CA2085988A1 - Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a framework - Google Patents
Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a frameworkInfo
- Publication number
- CA2085988A1 CA2085988A1 CA002085988A CA2085988A CA2085988A1 CA 2085988 A1 CA2085988 A1 CA 2085988A1 CA 002085988 A CA002085988 A CA 002085988A CA 2085988 A CA2085988 A CA 2085988A CA 2085988 A1 CA2085988 A1 CA 2085988A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- episcope
- reflector
- framework
- light rays
- retraction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
- F41H5/26—Peepholes; Windows; Loopholes
- F41H5/266—Periscopes for fighting or armoured vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/02—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices involving prisms or mirrors
- G02B23/08—Periscopes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/12—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices with means for image conversion or intensification
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
- G02B23/16—Housings; Caps; Mountings; Supports, e.g. with counterweight
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Telescopes (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
- Stroboscope Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a framework.
The invention relates to an articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, of the type used in an armoured vehicle, and comprising a retractable reflector (5), which can move between two extreme positions, permitting in a first retracted position the free circulation of the light rays received in the direction of a first device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, and in a second active position the deflection of the said light rays in the direction of a second device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, being able to pivot in bearing so as to enlarge the field of view, characterised in that it comprises automatic repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39) of the said second device which can pivot into a neutral position, permitting retraction of the said retractable reflector (5), the said repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39) being slaved to retraction means (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45) of the said retractable reflector (5).
Fig. 2
Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a framework.
The invention relates to an articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, of the type used in an armoured vehicle, and comprising a retractable reflector (5), which can move between two extreme positions, permitting in a first retracted position the free circulation of the light rays received in the direction of a first device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, and in a second active position the deflection of the said light rays in the direction of a second device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, being able to pivot in bearing so as to enlarge the field of view, characterised in that it comprises automatic repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39) of the said second device which can pivot into a neutral position, permitting retraction of the said retractable reflector (5), the said repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39) being slaved to retraction means (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45) of the said retractable reflector (5).
Fig. 2
Description
~ 9~8 Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a framework.
The field of the invention is that of episcopic viewing.
The invention relates to a framework particu-larly adapted to an episcope permitting two distinct modes for processing the light rays received, especially being able to be used for day viewing with conventional optical means, and for night viewing, for example by means of a light intensifier tube.
More precisely, the invention relates to mechanical means simplifying and optimising the passage from one viewing mode to the other.
The invention also relates to an episcope mounted on such a framework.
The invention finds a particular application in observation apparatus for armoured vehicles, and especially for battle tanks. More generally, the epi-scope of the invention may be used in all cases whereit is necessary to isolate the observer from the ob-served field and where it is useful to have available two types of optical and/or electronic processing of the light rays received by the episcope, comprising for example on the one hand, means for direct viewing via the optical path and, on the other hand, via electronic viewing means, such as a light intensifier, an infrared detector or a camera, with CCD sensor or the like.
In the particular case of armoured vehicles, the driver usually has available, for day viewing, at lea~t one conventional optical episcope, called day path, compriYing an inlet reflector receiving the light rays and an outlet reflector restoring the light rays to the driver. According to the type of episcope, the path of the light rays between the two reflectors may be direct or may undergo one or more reflections.
The day path ensures optimal viewing, so long as illumination is sufficient. In contrast, it does not allow driving by night. Indeed it is not possible, at least in the combat position, to use illumination means integral with the vehicle. It is therefore necessary to use an electronic night path, restoring to the driver a visible image of the landscape, and comprising for example an objective lens, a light intensifier tube and an eyepiece.
The use of the vehicle under all conditions of illumination therefore imposes the use of two distinct episcopes. Passage from one viewing mode to the other therefore necessitates the change of episcopes.
This dismounting and remounting operation is very harmful for the armoured vehicle. Indeed, during several minutes, the latter is deprived of any viewing means. It is therefore very vulnerable, and in order to avoid any risk, is obliged to retreat and hide during the exchange of episcopes.
Another problem posed by this technique is the storage of the non-used episcope in the compartment of the vehicle, in which space is most often very restricted. In addition, thi~ non-used episcope runs great risk of damage, if it is not suitably anchored.
Moreover, the periscope exchange operation leads to a point los~ in sealing. In particular, the vehicle is therefore no longer protected against nuclear, bacteriological, and chemical risks. More generally, the succes~ive dismountings and remountings may change the sealing conditions, especially in the region of wear of the seal~.
The use of two independent episcopes for day and night also poses problems in periods of inter-mediate illumination, such as dawn and dusk, or when certain zones are illuminated and others not. The sig-nificant time for changing from one viewing mode to the other makes it impossible to be permanently under optimum viewing conditions.
So as to eliminate this exchange operation, day/night episcopes have been designed, comprising, in the same casing, a conventional day path and a night path with light intensifier. Thus, the documents of the French Patent Applications 85 02575 and 85 02576, filed on 22.02.1985, introduce episcopes with substantially parallel day path and night path placed one behind the other, the inlet reflector being movable, and directing the light rays towards one of the two paths, depending on the position selected by the driver.
As a general rule, armoured vehicles comprise three day episcopes, allowing the driver to see for-wards and to the sides. In contrast, for reasons of cost and of bulk, the use of three devices for night viewing cannot be envisaged. Thus, only the forward-facing episcope is removable and may be replaced by a night episcope. In order to widen the field of view of the driver, causing this night episcope to pivot in bearing has been designed.
The document of Patent Application FR 85 02576 already mentioned describes such a day/night episcope, whose night device may thus pivot. This episcope there-fore offset3 the drawbacks caused by the exchanges of epi~copes, while permitting the driver to have a wide field of view available, by day as by night.
Pa~sage from the day path to the night path is achieved by displacing a movable reflector. In a first position, this reflector does not interfere with the light rays, which are directly received by the day path. In a second position, the reflector deflects the light ray~ in the direction of the night path. This night path, comprising the movable reflector, an objec-tive lens, a light intensifier tube and a biocular may therefore turn in bearing.
In order to permit passage from the night path to the day path, that i~ to say retraction of the movable reflector, it is fir~tly necessary to re-position the night path in its ~entral position, then to control passage from ~he night path to the day path.
Indeed, in armoured vehicle~ in general, and in episcopes in particular, the free space is very limited. Retraction of the reflector can therefore only be carried out in one particular position. It cannot be envisaged, for reasons of bulk, to permit retraction of the reflector regardless of the position of the night path.
This double repositioning then retracting operation poses several problems. Especiallyf from the ergonomic point of view, it imposes two successive controls. The driver risk~ forgetting the first re-positioning stage and directly actuating the control for passing from the night path to the day path. There would then be forcing of the mechanics and, possibly, damage of the equipment. Moreover, the changing of paths not beinq instantaneous, due to the prior re-positioning, may prove to be a nuisance, especially in a combat situation.
The objective of the invention is especially to offset these various drawback~.
The invention thus relates to an episcope per-mitting the light rays received to be processed accord-ing to two distinct processing modes, one of the modes offering a widened field of view, by means of a device which can pivot in bearing.
An objective of the invention is to provide a framework for such an episcope, permitting the passage from one mode for processing the light ray~ to the other in a ~imple, safe and rapid fashion.
More precisely, the objective of the invention is to provide such a framework permitting the observer to pass from one proce~sing mode to the other with the aid of a single and simple control, reqardless of the positisn of the pivotable device.
An objective of the invention i8 al80 to provide such a framework, in which passage from one proce3sing mode to the other is achieved in an almost instantaneous fashion. In other words, there is to be no i~mobilisation time during which the vehicle is blind, so as to make possible, especially, numerous chanqes in processing modes, in particular in the event of intermediate illumination.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an episcope, which is as solid and reliable as possible, avoiding any possibility of forcing by the user, and calling solely upon mechanical means.
An objective of the invention is also to provide such a episcope, exhibiting a limited overall bulk. Indeed, space is very restricted in armoured vehicles. Moreover, the reduced bulk of the episcope must permit its use in several types of vehicles.
