Corner mirror with emergency sight

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an angle mirror with an emergency sight.

[0002] Such periscope mirrors are frequently used in automotive engineering to ensure that the surroundings are projected into the vehicle interior. The vehicle's occupants should be able to observe their surroundings from inside the vehicle. Periscope mirrors are known for this purpose, some of which protrude from the vehicle and some of which remain inside.

[0003] The part of the angle mirror that remains inside the vehicle has a view through which the vehicle's crew can perceive an image from outside the vehicle.

[0004] The outside image is transmitted to the viewer via an optical guide inside the corner mirror. For this purpose, the corner mirror typically has an at least partially transparent mirror head, which can receive optical signals from outside the vehicle and transmit them through the corner mirror for viewing.

[0005] The optical signals in the corner mirror are guided by corresponding mirrors, which carry the optical signals from the mirror head to the viewing area. Prism arrangements are also known for signal guidance in a corner mirror.

[0006] Such a corner mirror is known, for example, from EP 3 252 424 A1. This document discloses a corner mirror for an armored vehicle with a viewing and a viewing area. Optical signals are transmitted from the viewing area to the viewing area via mirrors and prisms, allowing vehicle occupants to perceive an image of the vehicle's surroundings.

[0007] To optimize image transmission from the outside of the vehicle to the inside, it is also known to optimize the angle mirror with electronic components. This can, for example, provide light amplification, night vision, or even a magnification function for the image being viewed.

[0008] However, such electronic image enhancements have the disadvantage that in the event of a power failure in an emergency situation, a poor or even no image of the surroundings can be seen through the periphery mirror because the electronic components then fail.

[0009] A further problem arises when aiming at a target through the periscope, as is common, for example, in armored vehicles with turrets and a weapon system. For this purpose, it would be helpful to be able to not only observe the periscope's field of view, defined in elevation, but also to be able to civilize the target depending on the weapon's elevation.

[0010] To be able to use the periscope despite the initial problem of an emergency situation without the availability of electrical power, it is known to transmit images through the periscope using prisms and / or fiber optics. For example, EP 1 467 237 B1 discloses a telescope for armored vehicles that uses image guides for image transmission.

[0011] Another known approach is to install a second perimeter mirror on the vehicle for emergency sighting. The problem, however, is that this requires additional space and a second observer. Likewise, when using fiber optic cables for image transmission, image optimization is usually not possible.

[0012] The IL 94659 A shows a periscopic targeting system with separate means for projection into the line of sight.

[0013] EP 1 118 895 A1 describes a day and night vision device.

[0014] FR 1 231 001 A shows a periscope device.

[0015] DE 102 53 477 A1 describes a viewing device with the help of which an observer can observe the outside world from closed or protected rooms.

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an angle mirror with emergency sighting, which remains operational at least in the event of an emergency without electrical power and to minimize the space required for such a double sighting.

[0017] This problem is solved by the features of the main claim.

[0018] For example, a corner mirror is proposed that is housed in a housing. The corner mirror comprises a base and a mirror head, both of which are housed in the housing. The mirror head protrudes from the vehicle and is at least partially transparent, allowing optical signals to enter the mirror head to display an image of the surroundings using the corner mirror.

[0019] The lower part of the angle mirror is arranged inside the vehicle and contains a first view by means of which the crew of the vehicle can perceive the image of the surroundings by means of the angle mirror.

[0020] According to the invention, a lens is also provided that is not located within the housing of the angle mirror. This lens is arranged outside the housing on the vehicle, preferably on the weapon cradle, in order to transmit images depending on the elevation of the weapon.

[0021] This lens is connected to the periscope via an optical connection, whereby this optical connection functions purely physically, preferably through at least one fiber optic cable. To connect the fiber optic cable to the lens and the periscope, connectors are provided on both the lens and the periscope.

[0022] The corner mirror designed in this way can now usually transmit different images, namely an image of the surroundings which enters the corner mirror through the mirror head, as well as the image which is transmitted through the lens and the connection to the corner mirror.

[0023] To effectively transmit both images, it is preferably proposed to provide a second view on the corner mirror, which can display the image from the lens. Thus, the corner mirror comprises two views, namely a primary view and a secondary view, in order to display two different images.

[0024] In a further embodiment, these two insights can be combined into one insight, so that both images are displayed combined on one display or insight.

[0025] To achieve targeting using the objective image, a sighting mark can be used that is tailored to the respective weapon. A stadiametric funnel is particularly preferred as a sighting mark. Optionally, such a sighting mark can be illuminated using a tritium channel or a battery and a light source.

