EP4045868B1 - Underbody of a vehicle with mine protection - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle underbody of a military vehicle with a floor and a side wall arranged at an angle to the floor and a mine protection for protecting the military vehicle from detonating mines with two armor plates arranged at an angle to each other. A further subject of the invention is a military vehicle with such a vehicle underbody.

The FR 2 927 990 A1 and FR 2 974 169 A1 show military vehicles with an armored vehicle cabin consisting of a floor and side walls, which are engaged with one another by means of a support connection for mutual support when detonation forces occur.

When deployed in a crisis or war zone, there is a risk that a military vehicle will be exposed to detonating mines. The Detonation forces can act on the vehicle in particular from below and diagonally to the side, so that military vehicles often have appropriate mine protection, especially on the vehicle underbody.

To absorb the detonation forces, the mine protection has armor plates that can be attached to the vehicle underbody from below and from the side, so that the armor plates are arranged at an angle to each other. Due to the angular arrangement, the lower armor plate can absorb detonation forces acting from below and the side armor plate can absorb detonation forces acting from the side.

While the flat areas of the vehicle, such as the floor or the side walls of the vehicle underbody, are completely covered by the armor plates attached to them and are protected accordingly, the mine protection at the corner areas of the vehicle underbody, namely where the armor plates meet, often has weak points. If the armor plates in these corner areas are only bonded together, for example by welding, detonation forces acting on the armor plates can easily lead to stresses and resulting damage to the mine protection.

The state of the art therefore also includes solutions that enable improved protection of the vehicle underbody, particularly in its corner areas, without welding the armor plates.

The EP 2 561 307 B1 discloses, for example, a mine protection for the underbody of a vehicle with armor plates which are arranged on the floor and the side walls of the vehicle. Instead of colliding of the armor plates in the corner areas of the vehicle underbody, the side armor plate overlaps the lower armor plate so that the corner areas can be protected accordingly by the overlapping part of the side armor plate.

This type of mine protection has proven to be extremely effective in practice, as the overlapping arrangement not only improves the protection of the corner areas but also improves the absorption of detonation forces by the mine protection.

The overlapping part of the side armor plate allows it to brace itself against the lower armor plate when detonation forces act from the side, so that at least part of the lateral detonation forces can be absorbed by both armor plates. This improves the absorption of detonation forces from the side and thus provides the vehicle with greater overall protection from mine protection.

Although the absorption of lateral detonation forces is improved by such mine protection, the disadvantage is that detonation forces acting from below can still only be absorbed by a single armor plate, namely the lower armor plate. An improved absorption of the detonation forces acting from below by both the lower and the lateral armor plate is not possible with such mine protection.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a vehicle underbody which enables improved absorption of detonation forces from detonating mines.

This task is achieved with a vehicle underbody of the type mentioned with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the armor plates are engaged with one another by means of a support connection for mutual support when detonation forces occur.

The support connection of the mine protection enables the armor plates to support one another when detonating forces of detonating mines occur, in that the armor plates are in engagement with one another. Advantageously, detonation forces acting both laterally and from below can be absorbed by both armor plates, so that the overall protection of the mine protection is improved. For example, if the detonation force acts on the first armor plate, it can support at least part of this detonation force on the second armor plate and vice versa. The mutual support of the armor plates has an interactive effect. Particularly advantageously, the detonation force can be absorbed by both armor plates regardless of its direction of action, so that the mine protection can withstand larger detonation forces overall and the protection is improved accordingly.

As an advantageous development of mine protection, it can be provided that the support connection is designed as a corner connection. The corner connection can result from the armor plates engaging with each other at an angle. It is particularly possible here for the armor plates to engage with one another at their abutting edges, so that the support connection is designed as a corner connection. It has proven to be particularly advantageous in this context that the support connection designed as a corner connection is modeled on the contour of the vehicle underbody at its corner areas, thus improved protection can also be achieved in the corner areas of the vehicle underbody.

Furthermore, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the support connection is designed as a toothing. The toothing allows the armor plates to engage with one another in a structurally simple manner, so that mutual support can be ensured when detonation forces occur. It can be particularly advantageous if the toothing can also be used to arrange the armor plates at an angle to one another by adapting the contour of the toothing accordingly. With regard to the arrangement of the mine protection on the vehicle, it can be provided that it is arranged on the vehicle underbody in such a way that the toothing is arranged at the corner areas of the vehicle underbody and the corner areas are thus protected accordingly.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the armor plates engage with one another in a form-fitting manner. The mutual form-fitting engagement can enable the armor plates to support one another in a structurally simple manner when detonation forces occur.

With regard to the support connection, it has also proven to be particularly advantageous if the support connection is designed in such a way that the first armor plate can be supported in its normal direction relative to the second armor plate and the second armor plate in its normal direction relative to the first armor plate. The normal directions of an armor plate run orthogonally to the plane of the armor plate. The mutual support of the armor plates in their normal direction can improve the absorption of both the detonation forces acting from below and the detonation forces acting from the side. In particular, it has proven to be advantageous in this context if the armor plates are each supported in their Vehicle-oriented normal direction can be supported against the other armor plate.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the support connection has a first support profile arranged on the first armor plate and/or a second support profile arranged on the second armor plate. The support profile enables the armor plates to support each other in a structurally simple manner. In the case of two support profiles, it can be particularly advantageous if the support profiles of both armor plates are designed to correspond to each other, so that the armor plates are in engagement by means of the support profiles. It is also possible for the support profile arranged on the first armor plate to be designed differently from the support profile arranged on the second armor plate. This can be particularly advantageous in order to enable the armor plates to support each other when detonation forces occur in their respective direction of action, in particular acting from below and/or from the side.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, are designed as a single piece as part of the respective armor plate. This can lead to a higher protective effect of the mine protection, since the support profile is directly connected to the respective armor plate as an integral part of the latter. This design makes it easy to avoid connections between the support profile and the respective armor plate that weaken the mine protection.