A particular objective of the invention is to provide such an episcope which can be easily di~mounted, and is modular, especially in that which concerns the two processing devices for the light rays.
In particular, the objective of the invention is to provide an episcope grouping together, in a reduced volume, the functions required for an episcope for modern driving, namely:
- day viewing using a conventional system with prisms, - night viewing by light intensifying, with viewing on biocular providing great comfort for 2S observation, - rotation in bearing of the night path so as to cover a horizontal field of view of at lea~t 100, - rapid switchover o as to pass from one operational mode to the other.
These objectives, a~ well as others which will appear later, are attained according to the invention with the aid of an articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, of the type used in an armoured vehicle, comprising a retractable reflector, which can move between two extreme positions, permit-ting in a first retracted position the free circulation of the light rays received in the direction of a first device for optical and/or electronic processing of the rJ~
said light rays, and in a second active position the deflection of the said light rays in the direction of a second device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, being able to pivot in bearing so as to enlarge the field of view, comprising automatic repositioning means of the said second device which can pivot into a neutral position, permitting retraction of the said retractable reflector, the said repositioning means being slaved to retraction means of the said retractable reflector Thus, a single control permits repositioning of the pivotable device and retraction of the reflector.
Moreover, there is no risk of forcing a retraction control when the pivotable device is not in its rest position.
Advantageously, the said retractabls reflector can tip between two extreme positions defining an angle of approximately ~/2.
In a preferential fashion, the said retraction means comprise means for guiding the displacement travel of the said reflector consisting of a f in of overall ~emicircular shape, comprising a circum-f erential groove for receiving and guiding a pin secured to the support of the said retractable reflector.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotational movement of the said retractable reflector i~ actuated by a set of at least two articu-lated connecting rod~, a first connecting rod havinq its free end rotationally mounted on the support of the said reflector, and a second connecting rod having its free end rotationally driven by means for transmitting a movement, actuated by the selection control of one of the said devices.
Advantageously, at least one of the said con-necting rods exhibits at least one curvature, so as to limit the overall bulk of the said episcope.
In an advantageous fashion, in the case where the set of connecting rods comprises two connecting rods~ the three rotational axes corresponding to the ends of the said connecting rods are substantially in the same plane, when the said retractable reflector is in the said active position.
In a preferential embodiment, the said means for transmitting a movement comprise a rotational rod substantially parallel to the said viewing devices and secured to a crank for controlling the selection of one of the said devices for optical and/or electronic pro-cessing, whose rotational movement i~ transmitted to the said second connecting rod by gearing.
In an advantageous fashion, the framework lS according to the invention comprises means for shutter-ing the said second device for optical and/or elec-tronic processing when the said reflector is in the retracted position, interacting with the said retraction means.
It is indeed desirable, especially in the case where the second pivotable device comprises processing means such as a light intensifier tube, to shutter it when it is not used.
Preferentially, the ~aid shuttering means con-sist of one of the ~aid connecting rods.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the said repositioning mean~ comprise at least one repositioning connecting rod one of who~e ends is secured to the said pivotable second device comprising a slideway, in which a pin secured to retraction control means can slide, ~o that the retraction operation of the said retractable reflector simul-taneously leads to the repositioning of the said second device into the said neutral position.
Preferentially, each of the said pins is mounted in an eccentric fashion between two plates secured to the rod for the tran~mission of the rotational movement of the said control crank, so as to form a sort of crankshaft.
Advantageously, the said repositioning means comprise an indexing roller of the said second device in the said neutral position, the said roller being mounted on the framework and elastically pushed back, so as to interact with a receiving notch made in the said pivotable second device, when the said second device is in the neutral position.
10This roller especially permits the driver to feel, in a tactile manner, that the pivotable device is in it~ neutral position, which advantageously corresponds to the central position.
In a preferential fashion, the framework com-prises at least one traction spring for returning thesaid pivotable second device to the two extreme position~.
The invention also relates to an episcope mounted in a framework exhibiting at least some of the preceding characteri~tics.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the episcope comprises means for rotationally securing the said retractable reflector in the active position to the eyepiece of the said pivotable second device, the intermediate optical and/or electronic processing mean~ of the said second device being fixed.
Thus the number of movable elements is limited to the ~inimum. This permits an overall reduced bulk to be obtained.
30In the case where the second device comprises means for electronic processing of the said light rays, the said retraction means advantageously actuate means for putting the ~aid electronic processing means into and out of operation.
35In a particular embodiment, the 3aid first device for processing the light rays is an optical device, based on reflectors. The said pivotable second device can especially be a night viewing device, comprising an objective lens, an intensifier tube and a biocular.
In another embodiment, the said pivotable second device may advantageously comprise a camera sensor and a viewing screen.
In order to facilitate the instructions, and to make it possible to change one of the said devices for processing the light rays, these devices are preferably placed in independent casings.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge upon reading the follow-ing description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustration and in no way limiting, and of the appended drawings in which:
- Figure 1 shows a vertical section of the optical components of an episcope capable of in-corporating an articulated framework according to the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a view in vertical section of a model illustrating an advantageous embodiment of the framework of the invention in the so-called "active"
position ("night path" position in the case of its use in an epi~cope);
- Figure 3 is a view from above of the auto-matic repositioning means in bearing of the framework of Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the framework of Figure 2 in the so-called retracted position ("day path").
The de~cription which follows relates to a preferential embodiment of the invention, in which the articulated framework i~ used in a "day/night" epi-scope, that i8 to say permitting the sslection of one or the other of the two paths for proces ing the light signal according to the luminosity outside.
Figure 1 shows a vertical section of the optical components of an episcope capable of incor-J~?~
porating an articulated framework according to thepresent invention.
An episcope 1 passes through the armouring 2 of a vehicle. The episcope l comprises two juxtaposed independent episcopic devices 3 and 4.
The light rays received by the upper part of the episcope 1 are directed either towards the device 3, called night path, or towards the device 4, called day path, according to the position of a retractable reflector 5. Thi~ reflector may especially be a mirror or a triangular prism.
When the light rays are of sufficient inten-sity, the retractable reflector 5 i8 folded down so that the light rays pass directly into the day path 4.
According to a particular embodiment, the first device 4 may comprise two reflectors 6 and 12 reflect-ing the light signals entering the episcope towards an observer 7, typically a driver of an armoured machine.
The light signals originating from the outside are reflected by the reflector 12 towards the reflector 6 which sends them towards the observer 7.
The first device 4 may also comprise one or more objective len~es for processing the light signal or else electronic processing means (sensors, CCD
camera or the like).
When the episcope operates in day mode, that is to say when the rays are admitted into the device 4, the episcope is rotationally immobile. It is not nece~sary to be able to rotate the day path in bearing since the known armoured machines generally comprise two lateral day episcopes.
The passage from the day path to the night path is carried out by tipping the retractable reflector 5 above the night path 3. Thus, the light rays admitted into the episcope are directed towards the second pro-cessing device 3 and no longer reach the day path 4.
The night path 3 is composed, in the configura-tion of Figure 1, of an objective lens 8, of a light J~
intensifying tube 9 and of a biocular 10. The objective lens 8 and the light intensifier tube 9 are juxtaposed in the path 3. The biocular 10 comprises a reflector 11 and optical processing means not shown, permitting an image visible by both eyes to be obtained at the output of the biocular.
The light rays originating from the outside are deflected by the retractable reflector 5 towards the objective lens 8, amplified electronically by the light intensifier 9, penetrate the biocular 10, are reflected by the reflector 11 and re-emerge from the biocular 10 so as to be viewed by the observer 7.
The night path 3 may also be composed of infrared, CCD or other sensors or devices for process-ing a light signal. For example, the intensifier tube 9may be replaced by a camera sensor and the biocular 10 by a viewing screen.
When the episcope 1 according to the present invention is in the night position, that is to say when the retractable reflector i8 in the active position (deflection of the light rays toward~ the path 3), the observer 7 may control the bearing of the night path, that is to ~ay its rotation about a vertical axis.
