Observation cupola for a military vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an observation cupola (1) for a military vehicle (100) with an opening (10) through which a person can extend their head to observe the vehicle's surroundings in an over-the-roof position, a viewing opening (S) for observing the vehicle's surroundings, and a protective cover (2) for protecting the person, wherein the protective cover (2) can be raised from a closed position (V), in which it closes the viewing opening (S), to a viewing position (A) that releases the viewing opening (S). The invention further relates to a vehicle (100) with an observation cupola (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an observation dome for a military vehicle, comprising an opening through which a person can extend their head to observe the vehicle's surroundings from an over-the-roof position, and a viewing opening for observing the vehicle's surroundings. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with a corresponding observation dome.

[0002] Military land vehicles, such as battle tanks or infantry fighting vehicles, often have an opening in the roof area that can be closed with a hatch or protective cover, allowing direct observation of the vehicle's surroundings from an over-the-roof position. To do this, the cover must first be cleared, and a person or soldier inside the vehicle can then stick their head out through the opening and thus observe the vehicle's surroundings. The rest of the body usually remains in the protected interior of the vehicle. Devices in which the cover is raised rather than swung away, thus maintaining a certain level of protection even in the over-the-roof position, are also known as observation domes.

[0003] When the lid is raised accordingly, a viewing opening is created between the edge of the opening and the lid, through which the surroundings can be observed. When the lid is lowered, this viewing opening becomes smaller and smaller until it reaches the closed position, in which the lid rests on the opening and closes it, so that no viewing opening remains. A corresponding observation dome is described, for example, in the German patent application with the file number 10 2022 107 733.0, which had not yet been published at the time of filing this application.

[0004] While this observation dome has proven itself to be extremely effective, the viewing opening only opens when the lid is lifted, meaning the soldier's head must be lifted along with the lid. The soldier can then only observe the surroundings once the lid has been raised far enough for the soldier's head to be stretched through the opening so that their eyes are above the vehicle roof. Therefore, with this observation dome, the vertical movement of the head depends on the movement of the lid. When the observation dome or lid is lowered, there is no viewing opening above the vehicle roof, nor is there any space into which the soldier could extend their head to observe the surroundings.

[0005] Based on this, the invention sets itself the task of providing an observation dome which is characterized by the possibility of more comfortable observation of the surroundings.

[0006] This task is solved in an observation dome of the type mentioned above in that the protective cover can be raised from a closed position in which it closes the viewing opening into a viewing position which exposes the viewing opening.

[0007] By closing the viewing opening, the person's head can be moved into the over-the-roof position before they begin observing their surroundings. Even if the protective cover is lifted just a little, part of the viewing opening is exposed. This part can then be used immediately to observe their surroundings, as the person's eyes can already be above the opening and therefore above the vehicle roof. The viewing opening therefore remains open even when it is lowered and closed, and the person's head can remain in the over-the-roof position regardless of the position of the protective cover. The vehicle's surroundings can essentially be observed horizontally through the viewing opening.

[0008] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that a weapon station be arranged on the protective cover. By arranging the weapon station on the protective cover, observation of the surroundings in the viewing position through the weapon station is not impaired. At the same time, the protective cover or the observation cage described in more detail below does not impair the aiming range of the weapon station. The weapon station can therefore be aimed over a full 360 degrees without running the risk of colliding with the protective cover. In addition, by arranging the weapon station on the protective cover, the protective effect of the observation dome can be improved overall, since the weapon station itself naturally also provides a certain degree of protection for the person located below the weapon station.Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to position the weapon station above the viewing port. This allows a person to directly observe the surroundings and simultaneously fire on the observed area through the weapon station.

[0009] In order to align the weapon station or its barrel in azimuth, the weapon station can be mounted so it can rotate relative to the protective cover. However, it is also possible for the weapon station to be rotated by rotating the protective cover. The weapon station can advantageously be rotated 360 degrees, regardless of whether it is rotatable on the protective cover or through the protective cover. The weapon station can be mounted on the cover section of the protective cover, which is described in more detail below. The weapon station can be a remote-controlled weapon station, particularly from inside the vehicle. Despite the sometimes very high weight of the weapon station and also due to the firing reaction forces that have to be absorbed, additional supports or a reinforced roof structure are not necessary thanks to the design of the observation dome, which is explained in more detail below.

[0010] The opening, and thus also the observation dome, can be located in the central roof area of ​​the vehicle, allowing the entire surrounding area of ​​the vehicle to be not only reliably observed but also reliably fired upon via the weapon station. The transverse distance of the weapon station to both sides of the vehicle can be similar. The same can also apply to the distance to the rear and front of the vehicle.

[0011] It has also proven advantageous if the viewing port allows for 360-degree observation of the surroundings. This design allows the entire area surrounding the vehicle to be observed and monitored at all times. At the same time, the weapon station enables 360-degree engagement, so that the observed area can always be fired upon, for example, if a target has been detected. Because the weapon station is located on the protective cover or above the viewing port, the observation angle—i.e., the direction in which the person in the over-the-roof position is looking—and the azimuth angle of the weapon station can be independent of each other.

[0012] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to provide an optical system, in particular a periscope, which enables observation of the surroundings in the closed position. The optical system or periscope can extend through the protective cover, in particular through the cover section of the protective cover, and thus enable at least indirect observation of the vehicle's surroundings even in the closed position. Even though observation of the surroundings is significantly more intuitive in the viewing position and thus also allows the overall situation to be better understood, the optical system thus still enables observation of the surroundings, in particular over the largest possible angular range, even in the event of a fire attack. The periscope axis can extend centrally through the protective cover so that at least the viewing part of the periscope does not change its position when the protective cover is rotated.Instead, the viewing direction can be varied by rotating the protective cover. The periscope can be lowered to reduce the overall height of the vehicle. For this purpose, the periscope can be mounted within the protective cover so that it can move linearly in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the periscope can also be coupled to the weapon station or integrated into it.

