EP2195600B1 - Protection device for an optical apparatus of a vehicle, in particular of a military vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Protection device for an optical apparatus of a vehicle, in particular of a military vehicle, having two protection elements (2, 3) which can be adjusted, by means of an adjustment device, in particular from a standby position beyond a viewing window for the optical device into a protection position in front of the viewing window of the optical device, wherein two protection levels can be set by means of the protection elements (2, 3).

Description

The invention relates to a protective device for an optical device of a vehicle, in particular a combat vehicle. Such optical devices may, for example, be a periscope, an angle mirror, a telescopic sight or a night-vision device. In normal operation of the vehicle, no protective elements are usually arranged in front of the optics, so that a free view is possible. However, if the vehicle is exposed to a threat, it is known to adjust a protective element from a ready position to a protective position in front of the viewing window of the optical device for protecting the optics. Thus, the use of the optical device is also possible in the protective position of the protective element, the protective element usually has a small opening, so that the field of view of the optical device is reduced, but not reduced to zero. This is useful, for example, in a periscope of a combat vehicle in combat, so that the commander can continue to observe the environment.

The protection element of the protection device provides a protection level for the optical device. When the protective element is in the standby position, the field of view of the optical device is not restricted, so that likewise no protection for the optical device results. If the protective element is adjusted in front of the viewing window of the optical device, a partial area of the viewing window is covered by the protective element. The level of protection is therefore associated with the degree of coverage, which is achieved by the position of the protective element. With a degree of coverage of 50%, the protection level is 50%. If the protective element is in the standby position and thus is away from the viewing window of the optical device, no protection for the optical device is provided, so that in this case there is no protection level according to the invention.

Such a device is out EP 1 491 847 A1 known.

In other optical devices, such as in a coupled optical device, which includes both an optical device for a day vision device, such as a rifle scope, and an optical device comprising a night vision device, such as a thermal imaging camera, it is possible in the event of a threat that an optical device is completely covered by a protective element of a protective direction, as these are not in the event of a threat is needed. A coupled optical device, for example, in the DE 695 09 461 T2 described.

A protective device for an optical device can be configured such that a flap-shaped protective element is pivoted in front of the unused viewing window of the optical device and completely covers the viewing area. Thus, in turn, the protection element provides only one level of protection for the optical device.

A disadvantage of the known embodiments is that in the protective position of the protective element of the field of view of the optical device is very limited. This is particularly disadvantageous if the observation of the threat is of particular interest. This may be the case, for example, when the vehicle is in a crowd during peacekeeping operations or observing a crowd during street fighting. There is a danger here that out of the crowd, a person tries to disable the optical device of the vehicle, for example by being thrown with stones, paint bags or the like to the optical device. If the protective element of the protective device is in the ready position in which it is located away from the viewing window of the optical device, no protection for the optical device is given at all. However, if the protective element is in the protective position, the viewing area is so limited due to the small opening of the protective device of the optical device that a comprehensive observation of a larger angular range due to the high level of protection is not possible.

It is the object of the invention to provide the user of the optical device with a sufficient level of protection a larger field of view of the optical device, at the same time not to be waived a higher level of protection in case of threat.

The invention solves the problem with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are part of the dependent claims.

A basic idea of the invention is, in addition to the first protective element, which is adjustable, in particular from a standby position away from the viewing window of the optical device, in a protective position in front of the viewing window of the optical device to provide a second protective element, which also, in particular from a standby position, is adjustable in a protective position, wherein by means of the protective elements at least two levels of protection are adjustable.

Preferably, the second protection element is adjustable in addition to the first protection element in the protective position. It is also possible according to the invention that the second protective element is adjustable instead of the first protective element in the protective position. In an advantageous embodiment, however, the second protection element can be adjustable both in place of the first protection element and in addition to the first protection element in the protective position, so that a third level of protection for the optical device is provided.

The first level of protection is achieved in this case in that only the first protective element is in the protective position. The second Protection level is achieved in that only the second protection element is in the protective position. The third level of protection is achieved in that both protective elements are in the protective position.

The protection device may be equipped such that, at a higher level of protection, the field of view of the optical device is reduced. In addition, at the highest level of protection, the viewing area can be completely covered by the first protective element and / or by the second protective element. This corresponds to a fully closed position of the protection device.

The adjustment of the protective elements by means of an adjusting device, which may include in particular an electric motor drive. In a possible embodiment, the protective elements are independently adjustable in the protective position. Preferably, the protective device has only one adjusting device for both protective elements. This can be achieved by coupling the protective elements together.

