EP3055639B1 - Protection element with a decoupling layer - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a protective element arrangement for protecting an object from military threats with an armor plate, which has a threatening facing threat side and an object side facing in the direction of the object to be protected. Another object of the invention is a vehicle body with such a protective element arrangement.

Protective elements for the protection of objects, such as vehicles, bunkers, containers, etc. against military threats, such as more punctual impinging armor-piercing ammunition bodies or rather surface-impacting splinters, which arise, for example, during the detonation of a mine, are known from the prior art in various designs.

In order to achieve effective protection against armor-piercing ammunition bodies and in particular hard core projectiles, protective elements made of a particularly hard material are mostly used, through which good protection against these rather punctiform ammunition bodies can be achieved. In the case of armored vehicles, the use of ceramics or ultrahard armor steels has proven particularly useful in recent years.

The disadvantage, however, is that made of ceramics or ultrahard armor steel protective elements are relatively brittle and may provide only insufficient protection against the often larger and blunt-nosed shaped splinters. Because these act rather flat on the protective element and can punch relatively hard but also very brittle materials relatively easily and penetrate into the protected interior, for example, a military vehicle. In this context, it is often spoken of the so-called "punching plug formation".

An effective protection against such fragmentation threats can be achieved only by softer, tensile materials, such as softer steels or metals, aramid fabric or polyethylene liners, which then in turn brings a weakening of the protection against armor-piercing ammunition with it.

As a result, protective elements which are intended to protect both against armor-piercing ammunition and against splinters have a comparatively complex construction. Often the corresponding protective elements are constructed as sandwich structures whose individual layers have different materials, which act either against armor-piercing ammunition or against splinters.

Such a protective element is for example from the EP 0 251 395 A1 known. On the threat side, the protective element has a harder but brittle ceramic layer for protection against armor-piercing ammunition and, on its object side facing the object to be protected, several layers of aluminum alloy for protection against splinters. Although this makes it possible to achieve protection both against armor-piercing ammunition and against flatly acting splinters, a disadvantage lies in the multi-layered and thus altogether complex and heavy-weight construction of such protective elements.

Another protective element is from the WO 2005/103363 A2 known.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple in construction, effective against both armor-piercing ammunition and splitter protective element.

This object is achieved by a protective element arrangement having the features of patent claim 1.

Due to the arrangement of a decoupling layer on the threat side of the first armor plate, an armor-piercing ammunition as well as a splinter initially strikes the decoupling layer. For an armor-piercing ammunition, the decoupling layer does not represent any appreciable resistance. The armor piercing ammunition striking the protective element penetrates the decoupling layer largely undisturbed and is trapped on the underlying, much harder armor plate. In the case of a more flat impact of a splitter on the decoupling layer results in a shock wave, which is initiated by the splitter on the decoupling layer in the armor plate. Since the shockwave propagates faster within the decoupling layer than the splitter penetrates into the decoupling layer, the shockwave runs in front of the penetrating splitter in the direction of the armor plate located behind it. As a result, the impact acting on the armor plate and the impinging after penetrating the decoupling layer on the armor plate fragments are decoupled from each other. The resistance of the protective element is thus increased by simple means such that both armor piercing ammunition and splinters are held in a simple manner.

According to the invention, the first armor plate is designed as a tank steel plate. The armor steel plate can consist of ultra-hard steel armor.

In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the decoupling layer is arranged directly on the armor plate. By a direct arrangement, a defined transmission of the shock wave is achieved upon impact of a splitter from the decoupling layer on the armor plate. Preferably, the decoupling layer is glued to the armor plate, screwed or clamped. Particularly preferably, the decoupling layer is applied directly to the armor plate. You can, for example, sprayed on, painted or be infused. It is particularly advantageous if the decoupling layer is attached over the entire surface of the armor plate.

According to an advantageous development, the thickness of the decoupling layer can be between 0.5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm and even more preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm.

For a reliable decoupling, it has proven to be advantageous if the decoupling layer consists of a plastic or rubber material. Such materials have a significantly lower modulus of elasticity than the armor plate. As a result, a kind of damping effect is achieved. It has proven to be particularly suitable if the decoupling layer comprises rubber, polymers, elastomers, natural and / or synthetic rubber, wherein a decoupling layer of an elastomer material is also distinguished over relatively long temperature ranges by good decoupling properties. Particularly preferably, the decoupling layer may consist of non-foamed polyurethane.

