new article (106) is fed into the spindle lock (108) by the feeding assembly (502). The feeding assembly (502) may place the new article (106) on the extractor (104). After placing the new article on the extractor (104), the ejection mechanism (1000) is closed by reciprocating the sliding frame (102) in positive X-direction. Further, the actuation assembly (122) may be aligned with the spindle lock (108) in order to actuate the article (106). After aligning the actuation assembly (122) the article (106) is ready for next operation such as firing or any other production process.
[0043] In one embodiment, the actuation assembly (122) may include a firing pin which may be used for striking the article (106). Further, when the sliding frame (102) is aligned, and firing pin is in position i.e., concentric with the article (106) and the projectile is ready to fire. After striking the article strikes a projectile in the spindle lock (108) thereby launching the projectile outside the artillery gun.
[0044] Now referring to figure 5 an article feeding mechanism (5000) is disclosed. The article feeding mechanism (5000) includes a feeding assembly (502). The feeding assembly (502) includes a magazine of articles which continuously feeds the article (106) into the spindle lock (108). Further, the sliding frame (102) moves upwards and pushes the extractor (104) which in turn ejects the article (106) from the spindle lock (108) thereby freeing the article (106) from the spindle lock (108).
[0045] The invention is further defined by at least the examples provided in the following items:
Item 1 An ejection mechanism (1000) for removal of an article (106), comprising:
a sliding frame (102), wherein the sliding frame (102) is configured to reciprocate along X-axis;
an extractor (104), wherein the extractor (104) is configured to remove the article (106) from a spindle lock (108), wherein the extractor (104) is mounted on the spindle lock (108), wherein the extractor (104) engages with the article (106); and
an extractor pushing block (110), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame (102), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is configured to engage with the extractor (104).
Item 2 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein the extractor (104) comprises protrusions (112), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the protrusions (112) to facilitate rotation of the extractor (104), wherein the extractor (104) comprises arms, wherein the arms are configured to hold the article (106).
Item 3 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein the extractor (104) is mounted on the spindle lock (108) using an extractor pin (120), wherein the extractor (104) rotates along the extractor pin (120) when the extractor (104) is rotated by the extractor pushing block (110).
Item 4 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame (102) using a pushing block pin (126), wherein a spring (114) is assembled on the pushing block pin (126), wherein the spring (114) provides biasing effect to the extractor pushing block (110).
Item 5 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein the sliding frame (102) comprises one or more grooves (124), wherein the one or more grooves (124) are configured to station the extractor pushing block (110) and remove obstructions for the extractor (104) when the extractor (104) rotates in the anti-clockwise direction to remove the article (106).
Item 6 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1 and 5, wherein size and shape of the extractor (104), the extractor pushing block (110), and the one or more grooves (124) are adjustable according to size and weight of the article (106) or other operational requirements.
Item 7 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein during an ejection stroke (3000), the sliding frame (102) moves in the negative X direction, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the extractor and remains steady against a step provided in the sliding frame (102), wherein the extractor (104) rotates in the anticlockwise direction by the virtue of its engagement with the extractor pushing block (110), wherein the article (106) is ejected from the spindle lock (108) in positive Y direction by the virtue of its engagement with the extractor (104), wherein the sliding frame (102) continues to travel in the negative X direction and disengages from the extractor (104).
Item 8 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1, wherein during a reverse stroke (4000), the sliding frame (102) moves in the positive X direction, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is disengaged from the extractor (104), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) rotates in the clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor pushing block (110) in the one or more grooves (124), wherein the extractor (104) rotates in the clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor (104) in the spindle lock (108).
Item 9 The ejection mechanism (1000) of item 1 and 8, wherein after the completion of the reverse stroke (4000), a new article (106) is fed into the spindle lock (108) by a feeding assembly (502), wherein the feeding assembly (502) places the new article (106) on the extractor (104), wherein an actuation assembly (122) is aligned with the new article (106) and the spindle lock (108) after completion of the reverse stroke (4000), wherein the actuation assembly (122) configured to actuate the article (106).
Technical Advance & Economic Significance:
[0046] The benefits of the ejection mechanism include but are not limited to:
1. Fully automated and high speed process of article feeding and fit for high speed operation which is essential for modern warfare or production systems.
2. Extractor is customizable in size as based on change in the type of application and size if the article.
3. The extractor is easy to maintain as it is not attached to the sliding frame thus cost and time for maintenance is effectively reduced.
[0047] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including,” “comprising,” “incorporating,” “consisting of,” “have,” “is,” “include” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An ejection mechanism (1000) for removal of an article (106), comprising:
a sliding frame (102), wherein the sliding frame (102) is configured to reciprocate along X-axis;
an extractor (104), wherein the extractor (104) is configured to remove the article (106) from a spindle lock (108), wherein the extractor (104) is mounted on the spindle lock (108), wherein the extractor (104) engages with the article (106); and
an extractor pushing block (110), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame (102), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is configured to engage with the extractor (104).
2. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extractor (104) comprises protrusions (112), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the protrusions (112) to facilitate rotation of the extractor (104), wherein the extractor (104) comprises arms, wherein the arms are configured to hold the article (106).
3. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extractor (104) is mounted on the spindle lock (108) using an extractor pin (120), wherein the extractor (104) rotates along the extractor pin (120) when the extractor (104) is rotated by the extractor pushing block (110).
4. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is rotatably coupled to the sliding frame (102) using a pushing block pin (126), wherein a spring (114) is assembled on the pushing block pin (126), wherein the spring (114) provides biasing effect to the extractor pushing block (110).
5. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding frame (102) comprises one or more grooves (124), wherein the one or more grooves (124) are configured to station the extractor pushing block (110) and remove obstructions for the extractor (104) when the extractor (104) rotates in anti-clockwise direction to remove the article (106).
6. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein size and shape of the extractor (104), the extractor pushing block (110), and the one or more grooves (124) are adjustable according to size and weight of the article (106) or other operational requirements.
7. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein during an ejection stroke (3000), the sliding frame (102) moves in negative X direction, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) engages with the extractor and remains steady against a step provided in the sliding frame (102), wherein the extractor (104) rotates in anticlockwise direction by virtue of its engagement with the extractor pushing block (110), wherein the article (106) is ejected from the spindle lock (108) in positive Y direction by virtue of its engagement with the extractor (104), wherein the sliding frame (102) continues to travel in the negative X direction and disengages from the extractor (104).
8. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein during a reverse stroke (4000), the sliding frame (102) moves in positive X direction, wherein the extractor pushing block (110) is disengaged from the extractor (104), wherein the extractor pushing block (110) rotates in clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor pushing block (110) in one or more grooves (124), wherein the extractor (104) rotates in clockwise direction thereby stationing the extractor (104) in the spindle lock (108).
9. The ejection mechanism (1000) as claimed in claim 1 and 8, wherein after completion of the reverse stroke (4000), a new article (106) is fed into the spindle lock (108) by a feeding assembly (502), wherein the feeding assembly (502) places the new article (106) on the extractor (104), wherein an actuation assembly (122) is aligned with the new article (106) and the spindle lock (108) after completion of the reverse stroke (4000), wherein the actuation assembly (122) configured to actuate the article (106).