It has also proven particularly advantageous with regard to the support profile if at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, are arranged at an end region, in particular at a front side, of the respective armor plate. This arrangement of the at least one Support profiles can bring manufacturing advantages, since the support profile can be arranged at the end areas with little effort. In particular, if the at least one support profile is designed as an integral component of the respective armor plate, the support profile can be manufactured in a simple manner at the end areas of the respective armor plate. In this context, it can also be advantageous that when the support profile is arranged at the end area, protruding material of the armor plate beyond the support profile can be avoided. This can have a beneficial effect on the overall weight of the mine protection.

It is also particularly advantageous if at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, has at least one support surface and one contact surface. The support surface can serve to support the respective armor plate against the contact surface of the other armor plate. For example, it is possible for the support surface of the first armor plate to support it against the contact surface of the second armor plate and the support surface of the second armor plate to support it against the contact surface of the first armor plate.

In this context, it has proven to be advantageous if the support surface of the first support profile rests essentially flat on the contact surface of the second support profile and the support surface of the second support profile rests essentially flat on the contact surface of the first support profile. The result is that the support surface of the respective armor plate rests on the contact surface of the other armor plate and vice versa. As a result, mutual support can be achieved in a structurally simple manner by means of the support connection.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the support surface and the contact surface of a support profile are different from one another.

In this way, the protection of the mine protection can be further increased by adapting the orientation of the support surface according to the effective direction of detonation forces that occur. The support surface can, in particular, advantageously be oriented in such a way that the armor plate can be supported in the effective direction of detonation forces, in particular acting from below and/or from the side. In this context, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the support surface of the support profile is oriented orthogonally to the effective direction of detonation forces occurring, such as, for example, a horizontally oriented support surface for supporting detonation forces acting from below and/or an obliquely oriented support surface for supporting laterally acting detonation forces . In a particularly advantageous manner, in this context, the support surface of the support profile of the first armor plate can be designed to correspond to the contact surface of the support profile of the second armor plate and accordingly the support surface of the support profile of the second armor plate can be designed to correspond to the contact surface of the support profile of the first armor plate.

In connection with the orientation of the support surface and the contact surface, it is also advantageous if the support surface and the contact surface of a support profile lie in different planes, in particular in planes oriented at an angle to one another. For example, it is possible for at least one support surface of the first support profile and/or the second support profile to run parallel to the respective armor plate plane, while at least one contact surface of the first support profile and/or the second support profile is oriented parallel to the other armor plate plane. This advantageously results in the armor plates being able to support one another in the direction of the detonation forces, namely in particular in an orthogonal direction to the plane of the respective armor plate.

In connection with the design of the support profiles, it has also proven to be particularly advantageous if at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, has a second support surface and/or a second contact surface. By means of a second support surface and/or a second contact surface, the total area available for support can be increased in a structurally simple manner. With regard to the arrangement of the surfaces, it is also possible for the first and second support surfaces and/or the first and second contact surfaces of a support profile to be arranged at an angle to one another. This makes it possible to support in a further direction, namely essentially in a direction orthogonal to the second support surface.

It has proven useful if the first support surface and the second support surface of a support profile are arranged one behind the other in the normal direction of the respective armor plate, i.e. along the thickness of the armor plate. It has proven useful if the first contact surface and the second contact surface of a support profile are arranged one behind the other in the normal direction of the respective armor plate, i.e. along the thickness of the armor plate. It can be particularly advantageous if the second support surface and/or the second contact surface extends over a quarter to over three quarters of the respective armor plate thickness.

It has also proven to be advantageous if at least one of the support surfaces, in particular the second support surface, of at least one support profile is designed in the manner of a bevel. This can extend essentially over the entire width of the armor plate. This enables the largest possible support surface to be achieved without great manufacturing effort. The support surface designed as a bevel can be formed on an outer edge of the armor plate. It is possible that the support surface designed as a bevel extends only over part of the Thickness of the armor plate, in particular over less than 80%, preferably over less than 60% and particularly preferably over less than 50%. It is possible that the support surface is designed as a continuous surface.

It is also advantageous if the second contact surface of at least one support profile is designed in the manner of a bevel and extends essentially over the entire width of the armor plate. This enables one armor plate to be supported via the support surface designed as a bevel relative to the other armor plate via the corresponding contact surface designed as a bevel. It is possible for the contact surface to be designed as a continuous contact surface.

As an advantageous development of mine protection, it is further proposed that at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, has at least one protruding support structure, in particular a tooth.

When designing the support profile, it has also proven to be particularly advantageous if at least one support profile, in particular both support profiles, has alternately arranged support structures, in particular teeth, and recesses. Due to the alternately arranged support structures and recesses in the armor plates, these can be engaged in a structurally simple manner. It is possible here for the support structures of the respective armor plate to be received by the recesses in the other armor plate. It is particularly advantageous here if the support structures of the respective armor plate are designed to correspond to the recesses in the other armor plate. Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous in this context that the arrangement of the armor plates relative to one another is determined by the design of the support structures and the recesses. in particular, their angular arrangement to one another can be determined. The alternately arranged support structures and recesses can also enable uniform mutual support of the armor plates. In this context, it is also possible for a positive connection to be established between the two armor plates by means of the support structures and recesses.

With regard to the structural design of the support structure, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the height of the at least one support structure deviates from the thickness of the respective armor plate.

It has proven to be advantageous if the support profile of an armor plate has the support structure with the first support surface in a first thickness range of the armor plate and the second support surface in a second thickness range of the armor plate. In this context, it has proven to be useful if the first support surface and the second support surface of the support profile are arranged at an obtuse angle to one another, in particular at an angle between 110 and 160 degrees, preferably at an angle between 125 and 145 degrees. The contact surface of the support profile of the other armor plate can have the first contact surface in a first thickness range of the armor plate and the second contact surface in a second thickness range of the plate. The first contact surface and the second contact surface of this support profile of the second armor plate can be arranged at an obtuse angle to one another, in particular at an angle between 200 and 250 degrees, preferably at an angle between 215 and 235 degrees.

