Ballistic protection plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a ballistic protection plate (1), comprising a layer (12) of ceramic tiles (14) having a tile thickness (E14) of between 3 and 12 mm, and a polymer resin matrix (16) encapsulating the tiles (14), the matrix (16) comprising an external part (62) and an internal part (64) located on either side of the layer (12) of tiles (14); characterized in that the external part (62) has an external thickness (E62) of between 1 and 2 mm; the internal part (64) has an internal thickness (E64) of between 1 and 2 mm; the matrix (16) has a Shore A hardness (DS16) of between 50 and 100;a ratio (R) between A) in the numerator: the tile thickness (E14) multiplied by the Shore A hardness (DS16) of the matrix (16), divided by B) in the denominator: the internal thickness (E64) multiplied by a penetrator diameter (Dpen) of the armor-piercing ammunition for which the plate (1) is designed, for example a 7.62x39 API BZ ammunition, is between 30 and 60, according to the formula 30 < R = A / B = (E14 x DS16) / (E64 x Dpen) < 60. Abstract figure: figure 9;

Description

Title of the invention: Ballistic protection plate Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ballistic protection plate and a method of manufacturing such a plate.

[0002] The field of the invention is that of ballistic protection equipment. Prior art

[0003] Conventionally, ballistic protection plates can incorporate reinforcing elements made of rigid materials, such as metals or ceramics. The reinforcing elements are integrated into an assembly of several layers, comprising polymer resins or fibers.

[0004] EP3098560, WO02059541A2 and US9534872 show examples of such protective plates. However, such plates are not entirely satisfactory in terms of flexibility or strength.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved protective plate.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a ballistic protection plate, comprising:

[0007] - a layer of ceramic tiles having a tile thickness of between 3 and 12 mm, and

[0008] - a polymer resin matrix encapsulating the tiles, the matrix comprising a external part and an internal part located on either side of the layer of tiles;

[0009] characterized in that:

[0010] - the external part has an external thickness of between 1 and 2 mm;

[0011] - the internal part has an internal thickness of between 1 and 2 mm;

[0012] - the matrix has a Shore A hardness of between 50 and 100;

[0013] - a ratio between A) in the numerator: the tile thickness (E14) multiplied by the Shore A hardness (DS 16) of the matrix, divided by B) in the denominator: the internal thickness (E64) multiplied by a penetrator diameter (Dpen) of the armor-piercing ammunition for which the plate (1) is designed, for example 7.62x39 API BZ ammunition; is between 30 and 60:

[0014] 30 < R = A / B = (E14 x DS 16) / (E64 x Dpen) < 60

[0015] Thus, the invention makes it possible to obtain a SAPI - FIRA plate ("Small Arms Protective Insert" and "Flexible Insert / Rifle Armor" in English) offering a good compromise between flexibility and resistance. The plate is designed to ensure a NU III or higher protection level. Thanks to the matrix and the arrangement of the tiles, the plate is flexible concave and convex, that is to say that each side of the plate can be deformed in the concave or convex direction.

[0016] According to other advantageous characteristics of the invention, taken in isolation or in combination:

[0017] - Ceramic tiles have a surface roughness increased by sandblasting, in comparison with tiles without sandblasting.

[0018] - The ceramic tiles each have a hexagonal shape and are oriented in so that two neighboring tiles have horizontal edges when the plate is in a vertical position, for example when the plate is carried.

[0019] - The ceramic tile layer is bonded to the matrix with epoxy glue flexible, having a base preferably containing Poly[oxy(methyl-l,2-ethanediyl)], a-(2-oxiranylmethyl) -w-(2-oxiranylmethoxy).

[0020] - A layer of fibers is arranged between the layer of tiles and the matrix.

[0021] - The plate comprises a back panel comprising flexible fibers, including primary fibers and secondary fibers having different weights, where the ratio between the weight of the primary fibers and the total weight of the soft fibers is between 40 and 50%.

[0022] - The primary fibers have a grammage of between 210 and 230 g / m2 and the fibers secondary have a weight between 150 and 170 g / m2.

[0023] - The plate comprises a layer of polymer resin having a grammage of between between 450 and 550 g / m2.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a plate as described above. The method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing the ceramic tiles; b) manufacturing the polymer resin matrix; c) assemble the tile layer and the matrix encapsulating the tiles.

