Window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles

Abstract

Window arrangement (1) for installation in armored vehicles, comprising the following features: a) the window arrangement includes an armor block (10), b) the armor block (10) comprises at least two transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and at least one spacer (30a, 30b) to form at least one bulkhead (35a, 35b) between adjacent transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c), wherein the at least two transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and the at least one spacer (30a, 30b) are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction, c) the at least two material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and the at least one spacer (30a, 30b) are rigid and not designed as damping elements, d) the armor block (10) has a rigid design in the axial direction without intermediate, flexible damping elements, e) the armor block (10) is clamped in a frame without additional, flexible damping elements, f) The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part (41) and a second frame part (42) which axially surround the armor block (10) and clamp it under a compressive preload using a clamping device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles with bulkhead construction.

[0002] US patent 2004 / 0058125 A1 describes a window assembly for installation in armored vehicles. The window assembly comprises two transparent composite materials and a spacer to form a bulkhead. While the composite materials are rigid, the spacer, which is multi-part and includes a damping collar with flexible sealing lips, is not. The two transparent composite materials and the multi-part spacer are arranged axially one behind the other, forming an armor block. Due to the flexible sealing lips, the armor block is not rigid in the axial direction. The armor block is clamped in a frame by an intermediate, flexible damping element in the form of another collar with flexible sealing lips.The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part and a second frame part, which axially surround the armor block and clamp it in place with a compressive preload via a clamping device. However, the compressive preload is negligible and is only generated by slightly compressing the sealing lips of the gasket within a limited range.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2012 102 206 A1 discloses a further window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles. The window arrangement comprises at least two transparent composite materials and at least one spacer to form a bulkhead between adjacent transparent composite materials. While the composite materials are rigid, the spacers, which act as damping elements, are not. The at least two transparent composite materials and the at least one spacer are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction and form an armor block. The armor block is not rigid in the axial direction because the spacer within it acts as a flexible damping element. Otherwise, the armor block is clamped in a frame without an interposed flexible damping element.The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part and a second frame part, details of which are not disclosed.

[0004] US patent 2012 / 0180638 A1 discloses another window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles. The window arrangement comprises at least two transparent composite materials and at least one spacer to form a bulkhead between adjacent transparent composite materials. The spacer and the composite materials are rigid and not designed as damping elements. The at least two transparent composite materials and the at least one spacer are arranged axially one behind the other and form an armor block. The armor block is axially rigid without any interposed, flexible damping elements. However, the armor block is clamped in a frame by an interposed, flexible damping element in the form of an elastic sealing strip.

[0005] US 2012 / 0180638 A1 also shows a version of a window arrangement, which, however, is designed for installation in buildings and is therefore separate. In this version, an armor block is positively locked within a frame without any interposed, flexible damping elements. The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part and a second frame part, which axially surround and positively lock the armor block. Applying a compressive preload to the armor block is not proposed.

[0006] The ballistic protection of window arrangements for armored vehicles according to DE 10 2012 102 206 A1, US 2012 / 0180638 A1, and US 2004 / 0058 125 A1 is based on the principle of spaced armor. Upon impact, a projectile breaks. The fragments that penetrate the first layer of glass are scattered within the spacer, the gap between the layers of material, and spread over a larger area of ​​the subsequent layer. This exposes the projectile to more protective material, thus increasing the level of protection. Consequently, higher protection levels can be achieved with the same material usage. However, the ballistic protection in DE 10 2012 102 206 A1, US 2012 / 0180638 A1, and US 2004 / 0058 125 A1 is not yet optimized.

[0007] WO 1995 / 09 134 A1 discloses a window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles with features a) to c) and f) of claim 1. In the known case, the armor block has a rigid design in the axial direction with interposed, compliant damping elements.

[0008] The object of the invention is to further develop a window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles with bulkhead construction in such a way that the ballistic protection is increased.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0010] The advantages of the invention are based on the following synergistically interacting features, which cause an impacting projectile to break into individual pieces as much as possible, which, as pieces with a low mass, are less likely to penetrate the remaining armor: The window arrangement includes an armor block, • The armor block comprises at least two transparent material composites and at least one spacer to form at least one bulkhead between adjacent transparent material composites, wherein the at least two transparent material composites and the at least one spacer are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction, • The spacer and the material composites are rigid and not designed as damping elements, • The armor block has a rigid design in the axial direction without any interposed, flexible damping elements, • The armor block is clamped in a frame without additional, flexible damping elements, • The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part and a second frame part, which axially surround the armor block and clamp it with a compressive preload via a clamping device.