It has also proven to be particularly advantageous if the height of the at least one support structure on an armor plate corresponds to at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 90%, of the thickness of the armor plate. The height of the support structure The strength of these can be adjusted so that it can be ensured that the mutual support of the armour plates by means of the support structure can take place even in the event of large detonation forces, without the support structures being damaged.

With regard to the design of the armor plates, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one armor plate is flat. With a flat design of the armor plate, it may be advantageous that it can be attached to the flat areas of the vehicle underbody, such as the floor and/or the side walls, in a manner that is easy to install. The flat design also makes it possible for the mine protection to lie flat against the areas of the military vehicle to be protected, so that an improved protective effect of the mine protection is achieved. In this context, it is also conceivable that at least one armor plate is designed to correspond to the area of the vehicle underbody to be protected, such as the floor and/or the side walls, for example in terms of dimensions.

In a further development of the mine protection according to the invention, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the armor plates are loosely or releasably engaged with one another. This makes it possible to support the armor plates against each other by means of the support connection when detonation forces occur. At the same time, this creates modular mine protection that can be replaced. In particular, it is advantageous if the armor plates are only loosely engaged with one another, i.e. not screwed and/or not welded, since the mutual support of the armor plates is not hindered by solid connecting means, such as screws or weld seams.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one armor plate is designed as a monoblock, in particular as a metallic monoblock. This can result in a manufacturing advantage, since the armor plates do not have to be manufactured using complex composite processes, but can be produced using simpler manufacturing processes, such as rolling or casting. In this context, it is possible for the monoblock to be made of armored steel or a light metal, such as titanium, aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy, whereby the overall weight of the mine protection can be made low.

To attach the mine protection to the military vehicle, it has proven to be advantageous if at least one armor plate has a stud connection and/or a hole for attaching the armor plate to the military vehicle using a bolt. The stud connection and/or the hole allow the armor plate to be attached and arranged on the vehicle in a structurally and manufacturing-technically simple manner. In this context, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the attachment using the bolt is designed to be floating. In this case, it is possible that when detonation forces act on the armor plate, in particular when the armor plates are deformed, the bolt only absorbs an insignificant portion of these and the bolt can thus be prevented from breaking off. In addition, the floating attachment of the bolt makes it possible to compensate for certain tolerances in the mine protection, in particular in the armor plates, such as those that can occur during production, for example. Furthermore, the floating attachment of the bolts can enable them to be loaded in only one direction, in particular in the longitudinal direction, which can increase the overall attachment.

It has proven to be advantageous if the armor plates are arranged at an obtuse angle to one another. Angles between 90 and 180 degrees are considered obtuse angles. In military vehicles, it is often the case that the vehicle underbody, in particular the vehicle hull, has a floor and at least one side wall arranged at an obtuse angle to the floor, so that when the armor plates are arranged at an obtuse angle to one another, the contour of the vehicle is essentially maintained can be. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible in this context that the protective effect of the mine protection can be increased by arranging the armor plates at an obtuse angle to one another, since at least part of the detonation forces acting on the armor plates can be redirected due to the angular arrangement, in particular Part that does not hit the armor plates orthogonally. It has proven particularly useful if the armor plates are arranged at an obtuse angle to one another between 90 and 180 degrees, preferably between 110 and 160 degrees and particularly preferably between 125 and 145 degrees. This can improve the support effect of the mine protection and thus increase the protective effect.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the first armor plate is designed as lower floor protection and the second armor plate is designed as side wall protection. By assigning the armor plates as floor protection and as wall protection, it is possible to increase the protection of the mine protection by adapting the armor plates to their requirements. For example, it is particularly advantageous to design the support profiles of the first and second armor plate differently, so that the first armor plate can support detonation forces acting primarily from below relative to the second armor plate and the second armor plate can support detonation forces acting primarily from the side relative to the first armor plate.

As a further advantageous development, a spacer element arranged flat on at least one armor plate is proposed for spacing the armor plate from the vehicle underbody of the military vehicle. The spacer element enables possible gaps between the armor plate and the vehicle underbody to be compensated for in a structurally simple manner. The gaps can arise, for example, due to the design of the vehicle underbody, especially if it has an overhang between the floor and the side wall.

It is possible for the spacer element to also be designed as a plate so that it can lie flat against the armor plate. In order to facilitate assembly and to avoid excessively increasing the weight of the mine protection, light materials, particularly low-density materials, are particularly suitable for the spacer element. For example, it is possible to manufacture the spacer element from aluminum, rubber or plastic.

The spacer element designed as a plate can extend on one side over a large part of the outer surface of the armor plate facing the spacer element, in particular over at least 60%, preferably over 80% of this outer surface. The spacer element can be designed as a separate component. This can simplify the assembly of the spacer element and the armor plate to be arranged thereon. In addition, the spacer element, in particular the thickness of the spacer element, can be adapted to the respective application, in particular to the respective vehicle underbody, without adjustments to the armor plate being necessary.

In this context, it has also proven to be advantageous if the spacer element has a honeycomb structure or a foam structure having. This also makes it possible to avoid an excessive increase in the weight of the mine protection.

The vehicle floor can be designed as a hull, in particular as an armoured hull.

An advantageous design of the vehicle underbody provides that at least one armor plate is arranged on the floor to absorb lower detonation forces and at least one armor plate is arranged on the side wall to absorb lateral detonation forces. It can be particularly advantageous if the armor plate arranged on the floor is designed in such a way that it can support itself against the armor plate arranged on the side wall and the armor plate arranged on the side wall can support itself accordingly on the armor plate arranged on the floor. The mine protection can be designed as additional armor. This can increase the protection of the floor and the side walls. The floor and the side walls can form the supporting structure of the vehicle underbody, whereas the mine protection is arranged on the supporting structure. In connection with the arrangement of the armor plate on the floor, it is possible for at least one armor plate to be arranged flat against the floor. Furthermore, in connection with the arrangement of the armor plate on the side wall, it is possible for at least one armor plate to be arranged flat against the side wall.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the angle of the armor plates essentially corresponds to the angle between the floor and the side wall. By designing the mine protection in this way, the contour of the vehicle can essentially be maintained. In addition, it is possible for the armor plates attached to the vehicle floor at this site, which can further increase the protection provided by mine protection.

