EP3755966A1

EP3755966A1 - Protective device for a vertically orientable viewfinder

Info

Publication number: EP3755966A1
Application number: EP19712037.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Xavier DESCATOIRE
Original assignee: Nexter Systems SA
Current assignee: Nexter Systems SA
Priority date: 2018-02-23
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-22
Also published as: FR3078397A1; ES2919625T3; WO2019162896A1; PL3755966T3; FR3078397B1; EP3755966B1

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a protective device (1) for a vertically orientable viewfinder. This device comprises a cover (2) surrounding the viewfinder and having a longitudinal window (3) delimited by two lateral edges (3a, 3b) allowing the vertical movement (S) of a line of sight (4) of the viewfinder. The device is characterized in that the cover (2) is spherical and in that it has a flap (8) of spherical profile, complementary to that of the cover, and having an opening (9) for the line of sight (4) to pass through, the flap (8) being truncated by a sector and thus having a straight edge (25) disposed in the vicinity of a lateral edge (3a, 3b) of the window (3) for a median aiming position, the flap closing the window (3) and being able to pivot about the line of sight (4), the flap being moved vertically by aiming means such that the opening (9) follows the vertical positioning of the line of sight (4), the device also having means for driving the flap (8) in rotation during vertical aiming, thereby ensuring that the window (3) is closed by the flap for all vertical aiming positions.

Description

PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR SENSITIVE SIGHT VIEW IN SITE