[0013] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the observation dome comprise an observation cage which, in the above-roof position, enables observation of the surroundings protected from horizontal fire. Even when the protective cover is raised and the viewing opening is exposed, the observation cage can ensure observation of the vehicle's surroundings protected from ballistic missiles. The observation cage can be adapted to the anticipated dangers and, for example, also be designed to protect against more severe ballistic missiles. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the viewing opening to be part of the observation cage.

[0014] The viewing port can be located above the opening and therefore also above the vehicle roof. This ensures that the person's eyes can be above the opening even before the protective cover is moved from the closed position to the viewing position. In order to observe the area around the vehicle, the eyes must be positioned accordingly. If the eyes are still below the opening, observation of the surroundings is not possible. The viewing port can surround the opening so that a full 360-degree observation of the surroundings is possible. To achieve this all-round view, it may be necessary for the person not only to turn their head, but the person's or soldier's seat located below the opening may also be able to rotate accordingly.

[0015] In this regard, it has also proven advantageous if the observation cage protrudes upwards relative to the opening in the over-the-roof position to protect the person's head. The person's head can thus be positioned in the protected interior of the observation cage at all times, even in the over-the-roof position. The observation cage can protrude upwards relative to the opening or roof of the vehicle like a bay window, thereby increasing the protected interior space of the vehicle. The observation cage can surround the opening so that the person's head is protected around the periphery against essentially horizontal fire. The observation cage can be rigid and / or fixed and can therefore be independent of the position of the protective cover. The observation cage is advantageously firmly connected to the edge of the opening, e.g. via a screw or welded connection.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the height of the observation cage is adapted to the usual head size of a person. In order to keep the contours of the vehicle as small as possible, it is advantageous if the observation cage is as flat as possible on the one hand, but on the other hand, reliable observation of the surroundings must be guaranteed. The observation cage and thus also the viewing opening therefore have a height that corresponds to the distance between the person's eyes and the top of their head or helmet. In practice, it has proven advantageous if the observation cage has a height between 15 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm, particularly preferably between 25 cm and 35 cm. The viewing opening can also have a height between 15 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm, particularly preferably between 25 cm and 35 cm.

[0017] With regard to the structural design of the observation cage, it has proven advantageous if it is designed in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The observation cage can thus extend upwards from the opening along its circumference and have a constant height. If the opening is circular, the observation cage will have a cylindrical shell design. However, it is also possible for the opening to have other geometric shapes.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the observation cage and the protective cover form an observation chamber, whereby the person's head can protrude from the vehicle interior into the observation chamber to observe the surroundings. The observation chamber can thus be located outside the actual vehicle interior or the observation chamber can enlarge the vehicle interior, which has proven to be advantageous given the already limited space in military vehicles. The observation chamber can be cylindrical.

[0019] As an alternative to a panoramic view, the viewing aperture can also be limited to a certain angular range. For example, if the person in the over-the-hatch position is only supposed to turn their head but not their entire body, a smaller angular range may be sufficient. For example, the field of view can then be limited to 180 degrees, allowing the person to observe only the area in front of the vehicle. The observation cage can be equipped with better protection in the angle range not being observed, thus increasing the overall level of protection.

[0020] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous with regard to the viewing aperture if it is designed in such a way that it allows direct observation of the surroundings. With direct environmental observation, there is a direct line of sight between the person and the surroundings or the observed object, and there is no deflection or redirection in the beam path, as is the case with corner mirrors, for example. Direct environmental observation therefore also distinguishes itself from indirect observation, e.g., via mirrors or camera-monitor connections, by enabling better situational awareness.

[0021] To ensure a comparatively high level of protection despite direct observation of the surroundings, it has also proven advantageous if the viewing opening is equipped with at least one see-through ballistic protection element. The protection element can be made of plastic, particularly polycarbonate, or bulletproof glass, for example. The protection element can thus offer a certain degree of protection against ballistic objects or even ballistic fire, but this generally offers a lower level of protection than the actual vehicle armor. The protection element can be rounded and adapted to the cylindrical shape of the observation cage. Furthermore, several see-through protection elements can be provided. These can be arranged around the head of the person or soldier.

[0022] Furthermore, with regard to the viewing opening, it has proven advantageous if the protective elements are arranged at a distance from one another, in particular via vertical struts. The vertical struts can each be arranged between two peripherally adjacent, see-through protective elements and increase the stability of the observation cage. The vertical struts can be made of a material that ensures greater ballistic protection than the see-through protective elements. Furthermore, the vertical struts can increase the load-bearing capacity of the observation cage. At least two vertical struts can be provided, but advantageously six vertical struts and correspondingly six see-through protective elements are provided.

[0023] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to connect the vertical struts at the top end via a connecting ring. The connecting ring can be made of the same material as the vertical struts and arranged parallel to the opening. The connecting ring can further improve the stability of the observation cage. Furthermore, the transparent protective elements can be reliably held in position via the connecting ring.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the observation cage has a mounting area for connection to the edge of the opening. The observation cage can be connected to the vehicle, in particular to the roof area of ​​the vehicle, via the mounting area. From a structural point of view, the mounting area can be designed as a mounting flange that can protrude radially outwards all the way around. The mounting flange can extend parallel to the connecting ring, and the individual transparent protective elements can each be arranged between the mounting flange, the connecting ring, and two vertical struts. Overall, the observation cage can be designed as a pre-assembled unit that can be connected in one piece to the vehicle roof or the edge of the opening.

[0025] To ensure not only ballistic protection but also protection against NBC contamination, it has proven advantageous for the observation cage to be sealed from the edge of the opening. In particular, the observation cage is gas-tight, preventing any gaseous substances from the vehicle's surroundings from entering the observation area and thus the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the observation cage as a whole is gas-tight, meaning the protective elements, the vertical struts, the connecting ring, and the mounting area can be gas-tightly sealed from one another.