A further advantageous development provides that at least one spacer element for spacing the armor plate from the floor or the side wall is arranged between at least one armor plate and the floor and/or the side wall.

In this context, it has proven useful if the floor protrudes from the side wall. Because the floor protrudes beyond the side wall, a double-sided welding of the side wall to the floor can be made possible. Furthermore, it is possible that the floor can be supported against the side wall when detonation forces occur, in particular from an effective direction from below. The supernatant can preferably correspond to between a quarter and four times, particularly preferably between half and twice, the thickness of the base. The protrusion can preferably correspond to between a quarter and four times, particularly preferably between half and one time, the thickness of the spacer element.

A further advantageous development provides that the armor plates each extend over a large part of the outer surface of the floor and the side wall facing the armor surfaces. By covering a large part of the outer surface of the floor and the side wall with the respective armor plate, these areas of the vehicle underbody can be protected. It is possible for the respective armor plate to extend at least 80%, preferably at least 90% and particularly preferably 100% over the outer surface of the floor or the side wall facing the armor surface.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, it is further proposed that a military vehicle of the type mentioned above has a vehicle underbody with one or more of the features mentioned above. This results in the advantages explained in connection with the vehicle underbody or with the mine protection.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines militärischen Fahrzeugs mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutz in einer vorderen Ansicht des Fahrzeugs,

Fig. 2

eine Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutzes angeordnet an einem Fahrzeugunterboden in schräger Ansicht,

Fig. 3a), 3b)

jeweils eine Teildarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutzes in Explosionsansicht,

Fig. 4a)

eine Teildarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutzes in schräger Ansicht,

Fig. 4b)

die Teildarstellung gemäß Fig. 4a) mit als Strichlinien abgebildeten verdeckten Kanten,

Fig. 5a)

Unteransicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutzes mit abgebildeten Schnittlinien A-A und B-B,

Fig. 5b)

Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie A-A,

Fig. 5c)

Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie B-B,

Fig. 6a), 6b)

jeweils eine Teildarstellung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Minenschutzes ohne und mit einem Abstandselement in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6c)

Teildarstellung gemäß 6b) mit ergänzten Bezugszeichen und

Fig. 7a), 7b)

jeweils eine Teildarstellung eines am Fahrzeugunterboden angebundenen Minenschutzes mit unterschiedlichen Anbindungen in Seitenansicht.

Further details and advantages of mine protection devices according to the invention, vehicle underbodies equipped with such mine protection devices and military vehicles equipped with such vehicle underbodies are explained below using exemplary embodiments. Show in it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a military vehicle with mine protection according to the invention in a front view of the vehicle,

Fig. 2

a partial representation of an exemplary embodiment of a mine protection device according to the invention arranged on a vehicle underbody in an oblique view,

Fig. 3a), 3b)

each a partial representation of the mine protection according to the invention in an exploded view,

Fig. 4a)

a partial representation of a further exemplary embodiment of a mine protection device according to the invention in an oblique view,

Fig. 4b)

the partial representation according to Fig. 4a ) with hidden edges shown as dashed lines,

Fig. 5a)

Bottom view of the first exemplary embodiment of the mine protection according to the invention with section lines AA and BB shown,

Fig. 5b)

Sectional view along section line AA,

Fig. 5c)

Sectional view along the section line BB,

Fig. 6a), 6b)

each a partial representation of the first exemplary embodiment of the mine protection according to the invention without and with a spacer element in a side view,

Fig. 6c)

Partial representation according to 6b) with supplemented reference numbers and

Fig. 7a), 7b)

each a partial representation of a mine protection device connected to the vehicle underbody with different connections in a side view.

The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a military vehicle 100 with a mine protection 1 according to the invention. Such mine protection 1 serves to protect the military vehicle 100 from detonating mines 300, the vehicle 100 being intended to be protected in particular from detonation forces acting from below and from the sides. Due to the potential effective directions W of the detonation forces, namely acting from below and from the side, the mine protection 1 is arranged on a vehicle underbody 200, in particular the vehicle hull, of the military vehicle 100, in particular on the floor 201 and side walls 202 of the vehicle underbody 200. The floor 201 and the side walls 202 form a supporting structure of the vehicle underbody 200. The mine protection is on the supporting structure, i.e. the floor and the side walls 202 1 arranged flat. The floor 201 and the side walls 202 offer protection against detonating mines 300, which is additionally increased by the mine protection 1. The mine protection 1 is designed as additional armor for the vehicle underbody 200.

To protect the military vehicle 100 from detonating mines 300, the mine protection 1 has a first armor plate 2 arranged on the floor 201 and a plurality of second armor plates 3 arranged on the side walls 202. The first armor plate 2 is horizontally oriented in the illustration, the second armor plate 3 is oriented obliquely in the illustration, so that they are arranged at an angle to one another. The armor plate 2 extends essentially over the entire floor 201 of the vehicle 100. This enables protection against detonating mines 300 over the entire area of the floor 201. The armor plates 3 extend essentially over the entire respective side wall 202 - This enables protection from detonating mines 300 over the entire surface of the side walls 202. The armor plates 2, 3 are designed as coherent flat plates. The armor plates 2, 3 have a substantially cuboid shape.

The armor plates 2, 3 are also engaged with one another by means of a support connection 4. The support connection 4 is arranged in a corner area of the vehicle underbody 200, where the floor 201 and the side walls 202 of the vehicle 100 meet, although different positioning is also possible.

The support connection 4 enables the armor plates 2, 3 to be supported against each other when detonation forces occur, in particular due to detonating mines under the wheels or the track of the vehicle 100.

If, for example, a mine 300 detonates beneath the vehicle, the detonation force acts primarily in a direction of action W1, namely from below, on the vehicle underbody 200 and in particular on the floor 201. The first armor plate 2 arranged on the floor 201 absorbs these detonation forces in the direction of action W1 accordingly and can be supported by the support connection 4 against the second armor plates 3.