It should be noted that in the case of pivoting in bearing, the objective lens 8 and the intensifier tube 9 remain advantageously immobile, only the retractable reflector 5 and the biocular 10 being free in rotatation. This permits the overall bulk of the episcope to be reduced.
Advantageously, the two paths for processing the light rays are fixed in independent casings, linked to one another for example by screwing. These two as embled casings constitute the sealed envelope of the epl~cope.
Thu~, the part outside the vehicle remains fixed, which permits, in a simple fashion, sealing to be ensured between the episcope and the armouring due to the absence of a rotating component in this area.
This also permits the upper part of the episcope to be best protected with the aid of a yoke fixed to the armouring.
Moreover, the modularity of the two processing paths exhibits numerous advantages. On the one hand it permits a night path common to several types of epi3cope to be produced, which is able to be installed in various types of armoured vehicles, only the day path and the casing of the episcope needing to be adapted.
The economic advantage linked to the modular aspect of this equipment comes, on the one hand, from the cost reduction3 which can be envi~aged on modules which are common to various episcopes due to the greater manufacturing quantities and, on the other hand, from the common maintenance of this equipment.
It will also be noted that the existence of a head hatchway 14 independent of the upper prisms of the day and night path~ allows easy and cheap maintenance of this component which is particularly exposed to external ~tresses. This hatchway 14 may advantageously comprise defro~ting means, for example by resistive dielectric treatment.
In the same way, the eyepiece 53 may have available demisting means, consisting for example of a heating resistance.
In an advantageous fashion, a front rest (not shown) which can occupy a ~day~ position and a "night"
position ensures, in the night position, the mechanical protection of the lower day prism 6 and the shuttering of the day path 4, preventing any leakage of light from the inside towards the outside of the tank.
As has been explained, the epi~cope described comprise~ an optical day path and a night path with a light inten3ifier tube. Nevertheles~, the invention applies to any type of processing of light ray~, optical or electronic. Thus, it is po3sible to use photosensitive ~en~ors, interacting with screens. An ~ J ~
em~odiment example is the use of a camera with inten-sified CCD, with viewinq on a flat screen, a liquid crystal screen or the like. The advantages of such an episcope are, especially:
- the possibility of transmitting the image coming from the video episcope to the tank commander for example, - possibility of viewing by day as by night images coming from other sensors (rear-facing camera, thermal camera, etc.), - possibility of displaying complex information on the episcope monitor.
Figure 2 is a view in vertical section of a model illustrating an advantageous embodiment of the framework of the invention in the so-called "active"
position ("night path" po ition in the case of its use in an episcope);
The tipping of the movable reflector 5 is con-trolled by circular displacement of a control crank 20 for selecting one of the devices 3 and 4 (Fig. 1). The crank 20 may assume two extreme positions by virtue of return means not shown. The control crank 20 is con-nected to a transmission rod 21 secured to a plate 22.
Above the plate 22 there are arranged two other plates 24 and 26 spaced apart by pins 23 and 25 forming crank pins. The pins 23 and 25 are fixed in an eccentric po~ition relative to an axis passing through the trans-mission rod and the centres of the three plates 22, 24 and 26, respectively between the plates 22, 24 and 24, 26 so as to form a sort of crankshaft.
The upper plate 26 is also secured to a rotation rod 27 substantially parallel to the viewing devices 3 and 4.
The~e plates 22, 24, 26 and pins 23, 25 permit, in cooperation with the connecting rods 38, 39, the automatic repositioning of the night path during passage from the night viewing mode to the day viewing mode, according to the principle explained later.
~ ~' The rotation rod 27 is equipped with a bevel gear 28 at its upper end. Another bevel gear 29 is mounted in free rotation perpendicular to the gear 28 on a support 30, forming gearing.
The end of a connecting rod 31 is fixed in a secure fashion to the bevel gear 29 and its other end is fixed to a bent connecting rod 32.
The other end of the connecting rod 32 is mounted so as to freely rotate on a support 33 of the rotationally movable retractable reflector 5. The support 33 of the reflector 5 is arranged above the objective lens 8 of the night path, so that the reflector 5, in the active position shown, transmits the light rays towards the objective lens 8.
The support 33 i8 composed of a fixed part 44 connected to the connecting rod 32 and a movable part 43 free in rotation relative to the fixed part 44. The reflector 5 is fixed in a secure fashion to the movable part 43 so as to be able to pivot in bearing about the axis 49, when it is in the "active" non tipped position of Figure 2. The fixed part 44 of the support 33 is secured to a set of two symmetrical fastening lugs 45 (only one of which is visible in the figure). The lugs 45 are rotationally movable about an axis 42 between two extreme positions so as to drive the reflector 5 in tipping between the "active" position and the "retracted" position.
In the active position, a set of two stops 46 (only one of which is shown) serve as correct position-ing and correct immobilising of the reflector 5 at theend of its travel by coming back into contact with the front part of each of the lugs 45.
In order to damp the vibrations, shimc 47 made from an elastic material, such as rubber, are arranged on the stops 46. In addition, an alignment of the three axes of rotation passing through the ends of the con-necting rods 31 and 32 in the same plane 48, when the reflector 5 is in the active position, permits good immunisation of the device against vibration to ~e ensured.
The moving part 43 is provided with a pin 34 which can move in guide means 35. These guide means are advantageously composed of a semicircular fin with a circumferential groove for receiving the pin 34. The upper end of the fin is secured to a ring 41 able to pivot about the objective len~ 8 situated under the support 33. The lower end of the fin 35 is securely fixed to a rod 36 secured to a plate 37. The plate 37 is advantageously of circular shape and forms a fixing plate for the biocular 10. By virtue of this linking system, any rotation of the plate 37 (to which the biocular 10 is fixed) leads to the rotation of the upper reflector 5, via the rod 36, the fin 35 and the ring 41 linked to the movable part 43.
Another embodiment consi~ts in fixing the lower end of the rod 36 directly to the bio~ular 10.
The pin~ 23 and 25 serve a~ guiding axes for repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 each comprising an oblong ~lot forming a slideway. Each connecting rod is rotationally mounted on the plate 37 at one of its ends, or on the biocular 10, according to the embodiment chosen. The biocular 10 is secured to a control arm 40 permitting the device shown to be caused to pivot in bearing.
The cro~s-hatched elements 70 show the fixed part of the framework.
The following description explains the opera-tion of the device of Figure 2.
In the active position, the setting into rotation, especially carried out manually, of the control crank 20, brings about the rotation of the transmission rod 21 which leads to the rotation of the plates 22, 24 and 26 and the rotation rod 27. The con-necting rods 38 and 39 slide freely during a rotation of the crank 20, their sliding being guided by the pins 23 and 25.
The rotation of the rotation rod 27 brings about that of the gearing consisting of the bevel gears 28 and 29.
The rotation of the bevel gear 29 in the trigonometric direction brings about the rotation in the same direction of the retraction connecting rod 31.
This rotation brings about the advancement of the con-necting rod 32 in the direction of the objective lens 8 and causes the support 33 and the reflector 5 to tip about the axis 42, guiding of the moving part 43 of the support 33 being ensured by holding the pin 34 in the semicircular fin 35 with a circumferential receiving groove.
The retraction produced permits passage of the light rays towards the oth~r processing path, especially the day path in the embodiment described, since the night path is arranged between the inlet of the light rays to the ep-scope and the day path. When the reflector is in its bottom extreme position, it is said to be in the retracted position, that is to say it no longer reflects the light ray~.
A rotation of the crank 20 in the opposite direction permits the reflector to be repositioned into the active position.
25As already explained, when the reflector is in the active position, the rotation in bearing of the biocular/reflector assembly iY permitted.
The rotation in bearing is controlled manually by rotation of the control arm 40. This control arm 40 is fixed either directly to the biocular 10, as shown in Figure 2, or to the plate 37 for holding the biocular 10.