[0026] The image transmission via the angle mirror's mirror head can be electrically optimized, as is the case with the state of the art. Should an emergency situation arise in which no electrical power is available, the lens will then function as an emergency sight. This allows the emergency sight to remain operational without electrical power. This ensures that images of the surroundings can be transmitted to the vehicle at all times.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferably proposed that the angle mirror be designed such that it includes a rotating plate to make the lower part rotatable relative to the mirror head. The rotating plate is arranged in the roof area of the vehicle and ensures that the lower part is rotatable relative to the mirror head. As a further embodiment, it is conceivable for the angle mirror to be designed to be rotatable as a whole. For this purpose, the rotating plate is fixedly connected to the vehicle, and the angle mirror as a whole can be rotated relative to the vehicle via the rotating plate. This makes it possible to ensure a panoramic view from the vehicle.

[0028] To be able to vary the length of the angle mirror, it is further proposed to provide an intermediate piece between the mirror head and the lower part, through which the optical signal can then pass between the mirror head and the lower part. Such an intermediate piece can compensate for height differences that occur, for example, with different armor plating on the roof of a vehicle.

[0029] The objective mounted externally opposite the periscope preferably includes at least one lens through which the image is captured and subsequently transmitted via the connection to the periscope. Using such a lens, it is possible to enlarge the image area to be transmitted or to achieve a corresponding zoom.

[0030] A lens system for the lens that would allow for variable zoom is also conceivable. Light amplification through such a lens system is also conceivable.

[0031] The connectors for the connection between the lens and the angled mirror can be implemented as plug-in or screw connections. However, a fixed, non-detachable connection at the connectors is also conceivable.

[0032] The aforementioned features provide the perimeter mirror with emergency sight with product-related and user-oriented advantages. The merging of two sights results in a compact system that is robust and easy to maintain. The user benefits from faster access to the two adjacent fields of view or the combined field of view to perform their task. The integration of the emergency sight image into the perimeter mirror enables a compact design.

[0033] Further features are shown in the attached drawings. They show: Figure 1 : A schematic view of an angle mirror according to the invention with attached lens Figure 2a: An isometric front view of an angle mirror according to the invention Figure 2b : An isometric rear view of an angle mirror according to the invention Figure 3 : An attachment of a periphery mirror and lens to a vehicle.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the components of an angle mirror according to the invention. The angle mirror (A) includes an objective lens (B) and a connection (C) between the angle mirror (A) and the objective lens (B). Thus, although the objective lens (B) belongs to the angle mirror (A), it is arranged externally and thus away from the housing (2) of the angle mirror (A).

[0035] How Figure 2aAs shown, the connection (C) is preferably designed as at least one fiber optic cable (30) and is provided with connections (D) via the mirror head (1) to the housing (2) of the periphery mirror (A) and the lens (B). The connection (C) can be connected to the lens and the housing of the periphery mirror via the connections (D).

[0036] The objective (B) consists of an objective housing (20) and preferably at least one lens (21). The light entering the objective (B) is transmitted through the connection (C) without current to the housing (2) of the angle mirror (A), where "currentless" means that the transmission functions without electrical energy.

[0037] The angled mirror includes a housing (2) in which a mirror head (1) and a base (3) are arranged. The mirror head (1) is designed to be at least partially transparent, with an outlet (9), so that light can enter the housing (2) of the angled mirror (A) through the mirror head (1). For this purpose, the mirror head (1) can include an outlet that represents the transparent area of the mirror head (1).

[0038] The lower part (3), in turn, contains at least a first view (4) that can display an image. Preferably, the lower part (3) contains a second view (10) that can also display an image. It is proposed that the first view (4) displays the image captured by the mirror head (1), and the second view (10) displays the image captured by the lens (B).

[0039] This embodiment makes it possible to generate a first image, which is captured by the mirror head (1). This image is guided through the housing (2) of the corner mirror (A) to the first viewport (4). It is also possible to generate a second image, which is captured by the lens (B). This image is guided through the connection (C) to the housing (2) of the corner mirror (A) to be displayed on the second viewport (10).

[0040] The image from the mirror head (1) can be optimized. This allows for night vision, UV vision, and / or infrared vision, as well as filters. Diopter adjustments for different visual acuities are also possible on the second viewport (10). Focusing, thus adjusting for distance vision, is also possible.

[0041] It is possible to integrate the display of the second view (10) into the first view (4). This means that the second view (10) can then be understood as part of the first view (4).