[0025] The method may be configured so that in step b), the polymer resin matrix is ​​manufactured by injection molding. In this case, step c) is carried out after step b).

[0026] Alternatively, the method may be configured so that in step b), the polymer resin matrix is ​​manufactured by casting. In this case, step c) is at least partially simultaneous with step b). Description of figures

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a ballistic protection plate according to the invention, seen from the front and from above.

[0029] [Fig.2] is a front view of the plate of [Fig. 1].

[0030] [Fig.3] is a side view of the plate, according to arrow III in [Fig.2].

[0031] [Fig.4] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.l], showing the external part of the polymer resin matrix constituting the front panel of the plate.

[0032] [Fig.5] is a side view of the external part of the matrix.

[0033] [Fig.6] is a rear view of the external part of the matrix, according to arrow VI in [Fig.5].

[0034] [Fig.7] is a front view of the ceramic tile layer constituting the front panel of the plate, intended to be encapsulated in the matrix.

[0035] [Fig.8] is a horizontal sectional view of the plate, along line VIII-VIII in [Fig.2],

[0036] [Fig.9] is an enlarged view of detail IX in [Fig.8].

[0037] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to [Fig.l], for a plate confirming a second embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig. 11] is a front view of the plate of [Fig. 10].

[0039] [Fig. 12] is a side view of the plate, according to arrow XII in [Fig. 11]. Detailed description of the invention

[0040] Figures 1 to 9 show a ballistic protection plate (1) according to the invention and its constituent elements. The plate (1) is in S API format, suitable for protecting the user's chest and back, protecting vital organs and notched at its upper corners to allow free movement of the arms.

[0041] The plate (1) has a height (Hl) of between 290 and 300 mm, for example 294 mm, a width (Ll) of between 240 and 260 mm, for example 251 mm, and a thickness (El) of between 25 and 30 mm, for example 28 mm. The dimensions 25 x 30 cm are standard for SAPI bulletproof protection plates.

[0042] The plate (1) has a front side (2), a rear side (3), a left side (4), a right side (5), a bottom side (6) and an upper side (7). The plate (1) has four rounded corners, with a more pronounced rounding between the upper side (7) and the left and right sides (4, 5).

[0043] The plate (1) was developed to meet the following specifications: - Surface area: 660cm2, effective up to 1cm from the edges - Protection level: NU III and above (assault and sniper rifle ammunition) - Convex and concave flexibility: this flexibility provides significant comfort to the user of the plate (1). In the state of the art, the vast majority of level III and higher plates are rigid, and the rare flexible plates are only so in one direction.

[0044] The plate (1) comprises a front panel (10) and a rear panel (20). The front panel (10) located on the front side (2) has the strike face, the one that is first in contact with the bullets. The front panel (10) can be described as a fragmentation panel, because its function is to fragment the projectiles. The rear panel (20) can be described as an anti-penetration and propagation panel, because its functions are to prevent the penetration of fragments of projectiles broken by the panel (10) and to distribute the energy of the shot over the entire surface of the plate (1), to limit the propagation of the energy towards the body of the user of the plate (1), in order to reduce his trauma.

[0045] The front panel (10) comprises a layer (12) of ceramic tiles (14) and a matrix (16) of polymer resin encapsulating the tiles (14). The panel (10) has a height equal to the height (H1) of the plate (1), a width equal to the width (L1) of the plate (1), and a thickness (E10) of between 5 and 16 mm, for example 10 mm. The layer (12) has a height (H12) less than the height (H1) and a width (L12) less than the width (L1) of the plate (1), as the layer (12) is included in the matrix (16).

[0046] As shown in [Fig.7], the tiles (14) are hexagonal and arranged edge to edge. This allows the flexing of the plate (1) and improves the multi-impact capacity, by limiting the propagation of cracks in the ceramic layer (12). The tiles (14) are placed horizontally in order to have better flexibility around the horizontal axis, as well as to best follow the SAPI shape of the plate (1), and ensure protection up to the edges of the plate (1). The hexagonal-shaped tiles (14) each have a greater width (L14) of between 25 and 35 mm, preferably 30 mm, and a tile thickness (E14) of between 3 and 12 mm, preferably between 5 and 10 mm.