[0026] With regard to the protective cover, it has proven advantageous if it is arranged and designed in such a way that it functions as vertical protection. The protective cover can thus provide protection against essentially vertical fire both in the locked position and in the viewing position. The protective cover is advantageously made of steel, particularly armored steel. This not only achieves a high level of protection, but also allows the protective cover to be extremely strong, allowing additional attachments and devices to be mounted on it, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0027] From a design perspective, it has proven advantageous for the protective cover to be designed as a protective hood. This design allows the protective cover to reliably close the viewing opening in the closed position, thus ensuring adequate ballistic protection. The protective hood can be placed over the observation cage in the closed position and can be moved up and down relative to the observation cage like a telescopic cylinder. The observation cage can thus be enclosed by the protective cover in the closed position.

[0028] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous with regard to the protective cover if it has a cover section, in particular a circular one, and a jacket section connected to the cover section. The cover section can be essentially plate- or disc-shaped, and the jacket section can extend downwards from the edge of the cover section in the manner of a cylindrical jacket. In the closed position, the cover section can rest on top of the observation cage or on the connecting ring, and the jacket section can extend downwards in front of the viewing opening, thus closing it. Overall, the protective cover can be pot-shaped to protect the viewing opening, and in the closed position, this can protect the observation cage around its circumference from ballistic fire.

[0029] According to an advantageous development, the casing section is arranged concentrically with the observation cage. In the closed position, the casing section can thus have the same circumferential distance from the observation cage or the transparent protective elements. Advantageously, the protective cover or casing section does not touch the protective elements, thus preventing them from being scratched. To prevent scratching, the protective elements can also be offset slightly inward in the radial direction relative to the vertical struts.

[0030] In order to move the protective cover back and forth between the locked position and the viewing position, it has proven advantageous if it can be moved back and forth between the locked position and the viewing position using a lifting movement. A lifting movement can ensure the most consistent level of protection possible, particularly against fire from a vertical direction. At the same time, the weapon station arranged on the protective cover can also be moved or raised vertically using the lifting movement. By raising the weapon station, the area that can be engaged with the weapon station is increased. In particular, targets in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle can be engaged by raising it. Furthermore, raising the vehicle roof prevents add-on parts arranged on the vehicle from obstructing the weapon station or the firing range.The barrel of the weapon station can be moved into a depression position. Advantageously, the barrel of the weapon station can be pivoted downwards by an elevation angle of up to 20 degrees.

[0031] To protect against NBC contamination, it has proven advantageous if the protective cover is sealed against the observation cage, particularly if it is gas-tight. This ensures protection against NBC contamination regardless of the protective cover's position, and prevents potentially hazardous substances from entering the observation chamber. A bellows, for example, can be provided for appropriate sealing.

[0032] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the protective cover to rest on the mounting area of ​​the observation cage when in the closed position. This design allows the viewing area to be reliably sealed, preventing ballistic fire from directly impacting the observation cage or the transparent protective elements, but rather only the protective cover located in front of the observation cage. Furthermore, the protective cover can also rest on the roof of the vehicle when in the closed position.

[0033] Since the protective cover can be quite heavy and can support very heavy additional attachments and devices, it has proven advantageous if the protective cover can be locked in the viewing position. This eliminates the need to actively hold the cover in the viewing position; instead, it can be automatically moved to the viewing position and then locked in this position.

[0034] To ensure reliable movement of the protective cover, it has also proven advantageous if the protective cover is guided along the observation cage. The observation cage, especially the vertical struts, can ensure reliable movement of the protective cover between the viewing and closed positions, preventing it from becoming jammed or jammed during such movement. The observation cage can act as a linear guide, and the protective cover can slide up and down along it.

[0035] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the protective cover is movable between the viewing position and the closed position via a lifting device. The protective cover can be raised and lowered automatically via the lifting device, so that no significant manual effort is required for such movement. The lifting device can be electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operated and can be controlled from inside the vehicle, in particular by the person located below the opening.

[0036] From a design perspective, it has also proven advantageous for the lifting device to have a bearing base on which the protective cover is mounted. The protective cover can be moved vertically via the bearing base, for which purpose it can rest on the bearing base. The protective cover can rest on the bearing base via a pivot bearing, in particular an axial pivot bearing, so that it can rotate relative to the observation cage and thus also relative to the vehicle.

[0037] With regard to the bearing base, it has proven advantageous to design it as a bearing ring. This design allows the bearing base to surround the observation cage, allowing the protective cover to be moved up and down over the bearing base on the observation cage.

[0038] In order to move the bearing base and thus also the protective cover accordingly, it has proven advantageous if the bearing base can be moved up and down between the viewing position and the closed position using a lifting cylinder. The protective cover can be raised and lowered reliably using the lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder can be connected to the vehicle at one end, e.g. to the vehicle roof. The lifting cylinder can extend essentially vertically so that it can move the protective cover or the bearing base essentially vertically when extended and retracted. The lifting cylinder can be connected to a hydraulic or pneumatic network of the vehicle and thus pressurized. Electric operation is also possible.

[0039] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the protective cover, in particular the bearing base, can be moved back and forth, or up and down, between the viewing position and the locking position via a scissor frame. The scissor frame can achieve an advantageous transmission ratio, so that even when heavy loads are arranged on the protective cover, it can be moved accordingly. The scissor frame can represent a connection between the lifting cylinder and the bearing base, so that the lifting movement initiated by the lifting cylinder can be transmitted to the bearing base via the scissor frame. Furthermore, the scissor frame allows the weight forces of the protective cover to be absorbed without having to be in the immediate vicinity of the opening.Especially if heavy loads are placed on the protective cover, it might otherwise be necessary to reinforce the vehicle in the roof area, which could lead to additional space requirements in the vehicle interior.