The technical field of the invention is that of the protection devices for an orientable viewfinder.
These devices are intended to ensure the protection of the viewfinder against the impact of projectiles. These sights are most often fitted to an armored vehicle and they allow the acquisition of the coordinates of a target and the conduct of a shot.
It is known to arrange the viewfinder in a cowling that surrounds it and which has a window allowing in particular the deflection in the field of a line of sight of the viewfinder.
Patents EP3123100 and FR2509034 describe such protective covers. They have the disadvantage of having to be open to allow the use of the viewfinder which is therefore poorly protected when it is operational.
US2012 / 024143 also discloses an armed turret which comprises a viewfinder orientable in elevation and location and disposed in a cowling comprising a window allowing in particular the deflection of a line of sight of the viewfinder.
Also known from US2491608 a gun turret having a viewfinder which is disposed behind a rectangular window closable by flat and sliding shutters. The movement of the shutters towards the bottom of the window releases very largely this one.
Even if the cowling is reduced to the minimum necessary, it is still necessary to leave on the cowling a longitudinal window having a length equal to the maximum angular deflection of the line of sight.
It is the object of the invention to provide a protection device for a steerable viewfinder in a site, which provides a higher level of protection and which leaves open only an opening having the dimension strictly necessary for the viewfinder, which whatever its orientation in site.
Thus, the subject of the invention is a protection device for an orientable viewfinder, comprising a casing surrounding the viewfinder and comprising a window allowing the deflection of a line of sight of the device viewfinder, characterized in that the casing is spherical and in that it comprises a spherical flap, complementary to that of the cowling, and carrying an opening for the passage of the line of sight, the flap being truncated by a sector and thus having a straight edge arranged in the vicinity an edge of the window for a median pointing position, the shutter closing the window and pivotable about the line of sight, the shutter being moved in site by pointing means so that the opening follows the positioning in the line of sight, the device further comprising means ensuring the rotation of the shutter during the pointing in site, ensuring ain if shutting the window by the shutter for all pointing positions in site.
According to a particular embodiment, the pointing means may comprise a ring pivotally connected to a base of the cowling and pivotally mounted in a bearing around a vertical axis, which ring can be rotated by a motor means and carrying a conical toothed sector meshing with a complementary toothing integral with a stirrup, the stirrup being itself pivotally mounted relative to the cowling about a horizontal axis, the shutter being fixed to the stirrup.
According to a particular embodiment, the flap may be fixed pivotally relative to the stirrup at its opening, the drive means for rotating the shutter comprising a pinion conical profile integral with the shutter and which meshes with a fixed rack of the cowling, the modification of the pointing in site of the stirrup causing the pivoting of the shutter.
According to another embodiment, the flap may be fixed pivotally relative to the stirrup at its opening, the drive means for rotating the flap comprising a pin secured to the flap and flowing in a groove formed in the cowling, the modification of the pointing in site of the stirrup causing the pivoting of the shutter.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of particular embodiments, a description given with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which:
perspective view before an embodiment of the protection device according to the invention;
rear perspective view of an embodiment of the protection device according to the invention;
: view of the device, rollover removed, showing a first variation of pointing in viewfinder site and the associated movement of the shutter;
: similar view to Figure 3a, showing a second variation in the sight of the viewfinder and the associated movement of the shutter;
: similar view to Figure 3a, showing a third variation in aiming at the viewfinder site and the associated movement of the shutter;
: view of the device, rollover removed and in front perspective, showing a first variation of pointing in viewfinder site and the associated movement of the shutter;
: similar view to Figure 4a, showing a second variation in aiming at the viewfinder site and the associated movement of the shutter;
: similar view to Figure 4a, showing a third variation in aiming in the viewfinder site and the associated movement of the shutter;
: perspective view at a first angle of the shutter alone;
: perspective view at a second angle of the shutter alone;
perspective view at a third angle of the shutter alone;
: detail view showing the shutter drive;
: view of a single component according to a second embodiment;
: view of a portion of the cowling for cooperating with the shutter according to the second embodiment;
: view of the device, rollover removed and in front perspective, showing a first variation of pointing in viewfinder site and the associated movement of the flap in connection with the groove of the cowling according to the second embodiment;
: similar view to Figure 9a, showing a second variation in pointing viewfinder site and the associated movement of the flap in connection with the groove of the cowling according to the second embodiment; and
: similar view to Figure 9a, showing a third variation of pointing in the viewfinder site and the associated movement of the flap in connection with the groove of the cowling according to the second embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a protection device 1 for an orientable viewfinder in situ, comprises a generally spherical cover 2 which surrounds the viewfinder and which comprises a longitudinal window 3 allowing the deflection in the field (arrow S) of a line of sight 4 of the viewfinder. The window 3 extends along a meridian of the sphere formed by the cowling 2 and is delimited by two parallel lateral edges 3a and 3b, connected by an upper edge 3c and a lower edge 3d. The lateral edges 3a, 3b are parallel to the bearing axis 6, or more precisely these lateral edges are arranged in planes parallel to the bearing axis 6 (meridian planes of the spherical cowling 2). The lower 3d and upper edges 3c are parallel to the elevation axis 7, or more precisely are arranged in planes parallel to the elevation axis 7. In a conventional manner, the elevation axis 7 is a perpendicular axis at the bearing axis 6.
The viewfinder is an optical device of known type and which is not described in detail. It is enclosed inside the cowling 2 which is globally spherical. This viewfinder, whose foot 5 is shown in the figures, is pivotable in bearing around the vertical axis 6 (or bearing axis) and is pivotally orientable around a horizontal axis 7 (or axis of site). The orientations in site and in the field are obtained thanks to specific motorizations of the viewfinder (not shown).
Thus the line of sight 4 can be directed in different directions of space.
According to the invention, the cowling 2 is generally spherical and it comprises a flap 8 which also has a spherical profile complementary to that of the cowling.
The shutter 8 is inside the cowling 2 and it closes the window 3, thus providing ballistic protection of the window 3 and the viewfinder when pointing the viewfinder.
The flap 8 has an opening 9 which allows the passage of the line of sight 4. This opening 9 has the dimension strictly necessary for the viewfinder.
The cowling consists of two substantially hemispherical shells 2a and 2b and connected to each other by screwed flanges 11, positioned along a generator (see Figure 2).
The cowling 2 is positioned inside a circular bearing 12 which allows the rollover of the cowling in the bearing, in a manner synchronized with that of the viewfinder itself.
As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the cowling 2 is also integral with a stirrup 13 which is pivotally mounted relative to the cowling 2 about the horizontal axis 7.
The mounting of the stirrup 13 is carried out using bearings 14 which are positioned on two journals 15 integral with the cowling 2 and which receive rings 16 integral with both ends of the stirrup 13.
