Armor plate and armor consisting of a carrier and an armor plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to an armor plate (10) having a thickness of at least 2 mm and an edge length of at least 20 mm, wherein the armor plate (10) is made of a material containing tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide as a basic component. The present invention also relates to an armor having a carrier (12), a plurality of such armor plates (10) and a permanent elastic adhesive layer (14) wherein the armor plates (10) are attached to the carrier (12) by means of the permanent elastic adhesive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an armor plate (so-called add-on armor) and armor that protects items, particularly vehicles, from impacts by projectiles, grenades, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Various methods for increasing bombardment intensity are known from the prior art. For example, it is known to additionally install armor plates made of ceramic. Armor plates made of composite materials are also known. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to create armor with an acceptable weight, the lowest possible manufacturing cost, and a high level of security.

[0004] To achieve this objective, an armor plate with a thickness of at least 2 mm and an edge length of at least 20 mm is provided, wherein the armor plate is composed of a material containing tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide as a basic component. This invention is based on the knowledge that it is possible to produce armor plates using tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide that provide very good protection while still maintaining an acceptable weight, and that they can also be produced at an acceptable cost.

[0005] Preferably, the armor plate has a thickness greater than 3 mm, more preferably greater than 5 mm, and particularly greater than 10 mm. For particularly high levels of protection, a greater thickness is also possible.

[0006] The dimensions of individual armor plates are preferably relatively small. An edge length greater than 40 mm has proven to be the optimal compromise between good manufacturability and a non-excessive workload when attaching individual plates. Preferably, the edge length is less than 100 mm.

[0007] In one embodiment variation, the armor plate has a square shape and an edge length on the order of 50 mm.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, when unavoidable impurities are ignored, the armor plate is a large component made of tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, the armor plate is a ceramic plate having a weight percentage of up to 20% tungsten or tungsten carbide.

[0010] According to the invention, armor having a carrier and several armor plates of the aforementioned type is provided to achieve the above-described objectives, wherein the armor plates are attached to the carrier by means of a permanent elastic adhesive layer. The adhesive layer acts as mechanical damping between the armor plates and the carrier, which increases the protective effect. Furthermore, for example, if one of the armor plates is damaged after bombardment, the individual armor plate can be replaced separately.

[0011] The adhesive layer preferably has a thickness of at least 1 mm, and more preferably at least 2 mm. A thicker adhesive layer increases the armor's ability to absorb energy during bombardment.

[0012] According to one embodiment, when viewed in a cross-sectional view, the adhesive layer has a wave-like profile, with air trapped between adjacent crests. This increases the cushioning and shock absorption capacity of the adhesive layer.

[0013] Air can be applied to the sides of the armor plate. In other words, the adhesive layer is applied to the carrier, and then the armor plate is applied to the adhesive layer.

[0014] The carrier is preferably made of steel alloy, so that the carrier itself already provides a certain level of protection (protection level).

[0015] The housing is preferably made of silicone-based adhesive. This adhesive is characterized by good cushioning and shock absorption capabilities, high adhesion, good aging resistance, and coverage of high temperature ranges. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be described below based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0017] - Figure 1 It is a perspective diagram of the armor plate; and

[0018] - Figure 2 It is the cross-section of an armored vehicle with a carrier, and several armor plates are glued to the carrier by means of an adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 An armor plate 10, which is rectangular and has a constant thickness d in an exemplary embodiment, is schematically shown.

[0020] The thickness d is a few millimeters and depends on the desired level of protection. For STANAG 4 protection, the thickness is approximately 5 to 10 mm.

[0021] In any case, the thickness of armor plate 10 should be selected in a way that makes the plate itself stable.

[0022] The dimensions of armor plate 10 are relatively low. For rectangular plates, the edge lengths a and b are at least on the order of 20 mm and preferably on the order of 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0023] Armor plate 10 is a large component made of tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide. Conventional sintering methods generally known for these materials can be used for its manufacture.

[0024] In addition to rectangular shapes, any shape suitable for completely covering (except for the joints between adjacent armor plates) adjacent to each other on the surface area of ​​several armor plates arranged next to each other can be used in principle. For example, armor plates can also have an equilateral hexagonal shape.

[0025] The joint between adjacent armor plates should be at least 0.55 mm, and preferably at least 1 mm, but preferably not more than 1.5 mm.

[0026] Figure 2 It shows several Figure 1 The structure of the armor plate 10 shown.

[0027] Figure 2 The armor shown uses a carrier 12, to which armor plates 10 are glued together adjacent to each other.

[0028] The carrier 12 is made of steel alloy, especially high-strength steel alloy, as used in the field of vehicle armor.

[0029] Armor plate 10 is bonded to carrier 12 by means of adhesive layer 14. The adhesive forming adhesive layer 14 is a silicone-based adhesive.

[0030] In principle, it is conceivable to use an adhesive layer with a constant thickness. However, as... Figure 2 As seen in the diagram, when viewed in cross-section, the adhesive layer has a generally wavy profile. Therefore, the armor plate 10 only contacts the (flat) crests of the adhesive layer 14. "Channels" 16 are formed between the individual crests and are each filled with air.

[0031] Figure 2 A key advantage of the armor shown is that the individual armor plates 10 can be replaced individually when necessary. The adhesive layer 14 ensures mechanical damping between the armor plates 10 and the underlying carrier, which enhances the protective effect.

Claims

1. An armor having a carrier (12), armor plates (10) arranged laterally on the carrier, and a permanent elastic adhesive layer (14), each armor plate comprising: The armor plates (10) have a thickness of at least 2 mm and an edge length of at least 20 mm, wherein the armor plates (10) are made of a material containing tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide as a basic component, and the material forms the outermost surface of each armor plate. The armor plates (10) are attached to the carrier (12) by means of the permanent elastic adhesive layer, thereby forming a joint between the edges of adjacent armor plates. The adhesive layer (14) has a wave-like profile when viewed in a cross-sectional view, wherein air is enclosed between adjacent peaks.

2. The armor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness is greater than 3 mm.

3. The armor of claim 1, wherein, The edge length is greater than 40 mm.

4. The armor of claim 1, wherein, The armor is a square with an edge length on the order of 50 mm.

5. The armor of any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The armor plate is a huge component made of tungsten heavy metal or tungsten carbide.

6. The armor of any of claims 1-4, wherein, The armor plate is a ceramic plate with a weight percentage of up to 20% tungsten or tungsten carbide.

7. The armor of claim 1, wherein, The adhesive layer (14) has a thickness of at least 1 mm.

8. The armor of claim 1, wherein, The air is on the side of the armor plate (10).

9. The armor according to one of claims 1 to 4, 7, characterized in that, The carrier (12) is made of steel alloy.

10. The armor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7, characterized in that, The adhesive layer (14) is formed of a silicone-based adhesive.

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