[0042] Figure 2b shows the exact structure of the angle mirror (A) with the lens (B) connected via the connection (C). The angle mirror (A) consists of a mirror head (1) and a base (3), both of which are arranged in the housing (2).

[0043] The housing (2) is mounted in a vehicle such that at least the mirror head (1) protrudes from the vehicle and can capture an image of the surroundings. The lower part is arranged in the interior of the vehicle. For securing the angle mirror (A), it is preferably proposed to provide a rotating plate (6), by means of which it can be attached to a roof of a vehicle or a tower.

[0044] Such a rotating plate can be used to rotate the housing (2) relative to the vehicle or to rotate the lower part (3) relative to the mirror head (1). One possibility for extending the housing (2) is to arrange an intermediate piece (8) between the mirror head (1) and the lower part (3).

[0045] The light entering the mirror head (1) is guided to the first viewing port (4) via mirrors (5). Prisms inside the housing (2) can contribute to image transmission. The individual elements of the housing (2) can be connected to one another via fastening elements (7).

[0046] The mirrors (5) are arranged to be movable in order to vary the field of view of the angle mirror (A).

[0047] Figure 3 shows a possible arrangement of the elements of the angle mirror according to the invention with the angle mirror (A) itself, an objective (B) and the connection (C) between objective (B) and angle mirror (A).

[0048] The lens is mounted on the vehicle's weapon cradle to track elevation movements. This allows aiming via the image transmission from the lens (B) to the angle mirror (A).

[0049] The connection (C) is preferably implemented using at least one fiber optic cable. Any excess length of the fiber optic cable can be accommodated by winding it in area C, especially since the movement of the weapon cradle must be accommodated.

[0050] The two images of the lens (B) and the angle mirror (A) are transmitted as above to the housing of the angle mirror (A) and transferred to a first and second view.

[0051] The views can be implemented via optics, such as lens arrays. A screen display for the first view is also possible. In this case, however, a second view, which is not integrated into the first, is mandatory, since otherwise emergency sighting is no longer possible in the event of a power failure.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned features. Further embodiments are possible. For example, the exit could be designed as a camera. The connection could be implemented as a bundle of multiple fiber optic cables. Finally, image transmission from the mirror head could be carried out entirely electronically. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0053] 1Mirror head 2Housing 3Lower part 4First view 5Mirror 6Rotating plate 7Fasteners 8Intermediate piece 9Exit 10Second view 20Lens housing 21Lens 30Fiber optic cable AAngled mirror BOlens CConnection DConnections

Claims

1. Angle mirror (A) comprising a housing (2) comprising a lower part (3) and a mirror head (1) in the housing (2), characterized in that an objective (B) is arranged outside the housing (2) of the angle mirror (A), wherein the objective (B) is connected to the angle mirror (A) via an optical connection (C), and ports (D) are provided on the angle mirror (A) and the objective (B) to make the optical connection (C).

2. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical connection (C) is designed as an optical fiber line (30).

3. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mirror head (1) comprises an outlet (9) which is designed to be translucent.

4. Angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower part comprises a first insight (4) which can represent at least one image of a field of view of the angle mirror (A).

5. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower part comprises a second insight (10) which can represent at least one image of the field of view of the objective (B).

6. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 5, characterized in that the second insight (10) is integrated into the first insight (4).

7. Angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (2) includes a rotary plate (6) for making the lower part (3) rotatable relative to the mirror head (1).

8. Angle mirror (A) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an intermediate piece (8) is provided for height compensation between the mirror head (1) and the lower part (3), through which an optical signal passes between the mirror head (1) and the lower part (3).

9. Angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the objective (B) includes an objective housing (20) and at least one lens (21).

10. Angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the objective (B) and an image transmission through the optical connection(C) are designed to be currentless.

11. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 8, characterized in that the optical signal is diverted by mirrors (5).

12. Angle mirror (A) according to claim 4, characterized in that electrical elements and / or filters are provided in the housing (2) to optimize the at least one image of the field of view of the angle mirror (A).

13. Angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mirror head (1) includes a sighting mark which can be illuminated.

14. Vehicle or turret comprising an angle mirror (A) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the angle mirror (A) is arranged on a roof of the vehicle or turret, in such a way that at least the mirror head (1) can protrude out of the roof of the vehicle or turret.

15. Vehicle or turret according to claim 14, characterized in that the objective (B) is mounted on a weapon cradle.