[0040] With regard to the scissor frame, it has further proven advantageous if it has a first frame part and a second frame part, wherein the two frame parts are pivotally connected to one another via a scissor joint about a scissor axis. The two frame parts can be pivotally connected to one another, particularly in the middle region, so that the scissor axis can move upwards via the lifting cylinder during a lifting movement. The lifting cylinder can act on one of the two frame parts, in particular the first frame part, and by coupling the two frame parts, the scissor frame can be accordingly erected during a lifting movement. The bearing base can be connected to the other, in particular the second, frame part, which has proven advantageous with regard to the leverage ratios.

[0041] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the scissor axis extends horizontally essentially centrally through the observation cage. This design allows the distance between the scissor axis and the bearings, which will be explained in more detail below, to be comparatively large, so that the scissor axis moves approximately along a straight line in the vertical direction during a lifting movement via the lifting cylinder.

[0042] To connect the bearing base to the pivoting frame, it has proven advantageous if one of the frame parts, in particular the second frame part, is connected to the protective cover via a connecting joint so that it can pivot about the pivot axis, in particular to the protective cover via the bearing base. The pivoting frame or the frame part can, but does not have to, be directly connected to the protective cover; rather, an indirect connection can also be provided, e.g., via the bearing base. By connecting via the connecting joint, the second frame part and the protective cover or the bearing base can be pivotally decoupled from one another, so that the protective cover or the bearing base can be moved approximately vertically.The force flow can thus be transmitted from the bearing base to the second frame section, and from there to the vehicle via the bearings of the second frame section, or via the scissor joint to the first frame section, and from there to the vehicle via the bearings of the first frame section. Alternatively, or additionally, it is also possible for the bearing base to be connected to the first frame section. For this purpose, an additional connecting joint can be provided, for example.

[0043] With regard to the pivot axis, it has proven advantageous if it is arranged parallel to the joint axis. This parallel arrangement allows a movement around the pivot axis to partially compensate for a movement around the joint axis, so that the bearing base can be raised and lowered approximately vertically. It is also advantageous in terms of leverage if the pivot axis and the joint axis are arranged parallel to each other. If there are multiple connecting joints and therefore multiple pivot axes, the connecting joints can be arranged such that the pivot axes are also arranged parallel to each other.

[0044] With regard to the resulting force and leverage ratios, it has proven advantageous if the pivot axis is offset from the center of the bearing base. The pivot axis can be offset in the direction of the bearings. This means an offset in the horizontal direction. The distance between the pivot axis and the joint axis can advantageously be in the range between 0.5 and 0.95, preferably between 0.65 and 0.9, and particularly preferably between 0.8 and 0.9 times the radius of the bearing base.

[0045] Appropriate bearings can be provided to connect the frame parts to the vehicle or to the vehicle roof. It has proven advantageous if the first frame part can be connected to the vehicle via a fixed bearing and the second frame part via a loose bearing. Both the fixed bearing and the loose bearing can enable a pivoting movement of the respective frame parts relative to the vehicle. However, the fixed bearing can be firmly connected to the vehicle so that a translational relative movement relative to the vehicle is not possible. The loose bearing can enable a corresponding translational relative movement, in particular with one degree of freedom. The loose bearing can therefore move in a linear direction relative to the vehicle or on the vehicle roof. It is possible for the loose bearing to be guided in a linear guide for this purpose.The bearings can be arranged in the respective end areas of the frame parts so that the weight of the protective cover and the attachments and devices arranged on the protective cover can be introduced into the vehicle as far away from the opening as possible. This eliminates the need for additional stiffeners in the area of ​​the opening. Two loose bearings and two fixed bearings can be provided, whereby the two loose bearings and the two fixed bearings can be located opposite each other with regard to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, one loose bearing and one fixed bearing can therefore be arranged on both the left and right sides. The two frame parts can be designed to be axially symmetrical, independently of one another, in particular axially symmetrical to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. This ensures reliable load distribution.Furthermore, the fixed bearings can be located at the front of the vehicle and the floating bearings at the rear, or connected to it. This allows the loads to be applied at points as far apart as possible, which has also proven advantageous in terms of stability.

[0046] With regard to the arrangement of the lifting cylinder, it has proven advantageous if it is located in the end region of the first frame section opposite the fixed bearings. The lifting cylinder can be used to move the corresponding end region of the first frame section up and down, and the large distance between the lifting cylinder and the fixed bearings results in advantageous leverage ratios. The first frame section can thus be pivoted about the fixed bearings with a corresponding movement of the lifting cylinder. Two lifting cylinders are advantageously provided so that the forces for moving the frame section are distributed accordingly between both lifting cylinders. The two lifting cylinders can be located opposite each other with regard to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0047] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the first frame part and the second frame part each have a cross strut, wherein the cross strut of the first frame part is arranged on one side of the observation dome and the cross strut of the second frame part is arranged on the opposite side of the observation dome. The cross struts can ensure increased stability and, in particular, improve the torsional rigidity of the scissor-type frame as a whole. This is particularly important when additional, heavy devices are arranged on the protective cover, particularly when the resulting loads are not distributed symmetrically. The cross struts can be arranged parallel to one another and extend transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. A cross strut, in particular the cross strut of the first frame part, can be arranged in front of the opening orthe observation cage, and the other cross brace, in particular the cross brace of the second frame part, can be arranged behind the opening or the observation cage in the direction of travel. The opening or the observation cage can thus be bordered by the two cross braces and the frame parts in the manner of a square.

[0048] The first frame part and the second frame part can each have two frame struts arranged parallel to one another, which can be connected to one another via the respective cross strut. The frame struts can extend parallel to one another in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The frame struts of the first frame part and the frame struts of the second frame part can each be connected to one another via a scissor joint. In the viewing position, the frame struts can be arranged parallel to the roof of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the viewing position, the frame struts of the two frame parts can be arranged parallel to one another.