A further embodiment provides that the plastic or rubber material of the decoupling layer is formed fiber-free. Preferably, the plastic or rubber has a homogeneous composition. In addition, the plastic or the rubber additives to increase the fire resistance, fire resistance, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance and / or coloration.

A reliable decoupling is achieved if the material of the decoupling layer has a Shore hardness of 70 to 95, in particular of 90.

It is also advantageous for the decoupling properties if the material of the decoupling layer has a rebound resilience of 30% to 50%.

In addition, it has been found advantageous for decoupling in the decoupling layer when the material of the decoupling layer has a bending coefficient of 14 MPa (2000 psi) to 48 MPa (7000 psi).

Further preferably, the material of the decoupling layer has a basis weight of 0.8 to 1.5 kg / m ² per mm thickness, in particular from 1.0 to 1.2 kg / m ² per mm thickness.

In order to achieve the most effective protection possible over the entire protective element, the decoupling layer is preferably arranged over the entire surface of the armor plate.

A further development of the invention provides, in the case of an armor plate consisting of armor steel, that the armor plate has a hardness of at least 380 Brinell, preferably at least 500 Brinell and more preferably at least 600 Brinell. When using armor steel of these high hardnesses, a particularly high level of protection against armor piercing ammunition is achieved.

The thickness of the armor plate is preferably between 2 mm and 20 mm. It is preferably between 2 mm and 12 mm and more preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm. These thicknesses have proven especially in trained as armor steel plates armor plates.

An advantageous embodiment with regard to a compact design provides that the protective element has a multilayer structure in which the armor plate forms the thickest single layer.

In particular, the thickness of the armor plate may be at least 15%, preferably at least 50% and more preferably at least 75% of the thickness of the protective element.

More preferably, the ratio of the thickness of the armor plate to the thickness of the decoupling layer is at least 1 and / or at most 10, more preferably at least 2 and at most 5.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the protective element has a protective layer covering the decoupling layer for protection against fire and / or environmental influences. Through the protective layer, the resistance of the protective element against environmental influences and fire can be increased. Also results in an extension of the lifetime of the protective element. Maintenance intervals are shortened. In addition, the damping effect of the decoupling layer can be improved by the protective layer, since the impact of a splitter is transferred from the protective layer to a larger surface of the decoupling layer than would be the case with a direct impact on the decoupling layer.

The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 0.05 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. In this thickness range, a good protective effect for the protective element against environmental influences, and the weight of the protective element is not unnecessarily increased.

Preferably, the protective layer is made of fiber composite material, metal or sand. Particularly advantageous are glass fiber composite material, Aluminum and steel proven, the steel is preferably thinner and softer than the armor plate.

According to a development of the invention, the armor plate is harder than the protective layer and the protective layer is harder than the decoupling layer. As a result, a good protection of the decoupling layer is achieved by the protective layer and at the same time achieves an advantageous decoupling effect. Advantageously, the armor plate forms the hardest layer of the protective element.

The protective layer advantageously forms on the threat side, the outermost layer of the protective element, so that the underlying layers are protected by the protective layer.

The protective layer is preferably arranged directly on the decoupling layer. It can be glued to the decoupling layer, screwed, clamped or applied directly, in particular sprayed on, brushed or poured.

The armor plate, the decoupling layer and / or the protective layer are preferably formed recess-free and / or free of cavities.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the protective element is designed as a protection module. In an embodiment of the protective element as a protective module, the protective element can be mounted as a unit on an object and disassembled. In this respect, the assembly and the replacement of damaged protective elements is particularly simplified.

In addition, to solve the above object in a protective element arrangement of the type mentioned above, it is proposed that this has a protective element with one or more of the features described above.

Even with such a protective arrangement, the already explained in connection with the protective element advantages arise.

According to the invention, the protective element arrangement has a second armor plate, which is arranged on the object side of the protective element. Over the second armor plate a certain redundancy is achieved, so that even in the event of a breach of the outer protective element or its first armor plate protection is still given.

According to the invention, the second armor plate is arranged at a distance from the armor plate of the protective element. By the distance, the protective effect of the protective element arrangement can be further increased. Due to the objectionable arrangement of the two armor plates creates a distance space. The distance space between the armor plate of the protective element and the second armor plate is filled with air and allows bending of the protective element, without this strikes directly on the underlying armor plate.