It should be noted that it is also possible to provide the device described with motors permitting the controls for rotation of the control arm 40 and/or of the control crank 20 for selecting one of the process-ing devices 3, 4 to be replaced. In this case, the operation of the motors may be slaved to the movement of the steering wheel of the armoured vehicle or to the head of the driver.
The rotation of the control arm 40 brings about that of the semicircular fin 35 fixed to the ring 41 free in rotation about the fixed objective lens 8. The pin 34 being engaged in the semicircular fin 35 and secured to the rotationally movable part 43 on which the reflector 5 is arranged, permits the rotation of the reflector 5. Since the transmission produced is "direct", the reflector 5 rotates through the ~ame angle as the biocular 10.
This device therefore makes it possible for the observer situated in the armoured machine to view an entire field around him in the night path. In the embodiment described, the field covered is about 110, by virtue of the rotation in bearing of + 30 about the neutral position.
It should be noted that the means for retract-ing the reflector 5 consisting of the plates 22, 24, 26, the rotation rod 27, the gears 28, 29, the con-necting rods 31, 32 and the fixed part 44 of the support 33 remain immobile during actuation of the control arm 40, by virtue of the sliding of the pins 23 and 25 in the repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 one end of which is secured to the plat~ 37 or to the upper surface of the biocular 10. The extreme positions of the night path are reached when the repositioning connecting rods 38, 39 arrive in abutment against the pins 25 and 23 respectively.
One of the main characteristics of the present invention is that the passage from the night path to the day path is produced automatically, by simply actuating the control crank 20 so as to pass into the day path, regardless of the bearing position of the reflector 5.
Advantageously, the passage from the day path to the night path automatically leads to putting the electronic means into operation, and especially the intensifier tube, for example by means of a microcontact.
Figure 3 is a view from above of the automatic repositioning means in bearing of the framework of Figure 2. The reflector is in the so-called neutral position, for example immediately after passing from the day position to the night position, without there having been any action on the control arm 40. The plate 24 separating thP pins 23 and 25 is not shown for reasons of convenience of understanding. In the neutral position of the pivotable device, the pins 23 and 25 are situated on the side of the biocular iO, substan-tially at an equal distance on either side of an axis 55 passing through the centre of the biocular lO.
The repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 equipped with slideways respectively comprising the pins 25 and 23 forming a crank pin exhibit between them a substantially right angle. The non-free ends of the connecting rods 38 and 39 are rotationally fixed to the support 37 of the biocular 10.
The support 37 advantageously exhibits a receiving notch 54 in which there is inserted a movable peg 50 for reversible locking mounted on a return traction spring 51 secured to a support 52 mounted on the framework, when the device is in the neutral posltion.
From the neutral position, actuating the control crank 20 brings about the sliding of the re-positioning connecting rods 38 and 39 in the pins 25 and 23, and the biocular 10 remains immobile.
The mechanism for automatically repositioning the reflector 5 operates when, in the night position, the device is not in the neutral position, that is to say when the movable peg 50 for reversible locking is out of the receiving notch 54. In addition, one of the pins 23 or 25 is therefore brought close 'o the free end of its connecting rod while the other is moved away from the free end of its connecting rod, according to the direction 56 of displacement of the control arm 40.
From such a position, the rotation of the control crank 20 so as to pass to day viewing brings about the rotation of the plate 37 and of the biocular 10 by bringing one of the pins 23 or 25 into abutment against the free end of a slideway of one of the repositioning connecting rods. The rotation of the crank 20 also brings about the rotation of the rod 27 and therefore pivoting of the reflector 5 about the axis 42, at the same time as its repositioning into the retracted position by rotation of the movable part 43 of the support 33. Repositioning of the reflector 5 is permitted by engagement of the pin 34 in the semicircular fin 35 which moves as one with the plate 37 (or with the biocular 10).
When the control crank 20 comes into a~utment in the extreme position corresponding to setting the device to the day path, the indexing roller 50 comes into the notch 54 of the plate 37 or of the biocular 10 and the repositioning connecting rods are again in the position of Figure 3. The pins 23 and 25 are, in con-trast, in an opposed position on the plates 22 and 24, relative to an axis passing through the centre of the plates and perpendicular to the axis 55.
As has already been explained, when the epi-scope is in the "day path" position, the freedom of rotational movement of the nisht path of the episcope is eliminated.
Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the frame-work of Figure 2 in the so-called retracted position ("day path").
As previously described, the repositioning con-necting rod~ 38 and 39 are substantially perpendicular to one another and their guide pins are in positions opposed to those shown in Figure 3, the rotation rod and the crankshaft 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 having rotated through ~.
~X~J~
The retracted position of the reflector 5 shown simultaneously ensures on the one hand, total freeing of the passage of the light rays in the direction 60 into the day path, and on the other hand, shuttering of the objective lens 8 by the connecting rod 32.
The reflector 5 is in the retracted position and the displacement of the connecting rods 31 and 32 is calculated such that the reflector only requires a reduced deflection space. The fact of using at least one connecting rod 32 exhibiting a curvature permits this deflection to be reduced. Moreover, the shape of this connecting rod permits the objective lens 8 to be completely shuttered.
It will be noted that the rotation of the control crank 20 between its two extreme positions is 180, whereas the rotation of the retractable support 33 is only 90 about the axis 42.
The field of the invention is that of episcopic viewing.
The invention relates to a framework particu-larly adapted to an episcope permitting two distinct modes for processing the light rays received, especially being able to be used for day viewing with conventional optical means, and for night viewing, for example by means of a light intensifier tube.
More precisely, the invention relates to mechanical means simplifying and optimising the passage from one viewing mode to the other.
The invention also relates to an episcope mounted on such a framework.
The invention finds a particular application in observation apparatus for armoured vehicles, and especially for battle tanks. More generally, the epi-scope of the invention may be used in all cases whereit is necessary to isolate the observer from the ob-served field and where it is useful to have available two types of optical and/or electronic processing of the light rays received by the episcope, comprising for example on the one hand, means for direct viewing via the optical path and, on the other hand, via electronic viewing means, such as a light intensifier, an infrared detector or a camera, with CCD sensor or the like.
In the particular case of armoured vehicles, the driver usually has available, for day viewing, at lea~t one conventional optical episcope, called day path, compriYing an inlet reflector receiving the light rays and an outlet reflector restoring the light rays to the driver. According to the type of episcope, the path of the light rays between the two reflectors may be direct or may undergo one or more reflections.
The day path ensures optimal viewing, so long as illumination is sufficient. In contrast, it does not allow driving by night. Indeed it is not possible, at least in the combat position, to use illumination means integral with the vehicle. It is therefore necessary to use an electronic night path, restoring to the driver a visible image of the landscape, and comprising for example an objective lens, a light intensifier tube and an eyepiece.
The use of the vehicle under all conditions of illumination therefore imposes the use of two distinct episcopes. Passage from one viewing mode to the other therefore necessitates the change of episcopes.
This dismounting and remounting operation is very harmful for the armoured vehicle. Indeed, during several minutes, the latter is deprived of any viewing means. It is therefore very vulnerable, and in order to avoid any risk, is obliged to retreat and hide during the exchange of episcopes.
Another problem posed by this technique is the storage of the non-used episcope in the compartment of the vehicle, in which space is most often very restricted. In addition, thi~ non-used episcope runs great risk of damage, if it is not suitably anchored.
Moreover, the periscope exchange operation leads to a point los~ in sealing. In particular, the vehicle is therefore no longer protected against nuclear, bacteriological, and chemical risks. More generally, the succes~ive dismountings and remountings may change the sealing conditions, especially in the region of wear of the seal~.
The use of two independent episcopes for day and night also poses problems in periods of inter-mediate illumination, such as dawn and dusk, or when certain zones are illuminated and others not. The sig-nificant time for changing from one viewing mode to the other makes it impossible to be permanently under optimum viewing conditions.