[0049] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the frame parts are angled starting from the bearings in the direction of the scissor joint. When the scissor frame is raised and the protective cover is thus in the viewing position, the frame struts of the frame parts in the area of ​​the hatch can extend essentially horizontally and thus parallel to the roof of the vehicle. Since the bearings can be arranged on the vehicle roof, the angled portions can be angled downwards. The angled portions can be connected to the frame struts; in particular, the angled portions can be arranged between a frame strut and a bearing. The angled portion(s) can be angled not only uniaxially, but also biaxially. The frame parts, or at least the first frame part, can therefore be angled not only downwards, but also outwards in its end regions.This is due to the fact that the transverse spacing of the bearings can be greater than the transverse spacing of the frame struts in the opening area to ensure reliable load distribution. The cross struts can be arranged in the connection area between a frame strut and a bend to ensure increased stability in this area. Overall, the scissor frame can be designed as a tubular or welded tubular structure. This allows sufficient strength and stability to be achieved while maintaining low weight.

[0050] With regard to the protective cover, it has also proven advantageous if it is mounted so that it can rotate relative to the observation cage. By rotating the protective cover, the components and devices arranged on the protective cover can also be rotated together. The corresponding axis of rotation can extend vertically through the center of the protective cover and thus also through the opening and the observation cage.

[0051] To enable such rotational movement, the protective cover can be arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the observation cage via a pivot bearing, in particular an axial pivot bearing. For this purpose, the pivot bearing can have two rings arranged so as to be rotatable relative to one another, between which balls can be arranged to enable relative movement of the rings. The pivot bearing can be arranged concentrically to the opening and the observation cage. The protective cover can be supported on the bearing base via the pivot bearing, so that the pivot bearing can be arranged between the protective cover and the bearing base. To enable rotation of the protective cover, the bearing base does not itself have to be rotatable; rather, rotation is ensured by the rotatable connection via the pivot bearing. When the bearing base is raised and lowered, the pivot bearing can therefore also be moved in the same direction.

[0052] With regard to the connection between the protective cover and the pivot bearing, it has proven advantageous if the protective cover has a projection, in particular a radial projection. The projection can cover the pivot bearing, so that the pivot bearing cannot move radially relative to the projection. Furthermore, the projection protects the pivot bearing in the lowered closed position, so that the pivot bearing is then not visible and is therefore also protected from fire via the protective cover. Specifically, the projection can be arranged at the lower end of the casing section and can be designed to project outwards in the radial direction on the circumference in the manner of a shoulder.

[0053] With regard to the object stated above, a vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, is further proposed which has an observation dome designed in the manner described above. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the observation dome. The opening can be arranged in the roof area of ​​the vehicle, so that a person inside the vehicle can stick their head through the opening and observe the vehicle's surroundings from a protected above-the-roof position. In addition to the opening, a hatch, in particular an entry / exit hatch, can also be provided for entering or exiting the vehicle via the roof.

[0054] Further details and advantages of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of a schematic embodiment. In these drawings: Fig. 1a, b a vehicle with an observation dome in the viewing position and in a locking position in a perspective side view; Fig. 2a, b the vehicle according to the illustrations in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b in a side view; Fig. 3a, b the vehicle according to the illustrations in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b in a front view; Fig. 4a the vehicle according to the illustrations in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b with a folded periscope in a side view; Fig. 4b the vehicle according to the illustrations in the Fig. 4a in a front view; Fig. 5a the observation dome in a sectioned detailed view; Fig. 5b the observation dome according to Fig. 5a in a sectional exploded view; Fig. 6 the vehicle according to Fig. 2b in an enlarged sectional view; Fig. 7 the vehicle as shown in Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, whereby the protective cover and the weapon station and periscope arranged on the protective cover are not shown.

[0055] The representation of the Fig. 1a shows a perspective side view of a military land vehicle. The vehicle 100 has an interior protected against ballistic fire, in which the vehicle crew is accommodated. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two people in the vehicle 100, but the interior also offers space for additional people. A circular opening 10 is provided in the roof area of ​​the vehicle 100, through which a person can stretch their head in order to observe the surroundings of the vehicle 100 in a horizontal direction. Since the vehicle 100 is protected against ballistic fire, it only has quite small windows, which make it difficult to fully capture the vehicle's surroundings. In the over-the-roof position, i.e. when the person located below the opening 10 stretches their head out through the opening 10, the vehicle's surroundings can be perceived with comparatively good situational awareness.

[0056] However, since the level of protection for the person observing the vehicle's surroundings through the opening is comparatively low, particularly due to the exposed head position, an observation dome 1 is provided to protect the head even in the over-the-roof position. This observation dome 1, the structure of which will be explained in more detail below, ensures that the head is protected from ballistic fire even in the over-the-roof position. Furthermore, the observation dome 1 also provides protection against NBC contamination.

[0057] In the presentation of the Fig. 1, the observation dome 1 is initially in a closed position V, in which a protective cover 2 closes a viewing opening S. Although this position provides the best protection, it does not allow direct observation of the surroundings, but only indirect observation via the periscope 21, which extends through the protective cover 2.

[0058] To enable observation of the surroundings, the protective cover 2 must be raised to the viewing position A, which is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 1b. By lifting the protective cover 2, the viewing opening S is exposed, allowing the surroundings to be observed horizontally. The protective cover 2 is arranged essentially parallel to the opening 10 and thus functions as vertical protection against fire, for example, from higher positions or from the air.

[0059] However, in order to protect the head of the person in the over-the-roof position not only against vertical but also against essentially horizontal fire, an observation cage 3 is provided, which can be seen, for example, in the exploded view of the Fig. 5b or in the sectional view of the Fig. 5a. The observation cage 3 extends like a cylinder around the opening 10 and protrudes upwards relative to the roof of the vehicle 10. Due to this design, the vehicle interior is essentially extended upwards by the observation cage 3 and an observation space B is created above the opening 10. This observation space B is also shown in the illustration of the Fig. 6 can be clearly seen. The viewing opening S, through which the person can observe the surroundings in a horizontal direction, is part of the observation cage 3.