Thus any pivoting in the bearing of the cowling 2 also causes the stirrup 13.
The stirrup 13 carries the shutter 8 which is fixed to it at the level of the opening 9.
As seen more particularly in FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the flap 8 comprises in fact a spherical-shaped part 8a on which is fixed a cylindrical tube 8b which materializes the opening 9.
It is the tube 8b which is housed in a smooth bearing 17 carried by the stirrup 13. The tube 8b also carries a conical pinion 18 (see also Figure 6) (for example glued or welded to the tube 8b). This conical pinion 18 meshes with a conical-shaped rack 19 which also has a generally circular shape and is fixed to the spherical cowling 2 along the window 3.
Thus, when the orientation in site of the stirrup 13 is modified, the pinion 18 meshes with the rack 19 and the latter then causes the tube 8b and the flap 8 to pivot about the line of sight 4.
The pointing in site of the stirrup 13 is controlled by pointing means which comprise a ring 20 in pivot connection relative to a base of the cowling 2 (that is to say, able to pivot to a certain extent with respect to the cowling 2).
This ring 20 can also rotate freely relative to the circular bearing 12, an inner ring is integral with the cowling, and it therefore accompanies the pointing bearing of the viewfinder and the cowling 2 surrounding it.
The ring 20 carries a sector 21 with conical teeth which meshes with a complementary toothing 22 integral with the stirrup 13.
Furthermore, the ring 20 carries a peripheral toothing on which meshes a pinion 23 whose rotation is controlled by a motorization M.
A cover 24 covers the crown 20 and the pinion 23, but these elements are visible in Figure 6 in which the cover 24 is removed.
When the viewfinder and its cowling 2 are pivoted in the bearing, the motorization M is inactive and the pinion 23 rotates freely. The sector 21 therefore follows the bearing pointing driven by the cowling 2, the ring 20 rotating freely.
When the motorization M is actuated, the ring 20 pivots about the bearing axis 6 and with respect to the cowling 2. It therefore causes the sector 21 which causes the tilting of the stirrup 13, so pointing in site. It is easy to control the pointing angle in site of the stirrup 13 by an appropriate control of the motorization M. It will be sufficient to provide an optical sensor (not shown) to know the orientation in site of the stirrup 13 , to ensure the servo control of the motorization M to the desired value (and corresponding to the aiming site of the viewfinder disposed in the cowling 2).
As has been previously stated, the pivoting of the shutter 8 is obtained automatically in connection with the pointing in site of the stirrup 13.
The problem related to the shutter of the window 3 by the flap is easily understood by considering Figures 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c.
The window 3 is not visible in these figures because the cowling 2 is removed. Just look at Figure 1 in parallel and note that:
for FIGS. 3a and 4a, the step 17 is in the vicinity of the upper edge 3c of the window 3;
for FIGS. 3c and 4c, the step 17 is in the vicinity of the lower edge 3d of the window 3;
for Figures 3b and 4b, the bearing 17 is in the middle position halfway from the lower and upper edges of the window 3 (position identical to that of Figure 1).
When the pointing at the site of the stirrup 13 is at a minimum angle (FIGS. 3c and 4c), the smooth abutment 17 is positioned at the lowest point of the window 3, which is therefore very clear above the smooth abutment 17.
Conversely, when the pointing at the site of the stirrup 13 is at maximum angle (FIGS. 3a and 4a), the smooth abutment 17 is positioned at the top of the window 3, which is therefore very clear below the smooth abutment 17.
According to the invention to ensure the closure of the window 3 by the flap 8 in all cases, it is necessary to define a spherical flap which has no rotation symmetry about its pivot axis 4, but which at contrary is off-axis with respect to this pivot axis 4 (or line of sight).
Thus, as seen in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the spherical portion 8a of the flap 8 extends more widely on one side of the axis 4 than on the other side. The spherical portion 8a of the flap is stopped at a straight edge 25 which is at a distance d from the pivot axis 4. The spherical portion 8a which in principle has the pivot axis 4 as the axis of symmetry is therefore truncated of an area at the right edge 25.
Thus, when the smooth bearing 17 occupies its extreme positions with respect to the window 3, it is possible to position the flap 9 with its truncated portion (right edge 25) in the vicinity of the lower or upper edge of the window 3. The non truncated shutter 8 can then close the entire window 3.
In this case, it is ensured in all cases that the entire window 3 is sealed without any mechanical interference occurring at the extreme positions and for a minimum flap mass.
Figures 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c show the positions of the flap and the stirrup 13 for the maximum pointing (Figures 3a and 4a), the minimum score (Figures 3c and 4c) and for a median score (Figures 3b and 4b). ).
Note that when the stirrup 13 is in the position of the median pointing (FIGS. 3b and 4b), the right edge 25 of the shutter 8 is vertical and is then close to a lateral edge 3a of the window 3 (FIG. Figure 1 also shows this median pointing position).
When the stirrup 13 is in the position of the minimum pointing (FIGS. 3c and 4c), the flap has rotated counterclockwise and the right edge 25 of the flap 8 is horizontal and is close to the edge. lower 3d of the window 3.
Finally, when the stirrup 13 is in the position of the maximum pointing (FIGS. 3a and 4a), the flap has pivoted in a clockwise direction and the right edge 25 of the flap 8 is horizontal and is close to the top edge 3c of the window 3.
It is possible to ensure the rotation of the shutter by other means.
Figure 7 thus shows a flap 8 which carries in the vicinity of its right edge 25 a lug 26 carrying a pin 27. This pin 27 is intended to flow in a groove 28 which is arranged on the inner face of the shell 2b of the cowling 2 (Figure 8). The profile of the groove 28 will be easily determined by those skilled in the art by computer-aided design modeling the pivoting of the flap 8 carrying the pin 27.
Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show the flap 8 in different positions. The cowling 2 has been removed but the location of the groove 28 is shown in these figures.
Of course the flap 8 is always pivotally mounted relative to a stirrup 13 (not shown in these figures) which allows the pointing in the opening site 9. The assembly and control of the stirrup are identical to what has been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
Note that when the pointing in site is changed, the movement of the pin 27 in its groove 28 causes the pivoting of the flap 8. The amplitude of the pivot is the same as for the previous embodiment and the right edge 25 of the flap approaching the lower edge of the window when pointing is close to the minimum pointing angle (Figure 9a).
Conversely, the right edge 25 of the flap approaches the upper edge of the window when the score approaches the maximum pointing angle (Figure 9c).
It should be noted that Figures 9a and 9c do not show the maximum and minimum pointing angles, but angles that are close to these extreme scores.
Finally, when the pointing is median (Figure 9b), the right edge 25 is substantially vertical and parallel to a side edge of the window.
The foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a point-in-point and a pointing-in-line of the line of sight 4. In a conventional manner, the point-in-place corresponds to a pivoting of the viewfinder around an axis of view. horizontal pointing 7 and the bearing pointing is done by rotation of the viewfinder around a vertical axis 6. It is of course possible to position the viewfinder with orientations of the site axes 7 and bearing 6 which are no longer respectively horizontal and vertical. The aiming of the line of sight may still be achieved but with combined controls of the rotations around the two axes to give the line of sight 4 a desired orientation with respect to a fixed reference.
What is important for the invention to be implemented is that the pointing axes 6 and 7 are perpendicular to each other and the window has its lateral edges arranged in parallel meridian planes to an axis (called deposit) which is the axis rotating the sphere formed by the cover. The axis (called site) is an axis perpendicular to this bearing axis.