So as to eliminate this exchange operation, day/night episcopes have been designed, comprising, in the same casing, a conventional day path and a night path with light intensifier. Thus, the documents of the French Patent Applications 85 02575 and 85 02576, filed on 22.02.1985, introduce episcopes with substantially parallel day path and night path placed one behind the other, the inlet reflector being movable, and directing the light rays towards one of the two paths, depending on the position selected by the driver.
As a general rule, armoured vehicles comprise three day episcopes, allowing the driver to see for-wards and to the sides. In contrast, for reasons of cost and of bulk, the use of three devices for night viewing cannot be envisaged. Thus, only the forward-facing episcope is removable and may be replaced by a night episcope. In order to widen the field of view of the driver, causing this night episcope to pivot in bearing has been designed.
The document of Patent Application FR 85 02576 already mentioned describes such a day/night episcope, whose night device may thus pivot. This episcope there-fore offset3 the drawbacks caused by the exchanges of epi~copes, while permitting the driver to have a wide field of view available, by day as by night.
Pa~sage from the day path to the night path is achieved by displacing a movable reflector. In a first position, this reflector does not interfere with the light rays, which are directly received by the day path. In a second position, the reflector deflects the light ray~ in the direction of the night path. This night path, comprising the movable reflector, an objec-tive lens, a light intensifier tube and a biocular may therefore turn in bearing.
In order to permit passage from the night path to the day path, that i~ to say retraction of the movable reflector, it is fir~tly necessary to re-position the night path in its ~entral position, then to control passage from ~he night path to the day path.
Indeed, in armoured vehicle~ in general, and in episcopes in particular, the free space is very limited. Retraction of the reflector can therefore only be carried out in one particular position. It cannot be envisaged, for reasons of bulk, to permit retraction of the reflector regardless of the position of the night path.
This double repositioning then retracting operation poses several problems. Especiallyf from the ergonomic point of view, it imposes two successive controls. The driver risk~ forgetting the first re-positioning stage and directly actuating the control for passing from the night path to the day path. There would then be forcing of the mechanics and, possibly, damage of the equipment. Moreover, the changing of paths not beinq instantaneous, due to the prior re-positioning, may prove to be a nuisance, especially in a combat situation.
The objective of the invention is especially to offset these various drawback~.
The invention thus relates to an episcope per-mitting the light rays received to be processed accord-ing to two distinct processing modes, one of the modes offering a widened field of view, by means of a device which can pivot in bearing.
An objective of the invention is to provide a framework for such an episcope, permitting the passage from one mode for processing the light ray~ to the other in a ~imple, safe and rapid fashion.
More precisely, the objective of the invention is to provide such a framework permitting the observer to pass from one proce~sing mode to the other with the aid of a single and simple control, reqardless of the positisn of the pivotable device.
An objective of the invention i8 al80 to provide such a framework, in which passage from one proce3sing mode to the other is achieved in an almost instantaneous fashion. In other words, there is to be no i~mobilisation time during which the vehicle is blind, so as to make possible, especially, numerous chanqes in processing modes, in particular in the event of intermediate illumination.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an episcope, which is as solid and reliable as possible, avoiding any possibility of forcing by the user, and calling solely upon mechanical means.
An objective of the invention is also to provide such a episcope, exhibiting a limited overall bulk. Indeed, space is very restricted in armoured vehicles. Moreover, the reduced bulk of the episcope must permit its use in several types of vehicles.
A particular objective of the invention is to provide such an episcope which can be easily di~mounted, and is modular, especially in that which concerns the two processing devices for the light rays.
In particular, the objective of the invention is to provide an episcope grouping together, in a reduced volume, the functions required for an episcope for modern driving, namely:
- day viewing using a conventional system with prisms, - night viewing by light intensifying, with viewing on biocular providing great comfort for 2S observation, - rotation in bearing of the night path so as to cover a horizontal field of view of at lea~t 100, - rapid switchover o as to pass from one operational mode to the other.
These objectives, a~ well as others which will appear later, are attained according to the invention with the aid of an articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, of the type used in an armoured vehicle, comprising a retractable reflector, which can move between two extreme positions, permit-ting in a first retracted position the free circulation of the light rays received in the direction of a first device for optical and/or electronic processing of the rJ~
said light rays, and in a second active position the deflection of the said light rays in the direction of a second device for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, being able to pivot in bearing so as to enlarge the field of view, comprising automatic repositioning means of the said second device which can pivot into a neutral position, permitting retraction of the said retractable reflector, the said repositioning means being slaved to retraction means of the said retractable reflector Thus, a single control permits repositioning of the pivotable device and retraction of the reflector.
Moreover, there is no risk of forcing a retraction control when the pivotable device is not in its rest position.
Advantageously, the said retractabls reflector can tip between two extreme positions defining an angle of approximately ~/2.
In a preferential fashion, the said retraction means comprise means for guiding the displacement travel of the said reflector consisting of a f in of overall ~emicircular shape, comprising a circum-f erential groove for receiving and guiding a pin secured to the support of the said retractable reflector.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotational movement of the said retractable reflector i~ actuated by a set of at least two articu-lated connecting rod~, a first connecting rod havinq its free end rotationally mounted on the support of the said reflector, and a second connecting rod having its free end rotationally driven by means for transmitting a movement, actuated by the selection control of one of the said devices.
Advantageously, at least one of the said con-necting rods exhibits at least one curvature, so as to limit the overall bulk of the said episcope.
In an advantageous fashion, in the case where the set of connecting rods comprises two connecting rods~ the three rotational axes corresponding to the ends of the said connecting rods are substantially in the same plane, when the said retractable reflector is in the said active position.
In a preferential embodiment, the said means for transmitting a movement comprise a rotational rod substantially parallel to the said viewing devices and secured to a crank for controlling the selection of one of the said devices for optical and/or electronic pro-cessing, whose rotational movement i~ transmitted to the said second connecting rod by gearing.
In an advantageous fashion, the framework lS according to the invention comprises means for shutter-ing the said second device for optical and/or elec-tronic processing when the said reflector is in the retracted position, interacting with the said retraction means.
It is indeed desirable, especially in the case where the second pivotable device comprises processing means such as a light intensifier tube, to shutter it when it is not used.
Preferentially, the ~aid shuttering means con-sist of one of the ~aid connecting rods.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the said repositioning mean~ comprise at least one repositioning connecting rod one of who~e ends is secured to the said pivotable second device comprising a slideway, in which a pin secured to retraction control means can slide, ~o that the retraction operation of the said retractable reflector simul-taneously leads to the repositioning of the said second device into the said neutral position.
Preferentially, each of the said pins is mounted in an eccentric fashion between two plates secured to the rod for the tran~mission of the rotational movement of the said control crank, so as to form a sort of crankshaft.
Advantageously, the said repositioning means comprise an indexing roller of the said second device in the said neutral position, the said roller being mounted on the framework and elastically pushed back, so as to interact with a receiving notch made in the said pivotable second device, when the said second device is in the neutral position.
10This roller especially permits the driver to feel, in a tactile manner, that the pivotable device is in it~ neutral position, which advantageously corresponds to the central position.
In a preferential fashion, the framework com-prises at least one traction spring for returning thesaid pivotable second device to the two extreme position~.
The invention also relates to an episcope mounted in a framework exhibiting at least some of the preceding characteri~tics.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the episcope comprises means for rotationally securing the said retractable reflector in the active position to the eyepiece of the said pivotable second device, the intermediate optical and/or electronic processing mean~ of the said second device being fixed.
Thus the number of movable elements is limited to the ~inimum. This permits an overall reduced bulk to be obtained.
30In the case where the second device comprises means for electronic processing of the said light rays, the said retraction means advantageously actuate means for putting the ~aid electronic processing means into and out of operation.
35In a particular embodiment, the 3aid first device for processing the light rays is an optical device, based on reflectors. The said pivotable second device can especially be a night viewing device, comprising an objective lens, an intensifier tube and a biocular.
In another embodiment, the said pivotable second device may advantageously comprise a camera sensor and a viewing screen.