[0047] The tiles (14) are made of a very hard, moderately weighted ceramic, such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, boron carbide, or any other composition suitable for the intended application.

[0048] The tiles (14) may first be sandblasted using a sandblaster, in order to increase their surface roughness. After sandblasting, the tiles (14) may be cleaned with acetone and coated with a bonding primer. This provides good adhesion to the fibers (18) and / or the matrix (16). Finally, the tiles (14) may be glued to the bottom of the resin matrix (16) with a flexible epoxy glue. preferably, this glue has a base containing Poly[oxy(methyl-l,2-ethanediyl)], a-(2-oxiranylmethyl) -w-(2-oxiranylmethoxy).

[0049] The panel (10) may comprise a layer of fibers (18), for example rigid fibers, made of carbon or glass fibers, and / or flexible fibers, made of aramid or polyethylene. The fibers (18) may be bonded to the front side (2) and / or the rear side (3) of the layer (12) of tiles (14). Preferably, the fibers (18) are arranged on both the front and rear sides (2, 3) of the layer (12) of tiles (14). For example, the rigid fibers (18) may have a thickness of between 0.3 and 0.7 mm on each front and rear side (2, 3). The addition of the fibers (18) makes it possible to improve the resilience of the ceramic layer (12) and the ballistic capabilities of the panel (10). The presence of the fibers (18) improves the mechanical rebound induced by the shock of the ball and reinforces the toughness of each tile (14) by limiting the appearance of cracks.

[0050] The matrix (16) encapsulating the tiles (14) is made of a flexible polymer, for example polyurethane. The matrix (16) may be manufactured by plastic injection molding. Alternatively, the matrix (16) may be manufactured by casting molding. The matrix (16) has a Shore A hardness (DS 16) of between 50 and 100, preferably between 60 and 80, for example 70. The matrix (16) is designed to facilitate the correct positioning of the tiles (14), both flat and when bent, and to protect them from impacts.

[0051] The matrix (16) comprises an external part (62) and an internal part (64) located on either side of the layer (12) of tiles (14), respectively on the front side (2) and the rear side (3) of the plate (1).

[0052] As shown in [Fig.6], the outer portion (62) of the matrix (16) includes a cavity (66) for receiving the tiles (14). Alternatively, the cavity (66) may be formed in the inner portion (64) of the matrix (16), or may be formed by both the outer portion (62) and the inner portion (64) of the matrix (16). The cavity (66) may be formed with an outer peripheral edge (68), the geometry of which corresponds to the arrangement of the tiles (14), in order to facilitate their positioning.

[0053] The external part (62) has an external thickness (E62) of between 1 and 2 mm, measured at the right angle of the cavity (66). The internal part (64) has an internal thickness (E64) of between 1 and 2 mm.

[0054] The rear panel (20) is made of composite materials, providing the anti-penetration and anti-propagation functions mentioned above. Preferably, the panel (20) is made of a pack of ballistic fibers.

[0055] The rear panel (20) has a height equal to the height (Hl) of the plate (1), a width equal to the width (Ll) of the plate (1), and a thickness (E20) of between 10 and 25 mm, for example 20 mm.

[0056] The panel (20) may comprise flexible composite fibers, for example made of aramid or polyethylene. The panel (20) may comprise primary fibers and secondary fibers, having different weights. Preferably, the ratio between the weight of the primary fibers and the total weight of the flexible fibers is between 40 and 50%, in particular between 42% and 46%. More preferably, the primary fibers may have a weight of between 210 and 230 g / m2 and the secondary fibers may have a weight of between 150 and 170 g / m2.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment, the panel (20) may comprise UHMWPE fibers with 44% of primary UHMWPE fibers having a weight of between 210 and 230g / m2, very effective against the penetration of fragments, and 56% of secondary UHMWPE fibers having a weight of between 150 and 170g / m2, effective for absorbing and distributing the shock over a large surface area.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment, the panel (20) may comprise a layer of polymer resin having a grammage greater than the flexible fibers, for example a layer of polycarbonate. This layer may be made of braided fibers. This layer may have a grammage of between 450 and 550 g / m2. This layer may be placed between two packs of fibers, one of which represents between 80 and 90% of the mass of the panel (20), and the other between 80 and 90% of the mass of the panel (20).