[0011] The aforementioned features result in a rigid armor block and a rigidly clamped mounting. This makes the projectile more prone to breakage. The projectile is more likely to break upon impact with a rigid, non-flexible material composite. The compressive preload increases the stiffness of both the armor block and the frame by eliminating play between components such as spacers, material composites, and the frame.

[0012] The aforementioned measures contribute synergistically to an increase in ballistic protection.

[0013] According to DE 10 2012 102 206 A1, US 2012 / 0180638 A1 and US 2004 / 0058125 A1, at least compliant damping elements are provided, or no clamping device generating a compressive preload is provided. However, it has surprisingly been shown that a rigid structure in conjunction with a compressive preload can cause an impacting projectile to break more easily into smaller pieces, which consequently have less mass and therefore lower penetration power.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises clamping screws with which the compressive preload acting on the armor block is generated. Clamping screws have proven effective and are well-established for applying a compressive preload. Furthermore, the clamping screws form a detachable connection. This allows for the replacement of a composite material.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping screws indirectly generate the compressive preload via force-amplifying wedges. This design allows for a reduction in weight because smaller screws can be used. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the wedges have wedge surfaces on a first side that correspond to a wedge-shaped end face of the second frame part, forming an inclined plane. This allows the second frame part to be indirectly displaced relative to the first frame part via wedges, thus achieving a high compressive preload in a simple manner.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping screws are guided in bores arranged radially in the first frame part. Because the clamping screws are guided radially, the wedges are radially displaceable over the clamping screws. This offers advantages when replacing a composite material in the vehicle interior.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the frame has a third frame part that is fixedly mounted to the first frame part and also has a wedge-shaped end face. Wedges on a second side, opposite the first side, also have wedge-shaped surfaces that correspond to the wedge-shaped end faces of the third frame part. This design results in good, bilateral force distribution.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping screws are guided not only through the bores of the first frame part, but also through bores of the third frame part. This allows the third frame part to be fixedly held to the first frame part via the clamping screws. Advantageously, the clamping screws have multiple functions, resulting in a low weight.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the compressive preload has a minimum value σ. Dmin which is calculated according to the following formula: σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF with σ Dmin = Pressure preload [N / m 2 ], F = a factor that has a value of at least 1000, preferably 2000 and especially preferably has 3,000, m = mass [kg] of the armor block, g = acceleration due to gravity [9.81 m / s²] 2 , rounded up to 10 m / s 2 ], A F = Area [m²]2 ] of an end face of a composite material.

[0020] The minimum value of the compressive preload, in conjunction with a rigid structure, has the effect that an impacting projectile can more easily break into individual pieces, which therefore have less mass and thus lower penetration power.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the protective layers of the at least two material composites of the armor block are exclusively protective layers made of a glass-ceramic material or a glass material. Glass-ceramic materials or glass materials are materials with high compressive strength. Therefore, the glass-ceramic materials or glass materials are suitable for being clamped with a compressive preload.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one protective layer of a composite material, consisting of a plastic, is arranged outside the armor block on the side facing the vehicle crew as splinter protection. If the protective layer made of a plastic were arranged inside the armor block, the compressive stress would decrease over time because plastics yield and settle.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A window arrangement for installation in armored vehicles, in a perspective sectional view; Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1. Window arrangement shown, in a perspective sectional view and partly as an exploded view; Fig. 3 A general view of the window arrangement, in perspective.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a window assembly 1 with a rigid design for installation in armored vehicles. The window assembly comprises an armor block 10. The armor block 10 comprises transparent composite materials 20a and 20b. Furthermore, the armor block comprises a protective layer 206 of a composite material 20c. The armor block 10 also includes spacers 30a and 30b for forming bulkheads 35a and 35b between the adjacent transparent composite materials 20a, 20b, and 20c, wherein the transparent composite materials 20a and 20b, the protective layer 206, and the spacers 30a and 30b are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction. The spacers 30a and 30b, the composite materials 20a and 20b, and the protective layer 206 are rigid and not designed as damping elements. The armor block 10 has a rigid design in the axial direction without any interposed, flexible damping elements.The armor block 10 is clamped in a frame without any interposed, compliant damping elements. The frame is multi-part and comprises a first frame part 41 and a second frame part 42, which axially surround the armor block 10 and clamp it in place with a compressive preload via a clamping device.

[0025] The flexibility of the window arrangement is significantly reduced due to the rigid structure in conjunction with the compressive prestress, which significantly increases the probability of the projectile fragmenting when it impacts the outer material composite.