[0060] The observation cage 3 has several narrow vertical struts 3.2 extending vertically, which are connected at the upper end via a circular connecting ring 3.4 and at the lower end via a mounting area 3.3 extending essentially parallel to the connecting ring 3.4 and also essentially circular in shape. Transparent protective elements 3.1 are arranged in the resulting square open spaces, which enable observation of the surroundings in a horizontal direction, but at the same time also ensure ballistic protection of the head located in the observation area B. Since the observation cage 3 and thus also the viewing opening S extend all the way around the opening 10 or the observation area B, the person can observe the entire vehicle surroundings horizontally in a 360-degree field of vision.

[0061] The observation cage 3 is firmly connected to the roof of the vehicle 100 via the mounting area 3.3, which is designed like a flange. This not only ensures a sufficiently stable connection but also serves as protection against NBC contamination. This is because the observation area B is hermetically sealed from the environment, regardless of the position of the protective cover 2, so that as little gas as possible can penetrate from the outside through the interfaces into the interior of the observation cage 3.

[0062] In the presentation of the Fig. 5a, the protective cover 2 is in the closed position V, in which it is arranged in front of the viewing opening S or the transparent protective elements 3.1, so that the surroundings cannot be observed in this position. Although the observation cage 3 offers a certain degree of ballistic protection, this can be significantly improved by the protective cover 2. In order to penetrate the observation area B, an incoming projectile would first have to penetrate the protective cover 2 and then the observation cage 3. In order to ensure reliable protection, especially in the closed position V, the protective cover 2 is made of a high-strength steel alloy, in particular armor steel.

[0063] In terms of design, the protective cover 2 is adapted to the geometry of the observation cage 3. The protective cover 2 has a substantially circular cover section 2.1 and a substantially cylindrical jacket section 2.2, which extends downwards from the cover section 2.1. To ensure sufficient stability, the jacket section 2.2 and the cover section 2.1 are integrally connected to one another. The cover section 2.1 essentially represents vertical protection, as already explained above. The jacket section 2.2, which is arranged in front of the viewing opening S in the closed position V, primarily serves to protect against essentially horizontal fire and thus functions as horizontal protection.Overall, the protective cover 2 thus has a pot-shaped cross-section and, in the closed position V, is placed over the observation cage 3 so that it completely covers the observation cage 3.

[0064] In order to release the viewing opening S, the protective cover 2 must now be lifted from the closed position V into the viewing position A by means of a lifting movement. In order to lift the protective cover 2 accordingly, a lifting device 4 is provided, the structure of which will be explained in more detail below. The lifting device 4 has a bearing base 4.1 which is movable in an approximately vertical direction and has the shape of a ring and extends around the opening 10 or around the observation cage 3, as is shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. 5b. On this bearing base 4.1, a pivot bearing 2.5 designed as an axial pivot bearing is arranged, and the protective cover 2 rests on this. To connect the pivot bearing 2.5 to the protective cover 2, the latter has a projection 2.4 at the lower end, which projects circumferentially in the radial direction and against which the pivot bearing 2.5 rests. The projection 2.4 acts like a shoulder, so that the protective cover 2 can be supported on the pivot bearing 2.5 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the pivot bearing 2.5 is also covered horizontally by the projection 2.4, so that the pivot bearing 2.5 is protected by the protective cover 2 in the closed position V, as shown in the illustration of Fig. 5a can be seen.

[0065] The pivot bearing 2.5 essentially consists of two rings that are rotatable via several balls about a rotation axis D extending vertically through the center of the opening 10. The lower ring is in contact with the bearing base 4.1, and the upper ring is in contact with the protective cover 2. When the bearing base 4.1 is raised or lowered, the pivot bearing 2.5 and the protective cover 2 move accordingly.

[0066] The pivot bearing 2.5 allows the protective cover 2 to be rotated back and forth about the rotation axis D, regardless of whether the protective cover 2 is in the viewing position A or in the closed position V. Since both the observation cage 3 and the protective cover 2, as well as the bearing base 4.1 and the pivot bearing 2.5, are designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the rotation axis D, a complete 360-degree rotation is possible, which has no influence on the observation space B. The surroundings can thus be observed through the viewing opening S in the viewing position A, regardless of the rotational movement of the protective cover 2.

[0067] Different components and devices can be arranged on the protective cover 2 or on the flat cover section 2.1 of the protective cover 2, which can then be rotated back and forth about the rotation axis D by rotating the protective cover 2 in the azimuth direction. As can be seen from the illustration, in the exemplary embodiment, a weapon station 20 and a periscope 21 are arranged on the protective cover 2.

[0068] Weapon station 20 is a remote-controlled weapon station whose barrel can be directed into elevation. As shown, for example, in the illustration of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2b, the barrel could also be directed into a depression position by the lifting movement of the protective cover (2), in order to engage targets in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. Due to the arrangement of the weapon station 20 on the protective cover 2 or on the cover section 2.1 of the protective cover 2, it is not necessary for the weapon station 20 itself to be able to be directed in azimuth; rather, such a directing movement can be enabled by a rotational movement of the protective cover 2 about the rotation axis D.

[0069] In addition to the weapon station 20, a periscope 21 is arranged on the protective cover 2, which allows observation of the surroundings even when the protective cover 2 is in the closed position V and the viewing opening S is closed. For this purpose, the periscope 21 extends centrally through the cover section 2.1 of the protective cover 2 and thus concentrically to the axis of rotation D, so that light rays can enter the interior of the vehicle 100. Due to the central arrangement, the viewing part of the periscope arranged in the vehicle 100 remains stationary during a rotational movement of the protective cover 2 and can be rotationally decoupled from the viewing part arranged above the protective cover 2. Furthermore, the viewing part of the periscope 21 can be coupled to the barrel of the weapon station 20, so that the line of sight and the line of fire are aligned approximately parallel.