[0059] According to another particular embodiment, the ballistic fiber pack can be partially pressed in order to maintain its flexibility, according to the method described by patent US20130224428A1, incorporated by reference.

[0060] According to another particular embodiment, the ballistic fiber pack can be reinforced by a peripheral seam, for example using an aramid or UHMWPE thread.

[0061] According to another particular embodiment, the rear panel (20) can be glued to the front panel (10) using a double-sided adhesive chosen for its strength, which remains in place even after several shots.

[0062] According to another particular embodiment, the plate (1) can be placed in a nylon cover, coated with thermosetting polyurethane (PU) cut to the shape of the plate (1), which is then sealed by ultrasonic welding.

[0063] According to another particular embodiment, the plate (1) may comprise a layer of polymer foam making it possible to obtain a plate (1) with zero or positive buoyancy, for marine operations. The layer of foam may be arranged behind the panel (20), directly in the cover.

[0064] Figures 10 to 12 show a plate (1') according to a second embodiment of the invention. Certain constituent elements of the plate (1') are comparable to those of the plate (1) described above and, for the sake of simplification, bear the same numerical references.

[0065] The plate (1') is designed for female users and adapted to the morphology of the female bust. On the upper side (7), the plate (1') has a zone (8) inclined towards the rear side (3), so as to leave space for the chest and thus offer more comfort than usual rigid plates. The zone (8) has a height (H8) of between 95 and 105 mm, for example 100 mm. The zone (8) is inclined at an angle of between 160 and 175 degrees relative to the rear surface of the plate (1), for example 170 degrees.

[0066] Furthermore, the plate (1; 1') may be shaped differently from figures 1 to 12 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in some cases, combined with each other. Thus, the plate (1; 1') may be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

Claims

1. Ballistic protection plate (1; 1'), comprising: - a layer (12) of ceramic tiles (14) having a tile thickness (E14) of between 3 and 12 mm, and - a matrix (16) of polymer resin encapsulating the tiles (14), the matrix (16) comprising an external part (62) and an internal part (64) located on either side of the layer (12) of tiles (14); characterized in that: - the external part (62) has an external thickness (E62) of between 1 and 2 mm; - the internal part (64) has an internal thickness (E64) of between 1 and 2 mm; - the matrix (16) has a Shore A hardness (DS 16) of between 50 and 100;- a ratio (R) between: A) in the numerator: the tile thickness (E14) multiplied by the Shore A hardness (DS 16) of the matrix (16), divided by B) in the denominator: the internal thickness (E64) multiplied by a penetrator diameter (Dpen) of the perforating ammunition for which the plate (1) is designed, for example a 7.62x39 API BZ ammunition, is between 30 and 60: 30 < R = A / B = (E14 x DS16) / (E64 x Dpen) < 60;

2. Plate (1; 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the ceramic tiles (14) have a surface roughness increased by sandblasting, in comparison with tiles without sandblasting.

3. Plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ceramic tiles (14) each have a hexagonal shape and are oriented so that two neighboring tiles (14) have horizontal edges when the plate (1; 1') is in a vertical position, for example when the plate (1; 1') is carried.

4. Plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the layer (12) of ceramic tiles (14) is bonded to the matrix (16) by a flexible epoxy adhesive, having a base preferably containing Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], a-(2-oxiranylmethyl) -w-(2-oxiranylmethoxy).

5. Plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a layer of fibers (18) is arranged between the layer (12) of tiles (14) and the matrix (16).

6. Plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a back panel (20) comprising flexible fibers, including primary fibers and secondary fibers having different weights, where the ratio between the weight of the primary fibers and the total weight of the flexible fibers is between 40 and 50%.

7. Plate (1; 1') according to claim 6, characterized in that the primary fibers have a weight of between 210 and 230 g / m2 and the secondary fibers have a weight of between 150 and 170 g / m2.

8. Plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a layer of polymer resin having a weight of between 450 and 550 g / m2.

9. A method of manufacturing a plate (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) manufacturing the ceramic tiles (14); b) manufacturing the polymer resin matrix (16); c) assembling the layer (12) of tiles (14) and the matrix (16) encapsulating the tiles (14).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that in step b), the polymer resin matrix (16) is manufactured by injection molding.

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