Claims

Protective device (1) for a steerable viewfinder, device comprising a cowling (2) surrounding the viewfinder and comprising a longitudinal window (3) delimited by two parallel lateral edges (3a, 3b) allowing the deflection in a site of a line of sight (4) of the sight, device characterized in that the cowling (2) is spherical and in that it comprises a flap (8) with a spherical profile, complementary to that of the cowling, and carrying an opening (9) allowing the passage of the line of sight (4), the flap (8) being truncated by a sector and thus having a straight edge (25) disposed in the vicinity of a lateral edge (3a, 3b) of the window (3). ) for a median pointing position, the flap (8) closing the window and pivotable about the line of sight (4), the flap (8) being moved in elevation by pointing means so that the opening (9) follows the line positioning of the line of sight (4), the device comprising pa r elsewhere means ensuring the drive in rotation of the flap (8) during the pointing in site, thus ensuring the closure of the window (3) by the flap (8) for all pointing positions in site.
Protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pointing means comprise a ring (20) pivotably connected to a base of the cowling (2) and pivotally mounted in a bearing around a vertical axis (6), crown that can be rotated by a motor means (M) and carrying a sector (21) with conical teeth meshing with a complementary toothing (22) integral with a stirrup (13), the stirrup being itself pivotally mounted by relative to the cowling (2) about a horizontal axis (7), the flap (8) being attached to the yoke (13).
Protective device according to claim 2, characterized in that the flap (8) is pivotally attached relative to the stirrup (13) at its opening (9), the drive means for rotating the shutter comprising a pinion (18) conical profile integral with the flap (8) and which meshes with a rack (19) integral with the cowling (2), the modification of the pointing in site of the stirrup (13) causing the pivoting of the flap (8).
Protective device according to claim 2, characterized in that the flap (8) is pivotally attached relative to the stirrup (13) at its opening (9), the means for rotating the shutter comprising a pion (27) secured to the flap (8) and flowing in a groove (28) formed in the cowling (2), the modification of the pointing in site of the stirrup (13) causing the pivoting of the flap (8).