In the protective position, the protective elements can at least partially lie one above the other. So that the visual range of the optical device is not completely reduced to zero, the first and / or the second protective element may comprise at least one opening with a predetermined opening area. Through the openings of the field of view of the optical device can be defined.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opening areas of the first and second protective element are different. Consequently For example, two levels of protection for the optical device can easily be provided. If the protective elements in the protective position at least partially superimposed, it can also be provided that an opening of the first protective element is in the protective position above or below an opening of the second protective element. Thus, the user of the optical device can see through the overlying openings.

Preferably, the protective device is configured such that the second protective element in the protective position covers at least one opening of the first protective element in the protective position. Thus, the field of view can be varied by the protective elements, at the same time the level of protection is changed.

Preferably, the first and / or the second protective element is configured flap-shaped. The openings of the first and / or second protective element may be configured in the form of a lattice with an arbitrary lattice structure. Preferably, the openings are designed slit-shaped.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protective elements are constructed with respect to their complementary openings to each other.

Due to the complementary configuration, it is achieved that, in the case of an area in which the first protective element has openings, the other element has no openings and vice versa. Thus, it is particularly possible that the second protective element engages in the protective position meshing in the first protective element in the protective position. Thus, the protective device to the outside a closed Have surface, so that the protective device is designed ballistically advantageous in the protective position of the two protective element.

According to the invention, the protective device can also be designed to protect two adjacent optical devices, in which case at least one protective element lies in the protective position in front of the viewing windows of the two optical devices.

In one embodiment of the protective device, one, preferably all protective elements can be arranged pivotably on a carrier device. The carrier device is preferably arranged non-rotatably on the optical device. Thus, it can be achieved that the carrier device rotates with the protective elements during a rotation of the optical device, for example a telescope, so that protection is still provided in each rotational position of the optical device.

In addition, the second protective element can be arranged displaceably and / or pivotably on the first protective element. Thus, the adjustment can be carried out in a simple manner. In addition, the protective device can be structurally more compact.

The protective device can be designed such that at least one, in particular all protective elements from a position in which they are arranged perpendicular to the viewing window of the optical device, are movable to a position in which they are arranged parallel to the viewing window of the optical device. Preferably, the Protective device also be designed such that the protection level is continuously adjustable.

The optical device may comprise a periscope, an angle mirror, a telescopic sight and / or a night-vision device.

Possible embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS FIGS. 1 to 21 described.

Fig. 1

eine Schutzvorrichtung für ein Periskop mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Schutzelement jeweils in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 2

die an einem Periskop angeordnete Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 1 mit dem zweiten Schutz- element in der Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 4

einen Ausschnitt der Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

die an einem Periskop angeordnete Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 6

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in der Bereitschaftsstellung der beiden Schutzelemente;

Fig. 7

die an einem Periskop angeordnete Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer Schutzvorrichtung für eine gekoppelte optische Einrichtung mit den beiden Schutzele- menten in der Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 9

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 8 mit dem zweiten Schutz- element in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 10

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 8 mit dem ersten Schutzele- ment in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 11

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 8 mit beiden Schutzelemen- ten in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 12

eine dritte Ausgestaltung einer Schutzvorrichtung für eine gekoppelte optische Einrichtung mit beiden Schutzelementen in der Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 13

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 12 mit dem ersten Schutz- element in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 14

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 12 mit dem zweiten Schutz- element in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 15

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 12 mit beiden Schutzelemen- ten in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 16

eine vierte Ausgestaltung einer Schutzvorrichtung für eine gekoppelte optische Einrichtung mit beiden Schutzelementen in der Bereitschaftsstellung;

Fig. 17

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 16 mit dem ersten Schutz- element in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 18

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 16 mit dem ersten Schutz- element in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 19

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 16 mit beiden Schutzelemen- ten in der Schutzstellung;

Fig. 20

eine fünfte Ausgestaltung einer an einem Winkelspiegel an- geordneten Schutzvorrichtung mit allen Schutzelementen in der Teilschutzsstellung und

Fig. 21

die Schutzvorrichtung nach Fig. 20 mit allen Schutzelemen- ten in der Schutzstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a protection device for a periscope having a first and a second protective element in each case in the protective position;

Fig. 2

the arranged on a periscope protection device according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

the protection device after Fig. 1 with the second protection element in the ready position;

Fig. 4

a section of the protective device after Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

the arranged on a periscope protection device according to Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 6

the protection device after Fig. 1 in the ready position of the two protective elements;

Fig. 7

the arranged on a periscope protection device according to Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 8

a second embodiment of a protective device for a coupled optical device with the two protection elements in the ready position;

Fig. 9

the protection device after Fig. 8 with the second protection element in the protection position;

Fig. 10

the protection device after Fig. 8 with the first protection element in the protective position;

Fig. 11

the protection device after Fig. 8 with both protective elements in the protective position;