The distance between the armor plate of the protective element and the second armor plate is preferably 2 mm to 50 mm, particularly preferably 4 mm to 15 mm. The second armor plate may be formed material identical to the armor plate of the protective element. In addition, the thicknesses of the two armor plates may be substantially the same.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a decoupling layer is arranged on the threat side of the second armor plate. The decoupling layer may be formed analogously to the decoupling layer of the protective element, whereby the already described advantages result here as well.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a third armor plate is disposed between the armor plate of the protective element and the second armor plate. By the further armor plate, the protective effect of the protective element arrangement can be further increased. Preferably, the third armor plate is formed material identical to the first and / or second armor plate.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the armor plate of the protective element, the second armor plate and the third armor plate are spaced from each other. Hereby, the protective effect can be further increased. Preferably, the distances of air gaps are formed.

A further embodiment provides that the distance between the second armor plate and the third armor plate is greater than the distance between the third armor plate and the armor plate of the protective element. Preferably, the distance between the second armor plate and the third armor plate is 2 to 3 times greater than the distance between the third armor plate and the armor plate of the protective element.

All armor plates may be formed identical material or made of different materials. The second and possibly third armor plates may be formed as armor steel plates and / or ceramic armor plates.

Finally, to solve the above problem in a vehicle body of the type mentioned above, it is proposed that it has a protective element arrangement with one or more of the features described above.

Even with such a vehicle structure, the advantages already explained in connection with the protective element arrangement result.

Fig. 1

eine schematisierte Schnittansicht eines Schutzelements der erfindungsgemäßen Schutzelementanordnung,

Fig. 2

eine schematisierte Schnittansicht einer Schutzelementanordnung gemäß eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 3

eine schematisierte Schnittansicht einer Schutzelementanordnung gemäß eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels und

Fig. 4

in gegenüberstellender Darstellung zwei Munitionskörper, links nach Beschuss einer herkömmlichen Panzerstahlplatte, rechts nach Beschuss eines erfindungsgemäßen Schutzelements.

Further details of a protective element, a protective element arrangement and a vehicle body are explained below with the aid of the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments. Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a protective element of the protective element arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 is a schematic sectional view of a protective element arrangement according to a first exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of a protective element assembly according to a second embodiment and

Fig. 4

in an opposing view two ammunition body, left after bombardment of a conventional armor steel plate, right after bombardment of a protective element according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a protective element 1 for the protection of objects against military threats. The protective element 1 is a protective module which can be attached as a structural unit to an object to be protected, such as a military vehicle, for its protection against armor-piercing ammunition as well as for protection against splinters.

The protective element 1 has an armor plate 2 consisting of a high-hardness material with a threat side 3 pointing in the direction of the military threat and an object side 4 pointing in the direction of the object to be protected. The armor plate 2 forms the innermost layer of the protective element 1 and is mainly used to protect against armor-piercing ammunition body, which penetrate the more outer layers largely undisturbed and are not significantly affected until they reach the armor plate 2.

In the armor plate 2 is according to the embodiment, a high-strength armor steel plate with a hardness of more than 380 Brinell. The armor plate 2 forms not only the innermost layer of the protective element 1, but at the same time its hardest layer to act against armor-piercing ammunition. The armor plate 2 has in the embodiment has a thickness of 10 mm. However, other thicknesses of the armor plates 2 in the range between 2 mm and 20 mm, whereby thicknesses in the range between 4 mm and 12 mm are to be particularly preferred, since in this thickness range a particularly favorable ratio between on the one hand the protective effect and on the other hand weight of the protective element 1 is achieved. Furthermore, ceramic armor plates 2 have proven themselves under weight aspects.

Since armor plates 2 made of a high-hardness material, although reliable against shelling by almost punctually impinging, armor-piercing ammunition, but they have weaknesses in the case of larger-scale acting splinters, the armor plate 2 is preceded by a decoupling layer 5 at the threat side.

When bombarded with armor-piercing ammunition, the decoupling layer 5 can provide no significant protection, since it consists of a softer, comparatively easy to penetrate from such a projectile material. The decoupling layer 5 serves to protect against splinters, which rather impinge on the protective element 1 over a large area and, if they hit the brittle armor plate 2 directly, would possibly punch them through.

Before a splinter striking the protective element 1 strikes the brittle armor plate 2, it must first penetrate the decoupling layer 5. The decoupling layer 5 serves in the manner of a damping layer, to prepare the splitter on the later impact on the armor plate 2 so that it will not penetrate.