In order to facilitate the instructions, and to make it possible to change one of the said devices for processing the light rays, these devices are preferably placed in independent casings.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge upon reading the follow-ing description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustration and in no way limiting, and of the appended drawings in which:
- Figure 1 shows a vertical section of the optical components of an episcope capable of in-corporating an articulated framework according to the present invention;
- Figure 2 is a view in vertical section of a model illustrating an advantageous embodiment of the framework of the invention in the so-called "active"
position ("night path" position in the case of its use in an epi~cope);
- Figure 3 is a view from above of the auto-matic repositioning means in bearing of the framework of Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the framework of Figure 2 in the so-called retracted position ("day path").
The de~cription which follows relates to a preferential embodiment of the invention, in which the articulated framework i~ used in a "day/night" epi-scope, that i8 to say permitting the sslection of one or the other of the two paths for proces ing the light signal according to the luminosity outside.
Figure 1 shows a vertical section of the optical components of an episcope capable of incor-J~?~
porating an articulated framework according to thepresent invention.
An episcope 1 passes through the armouring 2 of a vehicle. The episcope l comprises two juxtaposed independent episcopic devices 3 and 4.
The light rays received by the upper part of the episcope 1 are directed either towards the device 3, called night path, or towards the device 4, called day path, according to the position of a retractable reflector 5. Thi~ reflector may especially be a mirror or a triangular prism.
When the light rays are of sufficient inten-sity, the retractable reflector 5 i8 folded down so that the light rays pass directly into the day path 4.
According to a particular embodiment, the first device 4 may comprise two reflectors 6 and 12 reflect-ing the light signals entering the episcope towards an observer 7, typically a driver of an armoured machine.
The light signals originating from the outside are reflected by the reflector 12 towards the reflector 6 which sends them towards the observer 7.
The first device 4 may also comprise one or more objective len~es for processing the light signal or else electronic processing means (sensors, CCD
camera or the like).
When the episcope operates in day mode, that is to say when the rays are admitted into the device 4, the episcope is rotationally immobile. It is not nece~sary to be able to rotate the day path in bearing since the known armoured machines generally comprise two lateral day episcopes.
The passage from the day path to the night path is carried out by tipping the retractable reflector 5 above the night path 3. Thus, the light rays admitted into the episcope are directed towards the second pro-cessing device 3 and no longer reach the day path 4.
The night path 3 is composed, in the configura-tion of Figure 1, of an objective lens 8, of a light J~
intensifying tube 9 and of a biocular 10. The objective lens 8 and the light intensifier tube 9 are juxtaposed in the path 3. The biocular 10 comprises a reflector 11 and optical processing means not shown, permitting an image visible by both eyes to be obtained at the output of the biocular.
The light rays originating from the outside are deflected by the retractable reflector 5 towards the objective lens 8, amplified electronically by the light intensifier 9, penetrate the biocular 10, are reflected by the reflector 11 and re-emerge from the biocular 10 so as to be viewed by the observer 7.
The night path 3 may also be composed of infrared, CCD or other sensors or devices for process-ing a light signal. For example, the intensifier tube 9may be replaced by a camera sensor and the biocular 10 by a viewing screen.
When the episcope 1 according to the present invention is in the night position, that is to say when the retractable reflector i8 in the active position (deflection of the light rays toward~ the path 3), the observer 7 may control the bearing of the night path, that is to ~ay its rotation about a vertical axis.
It should be noted that in the case of pivoting in bearing, the objective lens 8 and the intensifier tube 9 remain advantageously immobile, only the retractable reflector 5 and the biocular 10 being free in rotatation. This permits the overall bulk of the episcope to be reduced.
Advantageously, the two paths for processing the light rays are fixed in independent casings, linked to one another for example by screwing. These two as embled casings constitute the sealed envelope of the epl~cope.
Thu~, the part outside the vehicle remains fixed, which permits, in a simple fashion, sealing to be ensured between the episcope and the armouring due to the absence of a rotating component in this area.
This also permits the upper part of the episcope to be best protected with the aid of a yoke fixed to the armouring.
Moreover, the modularity of the two processing paths exhibits numerous advantages. On the one hand it permits a night path common to several types of epi3cope to be produced, which is able to be installed in various types of armoured vehicles, only the day path and the casing of the episcope needing to be adapted.
The economic advantage linked to the modular aspect of this equipment comes, on the one hand, from the cost reduction3 which can be envi~aged on modules which are common to various episcopes due to the greater manufacturing quantities and, on the other hand, from the common maintenance of this equipment.
It will also be noted that the existence of a head hatchway 14 independent of the upper prisms of the day and night path~ allows easy and cheap maintenance of this component which is particularly exposed to external ~tresses. This hatchway 14 may advantageously comprise defro~ting means, for example by resistive dielectric treatment.
In the same way, the eyepiece 53 may have available demisting means, consisting for example of a heating resistance.
In an advantageous fashion, a front rest (not shown) which can occupy a ~day~ position and a "night"
position ensures, in the night position, the mechanical protection of the lower day prism 6 and the shuttering of the day path 4, preventing any leakage of light from the inside towards the outside of the tank.
As has been explained, the epi~cope described comprise~ an optical day path and a night path with a light inten3ifier tube. Nevertheles~, the invention applies to any type of processing of light ray~, optical or electronic. Thus, it is po3sible to use photosensitive ~en~ors, interacting with screens. An ~ J ~
em~odiment example is the use of a camera with inten-sified CCD, with viewinq on a flat screen, a liquid crystal screen or the like. The advantages of such an episcope are, especially:
- the possibility of transmitting the image coming from the video episcope to the tank commander for example, - possibility of viewing by day as by night images coming from other sensors (rear-facing camera, thermal camera, etc.), - possibility of displaying complex information on the episcope monitor.
Figure 2 is a view in vertical section of a model illustrating an advantageous embodiment of the framework of the invention in the so-called "active"
position ("night path" po ition in the case of its use in an episcope);
The tipping of the movable reflector 5 is con-trolled by circular displacement of a control crank 20 for selecting one of the devices 3 and 4 (Fig. 1). The crank 20 may assume two extreme positions by virtue of return means not shown. The control crank 20 is con-nected to a transmission rod 21 secured to a plate 22.
Above the plate 22 there are arranged two other plates 24 and 26 spaced apart by pins 23 and 25 forming crank pins. The pins 23 and 25 are fixed in an eccentric po~ition relative to an axis passing through the trans-mission rod and the centres of the three plates 22, 24 and 26, respectively between the plates 22, 24 and 24, 26 so as to form a sort of crankshaft.
The upper plate 26 is also secured to a rotation rod 27 substantially parallel to the viewing devices 3 and 4.
The~e plates 22, 24, 26 and pins 23, 25 permit, in cooperation with the connecting rods 38, 39, the automatic repositioning of the night path during passage from the night viewing mode to the day viewing mode, according to the principle explained later.
~ ~' The rotation rod 27 is equipped with a bevel gear 28 at its upper end. Another bevel gear 29 is mounted in free rotation perpendicular to the gear 28 on a support 30, forming gearing.
The end of a connecting rod 31 is fixed in a secure fashion to the bevel gear 29 and its other end is fixed to a bent connecting rod 32.
The other end of the connecting rod 32 is mounted so as to freely rotate on a support 33 of the rotationally movable retractable reflector 5. The support 33 of the reflector 5 is arranged above the objective lens 8 of the night path, so that the reflector 5, in the active position shown, transmits the light rays towards the objective lens 8.
The support 33 i8 composed of a fixed part 44 connected to the connecting rod 32 and a movable part 43 free in rotation relative to the fixed part 44. The reflector 5 is fixed in a secure fashion to the movable part 43 so as to be able to pivot in bearing about the axis 49, when it is in the "active" non tipped position of Figure 2. The fixed part 44 of the support 33 is secured to a set of two symmetrical fastening lugs 45 (only one of which is visible in the figure). The lugs 45 are rotationally movable about an axis 42 between two extreme positions so as to drive the reflector 5 in tipping between the "active" position and the "retracted" position.