Fig. 12

a third embodiment of a protective device for a coupled optical device with two protective elements in the standby position;

Fig. 13

the protection device after Fig. 12 with the first protection element in the protection position;

Fig. 14

the protection device after Fig. 12 with the second protection element in the protection position;

Fig. 15

the protection device after Fig. 12 with both protective elements in the protective position;

Fig. 16

a fourth embodiment of a protective device for a coupled optical device with two protective elements in the standby position;

Fig. 17

the protection device after Fig. 16 with the first protection element in the protection position;

Fig. 18

the protection device after Fig. 16 with the first protection element in the protection position;

Fig. 19

the protection device after Fig. 16 with both protective elements in the protective position;

Fig. 20

a fifth embodiment of an arranged on an angle mirror protection device with all the protective elements in the partial protection position and

Fig. 21

the protection device after Fig. 20 with all protective elements in the protective position.

The Fig. 1 to 7 show a protective device 1 for a Kommandantenperiskop P, which is arranged on the roof D of a combat vehicle, not shown. The protective device 1 comprises two protective elements 2 and 3, which are arranged on a carrier device 5. The support device 5 is arranged in rotation on the periscope P. The protective device 1 comprises an adjusting device 4, by means of which the two protective elements 2 and 3 from a ready position in the in Fig. 1 and 2 Protective position shown are pivotable.

In the in the Fig. 3 to 5 illustrated position is the second protective element 3 in the ready position and the first protective element 2 in the protective position in front of the viewing window of the periscope. The first protective element 2 has a plurality of uniformly distributed slot-shaped openings 6.

By in the protective position to Fig. 3 A first protection element 2 is provided with a first protection level for the optical device. At this first level of protection, the field of vision provided for the user of the optical device is sufficiently large to be able to observe the environment well. At the same time, there is sufficient protection against minor threats such as stones or the like. given. In the case of a greater threat, in addition to the first protective element 2, the second protective element 3 can be pivoted in front of the viewing window of the optical device. In this in Fig. 1 shown position, the protection for the optical device is significantly increased, the protection device thus provides a second level of protection for the optical device. The second level of protection thus also provides protection, for example against projectiles.

The second protective element 3 has only a slot-shaped opening 7. This is located above an opening 6 of the protective element 2, so that the user of the optical device can see through both superimposed openings. Due to the higher level of protection, however, the field of view of the optical device is more limited.

The Fig. 6 and 7 show the protective device 1 with the two protective elements 2 and 3 in the standby position. In this case, the viewing of the periscope P is not obstructed.

The adjusting device 4 and the adjustment are based on Fig. 5 described: The two protective elements 2 and 3 are connected on both sides of the support device 5 via a respective carriage 14 with the support device 5, wherein the carriage 14 is slidably mounted in a guide 15. The carriage 14 is moved by means of a spindle, which is rotatably supported respectively within the support device 5, and driven by means of drive belts by an electric motor. The protective element 3 is connected via a slot 11 and guided through the slot 11 pin 12 with the carriage 14 such that a pivoting movement of the protective element 3 is possible. The protective element 2 is arranged pivotably on the carriage 14 via a bearing journal 13, so that the protective element 2 can be pivoted into the standby position. When both protective elements 2 and 3 are in the ready position ( Fig. 6 ), the carriage 14 is moved in the guide 15 until the stop pin 8, which are arranged on the protective element 2, engage in corresponding recesses 9 on the carrier device 5, so that the adjustment limited and a position assurance is achieved.

The Fig. 8 to 19 show three embodiments of protective devices for a coupled optical device, which comprises a thermal imaging camera as a night vision device and a telescopic sight as a day vision device, not shown.

The 8 to 11 show a protective device 21 with two protective elements 22 and 23, which are arranged on a carrier device 25. The second protective element 23 is designed like a flap and has no opening. In the in Fig. 9 shown protection position completely covers the scope. The first level of protection for the day-vision device is thus provided by the second protection element 23 in the protection position.

The first protective element 22 is also configured flap-like in a partial area, so that it is in the in Fig. 10 shown protection position completely covers the night vision device. In addition, the first protective element 22 has a latticed portion, which in the protective position ( Fig. 10 ) stands in front of the viewing window of the day-vision device. Thus, a second level of protection is provided by the protection element 22 for the day vision device.

In Fig. 11 It is shown that both protective elements are also adjustable in front of the optical device, so that both the night-vision device and the day-vision device are completely closed.