Due to the impact of the splitter on the protective element 1, an elastic shock wave is introduced into the armor plate 2 via the decoupling layer 5. The shock wave is formed upon impact of the splitter on the decoupling layer 5 and propagates through it in the direction of the underlying armor plate 2 continued. Since the shock wave within the decoupling layer 5 moves faster than the splitter penetrates into the layer, the shockwave and the splitter decouple from each other on the armor plate 2. This decoupling the impact of the splitter on the armor plate is temporally, spatially and geometrically prepared in such a way that the existing of a brittle material armor plate 2 is not punched.

Due to the decoupling of the shock wave from the penetrating splitter results in a temporal preparation of the impact by the time of the impact by the separation of shock wave and splinter temporally stretched and thus the maximum occurring forces are reduced. By this time preparation of the impact the risk of punching the armor plate 2 is reduced.

In addition, there is also a spatial preparation of the serve. Because the existing of a softer material decoupling layer 5 causes a widening of the shock wave, so that the shock wave distributed over a larger area on the armor plate 2 impinges. Also by this spatial preparation overloads are avoided and reduces the risk of punching the armor plate 2.

Finally, a geometric preparation is achieved by the shape of the impacting on the decoupling layer 5 splitter is formed into a favorable, not to punch through the armor plate 2 leading shape. This transformation is achieved in a geometrically favorable, mushroom-shaped form in turn by the decoupled from the actual splitter shock wave. Because the pressure generated by the shock wave leads to a local preconsolidation of the material of the armor plate 2. The splinter trailing the shockwave impinges on the armor plate 2 in this pre-solidified region and is more strongly deformed there upon impact. Also through this geometric preparation overloads are avoided and reduces the risk of punching of the armor plate 2.

The decoupling layer 5 is located directly on the threat side of the armor plate 2 and is connected to this area by gluing. Alternatively, the decoupling layer 5 can also be bolted to the armor plate 2, jammed, sprayed on, brushed or poured.

In the embodiment, the thickness of the decoupling layer is 4 mm. In experiments, in particular, a thickness of the decoupling layer between 0.5 mm and 50 mm has proven to be advantageous. Particularly good results were found in a thickness range of 2 mm to 6 mm.

In order to achieve the best possible decoupling from the armor plate 2, the modulus of elasticity of the decoupling layer 5 is considerably lower than that of the armor plate 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the decoupling layer 5 consists of non-foamed polyurethane. In principle, however, other materials are suitable as decoupling layer 5. Preferably, the material of the decoupling layer 5 is comparatively soft. Plastics and rubber materials have proven to be particularly suitable. Preferably, the Decoupling layer 5 of rubber, polymer, elastomer, natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber. The decoupling layer 5 can also be constructed of plastic mixtures. Advantageously, the plastic is formed without reinforcing fibers, so fiber-free. In addition, the plastic preferably has a homogeneous structure. However, additives for increasing the fire resistance, fire resistance, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance and / or coloring can be added to the plastic of the decoupling layer 5.

Particularly suitable materials for the decoupling layer 5 have a rebound resilience of 30% to 50%, a Shore hardness of 70 to 75, and / or a flexural modulus of 14 MPa (2000 psi) to 48 MPa (7000 psi). The weight per unit area of the decoupling layer 5 in the exemplary embodiment has 1.1 kg per square meter per millimeter thickness.

On the outside of the decoupling layer 5, a protective layer 6 is provided for protection against external influences such as environmental influences or even fire or similar influences. By the protective layer 6 can be prevented, for example, that thrown on the vehicle Molotov cocktails damage the decoupling layer 5 in the way that it loses its effect.

The protective layer 6 has a smaller thickness than the decoupling layer 5. The protective layer 6 forms the outermost layer of the protective element 1, is harder than the decoupling layer 5 and softer than the armor plate 2. Preferably, the protective layer 6 consists of a fiber composite material, a metal such as steel or aluminum and / or sand. In the embodiment, the protective layer 6 is made of a glass fiber composite material. The protective layer 6 is arranged directly on the decoupling layer 5 and bonded to the decoupling layer 5. Alternatively, the protective layer 6 may be different be connected to the decoupling layer 5, for example by coating or releasable connection, for example by jamming.

While the above details of the protective element 1 has been discussed, will be described below with reference to the representations in the FIGS. 2 and 3 Be addressed protection element arrangements, which have such a protective element 1.

FIG. 2 shows first a protective element arrangement 10 with a protective element 1, in which on the object side further elements 7, 8 are arranged to improve the protective effect in a kind of redundant arrangement.