[0026] The clamping device comprises clamping screws 51, which generate the compressive preload acting on the armor block 10. The clamping screws 51 indirectly generate the compressive preload via force-amplifying wedges 52. The wedges 52 have wedge surfaces 52a on a first side, which correspond to a wedge-shaped end face 42a of the second frame part 42, forming an inclined plane. Accordingly, the second frame part 42 is displaceable relative to the first frame part 41 via the wedges 52. The clamping screws 51 are guided in bores 41b, which are arranged radially in the first frame part 41. Therefore, the wedges 52 are radially displaceable via the clamping screws 51. The frame has a third frame part 43, which is fixedly mounted to the first frame part 41 and also has a wedge-shaped end face 43b.The wedges 52 also have wedge surfaces 52b on a second side, opposite the first side, which correspond to the wedge-shaped end faces 43b of the third frame part 43. The clamping screws 51 are also guided through bores 43a in the third frame part 43. This secures the third frame part via the clamping screws 51.

[0027] The first material assembly 20a faces the direction of the threat. The second material assembly 20b is positioned centrally. The first material assembly 20a and the second material assembly 20b have the same exemplary structure: • as a protective layer a glass-ceramic layer 201, • an adhesive layer 202, • as a further protective layer a glass-ceramic layer 203, • an adhesive layer 204 and • as a further protective layer, a glass-ceramic layer 205.

[0028] The adhesive layers 202, 204, and 207 are thin adhesive films. These films are PVC sheets coated on both sides with an adhesive. Because the adhesive films are thin, the flexibility is hardly increased. The adhesive films 202, 204, and 207 each have a thickness of 50 µm or less, preferably 30 µm or less. The first and second material composites are produced in an autoclave.

[0029] An alternative to glass-ceramic protective coatings are glass protective coatings, such as float or borosilicate glass coatings. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion of glass-ceramic coatings is significantly lower than that of float and borosilicate glass coatings, so the stresses due to temperature differences are much lower.

[0030] The third material composite 20c faces away from the direction of the threat or towards the vehicle crew. The third material composite 20c has a structure with the following protective layers: • as a protective layer a glass-ceramic layer 206, • an adhesive layer 207 and • as a further protective layer, a polycarbonate layer 208.

[0031] The polycarbonate layer 208 serves as splinter protection for the vehicle occupants. The polycarbonate layer 208 is held in place by the frame part 42 with a form-fit clearance. A deformable compensating compound 70 compensates for manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, the polycarbonate layer 208 is firmly bonded to the clamped glass-ceramic layer 206 via the adhesive layer 207, thus providing additional support.

[0032] The optical properties and elastic deformability of the polycarbonate layer 208 deteriorate over the years. Therefore, the third material composite 20c must be replaced regularly. The clamping device allows the third material composite 20c to be replaced even from inside the passenger compartment. This is done according to the following installation procedure, which comprises the following steps: • Unscrewing the clamping screws 51, which held the wedges 52, the second frame part 42 and the third frame part 43. • Remove the wedges 52, the second frame part 42 and the third frame part 43. • Replacement of the third material composite 20c. • Reassembly of the removed parts. • Screw in the clamping screws 51 while generating the compressive preload.

[0033] The protective layers 201, 203, 205 and 206 of armor block 10 are exclusively made of a glass-ceramic material or, alternatively, a glass material. This facilitates the application and maintenance of a high compressive prestress.

[0034] Spacers 30a and 30b are made of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum. Lightweight metals have a high modulus of elasticity, resulting in high stiffness. A spacer is positioned between adjacent material composites. For example, to protect against a 7.62 mm caliber round, each spacer has a width at least twice the diameter of the caliber. Each spacer forms a bulkhead with adjacent material composites, which is filled with air. This bulkhead allows a fragmentation cone of a projectile to form. As a result, the fragments impact a larger surface area upon striking the second material composite. The spacers are supported against an adjacent material composite by flat end faces. The spacers have a minimum height of 30 mm to achieve low surface pressure and thus high stiffness in the axial direction.

[0035] The first frame section 41 has a support flange that supports the edge of the transparent composite material 20a facing the direction of the threat. The support flange is manufactured flat and, like the spacer, has a minimum height of 30 mm. This ensures good support and thus high stiffness.

[0036] Similarly, the second frame part 42 has a contact surface that is pressed against the outer edge of the composite material 20c, facing away from the direction of the threat, due to the compressive preload. The contact surface is machined flat and, like the spacer, has a minimum height of 30 mm. This ensures good support and thus high stiffness.

[0037] The three transparent material composites 20a, 20b, and 20c are not bonded to the spacers 30a and 30b, or to the first frame part 41 or the second frame part 42, which also results in high rigidity. This is because the transparent material composites 20a and 20b, the protective layer 206, and the spacers 30a and 30b form the rigid armor block 10 due to the compressive preload. Only for reasons of sealing could the first frame part 41 be bonded to the first material composite 20a via a thin, non-flexible adhesive layer.