[0070] As can be seen, for example, from the representation of the Fig. 2a and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2b, the periscope 21 forms the highest point of the vehicle 100, regardless of the position of the observation dome 1 or the protective cover 2, and thus determines the overall height. It may be useful in various situations to reduce the vehicle height, for example, during air loading or to reduce the risk of reconnaissance. For this reason, the periscope 21 can be lowered and can essentially be pulled slightly into the vehicle, as can be seen from a comparison of the representation of the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b. While this results in restrictions in the head area of ​​the person standing under the opening 10, the overall height of the vehicle can be reduced by several centimeters. Overall, the surroundings can thus be observed both in the viewing position A and in the closed position V, either directly through the viewing opening S or via the periscope 21.

[0071] In order to move the protective cover 2 up and down via the bearing base 4.1 of the lifting device 4, a scissor frame 5 is provided on the roof of the vehicle 100. This frame can be operated via the two lifting cylinders 4.2. The basic task of the scissor frame 5 is to transfer the sometimes heavy weight of the protective cover 2, due to the weapon station 20 and the periscope 21, into the vehicle 100. The scissor frame 5 is supported relative to the roof of the vehicle 100 via four bearings 5.4, 5.5, which are arranged quite a distance from the opening 10. Since the roof of the vehicle is weakened by the opening 10, but the forces are introduced via the scissor frame 5 at a great distance from the opening 10 in the more stable edge area of ​​the roof, it is not necessary to equip the roof with additional stiffeners.

[0072] The scissor frame 5 essentially consists of two pivotally connected frame parts 5.1, 5.2. The first frame part 5.1 is arranged in the front area of ​​the vehicle 100 and supported on the roof of the vehicle 100 via the two fixed bearings 5.4. Although the fixed bearings 5.4 do not allow any translational movement of the first frame part 5.1, it can be pivoted about the fixed bearings 5.4 transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, as can also be seen from the illustration of the Fig. 7 is evident.

[0073] To move the first frame part 5.1, it can be moved up and down in the end area opposite the fixed bearings 5.4 via two lifting cylinders 4.2 and can pivot about the fixed bearings 5.4. The lifting cylinders 4.2 are pivotally connected to the first frame part 5.1 on one side and to the vehicle 100 on the other side. In the illustrations of the Fig. 6 and Fig. In Figure 7, the lifting cylinders 4.2 are shown in the retracted position, but they should be extended and connected to the erected first frame part 5.1.

[0074] In the rear third, the first frame part 5.1 is connected to the rear second frame part 5.2 via the two scissor joints 5.3. The two scissor joints 5.3 form the scissor axis K1 extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle 100, which in the illustration of the Fig. 7. This scissor axis K1 extends parallel to the axis passing through the two fixed bearings 5.4, around which the first frame part 5.2 can pivot.

[0075] Since the two fixed bearings 5.4 are firmly connected to the vehicle roof, the scissor axis K1 moves in a circular path when the lifting cylinders 4.2 extend and retract. However, since the distance between the scissor axis K1 and the fixed bearings 5.4 is quite large and the lifting distance is short, the scissor axis K1 moves approximately vertically upwards when the lifting cylinders 4.2 extend, and approximately vertically downwards when the lifting cylinders 4.2 retract.

[0076] To enable such movement, the two rear bearings, by which the second frame part 5.2 is supported on the roof of the vehicle 100, are designed as movable bearings 5.5, so that they can move translationally within certain limits. The movable bearings 5.5 also enable a rotational movement about an axis of the second frame part 5.2 that runs parallel to the scissor axis K1. If the first frame part 5.1 is now moved upwards from the lowered position via the lifting cylinders 4.2 and raised, the rear second frame part 5.2 is also raised accordingly via the scissor joint(s) 5.3. The two movable bearings 5.5 deflect slightly backwards in the process, so that jamming does not occur. In the illustration of the Fig. 2a, the scissor frame 5 is shown in the lowered position, in which the protective cover 2 closes the viewing opening S. The raised position, in which the lifting cylinders 4.2 are extended and the protective cover 2 releases the viewing opening S, is shown in the illustration of Fig. 2b can be seen.

[0077] From a structural point of view, the two frame parts 5.1, 5.2 are each designed symmetrically to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. In the central area, in which the two frame parts 5.1, 5.2 are connected to each other, they have two tubular frame struts 5.11, 5.21 arranged parallel to each other to the left and right of the opening 10 and the observation cage 3, respectively, in the direction of travel. In the erected position, these frame struts run horizontally parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, as can be seen, for example, from the illustration of the Fig. 7. The frame struts 5.11 are assigned to the first frame part 5.1 and the frame struts 5.21 to the second frame part 5.2.

[0078] In the end regions of the frame struts 5.11, 5.21 facing the respective bearings 5.4, 5.5, the frame parts 5.1, 5.2 have angled portions 5.9, which are connected to the bearings 5.4, 5.5 and thus connect the frame parts 5.11, 5.21 to the bearings 5.4, 5.5. These angled portions 5.9 are designed in such a way, or the angle between the angled portions 5.9 and the frame struts 5.11, 5.21 is dimensioned such that the frame struts 5.11, 5.21 are aligned essentially parallel to the vehicle roof in the erected position. Furthermore, the two frame struts 5.11, 5.21 of the two frame parts 5.1, 5.2 are arranged in pairs. Specifically, one pair of frame struts 5.11, 5.21 is arranged on one side of the opening 10 or the observation cage 3, respectively, and the other pair of frame struts 5.11, 5.21 is arranged on the other side of the opening 10 or the observation cage 3. In the lowered position, the frame struts 5.11, 5.21 inclined downwards towards the vehicle roof, as shown in the . Fig. 2a. The rear bends 5.9 are slightly longer than the front bends 5.9, so that the force introduction points into the vehicle 100 are far apart from each other.