Before the object side of the protective element 1, a second armor plate 7 is arranged, which is formed substantially identical to the armor plate 2 of the protective element 1. The second armor plate 7 also has a decoupling layer 8 on its threat side 11. However, this can also be omitted according to further, not shown embodiments.

The armor plate 7 has a distance a relative to the armor plate 2 of the protective element 1, so that a clearance space is created between the protective element 1 and the armor plate 7 or the decoupling layer 8. The spacer space 13 is filled with air, which is why the protective element 1 can deform in the direction of the armor plate 7 or the decoupling layer 8 located behind it without colliding with it.

In the Fig. 3 a further embodiment of a protective element arrangement 10 is shown.

This protective element arrangement 10 essentially corresponds to the protective element arrangement according to FIG Fig. 2 However, has a third armor plate 9, which divides the distance space 13 into two space spaces 14 and 15. The armor plate 2 of the protective element 1 has a distance b from the third armor plate 9 and the third armor plate 9 has a distance c to the second armor plate 7.

In the Fig. 4 Finally, two FSP 20 are after a bombardment at about 780 m / s on a 10 mm thick armor plate 2 made of armor steel with a decoupling layer 5 and without such a decoupling layer 5 faced to explain the advantages achieved by the decoupling layer once again.

The left FSP 20 was shot on an armor plate 2 without decoupling layer and has penetrated this. The much more deformed, right FSP 20, however, was shot on an armor plate 2 with decoupling layer 5. He is much more mushy. He could not penetrate the armor plate 2 but merely bagged it. It turns out that the bulging of the brittle armor plate 2 was significantly stronger than would have been possible without decoupling layer 5. In this respect, the armor plate 2 behaves with the decoupling layer 5 against the impacting splitter tougher and punching are avoided.

The arrangement of a decoupling layer 5 on the threat side 3 of an armor plate 2, a significantly higher level of protection is achieved and effective in a structurally simple structure punching through the armor plate 2 prevented. Overall, a significantly improved protection against both armor-piercing ammunition and against splinters is achieved with simple means even with only a slight increase in weight compared to a simple armor plate 2.

Reference numerals:

1

protection element

2

armor-plate

3

impact side

4

object side

5

decoupling layer

6

protective layer

7

armor-plate

8th

decoupling layer

9

armor-plate

10

Protection assembly

11

impact side

12

object side

13

distance space

14

distance space

15

distance space

a

distance

b

distance

c

distance

Claims (10)

1. Protective element arrangement for protecting an object from military threats having a protective element (1) comprising:

   - a first armour plate (2) which is formed as a steel armour plate, wherein the first armour plate (2) has a threat side (3) which points in the direction of a threat and an object side (4) which points in the direction of the object to be protected, and

   - a decoupling layer (5) which is arranged on the threat side (3) of the armour plate (2) and is intended for temporally decoupling the impingement of a splinter on the first armour plate (2) from the impingement of a shock wave on the armour plate (2), wherein the shock wave is caused upon impingement of the splinter onto the decoupling layer (5), wherein the thickness of the decoupling layer (5) is equal to or less than the thickness of the first armour plate (2), and with a second armour plate (7) which is spaced apart from the first armour plate (2) and which is arranged on the object side of the protective element (1), wherein a clearance results from the spaced-apart arrangement of the two armour plates (2,7), wherein the clearance is air-filled and allows flexing of the protective element (1) without the latter butting directly on the armour plate (7) situated behind it.
2. Protective element arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the decoupling layer (5) is arranged directly on the first armour plate (2).
3. Protective element arrangement according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decoupling layer (5) consists of a plastic or rubber material.
4. Protective element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first armour plate (2) has a hardness of at least 380 Brinell, preferably at least 500 Brinell and further preferably at least 600 Brinell.
5. Protective element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a multi-layer structure in which the first armour plate (2) forms the thickest individual layer.
6. Protective element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a protective layer (6) which covers the decoupling layer (5) for protection against fire and/or environmental influences.
7. Protective element arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that the first armour plate (2) is designed to be harder than the protective layer (6), and the protective layer (6) is designed to be harder than the decoupling layer (5).
8. Protective element arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third armour plate (9) is arranged between the first armour plate (2) of the protective element (1) and the second armour plate (7).
9. Protective element arrangement according to Claim 8, characterized in that the first armour plate (2) of the protective element (1), the second armour plate (7) and the third armour plate (9) are each arranged spaced apart from one another.
10. Vehicle superstructure for an armoured vehicle, characterized by a protective element arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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