[0038] The circumferential surfaces of the transparent material composites 20a and 20b, the protective layer 206 and the two spacers 30a, 30b are sealed against the first frame part 41 with an elastic sealant 60.

[0039] The compressive preload has a minimum value σ Dmin which is calculated according to the following formula: σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF with σDmin=Pressure preload([Nm2=kg×ms2m2]); Compressive force (referring to an area of ​​an end face of a composite material). F = a factor having a value of at least 1000, preferably 2000 and particularly preferably 3000, m = mass [kg] of the armor block 10, i.e. the mass of the material composites 20a and 20b, the protective layer 206 and the spacers 30a and 30b, g = acceleration due to gravity [9.81 m / s²] 2 , rounded up to 10 m / s 2 ], A F = Pressing surface of the end face of a composite material [m²] 2 ].

[0040] First example: Area A F = 1 m 2 Mass of the armor block m = 100 kg, factor F = 1000 σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF=(1 000×100×10) / 1=1 000 000 N / m2

[0041] Second example: Area A F = 1 m 2 Mass of the material composites m = 150 kg, factor F = 2000 σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF=(2,000×150×10) / 1=3,000,000 N / m2

[0042] Third example: Area A F = 1 m 2 Mass of the material composites m = 150 kg, factor F = 3000 σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF=(3,000×150×10) / 1=4,500,000 N / m2

[0043] The Fig. Figure 2 shows part of the window arrangement 1 in an exploded view.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows an overall view of the window arrangement 1. This view shows particularly well the first frame part 41, the third frame part 43 and the armor block 10. Reference symbol list: 1 Window arrangement 10 armor blocks 20a, 20b, 20c material composites 201 Glass ceramic layer 202 adhesive layer 203 Glass ceramic layer 204 adhesive layer 205 Glass ceramic layer 206 Glass ceramic layer 207 Adhesive layer 208 Polycarbonate layer 30a, 30b spacers 35a, 35b Schott 41 first frame part 41b bore 42 second frame part 42a wedge-shaped end faces 43 third frame part 43a Borehole 43b wedge-shaped end face 51 Tensioning screw 52 wedge 52a Wedge surface 52b Wedge surface 60 Sealant 70 leveling compound

Claims

[1] Window arrangement (1) for installation in armored vehicles, comprising the following features: a) the window arrangement includes an armor block (10), b) the armor block (10) comprises at least two transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and at least one spacer (30a, 30b) to form at least one bulkhead (35a, 35b) between adjacent transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c), wherein the at least two transparent material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and the at least one spacer (30a, 30b) are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction, c) the at least two material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) and the at least one spacer (30a, 30b) are rigid and not designed as damping elements, d) the armor block (10) has a rigid design in the axial direction without intermediate, flexible damping elements, e) the armor block (10) is clamped in a frame without additional, flexible damping elements, f) The frame is multi-part and comprises at least a first frame part (41) and a second frame part (42) which axially surround the armor block (10) and clamp it under a compressive preload using a clamping device. [2] Window arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises clamping screws (51) with which the compressive preload acting on the armor block (10) is generated. [3] Window arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the clamping screws (51) indirectly generate the compressive preload via force-enhancing wedges (52). [4] Window arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the wedges (52) have wedge surfaces (52a) on a first side which correspond to wedge-shaped end faces (42a) of the second frame part (42) under a respective formation of an inclined plane. [5] Window arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the clamping screws (51) are each guided in bores (41b) which are arranged radially in the first frame part (41). [6] Window arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the frame has a third frame part (43) which is fixedly mounted on the first frame part (41) and also has a wedge-shaped end face (43b) and wherein the wedges (52) on a second side opposite the first side also have wedge surfaces (52b) which correspond to the wedge-shaped end faces (43b) of the third frame part (43). [7] Window arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the tensioning screws (51) are also guided through bores (43a) of the third frame part (43). [8] Window arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the compression preload has a minimum value σ Dmin exhibits, which is calculated according to the following formula: σDmin=(F×m×g) / AF with σDmin = Pressure preload [N / m 2 ], F = a factor that has a value of at least 1000, preferably 2000 and particularly preferably 3000, m = mass [kg] of the armor block (10), g = acceleration due to gravity [9.81 m / s²] 2 , rounded up to 10 m / s 2 ], A F = Area [m²] 2 ] of an end face of a composite material. [9] Window arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protective layers (201, 203, 205, 206) of the at least two material composites (20a, 20b, 20c) of the armor block (10) are exclusively protective layers made of a glass-ceramic material or a glass material.

10. Window arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one protective layer (208) of a composite material (20c) consisting of a plastic is arranged outside the armor block (10) on the side facing the vehicle crew as splinter protection.

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