In the Fig. 12 to 16 a further embodiment of a protective device 41 is shown, which in the same way as in the 8 to 11 illustrated protection device 21 is usable. The protective device 41 arranged on the carrier device 45 in turn has two protective elements 42 and 43. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the second protective element 43 is configured with respect to the openings complementary to the first protective element 42. Thus, for the day vision device, a first level of protection according to the in Fig. 13 shown position can be achieved. A second level of protection is provided by the in Fig. 14 shown second protective element 43 is provided. Finally, a third level of protection will be provided for the day-vision device according to the type described in Fig. 15 shown position of the two protective elements 42 and 43 are provided.

Another embodiment of a protective device 61 is in the FIGS. 16 to 19 which is usable for the same purpose as the preceding protection devices 21 and 41. The protective device 61 in turn comprises two protective elements 62 and 63, which are arranged pivotably on a carrier device 65. The two guards 62 and 63 are constructed to be complementary in terms of their openings and independently adjustable. Thus arise both for the night vision device as well as for the day vision device three each in the Figures 14 . 15 and 16 illustrated protection levels.

The Fig. 20 and 21 show a fifth inventive embodiment of a protective device 81 which is arranged via a support device 85 at an angle mirror W on the roof D of a military vehicle, not shown. The protection device 85 has two outer protective elements 82 and a middle protective element 83, which are mechanically coupled via a linkage 89 and by means of a manually operable lever 88 in the in Fig. 21 Protective position shown are pivotable. The protective elements 82 and 83 have recesses 86, which in the protective position ( Fig. 21 ) represent circular openings which allow a minimum view through the angle mirror at a high level of protection. With open protective elements 82 and 83 according to Fig. 20 is given a better view, with the middle protection element 83, which is still in front of the viewing window of the angle mirror W, a basic protection is given with a lower level of protection. Thus, the protective elements 32 and 33 are in Fig. 20 in a partial protection position.

About the adjusting device 85, which includes the linkage 89, the protective elements 82 and 83 from the protective position according to Fig. 21 in which they are arranged parallel to the viewing window S of the optical device, in the partial protection position according to Fig. 20 be pivoted in which they are arranged perpendicular to the viewing window S of the optical device. There are thus also intermediate positions possible, in which the protective elements 82 and 83 are arranged obliquely to the viewing window S. Thus, in this advantageous embodiment, a continuous adjustment of the protection level is possible.

Claims (15)

1. Protection device for an optical apparatus of a vehicle, in particular of a military vehicle, having two protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63), which can be adjusted, by means of an adjustment device (4a, 4b), in particular from a standby position beyond a viewing window (S) for the optical apparatus, into a protection position in front of the viewing window (S) of the optical apparatus, wherein two protection levels can be set by means of the protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63), characterized in that the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63) in the protection position engages combing with the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62) in the protection position and/or that the two protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) in the protection position, at least partly, lie on top of one another.
2. Protection device for an optical apparatus of a vehicle, in particular of a military vehicle, having two protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63, 82, 83), which can be adjusted, by means of an adjustment device (4a, 4b) into a protection position in front of the viewing window (S) of the optical apparatus, wherein two protection levels can be set by means of the protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63, 82, 83), characterized in that at least one, in particular all protection elements (82, 83) can be moved from a position, in which they are arranged perpendicularly to the viewing window (S) of the optical apparatus, into a position, in which they are arranged parallel to the viewing window (S) of the optical apparatus.
3. Protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63), in addition to the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62) or in place of the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62), can be adjusted into the protection position.
4. Protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63), in place of the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62) and in addition to the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62), can be adjusted into the protection position and as a result a third protection level is created for the optical apparatus.
5. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with a higher protection level the viewing range of the optical apparatus is reduced, wherein in particular with the highest protection level the viewing range is completely covered by the first and/or second protection element (22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63).
6. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) can be adjusted into the protection position, independently from one another by means of the adjustment device.
7. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62, 82) and/or the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63, 83) comprises at least one opening (6, 7) with a predetermined opening surface, wherein in particular the opening surface of the first and second protection element (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) is different.
8. Protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that an opening (6) of the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62) in the protection position lies over or under an opening (7) of the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63) in the protection position.
9. Protection device according to claim 7 and claim 8, characterized in that the second protection element (3, 23, 43, 63) in the protection position covers at least one opening of the first protection element (2, 22, 42, 62) in the protection position.
10. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second protection element (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) is flap-shaped.
11. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or second protection element (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) comprise grid-like and/or slit-shaped openings.
12. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) are constructed in a complementary manner with respect to their openings.
13. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection device is designed for two adjacent optical apparatus, wherein at least one protection element (22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63) lies in the protection position in front of the viewing windows of the two optical apparatus.
14. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second protection element is displaceably and/or pivotally arranged on the first protection element.
15. Protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, preferably all protection elements (2, 3, 22, 23, 42, 43, 62, 63, 82, 83) are pivotally arranged on a support device (5, 25, 45, 65, 85).

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