In the active position, a set of two stops 46 (only one of which is shown) serve as correct position-ing and correct immobilising of the reflector 5 at theend of its travel by coming back into contact with the front part of each of the lugs 45.
In order to damp the vibrations, shimc 47 made from an elastic material, such as rubber, are arranged on the stops 46. In addition, an alignment of the three axes of rotation passing through the ends of the con-necting rods 31 and 32 in the same plane 48, when the reflector 5 is in the active position, permits good immunisation of the device against vibration to ~e ensured.
The moving part 43 is provided with a pin 34 which can move in guide means 35. These guide means are advantageously composed of a semicircular fin with a circumferential groove for receiving the pin 34. The upper end of the fin is secured to a ring 41 able to pivot about the objective len~ 8 situated under the support 33. The lower end of the fin 35 is securely fixed to a rod 36 secured to a plate 37. The plate 37 is advantageously of circular shape and forms a fixing plate for the biocular 10. By virtue of this linking system, any rotation of the plate 37 (to which the biocular 10 is fixed) leads to the rotation of the upper reflector 5, via the rod 36, the fin 35 and the ring 41 linked to the movable part 43.
Another embodiment consi~ts in fixing the lower end of the rod 36 directly to the bio~ular 10.
The pin~ 23 and 25 serve a~ guiding axes for repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 each comprising an oblong ~lot forming a slideway. Each connecting rod is rotationally mounted on the plate 37 at one of its ends, or on the biocular 10, according to the embodiment chosen. The biocular 10 is secured to a control arm 40 permitting the device shown to be caused to pivot in bearing.
The cro~s-hatched elements 70 show the fixed part of the framework.
The following description explains the opera-tion of the device of Figure 2.
In the active position, the setting into rotation, especially carried out manually, of the control crank 20, brings about the rotation of the transmission rod 21 which leads to the rotation of the plates 22, 24 and 26 and the rotation rod 27. The con-necting rods 38 and 39 slide freely during a rotation of the crank 20, their sliding being guided by the pins 23 and 25.
The rotation of the rotation rod 27 brings about that of the gearing consisting of the bevel gears 28 and 29.
The rotation of the bevel gear 29 in the trigonometric direction brings about the rotation in the same direction of the retraction connecting rod 31.
This rotation brings about the advancement of the con-necting rod 32 in the direction of the objective lens 8 and causes the support 33 and the reflector 5 to tip about the axis 42, guiding of the moving part 43 of the support 33 being ensured by holding the pin 34 in the semicircular fin 35 with a circumferential receiving groove.
The retraction produced permits passage of the light rays towards the oth~r processing path, especially the day path in the embodiment described, since the night path is arranged between the inlet of the light rays to the ep-scope and the day path. When the reflector is in its bottom extreme position, it is said to be in the retracted position, that is to say it no longer reflects the light ray~.
A rotation of the crank 20 in the opposite direction permits the reflector to be repositioned into the active position.
25As already explained, when the reflector is in the active position, the rotation in bearing of the biocular/reflector assembly iY permitted.
The rotation in bearing is controlled manually by rotation of the control arm 40. This control arm 40 is fixed either directly to the biocular 10, as shown in Figure 2, or to the plate 37 for holding the biocular 10.
It should be noted that it is also possible to provide the device described with motors permitting the controls for rotation of the control arm 40 and/or of the control crank 20 for selecting one of the process-ing devices 3, 4 to be replaced. In this case, the operation of the motors may be slaved to the movement of the steering wheel of the armoured vehicle or to the head of the driver.
The rotation of the control arm 40 brings about that of the semicircular fin 35 fixed to the ring 41 free in rotation about the fixed objective lens 8. The pin 34 being engaged in the semicircular fin 35 and secured to the rotationally movable part 43 on which the reflector 5 is arranged, permits the rotation of the reflector 5. Since the transmission produced is "direct", the reflector 5 rotates through the ~ame angle as the biocular 10.
This device therefore makes it possible for the observer situated in the armoured machine to view an entire field around him in the night path. In the embodiment described, the field covered is about 110, by virtue of the rotation in bearing of + 30 about the neutral position.
It should be noted that the means for retract-ing the reflector 5 consisting of the plates 22, 24, 26, the rotation rod 27, the gears 28, 29, the con-necting rods 31, 32 and the fixed part 44 of the support 33 remain immobile during actuation of the control arm 40, by virtue of the sliding of the pins 23 and 25 in the repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 one end of which is secured to the plat~ 37 or to the upper surface of the biocular 10. The extreme positions of the night path are reached when the repositioning connecting rods 38, 39 arrive in abutment against the pins 25 and 23 respectively.
One of the main characteristics of the present invention is that the passage from the night path to the day path is produced automatically, by simply actuating the control crank 20 so as to pass into the day path, regardless of the bearing position of the reflector 5.
Advantageously, the passage from the day path to the night path automatically leads to putting the electronic means into operation, and especially the intensifier tube, for example by means of a microcontact.
Figure 3 is a view from above of the automatic repositioning means in bearing of the framework of Figure 2. The reflector is in the so-called neutral position, for example immediately after passing from the day position to the night position, without there having been any action on the control arm 40. The plate 24 separating thP pins 23 and 25 is not shown for reasons of convenience of understanding. In the neutral position of the pivotable device, the pins 23 and 25 are situated on the side of the biocular iO, substan-tially at an equal distance on either side of an axis 55 passing through the centre of the biocular lO.
The repositioning connecting rods 38 and 39 equipped with slideways respectively comprising the pins 25 and 23 forming a crank pin exhibit between them a substantially right angle. The non-free ends of the connecting rods 38 and 39 are rotationally fixed to the support 37 of the biocular 10.
The support 37 advantageously exhibits a receiving notch 54 in which there is inserted a movable peg 50 for reversible locking mounted on a return traction spring 51 secured to a support 52 mounted on the framework, when the device is in the neutral posltion.
From the neutral position, actuating the control crank 20 brings about the sliding of the re-positioning connecting rods 38 and 39 in the pins 25 and 23, and the biocular 10 remains immobile.
The mechanism for automatically repositioning the reflector 5 operates when, in the night position, the device is not in the neutral position, that is to say when the movable peg 50 for reversible locking is out of the receiving notch 54. In addition, one of the pins 23 or 25 is therefore brought close 'o the free end of its connecting rod while the other is moved away from the free end of its connecting rod, according to the direction 56 of displacement of the control arm 40.
From such a position, the rotation of the control crank 20 so as to pass to day viewing brings about the rotation of the plate 37 and of the biocular 10 by bringing one of the pins 23 or 25 into abutment against the free end of a slideway of one of the repositioning connecting rods. The rotation of the crank 20 also brings about the rotation of the rod 27 and therefore pivoting of the reflector 5 about the axis 42, at the same time as its repositioning into the retracted position by rotation of the movable part 43 of the support 33. Repositioning of the reflector 5 is permitted by engagement of the pin 34 in the semicircular fin 35 which moves as one with the plate 37 (or with the biocular 10).
When the control crank 20 comes into a~utment in the extreme position corresponding to setting the device to the day path, the indexing roller 50 comes into the notch 54 of the plate 37 or of the biocular 10 and the repositioning connecting rods are again in the position of Figure 3. The pins 23 and 25 are, in con-trast, in an opposed position on the plates 22 and 24, relative to an axis passing through the centre of the plates and perpendicular to the axis 55.
As has already been explained, when the epi-scope is in the "day path" position, the freedom of rotational movement of the nisht path of the episcope is eliminated.
Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the frame-work of Figure 2 in the so-called retracted position ("day path").
As previously described, the repositioning con-necting rod~ 38 and 39 are substantially perpendicular to one another and their guide pins are in positions opposed to those shown in Figure 3, the rotation rod and the crankshaft 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 having rotated through ~.