[0079] In order to increase the overall stability of the frame parts 5.1, 5.2, they are each reinforced with a cross strut 5.7, 5.8 extending transversely to the vehicle 100. The cross strut 5.7 of the first frame part 5.1 is arranged in front of the opening 10 or the observation cage 3 in the direction of travel, and the cross strut 5.8 of the second frame part 5.2 is arranged behind the opening 10 or the observation cage 3 in the direction of travel. The opening 10 or the observation cage 3 is thus bordered by elements arranged in the manner of a rectangle, namely the two cross struts 5.7, 5.8 and the frame struts 5.11, 5.21. This can be seen, for example, from the illustration of the Fig. 7 clearly visible.

[0080] In order to move the protective cover 2 back and forth between the viewing position A and the closed position V via the scissor frame 5 or the lifting cylinder 4.2, the bearing base 4.1 is connected to the scissor frame 5 or to the second frame part 5.2. This is also best illustrated in the illustration of the Fig.7. The connection between the second frame part 5.2 and the bearing base 4.1 is arranged in the end region of the second frame part 5.2 opposite the floating bearings 5.5. For the connection, one or two connecting joints 5.6 are provided, which engage the outside of the bearing base 4.1 and connect the bearing base 4.1 to the second frame part 5.2 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis K2. The pivot axis K2 is arranged parallel to the scissor axis K1. The pivoting movement of the scissor frame 5 or of the two frame parts 5.1, 5.2 can thus be compensated and the bearing base 4.1 can be moved up and down in an almost vertical direction. To guide this movement, the bearing base 4.1 can be guided on the outside of the observation cage 3, which can therefore function as a linear guide.

[0081] The connecting joint 5.6 or the connecting joints 5.6 are arranged off-center of the bearing base 4.1, so that the pivot axis K2 does not extend through the center of the bearing base 4.1 and thus does not intersect the rotation axis D. In order to realize an approximately vertical movement, the pivot axis K2 is offset in the direction of the fixed bearing 5.4 arranged in the front area of ​​the vehicle 100.

[0082] Overall, the scissor frame 5 offers favorable leverage ratios, allowing the protective cover 2, along with the additional and sometimes very heavy components and devices mounted thereon, to be reliably raised and lowered with comparatively little force. Furthermore, the forces are introduced into the vehicle 100 via the scissor frame 5 at a comparatively large distance from the opening 10, eliminating the need for additional reinforcements of the vehicle roof. Reference symbol: 1 observation dome 2 protective covers 2.1 Cover section 2.2 Shell section 2.4 Advantage 2.5 Pivot bearing 3 observation cage 3.1 Protective element 3.2 Vertical struts 3.3 Assembly area 3.4 Connecting ring 4 Lifting device 4.1 Stock base 4.2 Lifting cylinder 5 scissor frames 5.1 first frame part 5.11 Frame brace 5.2 second frame part 5.21 Frame brace 5.3 Scissors joint 5.4 Fixed bearing 5.5 Loose bearings 5.6 Connecting joint 5.7 Cross brace 5.8 Cross brace 5.9 Angulation 10 Opening 20 weapon stations 21 Periscope 100 vehicles A Outlook position V locking position S viewing opening K1 scissor axis K2 swivel axis B Observation room D axis of rotation QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 107 733.0

[0003]

Claims

[1] Observation dome for a military vehicle (100) with an opening (10) through which a person can extend his head to observe the vehicle surroundings in an over-roof position, a viewing opening (S) for observing the vehicle surroundings and a protective cover (2) for protecting the person, characterized by that the protective cover (2) can be lifted from a closed position (V), in which it closes the viewing opening (S), into a viewing position (A) which releases the viewing opening (S). [2] Observation dome according to claim 1, characterized by a weapon station (20) arranged on the protective cover (2). [3] Observation dome according to claim 2, characterized by that the viewing opening (S) enables all-round observation of the surroundings while simultaneously providing all-round combat by the weapon station (20). [4] Observation dome according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byan optic, in particular a periscope (21), which enables observation of the surroundings in the closed position (V). [5] Observation dome according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an observation cage (3) which, in the over-roof position, enables observation of the surroundings protected from horizontal fire, wherein the observation cage (3) protrudes upwards opposite the opening (10) to protect the person's head in the over-roof position. [6] Vehicle hatch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the viewing opening (S) is provided with at least one transparent ballistic protective element (3.1). [7] Vehicle hatch according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the observation cage (3) is fixedly connected to the edge of the opening (10). [8] Observation dome according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the protective cover (2) is designed as a protective hood which has a, in particular circular, cover section (2.1) and a casing section (2.2) connected to the cover section (2.1), wherein the casing section (2.2) is arranged concentrically to the observation cage (3). [9] Observation dome according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective cover (2) can be moved between the closed position (V) and the viewing position (A) via a lifting movement in the vertical direction. [10] Observation dome according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective cover (2) can be moved back and forth between the viewing position (A) and the locking position (V) via a scissor frame (5). [11] Observation dome according to claim 10, characterized bythat the scissor frame (5) has a first frame part (5.1) and a second frame part (5.2), wherein the two frame parts (5.1, 5.2) are pivotally connected to one another about a scissor axis (K1) via a scissor joint (5.3). [12] Observation dome according to claim 11, characterized by that one of the frame parts (5.1) is connected to the protective cover (2) via a connecting joint (5.6) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (K2). [13] Observation dome according to claim 12, characterized by that the swivel axis (K2) is arranged parallel to the joint axis (K1). [14] Observation dome according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized by that the protective cover (2) is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the observation cage (3). [15] Vehicle, in particular a military land vehicle, with an opening (10) arranged in the roof area and an observation dome (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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