If, for example, a mine 300 detonates to the side of the vehicle 100, the detonation forces act primarily in a direction of action W2, namely from the side on the vehicle underbody 200 and in particular on the side walls 202. The detonation forces acting on the side walls 202 in the direction of action W2 are correspondingly absorbed by the second armor plates 3 arranged on the side walls 202, wherein the second armor plates 3 can also be supported against the first armor plate 2 by means of the support connection 4.

It follows that by means of the support connection 4 both the first armor plate 2 can be supported relative to the second armor plates 3 and the second armor plates 3 can be supported relative to the first armor plate 2, so that an improved absorption of the detonation forces of different effective directions W, i.e. both orthogonal and Detonation forces hitting the armor plates 2, 3 obliquely, through which mine protection 1 can be achieved.

However, the support of the armor plates 2, 3 is in no way limited to the primary directions of action W1, W2 of detonation forces below and laterally detonating mines 300, which are shown and discussed as examples. Rather, the armor plates 2, 3 can be supported against each other in different spatial directions. It turns out that the armor plates 2, 3 are attached to the vehicle underbody 200 by means of the support connection 4 acting detonation forces can support each other in essentially all effective directions W.

According to Fig.1 the military vehicle 100 to be protected is a tank, whereby the use of the mine protection 1 according to the invention is not limited to such a vehicle. It is also possible to use the mine protection 1 to protect other military vehicles 100, such as in particular land vehicles, for example tracked vehicles or wheeled vehicles, from detonating mines 300.

It is also conceivable that the vehicle 100 can be retrofitted with the mine protection 1 to increase mine protection. It is particularly advantageous if the mine protection 1 is designed in a modular manner.

The functionality and the exemplary design of the mine protection 1 will now be discussed below.

The Fig.2 shows a section of the first embodiment of a mine protection device 1 according to the invention, which in Fig.1 was only shown schematically. The detail of the figure represents in particular a corner area of the vehicle underbody 200 and thus in particular the support connection 4.

To protect the military vehicle 100, the mine protection 1 has two armor plates 2, 3, which are designed as metallic monoblocks. This design can have particular advantages in terms of manufacturing technology, since complex manufacturing processes, such as those used for composite armor plates, can be largely dispensed with. In general, however, it would also be possible to design the armor plates 2, 3 as composite armor plates or as another type of armor plate.

The armor plates 2, 3 are also designed as flat plates, so that they are attached to the floor 201 and the side wall 202 of the vehicle underbody 200. In general, it is advisable to design the armor plates 2, 3 to correspond to the vehicle underbody 200, particularly in terms of shape and dimensions. If, for example, the side wall 202 were provided with a curvature, it is also possible to provide the corresponding armor plate 3 with a curvature so that the armor plates 2, 3 can come into contact with the areas of the vehicle underbody 200 to be protected. The armor plates 2, 3 thus essentially follow the course of the vehicle underbody 200.

Also with regard to the angle β between the floor 201 and the side wall 202, a corresponding design of the mine protection 1 to the vehicle underbody 200 is possible. In the embodiment, the armor plates 2, 3 are according to Fig.2 For this purpose, they are arranged at an angle α to one another, the angle α being equal to the angle β between the base 201 and the side wall 202. The angle α shown is approximately 135°, although angles α deviating from 135°, in particular angles between 90° and 180°, preferably between 120° and 150°, may also be suitable. Such obtuse angles α, i.e. angles between 90° and 180°, have the advantageous effect that when detonation forces impact on the armor plates 2, 3, at least part of these can be deflected and the protection of the mine protection 1 can thus be increased.

The armor plates 2, 3 are engaged in the corner area of the vehicle underbody 200 by means of the support connection 4. The engagement enables a positive connection between both armor plates 2, 3, so that they can be mutually supported when detonation forces occur.

For this purpose, the armor plates 2, 3 each have a support profile 5, 6 formed at the end areas of the armor plates 2, 3. Although in the illustrated mine protection 1 the support profiles 5, 6 are arranged at the end areas of the armor plates 2, 3, in particular at their outer edge, a different arrangement, such as at a distance from the outer edge, is also possible. With such a design of the support profiles 5, 6, however, part of the armor plates 5, 6 would then protrude beyond the support connection 4 and the support profiles 5, 6 would not end with the armor plates 2, 3, as is the case in the exemplary embodiment.

In the case of the first exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 the support profiles 5, 6 are designed in one piece as part of the respective armor plate 5, 6. In addition to this design of the support profiles 5, 6 as an integral part of the respective armor plate 5, 6, it is also possible to provide the support profiles 5, 6 as a separate component, which can be connected to the armor plates 2, 3 accordingly. However, a one-piece design can bring advantages in terms of production technology and possibly also strength technology.

The first support profile 5 of the first armor plate 2 differs in design from the second support profile 6 of the second armor plate 3, with the two support profiles 5, 6 being designed to correspond to one another. The support profiles 5, 6 each have alternately arranged support structures 7, 8 and recesses 9, 10 for connecting the armor plates 2, 3. The support structures 7, 8 are designed in the manner of teeth, which engage in correspondingly designed recesses 9, 10 of the respective other armor plate 2, 3. For example, the support structures 7 of the first armor plate 2 engage in the first recess 10 of the second armor plate 3 and vice versa. The support connection 4 in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig.2 is therefore designed as a toothing. In addition, the support connection 4 is designed as a corner connection.

The Fig. 2 The normal directions n2 of the first armor plate 2 and the normal directions n3 of the second armor plate 3 can also be seen. The normal directions n2, n3 are the directions that are oriented orthogonally to the respective plate plane of the armor plates 2, 3. In this context, no distinction is made between the signs of the normal directions n2, n3.

The support connection 4 should be based on the 3a and 3b will be explained in more detail. The figures each represent a partial representation of the mine protection 1 according to the invention in an exploded view, once from a lower, oblique perspective, cf. Fig. 3a , and once from an upper, oblique perspective, cf. Fig. 3b .

The figures show the armor plates 2, 3 before they are engaged. The support profiles 5, 6 are shown at the ends of the armor plates 2, 3. The support profiles 5, 6 consist of the alternately arranged support structures 7, 8 and recesses 9, 10, whereby the support profiles 5, 6 are designed to correspond to one another.

According to Fig. 3b the first support profile 5 has a plurality of first support surfaces 5.1, which serve to support the first armor plate 2 relative to the second armor plate 3. The first support surfaces 5.1 are designed as part of the support structures 7.

The second support profile 6 accordingly also has a plurality of second support surfaces 6.1, which are also designed as part of the support structures 8 and serve to support the second armor plate 3 against the first armor plate 2. In addition, the second support profile 6 in addition, it has a further support surface 6.3, which is oriented at an angle to the other support surfaces 6.1. This increases the total support surface 6.1, 6.3 of the second support profile 6. In addition, it is possible that the additional support surface 6.3 makes it easier for the armor plates 2, 3 to engage with one another during assembly.

The support surface 6.3, which is designed in the manner of a bevel, is arranged on an outer edge of the armor plate 3. The support surface 6.3 extends continuously over the entire width or at least the largest part of the width of the armor plate 3. The support surface 6.3 is designed as a flat surface.

The support surface 6.3 is arranged in a toothless area of the support profile 6, whereas the support surface 6.1 and the contact surface 6.2 are arranged in a toothed area of the support profile 6. The support surfaces 6.1, 6.2 are arranged one after the other in the normal direction n3 of the armor plate 3.

In order to enable the two armor plates 2, 3 to support each other, the support profiles 5, 6 point accordingly Fig. 3a several contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 and 6.2, as in Fig. 3a can be recognized. The contact surfaces 5.2, 6.2 are designed as part of the recesses 9, 10.

If the armor plates 2, 3 are brought into engagement by means of the support connection 4, the support surface 5.1 comes into contact with the contact surface 6.2 and the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 come into contact with the contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 accordingly. To ensure this, the contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 and 6.2 are designed to correspond to the support surfaces 5.1, 6.1, 6.3.

In order to enable the armor plates 2, 3 to support each other, they are only connected to one another in a form-fitting manner by means of the support connection 4. The armor plates 2, 3 are therefore loosely connected to one another. This allows the armor plates 2, 3 to be assembled and dismantled more easily in an advantageous manner. In particular, it is advantageous if the mine protection 1 is designed to be modular. As an alternative to the loose connection, however, it is also conceivable to design the support connection 4 to be at least partially cohesively connected, for example by welding. Here, for example, a few welding points can be set, which could materially connect the armor plates 2, 3 at the welded contact points without significantly impairing the possibility of mutual support. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the armor plates 2, 3 are detachably connected to one another.

The support surfaces 5.1 are oriented at an angle to the support surfaces 6.1, so that the mutual support of the armor plates 2, 3 is possible in several directions of the room. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the orientation of the support surfaces 5.1, 6.1 is oriented according to the primary direction of action W1, W2 of the possible detonation forces. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the support surfaces 5.1, 6.1 run parallel to the respective plate planes of the armor plates 2, 3. The contact surface 5.2, 6.2 of the other armor plate 2, 3 are to be designed accordingly.

The Fig. 4a and 4b show a second embodiment of a mine protection device 1 according to the invention. The relationships described above also apply here, so that the characteristics of this embodiment of the mine protection device 1 will be discussed in particular below.

The Fig. 4a shows a section of the mine protection 1, which is attached to the vehicle underbody 200 of the military vehicle 100. The two armor plates 2, 3 are engaged with each other by means of the support connection 4.

In contrast to the first embodiment according to the previous figures, the support profiles 5, 6 of the armor plates 2, 3 here have narrower support structures 7, 8, which are accommodated in correspondingly designed, narrower recesses 9, 10. The support structures 7, 8 are designed like teeth. The advantage of such a design of the support profiles 5, 6 can be that the mutual support of the armor plates 2, 3 can be more uniform if necessary. The design of the support structures 7, 8, in particular its width, height and depth, can be adapted to the respective application purpose.

The Fig. 4b shows the support connection 4 of the second embodiment with hidden edges shown as dashed lines.

It can be seen that the support profiles 5, 6 are in positive engagement and that the support surfaces 5.1, 6.1 and 6.3 each rest against the corresponding contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 and 6.2.

The 5b and 5c each show a sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment of the mine protection device 1 according to the invention Fig. 2 , 3a and 3b along a first cutting line AA and a second cutting line BB. The course of the cutting lines can Fig. 5a can be removed, which represents a bottom view of the mine protection 1.

According to the Fig. 5a the section line AA runs transversely to the support connection 4 through one of the support structures 8 of the armor plate 3 and accordingly through the corresponding recess 9 of the armor plate 2. The Cutting line BB runs parallel to cutting line AA through one of the support structures 7 of armor plate 2 and through the corresponding recess 10 of armor plate 3.

In the sectional view along the section line AA, the Fig. 5b It can be seen that the support surfaces 6.1 and 6.3 of the second support profile 6 are oriented at an angle to one another. The first support profile 5 has the contact surface 5.2 and 5.3, which are also oriented at an angle to one another. The angles between the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 and between the contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 are designed to be the same size so that when the armor plates 2, 3 are in engagement, the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 of the second support profile 6 come into contact with the contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3 of the first support profile 5. The armor plate 3 can therefore support itself on the armor plate 2 when detonation forces act on the armor plate 3, in particular in the direction of action W2. The armor plates 2, 3 are supported as described below.

If a mine 300 detonates during the use of the military vehicle 100, with the detonation forces acting on the armor plate 3, in particular in the effective direction W2, the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 enable the armor plate 3 to be supported relative to the armor plate 2. The detonation forces are in this respect proportionally absorbed by both the armor plate 3 and the armor plate 2, whereby the protection of the mine protection 1 can be increased overall.

In the case of detonation forces acting on the armor plate 2, the support surface 5.1 enables support against the armor plate 3 and so the detonation forces can also be absorbed by both armor plates 2, 3.

In the exemplary embodiment of mine protection 1 according to Fig. 5b the support surface 6.1 is oriented parallel to the plate plane of the armor plate 3. A support surface 6.1 oriented in this way has the advantage that the detonation forces acting on the armor plate 3 in the effective direction W2 act on the armor plate 3 orthogonally to the support surface 6.1, so that the armor plate 3 can be supported particularly effectively relative to the armor plate 2. The support surface 6.3, on the other hand, is oriented obliquely to the support surface 6.1. However, different orientations of the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 are also possible in this context and can be adapted accordingly for the application.

In addition to the detailed representation of the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 and the contact surfaces 5.2, 5.3, the Fig. 5b Furthermore, it is shown that the armor plates 2, 3, when they are appropriately attached to the vehicle 100, in particular to its vehicle floor 200, rest against the floor 201 and the side wall 202. As a result of this installation, the floor 201 and the side wall 202 are completely covered by the armor plates 2, 3 and are accordingly protected from detonating mines 300.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the corner area of the vehicle underbody 200, i.e. the area in which the floor 201 and the side wall 202 meet, is also protected by the mine protection 1. This results from the fact that the support connection 4 is arranged in this corner area.

The support profiles 5, 6 end with the outer surfaces of the armor plates 2, 3, whereby the contour of the military vehicle 100 is essentially maintained. By avoiding protruding material, especially if the support profiles 5, 6 protrude beyond the outer surfaces of the armor plates 2, 3, weight advantages of the mine protection 1 can be achieved.

From the Fig. 5b Furthermore, another function of the support surface 6.3 is apparent. The support surface 6.3 is arranged at an angle to the support surface 6.1. The support surface 6.3 is supported against the contact surface 5.3, the support surface 6.1 is supported against the contact surface 5.1. The support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 lie flat against the contact surfaces 5.1, 5.3, although in the case of detonating mines 300 certain effects, e.g. a blast, can still act through this connection point onto the vehicle underbody 200. This is particularly the case when the blast acts in a direction that acts in the plane of the support surface 6.1. These effects of the blast through the connection point are reduced by the support surfaces 6.1, 6.3 being arranged at an obtuse angle to one another, in particular of approximately 135 degrees. This redirects the direction of the blast and reduces its intensity accordingly.

In the Fig. 5c it is shown that the first support surface 5.1 is oriented parallel to the plate plane of the first armor plate 2. Here, too, the advantage arises that the detonation forces acting on the armor plate 3 act on the armor plate 3 in the direction of action W1 orthogonal to the support surface 5.1, so that the first armor plate 2 can be supported particularly effectively against the second armor plate 3. In this context, too, different orientations of the support surface 5.1 are possible.

The different design of the support profiles 5 and 6, cf. 5b and 5c , is based on the fact that the additional support surface 6.3, which is oriented at an angle to the support surface 6.1, enables improved support of the armor plate 3 relative to the armor plate 2. This can be particularly advantageous if the side areas of the vehicle 100 are particularly in need of protection. Here is A different design of the support surfaces 5.1, 6.1, 6.3 is also possible.

The Fig. 6a and 6b each show a partial representation of the first embodiment of the mine protection 1 according to the invention, once without and once with a spacer element 14. The partial representation of the Fig. 6c corresponds to the partial representation of the Fig. 6b , but has been supplemented by several reference symbols to clarify the following description.

For the vehicle underbody 200 according to Fig. 6a the floor 201 and the side wall 202 are arranged at an angle to each other, with the floor 201 flush with the side wall 202. The mine protection 1 can therefore be arranged directly on the vehicle underbody 200 without the spacer element 14. For this purpose, the armor plate 2 is attached to the floor 201 and the armor plate 3 to the side wall 202. During assembly, it is possible that the armor plates 2, 3 are already engaged during assembly or only come into engagement during fastening. The armor plates 2, 3 lie flat on the outer surfaces of the vehicle underbody 200 and protect it accordingly.

The Fig. 6b shows a vehicle underbody 200 in which the floor 201 partially protrudes beyond the side wall 202. For this reason, the mine protection 1 has the spacer element 14, which is arranged on the armor plate 3 and thus fills the gap between the armor plate 3 and the side wall 202. The armor plate 2, on the other hand, is attached directly to the floor 201. The support surfaces 5.1, 6.1, 6.3 and the contact surface 5.2, 5.3, 6.2 can come into contact with the floor 201 despite the floor 201 protruding beyond the side wall 202.

The side wall 202 abuts the floor 201 at the front in such a way that a projection U results. The projection U of the floor 201 beyond the side wall 202 enables a double-sided welding 18 of the side wall 202 to the floor 201. This can increase the strength of the connection between the floor 201 and the sides 202, which leads to an improved protective effect of the vehicle underbody 200 against the effects of detonating mines 300. The width of the weld seam can correspond approximately to the projection U.

In addition, the projection U of the base 201 over the side wall 202 allows the detonation forces, in particular from the direction of action W1, to be absorbed to a greater extent by the base 201 and supported by the side wall 202. At least some of the detonation forces can therefore be supported by the base 201 on the side wall 202. This can also increase the protective effect of the vehicle underbody 200 against the effects of detonating mines 300.

The supernatant U corresponds to the exemplary embodiment Fig. 6b approximately the thickness of the base 201. However, it is also possible to choose the overhang U larger or smaller, with sizes between half and twice the thickness of the base 201 having proven useful for the overhang.

The armor plate 2 is arranged on the floor 201 in such a way that the end face of the floor 201 ends with the contact surface 5.3. As a result, the armor plate 2 lies flat against the floor 201 in the area of the projection U.

Due to the projection U, a distance A results between the side wall 202 and the armor plate 3 to be arranged on this side wall 202. The distance A also increases with increasing projection U. In order for the armor plates 2, 3 to continue to be connected to one another by means of the support connection 4, are in engagement, the spacer element 14 is arranged between the side wall 202 and the armor plate 3. The thickness of the spacer element 14 corresponds to the distance A, so that the spacer element 14 rests against both the side wall 202 and the armor plate 3. Values between one and two times the projection U have proven to be useful for the thickness of the spacer element 14.