~X~J~
The retracted position of the reflector 5 shown simultaneously ensures on the one hand, total freeing of the passage of the light rays in the direction 60 into the day path, and on the other hand, shuttering of the objective lens 8 by the connecting rod 32.
The reflector 5 is in the retracted position and the displacement of the connecting rods 31 and 32 is calculated such that the reflector only requires a reduced deflection space. The fact of using at least one connecting rod 32 exhibiting a curvature permits this deflection to be reduced. Moreover, the shape of this connecting rod permits the objective lens 8 to be completely shuttered.
It will be noted that the rotation of the control crank 20 between its two extreme positions is 180, whereas the rotation of the retractable support 33 is only 90 about the axis 42.
Claims (20)
1. Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, of the type used in an armoured vehicle, and comprising a retractable reflector (5), which can move between two extreme positions, permit-ting in a first retracted position the free circulation of the light rays received in the direction of a first device (4) for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, and in a second active position the deflection of the said light rays in the direction of a second device (3) for optical and/or electronic processing of the said light rays, the said second device and the said reflector being able to pivot jointly in bearing so as to enlarge the field of view, characterised in that it comprises automatic repositioning means, forming a crankshaft (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39, 50) of the said second device (3) which can pivot into a neutral position, permitting retraction of the said retractable reflector (5), the said repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39, 50) being slaved to retraction means, with connecting rods, (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45) of the said retractable reflector (5), repositioning means (23, 25) being secured to retraction control means (20, 27).
2. Framework according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said retractable reflector (5) tips between two extreme positions defining an angle of approximately II/2.
3. Framework according to Claim 2, characterised in that the said retraction means (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45) comprise means (34, 35) for guiding the displacement travel of the said reflector (5) con-sisting of a fin (35) of overall semicircular shape, comprising a circumferential groove for receiving and guiding a pin (34) secured to the support (43) of the said retractable reflector (5).
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4. Framework according to either of Claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the rotational movement of the said retractable reflector (5) is actuated by a set of at least two articulated connecting rods (31, 32), a first connecting rod (32) having its free end rotation-ally mounted on the support (44) of the said reflector (5), and a second connecting rod (31) having its free end rotationally driven by means (27, 28, 29) for transmitting a movement, actuated by the selection control (20) of one of the said devices (3, 4).
5. Framework according to Claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the said connecting rods (31, 32) exhibits at least one curvature, so as to limit the overall bulk of the said episcope.
6. Framework according to either of Claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the said set of connecting rods (31, 32) comprises two connecting rods, and in that the three rotational axes corresponding to the ends of the said connecting rods are substantially in the same plane (48), when the said retractable reflector (5) is in the said active position.
7. Framework according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the said means (27, 28, 29) for transmitting a movement comprise a rod (27) sub-stantially parallel to the said viewing devices (3, 4) and secured to a crank (20) for controlling the selec-tion of one of the said devices (3, 4) for optical and/or electronic processing, whose rotational movement is transmitted to the said second connecting rod (31) by gearing (28, 29).
8. Framework according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises means (32) for shuttering the said second device (3) for optical and/or electronic processing when the said reflector (5) is in the retracted position, interacting with the said retraction means (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45).
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9. Framework according to Claim 8 and any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the said shutter-ing means (32) consist of one of the said connecting rods (32).
10. Framework according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the said repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39, 50) comprise at least one repositioning connecting rod (38, 39) one of whose ends is secured to the said pivotable second device (10, 37) comprising a slideway, in which a pin (23, 25) secured to retraction control means (20, 27) can slide, so that the retraction operation of the said retractable reflector (5) simultaneously leads to the repositioning of the said second device (10, 37) into the said neutral position.
11. Framework according to Claim 10 and Claim 7, characterised in that each of the said pins (23, 25) is mounted between two plates (22, 24, 26) secured to the rod (27) for the transmission of the rotational movement of the said crank (20).
12. Framework according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the said repositioning means (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 39, 50) comprise an indexing roller (50) of the said second device (3) in the said neutral position, the said roller (50) being mounted on the framework (70) and elastically pushed back, so as to interact with a receiving notch (54) made in the said pivotable second device (10, 37), when the said second device (10, 37) is in the neutral position.
13. Framework according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised is that it comprises at least one traction spring for returning the said pivotable second device (10, 37) to the two extreme positions.
14. Episcope (1) mounted in a framework according to any one of Claims 1 to 13.
15. Episcope according to Claim 14, characterised in that it comprises means (35, 36) for rotationally securing the said retractable reflector (5) in the REPLACEMENT PAGE
active position to the eyepiece of the said pivotable second device (10, 37), the intermediate optical and/or electronic processing means (8, 9) of the said second device being fixed.
active position to the eyepiece of the said pivotable second device (10, 37), the intermediate optical and/or electronic processing means (8, 9) of the said second device being fixed.
16. Episcope according to either of Claims 14 and 15, of the type comprising a second device (3) with electronic means for processing the said light rays, characterised in that the said retraction means (20, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45) actuate means for putting the said electronic processing means into and out of operation.
17. Episcope according to any one of Claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the said first device (4) for processing the light rays is an optical device, based on reflectors (6, 12).
18. Episcope according to any one of Claims 14 to 17, characterised in that the said pivotable second device (3) is a night viewing device, comprising an objective lens (8), an intensifier tube (9) and a biocular (10).
19. Episcope according to any one of Claims 14 to 18, characterised in that the said pivotable second device (3) comprises a camera sensor and a viewing screen.
20. Episcope according to any one of Claims 14 to 19, characterised in that the said devices (3, 4) for processing the light rays are placed in independent casings.
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Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9007838A FR2663759B1 (en) | 1990-06-22 | 1990-06-22 | ARTICULATED MECHANICAL BATI, PARTICULARLY FOR EPISCOPE, AND EPISCOPE MOUNTED ON SUCH A BATI. |
| FR90/07838 | 1990-06-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2085988A1 true CA2085988A1 (en) | 1991-12-23 |
Family
ID=9397898
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002085988A Abandoned CA2085988A1 (en) | 1990-06-22 | 1991-06-07 | Articulated mechanical framework, especially for an episcope, and episcope mounted on such a framework |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0463929A1 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR930701759A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2085988A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2663759B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992000541A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2260422B (en) * | 1991-10-09 | 1995-03-08 | Israel State | Foldable optical apparatus |
| FR2784757B1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2000-12-29 | Giat Ind Sa | DEVICE FOR DAY / NIGHT OBSERVATION FROM A VEHICLE |
| FR2803917B1 (en) * | 2000-01-19 | 2002-12-20 | Giat Ind Sa | DAY / NIGHT VISION DEVICE |
| US7154283B1 (en) | 2006-02-22 | 2006-12-26 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Method of determining performance of RFID devices |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LU41874A1 (en) * | 1962-06-13 | 1963-12-13 | ||
| US3782808A (en) * | 1973-02-12 | 1974-01-01 | Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm | Device for arresting the elevation aiming motion of a periscope |
| FR2578063B1 (en) * | 1985-02-22 | 1988-09-02 | Trt Telecom Radio Electr | LARGE FIELD DAY-NIGHT OBSERVATION APPARATUS |
| FR2578062B1 (en) * | 1985-02-22 | 1987-02-20 | Trt Telecom Radio Electr | DAY-NIGHT MIXED OBSERVATION APPARATUS |
-
1990
- 1990-06-22 FR FR9007838A patent/FR2663759B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-06-07 WO PCT/FR1991/000454 patent/WO1992000541A1/en active Application Filing
- 1991-06-07 CA CA002085988A patent/CA2085988A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-06-07 KR KR1019920703305A patent/KR930701759A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-06-18 EP EP91401631A patent/EP0463929A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2663759A1 (en) | 1991-12-27 |
| KR930701759A (en) | 1993-06-12 |
| WO1992000541A1 (en) | 1992-01-09 |
| EP0463929A1 (en) | 1992-01-02 |
| FR2663759B1 (en) | 1992-09-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |