ES2919625T3 - Protection device for a viewfinder adjustable in elevation - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a protective device (1) for a vertically adjustable viewfinder. This device comprises a cover (2) that surrounds the visor and has a longitudinal window (3) delimited by two lateral edges (3a, 3b) that allows vertical movements of a line of sight (4) of the visor. The device is characterized in the sense that the cover (2) is spherical and in the sense that it has a flap (8) with a spherical profile, complementary to that of the cover and has an opening (9) for line of sight (4) to Pass, the flap (8) is truncated by a sector and, therefore, has a straight edge (25) arranged in the vicinity of a lateral edge (3a, 3b) of the window (3) for a middle aiming position, the flap closing the window (3) and being able to pivot about the line of sight (4), the flap is moved vertically by means in such a way 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, thus ensuring that the window (3) is closed by the flap for all vertical aiming positions. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Protection device for a viewfinder adjustable in elevation

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of protection devices for a viewfinder that can be adjusted in elevation.

[0002] These devices are intended to ensure the protection of the viewfinder against projectile impacts. These sights are usually equipped on an armored vehicle and allow the acquisition of the coordinates of a target and the direction of a shot.

[0003] It is known to arrange the scope in a casing that surrounds it and that includes a window that notably allows the elevational displacement of a line of sight of the scope.

[0004] Patents EP3123100 and FR2509034 describe such protection covers. These have the drawback that they must be opened to allow the use of the viewfinder, which, in this case, is quite unprotected when it is operational.

[0005] It is also known from patent US2012/024143 an armed turret that includes a sight that can be adjusted in elevation and in azimuth and arranged in a casing that includes a window that allows, in particular, the movement in elevation of a line of sight of the viewfinder.

[0006] Likewise, from patent US2491608 a gun turret is known that comprises a sight that is arranged behind a rectangular window that can be closed by means of flat and sliding shutters. Moving the shutters to the bottom of the window releases it very widely.

[0007] Even if the casing is reduced to the minimum necessary, it is always necessary to leave a longitudinal window in the casing that has a length equal to the maximum angular displacement of the line of sight.

[0008] The purpose of the invention is to propose a protection device for a visor that can be adjusted in elevation, a device that ensures a higher level of protection and that only exposes an opening that has the dimension strictly necessary for the visor, whatever it may be. its orientation in elevation.

[0009] Thus, the object of the invention is a protective device for a viewfinder that can be adjusted in elevation, a device comprising a casing that surrounds the viewfinder and that includes a window that allows the elevational movement of a line of sight of the viewfinder , device characterized by the fact that the casing is spherical and that it includes a shutter with a spherical profile, complementary to that of the casing, and which has an opening that allows the passage of the aiming line, where the shutter is truncated by a sector and therefore has a straight edge arranged close to one edge of the window for an intermediate aiming position, where the shutter closes the window and can rotate around the line of sight, the shutter being moved in elevation by a few aiming means in such a way that the opening follows the elevation positioning of the aiming line, device that also comprises means that ensure the rotation of the or shutter during elevation aiming, thereby ensuring window shuttering by the shutter for all elevation aiming positions.

[0010] According to a particular form of embodiment, the aiming means may comprise a crown in pivoting connection with respect to a base of the casing and pivotally mounted in elevation about a vertical axis, the crown whose rotation can be directed by a motor means and that bears a sector with conical toothing that meshes with a complementary toothing integral with a bracket, where the bracket itself is pivotally mounted with respect to the casing around a horizontal axis, with the obturator fixed to the bracket.

[0011] According to a particular form of embodiment, the shutter may be fixed in a pivoting manner with respect to the bracket at the height of its opening, with the means for rotating the shutter comprising a pinion with a conical profile integral with the shutter and which meshes with a rack integral with the casing, which means that the modification of the elevation aiming position of the stirrup activates the pivoting of the shutter.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the shutter can be fixed in a pivoting manner with respect to the bracket at the height of its opening, with the means for rotating the shutter comprising a pin integral with the shutter and circulating in a slot arranged in the casing, which causes the modification of the elevation aiming position of the stirrup to activate the pivoting of the shutter.

[0013] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of particular embodiments, description made with reference to the attached drawings and in which:

[fig.i]

: front perspective view of an embodiment of the protection device according to the invention;

[fig.2]

: rear perspective view of an embodiment of the protection device according to the invention;

[fig.3a]

: view of the device, with the casing removed, showing a first elevation aiming variation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter;

[fig.3b]

: view analogous to figure 3a, in which a second variation of aiming in elevation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter is shown;

[fig.3c]

: view analogous to figure 3a, in which a third elevation aiming variation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter is shown;

[fig.4a]

: view of the device, with the casing removed and in front perspective, showing a first elevation aiming variation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter;

[fig.4b]

: view analogous to figure 4a, in which a second variation of aiming in elevation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter is shown;

[fig.4c]

: view analogous to figure 4a, in which a third elevation aiming variation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter is shown;

[fig.5a]

: perspective view according to a first angle of the shutter alone;

[fig.5b]

: perspective view according to a second angle of the shutter alone;

[fig.5c]

: perspective view according to a third angle of the shutter alone;

[fig.6]

: Detail view showing shutter actuation;

[fig.7]

: view of a single shutter according to a second embodiment;

[fig.8]

: view of a part of the casing intended to cooperate with the shutter according to the second embodiment;

[fig.9a]

: view of the device, with the casing removed and in front perspective, showing a first elevation aiming variation of the scope and the associated movement of the shutter in relation to the casing slot according to the second embodiment;

[fig.9b]

: view analogous to figure 9a, in which a second variation of aiming in elevation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter in relation to the slot of the casing according to the second embodiment is shown; Y

[fig.9c]

: view analogous to figure 9a, in which a third variation of aiming in elevation of the sight and the associated movement of the shutter in relation to the slot of the casing according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0014] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a protection device 1 for a visor that can be adjusted in elevation comprises a globally spherical casing 2 that surrounds the visor and that includes a longitudinal window 3 that allows movement in elevation (arrow S) of a line of sight 4 sight. The window 3 extends along a meridian of the sphere formed by the casing 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 azimuth axis 6 or, more precisely, these lateral edges are arranged in planes parallel to the azimuth axis 6 (meridian planes of the spherical shell 2). The lower 3d and upper 3c edges are parallel to the elevation axis 7 or, more precisely, are arranged in planes parallel to the elevation axis 7. Traditionally, the elevation axis 7 is an axis perpendicular to the azimuth axis 6.

[0015] The viewfinder is an optical device of a known type and is described in detail. It is contained within the shell 2, which is generally spherical. This viewer, whose foot 5 has been shown in the figures, is rotatable in azimuth around the vertical axis 6 (or azimuth axis) and is adjustable in elevation by pivoting around a horizontal axis 7 (or axis of elevation). The orientations in elevation and in azimuth are obtained thanks to the specific motorizations of the scope (not shown).

[0016] In this way, the aiming line 4 can be directed in different spatial directions.

[0017] According to the invention, the casing 2 is generally spherical and includes a shutter 8 which in turn has a spherical profile complementary to that of the casing.

[0018] The shutter 8 is located inside the casing 2 and closes the window 3, which ensures ballistic protection of the window 3 and of the scope during aiming of the scope.

[0019] The shutter 8 includes an opening 9 that allows the sight line 4 to pass through. This opening 9 has the dimension strictly necessary for the scope.

[0020] The casing is made up of two substantially hemispherical pieces 2a and 2b and joined to one another by bolted flanges 11, positioned along a generatrix (see Figure 2).

[0021] The casing 2 is positioned inside a circular bearing 12 that allows the casing to pivot in azimuth, in a synchronized manner with that of the scope itself.

[0022] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the casing 2 is also integral with a bracket 13 that is installed in a pivoting manner with respect to the casing 2 around the horizontal axis 7.

[0023] The bracket 13 is assembled with the help of bearings 14 that are located on two bolts 15 integral with the casing 2 and that receive rings 16 integral with the two ends of the bracket 13.

[0024] In this way, any azimuth pivoting of the casing 2 in turn moves the bracket 13.

[0025] The bracket 13 carries the shutter 8 which is fixed to it at the height of the opening 9.

[0026] As can be seen more particularly in figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the obturator 8 in fact includes a part 8a with a spherical profile on which a cylindrical tube 8b is fixed, which materializes the opening 9.

[0027] It is the tube 8b that is housed in a plain bearing 17 carried by the yoke 13. The tube 8b also carries a bevel pinion 18 (see also figure 6) (eg glued or welded to the tube 8b). This conical pinion 18 engages in a conical profile rack 19 which itself has a generally circular shape and is fixed to the spherical casing 2 along the window 3.

[0028] Thus, when the elevation orientation of the stirrup 13 is modified, the pinion 18 engages in the rack 19 and the latter then causes the pivoting of the tube 8b and the obturator 8 around the line of sight 4.

[0029] The aiming in elevation of the stirrup 13 is actuated by aiming means comprising a crown 20 in pivoting connection with respect to a base of the casing 2 (that is, it can rotate to a certain extent with respect to the casing 2) .

[0030] This crown 20 can also rotate freely with respect to the circular bearing 12, of which an inner ring is integral with the casing, and therefore accompanies the azimuth aiming of the scope and of the casing 2 that surrounds it.

[0031] The crown 20 has a sector 21 with conical toothing that meshes with a complementary toothing 22 fixed to the bracket 13.

[0032] In addition, the crown 20 has a peripheral toothing in which a pinion 23 engages, the rotation of which is controlled by a motorization M.

[0033] A cover 24 covers the crown 20 and the pinion 23, but these elements can be seen in figure 6, in which the cover 24 is removed.

[0034] When the sight and its casing 2 are pivoted in azimuth, the motorization M is inactive and the pinion 23 rotates freely. The sector 21 therefore follows the azimuth pointing actuated by the casing 2, while the crown 20 rotates freely.

[0035] When the motorization M is activated, the crown 20 rotates around the azimuth axis 6 and with respect to the casing 2. This therefore activates the sector 21, which causes the stirrup 13 to oscillate and, therefore, , the elevation aim. It is easy to control the aiming angle in elevation of the stirrup 13 by means of an appropriate control of the motorization M. It will suffice to provide an optical sensor (not shown) that makes it possible to know the orientation in elevation of the stirrup 13, to ensure the servomechanism of the control of the motorization M in the desired value (and corresponding to the elevation aiming of the viewfinder arranged in the casing 2).

[0036] As specified above, the pivoting of the shutter 8 is obtained automatically in relation to the elevation aiming of the stirrup 13.

[0037] The problem associated with the shuttering of the window 3 by the shutter is easily understood by looking at figures 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c.

[0038] The window 3 cannot be seen in these figures because the casing 2 is removed. It is enough to consider figure 1 in parallel and take into account that:

for figures 3a and 4a, the bearing 17 is close to the upper edge 3c of the window 3; for figures 3c and 4c, the bearing 17 is close to the lower edge 3d of the window 3;

for figures 3b and 4b, the bearing 17 is in an intermediate position halfway from the lower and upper edges of the window 3 (identical position to that of figure 1).

[0039] When the aim in elevation of the stirrup 13 is at the minimum angle (figures 3c and 4c), the plain bearing 17 is positioned at the lowest point of the window 3, in which, therefore, there is a lot of space free above plain bearing 17.

[0040] Conversely, when the aiming in elevation of the stirrup 13 is at the maximum angle (figures 3a and 4a), the plain bearing 17 is positioned at the highest point of the window 3, in which, therefore , there is a lot of free space below the plain bearing 17.

[0041] In accordance with the invention, to ensure the sealing of the window 3 by the shutter 8 in all cases, it is necessary to define a spherical shutter that does not present rotational symmetry around its vertical rotation axis 4, but instead, On the contrary, it is off center with respect to this vertical axis of rotation 4 (or line of sight).

[0042] Thus, as can be seen in figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the spherical part 8a of the shutter 8 extends more widely on one side of the axis 4 than on the other side. The spherical part 8a of the shutter stops at the height of a straight edge 25 which is at a distance d from the pivot axis 4. The spherical part 8a, which initially has the pivot axis 4 as its axis of symmetry, is therefore therefore, truncated in a sector at the height of the straight edge 25.

[0043] Thus, when the plain bearing 17 occupies its extreme positions with respect to the window 3, it is possible to position the shutter 9 with its truncated part (straight edge 25) close to the lower or upper edge of the window 3. The part untruncated window of shutter 8 can then shutter the entire window 3.

[0044] The shuttering of the entire window 3 is then ensured in all cases without any mechanical interference taking place at the extreme positions and for a minimum shutter mass.

[0045] Figures 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c show the positions of the shutter and stirrup 13 for the maximum aiming position (figures 3a and 4a), the minimum aiming position (figures 3c and 4c) and for a position of intermediate aiming (figures 3b and 4b).

[0046] It should be noted that, when the bracket 13 is in the intermediate pointing position (figures 3b and 4b), the straight edge 25 of the shutter 8 is vertical and is then close to a lateral edge 3a of the window 3 (This intermediate aiming position is also shown in Figure 1.)

[0047] When the stirrup 13 is in the minimum aiming position (figures 3c and 4c), the shutter has rotated counterclockwise and the straight edge 25 of the shutter 8 is horizontal and close to bottom edge 3d window 3.

[0048] Finally, when the stirrup 13 is in the maximum aiming position (figures 3a and 4a), the shutter has rotated clockwise and the straight edge 25 of the shutter 8 is horizontal and located near the top edge 3c of window 3.

[0049] It is possible to ensure rotational actuation of the shutter by other means.

[0050] In figure 7, therefore, a shutter 8 is shown carrying near its straight edge 25 a leg 26 carrying a pin 27. This pin 27 is intended to circulate in a groove 28 which is arranged in the internal face of part 2b of casing 2 (figure 8). The profile of the slot 28 will be easily determined by the person skilled in the art by means of a model made by computer aided design of the pivoting of the shutter 8 carried by the pin 27.

[0051] In figures 9a, 9b and 9c the shutter 8 is shown in different positions. In these figures, the casing 2 has been removed, but the location of the slot 28 is represented.

[0052] Naturally, the obturator 8 is always installed in a pivoting manner with respect to a bracket 13 (not shown in these figures) which allows the opening 9 to point upwards. The assembly and control of the bracket are identical to what which has been described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0053] It should be noted that, when the elevation aiming is modified, the circulation of the pin 27 in its slot 28 causes the shutter 8 to pivot. The amplitude of the pivoting is the same as for the previous embodiment and the straight edge 25 The shutter moves closer to the lower edge of the window when the aiming position approaches the minimum aiming angle (figure 9a).

[0054] Conversely, the shutter's straight edge 25 approaches the top edge of the window as the aiming position approaches the maximum aiming angle (FIG. 9c).

[0055] It should be noted that in figures 9a and 9c the maximum and minimum aiming angles are not shown, but angles close to these extreme aiming positions.

[0056] Finally, when the aiming position is intermediate (FIG. 9b), the straight edge 25 is substantially vertical and parallel to a side edge of the window.

[0057] The above embodiments have been described with reference to an elevation aiming and an azimuth aiming of the aiming line 4. Traditionally, the elevation aiming corresponds to a pivoting of the scope around an aiming axis horizontal 7 and aiming in azimuth is done by rotating the scope around a vertical axis 6. Of course, it is possible to position the scope with orientations of the elevation 7 and azimuth 6 axes other than horizontal and vertical respectively. The aiming of the line of sight will always be possible but with the combined control of the rotations about the two axes to give the line of sight 4 a desired orientation with respect to a fixed reference point.

[0058] What is important for the invention to be put into practice is that the aiming axes 6 and 7 are perpendicular to each other and that the window has its lateral edges arranged in meridian planes parallel to an axis (called azimuth) which is the axis that rotates the sphere formed by the casing. The axis (called elevation) is an axis perpendicular to this azimuth axis.

Claims (4)

1. Protection device (1) for a visor adjustable in elevation, device comprising a casing (2) surrounding the visor and comprising a longitudinal window (3) delimited by two parallel lateral edges (3a, 3b) that allows the elevation displacement of a line of sight (4) of the viewfinder, device characterized in that the casing (2) is spherical and that it includes a shutter (8) with a spherical profile, complementary to that of the casing, and that it has an opening (9) that allows the passage of the aiming line (4), where the shutter (8) is truncated by a sector and therefore has a straight edge (25) arranged close to a lateral edge ( 3a, 3b) of the window (3) for an intermediate aiming position, where the shutter (8) closes the window and can rotate around the line of sight (4), where the shutter (8) moves in elevation thanks to to aiming means, in such a way that the opening (9) follows the positioning in elevation of the aiming line (4), a device that also comprises means that ensure the rotation of the shutter (8) during elevation aiming, thus ensuring the shutter (8) of the window (3) for all elevation aiming positions. Protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aiming means comprise a crown (20) in pivotal connection with respect to a base of the casing (2) and pivotally mounted in azimuth around a vertical axis (6), where the crown can be set in rotation by means of a motor means (M) and has a sector (21) with conical toothing that meshes with a complementary toothing (22) integral with a stirrup (13), where the The bracket itself is installed pivotally with respect to the casing (2) around a horizontal axis (7), where the shutter (8) is fixed to the bracket (13). 3. Protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the shutter (8) is pivotally fixed with respect to the bracket (13) at the height of its opening (9), where the means for turning of the shutter comprise a pinion (18) with a conical profile integral with the shutter (8) and that meshes with a rack (19) integral with the casing (2), where the modification of the elevation aiming of the stirrup (13) causes the pivoting of the shutter (8). 4. Protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the shutter (8) is fixed in a pivoting manner with respect to the bracket (13) at the height of its opening (9), where the means for setting it in rotation of the shutter comprise a pin (27) integral with the shutter (8) and circulating in a slot (28) arranged in the casing (2), where the modification of the elevation aiming of the bracket (13) causes the shutter to pivot ( 8).