The spacer element 14 is arranged flat on the side wall 202. The outer surface 17 of the spacer element 14 facing the armor plate 3 lies in a plane E with one of the abutting edges 16 of the base 201. This enables the support profiles 5, 6 to engage completely in a form-fitting manner. The spacer element 14 compensates for the projection U of the base 201 and is thus designed as a compensating element. The angle between the plane E and the base 201 corresponds to the angle β between the base 201 and the side wall 202. Despite the projection U, the angle α of the armor plates 2, 3 can be maintained, the angle α therefore also corresponds to the Fig. 6b the angle B.

The spacer element 14 is arranged in the assembled state of the mine protection 1 between the armor plate 3 and the side wall 202 of the vehicle underbody 200. The spacer element 14 is designed as a monoblock, with light materials, i.e. materials with a low density, having proven particularly advantageous here, such as aluminum and/or an aluminum alloy.

To further reduce the weight, it can also be advantageous if the spacer element 14 has a honeycomb structure, i.e. a honeycomb structure.

The Fig. 7a and 7b each show a partial representation of the mine protection 1 attached to the vehicle underbody 200 with different connection options.

According to Fig. 7a an armor plate 2, 3 of the mine protection 1 according to the invention is fastened to the vehicle underbody 200 by means of a bolt 13. The armor plate 2, 3 has a bore 12 for receiving the bolt 13, so that the bolt 13 is inserted through the armor plate 2, 3 and the vehicle underbody 200 and by means of a counterpart 15 in the manner of a nut, the armor plate 2, 3 is fastened to the vehicle underbody 200. Alternatively or in addition to this, according to Fig. 7b It is also possible to provide a bolt connection 11 for fastening the armor plate 2, 3 to the vehicle underbody 200. The bolt connection 11 is designed to receive a bolt 12 so that the armor plate 2, 3 can be screwed to the vehicle underbody 200 by means of this bolt 12.

Regardless of the connection option using a stud connection 11 or a hole 12, it is particularly advantageous in this context if the fastening of the armor plate 2, 3 is designed to be floating. This can prevent the bolts 13 used for fastening from being subjected to transverse stress when detonation forces act on the armor plate 2, 3, so that tearing off of these bolts 13 can be prevented. Another advantage is that with a floating connection, certain tolerances of the armor plates 2, 3, which may arise due to the selected manufacturing technology, can be compensated for during assembly.

Reference number:

1

Mine protection

2

Armor plate

3

Armor plate

4

Support connection

5

Support profile

5.1

Support surface

5.2

Contact surface

5.3

investment area

6

Support profile

6.1

Support surface

6.2

Contact surface

6.3

Support surface

7

Support structure

8th

Support structure

9

recess

10

recess

11

Slug connection

12

drilling

13

bolt

14

Spacer element

15

Counterpart (mother)

16

Edge

17

external surface

18

Welding

100

military vehicle

200

Vehicle underbody

201

Floor

202

Side wall

300

mine

α

Angle between the armor plates

β

Angle between the floor and the side wall of the vehicle underbody

W

Directions of action of the detonation forces

W1

Direction of effect of the detonation forces (from below)

W2

Direction of detonation forces (from the side)

n2

Normal direction of the first armor plate

n3

Normal direction of the second armor plate

U

Got over

A

Distance

E

level

Claims (15)

1. A vehicle underbody of a military vehicle (100), in particular a vehicle hull, having a floor (201) and a side wall (202) arranged at an angle to the floor (201) and a mine protection (1) for protecting a military vehicle (100) from detonating mines (300), having two armor plates (2, 3) arranged at an angle to one another,
   characterized in that
   the armor plates (2, 3) are engaged with one another by means of a support connection (4) for mutual support in the event of detonation forces occurring.
2. The vehicle underbody as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the support connection (4) is configured as a corner connection.
3. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support connection (4) is configured as a tooth system.
4. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support connection (4) comprises a first support profile (5) arranged on the first armor plate (2) and/or a second support profile (6) arranged on the second armor plate (3).
5. The vehicle underbody as claimed in claims 4, characterized in that at least one support profile (5, 6), in particular both support profiles (5, 6), has/have at least one support face (5.1, 6.1, 6.3) and a bearing face (5.2, 5.3, 6.2).
6. The vehicle underbody as claimed in claim 85, characterized in that the support face (5.1) of the first support profile (5) bears in a substantially planar manner against the bearing face (6.2) of the second support profile (6), and the support face (6.1, 6.3) of the second support profile (6) bears in a substantially planar manner against the bearing face (5.2, 5.3) of the first support profile (5).
7. The vehicle underbody as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the support face (5.1, 6.1, 6.3) and the bearing face (5.2, 5.3, 6.2) of a support profile (5, 6) differ from one another.
8. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one support profile (5, 6), in particular both support profiles (5,6), has/have a second support face (5.1, 6.1, 6.3) and/or a second bearing face (5.2, 5.3, 6.2).
9. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the support faces (5.1, 6.1, 6.3) of at least one support profile (5, 6) is configured in the manner of a chamfer.
10. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that at least one support profile (5, 6), in particular both support profiles (5, 6), has/have support structures (7, 8), in particular teeth, and recesses (9, 10) which are arranged alternately.
11. The vehicle underbody as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the height of the at least one support structure (7, 8) deviates from the thickness of the armor plate (2, 3) in each case.
12. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armor plates (2, 3) are engaged with one another loosely or in a detachable manner.
13. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one armor plate (2) is arranged on the floor (201), in order to absorb detonation forces from below, and at least one armor plate (3) is arranged on the side wall (202) in order to absorb detonation forces from the side.
14. The vehicle underbody as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one spacer element (14) for spacing the armor plate (2, 3) from the floor (201) or from the side wall (202) is arranged between at least one armor plate (2, 3) and the floor (201) and/or the side wall (202).
15. A military vehicle, in particular an armored vehicle,
    characterized by
    a vehicle underbody (200) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

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